I just got my P3 Carbon the other day and I noticed underneath the gel coat on the seatpost that there appeared to be flaws or cracks in the carbon fiber weave. It looks like these cracks were glued together and then the resin was layed over it. I’m curious if anyone else has noticed this? I saw a picture of the P3C seatpost from Interbike and it looked like the same cracks or flaws were present in that seatpost. Does anyone have any information regarding this phenomenon? I’d like to know if I should ask for another seatpost from Cervelo?
By the way, the bike is amazing although I wish Cervelo would spec different aerobars on their tri-bikes. I can’t stand the Vision bars!
I have the Vision clip-on extensions and the Vision Base Bar. They are not very adjustable, not very comfortable, and they look cheap (in my opinion). I just bought an oval concepts A900 bar to replace them. I’ve used the Hed Aerobars and the Easton Attack bars so maybe my opinion is a bit jaded. In defense of the Vision bars: they are inexpensive and pretty light.
I chose the Oval over the Hed bars because I think they match the P3C better. I also think they’re a bit more refined and they have more adjustments than the Hed.
By the Way, it’s very hard to see these imperfections in the seatpost. I didn’t notice them right away until the sign was shining on the seatpost. You can’t feel it but you can see it if you look close. They’re just below the seat maybe an inch or two. Maybe it’s just mine.
What’s your opinion of the bike? I think it’s amazing. Nice to look at also.
Yea, I think I may see what you’re referencing…don’t think it’s an issue though.
Thanks for the A900 suggestion…I may change to that next year…will have to sell my Heds then…
I like the P3c a lot…I had the P3 aluminum and liked it, but the Carbon is SO much more comfortable (softer). Plus, EVERYONE looks at the bike (for better or worse).
the cracks are probably just incomplete wet out, basically there wasn’t quite enough resin to completely fill all the voids in the carbon fiber, common right at the surface of the cf part or at sharp edges. If there are a lot of “cracks” this isn’t a good thing but a few aren’t anything to get worried about. Some manufacturers lay an extra cosmetic layer of carbon cloth to cover things up and make them look nice but this also adds weight. Now if those happen to be real cracks not just empty carbon weave, then watch out.
I have a Blackwell disc (it’s really a 2002 Zipp 900) that I just put Zipp stickers on to match the P3C colors. I’ve also got a pair of Reynolds Stratus that I’m going to put Zipp stickers on to match the color scheme. I thought about selling the Stratus and buying 404s or 606s but I love the Reynolds so i’m just going to change the stickers. I know it sounds cheesy but the Bike is so cool looking with deep rim wheels and Zipp stickers. As soon as i get the Oval bars on, I’ll post a picture so you can see how it looks.
I just got my P3C. I noticed the same thing on the seat post…I’m not gonna worry about it for now.
I’m trying to dial in my fit to replicate my old P3. For now I am going to try the vision bars…I kinda like them…anything wrong with them? I’m going to give that Cervelo saddle a try too…any thoughts on that? I have an arione on my old one.
If you have your seat in the forward position, what experiences are you (group) having with the various rear botttle carriers since the Minoura won’t work? How about spare kit/bag?
I had the 2002 silver 55 P3 and loved it until I got on my new 56 P3C. I am 6’1" and the “cockpit” seems to be roomier than the 55. I had Carbon X bars on it and thought I liked them until I used the stock vision tech bars. I like them just fine. My intention was to replace them because they are not as trick as some other bars (HED, A900’s and Bontrager carbon) . I like the look and color of the Bontrager carbons but have not made the switch. The Vision tech are pretty comfortable and very light and will do for now.
I have not noticed the “crack” in the seatpost but will look again.
Regarding the Minoura placement on a forward setting: I think you can cut a wedge out of the middle of the mounting bracket on the minoura and it should give you a bit more adjustment room to move the seat forward. I would not cut it all the way through but a small wedge should work.
I agree with all of the posts about the unbelievable increase in overall comfort on the P3C over the older version. We did a 100 mile ride this weekend and I was comfortable throughout the ride. On the old ride, the ride fatigue seemed to set in around 60 or 70 miles. Probably just imagining it but who knows? The ride is truly plush. Like riding down the road in a lazyboy!!
"Regarding the Minoura placement on a forward setting: I think you can cut a wedge out of the middle of the mounting bracket on the minoura and it should give you a bit more adjustment room to move the seat forward. "
Duh, this show you how bright I am - I have been asking about cutting the rear circle off the seatpost! I’ll take a look tonight and see if the Minoura wedge cut will do it. Thanks for the tip.