Hello, I’m looking to finally upgrade from the road bike to a tri bike. Any input on the pros/cons of getting:
Looks like the 2013 models are closing out. There’s roughly a $1600 difference between the '13 p3 and '14 p3 and $2500 between the '14 p3 and the '13 p5-six. Does 11-speed versus 10-speed make a difference? Thanks!
1 extra gear for 11 speed. Lots of 10 speed wheels being sold at a reduced cost. My rear 404FC was $850 new on clearence since it was a 10 sp and I could not get a Flo60 quick enough.
Thanks! Do you think it makes a big difference? Am looking at getting a new bike. Options are 2014 p3 ultregra 11-speed for $3950 or 2013 p5 red sram 10-speed for $6500.
Decide based on the components, price, etc. Don’t worry about wheel compatibility. If you’re OK with an 11-25 cassette, there is an easy trick to get any 8/9/10 speed wheel to work flawlessly with an 11-speed drivetrain.
Greg @ dsw
Greg hit the nail on the head with this one. Personally if I had the option of a p5 with 10 speed or p3 with 11spd, Id take the p5.
Quite a difference in price.
Thanks! Do you think it makes a big difference? Am looking at getting a new bike. Options are 2014 p3 ultregra 11-speed for $3950 or 2013 p5 red sram 10-speed for $6500.
The 2014 P3 is a way better deal. You’re literally paying 1500$ for 1w with the P5
So which is the better bike for the money?
Definitely the NP3.
Step 1: Buy TriRig Alpha aerobar and Omega/Magura brake
Step 2: Torhans bento
Step 3: Enjoy having a bike within 2w of a P5-6
Please clarify step 3. Thx
So which is the better bike for the money?
You weren’t able to piece together his opinion on that based on: “The 2014 P3 is a way better deal. You’re literally paying 1500$ for 1w with the P5”?
Please clarify, thx.
which did you select?
Not sure why, but I was going through this same decision this week. I decided on the 2014 P3. The modifications to the frame on the P3 made it a little bit more aggressive and slightly slipperier construction. Also, I am not the best wrench on the planet, so the thought of doing my own maintenance and/or breaking the P5 down to travel with made me more than a little nervous. Took the cost savings and bought some ENVE 8.9 clinchers. No buyers’ remorse over this one.
Decide based on the components, price, etc. Don’t worry about wheel compatibility. If you’re OK with an 11-25 cassette, there is an easy trick to get any 8/9/10 speed wheel to work flawlessly with an 11-speed drivetrain.
Greg @ dsw
Is this common knowledge and gospel at this point?
Reason I ask is that I’m considering getting a NP3 which is 11-speed only. The only thing really holding me back is that I have a FLO DISC 10-speed which the guys at FLO have concerns about derailleur rub with.
many many threads on the 10 vs 11 speed concern, not certain about the disc issue.
All I know is that it works. If the whole set up is done correctly, with the right spacer, the hybrid 10 cassette matches the cog-to-cog spacing of a shimano 11 cassette exactly, and it matches the total thickness of a shimano 10 cassette within 1 or 2 tenths of a mm–that’s pretty darn close. So it should work on conventional flat discs too.
But the flo disc is a special case, it is thicker in the center (at the hub) than most standard discs (the flo is a spoked rear wheel with a carbon cover). So you may want to get more info from flo about exactly how thick it is behind the cassette to be sure about compatibility.
Hope that helps,
Greg @ dsw
Well, coming from a P2, then a speed concept 9 series, then a P5-6, I can say EASILY the P5 “seems” faster. I have broken all my PB’s with it. The Trek was by far more the comfortable riding bike, and the P5 easily the coolest looking.
I’m still riding all 10spd wheels with my 11spd P5, as the Dura Ace 11spd cassette was 475$ this year…>LOL…I’ll wait till net year to switch up to 11 spd wheels when price goes down hopefully:)
P3 probably the best deal easily, and is a fast ride. BUT…if you have the cash to blow I’d get the P5. If cash is tight, you will be almost as fast on the P3. Either bike you will love and ride very quickly…IF you fit on them well!
Keep in mind that depending on your size, there are some fit differences between all three bikes. If you are short and ride aggressively, this will come into play (especially if you want to stay on regular 700 wheels).
I am in this boat and went for a used p4 for these reasons. If you are not looking at size 51 or 48, or you don’t ride way low, ignore the post.
I went with the 2014 P3 and got the Magura brakes put on for a song, which you need anyhow if you’re using race wheels with a carbon braking surface. Sold my 808/1080 Zipp racing wheels which were 10 spd and used the money to buy a used 11 spd compatible 808 firecrest set, so it worked out well. All the reasons why have already been listed, but summing up: putting all the factors in the hopper, it was the best value for my speed-seeking dollar. And as I’m aging up this year, that’s especially and exactly what I’m seeking…