looking at a 2010 p2. all stock carbon frame with ultegra components. or a 2006 p3 with dura-ace components and a fsa cockpit.
what is the best deal? there is a $100 more for the p3. any advice is welcome!
Regardless of price, those bikes fit differently the P3 is long and low; the P2 is shorter and taller.
Which do you need?
i am 6-1, i had a 58cm road bike. I’m not sure which i would prefer, i’d like to stay as aero as possible. the p3 sounds like it would fit better, but as long as i can stay low on the p2 i think it would also suite my needs.
Which one looks better? Get it. If it’s the Red/White P3, I’d pass. Although it would be a tiny bit faster.
If you said the P3 might fit you better, and is only a hundred bucks more, go for it. Although you kind of can’t go wrong with cervelo IMO.
This article from a few years back explains why for some people the P2 will be faster than the P3. http://www.slowtwitch.com/Products/Tri_Bike_by_price_/Tri_bikes_by_price_for_2010/Tri_Bikes_2600-_3500_2010_/Cervelo_P2_2010__1296.html . The geometries of the bikes are sufficiently different that it is not a clear cut case of one being faster than the other. If you can’t try the bikes before you buy take a good look at the geometry charts to figure out especially on the P3 how you would need to set up the front end.
Is the P3 a carbon frame or is it the aluminum P3?
Although you kind of can’t go wrong with cervelo IMO.
That’s what I am thinking. I am leaning toward the newer p2. thanks for your input
This article from a few years back explains why for some people the P2 will be faster than the P3.
that’s a good read. With all the options out there its hard to remember its about what fits best for me and not what is necessarily the fastest for other people.
Is the P3 a carbon frame or is it the aluminum P3?
arent all p3s carbon?
The original P3 was aluminium, I’m not sure if Cervelo were still making both an aluminium and a carbon model in 2006, but for the price that’s being asked it better be carbon.
No.
I’ve since “upgraded” from the P3SL and it still remains my favorite bike. The bike was light years ahead of its time.
It is wrong though.
in my opinion.
Stack difference is too small, you won’t lose the drag difference between a p2 and p3 (small as it is) by adding a spacer.
This article from a few years back explains why for some people the P2 will be faster than the P3. http://www.slowtwitch.com/Products/Tri_Bike_by_price_/Tri_bikes_by_price_for_2010/Tri_Bikes_2600-_3500_2010_/Cervelo_P2_2010__1296.html . The geometries of the bikes are sufficiently different that it is not a clear cut case of one being faster than the other. If you can’t try the bikes before you buy take a good look at the geometry charts to figure out especially on the P3 how you would need to set up the front end.
But the newer P2 may have a faster fork (which may swamp the p2/p3 difference).
But the newer P2 may have a faster fork (which may swamp the p2/p3 difference).
that could be true!
If you said the P3 might fit you better, and is only a hundred bucks more, go for it. Although you kind of can’t go wrong with cervelo IMO.
2012 P2 Ultegra here and I must be the only person not a huge fan of Cervelo’s. I had a 2004 Cannodale upgraded it with DA parts but “thought” I had to have a carbon bike. Even possibly bigger mistake, I gave it away. 2 yrs in, I still can’t get comfortable on the P2 even with a fitting.
Adjust fit/saddle/bars until it is.
A frame can’t really be innately uncomfortable.
Understand…
I believe it’s in the arm pads of the 3T Auro Aerobar. Attempted several adjustments and recently went with the thicker pads which have helped a little bit. Just something doesn’t feel right. (but I still miss my Cannondale 
)
Change Aero bars then?