Triathlon - TT/Duathalon bike

I posted a few months back and was seriously considering the Cervelo P2C as my bike. Basically I will be using the bike for duathalons and some TT events. However while I have been waiting for the '08 P2C to come out, I have realized that maybe I should consider the Cervelo P2SL as well and that it might be an even better match that got passed up by me due to the fact that it isn't carbon. Anyways I did some research and came across these numbers, not sure if they are right so if anyone can verify that would be great:

Cervelo P2SL, 2091g
Cervelo P2C, 2009g

Is that right? Since there isn't really that much of a weight savings with the P2C, I am wondering if I should just save the $$ difference and get the aluminum frame. I could put that money towards the set of wheels I was thinking about or save up for my next road bike build. So what else would make up th difference in price besides the carbon? Are they vastly differently aerodynamically? If I got the P2C I was probably going to go with the Ultegra build, but now with the P2SL D/A being $650 less I would go with that. Basically that would be a steal. I wonder what the cost of the frame would turn out to be after subtracting the cost of the groupset. So am I thinking correctly with possibly going with the P2SL, or should I go the carbon route?

What are the roads like where you ride? I have a P2SL and I think it is a great ride. That said, I have friends with P2C's who rave about how smooth and comfortable it is. I think you would be happy with either option.

sHey slick besides the WOW factor the extra 3 ounces means zippo. Save the cash for a set of great wheels the frame will yield fewer benefits as compared to light fast wheels...I can take a crapy aluminum frame with great stuff and destroy a fancy pants carbon bike.....Remember it is the Engine "you" that makes all the difference if you have the money to do both frame and wheels do it if not save some cash..

See ya:)

One will look better (Stock P2C)

and

one will be faster (P2SL with better wheels)

Is that right? Since there isn't really that much of a weight savings with the P2C, I am wondering if I should just save the $$ difference and get the aluminum frame. I could put that money towards the set of wheels I was thinking about or save up for my next road bike build. So what else would make up th difference in price besides the carbon? Are they vastly differently aerodynamically? If I got the P2C I was probably going to go with the Ultegra build, but now with the P2SL D/A being $650 less I would go with that. Basically that would be a steal. I wonder what the cost of the frame would turn out to be after subtracting the cost of the groupset. So am I thinking correctly with possibly going with the P2SL, or should I go the carbon route?

You should really try both frames out on the road and compare. I find the carbon frame to be smoother and more comfortable as it absorbs all imperfections from the road really well. Depending on your race distance and the road conditions but you could be fresher coming off the carbon bike and be more ready to run.

What are the roads like where you ride? I have a P2SL and I think it is a great ride. That said, I have friends with P2C's who rave about how smooth and comfortable it is. I think you would be happy with either option.

The roads around here are fairly good and nothing worth complaining about.

You should really try both frames out on the road and compare. I find the carbon frame to be smoother and more comfortable as it absorbs all imperfections from the road really well. Depending on your race distance and the road conditions but you could be fresher coming off the carbon bike and be more ready to run.

I was able to try both bikes at LBS and I didn't think either one was that bad. Obviously the P2C felt a little smoother, but they were both very quick. The guy that was helping me out would also help do a custom fit and said that he would be able to get both dialed in depending on which frame I went with. So there isn't an issue about fit for me. I never thought about the carbon as helping me feel a little fresher to do running. That totally slipped my mind and makes perfect sense and is something that I seriously need to consider. Thanks.

One will look better (Stock P2C)

and

one will be faster (P2SL with better wheels)

Well the plan would be to eventually get a pair of better wheels for the P2C one I was able to save up some money. The other thing worth considering is whether it is worth the extra $500 to get the DA over the Ultegra if I went ahead with the P2C. I would save some weight (I think .4-.5 lbs) which isn't that important on the TT bike. However I wonder if everything would work smoother and be more durable with the DA? I have only had Ultegra my whole life, so I don't really have the ability to compare it to DA.

Dude, now you are just being silly....Only the Pro's who get free stuff ride DA it is an unneeded high quality item. Again it seems you have the $$ to get it so just do so. Facts remain that Ultegra is an excellent level of quality, and once again. The Man/Machine is the reason for speed not the groupo.
I'll be sporting old school 8 speed ultega/105 mix and look forward to Hammering Jive Turkeys on 5K bikes made from China Carbon fiber.

Yippy

Crom has spoken,

Dude, now you are just being silly....Only the Pro's who get free stuff ride DA it is an unneeded high quality item. Again it seems you have the $$ to get it so just do so. Facts remain that Ultegra is an excellent level of quality, and once again. The Man/Machine is the reason for speed not the groupo.
I'll be sporting old school 8 speed ultega/105 mix and look forward to Hammering Jive Turkeys on 5K bikes made from China Carbon fiber.

Yippy

Crom has spoken,

As a grad-student my budget is small and limited. That is one reason that the Ultegra mix is looking better due to the money that I would be saving. I just don't think the DA would really give me $500 in weight savings and functionability over the ultegra mix.

Would anyone compare the P2SL to the Equinox 7? My LBS guy says that for the money the Equinox is the way to go in the entry level TT bikes. (He sells both at close to the same price $1750 for the Cervelo and $1850 for the Equinox) The cockpit + componentry beyond the derailleurs is definately better on the Trek. ie I don't think I'll be unhappy on 105 on the Trek (I have 105 on my road and love it). I just know the bars on the P2 aren't nearly as good. Any suggestions? And does anyone know the weight of the Trek?

Remember that at this price point most bikes are very similar, again go with the best fitting bike...speed will com eif it fits ya and ounce here or there will not make much difference unless it is in the wheels. Bars, stem seatpost are just for show......Fit my Friend Find the bike that willmake you Faster!!!

Would anyone compare the P2SL to the Equinox 7?

The Cervelo will give more flexibility in terms of Geometry with the reversable Seat post.

They must have the bars set up different than the website I was looking at while both had home brand bullhorns, the Trek I saw was Profile Aerolite vs. Vision Tech on the Cervelo. In this case the Cervelo wins hands down.

What did you see different between the two that made the Trek look good?

The Cervelo will give more flexibility in terms of Geometry with the reversable Seat post.

They must have the bars set up different than the website I was looking at while both had home brand bullhorns, the Trek I saw was Profile Aerolite vs. Vision Tech on the Cervelo. In this case the Cervelo wins hands down.

What did you see different between the two that made the Trek look good?

Maybe the Cervelo I saw wasn't set up this way. The Aero bars seemed pretty cheap. Especially where the brakes are (although the wrap job looked terrible). The seat on the Trek seemed better as do the brakes and the wheels. Although I appreciate all the advice I can get. My biggest concern is upgrading. Will either frame keep me happy if I decide to upgrade in the future? I've always read on this site to get the better frame and go from there.

My biggest concern is upgrading. Will either frame keep me happy if I decide to upgrade in the future? I've always read on this site to get the better frame and go from there.

Upgradeitis is an disease that cannot be cured regardless of which frame you choose... Both solid bikes for the money, but there will always be something shinier and newer :)

Dude, you seem tohave enoughcash to buy a nice bike. Buy what you like and upgrade as you go. Wheels are key as is it....Again, anything at that range sans a high end custom will be nice.

Enjoy and keep us in the loop

Ride both if you can and let that decide. If taken the aluminum P2 for a spin, it's fine, but I can tell it's a more jarring ride than my Ti road with aero bars. I'll give the P2C a whirl and then decide.

Generally, though, I would choose Ultegra + smooth ride (i.e., carbon) over DA and vibrations (aluminum), but that just my wuss opinion.

Just to let you guys know I decided to go with the '08 Cervelo P2C Ultegra over the P2SL. :D I can't wait for my LBS to get the bike sometime next week. Now to start looking at some race wheels. :eek:

I just read a review and I must say I am very Jealous.....WOW. What was the final cost. I saw one for just under 3K, full ultregra with shimano wheel. What are your times? Are a beast of a mid packer guy witha nice bike...I am the later, but with an old bike.

http://store.insideoutsports.com/browse.cfm/4,1292.htm

I just read a review and I must say I am very Jealous.....WOW. What was the final cost. I saw one for just under 3K, full ultregra with shimano wheel. What are your times? Are a beast of a mid packer guy witha nice bike...I am the later, but with an old bike.

http://store.insideoutsports.com/browse.cfm/4,1292.htm

Yeah it is a very nice bike. The Ultegra version goes for $2500, which is a steal to me considering everything you get for your money! I don't have any times on the bike yet, and this is my first TT specific bike so I'm not sure how to compare it to my road bike. But I know that it is basically a speed machine right out of the box. :D

I'd recommend Ultegra/Rival/Centaur to save a bit of cash for better wheels, as well as both a disc and an open rear wheel and both 11/23 and 12/25 cassettes. If you're building a frame up yourself I'd really recommend a look at Rival - quite nice, the SRAM TT shifters are hot, and you can use Shimano wheels. Then again, Campy wheels seem to go slightly cheaper on e-bay.

As for the frames, I've never ridden either, but I'd be biased towards the cheaper one to get some really bling wheels. Anyone have any idea how the aerodynamics compare? And aluminium would be more likely to survive a crash intact.

(and if you've not got one already, an aero helmet will be pretty much required on a bike like that. :) )

[QUOTE=Treefox;5973705]As for the frames, I've never ridden either, but I'd be biased towards the cheaper one to get some really bling wheels. Anyone have any idea how the aerodynamics compare? And aluminium would be more likely to survive a crash intact.
[QUOTE]

Obviously the most important aero gains are if you fit the frame well... ;)

I haven't seen actual aero test results for the different models, but have a list comparing various frame aspect ratios compiled by slowtwitch member Cyclenutnz.

The Aluminium Cervelo frames rate still very close the the newer carbon models.

http://tinypic.com/43ggqhu.jpg

Topic - http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=1252204