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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Bikes comparable to P2?

Frayed Laces

Jul 3, 09 11:05

Post #1 of 14 (807 views)

Bikes comparable to P2?	Can't Post

Be gentle, I'm sort of a newbie...

So, here's the deal. It's time for me to get a real triathlon bike. My old trusty road bike got me through my rookie year and my first half IM, but it just 'aint cutting it anymore. I am a poor graduate student, and am on a limited budget. I have been saving for awhile now, and my price range is for a bike around 3,000.

Initially I was thinking of a P2, but have started looking into other brands. I've been scouring the ST forums, and read that its more important for you to figure out what kind of fit you need and then go from there. Does anyone have the quick and dirty on other brands/models comparable to a P2 (pricewise)? I don't really know much about geometries, but if it helps I need a 50/51cm frame and have a long torso.

P_Ahart

Jul 3, 09 11:26

Post #2 of 14 (784 views)

Re: Bikes comparable to P2? [Frayed Laces] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Everyone is going to say "get fitted". Besides that I would say the top three is Cervelo, Felt and Trek. I bought my Trek 9.5 at the end of the year so I got a killer deal. So timing is something to look at. If you have a tri club near by, see if they get a discount at the local bike shop;10-15% helps. I was looking to replace my trek. The Felt b-12 or b-16 look really good, as does the p1/p2. If I had 3000 to start new I would get a p1, powertap laced in good training wheel with a wheel cover, and a nice front race wheel. If you look at deals this is pretty managable. It was posted on here "A good alum. bike beats a crappy carbon bike". I started training with a powermeter last year and it made huge differnces in how I would ride. You can demo powertaps for 30 or so bucks. The p1 reviews were great, and you get the same position as a p2 with a pretty aero frame.

DrPete

Jul 3, 09 11:40

Post #3 of 14 (773 views)

Re: Bikes comparable to P2? [pete_o99] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I tend to agree about the powermeter, but then again I've used one and have become somewhat facile with WKO+. If you're not willing to geek out over the data to some extent or have a coach who will analyze the files for you, a power meter becomes a really, really heavy, expensive speedometer.

(This post was edited by DrPete on Jul 3, 09 11:41)

Trispoke

Jul 3, 09 12:04

Post #4 of 14 (748 views)

Re: Bikes comparable to P2? [Frayed Laces] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Orbea Ora + used power tap

My LBS has the Ora w/Ultegra down to $2300. Buy a used wired PT for about $500. Save a bit more and add a aero front wheel and disc cover.

P_Ahart

Jul 3, 09 12:12

Post #5 of 14 (734 views)

Re: Bikes comparable to P2? [DrPete] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thats true, but once you know what to look for its not bad.The question is your improvement or training worth a little extra time anylizing data? If not then its a waste of money. I found the pacing with watts was easier then without it and my legs felt better running afterwards.

Pantelones

Jul 3, 09 12:14

Post #6 of 14 (732 views)

Re: Bikes comparable to P2? [Frayed Laces] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I agree with Pete, 3000 can get you a LOT of bike if you are willing to skimp on "flash and aesthetics" and go with the super solid aluminum P1. The P1, with a professional FIT, aero front wheel and wheelcover on the rear will be much faster than a bone stock P2. I assure you, whatever you lose from not buying a sexy bike is more than made up when you post killer bike splits.

thejunk

Jul 3, 09 12:17

Post #7 of 14 (729 views)

Re: Bikes comparable to P2? [Trispoke] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Down to 2300 for an ora?!? Where do you live?

Frayed Laces

Jul 3, 09 17:20

Post #8 of 14 (644 views)

Re: Bikes comparable to P2? [pete_o99] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Nice feedback. In reference to the powertap question, I definitely am looking to purchase one. I'm in the sciences, and totally geek out with numbers (yeah, I'm that person with custom spreadsheets to log all the data from my runs). I am looking forward to adding a power meter to boost my cycling training.
I have to say, though, that it's really hard for me to get over my carbon fixation. I know there may be lots of benefits to having a properly fitted aluminum bike, but I just don't know if I can go that route. Although my budget isn't that large, I have budgeted 3000 just for the bike--not including accessories. In reality my full budget is closer to 4000.

I am also toying with the idea of purchasing a used bike. I live in Hawaii, and have been told that after Kona I should be able to score some great deals locally. I'm just not sure if that's the best route to take. Basically, I want to buy something that's going to last me a few years but that won't put me out on the streets.

P_Ahart

Jul 3, 09 17:44

Post #9 of 14 (623 views)

Re: Bikes comparable to P2? [Frayed Laces] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Well in that case go for it, I did. I would go do some test rides then. The Cervelo P2, Felt B12, and Trek 9.0/9.5 are all in your ball park and can fit a variety of riders. On my trek I still can get pretty steep and aero. I think you should just see which one feels better. Ive heard that cervelo is really responsive to you where the trek is so stable I dont really think about riding it and concentrate on other things. Test riding and fitting is the way to go. If you can wait unitl oct/nov you will get a better deal. My bike was retailed at 3800 and I got it for 2700. Enjoy the numbers!

JayBull

Jul 3, 09 18:25

Post #10 of 14 (594 views)

Re: Bikes comparable to P2? [pete_o99] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I test rode the Cervelo P2, Scott Plasma, Specialized Transition and Felt B12 today. All awesome bikes.

I think the B12 was the bst overall setup and ride, but also was the most expensive at $3100. The Plasma was a great ride too, but could use a few component upgrades. Again, it was the cheapest.

Reading reviews on the 2008 Felt B12, the 2009 version is a whole new animal and definitely deserves more attention than it gets. If it isn't already in your line-up for bikes to consider, it should be.
-------------------

Swim.Bike.Run.Live

scb

Jul 4, 09 16:58

Post #11 of 14 (513 views)

Re: Bikes comparable to P2? [Frayed Laces] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I went through the same exercise last year and ended up with the Felt B12. I'm quite happy with the purchase.

The new model ('09) is supposed to be even better so certainly worth a look.

cdw

Jul 4, 09 17:15

Post #12 of 14 (498 views)

Re: Bikes comparable to P2? [Frayed Laces] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have budgeted 3000 just for the bike--not including accessories. In reality my full budget is closer to 4000.

That is a "limited budget?" Hilarious. With 4 grand to work with, you don't even have to make any compromises. P2C. Flashpoint 80s with wheelcover. All new. I just don't understand why anyone would pay more unless they just have to have something unique. Sure you look like a lemming, but are you interested in going fast or looking cool and unique? Spending twice as much money might only get you 30-45 seconds more at best and in some cases will actually be a slower frame/wheelset aerodynamically.

Chad

JSA

Jul 5, 09 8:31

Post #13 of 14 (360 views)

Re: Bikes comparable to P2? [Frayed Laces] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I just purchased a Planet X Stealth, with full SRAM Red package, for $2,700 (frame $900, RED $1700, plus assembly $100). This bike is awesome! I have a custom Guru Crono as my long course ride. I purchased the Stealth for TT and shorter tri races. IMO, my Crono is the Cadillac of bikes. I have been riding this bike since 2006. It is light, smooth, fast, comfy, and responsive. So, this is my frame of reference for the Stealth.

I can honestly say, the Stealth is incredible. I love this bike. It is stiff and just feels fast, fast, fast. The Stealth, with full SRAM Red, under $3k is insane. Love it.

_______________________________________________

"My better is better than your better." - LT, via Nike

The people who keep me moving:

TRANSITION - Get Moving!

JSA

Jul 5, 09 8:36

Post #14 of 14 (356 views)

Re: Bikes comparable to P2? [JSA] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I should add that I put a used PowerTap SL 2.4 and used HED aerobars on this bike, purchased from the classifieds, for a total of $1,200. Will likely throw a wheel cover on this baby and have a race-ready bike w/ PT for under $4k, which I believe you said was your budget.

_______________________________________________

"My better is better than your better." - LT, via Nike

The people who keep me moving:

TRANSITION - Get Moving!