Cervelo P3 - Fake?

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2008-10-06 2:13 PM

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Subject: Cervelo P3 - Fake?

Hi all, I am hoping you can help me settle something.  Yesterday I purchased a 2003 Cervelo P3 from someone who I honestly don't know very well, but had very high recommendations from other people I do know.  He has a reputation of only using top quality gear and keeping the stuff in tip-top shape. 

Well he brought the bike over yesterday and it was extra clean and is in good working order.  I really didn't expect the Syntace C2 clipon aero bars, but that's ok.  All Dura-Ace except for the Octalink Carbon Fiber cranks.  Not a great wheelset, but that's OK, it's my first TT bike.  I took it out for a ride and everything seems fine.

I got home and tinkered for a while, made some adjustments and greased some threads.  In the back of my mind I was looking for a serial number on the frame... but never saw one.  I also noticed that the Cervelo labels seemed a little funky, but then again I've never examined a P3 up close.  It seemed close enough to the picture on the Cervelo discontinued products page... but now that one looks more gray than silver to me.

 

I wake up this morning and the first thing on my mind is "that frame is a knock-off".  I think if I saw a serial number under the BB, I wouldn't even be typing this message right now.  But alas, there isn't one and I have this sick feeling in my stomach.  This guy is super nice, he loaned me some gear earlier this year when I broke something before a race (we live in a very remote part of the world that takes weeks to get stuff shipped to).  I have no reason to doubt his integrity, but I know what I see on this frame and I need to get to the bottom of it.  I have no doubt that I can get my check back, too.

I snapped a couple pics before I left for work this morning.  Any insight from anyone?  What's the definitive way to tell a genuine 2003 Cervelo P3 frame?  As of right now, I am completely convinced that this frame is not the real deal.  I really hope you all can convince me otherwise.    I will post more pictures later today.

Does anyone have any pictures of their 2003 P3 that they could post?  What were the 2003 P3 labels like?  These just don't seem like high quality. 

 

 

2008-10-06 4:55 PM
in reply to: #1721363

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Subject: RE: Cervelo P3 - Fake?
 Drop a line to Cervelo. They can probably clear up any questions you might have. The welds look like quality workmanship, so it is appears to at least be a well made knock off.Laughing Is it possible that the frame was re-painted and knock off decals were installed? Maybe painted over and covered the serial numbers?
2008-10-06 5:33 PM
in reply to: #1721363

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Subject: RE: Cervelo P3 - Fake?

It would seem that regardless of the status of the frame, you got some great upgrades from the original 2002 P3.

The fork and cockpit are obvious changes, but also the component package is different. The Factory Build Kit was Ultegra 9 Speed and it would seem that either the LBS or one of the previous owners upgraded it. (Not uncommon at all for the LBS to "Upgrade" the build kit, especially since this was a high end bike back then)

My LBS still does offer their own build kits in addition to the factory build kit as an option for most of the higher end Cervelo Bikes. (Frames are priced separately from the build kit)

I cannot see in the pics if the brakes are Dura-Ace or Cervelo but it is clear from the pics that the fork is not the standard Cervelo Fork.

I agree the general quality of contruction in the pictures suggest it is authentic or at least a very, very good reproduction. Call Cervelo and they will be able to tell you where the Serial Number is supposed to be. (If there is one)

Note: This is the only year that they offered the P3 in "Sky" color and the first year they offered integrated headsets. (Your pic does appear to show an integrated head set)

Other than the missing serial number, nothing seems to suggest knockoff to me but then I never owned a P3. (Just oogled, Coveted, Lusted, Admired It)

Congrats on a very nice bike



Edited by WaterDog66 2008-10-06 5:34 PM
2008-10-06 5:50 PM
in reply to: #1721363

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Subject: RE: Cervelo P3 - Fake?

Thanks for the replies. 

The brakes are Dura-Ace, and the color is definitely silver.  So that Cervelo color is 'Sky' huh?  Hmmm that really makes me think.  I guess it COULD have been painted. 

2008-10-06 6:06 PM
in reply to: #1722052

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Subject: RE: Cervelo P3 - Fake?
racalvert - 2008-10-06 3:50 PM

Thanks for the replies. 

The brakes are Dura-Ace, and the color is definitely silver.  So that Cervelo color is 'Sky' huh?  Hmmm that really makes me think.  I guess it COULD have been painted. 

I would not read too much into the color thing.

Not sure about back then, but I know that frames can be ordered "Nude" and sent directly to the "Cervelo Certified" paint shop for custom jobs. (Check out the P3Cs that were raced in the Olympics this year with the custom paint schemes)

The paint does look nice. It seems more like the Silver that was used in later P2 and P3 models.

2008-10-08 7:59 PM
in reply to: #1721363

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Subject: RE: Cervelo P3 - Fake?
It looks like the real deal to me. The paint job on cervelos at that time sucked. They chipped and peeled easily, so a lot of people were having them repainted.

scott

2008-10-08 8:54 PM
in reply to: #1728992

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Subject: RE: Cervelo P3 - Fake?
Yes, it's definitely real and I feel pretty silly about now.  :-)
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