2014/2015 P2 Sizing - HELP

Triathlon Forum
1

I recently purchased a 2014/2015 56cm Cervelo P2, with the intention of using it for my upcoming Ironman. I am concerned that it might be too big.

When I purchased the bike, I expressed concern about making sure I bought a bike that fit properly. I previously purchased a 58cm Specialized Allez, where the reach on the bike was just too much, and I wanted to avoid that issue this time around.

I went to the store three times and spoke to three different people (including the head fitter), who all assured me the 56cm would be the proper size. They did a quick set of adjustments, told me to ride the bike for a few rides, and come back in for a more complete but basic fitting.

When I came back in, the fit was less than stellar. I explained that this was my first tri bike, I wasn’t sure how it was “supposed to feel”, and wanted to start from scratch. However, the fit consisted of a lot of minor adjustments, and general comments like “yeah, angle looks good” as opposed to a more in-depth walkthrough of how the fit was progressing. After the fit I put in a 60mile ride, and the fit was worse than before.

In looking at the frame, I noticed that the seatpost, when set, is within the bottom inch of travel into the frame.

Separately, none of these things are screaming that the bike doesn’t fit. However, the combination of my prior bike purchasing experience, low set seat post, lackluster fitting experience, and uncomfortable ride are making me concerned that my expensive investment is rapidly leaving the swap out / return window the more I ride it.

I am currently using a few bike fitting apps to set the bike up with the classic tri angles, to see if that helps. In the meantime, any thoughts? Does a 56cm P2 sound too big for someone who is 5’11" ish, with a 32" inseam? Happy to post pictures with fitting angles if that helps.

2

What is uncomfortable?

3

I think - only because I’ve been working through similar issues - that you will need to provide more info, starting with the stack and reach that they got you to on the fit bike and then someone here will be able to chime in and tell you if a P2 could work. As I have learnt this week, due to my reach on a recent fit, and the stack that was determined, I need to look at specific brands - the P2, for me, at present seems literally out of reach though I need another fitting to confirm this.

4

If it’s any help I’m 5’9ish with a 30 inch inseam and on a 54 P3 (same geometry). Fits fine.

5

I’m slightly over 5’11" with a 32 inch inseam and my 56 P2 is the best fitting bike I’ve had. I even ditched my P3 for it because with my flexibility undo better on a P2. I’m betting a 54 could work for you, but a 56 sounds like the right size.

6

I doubt it’s too big, as it rarely truly is “too big” or “too small” under an average person’s constraints.

But yea, more info would help.

7

I’m 6 ft and 32 inseam. I’m currently on a classic 56 P2 which has a lower stack than the new P2/3. I have a -17 deg stem and only an 8mm dust cap, no steerer spacers. On a new P2 I would definitely go down to 54.
It depends on the fit, if you’re in an aggressive/low position or plan to go there in the future you should probably be on a 54.

8

Unless you have particularly long legs, or a bad back/neck - the 56 P2 is one of the strongest potentials for you to get into a conservative position.
The problem you are describing at this point is bad fit, without better info about your fit no one can determine whether the bike is the right size.

I’d recommend getting the fit sorted pronto, so you can go back to them if it turns out that it’s the wrong bike.

9

So with the help of a bike fitting app and my lovely wife, I managed to get the following photos taken. Per all of the guidance I have been able to find on Slowtwitch and elsewhere, I got my basic angles within the basic tri fit parameters. A few observations:
My seat tube angle must have been a good bit forward of 80 degrees (like 82+, measuring from the BB). Was pretty surprised how much I had to move my seat back to get below 80 (just barely at 78). The septets clamp is just behind the center of the post, and the clamp is grabbing the front 1/3 of the seat rails. This gives me comfort that the reach on the 54cm would have been too short.The position as a whole feels much more open, with the septets angle slid back and the bars set forward enough to get a 90 degree shoulder angle.Neck has MUCH less pressure on it. Granted, this was just on the rollers and for short bursts, but was much easier to look forward.I have all the spacers in and the 80mm stem flipped up to +6 degrees, so a decent bit of room to drop the effective stack height if I want to get more aggressiveSeatpost still at the lower end of the adjustment range, but will probably end up coming up another 5mm to get to a 150 degree knee angle I will be taking it for a ride tomorrow, but, curious to hear others’ opinions. Thoughts? Am I right to feel better about the size?

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10

Sorry, image attachments didn’t quite work. Here we go:

http://oi57.tinypic.com/b6r2gg.jpghttp://oi58.tinypic.com/2w7nvpi.jpghttp://oi58.tinypic.com/2wezc7c.jpghttp://oi62.tinypic.com/i1n28m.jpghttp://oi61.tinypic.com/j6lpnm.jpg

11

Don’t raise the saddle
Bring bars back a bit so you can relax your back better

Looks like you’re doing a better job than the store
.

12

I am currently using a few bike fitting apps to set the bike up with the classic tri angles, to see if that helps. In the meantime, any thoughts? Does a 56cm P2 sound too big for someone who is 5’11" ish, with a 32" inseam? Happy to post pictures with fitting angles if that helps.

I’m jut shy of 6’1", 33 inch inseam (did you measure bare feed with a book in your crotch, from floor to top of book spine?).

I ride a 56 Cervelo P2 (and 57 Raleigh Supercourse road bike). 56 P2 with seat in forward position fits perfectly (effective top tube is around 55 in that position). While I could get lower and more aero, I’m not that flexible so I’d say my fit is rather conservative.

I would think a 56 would be the right size. 54 might be too cramped. My first tri bike was a medium Quitana Roo Cliente (which I think was more like a 53) and I definitly was more bunched up on that bike than I am on my P2.

13

So I took the bike out for a 22 mile ride this evening, and wow, much better. I did end up pulling the bars in a bit, which helped make it a bit more comfortable. Overall, I feel like my weight is centered over my elbows much better than before, and I don’t feel nearly as bunched up as before. I may end up bringing the seat post down a few mm, and still messing with saddle angle / new saddle, but overall feel much better about the bike size. Thanks to everyone for helping out!