Reddit reviews Fizik Superlight Bar Tape

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I bought the frame about 2 weeks ago. Finally got in for my fit yesterday, and thought I would snap off some photos and share with you all.

Build Details

A little over 2 years ago I built up this Dengfu FM098 with the intention of building the component spec how I wanted, and then eventually migrating the parts to my dream frame.

I considered the emonda slr, the BMC Teammachine SLR01, the R5, and the tarmac. I also looked at the Canyon CF SLX, but decided against it since getting it to the US would have been a hassle.

I eventually narrowed the list down to the R5 or the Teammachine. I went with the R5 primarily because the Teammachine's non-sloping top tube combined with my short legs resulted in a frame that looked a bit oversized for me, and because realistically the R5 has been my dream frame for the past several years anyway. Combine that with the results of the Tour Magazine test, and it was a pretty easy decision to go with the cervelo.

As pictured, the build weighs in at 6.85kg, but I've got a couple things on the way that should quickly get it at least into the 6.7s


Parts List:

• Cervelo R5 Frame, 48cm, uncut fork, headset, derailleur hanger: 1144g

• 3T Stylus 0 LTD stealth Seaspost, stealth, 27.2x350, cut down (154g)

• Fizik Kurve Snake saddle

• 3T ARX Team Stem, stealth, 120mm, -6°

• 3T Team Stealth Ergonova Bars, stealth, size 40

• Fizik superlight bar tape

• Ultegra Di2 6770 group set with 3 port junction box, internal battery in the seat post

• SRAM S975 Quarq Powermeter, 50/34, 170mm (quart bb30 power meters have long enough spindles to be used with BBRight)

• Dura Ace 9000 C24 Clinchers

• Continental GP 4000s II tires

• Speedplay Zero SS pedals

• Arundel Sideloader/Othersideloader cages

• Garmin 810

The Fit

My body shape is somewhat anomalous. I'm 5'5.75" with short legs and a long torso. I have short femurs within my already short legs, hence the 0 offset post. My long torso and good flexibility combined with my forward position on the saddle mean I can take a long/low front-end pretty comfortably, so I'm running a -6° 120mm stem. My fitter suggested that I could eliminate the one remaining spacer and slam it all the way if I want to, but I'm going to ride like this for a while and see how it goes. As is, it's a very comfortable position for me.

The Ride & First Impressions

The paint looks really great in person and I really like how subtle the branding is on the frame. There's a metallic quality to the gunmetal grey, which is contrasted nicely with the relatively solid color of the black in the logos, and the red along the top tube. It's also a nice contrast to my previous bike, which was all matte black and a pain to keep clean. At some point I'm thinking I'll have the seat post painted to match the top tube.

I went for a 30 mile ride immediately after the fit, and am thoroughly impressed with the bike. The weight difference from my old frame is immediately noticeable, especially when the road tips uphill. It just wants to climb. The power transfer and acceleration are very good, and the frame feels very lively while still being comfortable.

Probably the biggest thing that surprised me though is how well the bike holds its speed. Granted, my previous "aero" frame was open mold chinese carbon, but the R5 doesn't feel like it's lacking at all in that department. In my mostly flat 30 miles (west side bike path, NYC), I didn't notice any real difference in terms of my speed/power output vs what I'm used to from my FM098, and my time to the halfway point of my ride was on par with what I was doing last year on the old frame. Hardly scientific, but it bodes well.

Ok, now go ahead and make your dentist jokes (I'm not a dentist, for the record).