Here it is:
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/cervelorP3Carbon.shtml
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That is among the most informative, educational, and helpful articles I’ve read about buying a tri bike. The lesson is applicable to other bikes, as well.
Nicely done.
so since i think my 55 04 p3sl fits pretty good …then i might consider a 56p3c if i upgrade??
maybe i should wait for a 06 p3c…they might make some changes??
Thank you very much. I also need to acknowledge a fine customer, Mr. Brad Holden, who graciously allowed us to use his photos and his bike (and his sweet Hummer H3 as a back drop) during his visit to get fitted for a P3C.
Thanks for making the trip Brad!
Also thanks to Aderhold and Kim.
Thanks for the overview of the P3C. I’m getting fitted on Tuesday to my P3C, so it gives me some things to look for.
Also, small correction to your overview “Action Tom” 
(meta name). The title tag in your source code should be changed from R2.5 to P3C or P3 Carbon. Just trying to help.
from the review:
“One criticism, if you like to ride with your saddle slightly off center, angled to one side or the other, you can’t do that on a P3 Carbon. The saddle must be in straight orientation to the frame.”
that wouldn’t be a criticism for me. More like, “for those of you too uncoordinated to put your saddle on straight, the P3C is the bike for you…”
Great research and very well put together Tom. Even a “layman” like myself can understand the majority of what is said and described. Makes me wonder though…did I select the perfect size frame for my body ? Oh well , too late now 
Thanks for providing such an value added service to us guys for free.
“When he 54cm did arrive for me I did a test fitting and found its proportions were too large.”
Tom - what about the proportions on the 54 being too large made the 51 fit better?
Thanks for the review.
You’ve bested yourself again Tom.
What an excellent thought provoking article. Exceptionally well written and layman friendly as always. Keep up the good work.
I’d love to see how the 54cm P3C fits compared to a 54cm P2K in both 650/700 designations, since I ride a 54.
Tom, what is your saddle height and also drop from saddle to pads on your P3sl?
Hi Turq,
Good question. I will apologize in advance for the subjective nature of my answer.
In short, it was a case of “Too much bike, not enough dude…”
While Gerard is often a fan of saying something like, “I can ride a 54cm or a 58cm…” when discussing the difference in size I beg to differ (and hope I haven’t grossly mis-paraphrased him there).
To get my proper position on the 54cm frame I had to use a 80 mm stem. It felt like there was a lot of bike under me. The thing felt absurdly long and oddly large. It turned like a barge and felt like I was a passenger. I once had a 747 captain describe to me that steering a 747 on the ground is like driving a five-story building. That’s what this felt like.
On the 51 cm the fit was nice, nimble and compact. A trifle too compact. It was an angry little bike. It want to twitch and squiggle and turn. I was riding a roller skate. A unicycle in the prone position. It was better to be sure, and very racy. But it just wasn’t *tame *enough.
Now, enter my 53 cm Cervelo P3SL which was right down the middle of the 51cm and 54 cm P3C. Mmmmm. Perfect. Not too small… not too large. All the calculations and measurements “fell” onto that bike perfectly and it handles, rides and steers like a dream. It is an extension of me. Quite nice.
I don’t like to generalize about materials because fit is more significant- and the difference in fit is what makes the 53cm P3SL a much better choice for me than either a 51 cm P3C or a 54 cm P3C. As Gerard may say- any of those bikes would *work *for me, it is a question of which one I feel is *best *for me, and that is a matter for the tape measure to demonstrate…
Here you go:
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Not to steal any P3 thunder here Tom, but the new Javelin Barolo’s are coming, and are oh-so-sweet
The fit is the same as the Arcole, and it may be a match made in heaven for you
(Just a little bug in your ear)
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Hmmmmmmmm…
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Have you heard any word on delivery of 58 P3C’s?
When you angle the seat 5-15 degrees right or left it takes pressure off of sensitive parts when posistioned forward on the seat. Tiny sacrifice. Sweet review very informative, thanks!
Hey Tom,
That looks to be like a huge stack of spacers, riser stem and riser blocks on the aero bars.
What gives, does all of that stuff effect the handling or put lots of forces against the fork not the head tube?
K
Thanks Tom,
It sounds like what you are saying is that you need to get fit at a Cervelo dealer that has options. I.E. multiple sizes of P3 and P3carbon, and then get the one that fits best?
Tom,
thanks for helping us understand a little more about the P3 C. I found the discussion of your case extremely useful as it calls attention to the fact that the P3 C, despite being such a nice bike, is not a bike for everyone. Would you mind posting your body measurements so that those facing the 54/51 size dilemma (as I am) can have a clue of which way to go?