Phase I Complete

So here's what the bike looks like so far. Yes it's obviously missing some parts, but we'll get them eventually.

Phase I: The Chasis: Part b

Beyond the frame set, there are a few other non-moving parts of the bike which I consider and label as parts of the chasis. These parts include:

The Stem...The stem is the connector between the handlebars and the steerer tube. I chose the all aluminum ARX-Team stem made by 3T. This stem is used by pro level teams and is very stiff and light.

The Handle Bars...The handle bars are the aluminum Ergonova Pro bars made again by 3T. These bars have a slightly flattened top of the bar (Ergo) which increases the surface are to rest your hands on. They also have shallower drops than other typical bars which will allow easier access to the shifters when in the drop position.

The Compression or Top Cap...
The compression cap is the Compressor Pro by FSA. It is an important piece which has two parts. The first part (silver part) compresses itself into the inside of the steerer tube. The second part (carbon fiber) screws into the first and holds the fork, headset and frame all together.

The Saddle...The saddle is the Carbon Braided Arione CX by Fi'zi:k. Fi'zi:k is the majority provider of saddles to the pro level teams. The carbon braided part of the name refers to the saddle rails (bars) which attach the saddle to the seat post. Typically these bars are metal, but in this case they are braided tubes of carbon fiber.

The Saddle Bag...The sadde bag is the Saddle Pa:k by Fi'zi:k. Typically a saddle bag will attach with velcro around the seat post and to the under side of the saddle. What's cool about this bag is that is has a single point of connection which Fi'zi:k calls ICS (integrated clip system). The bag simply clips strait into the frame of the saddle itself.

Last but not least...the Bottle Cages...The cages are the carbon fiber Patao bottle cages by Elite. I have purchased two of these and aside from looking amazing, they weigh next to nothing and keep a strong hold on the bottles.

Phase I: The Chasis: Part a

The parts are in, the list has been updated and the check marks are in their rightful place. The build has officially begun. Let's start with the frame:

The frame is one of two pieces actually manufactured by Cervélo. It is all high grade aluminum and although carbon fiber would be lighter, it feels deceptively light as well. The "frame" is actually purchased as the "frame set." It's all the pieces which actually come from the Cervélo factory when you order the frame. These parts include the frame as seen above and the following parts:

The fork...
The fork is the all carbon fiber Funda Pro and is made by 3T for Cervélo specifically in this case. 3T has been providing forks for the Cervélo S series bikes for a couple of years now.

The headset...The headset is the set of bearings and compression pieces which allow the fork to rotate smoothly within the frame. The stock headset is made by FSA or Full Speed Ahead. FSA is a major provider of low to pro level components and in this case provides Cervélo with their IS-2 headset for the S1. The IS-2 is called an integrated headset since the bearings rest in cups which are integral to the frame. These bearings are sealed steel ball bearings.

And...the seatpost...
The seat post is the carbon fiber Aero SL and is the second of two pieces made by Cervélo. One of the cool things about this bike and about Cervélo is that they make what they call an aero rode bike. This seat post is a perfect example of the aero-ness. You can see the profile shape of the seat post which has an air-foil shape to help cut through the air. This shape is incorporated to the other parts of the bike as well. This is typically found just in time trial bikes, but Cervélo has designed their road bikes to incorporate these profiles without sacrificing stiffness throughout the frame.

The List

So here's the list. I'll be updating this particular posting as pieces are purchased so keep an eye out.

So It Begins...the frame has been ordered

So after all my forum reading and YouTube watching it all came down to two bikes. The Cervélo S1 and the Cervélo S2. The two bikes are identical in geometry and everywhere else except for their main frame material. The S1 is an all aluminum frame whereas the S2 steps up to an all carbon frameset. So what to do....ride them.

During Christmas break I went down to Gregg's and finally took the two out on test rides. They are both awesome bikes! So how would I choose? Most people would assume that somebody building a high end bike would go strait for the carbon. But after all my research and more so my test riding, I definitely discovered the deciding factor.

Both frames felt nice and stiff under acceleration and hill ascents, but after my first carving turn on the S1 my mind was made. I found the aluminum frame and overall design more responsive and exciting for my type of riding. The S1 frame just felt more "right" and it put a bigger smile on my face than the S2 did. The other benefit to this conclusion is the padding it adds in my wallet. The S1 is almost 1/3 the price of the S2.

So here I go...2010 Cervélo S1