Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum: P2C vs. P3C

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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
P2C vs. P3C

rugger7622

Aug 26, 08 7:48

Post #1 of 16 (1006 views)

P2C vs. P3C	Can't Post

I need some advice! I currently ride a Kuota K-factor XL (58cm) and I'm 6'4 tall and weigh 205 (I know I'm too heavy and I'm working on it). I've never been comfortable on the Kuota and feel like I'm pushing the seat as far forward as possible to get in a better position (I've had three fittings and still don't feel quite right), which kills the cockpit distance and jams me up. I don't have a local Cervelo shop near me, however, from reading this forum it looks like I need a 61 in either the P2 or P3. I'm looking at a P3C (good deal), but have some concern that it may be too aggressive for me at this point. Would you (should I), buy a P3C, if you could get it cheaper than a P2C if you were in my position? I know I left out a lot of information such as in-seam (pretty normally proportioned) and flexibility (average) but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Tim

Tri Slow Poke

Aug 26, 08 8:03

Post #2 of 16 (977 views)

Re: P2C vs. P3C [rugger7622] [In reply to]	Can't Post

"I don't have a local Cervelo shop near me..."

Is there a reason that you have your heart set on Cervelo? Do you have a bike shop close that you trust? If so, go to them and explain your situation with the Kuota. Afterwards, have them recommend something they have based on how you ride and your measurements.

Did you not know that in a race all runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24

dw67

Aug 26, 08 8:11

Post #3 of 16 (954 views)

Re: P2C vs. P3C [rugger7622] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I would never buy a bike without knowing my fit coordinates. If you are saying your k factor fit sucks, why buy another bike that might have a sucky fit??

Find the best tri fitter in your area and find out what your "correct" geometry is. FIST fittings are great. Then you are good to go. No more guessing about what bikes fit you best.

$ well spent.
__________________________________________________

Do Work Son!

psycholist

Aug 26, 08 8:45

Post #4 of 16 (902 views)

Re: P2C vs. P3C [rugger7622] [In reply to]	Can't Post

If you already have your seat as far forward as it'll go, a P3C doesn't sound like a logical solution for you. It's long in the top tube relative to other bikes of similar size. You need to buy your bike more by reach (top tube, etc.) than by the standard quoted sizing ... especially in a tri bike.

You should read the fit articles on the main Slowtwitch.com pages and you're probably a good candidate for a "professional" fitting.

.
Bob C.

Wreaking vengence on the young.

usctriguy

Aug 26, 08 8:55

Post #5 of 16 (874 views)

Re: P2C vs. P3C [rugger7622] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I was in a similar situation, but knew that I could go either way between the P2C and P3C.

What is your reach? How much drop? If you are longer in your legs you would probably be better on a P2C. I think the P3C is better if you really want to drop the bars and rotate your position forward.

61cm sounds really big?

I'm 6'-2" and I am on a 56cm P3C (79.5 seat height from bottom bracket) and have the seat far forward. I'm playing with my bar to get it dialed in, but have 10-20cm of spacers and distance from nose of saddle to pads is 46.5cm.

I found that droping the bar and rotating my position forward worked better for me. Initially I was skeptical when working with my fitter, thinking that more stack = comfort. But this wasn't the case.

Like everyone else will tell you, if you know where you should be you can go from there and "tweak" your fit. What do you like/dis-like about the Kuota?

2WHEELS of FURY

Aug 26, 08 10:50

Post #6 of 16 (763 views)

Re: P2C vs. P3C [rugger7622] [In reply to]	Can't Post

With the limited info you've provided and keeping with your Cervelo frame choice, 61cm sounds big. Again, it's all about getting on the bike and fit, but my brother's similar to your size (6'4"/210) and rides a 58cm P2C.

rugger7622

Aug 26, 08 10:57

Post #7 of 16 (751 views)

Re: P2C vs. P3C [2WHEELS of FURY] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks to all that have responded! I have had three fittings, however, none that left me with measurements. I did use the measurement tool off competetive cyling and will look for them and post tonight. I also have a couple of pictures that of me on the Kuota, if that would help! If a 6'4" guy is too small for a 61cm cervelo how big are the people that ride this size? I will see if I can get some more infomation for everyone to bat around. I am not tied to Cervelo, however, my wife has a P2C and from my research it seems like a great bike at a great price (if it fits). Again, thanks for all the help.

Tim

rugger7622

Aug 26, 08 14:09

Post #8 of 16 (615 views)

Re: P2C vs. P3C [rugger7622] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Here are my measurements from competitive cyclist:

Inseam: 92
Trunk: 110
Forearem: 37.5
Arm: 68.6
Thigh: 62.2
Lower Leg: 61.6
Sternal Notch: 157.5
Total Body Height: 193

They recommend:

Top Tube Range: 57 - 59
Stem Length: 8 - 10
Saddle - Bottom Bracket Position: 82.8
Saddle - Ground Position: 107.8
Cranklength - 180
Saddle - Aero Bar Pad Drop Min: 9.4
Saddle - Aero Bar Pad Drop Mod: 15.2
Saddle - Aero Bar Pad Drop Intense: 17.7
Saddle - Aero Bar Pad Drop Maz: 21.9
Pad - Ground Position Minimal: 98.4
Pad - Ground Position Mod: 92.6
Pad - Ground Position Intense: 90.1
Pad - Ground Position Maximal: 85.9

Thanks in advance for your help!

Tim

Big EE

Aug 26, 08 14:28

Post #9 of 16 (590 views)

Re: P2C vs. P3C [rugger7622] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm your size -- 6-4 and about 2 bills. 36-inch inseam.

I've ridden a 61 frame P2K for eight years. Fits me like a good pair of underwear. Can't imagine a different size working better for me.

-- Big EE

usctriguy

Aug 26, 08 14:31

Post #10 of 16 (578 views)

Re: P2C vs. P3C [Big EE] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I don't think you can compare the same frame sizes (i.e. 61cm) between teh P2C and P3c due to their stack and reach.

You may also want to read Slowman's article on he P3c Preferred Build for additional information on Cervelo's geometry.

rugger7622

Aug 26, 08 15:02

Post #11 of 16 (546 views)

Re: P2C vs. P3C [usctriguy] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've read the articles and I'm still a bit confused with trying to convert my measurements into something I can begin to look at bikes with! Any help with that would be great. Thanks!

Tim

mrcrashrr

Aug 26, 08 15:49

Post #12 of 16 (499 views)

Re: P2C vs. P3C [rugger7622] [In reply to]	Can't Post

For what its worth I'm 6'7" 217 and on the 61cm p2c.

cyclenutnz

Aug 26, 08 16:15

Post #13 of 16 (482 views)

Re: P2C vs. P3C [rugger7622] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I've read the articles and I'm still a bit confused with trying to convert my measurements into something I can begin to look at bikes with! Any help with that would be great. Thanks!

Tim

The output from the CC site is not meaningful. How is your kuota set up and what is wrong with it? If you've been fitted 3 times and still not happy you must have some ideas.

rugger7622

Aug 27, 08 6:10

Post #14 of 16 (348 views)

Re: P2C vs. P3C [cyclenutnz] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for all your input so far. I'm still trying to calculate what the best Stack and Reach bike would be for my size and seems like I may have to make a trip to Milwaukee to see the P2C and P3C in the right fit and size (I'm in Green Bay). Anyway, any other input would be greatly appreciated.

Tim

ga_fE_man

Aug 27, 08 6:21

Post #15 of 16 (339 views)

Re: P2C vs. P3C [rugger7622] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I am almost the same profile...6'2" and 200 lbs. Last year a friend let me borrow his P3C and I had it fitted and rode it for a couple of months. I *tried* to love it but it was just never comfortable to me. When I went to buy a bike I looked at the P2C, the Felt, and the QR Seduza (see Tom's $2500 price wars article). For my size, the QR just seemed to fit like a glove and I've been happy with it ever since.
_____________________________________________________
Race Reports and other verbal drippings in my Blog

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cyclenutnz

Aug 27, 08 15:30

Post #16 of 16 (246 views)

Re: P2C vs. P3C [rugger7622] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I wouldn't worry about travelling to see bikes. I'd look for a fitter who can set you up on a fit bike and get you comfortable, then work out if the Cervelos are a viable option. Your current issue is not having a bike that allows you to achieve the right position - to fix this you should work out the right position then choose the bike, rather than the other way round.