Nat Bromhead
Cervélo has joined the ranks of the many manufacturers who’ve recently launched aero, disc-only models with the release of the eye-catching S3 Disc. Significant performance gains have been made through integrating disc-brake technology into the world championship winning S3 frame.
According to the company the result is a stiffer, stronger and faster bike with 40 grams less frame weight than the rim-brake S3. Featuring 12-millimeter thru-axles, an 8 percent increase in head tube stiffness and 9 percent stiffer bottom bracket, Cervélo engineers say the combined upgrades equate to improved handling and smoother power transfer.
A redesigned cable routing system incorporates the side-entry cable routing system of the S3 and adds a new left-side entry point to accommodate the rear hydraulic hose. This provides a tidy access point for wired electronic shifting systems.
There’s also addition of the S5’s internal battery mounting feature to better conceal the Shimano Di2 battery inside the downtube. Access to this is via the bottom-bracket cable guide mounting hole.
“(It’s) more aerodynamic than its rim-brake counterpart,” say Cervélo.
“The S3 Disc’s superior handling and control will give performance-seeking riders the confidence to pull away from the peloton or crush a Saturday morning group ride. We know the Cervélo community around the world will love our new disc platform as much as we do.”
The new S3 Disc will be available in two builds, Ultegra 6800 and DI2. It will also come in in two colour schemes – black over white or red over black.
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