Ok, so I’m looking for some genuine advice. I know all the “sexy factor”, over-pimped, etc., dribble. So I just need some perspectives; I know I’m not thinking very clearly. I’ve been riding a P2K for the past five years. Lots of races of all distances, including 8 IMs. For the past year or so, I’ve been fairly unhappy with my position, so I went to a fit guru, who tells me my frame is actually too large. I figured since I was familiar with Cervelo, and (other than the little fit issues) pretty happy, I’d look at staying with it. I’m in SoCal on business, so I took a day and went to Nytro for some test riding. I really thought I’d just ride the correctly-sized P3SL, love it, and buy it. I did ride it, I really liked it, and then they offered me a test ride on the P3 Carbon. Even though I didn’t think I’d care, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity… trouble is, I REALLY liked it. The ride quality was amazing; light years beyond the aluminum version. So… I figured I’m in trouble; gonna have to pony up for this latest “gee whiz” bike. Then on a whim I took a test ride on a QR Tiphoon. Wouldn’t you know it. I REALLY liked it too. Comfortable, responsive, overall pretty impressive. Now, I’m a quandry, and I appreciate any thoughts you all might have. BTW, if it was pure sex appeal, I think it would be hard to beat that new QR Lucero; it’s a beautiful thing! As is the Kuota Kalibur (I didn’t have time to ride the Lucero, and they didn’t have the Kalibur in my size. And by that time my head was swimming anyway, so I decided to get out while I could.) Thanks in advance for you help. And yes, I read Dan’s article about the TiPhoon.
I really like the QR Tiphoon and you can save 1000 bucks on it now. If it fits and you like it, I say go for it… Just my .02…
http://www.rooworld.com/
Jim
stop thinking, and clear your head. buy the bike on what feels best and what you jive with, not what is sexy or gee whiz. in your gut you know the answer…don’t let your head or opinions of others mess you up. in all likelihood you’ll ride the bike another 4 or 5 years, so you’ve got to be on one you have the best chemistry with and only you can say what that is.
and 1k over 4 or 5 years really is nothing. buy the one you like best and will be happiest with.
I really not into the sex appeal of a bike. I bought my P2K without really any idea what they were, other than I like the ride, and I got a great deal on the frame.
The ride of both bikes (P3Carbon and the TiPhoon) was exceptional; I thought the QR was a little quicker “out of the hole”, but I don’t do (hopefully) a lot of stopping and starting in IMs. Interestingly enough, I thought the ride was great on these bikes, even though the aero bars on both were quite poorly position for me. That didn’t distract from the really great ride. The price is about the same for either, so that’s a push.
Go see David Greenfield at Elite…
I had a P2K for several years and despite constant fit tweaking, never found my comfort zone. I think it was too big for me. I bought an Elite T-Class late last year and it is great.
The fit process that I went through with David was top notch.
Focus on getting fit by an expert…worry less about frame material and how a bike rides during a 10 min test ride.
Cheers,
Matt
You’re all over the map…and need to figure out what position best fits you.
The only reason (IMO) to buy a P3C over a P3 is for sizing…
I only reason (IMO) to buy a Lucero over a TiPhoon is for sizing…
At the same time, each offers a sweet spot for eff seat post angle…
I’m sure you noticed difference when test riding, but that means very little if/when it’s set up properly and you put a few thousand miles on the bike.
If I were in your shoes, I’d buy a TiPhoon. I’ve gone down the sexy carbon street and should have stayed with old faithful…
Good points all. I was very well set up on the P3SL (they spent nearly an hour fitting me), and they tried to match the set up on the other two, but there were differences in the aero bars, extentions, etc. (e.g., the pads were too narrow for me on the QR), not big deals, but evident. As for the test rides, I spent 45 min on the P3SL, and nearly an hour on each of the other two. I’d have loved more time, but it wasn’t a quick trip around the block. I’ve considered a custom bike; was actually thinking I’d get a Yaqui at one time. I just started with the Cervelo, because it was familiar.
BTW, I’ve ridden aluminum, carbon and steel over the years, but never ti. Materials haven’t been the thing that makes the bike for me, although I still kick myself for every selling my last steel road bike.
Wow that is like comparing Mercedes and BMW. Both are top shelf, ass kicking bikes. Hard to go wrong either way. If they both fit equally well, go with the one that gets your blood racing. If it excites you, you will ride it more.
Only other consideration is if you plan on traveling with the bike, ti is better hands down.