Hi Cervelo addicts,

 I got my first Cervelo, a R3SL, and before I can ride it I have to say I am a little bit dissapointed: The coating has several blemishes and some of the tubes are quite undualted! I didn't set it up by now so I am still hopefull to be convinced after my first ride but I have to say I expected a higher level of quality from a bike of this price segment... made in China... Are your frames the same or was mine built on Monday?

 

Thx guys

Patrick 

 

Cervelos are expensive bikes.  If you are not happy take it back to the dealer and get a better one.  Chinese/Taiwanese workmanship varies all over creation.  It pays to inspect the frameset BEFORE you build it up.  My Pinarello Prince had a finish flaw.  The dealer was embarrassed and gladly took it back.

 One thing to note, it's my understanding that some of the added finishing has been removed from the SL.  They have less paint and don't put cosmetic carbon fiber in.  But that is just from what I've been reading.  Bring it to the dealer and have them look at it.

 Welcome to Cervélo... great bikes, poor finishg. It's quite common to read about Cervélo's finishing issues.

 My RS is an amazing bike, but with some defects on the clear cloat (under the P-R sticker). The junction area between the top tube and the seat tube is as you said "ondulated". I guess it has something to do with the construction method in that area, the rest of the frame is ok.

At the end is not an structural fault, just a cosmetic thing.. but considering Cervélo prices... thery should be more careful

 

 

 No default on my R3 2009

No issues with my 2009. Are you sure these frames are made in China? I didn't think Cervelo was that high in volume to make that worth it. If they are, oh well. I think everything under my roof (except my kids) was made in China.

 Sorry ... I would insist on nothing less than a perfect (or near perfect) frame from Cervelo. I don't think its unreasonable and I think Cervelo and the people who work there should care, given that the founders literally stamp their names on every bike, right there on the chainstay. Don't settle for this crap. Talk to your dealer and talk to Cervelo about it.

 

DeepCover:

 Sorry ... I would insist on nothing less than a perfect (or near perfect) frame from Cervelo. I don't think its unreasonable and I think Cervelo and the people who work there should care, given that the founders literally stamp their names on every bike, right there on the chainstay.

Agreed.

You spent a great deal of time and money to go with a Cervelo. I don't think it's unreasonable to get a 2nd opinion from another cycling resource or even the dealer nor do I find it unreasonable to be completely satisfied.

 

As noted above, that is par for the course. I had an 2007 R3 which got crashed up last year. But same thing, the finish looked so-so, especially in the bright sunlight and seemed to look worse over time. (maybe because I didn't baby my bike with frequent baths and polish)

But I loved my bike until the forks and seat stays were cracked in a MVA. Now when I look at it sitting stripped of components in the basement of the LBS it looks horrendous. Only because I now have a replacement non-Cervelo, Italian bike with a very pretty paint job which looks wonderful in comparison. ANd ride is quite amazing too.

So, don't sweat about the finish, as I'm sure you will be impressed with how it rides. Funny thing, many people on this forum seem to think you can't have amazing performance and an amazing finish in one bike at this price point. I don't agree, but that is just my opinion.

thom_y:

So, don't sweat about the finish, as I'm sure you will be impressed with how it rides.

Maybe if you are looking for a good conversation starter during a group ride ... "Dude, WTF is up with your frame?". Pootch should post some pictures so we can see what he is talking about, but from what he said, no way I would accept that on a brand new bike. Would you drive a new car off a dealer's lot that had flaws in its body finish? ("C'mon, its just cosmetic").

 Edit: OK ... Sarcasm. I get it. 

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Seems like at least some know what I am talking about. As there are so many flaws, I am pretty sure I will find some on every frame. And my LBS is not local ;-(  Or I am too fuzzy, but it is much better with my old frame it this is worth only a fifth of a Cervelo R3SL. Shouldn't be a matter of price...

 Pics are a good idea: http://picasaweb.google.com/MrPootch/Cervelo?authkey=Gv1sRgCOzKxevi_IPeaQ&feat=email#

 China is another interesting topic - I was surprised as well but you can read it clearly on the box the frame came in. 

I looked at your pics. That's not normal. Maybe this is a case of Chinese bootleg. The bike shop should help you with this.

 Cervélo frames are made in China.

  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerv%C3%A9lo

Pat, most people of the forum would have known that. It started to be that way when the sales figures went way over what could be produced at home.

Good luck with your return.

It has never been a secret that Cervelos are made  in Asia  ... but that is really no excuse for poor quality. You should get it replaced or demand your money back. Did you deal with an authorized Cervelo dealer?