I have an opportunity to buy a second-hand 2009 P4 in my size. I’ve noticed, on this forum, talk of:
Structural flaws that inaugural year that lead to a bunch being replaced by Cervelo (cracked tubes?);
Rear brakes that did not work well that may (or may not) have lead to replacements or ‘patches’.
As a second owner, I’d likely not enjoy any warranty security, so I’m wondering what concerns I ought to have re this bike, in that year?
Thanks in advance.
I don’t know the answer to your question… but I do know that Cervelo made 25 changes to the bike in 2011.
How severe of a problem they were fixing, I don’t know.
How great of a deal is it? I only ask b/c the 2011 P4 can be found for a big discount ($1400) right now and won’t have those issues…and you’ll be original owner.
Where? By whom?
Really? What at?
I started seeing the deals pop up all over…and since Cervelo can’t be sold and shipped via internet started calling dealers in my area and got a price match…got a SRAM Red 2011 P4 for $1400 off…just got it built up 2 weeks ago and loving it.
Local retailers
.
No do not buy a preowned 2009. I had one and it was replaced, the top tube in front of the seat post cracked and so did behind the seat post. The later models are fixed. The brake is an issue but not really I never noticed much difference in braking power. But it doesn’t matter, I wouldn’t get it unless it was a steal. Ie less than a used p3. It’s just not worth the risk of it braking.
It’s just not worth the risk of it braking.
Yep. The last thing you want is braking during a time trial!
It’s just not worth the risk of it braking.
Yep. The last thing you want is braking during a time trial!
It’s like Ettore Bugatti said “I make my cars to go, not to stop.”
The most recent versions of P4 are improved over the earliest versions, but I’d stop short of pronouncing the earliest versions “bad”.
If you are dilligent about maintenance and good at following instructions for brake set up- and maybe a little tinkering too- you could be fine if the price is right. Now, if you expect the same level of performance from subsequent versions, I’ll suggest that is an unreasonable expectation.
The early equipment did work- it simply required careful set-up and frequent inspection. It was intolerant of even a small error in set up or adjustment. As a result, the forums exploded with “this is defective” comments.
Also, bikes like the P4, Felt DA and B series with early Bayonet front ends, Trek Speed Concept and Specialized Transition and Shiv have all had baptism by fire and trial by internet- sometimes fairly as they needed improvement- other times by dealers and users who didn’t do their due dilligence on how to set up and maintain the equipment.
“If you are dilligent about maintenance”
Look, the last word on this should be the fact that Murphy’s Law still trolls around on his vintage P4. If ever there was a guy who treats his bikes like a two-bit whore, it’s him. And he’s crushed more than a few people on it. Maybe he’ll chime in here…
So back-handed compliments to ML aside, you should count yourself fine with that bike unless it’s had serious damage.
The P4s cracked almost as soon as you rode them
They were replaced. This is from personal experience of myself and two other friends. The replacement bikes have had no issues and are by far the best TT bike available until the P5 comes out. I owned o e of the first P3 alu and then a P3c as soon as it came out
P4 is more finicky but the free speed is worth it
“If you are dilligent about maintenance”
Look, the last word on this should be the fact that Murphy’s Law still trolls around on his vintage P4. If ever there was a guy who treats his bikes like a two-bit whore, it’s him. And he’s crushed more than a few people on it. Maybe he’ll chime in here…
So back-handed compliments to ML aside, you should count yourself fine with that bike unless it’s had serious damage.
Backhanded compliments seem to be the only sort I ever receive, so I guess I should be flattered or something.
And yes, I do tend to ride 'em hard and put 'em away wet. My '09 P4 is still going quite strong, thankyouverymuch.
Ask the nearly 2100 folks I passed at LP if they thought my steed was a dud or not.
I did opt to get the R brake upgrade installed (parts were free as warranty replacement, just had to pay the shop labor for the swap and new cabling).
Works fine.
I’ve been lucky, no issues w/ my seatpost slipping or the frame cracking there.
(not that it matters, it’s covered under warranty)
The other 2 locals I know who ride P4’s have also been lucky in that regard.
YMMV, especially if you are looking at buying used (no warranty).
How great of a deal is it? I only ask b/c the 2011 P4 can be found for a big discount ($1400) right now and won’t have those issues…and you’ll be original owner.
i have seen them go for as low as 2500…where are they going for 1400?
I believe the discount was $1400 (not the final price).
The P4s cracked almost as soon as you rode them
They were replaced. This is from personal experience of myself and two other friends. The replacement bikes have had no issues and are by far the best TT bike available until the P5 comes out. I owned o e of the first P3 alu and then a P3c as soon as it came out
P4 is more finicky but the free speed is worth it
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l75/itscolduphere/inigo_small.jpg
Best and free. You keep using those words. I do not think they mean what you think they mean.
where are they going for $2500?
I made a couple of trips to the wind tunnel, so I fully understand what is free speed! And have thus stated!
I am a multi time state TT champion and dont stock in Cervelo just enjoy and benefit from their products
where are they going for $2500?
ebay
.