I have the option to buy a leftover 2009 S3 with 2010 sram force or a 2010 R3 with ultegra. I was planning to buy the R3 over the S2 due to the fact that I am more of a rider who will occasionally race, then a racer who will occasionally ride. My one disappointment in the R3 was the fact that I couldn't get it with sram (unless I wanted to pay 600 more to buy the frame and components separate). I went to order the R3 and found the local shop had a leftover 2009 S3 frame in my size (48 so you NEVER find leftovers in this size). They are willing to put sram force on this frame for me and the Easton EA50SL wheels, for around 500 less then the stock R3 with ultegra. I think the S3 is a fantastic deal, but I am afraid I would prefer the R series, so I would like people's thoughts. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Are the roads you ride very bumpy? If not, I'd say the S3 is the better deal and unlikely to be too punishing compared to the R3. I haven't ridden an S3, so my idea that the ride is less pliant than an R3 is purely second-hand.

 Wouldn't buy either.  I would wait for 2011 models at this point.  The 2009 S3 is good, but not as good as the redesigned 2010.  The 2010 R3 is awesome, I ride one, but there is little point in buying right before the 2011's are introduced...

Roads around here can be bumpy, definitely not smooth...that part of the reason I was planning to go with the R series.

Thanks for your advice, originally I was planning to wait for the 2011's, but I am told they will introduce the tri/time trial bikes first with all sizes of the road bikes not likely available until beginning of next year. I have a couple rides for later this summer and fall that I could really use my new bike for (currently I just ride a trek and no matter what we do, just can't get the fit quite right). Hmmm decisions, decisions...any other thoughts?

BikeOrcaR3:

 Wouldn't buy either.  I would wait for 2011 models at this point.  The 2009 S3 is good, but not as good as the redesigned 2010.  The 2010 R3 is awesome, I ride one, but there is little point in buying right before the 2011's are introduced...

 

 

 

 besides the revision on the rear chainstays for wheel clearance, and revised internal routing, the 09 and 10 S3's perform the same. 

BikeOrcaR3:

 Wouldn't buy either.  I would wait for 2011 models at this point.  The 2009 S3 is good, but not as good as the redesigned 2010.  The 2010 R3 is awesome, I ride one, but there is little point in buying right before the 2011's are introduced...

 No point waiting for the 2011 models I doubt there will be any change  to the S3 apart from a decal change, and that is so minor it is a pointless exercise, hold on for the 2011 if you want but I wouldn't.....Let's be honest how can you improve on perfection? lol.  

Again, the S3 was not a great bike for 2009, the "minor" revisions for 2010 changed that.  Just wait until this fall and get a closeout 2010 or a 2011...!

Yeah, problem with waiting for a closeout is there is almost never closeouts in my size (48). Personally I thought the problems with the 2009 S3 were pretty minor, but are you saying that an R3 2010/2011 is worth 500 more than a 2009 S3? Anyone else have opinions on 2009 S3 vs current R3. I am looking for actual feedback, less on when to buy. I am wondering questions like: Will the S3 be as comfortable (or close) to the R3 on rough roads and long rides? Which will be better for hills? Is it better to go with the one I can get the components I prefer (sram force) on? (note: one reason I wanted the sram was for the ability to customize the fit better)

Lets try again.

One, whats the starting price point here?  That does play into the picture...  And competitive cyclist has 48cm S3's on closeout, is that where you're looking? $3500 or so for a 2009 S3 may seriously be worth it, unfortuantely, I squeeze myself onto a 54cm so I wasn't in the market...

Two, I don't necessarily see the changes to the S3 as minor.  Shaping of the seatstays and fixing problems with internal routing, which can affect shifting, are pretty significant changes to a top of the line race bike.  Easier to build, easier to service, and better shifting... To me, not insignificant when spending so much money.  Plus, you're looking at a huge restriction on wheels, Shimano, Fulcrum, and Campy were basically all no go's, as well as some Mavics.  This is pretty significant on a $4k+ frame as well...

Three, the 2011 R3 will be lighter.  Period.  Everyone's making the bikes lighter.  There will be other changes, which you might find in other posts, and i've heard of several more.  Just from weight standpoint, in being lighter, it will cut further into the aero advantage of the 2009 S3.  If I were buying a bike that expensive (I have a 2010 R3), I would aim to have it for several years at least, even if you get a second bike for other duties.  For me, if I were in your position, it would have to be a 2011 R3.

Thats my position on the question.  The R3 is a fantastic ride and almost all the shop guys I know choose the R series over the S for their race bike...

Bikeorca has no idea what he's talking about. I had an 09 s3 that was warrantied for a 2010, and is virtually no difference in feel of the bike. The only thing on the 09 was that it was a b!tch to do the cable routing, but it never shifted better or worse than my 2010 setup.

 If you buy it from competititve it's $3500 complete w/ force (No one will even touch that price), and the damn thing is already set up for you. Might as well save a buck, it's a damn fast and very comfy bike. The 09 S3 is not obsolete. No need to have the latest and greatest, esp if the latest changes are very minimal. The 09 bikes are far more capable than what you possibly exert anyways, and you can build them up fairly light. I'm all for saving a few bucks, esp if there's an insane deal like on competitive cyclist. Why pay full retail on a new model when it's only going to depreciate in 9 months time.

Is it possible to test ride both? That could tell you what you need to know. The S3 is going to be faster overall and with the slim seatstays should give a ride quality very similar to the R3. The R3 can ultimately be built lighter but at that point it is really academic since either can easily be built down to 14 pounds or less especially in your size.

1406racer:

Is it possible to test ride both? That could tell you what you need to know. The S3 is going to be faster overall and with the slim seatstays should give a ride quality very similar to the R3. The R3 can ultimately be built lighter but at that point it is really academic since either can easily be built down to 14 pounds or less especially in your size.

 

 

agreed. My buddies R3 is 14.75 and my 09 S3 was about 15.4 and my 10 S3 is 15.2. If i went tubie, it would easily be in the 14 pound range. So a lighter 2011 R3/S3 isn't going to really make much of a difference besides the dent in your wallet, but how light do you really need to go?

liquidsystm:

1406racer:

Is it possible to test ride both? That could tell you what you need to know. The S3 is going to be faster overall and with the slim seatstays should give a ride quality very similar to the R3. The R3 can ultimately be built lighter but at that point it is really academic since either can easily be built down to 14 pounds or less especially in your size.

 

 

agreed. My buddies R3 is 14.75 and my 09 S3 was about 15.4 and my 10 S3 is 15.2. If i went tubie, it would easily be in the 14 pound range. So a lighter 2011 R3/S3 isn't going to really make much of a difference besides the dent in your wallet, but how light do you really need to go?

What are the builds on the S3s? I am actually surprised that you did not crack 15lbs. Mine is a 09' S2 and I have had it down to 14.9 with pedals. The current set up is 15.1. Without trying goo hard I bet your S3s could easily get in to the low 14 lb range before resorting to tubular wheels. Even where you are though you are absolutely right that down in this weight range there is not going to be any real difference. Curiously, which model year S3 do you prefer and why?

Frame: S3 Sz 51

Stem: 3T Team ARX

Handlebar: 3T Team Ergosum 

Components:  All 2010 Sram Force w/ Sram red gpx crankset

Pedals: Look keo 2 max carbon

Saddle: Fizik Ares

Wheels: Zipp 303 front / 404 rear Clincher

Cage: Elite custom carbon team

Tires: Mich. pro race 3

Bike was weighed exactly with this build, i wasn't trying or aiming for a specific target, but i thought it would crack into the high 14 range.

I think the wheels is where its all at. I have a set of negative zero gravity ti brakesets that i still have to put on in place of the sram forces, but i dont see it dropping that much more. Honestly I can't tell the difference riding between the 09 and 10, and i put some serious time into both. They respond, feel, ride, and shift exactly the same. So that's what i was saying, besides the cable routing and chainstay revision to fit other wheels, there is viturally no change or feel between the two. Whats on your build?