Help- Should I upgrade my Alloy Cervelo P3SL?

Dec 9, 09 22:44

Post #1 of 40 (10453 views)

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 (10447 views)

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 (10436 views)

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 (10387 views)

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 (10336 views)

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 (10323 views)

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 (10291 views)

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 (10280 views)

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 (10275 views)

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 (10263 views)

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 (10259 views)

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 (10231 views)

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

Dec 10, 09 7:38

Post #13 of 40 (10218 views)

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 (10151 views)

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 (10083 views)

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 (10043 views)

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 (10025 views)

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 (10021 views)

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 (10007 views)

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 (9978 views)

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 (9959 views)

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 (9951 views)

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 (9948 views)

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 (9933 views)

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 (9931 views)

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

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