Cycling

Ride-along with Phil: Reviewing the Cervelo Soloist Team

When cycling around Toronto, there is a very good chance that you will encounter a Cervelo. The Cervelo R3 and Soloist Team, for example, are very popular among roadies, and you will see triathletes and time-trialists out practicing on their P2SLs and occasionally the P3C. Cervelos come highly recommended by their riders, often hearing such things as “the best engineering around”, and are seen frequently on TV, ridden by professionals such as Fabian Cancellara & the entire CSC squad. Cervelo’s headquarters are here in Toronto, so that, of course, further increases their local popularity.

There are at least 6 Cervelos that I know in the Lapdogs cycling club - a mixture of R3s and Soloists Team. This gave me an opportunity to query my fellow riders about the bikes that they take so much pride in. I learned that the Soloist Team, for example, is one of Cervelo’s cheapest bikes, but don’t be fooled into thinking that means performance is being sacrificed. Cervelo says it is “often called the most underrated bike in the world” and “simply the best value in road bikes.”

I recently caught up with Lapdog member and longtime cyclist Phil for a Q&A about his Cervelo Soloist Team. Here is what he had to say:

Steve: Let’s start with the basics. How old are you?

Phil: I’m 32 years young.

Steve: How long have you been riding? How long have you owned your Cervelo?

Phil: I started riding the summer of 1989 after watching Greg LeMond come back and win the TdF. My first bike was an Pinarello, I got it used from a neighbor of my uncle’s in the UK. I loved that bike but eventually outgrew it, though I tried to make it fit, it soon became all seatpost and stem. Cycling took a back burner due to university and moving around, plus I sold the Pinarello for tuition. I picked [cycling] up again seriously in 2004 and went with an entry road Cannondale. After being convinced to do a race in the summer of 2007, I realized I needed a proper racing bike. That’s when I got the Cervelo Team Soloist.

Steve: Give the specs of your bike.

Phil: The Team Soloist came with an Ultegra groupset, Shimano WH-550 wheelset, FSA Gossemer crank and handlebars. I swapped out the dérailleurs for Dura-Ace ones and the Gossermer Crank with an FSA SL-K which I had from a Cervelo P2 SL. I replaced the stock saddle with a white Specialized Toupe, added a pair of Fulcrum 1 race wheels, and a Ceramic BB.

Steve: Where did you buy it, and for how much?

Phil: I bought it from my local bike store Duke’s. They sponsor my club and give a discount. When all was said and done it cost about $2500. I almost feel like i should mail Cervelo a cheque for more money - I got too good a deal.

Steve: When you were shopping for this bike, did you have any specific requirements? Were you set on Cervelo from the start?

Phil: I wanted something stiff and responsive, and the Team Soloist was both. I basically had my eye on Cervelo from the start, though I did test ride a few others. But from that first turn of the crank on the Team Soloist, I knew I was taking it home with me. As well Cervelo as a company really impressed me, it was about making a good bike not marketing. I had my eye on the R3 as well and flip flopped a bit as to whether I should spend the extra or get the Soloist and then some racing wheels. The latter made more sense, and I don’t regret my decision in the least.

Steve: The Soloist Team has an aluminum frame. What were your thoughts on that when you bought the bike? And now?

Phil: I don’t mind aluminum one bit, then again I have only ever ridden a full carbon bike once, so perhaps I don’t know what I’m missing, but I don’t find it harsh in the least. It does have a carbon seatpost and fork and that helps to dampen the ride. I’ve done 160km rides on it no problems. Given the price vs the Soloist carbon, I’d go with the Team Soloist all over again.

Steve: What do you like most about your Soloist?

Phil: Everything, literally. It’s just a great bike, but in particular I like the aerodynamic aspect of it. I also like that I paid a fraction of the cost for a bike that’s better than most out there.

Steve: Is there anything that you dislike about the Soloist Team?

Phil: This may sound shallow, but I wish it was black like the 2006 model. I’m just a sucker for a black bike. But the grey does go well with my club kit!

Steve: If you were buying a new bike tomorrow, what would you get and why?

Phil: If cost was an issue? A Team Soloist. If cost wasn’t an issue, a Soloist Carbon. They just don’t make them much better than those two in my opinion.

Steve: What type of cyclist do you think this bike fits best? Would it be a good choice as an entry level bike, for example?

Phil: This is a racing bike; it would best suit someone who wants to do races, and in that respect, it would make an excellent entry bike for someone who’s just beginning to race. The nice thing about this bike is you’ll see it being used at all levels, from Senior 4 races to Elite 1/2. People just getting into racing will like it for the value, experienced racers will like it for the performance.

Steve: Thanks Phil.

Well, there you have it. Cervelo’s reputation is upheld here by Phil’s enthusiasm over his bike, appreciation for its design, and the Soloist’s affordable price. If you are going to be shopping for next year’s ride, it might be worth your while to at least consider a Cervelo. The Soloist Team is a great bike for those of you looking to take the step from rider to racer without breaking the bank.

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