I was thinking about upgrading my P3(The Aluminum one) and taking the drivetrain from it and putting it on a new frame. I was looking to spend maybe ~1800 max for a frameset. As I was looking in an old Inside Triathlon issue from 08, i noticed a Look 496 that made me think maybe i could find a frame from 2006-2008 that was carbon and really aero for a good price, since technology changes so often.
It should be something like this one
In what sense are you considering that an “upgrade” as compared to an aluminum P3? Just curious…
I dont know, the Cervelo just seems so “old school”…
I dont know, the Cervelo just seems so “old school”…
Then why not just give it a cool paint job? That “old” P3 is potentially faster than a LOT of the “new school” bikes…
So how much do you think a paint job comes by? That idea really has me thinkin…
So how much do you think a paint job comes by? That idea really has me thinkin…
Depends on how fancy you get…you know, one of the best ones I ever saw wasn’t even painted. It was stripped and polished…
take a look at these:
http://www.hottubes.com/ShopWebSite/Cervelo_Photos.html
http://www.hottubes.com/ShopWebSite/Cervelo%20Photos.html
i like the idea of going with a national flag…very swank.
Well, for one, the 496 is very comfortable and very adjustable which makes it easy to get into a good position. The frame may or may not be as aero as the P3, but isn’t it the riders position that will affect the total drag anyway? If I can get into a better position on the 496 than the P3, it would be an advantage…
The least expensive I’ve found is at R&A cycles ($2800)… not cheap, but they do show up once in a while used.
Well, for one, the 496 is very comfortable and very adjustable which makes it easy to get into a good position. The frame may or may not be as aero as the P3, but isn’t it the riders position that will affect the total drag anyway? If I can get into a better position on the 496 than the P3, it would be an advantage…
The least expensive I’ve found is at R&A cycles ($2800)… not cheap, but they do show up once in a while used.
If you have the correct size of frame, what is going to prevent you from attaining your “best” position on either frame?
You can spend as much on that paint job as for a new 496, but even then “its still a Cervelo”. : )
I find the 496’s on eBay once in a while for the price you are looking for. Just keep watching. There’s a 496 on there right now, but its a complete bike for $3200. There’s also a 576 on there for a meduim frame for $1800. Its lighter then the 496.
The 496 was a bike I always wanted until they made the 596. My next “road” bike will definately be a Look.
I agree, and the the new black/white paint job is nice too. Actually, it’s naked carbon, not black. Just have to make sure it’s the I-Pack version.
I’m in the process now of trying to find a good deal on the 596.
RA Cycles has quite a few 496 frames. Look on their closeout section of their site as well for older look frames. What size are you. THere seems to be a lot of small and mediums around. I’m unfortunately an extra small, not a lot of those for sale.
I’m looking for a new/used ride. I have looked at the Specialized S-Works Transition and the Cervelo P4. How does the Look 496 or 596 compare?
I’m one of “those guys”. I buy my bikes to be different then everyone else. I like and enjoy the design and looks of a bike. I just can’t get into a Cervelo…way too many out there. Yep they could be faster…maybe…probably not for the vast majority of people.
SO the P4 is OK, Specialized are nice…but the Looks, have a different look and a different design, right up my alley : ) Besides…the Look frames have the ePost with elastomers in the seat mast. There is no binding bolt or mechanism. Insert the post, expand the elastomers with a bolt and that holds the ePost into the mast and also and more importantly gives shock absorbsion…its really sweet. Makes the ride really comfortable. The ride compares very well with the number of Zipp 2001 frames that I’ve owned in the past. I really like the way Look designed the 596…with the ePost, the super light Zed one piece cranks and pedals, the huge sealed bearings in the bb, the lack of a headset, the thin design of the head tube, the aero fork. Its quite easy to work on after you learn the design. You can also very easily adjust the cockpit with use of the stem, it pivots up and down. I change it all the time depending on what length of race I am doing. I pivot it down for a lower position for sprints and I raise it for longer courses. Since no bike has ever been built like the 596, there is a small learning curve to the design. It is very adjustable.
Can ya tell I like my 596?
Thanks for the info, I will do some more research on them but I will reiterate the OPs question: Can I find a reasonable price i.e. on a used DA 596 (3500-4000)?
I’ve seen a very few 596’s on eBay already. They are normally going used at 5-7K built. The frame, fork, seatpost, crankset and pedals retail for about 5500. All these parts are proprietary and come with the frame.
I have this exact 496 available in size medium, for $1650, shipped. It’s in excellent/near mint condition. Email if interested. Kevin.