Cervelo S3 2011 - Frame Clearance/Wheelset Advice

[lejogger]

Hi All,

I've not been here for a long while... hopefully I'm welcome back!
How are you all?!

Now to business.
I have my eye on a 2011 Cervelo S3 frameset (as per the thread title) for a cheap(ish) little build project, but I've heard rumours that the tyre clearance is not generous and that even a 25mm Conti might struggle to fit on Cervelos of this era.

I don't mind using 23mm tyres, as I normally do anyway, but I've also been looking at some carbon wheels that as per the latest trend have a wider external rim width - namely 24mm.

Is the answer that if I buy an older frame I need older style narrower rims? Or will they fit in with a narrorwer tyre providing they're stiff enough not to flex significantly?

Anyone with any knowledge on the subject?

Cheers.

 

[Twizit]

Not quite the same but I've got an S1 from around the same era. Fitted 25mm contis on it a couple of years ago, and they just fit.

The issue is more about the height of the tyre and rubbing on the seat post or front fork crown - but I've got just enough clearance. Can't say for sure if the S3 has exactly the same clearances, but if I understand your question correctly wouldn't have thought there was a width issue from using 24mm rims...

... although without the bike in front of me to sanity check this!

 

[lejogger]

Not quite the same but I've got an S1 from around the same era. Fitted 25mm contis on it a couple of years ago, and they just fit.

The issue is more about the height of the tyre and rubbing on the seat post or front fork crown - but I've got just enough clearance. Can't say for sure if the S3 has exactly the same clearances, but if I understand your question correctly wouldn't have thought there was a width issue from using 24mm rims...

... although without the bike in front of me to sanity check this!

Ahhh, thanks Twizit... that does make sense. The wider the tyre is - the taller it will be too, and the issue might be more the height than the width. I guess running pressures will also play their part.

 

[Twizit]

Thinking this through a bit further, if you've got wider rims, that might also help spread the tyre more so it's not as high as it might be with narrow rims squeezing it up - does that make sense?

In any case, I've got Conti 25mm s4000 running on Fulcrum Racing 3s (which are about 3 years old) - not the widest of rims by today's standards, and as said, they are just ok.