Hi Cervelo experts,
I am going to purchase a P2 (online) and want to ensure that I get the sizing right. I could go into the LBS but am not buying from them…
I have a RS and R5; both are 54 cm and fit perfectly. I have read that you don’t need to size down with Cervelos. Is that generally true?
I am a smidgen above 5’8" and have 32" inseam. So relatively longer torso for a woman.
On my (custom fitted) R5, I have a saddle nose to handlebar reach of 50 cm.
So, I figured a 54 cm would work.
Does anyone have any thoughts?
Thanks!
Nadine
no way to know without knowing anything about your proportions or how low and long you are in your aero position.
you can probably make a 54cm work, might be a compromise though.
I have ridden cervelos for about 10 years now and I always have sized down. I have ridden a r2.5 (I think, one of their first carbon road bikes) p3sl, soloist and now a P5
I rode a 54 in both road versions and a 53 SL and now a 51 P5. My only issue with the P5 was if you could get a bit lower, or at least if the X-low was included in the purchase.
My decision for buying the TT version was always the shortest head tube for a 700c wheel size.
All bikes have fit me fine, no sizing regrets. But I would say that in sizing down on this brand for TT I may be in the minority.
it really depends on how aggressive you want your position to be. A 54 would likely be fine, but it will depend on your best position and how that conforms to the S/R of each size. I also ride with longer stems (more trail) on my road bikes.
Also depends on handling, and comfort.
You need to have confidence in your fit and then go test drive, I wouldn’t buy either size without riding first.
Maurice,
Hi I’m 5’9" I ride a 56 R3 fits great for me, I purchased a 56 P4 second hand but it was to big, sold it and got a 54 P2 fits great. I also read about the size being built into the geometry so you don’t have to size down but it didn’t work for me.
Hope this helps
IM 5’9 with a 30" inseam and my 54 P2 fits me perfect.
I would agree with the others on getting a fit and test ride first. Even though your not buying from your LBS, dont be afraid to try their bikes out. You can always repay the favor when you buy apparel, tune up, nutrition ect!
Goodluck, you wont be dissapointed with a Cervelo!
You may be able to make either a 51 or a 54 work, but the best bet would be to get fit. If I had to guess, I’d say that the 54 may be a bit on the big end for you.
FYI, I am 5’9" with a 33 1/2" inseam and ride a 51 P2. I love the way it fits and handles. A 54 wouldn’t quite work for me because I wouldn’t be able to get as low as I like as a result of the taller head tube on the 54 P2.
Agree, having a good relationship with your LBS is important for me.
Do you have an issue with your LBS (to the op)?
Even if you are not buying from them, tell them strait out that you need to test drive XYZ size/brand, and that you plan on buying used/elsewhere.
Being honest and strait forward is key, massage the LBS guys with beer (around closing time) buy a jersey, tubes, maybe some chain lube, combine with a beer or two and you mIght walk out with a good idea of what frame size you might need without spending 2k on the internet.
Of course this depends on if you have an ST approved fit already ; )
I have similar numbers to you, but my seat height is at about .91 of inseam, so output/vs seat height depends on analysis which depends on a proper fit which ultimately affects which frame size you will choose.
Maurice,
177cm tall here, 54 P2 fits great!
I’m 5’7, 31 inseam. I have a 51 P2, which fit fine (and everyone I talked to recommended this size). However, I really think a 54 P3 would fit better, because I feel currently more of my weight is placed a bit too far forward than is optimal, and so in windy conditions or downhill I don’t feel totally stable and wish for a slightly longer wheel base. Also, a bigger size would mean less spacers. So, for someone with your measurements, I’d say 54 probably is likely better. The only compelling reason for 51 would be if you want to get super low and aggressive. For greater peace of mind, you may want to get a basic fit done at the LBS. Road bike coordinates, especially the reach, does not translate well to a tri set-up and is partially dependent on your arm length, flexibility, and even the natural arch of your back in a hunched position, in addition to torso length. The combined effects of all these variables are hard to measure without a proper bike fitting. And from experience, I really think its better to spend the money on a good fit than to risk buying the wrong sized bike.
Happy shopping.
I’m 5’7, 31 inseam. I have a 51 P2, which fit fine (and everyone I talked to recommended this size). However, I really think a 54 P3 would fit better, because I feel currently more of my weight is placed a bit too far forward than is optimal, and so in windy conditions or downhill I don’t feel totally stable and wish for a slightly longer wheel base. Also, a bigger size would mean less spacers. So, for someone with your measurements, I’d say 54 probably is likely better. The only compelling reason for 51 would be if you want to get super low and aggressive. For greater peace of mind, you may want to get a basic fit done at the LBS. Road bike coordinates, especially the reach, does not translate well to a tri set-up and is partially dependent on your arm length, flexibility, and even the natural arch of your back in a hunched position, in addition to torso length. The combined effects of all these variables are hard to measure without a proper bike fitting. And from experience, I really think its better to spend the money on a good fit than to risk buying the wrong sized bike.
Happy shopping.
It’s interesting you mention the weight distribution and stability. Maybe it comes down to individual preference. I am perched out over the front wheel quite a bit on my 51 P2, but it handles like a dream, whether going downhill, in the wind, going downhill in the wind, etc.
Not knowing much, here’s what I know…
I had a F.I.T.S. fitting a few weeks ago. While my reach/stack sized up to a Felt B16 56, I sized to a Cervelo P2 54.
Having said that, and having once bought a bike that just plain didn’t fit, I would recommend an independent fitting to determine your reach/stack, and then the right size bike for you.
What was neat about the fitting is that we essentially built the ideal bike for me with the machine thingy (technical term) and then determined which bikes would be a good fit for me based on my measurements…
I believe an investment like this deserves a good fitting before-hand to make sure the bike is really ideal for you. And if you can find a fitter in your area that’s independent of bike shops/brands, even better!
5’7.5" - never forget the 0.5" :-), 30.5" inseam, 51cm P3 (ridden at 80.5 degrees) and although it does look like I monster it a bit, it fits like a glove.
Edit: So youve got a shorter torso then me so unless you plan to ride a 51 much steeper than me (dont think its even possible to go too much steeper), it should fit perfectly
Edit 2 : And if you need to worry about UCI regs and getting the saddle behind the BB, then the 54 would be way too big.
For what it’s worth I just picked up a new P2 54. I was previously riding a 54 '10 P3 with a lot of spacers. As my mileage and flexibility has increased the higher head tube of the P2 worked out better on my professional fit. I slammed the stem and feel more comfortable…and faster. I also ride a 54 caad10. I’m 5 9 1/2 with a 30 inch inseam. Good luck on your purchase.
Hi Cervelo experts,
I am going to purchase a P2 (online) and want to ensure that I get the sizing right. I could go into the LBS but am not buying from them…
I have a RS and R5; both are 54 cm and fit perfectly. I have read that you don’t need to size down with Cervelos. Is that generally true?
I am a smidgen above 5’8" and have 32" inseam. So relatively longer torso for a woman.
On my (custom fitted) R5, I have a saddle nose to handlebar reach of 50 cm.
So, I figured a 54 cm would work.
Does anyone have any thoughts?
Thanks!
Nadine
New or used?
Road bike is a 52cm CAAD9.
Tri bike is a 51cm P3.
5’9", 30" inseam.
Tough general question without knowing details, aero, etc including your goals. I’m 5’10"-32" and was put on a 51cm-P2 initially. A very knowledgeable guy tweaked it and made it work to a certain point (played with stem-length/angle, etc). Now I’m riding a 54cm and the difference is huge (I like it this way and I’m way more comfortable, powerful, etc)! A friend of mine is about 5’7" using a 51cm and he’s perhaps the 2nd fastest guy in the riding gang, he says he feels perfect on it (other gang members are 6’ or 6’1" and ride a 54cm). I heard that longer torso people fit better on a P3 than a P2 but I may be wrong remembering the models/brand. I’ve also read many people regret going with 54 instead of 51 (again, based on their particular limitations, goals, body angles, etc). Hope you find what works for you
Does anyone have any thoughts?
Your position makes all the difference… impossible to tell otherwise.
I’m 6ft with a 33.75" inseam and I’d ride a 51cm P2… because I need a lot of drop. The other dimensions are easily dealt with… ie long stem and extensions, seatpost extended.
Stack is by far the most important dimension. If you can get your bar low enough with a horizontal stem on the 54 then it’s fine. If not, choose the smaller size.
did’nt think you could buy cervelo on line?
Thanks EVERYONE>
As it turns out, I got sized and I am a size 54. However, I learned an enormous amount from these replies. Like that front and back weight distribution affects your ability to handle the bike in wind.
Thanks again, Nadine
It’s interesting you mention the weight distribution and stability. Maybe it comes down to individual preference. I am perched out over the front wheel quite a bit on my 51 P2, but it handles like a dream, whether going downhill, in the wind, going downhill in the wind, etc.
Yep. I’m way out over the front wheel on mine also. Don’t know why that would hurt stability. If anything, seems like more weight on the front would make it more stable and less effected by wind. Instead of a rearward weight bias that is more common, I have about the same weight on both wheels.