which would represent the better buy, assuming same kit and price? A P2SL or a generic carbon of the type you find on ebay (pedalforce, 07 genius chronometro, emc2 fluide, Planet x stealth etc). I ride in the upper quartile (but usually overcook it for the run) and ride in NZ, where there are pretty chunky chip seal roads.
I understand the cervelo would be actually aero and stiff whereas carbon is nice on the chunky roads. I have no idea as to the quality, stiffness or vibration dampening of the generic frame and understand it is of dubious to poor aero. Im 5’10, 70 - 74kg so not exactly cranking out huge watts or stressing the frame too much. My previous bike was a TCR trinity.
I know its about fit, but I am pretty flexible so can get around a lot of the fit issues between the two.
Are you leaning towards the al Cervelo, with comfort the only concern? I’ve never regretted my P2SL purchase for a second…this includes my many long rides around the rutted, potholed, fucked up chip seal roads east & south of Auckland. But I kinda like that stripped out race car feel. It’s a 54…you local?
Yep, im in the city. Gimme a pm or email davidwilkinson@gmx.com if you want to flick off your bike.
As far as leaning towards the cervelo, sort of. I know that it IS a very good bike, no real debate there, and im happy with aluminium at the end of the day, but its getting long in the tooth and carbon is just that much sexier. That said, im not willing to get an inferior bike just because it might be ‘cooler’. I genuinely dont know about the performance of these generic bikes.
LOL! I’d sell a kidney before I sell this bike…it has good mojo. If your decision get’s to the point where a decent test ride might help swing you either way drop me a PM…
which would represent the better buy, assuming same kit and price? A P2SL or a generic carbon of the type you find on ebay (pedalforce, 07 genius chronometro, emc2 fluide, Planet x stealth etc). I ride in the upper quartile (but usually overcook it for the run) and ride in NZ, where there are pretty chunky chip seal roads.
I understand the cervelo would be actually aero and stiff whereas carbon is nice on the chunky roads. I have no idea as to the quality, stiffness or vibration dampening of the generic frame and understand it is of dubious to poor aero. Im 5’10, 70 - 74kg so not exactly cranking out huge watts or stressing the frame too much. My previous bike was a TCR trinity.
I know its about fit, but I am pretty flexible so can get around a lot of the fit issues between the two.
Cheers
In my mind, this question is like asking: “a genie will give me one bike of my choice for racing triathlons, should I choose a P3C or a Schwinn 3 speed.”
I would buy the Cervelo over any carbon frames in your price range but Cervy’s own P2C. If you can’t make the jump to the P2C then definately a solid, well established aluminum frame over the cheap carbon ones. Choosing out a smooth rolling set of tires will do as much to make it a nice ride as the frame will.
Chad
P2SL definitely. Maybe you get lucky and find a P3SL for a great price.
Personally having gone from alu, to Carbon, to alu on my TT bikes and alu, to alu/carbon, to carbon, to alu/carbon on my road bikes I wouldn’t pay one extra penny for a carbon frame over an aluminum frame. The only advantage of carbon is they can make some more aero shapes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they succeed. Most carbon frames don’t succeed in out aeroing a P2SL. Carbon is just a surcharge for people who like to spend money.