I’m looking for some sage wisdom on which frame to purchase. I’ve decided to go with Cervelo–I like the fit and ride (test rode a P2C), and they’re obviously top quality. In looking at my options, I can get the following in my size at a discounted price:
2005 Cervelo P3SL (new) – Note: this is NOT the P2SL but the now discontinued P3SL from a couple of years ago
2006 Cervelo P2C (new)
The P2C would cost $100 more. The P3SL is aluminum, but I presume more aero in the rear by wrapping around more of the rear wheel? The P2C is carbon, and so perhaps smooths out the bumps better, and is perhaps stiffer in the bottom bracket? I’m not wed to any one type of frame material, and here just want whichever frame might be faster for my application. The built up bike would be used for sprint and olympic distance tris, nothing longer than that, and the longest rides I go on in my training is 30-40 miles. I weigh 160#.
What would you do? Any thoughts would be appreciated!!!
FWIW- I have never had either bike. I have had a P3 though, and bikes made of Ti and carbon and aluminum. From what I can tell, all this talk of frame materials is pure BS, and as far as the P3 I had- it was the most comfortable bike I have every owned. Rode it lots- over 5 years 200-300 miles a week. Never thought it was anything other than great. I am not saying that my Litespeed Blade I ride now is worse, just different. My Trek 5500 road bike was different. They are all good, but my P3 was the BEST!. I wouldn’t let frame material dictate your purchase. I am sure both bike are good, but I would probably go with the P3SL in this case. I just think it is probably a more durable bike and probably more (but insignificanly so) aero. Maybe get what ever is cheapest or looks the best:).
I really loved that damn P3. Didn’t realize it until I sold it to by my Litespeed Blade. F**ked myself big time on that one :(.
I have a hard time understanding this mentality. Either of these bikes would be race bikes, aggressive ones. I’d live with the bike FEELING less good if it was faster. I guess if you totally can’t get comfortable you would never be fast but if its just a matter of a bumpy ride of stiff ‘feeling’…
Are you racing sprints or longer stuff? (correction, I see you’re racing short stuff…)
-the carbon frames are generally a bit more comfy so for longer stuff the P2C is probably a better bet, for shorter stuff the P3sl is a pretty stiff bike so it’s nice when you’re really laying down the power
Are the roads around you great or are they crappy and bumpy?
-again, the P3sl is pretty harsh over rough stuff, nothing crazy bad that 10psi less in the tires can’t smooth out though
How low do you need your head tube position, ie how aggressive is your aerobar positioning?
-The P3sl is a good bit lower in the head tube and is often too low for many newer or less flexible riders, the P2C might be a LOT better fit for a lot of people.
I have a P3sl (which I’ll be selling soon) and it’s been an awesome bike for the past two years or so. I’d consider a P2C an upgrade to the P3sl personally. Either way you can’t really loose although I find it hard to believe that the P3sl is only $100 cheaper than the P2C, I’d love to sell mine for a fat wad of cash but the resale on the P3sl should probably be a good $300+ cheaper than the P2C…
