I have received this question several times. And for me, it was cheaper to do it this way than a p5. I also didn't want a p5 (again, had one that was too big).
I didn't want a P5 because:
- I was originally looking to save money and was just going to ride a stock p3
- HATE BB mounted brakes for a varitey of reasons.
- A lot of people I know have P5s, and didn't want another one in the group
- Didn't feel the cost/benefit was there for the speed difference in between the two frames.
So with that, I bought the P3 on a sweet discount from a local bike store. It has ultegra 11 speed and the suited me fine.
Then I stumbled upon the aduro bars being sold off by the Garmin when they switched sponsors. I picked some of those up and thought: "Ok, I'm done".
Well we all know that isn't the case. It was eating at me that I could improve this thing a little more. I knew the front end of the p3 had the same dims as a p5 and figured the fork would fit. I started asking around and found one at a shop and arranged to get it and have them order the fairing pieces. Then again, "Ok, I'm done"
Nope. Didn't mind the mitch match color too much, but I already knew I wanted cusom paint (was the intention from the get go). I kept bugging the CFO and she finally gave in. So I got designing and interating with PaintIt (his ST username) and got the process rolling. It just happened he had an opening in mid march and thought he could have it back to me by the beginning of April. So I agreed and sent it off a couple of weeks later. He whipped this thing out and it looks great. Less than a month of time passed between the time it left my door to when I received it. That was way shorter than I had expected before getting in to the process.
So, all that for the nitty gritty: cost. I have detailed my costs below as I really don't care if people know what I spent.
Cervelo 2014 with ultegra 11 speed: $3300
Sold wheels, bars, brakes, crank, saddle, wheels (had flo 30, saddle, and PM from last bike already): $-528 (rounded to nearset dollar on sale items)
Bought 3T Aduro bar: $610 shipped
Sold high V mount: -$300
Bought P5-6 fork and fairings: $450 shipped
Bought Magura Brakes: $210 shipped
Bought miscelaneous materials: ~$75
Paint: $800
Total: $4617
So I didn't save over a P5 framset. However, I have a pretty unique bike as there probably aren't two many p3s with the p5-6 fork. The paint job puts it over the top for me. It is MINE. And I like that. I'm probably giving up a second or two, but I am not going to fret. The money was never the issue when buying a bike, just wanted something I could live with for 5+ years and not complain too much ;). I have a bike that meets my requirements and is super fun to ride. I'll count that as a win for now.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.