It’s time for a new bike again, so wanted some words of wisdom on the 2013 P3 Classic (the last one before the NP3). I’ve already been fit on one, have race wheels, plan on a disc cover, have an aero helmet, so on and so forth. NP3 not in the budget, and have been offered the Classic for a little under 3 grand. Thoughts?
I’ve had mine since February and there have been zero issues with disc cover compatibility. The whole package is a pretty great value for what you get.
I have ridden some very fast times this year on a 2008 P3, it is a FAST bike.
I’ve ridden mine for the last two seasons and have zero complaints. That thing is a badass bike for sure. It’s definitely taken me far beyond where I ever thought I could go in the sport.
Go for it and enjoy!
I have P3 classic and am lusting after a P5, not sure why, but I am. The P3c is fast, handles great, it is significantly less stiff than the new P3/P5, but not flimsy. The brakes work on it. Bottom line is: it’s a lot of money to buy something 1.5 -3 minutes faster than a P3 classic.
You have the version of classic P3 with the latest, fastest fork, so that is a great start.
You give up a little bit of drag to the latest super bikes but not a ton. For a triathlete I don’t think there is any reason to worry about a P3 not being good enough.
If you want to bridge the gap between your P3 and the latest superbikes, some attention to detail can get you most of the way there. Top notch aerobar, trick stems and brakes that are now available, and if you are brave, drilling the top tube =)
I detail a lot of it here:
http://austintriathlonstore.blogspot.com/2013/10/aero-tune-up-turn-your-aging-tri-bike.html
P2s and P3s have featured quite often in the last couple years at our state TT championships. Just off the top of my head I recall a mens Cat 1 podium (p3), a men’s Cat 2 podium (p3, my bike! but not me riding it), A women’s Cat 1 champion twice (P2), a cat 3 champion (P2)
and none of them had as slick of a setup as the one in the link =)
Thanks everyone for the advice. I’ll probably confirm the order today, and maybe finally order that disc cover.
Also, nice advice on the front end Jack.
Just came into the lbs today, will post pics soon. Because pics or it didn’t happen!
It’s an awesome bike with a beautiful paint job. No problems with the disc cover either.
