Hi, need advice. I am a keen triathlete, do half ironmans around 5 hours, so not breaking any records but love the personal challenge of trying to go faster. Anyway I have a Cervelo P3SL (alloy), which I think was made around 2005. Will I get any benefit in upgrading to a carbon frame. Because Cervelos seem to hold there price I could upgrade to a planet X pro stealth carbon or scott plasma pro (2007) for not much more than the sale price of my Cervelo, as like others with a wife and kids on a budget. Or would I benefit very little from going carbon and instead just be happy with what I have. I have separate race wheels etc so do not need any other gear. any advice would be great. Thanks
the carbon may be a bit more comfy for you.
maybe getting a new bike will make you want to ride more, thus making you faster…
Are you looking for bling or to go faster? That Cervelo is probably better in the wind than anything you listed. Why not get a P2C? Mine’s the shniggities.
I own two P3Cs and just got a P4. Haven’t raced on the P4, but I can tell you I’ve never been faster than I was on the P3sl which I no longer own. Wish I had it back. That’s an awesome bike.
the planet X and scott plasma are both slower bikes than your alloy P3
what you have now is superior to those bikes.
a P2C is about the same aerodynamically and a wee bit lighter, and maybe more comfy if you are after that.
Hi, need advice. I am a keen triathlete, do half
ironmans around 5 hours, so not breaking any records but love the personal challenge of trying to go faster. Anyway I have a Cervelo P3SL (alloy), which I think was made around 2005. Will I get any benefit in upgrading to a carbon frame. Because Cervelos seem to hold there price I could upgrade to a planet X pro stealth carbon or scott plasma pro (2007) for not much more than the sale price of my Cervelo, as like others with a wife and kids on a budget. Or would I benefit very little from going carbon and instead just be happy with what I have. I have separate race wheels etc so do not need any other gear. any advice would be great. Thanks
I used to have a P3sl and upgraded to a P3C a couple years back. Other than the higher head tube on the P3C, there was very little tangible “upgrade” in the end. The P3sl was an excellent bike and it’s really hard to justify replacing if it is dialed in correctly. I need a taller stack, so for me, the P3C fit a bit better (I honestly should have gone to a P2C).
I certainly would not trade in a Tour de France level race frame for a carbon frame with a lower pedigree.
Frame is fine. Upgrade the engine 
Carbon isn’t going to make you faster and why would you ditch the 3rd fastest frame out there for something slower?
Frame is fine. Upgrade the engine
CERA is expensive!
I wounldn’t do it. But if think you might, take an extra couple fo days to think about it. Be real sure about your decision. I sold my P3 sl for the P3c and it took me almost a whole day to reget my decision. I don’t feel like the fames you listed as replacements are any “better.” What size is your P3 sl? Just in case you want to sell it.
Get a nice paint job so it seems like you have a new bike 
.
I hear ya brother. I have the same p3sl. Looking at moving over the to p2c if i can find a frameset on the cheap. but until then, i will keep riding the p3sl.
Hey, awesome advice folks, thanks, by whats been said I think I will stay with my P3SL for now. I think I will concentrate on more work on the engine. Well at least my wife will be happy!!!
Thanks again!!!
That frame is a classic…it has soul.
Dont sell!
That frame is a classic…it has soul.
Dont sell!
No! Don’t listen to him! Sell it to me!!
…man oh man I want one of those in 51cm 700c
i will trade my 55 p3sl for a 56 p2c.
If you want maximum soul in a 51cm P3sl, you need the P3sl 51cm in 650c. Gawd I loved that bike. I’m kicking myself for ever having parted with it.
Back when I was racing as a 50 year old, I did a 10 mile TT at 29.7 mph on that bike. That was a magical ride. That was a magical bike. I’ve spent tens of thousands since then chasing 0.3 mph additional. Never got it. Went the other way, instead. Got older, too.
in my household
I have a 58, 700c P3SL that has been to kona
and a 54, 650C P3SL that is BRAND NEW. Yes, brand new frame.
=)
If you want maximum soul in a 51cm P3sl, you need the P3sl 51cm in 650c. Gawd I loved that bike. I’m kicking myself for ever having parted with it.
Back when I was racing as a 50 year old, I did a 10 mile TT at 29.7 mph on that bike. That was a magical ride. That was a magical bike. I’ve spent tens of thousands since then chasing 0.3 mph additional. Never got it. Went the other way, instead. Got older, too.
and a 54, 650C P3SL that is BRAND NEW. Yes, brand new frame.
How’d you do that???!!!
Got really lucky on an ebay auction, I’m guessing.
call your local cervelo dealer. they stock some as warranty/crash replacements I guess. you could argue yours lost in a terrible accident and you MUST buy a new one
look how shiny!
