General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Cervelo P1 or Felt S32 For Initial Triathlon Bike Rss Feed  
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2014-10-02 3:05 PM

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Subject: Cervelo P1 or Felt S32 For Initial Triathlon Bike
I am currently trying to decide on a first triathlon bike. A local craigslist listing showed a barely used (according to the owner) Cervelo P1 Ultegra, listed for $1,250. My other option is to go to a local bike shop and buy a brand new Felt S32 for $1,300 (not sure if it’s 2014 or 2015 model, but it’s unused).

I’m indifferent on the pricing, and would get a good bike fit after purchasing either one of these bikes. Thus far, I’ve only ridden a road bike for my triathlons which have been exactly 2 Olys, 1 HIM, and 1 IM. I’m a MOP to BOP with a running background, who likes to swim but stinks on the bike although I plan to work hard this winter. About 5’9” and 140 lbs, I think I’m of normal proportions as I’ve heard Cervelos are tall and short while Felts are long and low, although I can’t say I know what that means.

Any thoughts are appreciated!






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2014-10-02 3:09 PM
in reply to: niceguy542006

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Ardmore
Subject: RE: Cervelo P1 or Felt S32 For Initial Triathlon Bike
I'm selling my Jamis Comet tri bike.

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/4670611698.html

I live in Ardmore, just outside of Philly.

According to the bike shop I purchased the bike from, it only had about 500 miles on it. I've barely used it as I struggle with aero and have been using my road bike.

I'm 5'9 as well.

As far as tri bike vs road bike, for me, the same level of effort nets me about 1.5 mph faster on the tri bike. I'm sure if I spent more time on the tri bike, I could increase that speed.

junr
2014-10-02 3:54 PM
in reply to: junr

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Subject: RE: Cervelo P1 or Felt S32 For Initial Triathlon Bike
Thanks, nice bike as well. Yeah it took me a few months of riding several times per week before I even became serviceable on a bike, so hopefully spending more time in the saddle, with a more aerodynamic bike, would be helpful!
2014-10-02 3:57 PM
in reply to: niceguy542006

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Subject: RE: Cervelo P1 or Felt S32 For Initial Triathlon Bike
I'd go with the new felt. The 105 drivetrain is super reliable and clean shifting, the new frame is probably more aero than the older P1, and it's new with warranty from the LBS. No brainer to me.
2014-10-02 7:22 PM
in reply to: niceguy542006

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, North Carolina
Subject: RE: Cervelo P1 or Felt S32 For Initial Triathlon Bike
In my opinion, it sounds like the Cervelo that you speak of, is over priced. New, its probably $1600.....so, used, even if gently, I would think you should be able to get it for less than $1200. I don't know a ton about Felts. I have ridden a B12 and B16, and chose a Cervelo over the Felt. But that was my personal preference. Ultimately, go with the one that feels better to you, and fits you the best. You will be faster on a bike that fits you.
2014-10-03 7:00 AM
in reply to: niceguy542006

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Subject: RE: Cervelo P1 or Felt S32 For Initial Triathlon Bike
Originally posted by niceguy542006

I am currently trying to decide on a first triathlon bike. A local craigslist listing showed a barely used (according to the owner) Cervelo P1 Ultegra, listed for $1,250. My other option is to go to a local bike shop and buy a brand new Felt S32 for $1,300 (not sure if it’s 2014 or 2015 model, but it’s unused).

I’m indifferent on the pricing, and would get a good bike fit after purchasing either one of these bikes. Thus far, I’ve only ridden a road bike for my triathlons which have been exactly 2 Olys, 1 HIM, and 1 IM. I’m a MOP to BOP with a running background, who likes to swim but stinks on the bike although I plan to work hard this winter. About 5’9” and 140 lbs, I think I’m of normal proportions as I’ve heard Cervelos are tall and short while Felts are long and low, although I can’t say I know what that means.

Any thoughts are appreciated!





Felt and cervelo both make great bikes. However you should get a fit first, you want to get on the bike that fits you not make the bike fit you. Breakaway Bikes in Philly is supposed to be a really good shop. I have not been there but know several people who have had a great experience with there fits at that shop.


2014-10-03 7:23 AM
in reply to: niceguy542006

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Subject: RE: Cervelo P1 or Felt S32 For Initial Triathlon Bike

Agree with above, fit first then the bike. What you need are your reach and stack numbers from a fitting to determine which bike setup (not just the frame but headset-aerobar design) works best for you.

And not all models from the same brand are the same (e.g. long and low).  For example the S32 is of an older design and should be long (seat to handlebars) and low) (ground to top tube height).  It also should have have a lot of spacers available under the stem to adjust where your elbows end up height wise (like in the P1 pix you posted) and fore-aft position somewhat adjusted by the stem length or aerobar adjustability but there are limits to this.  Some of the newer Felts (B-series) are now taller and long compared to the older models and can't get as low up front, so it all depends. 

I also agree that Shimano 105 min level of components is what you should look for, I'm not sure what the SRAM equivalent is, Rival maybe.

2014-10-03 7:36 AM
in reply to: niceguy542006

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Detroit, Michigan
Subject: RE: Cervelo P1 or Felt S32 For Initial Triathlon Bike
This is just my take, of course, but when I was buying my first bike I intentionally set out to buy a used bike because I wanted to get more bike for the budget I had. I figured if I was still in triathlon in five years I could upgrade then.

That said, I ended up with the women's version of that Cervelo, and I think that asking price is way too much. (I talked my seller down to $700.) But I have never tried a Felt, either.

Good luck, and remember to come back and show off your new bike, whichever you pick.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Cervelo P1 or Felt S32 For Initial Triathlon Bike Rss Feed  
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