Triathlon - Cervelo P1 or P2

I am ready to purchase a Tri bike. I really have narrowed it down to the P1 or P2. I am waiting for the eRide to show up in my area to give each a test ride I hope. I have read the specs, but can not really figure out what the difference will mean to me as a rider. I have a road bike, thought entry level, so want to just get on with the Tri bike purchase. Started doing tris last year and really enjoy the fact that you have to train for three events. Still doing sprints, maybe later this year will try something longer, if my body will just stop getting injured.

thanks for any thoughts from a rider perspective

if you have the money, and you plan on even maybe doing longer events later, the P2 has way more bike than the P1, you will want to upgrade the P1 eventually anyway, but go ahead and try both out to see what you like.

Correct me if I am wrong but a P1 with aero wheels would be a lot better than P2 stock.

I ride an older P3 SL which is alloy, not carbon, but still very light & stiff. Overall, I'd say that either bike is going to be fine for you. Perhaps focus on the componentry and fit - or just budget. Pay attention to size and fit too. Cervelo claim that their main advantage is that they fit better but it probably takes a good bikefitter to make the most of the geometry and design.


The comments above are also good advice.

I just rode my P3 on a nice section of freeway while away for the Easter break, hit 70km/h on some of the descents and it felt very comfortable. Kind of like a Porsche, they get better with speed.

P2 all the way ;-) I'm pretty sure once you get it you will get some carbon wheels, you will see the difference between riding carbon Vs alloy/alum
the more you get into the sport it is more likely you will upgrade more things, but the P2 is a good starting point.

The P1 is a bit less aerodynamic than the P2. Lots of features a missing like a sculpted headtube, and aero seatstays. If you are racing and want every second, go for the P2. If you want a good, solid, comfortable bike that will give you many years of riding go for the P1.

Lots of great input. The eride is 12 days away.

Is there any time comparrision between the P1 and P2 with respect to performance considering the different aerodynamics and weight?

I did find some info on aero wheels and potential time savings at: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=1099

I've seen data that suggests about 1.5 seconds per kilometer. Or about a minute in a 40k.

Unless you're losing your age group by less than a minute in an Oly, the difference isn't enough to matter. Take the price difference and get some race wheels.

I bought a P1 (actually, a P2SL) over a P2(C) for a number of reasons.. Not the least of which was that I prefer aluminum to carbon (*Gasp!*). Yes, carbon rides nice, no argument there, but I'm perfectly comfortable on an AL bike. When I shipped and flew it, I never had to worry about a minor nick turning into a structural failure.

Now, if you feel like you're going to have "carbon envy" after buying the AL bike, then pull the trigger on the P2. Just know that the vast majority of riders (and a larger majority of triathletes) will never be held back by a P1.

I adore my P2C - and have had absolutely NO upgraditis since getting it. None. Nada.

That said, I'm fairly certain a P1 + race wheels would be faster for the same cost. But dang that P2 is sexy!

Unless you're losing your age group by less than a minute in an Oly, the difference isn't enough to matter. Take the price difference and get some race wheels.

I bought a P1 (actually, a P2SL) over a P2(C) for a number of reasons.. Not the least of which was that I prefer aluminum to carbon (*Gasp!*). Yes, carbon rides nice, no argument there, but I'm perfectly comfortable on an AL bike. When I shipped and flew it, I never had to worry about a minor nick turning into a structural failure.

Now, if you feel like you're going to have "carbon envy" after buying the AL bike, then pull the trigger on the P2. Just know that the vast majority of riders (and a larger majority of triathletes) will never be held back by a P1.

agree on the durability factor. I would be terrified of a super nice carbon bike getting broken while not riding. Wheras my alloy bike......

Great info. Sounds like I just need to give it a ride. My current road bike is aluminum. So jumping on a carbon will give me somewhat of a comparrision. I am fearful about the potential damage to a carbon. I will have to check into that more.

if you have the money, and you plan on even maybe doing longer events later, the P2 has way more bike than the P1, you will want to upgrade the P1 eventually anyway, but go ahead and try both out to see what you like.

P2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Awesome bike. You won't regret it. I picked mine up two days ago... what a great ride.

(crappy cell phone pic)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4546787872_ea8405edb0.jpg

Just know that the vast majority of riders (and a larger majority of triathletes) will never be held back by a P1.

100% truth.

2004 itu long distance world championships were won on a stock cervelo dual (although it had a disc wheel on the rear) -- which is/was a lower-end version of the p1 as it had no rear wheel cut-out.

if it can win a world championships, so can the p1 :)

http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/Cervelo%20Dual%20-06/1-Cervelo-Dual.jpg

So, I rode the P2 and the P3 last weekend. I could not get comfortable in the tri position. Something I was afraid of. I have been to two bike shops, and both are steering me to a road bike. I am not competing for tops in my age group and do not have visions of doing so. My question should I drop the idea of a tri bike and get a really good road bike. this would be upgrading from my current schwin circuit raod bike [$600]. I also want to do century rides in the future and belive a road bike may be better. Looking for additional insight.

You could always look at the S series by Cervelo. They can turn into a pseudo tri-bike if you want it too.

http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/CerveloS1-2009.shtml

I have a P2 and love it... but if you a road bike that is great for just about everything I love my Ti bike. Light enough... lasts forever, and great for long centuries while staying very comfortable. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2579/4023747404_e1c663828c_b.jpg

Both are great bike options, I would go with P1 and some race wheels. Purchase of race wheels was the best thing i ever did.

Now, Im confused over the legallity of the aero bars. Now I have been informed that the aero bars cant pass the brake hoods. So is this a different style thats approved? I prefer this setup much more over regular bars with short aero bars.

USAT draft legal races have that rule...other triathlons that are not draft legal, there is no such rule that I am aware of

Think Ill just go with whats ITU legal, saves me any hassles in the future.

That's a challenging question - it really depends on how much racing you plan to do. I probably split time between my tri bike and road bike 60/40. If it is a hilly/mountainous tri I'll race the road bike, flat to rolling I'll go with the tri bike. That said, I have the P2, my wife has the P1, and they are both great bikes. Do keep in mind that even in the tri bike markets, the geometries can vary greatly. The Cervelo bikes are in the long and low category (riders with longer torso, bikes have shorter stack height). On the other hands, makers like Cannondale and perhaps Scott trend towards the tall and narrow (taller frame with shorter reach = longer leg/shorter torso rider). Just like a road bike, a tri bike that is ill fit will simply not feel right. Mine is so comfortable I can ride it for hours on end with no discomfort - I would say more comfortable than my roadie over long distances.

If you're just going to do an occasional race, a road bike may be the best deal for you. There are some (Cervelo, Kestrel Talon, Felt (can't remember which series right now), that have geometries that will let you go back and forth. A good road bike with a set of clip on aero bars may be the way to go.