The night of Cervelo

Yep, it came and went before I knew it, the night I had waited for the last two weeks. My preparation was to have my camera, get some notes for the blog and ask questions about the bike and some about the team. So what happened?  Everything I had planned went out the window as I pulled into the parking lot. Why you ask? Star struck, not by the people but by the bikes.  As I arrived I saw the tent for Cervelo and the rows of S-2's and R-3 sl's and my mind was blown. I couldn't think of the reason I was there I just wanted to ride these amazing bikes. I just walked over to the signup area and filled out the waiver, gave them my pedals and pointed to the S2.
This beauty was high gloss jet black, shod with Zipp 404's and full Sram red...dream bike! Really, your just going to hand me this bike to ride for how long? Take your time was the answer from one of the Cervelo staff but another said i had about an hour. OK, that's about right for me to go all out and really test the limits of myself on a super bike.
Well it wasn't smooth going at first as I had to learn the differences between the way Ultegra and Sram shift. The other thing I found out about the Sram was that it is very load when coasting and shifting. That said the Red was the most positive and firm shift I have experienced to date. The stopping power on the Swiss stop brakes was great, no fad and very little heat on the Zipp 404's.
But the very real and greatest part of this test ride is the S2 frame itself. What I noticed right away was the power from my legs went directly to the rear wheel.  Ok, it was the fit and finnish on the frame that got my spirit churning. As I applied power to the pedals the oversized bottom bracket did it's job of not flexing under my 200 pound body with the torque I generated.
So taking the route the velo club takes every Tuesday and Thursday I noticed that a 2 mph increase in speed right off. I also noticed the quality of ride was significant and focused on the long fast ride the Pros experience weekly. The comfort was awesome while the handling was so nimble that with just a thought about turning and my ride was going in the direction I was thinking, but not squirrely.
On the other hand the R3SL was an unbelievable bike for the Mountain sections of a stage race but as a daily driver it was a lot like an F1car on the interstate. Atop this bike I felt every bump in the road, it was the like being on a rock that is so nimble that there was no time to think about what I was doing I had to 'be the bike'. Like I said it's a great bike in the mountains and for pro tours but doesn't leave much to the imagination for one such as I who wants the pro bike without the twitchy rock ride.  If I was in hill stage of race I would count on this bike.
I don't want a new bike every year to have the latest-greatest or be the guy with this years hot rod. But to have a bike like this is an investment in me so that I can grow and always be excited to push my limits every day, every year and keep challenging myself.
So if I pass you on the road stop at Peets, because your buying.