Cervelo P2: Dura ace vs Ultegra

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2009-07-14 10:37 AM

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Subject: Cervelo P2: Dura ace vs Ultegra
Hey all... I have been researching the 09 Cervelo(s) as my next bike and noticed the P2 comes with either DA or Ultegra. The price difference is about $500. As far as I can tell the two bikes are otherwise the same.
Is the price difference worth it? Would an average age-grouper notice the difference in weight or feel?

Your thoughts are appreciated.


2009-07-14 10:43 AM
in reply to: #2284143

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Not a Coach
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Subject: RE: Cervelo P2: Dura ace vs Ultegra
I belive the DA is spec'd with nicer crank and saddle (in addition to the DA derailleurs).  If you really want the lighter crank and like saddle much better, then it might be worth it.  Only if the saddle suits you much better would you be able to notice any difference in feel.  I would go with Ultegra and put your own preferred saddle on the bike if you don't like the stock one.

Edited by JohnnyKay 2009-07-14 11:07 AM
2009-07-14 10:49 AM
in reply to: #2284143

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Cervelo P2: Dura ace vs Ultegra
spend the $500 towards something else.

$570 for renn 575

http://www.rennmultisport.com/~rennmem/store/commerce.cgi?product=575a
2009-07-14 10:59 AM
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Subject: RE: Cervelo P2: Dura ace vs Ultegra
The ultegra I have found to be very smooth compared to my dura ace equipped bike. Much less worry about the chain popping off or skipping gears (though it can still happen of course).
2009-07-14 11:25 AM
in reply to: #2284143

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Cervelo P2: Dura ace vs Ultegra

I went with the Ultegra model and switched out the crank to DA.  Bike shop told me I would be crazy to spend the extra $500 on DA model.  Just not worth it.

2009-07-14 11:32 AM
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Regular
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Subject: RE: Cervelo P2: Dura ace vs Ultegra
Very good info, thanks.
Looks like I'm going with the ultegra and yes, maybe put a little $ into other stuff.


2009-07-14 11:42 AM
in reply to: #2284143

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Subject: RE: Cervelo P2: Dura ace vs Ultegra
IF you got the DA crank then yes, I would say it's worth it but since you don't, it's not. Ultegra is plenty good.
2009-07-14 11:52 AM
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Subject: RE: Cervelo P2: Dura ace vs Ultegra

I purchased the P2C Ultegra last year. I tend to research things extensively before making a decision and in the end, I decided that the difference in components wasn't significant enough for me to buy the Dura Ace. Because the two come in differnt color schemes, I decided that I liked the Ultegra color scheme far more than I did the Dura Ace color scheme. That became the deciding factor for me because the other differences were almost insignificant. 

Here is a link that helped me to sort out the diffenences between the two. As you will see, the component differences are minimal. So, with that being said, I would decide which color scheme appeals to you and go from there. Hope this helps!

http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/features/dura-ace-ultegra.shtml

2009-07-14 12:27 PM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: Cervelo P2: Dura ace vs Ultegra
neuronet - 2009-07-14 10:59 AM The ultegra I have found to be very smooth compared to my dura ace equipped bike. Much less worry about the chain popping off or skipping gears (though it can still happen of course).


was it properly tunned?  i had never had any issues and have done 2 tune ups....1 @ 500 miles 1 @ 1700 miles and after the second one the ultegra is amazing. 
2009-07-14 1:07 PM
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Subject: RE: Cervelo P2: Dura ace vs Ultegra
In addition to the DA derailleurs, you get the FSA SLK Light MegaExo Carbon crankset and the fi'zi:k Arione Tri2 saddle. The crankset is $450 retail, has carbon hollow crank arms, (compare to ~$100 retail with aluminium crank arms on the one sold on the Ultegra bike; that also is a compact crankset, the DA one is full sized). The saddle is the most comfortable tri saddle with a nose that I've ridden.

Whether or not it's worth $500 is a personal decision, it didn't cost me that much more and I still hesitated. I've been an Ultegra rider for most of my cycling career, and really can't feel any difference with the DA derailleurs. Actually, I preferred the DA color scheme (red bikes are much faster) so that was my determinant. I'm happy with mine, feel it's the fastest bike I've yet owned.
2009-07-14 1:13 PM
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Subject: RE: Cervelo P2: Dura ace vs Ultegra
GirlGoin'Long - 2009-07-14 11:52 AM

I purchased the P2C Ultegra last year. I tend to research things extensively before making a decision and in the end, I decided that the difference in components wasn't significant enough for me to buy the Dura Ace. Because the two come in differnt color schemes, I decided that I liked the Ultegra color scheme far more than I did the Dura Ace color scheme. That became the deciding factor for me because the other differences were almost insignificant. 

Here is a link that helped me to sort out the diffenences between the two. As you will see, the component differences are minimal. So, with that being said, I would decide which color scheme appeals to you and go from there. Hope this helps!

http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/features/dura-ace-ultegra.shtml



Just note that this article is somewhat dated, the DA model is now shipping with the newer model 7900 DA, which has carbon cage on the RD and is several grams (Cool) lighter than the older 7800.

Also note that the article focuses only on the derailleurs, not the crankset and saddle which I figure are more functionally significant.

2009-07-14 6:59 PM
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Subject: RE: Cervelo P2: Dura ace vs Ultegra
Thanks Bear (and Others), helpful stuff.
Going over now to a LBS that has one I can sit on, try the saddle and take it for a spin.
2009-07-14 7:26 PM
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Subject: RE: Cervelo P2: Dura ace vs Ultegra
Unless there's a cosmetic difference that you prefer in the bike frame, just get the Ultegra and save the $500.

Most road cyclists anyway say the only noticeable miniscule difference between Ultegra vs DA is the feel of the shifters/brifters - which aren't used on a Cervelo P2 TT bike, as you use bar-end shifters.

Go ultegra and get better wheels for sure. 
2009-07-15 8:46 PM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: Cervelo P2: Dura ace vs Ultegra
If you really prefer the DA frame over the Ultegra, you could always ask the shop if they'll build an Ultegra spec onto the DA frame. They might be willing to accommodate you to make the sale.
2009-07-16 8:05 AM
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Subject: RE: Cervelo P2: Dura ace vs Ultegra
I just purchased the Ultegra 3 weeks ago and Love it!!  I decided to save the $500 and use a little of the money to swab out the cranks for the DA model. My LBS told me that they couldn't even tell the difference between them while riding and that it was not worth it to get the DA model. If you are really unsure I would suggest riding both to see if there is any difference. Good luck hunting for the new bike.
2009-07-16 11:12 AM
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Subject: RE: Cervelo P2: Dura ace vs Ultegra
Just an update: rode both, talked to my LBS and with your help decided on the Ultegra (comes in blue/gray). I picked it up the last night. And yes, I put the extra money (and then some) into a set of wheels, wireless computer, etc. Spend an hour getting fitted yesterday too. They also mentioned that the stiffness in the cranks between the two is up for debate.

Very happy with the purchase, kind of a big investment for a bike but I guess it could have been a lot worse.

Thanks again all.
(btw, for any in the east bay the LBS in question is Montano Velo on Piedmont Ave, Oakland. Half bike shop/half cycling museum. I have no affiliation with them what so ever but they were very helpful and patient with me.)

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