How much has bike peformance moved in 6yrs?

Triathlon Forum
1

I ride a Shiny red Alu P2K which has been an excellant bike, (particularly now I have the position dialled). It has also been around for a while now. So how much of an improvement are the current bikes over the P2K? In terms of performance what do the latest Carbon bikes offer above that of the P2k. As the Alu P2K is a great bike would you have to get something really special to notice an improvement?

How do the likes of the P3C, Kuota, Lucero, Kalibur, Planet X and Equinox compaire? (I guess very few people have thrown a leg over the lastest Felts to know how they ride).

2

For Starters, the Planet X’s downtube is about 1.4 times the width of your P2k.

3

and everything you listed are made of carbon already
.

4

I would say not all that much really. Probably mainly in the area of head tube and seat stays where some builders have improved aerodynamics.

5

So how much of an improvement are the current bikes over the P2K?

Negligible to very small, at best. Any performance improvements of the latest carbon wonderbikes over the P2K will be lost in the noise. I’s also venture to say that the P2K is in fact better than some of the new carbon wunderbikes.

6

I started tri’s on a converted road bike and managed 6:30 for 1/2 IM and 15 hours for IM.

I’ve since moved to a P2K and after 15 years I now go about 5:30 for 1/2 and just under 13 for IM

There are lots of factors involved. Improved fitness, improved nutrition and hydration, experience (better pacing) etc and of course having a nice bike. This is offset by being 15 years older! and about 15 kg (33lbs) heavier (doh). You figure it out.

I think a P2K is a very very very nice bike and would be my choice for best bike for the $ (P3C is sweeeeet, but too pricey, given the minimal (IMHO) improvement over a P2C)

7

You could raise your head 1 too many times and negate any “improvement” on the new bike. Keep your money or spend it on wind tunnel time. The wind tunnel will buy you more time then any bike/wheel out there.

8

Several thousand dollars!!!