Hello fellow Cervelo owners,

I have just finished building a 2010 TDF S3 and went out for the first ride today. The bike is truely amazing in every way possible. I ungraded

from a soloist carbon and it was worth every penny.  I had a lot of pressure to ride a Maddone, but everyone rides a Trek and wanted to ride something

different. The new S3 has a full sram red gruppo, Reynolds SDV66c aero wheels and a saddle I can't decide on yet. When the S3 is completely

done, I will post pictures.

Jim

Jim - congrats on the new bike.  I just got my TDF S3 about a month ago and I love it is well.  I have the same wheels as you and built mine with Campy.  I can't wait to see some pictures of your new bike!

Hi guys,

 my TDF s3 rig was built about 1 month ago and has been sweeeeetttt...

post some pics!

Toms:

nice ride. whats that saddle?

I think it's a SMP

 Yup it's a SMP 'composite' saddle.

total weigh of the rig without bottles is 7.06kg. I suppose there's still parts i can upgrade to drop a few more grams. But it's fine with me.

One of the advantages for me with the TDF s3 / the New 2010 s3 is that it the compatibility with Fulcrum Zeros.

Quick question about the SMP Composite- I see you have it between 5 and 7 degrees nose up,

(I am aware the angle on the SMP is measured with the mid section, not a board on top.)

and was wondering how comfortable it is?

Have you done any 75-100 mile rides on that saddle?

Thanks!

Aloha,

AlohaJC:

 

Quick question about the SMP Composite- I see you have it between 5 and 7 degrees nose up,

(I am aware the angle on the SMP is measured with the mid section, not a board on top.)

and was wondering how comfortable it is?

Have you done any 75-100 mile rides on that saddle?

Thanks!

Aloha,

Jeff

Jeff I run SMP's on all of my bikes. You are supposed to use a level for the initial set up with the level resting on the back of the saddle and hump towards the front. I use a board. Then as with any saddle you do micro-adjustments, generally to lower the front. There are instructions on SMP's website.

 Hi Jeff,

I transferred the saddle from my old bike setup which i have ridden on about 2X 100mile rides on the saddle .  I also average about 150miles a week. The saddle is comfortable and haven't had any problems with it.

On the s3, my saddle is slightly angled downward at the front to allow my knee position to slide forward  to be more appropriately positioned over the pedal axle. I had the position worked out with my Physio / local bike fit service. It's been great so far.

Hope this helps

Cool deal. I've thought about that saddle and appreciate the scoop. Thinking about a 'hard, no padding' saddle seems strange, but with some Chamois, and a big cutout, it sounds like a winner.

Aloha!

Jeff

 ZZ8,

I dug that out and read it and thanks for the scoop. I read (I thought it was their site but must not have been) that the level part in the center is the part that should be level.

I get the impression that these (full composite) saddles really do distribute pressure and work

exceptionally for those whom they fit. Now I need to find soeone who has one to give it a try.

Aloha,

Jeff