Cervelo P2 by Cervelo Cycles:

Material: Carbon Fiber Geometry: Performance Tri/TT Price Category: Framesets $1500-$2000. Built Bikes $2000-$3000. Components: Ultegra mix or Fit Werx Custom.

Who is it for? The Cervelo P2 is for the triathlete or TT rider looking for a proven and reliable performer that is value priced and well equipped.

Noteworthy: The Cervelo P2 is the most popular TT/tri bike on earth and Cervelo’s most versatile TT/Tri geometry. The Cervelo P3 inspired updates for 2014 only enhance this proven winner.

Bottom Line: Back in 1996, the Cervelo P2 started to redefine what it meant to be a “triathlon bike”. Cervelo was a much smaller company then, making a name for themselves, and their most popular model was a tried and true 78 degree seat tube angle aluminum frame with a unique feature – a very precisely shaped airfoil tubeset. The P2 had the look of the exotic uber-bikes of the day like the Lotus and Hotta (many would argue the P2 looked even better), but was priced under a couple thousand dollars and was thus within reach of most athletes. Needless to say, the concept caught on and Cervelo grew with it. The P2C came out in ’06 and the frame’s material changed from aluminum to carbon fiber. With it, the ride became more refined and the bike became even more aerodynamic. The P2 frame was barely changed in seven seasons as it was still the benchmark at its price point.

Life isn’t static though; everything must change. Thankfully, even for a bike as proven and established as the Cervelo P2, change can be good. The next generation P2 started shipping in early ’14 and offers a frame that is clearly inspired by the new P3. In fact, the new P2 appears identical in shape to the P3. With Cervelo’s latest revised geometry, the fit of the Cervelo P2 has improved for most riders and the shape is clearly more aerodynamic while enhancing bottom bracket stiffness (one of the few places that the first generation P2 carbon frames were lacking a little for larger or more powerful riders).

The bottom line remains that, if it fits you well, a Cervelo P2 with a nice set of wheels is remains the fastest way to the finish line for the least amount of money. The good news is that the new Cervelo P2 fits more people well than ever before.