In April 2013 I bought a new Cervelo P3 (Shimano Ultegra 10 speed) to use primarily as a time trial bike. This was just prior to the new P3 hitting the local dealer. I wanted it primarily try time trial racing and secondarily for use in duathlons. The shop I bought it from did a great fitting using the Retul system.
Along the way I’ve discovered that I really like time trial racing and that I have at least a little talent for it. I’m qualified for the 2017 National Senior Games time trials (5K and 10 K) and I’m planning to race in the state championship time trials this spring. I’ve finished 2nd in the two most recent short TTs that I raced in - by a combined total of 6 seconds against good riders. So I’m starting to think I need to chase a few marginal gains if I hope to increase my chances of success in some of these upcoming events.
I think I’ve picked most of the low hanging fruit, though mods to the bike have been minimal. I’m currently running a Renn disc as the rear wheel with either a Conti 700x20 Supersonic (love the Supersonics) or 700x23 GP4000S depending on the course. Front wheel is a Flo 60 (aluminum and carbon) with a Conti 700x23. Latex tubes all around.
Just for reference, I race in a Castelli BP2 skinsuit and a Giro Advantage II helmet. I don’t routinely use shoe covers - I have tried the Velotoze covers (really hot!) and don’t use gloves.
I did change the original chainrings. The bike came with compact gearing (50/34) and I swapped to compact Rotor Q-Ring aero chainrings (53/38). Other than the wheels and the chainrings I’ve pretty much changed nothing else on the bike.
So I’d like to get some suggestions on what to look at upgrading to shave a few more seconds off. I know the front end could be streamlined a bit and I’ve considered a TriRig Omega X front brake as an option and possibly even the TriRig Alpha X bar/stem combo. I’ve even thought about changing the crankset to a standard in order to increase the available options in chainrings. Are there other options worth considering? I know I can spend a lot of money for very little return and I’d like to spend my money wisely. And I honestly don’t see upgrading to a P5 (or other superbike) as a valid option right now - I really like the way the P3 fits me and I hope I can more for my money in smart upgrades versus buying a new bike.
Oh, and I haven’t neglected the rider either. In my opinion the absolute best investment I made in improving my racing performance was buying a Wahoo Kickr and getting a subscription to TrainerRoad.