Currently I have a 2009 Cervelo P2 and love it. My question is what performance benefit will I really get with the P3 Ultegra Di2? Aside from the electronic shifting how much faster is it really? Is the handling different and if so how? I’m thinking of just forgetting it and getting a set of Zipp FC 808’s. All suggestions welcome. Thanks.
You’ll be so much faster by the quickness a computer button can shift vs an old school lever. And just think about riding that brick around that’s called the old P2. You should be ashamed to even show up to transition with that thing. The handling is so terrible on the old P2 compared to something like a newP3 or even a P5. I’m surprised the fork can even stay on the bike without wobbling out. So, in the Cervelo ecosystem, right now, it’s oldP2<oldP3<P4<newP2<newP3<P5. You’re at least 5 generations back, I would definitely upgrade if you want to be anywhere near competitive. Or you could just show up with a mountain bike, same difference basically.
Do you work for Cervelo???
i did a race the other week and there was a mountain bike there with clip on bars.
I have a '12 P2. I, like yourself, am keen on a P3 although Di2 doesnt bother me. Its only worth the upgrade because you want the upgrade for something new and shiny. A smidgeon faster yeh, but if you love your P2 just get some wheels
Yes. You absolutely need a new bike.
Mostly because new bikes are fun.
Need? Absolutely not.
Want? Only you can answer that question.
I would wager that the Zipps will net you more time savings than the new P3.
I second the “need” a new bike.
I’d go with a set of wheels and, depending on what you currently have, a more aero cockpit. Are you giving up anything with your P2 compared to the new P2/P3? Sure, but I highly doubt it’s as much as you’re giving up with stock rims vs a 404/808 combo. Also, we’re talking seconds here over a 40k tt between the frames. The P2 is still a solid frame to work with. Re Di2: it’s a luxury and not really a necessity. I’d spend money on a power meter first if you don’t already have one.
Need? Absolutely not.
Want? Only you can answer that question.
I would wager that the Zipps will net you more time savings than the new P3.
I think you nailed it.
On these forums there are a lot of questions about “need”. The answer, usually, is that no you don’t “need” it. Unless you’re elite/pro, and if not then you don’t “need” it. Triathlon, like life, is all about balancing “want” vs. “need”.
With your current ride, you don’t need the new P3. But you (like most of us) want one. It won’t make you that much faster, but it may get you more psyched about riding more which isn’t such a bad thing. Or it may give you confidence.
But “need” is a pretty strong word unless you’re currently riding a mountain bike with clip on bars.
the forum seems to focus on want, which is not all that bad.
Oh, you definitely need that new bike. Definitely. And if course you need Di2. As another poster said, you’re five generations behind. And you might as well get the 808’s while you’re at it.
And here’s a question for you- were you expecting anyone to tell you not to buy a new bike?!
In all seriousness however, I’d get NP2 or NP3, a flo 90-90 and a wheelbuilder disc cover. Di is just a matter of how much money you want to spend.
Yes.
If not, buy it for me! 
No! Absolutely not!!!
You need a P5 D/A di2.
You can thank me later.
It was good enough for an athlete named Chrissie Wellington, you may have heard of her.
If you do decide to buy the P3, I’m on the market for a P2 depending on what size you’ve got.
I wonder where my 2004 aluminum P3 fits on this spectrum. I guess I’ll have to go shopping soon
oldP2<oldP3<P4<newP2<newP3<P5
Currently I have a 2009 Cervelo P2 and love it. My question is what performance benefit will I really get with the P3 Ultegra Di2? Aside from the electronic shifting how much faster is it really? Is the handling different and if so how? I’m thinking of just forgetting it and getting a set of Zipp FC 808’s. All suggestions welcome. Thanks.
silly boy, of course you do
I wonder where my 2004 aluminum P3 fits on this spectrum. I guess I’ll have to go shopping soon
oldP2<oldP3<P4<newP2<newP3<P5
I have an aluminum P1. I should just quit tris at this point
i did a race the other week and there was a mountain bike there with clip on bars.
The last half iron i did, i was overtaken by a guy on MTB with clip ons.
Got the little bastard on the downhills, though. Made me feel a bit better about my athletic crapness.
You need it. Unless you can afford better.
I appreciate all the responses. Those that are serious and even the funny ones. But can anyone give me feedback on how the new P3 rides and handles compared to the old P2. This is very important. Thanks.