Assume that both fit equally well. Ignoring the price differential, which one do you go with and why?
Both are great bikes. I picked a B2 over the Cervelos for a couple of reasons. I thought the B2 handled slightly better than the P2C and I was worried about finding my bike in the transition area (the racks are almost full when I get to T1). The B12 doesn’t have the bayonet fork so the handling will probably be very similar to a P2C. There might be fewer B12s in the transition area but it’s a pretty hot bike so that may not be the case anymore. There are always about a zillion P2Cs. If you are a slower swimmer then that doesn’t matter as much…
p2, if youre into all that aero crap. p2 just looks faster without the front wheel cutout
I made the choice a few months ago between the same two bikes.
I feel that the P2 was a better value and I didn’t like the color of the B12
jaretj
I had this same choice this past week.
I got fitted and they recommended either the Felt or Cervelo.
After reading numerous online articles, I picked up my new P2 yesterday.
I feel that the Cervelo was more responsive and a better value.
P2, as simple as that.
Same choices layed out for me after my FIST fit session. I chose the B12 for three reasons (1) deeper aluminum wheels (although probably doesn’t matter much if you have race wheels); (2) Felt’s new carbon base bar (its great); and (3) cable routing on the B12 is much cleaner.
After 8 weeks, I couldn’t be happier with my choice
For the record, I’m suprised Cervelo hasn’t cleaned up the cable routing on their lower end models. They’ve obviously figured it out and incorporated it into the higher end bikes.
So … I went and tried both of these bikes out. They both felt great, even with an abbreviated fitting. My goal was to rule one in, or more likely rule one out. Problem is that after trying both, I’m even less decisive. Both are excellent rides, with slightly different specialties. The P2 is compact (with a shorter wheelbase), responds a little bit tighter, and it felt like more of a climbing machine than the B12. On the other hand, being long-legged I felt like I could stretch out on the B12 and really open it up on the flats and shallow slopes. I’m a better climber than a cruiser, so I think that in that respect I have more to gain on the Felt.
Comfort and riding aside - I think that Felt puts more engineering and attention to detail into their bikes (and the slightly higher price point probably reflects that). The “everyone rides a P2” syndrome is also very real, but after riding it I don’t question why it’s such a popular model - smooth and clean riding. One sticking point for the P2 was the seat clamp locking directly into the frame - not a fan of that joint design. With the B12, the TTR wheelset is a nice addition (and a common selling point from what I heard), but the wheelset construction doesn’t feel as robust as the Shimano 500s. This conclusion is completely speculative, but it was just the sense that I got when I put significant power to the wheels - especially out of the saddle. So now, as crazy as it seems, I’m actually looking at the next price point to help make my decision. I rented a full DA setup a couple of weeks ago, and it drove like a gem. That puts the P2 DA and B2 into play - as long as my ponies come in next weekend :>
The quest continues …
FWIW, I can’t recommend the B12 enough. I love mine. As a fellow long-legged guy, the Felt B12 fits me like a glove.
And, yes, it’s nice not to have the same bike that everyone else seems to have. 
I was faced with the same choices after my fit 2 weeks ago in Atlanta. I really liked both bikes but when it was all said and done the P2 Ultegra I was looking at had been built up with a little better wheels and cranks than what was suppose to come on it stock. Needless to say I am now a proud owner of a P2 Ultegra, the blue/silver paint scheme is beautiful also.
I asked myself the same question a month ago and decided for the Felt B12, no regret so far. I only changed the saddle for a Fizik Arione Tri 2, but I knew from the start that whatever bike I was going to have this was on the card. Otherwise, no complain.
Went with the B12, and it was a solid decision. Both offer superb rides, but at their price point, I think that the B12 is a better overall value (though many will disagree). The construction was a little more clean and concise with the Felt, and the ride just felt more natural for my build. Got some peripheral gear and setup thrown in for free, so it was definitely a sweet deal. Like I said before, I couldn’t have gone wrong with either model.
I ultimately made the decision because as recently as last night, I had convinced myself that I was going to jump up a price bracket and spring for either a complete B2, or a P3 composed largely of cannibalized hardware from my current roadie. Had I done so, I would have found myself with a very nice bike, but the same crappy helmet, the same beater pedals, the same semi-functional computer, and no other potential upgrades for the next 2 years.
FYI, if anyone is in the market for a B12, you may want to start looking soon. Per the factory - demand is steady, inventories are dropping, and production of the '09 models is coming to an end. Some of that is typical sales buffering, but I’ve heard the same thing from several sources over the last few weeks.
I faced the same question early in 2008 and went for the Felt B12 because a local retailer (triathlon specific, everything you need but no Campagnolo or road bikes) that had a great reputation for service was a Felt Stockist and I felt (no pun intended) that if I had any issues he’d be there for me and he has been.
-
The now infamous setpost clamp. Mine was replaced in two weeks but with another alloy version. I’m 85kgs and would have prefered the stainless replacement.
-
The headset had a problem and the steering was loose and the bike braked poorly. My LBS replaced this with an FSA model and I’ve had no problems since.
Also the carbon fork steerer was pre-cut 10mm too short. This has resulted in their being no “bite” with the top bolt of the steerer clamp. Not a huge problem but it’s something I have to watch.
Cervello was available at two retaillers but neither showed that much interest in my inquiries treating me like a tyre kicker.
Both have proven themselves to be great bang-for-buck bikes so I’d be looking for local support and service.