Summary: This bike rocks. I bought mine used and really love it. I concur with other reviewer that the ride isn't the best ... very stiff. I ride a Giant road bike which really takes the bumps.
If you purchase a P3, my highest recommendation is to get a professional fitter to get it set-up for you. I tried to do it myself which really didn't work well. Ended up with a sore body. As soon as the fit problems worked out, I was able to go long and hard on the bike.
Compared to last year on my road bike I'm averaging 2 minutes faster on a local 10 mile time trial. That can't just be my legs!
The bike rocks. If you're in the market for one. Don't hesitate! Buy it because you'll see once you actually get on it.
Strengths: Speed, baby!
Weaknesses: Bumpy
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Bike Setup: Zipp 404s, Profile carbon X, Dura ACE 9spd, FSA carbon cranks with disc rings, Selle san marco triathlete gel saddle.
Summary: Didn't want to do this half way. I wanted the best of the best in triathlon bikes. So I shoped around and found a P3 used on Ebay. After several hours of adjustments I finaly had it how I wanted. You have to cut the post to your personal height. It doesn't go in that far so make sure to cut it just enough without taking off to much extra. I bought the 52cm since it uses 700cc wheels. For some reason the 53 uses 650. I wanted to be able to use the wheels I already had so this made life easier. I'm 5'8 and the guy who used it before was 5' 10. So don't be afraid of the smaller size. I know one other person that uses a 51cm and is 5' 9.
Anyways this bike is really fast. I don't ride much with aero bars and usually have my bike weighed down with all the things I need for a long century ride. So going from my road bike to this monster is like comparing a honda to a ferrari. IT IS REALLY FAST.
If you are serious about speed this is what you want. I am completely amazed with the speed. It really can scare you. I haven't even got up the nerve to push on a decent.
Strengths: Beautiful frame. Looks very solid and should last for many years. While other companys try to play catchup you can ride this for years and years and still be the fastest. It will make you feel like superman!
Weaknesses: The speed. You want plenty of room to ride this bike. I tried to ride it on the streets here in Queens NY and it was really dangerous. I have only been using it in Flushing Meadow Park early in the morning when no one is around. On flats with a 10 mph tail wind 40mph is not hard to reach. LIKE THATS A WEAKNESS HAHAHA!!!
Similar Products Used: Bianchi EV4
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Bike Setup: Dura Ace components, 55/43 front chain ring, 24-11 rear
Zipp 404 wheels, Syntace aero bars, Terry s
Summary: I purchased the Cervelo P3 six months ago after test riding the
Kestrel KM 40 and several other premium tri-bikes. I liked the P3
because it is fast, handles like a road bike, and it is quite comfortable
for a aluminum bike. The design of the bike is such that my weight in
the aero position is distributed nicely, which makes the bike comfortable
and stable not fidgety at all. My training rides are as long as 75 miles
and I'm just as fresh after my rides when I rode my Softride, a bike
with a beam suspension. I am 44-year old age-grouper triathlete.
I'm 5'9' and ride the 54cm frame. The seat attachment on the seat
post of the P3 swivels 180 degrees which provides a great range
of movement for positioning the bike seat. I've made numerous
adjustments and have it dialed in just right. Each time I ride the
P3, I admire its performance more and more. Shop around and
you can find dealers who will offer you a good price for the frame.
Strengths: frame design and fit in aero position, aerodynamic, good road
manners, fast
Weaknesses: screws for setting height adjustment of seat
post strip too easy.
Similar Products Used: Softride with Classic Beam
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Summary: The bike is a good value for the money. I would buy another one. Don't plan on a comfortable ride, though. This bike is built for speed. Rides over 75 miles hurt with the forward geometry and stiffness of this frame. It's best at 25 miles or less (in aero position). The aero tubing really smokes. And the aero seat post is very narrow and small. I'd like to see a lifetime warranty, like other biggies, but 4 years is better than one year. If you can get yourself comfortably in the aero position, you will definitely ride faster TTs. Let's put it this way... the bike will not be holding you back.
Strengths: One of the most aerodynamic frames on the market. Let's face it, 80 percent of your hard effort is overcoming wind drag, so you want to be as aero as possible. This frame feels like it just slices effortlessly through the wind. Quality designed and crafted throughout. Top notch welding. Frame is stiff in the BB area (as it should be). Plus the ability to tuck the rear wheel really close to the rounded seat tube helps dodge more wind. Internal cable routing completes the clean look. All of these aero features of the P3 add up to make one of the fastest frames available today.
Weaknesses: #1 - Paint choices. When I got mine I had a choice of bar-b-que flat black or bar-b-que flat black. (Hope you like black) #2 - Decals come off if you put a race number over them. (no clear coat)
Similar Products Used: C-Dale CAAD 4 frame
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