Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL?

Dec 9, 09 22:44

Post #1 of 40 Views: 10465

Hi, need advice. I am a keen triathlete, do half ironmans around 5 hours, so not breaking any records but love the personal challenge of trying to go faster. Anyway I have a Cervelo P3SL (alloy), which I think was made around 2005. Will I get any benefit in upgrading to a carbon frame. Because Cervelos seem to hold there price I could upgrade to a planet X pro stealth carbon or scott plasma pro (2007) for not much more than the sale price of my Cervelo, as like others with a wife and kids on a budget. Or would I benefit very little from going carbon and instead just be happy with what I have. I have separate race wheels etc so do not need any other gear. any advice would be great. Thanks

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [davewenham] [ In reply to ]

Dec 9, 09 22:55

Post #2 of 40 Views: 10459

the carbon may be a bit more comfy for you.

maybe getting a new bike will make you want to ride more, thus making you faster...

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [davewenham] [ In reply to ]

Dec 9, 09 23:32

Post #3 of 40 Views: 10448

Are you looking for bling or to go faster? That Cervelo is probably better in the wind than anything you listed. Why not get a P2C? Mine's the shniggities.

-------------------------------
Ignorance is bliss until they take your bliss away.

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [davewenham] [ In reply to ]

psycholist

Dec 10, 09 3:57

Post #4 of 40 Views: 10399

I own two P3Cs and just got a P4. Haven't raced on the P4, but I can tell you I've never been faster than I was on the P3sl which I no longer own. Wish I had it back. That's an awesome bike.

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [davewenham] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 6:01

Post #5 of 40 Views: 10348

the planet X and scott plasma are both slower bikes than your alloy P3

what you have now is superior to those bikes.

a P2C is about the same aerodynamically and a wee bit lighter, and maybe more comfy if you are after that.

In Reply To:

Hi, need advice. I am a keen triathlete, do half
ironmans around 5 hours, so not breaking any records but love the personal challenge of trying to go faster. Anyway I have a Cervelo P3SL (alloy), which I think was made around 2005. Will I get any benefit in upgrading to a carbon frame. Because Cervelos seem to hold there price I could upgrade to a planet X pro stealth carbon or scott plasma pro (2007) for not much more than the sale price of my Cervelo, as like others with a wife and kids on a budget. Or would I benefit very little from going carbon and instead just be happy with what I have. I have separate race wheels etc so do not need any other gear. any advice would be great. Thanks

Kat Hunter reports on the San Dimas Stage Race from inside the GC winning team
Aeroweenie.com -Compendium of Aero Data and Knowledge
Freelance sports & outdoors writer Kathryn Hunter

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [davewenham] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 6:10

Post #6 of 40 Views: 10335

I used to have a P3sl and upgraded to a P3C a couple years back. Other than the higher head tube on the P3C, there was very little tangible "upgrade" in the end. The P3sl was an excellent bike and it's really hard to justify replacing if it is dialed in correctly. I need a taller stack, so for me, the P3C fit a bit better (I honestly should have gone to a P2C).

I certainly would not trade in a Tour de France level race frame for a carbon frame with a lower pedigree.

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [davewenham] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 6:29

Post #7 of 40 Views: 10303

Frame is fine. Upgrade the engine ;-)

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [davewenham] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 6:38

Post #8 of 40 Views: 10292

Carbon isn't going to make you faster and why would you ditch the 3rd fastest frame out there for something slower?

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [Fix] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 6:47

Post #9 of 40 Views: 10287

In Reply To:

Frame is fine. Upgrade the engine ;-)

CERA is expensive!

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [davewenham] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 7:00

Post #10 of 40 Views: 10275

I wounldn't do it. But if think you might, take an extra couple fo days to think about it. Be real sure about your decision. I sold my P3 sl for the P3c and it took me almost a whole day to reget my decision. I don't feel like the fames you listed as replacements are any "better." What size is your P3 sl? Just in case you want to sell it. ;)

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [davewenham] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 7:01

Post #11 of 40 Views: 10271

Get a nice paint job so it seems like you have a new bike :D

Post deleted by Administrator [ In reply to ]

null-and-void

Dec 10, 09 7:30

Post #12 of 40 Views: 10243

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [davewenham] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 7:38

Post #13 of 40 Views: 10230

I hear ya brother. I have the same p3sl. Looking at moving over the to p2c if i can find a frameset on the cheap. but until then, i will keep riding the p3sl.

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [dvfmfidc] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 9:52

Post #14 of 40 Views: 10163

Hey, awesome advice folks, thanks, by whats been said I think I will stay with my P3SL for now. I think I will concentrate on more work on the engine. Well at least my wife will be happy!!!!

Thanks again!!!

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [davewenham] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 12:14

Post #15 of 40 Views: 10095

That frame is a classic...it has soul.

Dont sell!

blood, sweat...and big gears

I hated every minute of training, but I said, ''Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.''
- Muhammad Ali

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [show pony] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 13:10

Post #16 of 40 Views: 10055

In Reply To:

That frame is a classic...it has soul.

Dont sell!

No! Don't listen to him! Sell it to me!! ;)

...man oh man I want one of those in 51cm 700c

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [alanw] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 13:23

Post #17 of 40 Views: 10037

i will trade my 55 p3sl for a 56 p2c

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [alanw] [ In reply to ]

psycholist

Dec 10, 09 13:25

Post #18 of 40 Views: 10033

If you want maximum soul in a 51cm P3sl, you need the P3sl 51cm in 650c. Gawd I loved that bike. I'm kicking myself for ever having parted with it.

Back when I was racing as a 50 year old, I did a 10 mile TT at 29.7 mph on that bike. That was a magical ride. That was a magical bike. I've spent tens of thousands since then chasing 0.3 mph additional. Never got it. Went the other way, instead. Got older, too.

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [psycholist] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 13:39

Post #19 of 40 Views: 10019

in my household

I have a 58, 700c P3SL that has been to kona

and a 54, 650C P3SL that is BRAND NEW. Yes, brand new frame.

=)

In Reply To:

If you want maximum soul in a 51cm P3sl, you need the P3sl 51cm in 650c. Gawd I loved that bike. I'm kicking myself for ever having parted with it.

Back when I was racing as a 50 year old, I did a 10 mile TT at 29.7 mph on that bike. That was a magical ride. That was a magical bike. I've spent tens of thousands since then chasing 0.3 mph additional. Never got it. Went the other way, instead. Got older, too.

Kat Hunter reports on the San Dimas Stage Race from inside the GC winning team
Aeroweenie.com -Compendium of Aero Data and Knowledge
Freelance sports & outdoors writer Kathryn Hunter

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [jackmott] [ In reply to ]

psycholist

Dec 10, 09 14:02

Post #20 of 40 Views: 9990

and a 54, 650C P3SL that is BRAND NEW. Yes, brand new frame.

How'd you do that???!!!

Got really lucky on an ebay auction, I'm guessing.

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [psycholist] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 14:25

Post #21 of 40 Views: 9971

call your local cervelo dealer. they stock some as warranty/crash replacements I guess. you could argue yours lost in a terrible accident and you MUST buy a new one

look how shiny!

Kat Hunter reports on the San Dimas Stage Race from inside the GC winning team
Aeroweenie.com -Compendium of Aero Data and Knowledge
Freelance sports & outdoors writer Kathryn Hunter

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [jackmott] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 14:39

Post #22 of 40 Views: 9963

Umm, I hate to break it to you...

blood, sweat...and big gears

I hated every minute of training, but I said, ''Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.''
- Muhammad Ali

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [show pony] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 14:41

Post #23 of 40 Views: 9960

ok p3 aluminum not SL
you don't have to break it to me I already didn't care

In Reply To:

Umm, I hate to break it to you...

Kat Hunter reports on the San Dimas Stage Race from inside the GC winning team
Aeroweenie.com -Compendium of Aero Data and Knowledge
Freelance sports & outdoors writer Kathryn Hunter

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [jackmott] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 14:51

Post #24 of 40 Views: 9945

Is that your current set-up? How tall are you?

Heath Dotson
HD Coaching:Website |Twitter: 140 Characters or Less|Facebook:Follow us on Facebook

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [jackmott] [ In reply to ]

psycholist

Dec 10, 09 14:53

Post #25 of 40 Views: 9943

Jackmott ... with about 10 cm of spacers and a +25 degree stem? WTF!!!!

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [psycholist] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 14:59

Post #26 of 40 Views: 4987

I was thinking the same thing, but I was being nice.. :)

Heath Dotson
HD Coaching:Website |Twitter: 140 Characters or Less|Facebook:Follow us on Facebook

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [psycholist] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 15:01

Post #27 of 40 Views: 4985

In Reply To:

Jackmott ... with about 10 cm of spacers and a +25 degree stem? WTF!!!!

NOT MY BIKE!

relax, the chick that rides it is aero despite the lack of 'drop' =)

700C woulda fit her better but, the price could not be argued with!

Kat Hunter reports on the San Dimas Stage Race from inside the GC winning team
Aeroweenie.com -Compendium of Aero Data and Knowledge
Freelance sports & outdoors writer Kathryn Hunter

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [jackmott] [ In reply to ]

psycholist

Dec 10, 09 15:08

Post #28 of 40 Views: 4979

likely story.

When I try to blame stuff on my wife it ALWAYS comes back to haunt me.

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [jackmott] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 09 15:09

Post #29 of 40 Views: 4979

Yeah the 650c wheels make it look like a 58. That makes a bit more sense now..

Heath Dotson
HD Coaching:Website |Twitter: 140 Characters or Less|Facebook:Follow us on Facebook

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [davewenham] [ In reply to ]

Dec 13, 09 22:47

Post #30 of 40 Views: 4889

always great to get a new bike :)

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [davewenham] [ In reply to ]

Dec 16, 09 14:11

Post #31 of 40 Views: 4838

Slight hijack here, but what would folks say if the question was "stick with my 700c P2K or buy a Planet X Stealth frame"??? Same answers???

�It doesn't matter what you do tomorrow and it doesn't matter what you did yesterday. It's about today, and making today count.� � Rappstar 11.22.09

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [gabbiev] [ In reply to ]

Dec 20, 09 18:50

Post #32 of 40 Views: 4756

What is wrong with the stock p3sl fork? Is it too heavy? Too stiff? Not aero enough?

What is a good upgrade fork? Oval jetstream II and carbon TT look the same but are 475-490g

In Reply To:

In my testing, I've found that the P3C to be a little faster, but not so much so that I'd encourage anyone who has a P3 to upgrade to a P3C (I suspect the the biggest difference between stock P3SLs and P3Cs has most to do with the fork). I'd keep the the P3SL, get an updated aero fork (the Oval is a great match for the frame and comes with a 1" steerer, and be confident that you have a really, really fast frame.
reply]

________________________________
53-Racing

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [Elie_53] [ In reply to ]

Dec 20, 09 19:09

Post #33 of 40 Views: 4741

It seems clear that the P3SL is fast, not really up for debate. Is a new one faster and more comfortable? Absolutely. Not really much debate here.

Post deleted by Administrator [ In reply to ]

null-and-void

Dec 21, 09 4:55

Post #34 of 40 Views: 4698

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [psycholist] [ In reply to ]

Jan 17, 10 8:38

Post #35 of 40 Views: 4577

You can have one again. They're out there.

Check here regularly:

http://www.google.com/...ink&ved=0CCIQpwU

Or ebay, where I got mine.

.

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [davewenham] [ In reply to ]

Jan 17, 10 8:47

Post #36 of 40 Views: 4570

I had a P3SL and went to the P4. It's faster but not by a whole lot. It's a nice bike. If you want faster get the P4. The P3SL is already fast.

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [davewenham] [ In reply to ]

Jan 17, 10 11:12

Post #37 of 40 Views: 4524

I'd be curious to see the bike in question. If your goal is a faster bike, do you have the most aero basebars? Fork? etc?

Or is the goal you want something new. I wouldnt paint a P3sl----if the anodized coating is still in good condition.

Want: 58cm Cervelo Soloist. PM me if you have one to sell

Vintage Cervelo: A Resource

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [davewenham] [ In reply to ]

Jan 17, 10 13:30

Post #38 of 40 Views: 4485

Hi, from what I hear, from people who sell cervelos, they say there is no noticeble difference between carbon and Alluminum.

But youmy hear people saying it is the bst thing ever.

There is also the lif span problem. If you use your bike often mantain your P3SL.

Daniel

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [gabbiev] [ In reply to ]

Jan 23, 10 7:19

Post #39 of 40 Views: 4388

In Reply To:

On the current iteration of my P3SL, I'm running an old aluminum Kinesis with a *steel* steerer, which is testing out to be *extremely* fast (though the fork is not UCI legal), though it is a tank. You'll never notice an extra 100 grams in the fork.

Since seeing that picture you posted of your bike on another thread, I've been lusting after a Kinesis alloy aero fork; it just goes so well with the anodized aluminum frame of the P3sl. There aren't too many around on ebay, (ie:none) etc. I finally found one, NOS, at my LBS around 100 feet from my front door, one of the last places I thought to look for some reason. Not cheap, though. Haven't pulled the trigger just yet...

.

Re: Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL? [jackmott] [ In reply to ]

Jan 23, 10 9:16

Post #40 of 40 Views: 4359

Here's me and my P3SL in Kona this year.
It's bordering on being the fastest bike on the planet.
(Although the rider can use a little work)

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