Love It or List It? 2011 Cervelo P3

Triathlon Forum
1

Should I buy a new bike or just upgrade this one?

I’m getting back into triathlon after taking 6 years off. My last race was IMTX 2018. My bike is a 2011 Cervelo P3. I love it and consider it the OG of tri bikes. Seems like bike frames have come a long way during my time off, but I’m not convinced that a brand new bike would be that much faster than mine if I gave her a little love. I plan to do a mix of 70.3 and 140.6 races.

If I keep it, what are the best upgrades I should get or other gear that would be better bang for the buck? I’m thinking a new cockpit for sure, and maybe upgrade to a Di2 groupset and get race wheels (historically I’ve rented wheels for races).

I can afford a new P-Series, but I don’t want to be stupid with my dough.

Pics are below, along with some specs and other gear I already have. Thanks!

Bike notes:

Basebar - Vision 3T

Extensions - RXL, model unknown

Groupset - 2011 Shimano Ultegra
–Crankset - ~2017 SRAM Rival Powerglide, 165mm

Power Meter - Garmin Rally RS100

Saddle - ISM PN 3.0, I really like this one

Storage - rear bottle cages, rear flat kit bag, XLabs soft-sided bento box for top bar (not pictured; it’s ok but I’d like something better)

Wheels - Factory

Bike Computer - none, I just flip my Garmin watch to the inside of my wrist and that works fine for me, but I’d love to hear whether people really find a separate bike computer to be worth it

Professional fit using Retul

Other gear & stuff:

Trainer - Wahoo Kickr v5 with subscriptions to TrainerRoad & Zwift

Helmet - 2017 S-Works Evade

Shoes - S-Works, I forget the model but I like them

Bike travel bag - none, but I usually drive to my races or use Tri bike transport

I signed up with a tri coach this month

2

Honestly, the newer bike frames will not be any faster and in fact may be slower as the frames are heavier and less aero due to disc brakes. The main advantage here is they will have clearance to allow large tubeless tires if that’s something you are dead set on. Personally, I would suggest to upgrade your bike to electronic shifting and a new front end. I have a 2012 p2 that I recently upgraded with 11s Sram Etap shifting although I kept my front derailler mechanical because I had trouble getting the sram etap FD to work consistently. The biggest change in triathlon bikes and fit these days is to stretch out the front end further away and higher, with more tilt, which is allowing more comfort/power and no loss in aerodynamic speed. See the latest Kona pro bike position analysis articles. I would recommend you invest in the Tri Rig Alpha One front end which is extremely adjustable and easy to change allowing you to test fit changes yourself on the fly. The have a number of arm pad options, the ‘closed back’ pad options are especially innovative as they provide a more locked in feeling. A number of forum members love the full length scoops which support the full arm, but any of the tri rig arm pads would work well. I kept my stock front end but went to a longer stem, Cee Gee pads, and profile design ASC 52 aerobars, and really happy with the comfort of this setup. Also you could pick up a rear disc wheel/cover, this will save considerable time in your 70.3 and 140.6 races. There are a couple new aero helmets on the market or soon to be released that are considerably faster than anything from the old gen helmets.

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The new bikes aren’t significantly faster than an optimized P3 as said above.

The main reason I see for potential frame upgrades if for disc brakes, especially if you are using carbon wheels. Alloy rim braking is fine in all conditions, but even the best carbon rim brakes are not good compared to current-gen Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes. I know on race day brakes aren’t typically a big issue, but they definitely are a big issue for training and argubly the biggest hardware impact on safety, so that’s the main reason to consider the upgrade. If you’re happy with your rim brakes, save your money and rock the P3 - it doesn’t even look old, either so there’s no lack of cosmetics, as well.

4

Honest answer is coaching, physio/massage and a top quality diet will give you the most bang for buck. Even taking a few half days unpaid leave to fit in midweek long rides or even recovery sleeps/easy days at peak training will net out a better return.

But, after a decade on a similar generation bike (argon E-114) then I recently (10 months ago) got a Trek Speed Concept and it is nicer to ride, and slightly faster. But it was still 15minutes slower in a recent half distance bike split than last years time as I am not as fit. So the possible 3 minutes the bike was quicker is way offset by me. Doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it more. In my case to be fair, it’s all about the wheels - the old argon was limited to 22/23mm tyres, and on rough chipseal the 28s of the Speed concept are way faster and more comfortable. I just fitted some 25mm GP5000s onto a mates 2011 P3, so you could fit some wider tyres and get most of the benefits. Equally, a proper current gen helmet would get you more benefits. than any new frame. And indeed you could pick up some rim brake wheels for the P3 at pennies on the dollar.

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I had a p3 same vintage. I also have a new speed concept. Keep the p3, they are badass in their own right and light and lively. Unless u live in hills where u may appreciate better braking. But I wish I kept my p3 even just for sprints or fun or even for the kikr

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Keep rocking it. I ride a 2013 cervelo p3 and I’m confident in the aerodynamics of it. I love racing with an older generation bike and still winning.

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