After getting creamed in a local tt, I’m looking at getting a different bike. Currently have a mid 1990s Softride Road Rocket with Syntace bars, a Cervelo Soloist (part time tri bike with flipped post and cluip on Syntace bars).Here’s the question “I saw a few 54 or 55 Cervelo P3s and P3Cs on Ebay.” Is the P3 in either config. going to be substancially faster than the Soloist, and is the carbon bike worth the extra $$$?" Will be using Specialized tri spoke and Wheelbuilder cover on top of an Open Pro rim.Thanks for the help.
the p3 might be substantially faster than a soloist if you can make use of the lower head tube to get your position more aerodynamic.
otherwise it will only be a little faster
if you are getting ‘creamed’ in the local TT the bike isn’t the answer.
its when you just lose by a little bit that the bike will make the difference =)
I agree with Jack, it’ll all be about the position you can get into on the P3. I’m 6’2 and ride a 58, kind of wish I had gone 56 now as I have an adjustable stem angled down.
Personally, I dont think carbon is worth it. If you were doing Ironmans maybe the supposed vibration dampening would matter, but for oly or sprints or 10 mi tt’s the aluminum is fine. Also, no warranty with a used carbon bike.
I got my 2003 P3alu with Ultegra on eBay for $1080 shipped. So they’re pretty cheap, considering this bike probably sold for 2.5 times that new.
Don’t let these guys shit you, man, the carbon is significantly faster, lighter and aero. I have both.
yeah, id agree its lighter (who cares) and probably more aero ----- but how much more aero? 10 secs over 40k? 20 secs over 40k? Is that worth $1000 or more? Not to me.
both what? aluminum soloist and p3C? p3 aluminum and p3 carbon?
how much faster with the same components and position? =)
Don’t let these guys shit you, man, the carbon is significantly faster, lighter and aero. I have both.
Perhaps creamed was a poor word choice.
1st place was local ex pro - yes he creamed us all, however, spots 2-4 (I was 4th) were decided by 8 seconds. So…
P3alu or P3C will give you those 8 seconds over the Soloist.