Cervelo P2 vs Trek Speed Concept 7

Get a professional fit then choose a bike based on your fit.

+1 on getting a pro-bike fit. The amount of money spent prior to your investment will go along way in making the right choice. I know we all want it NOW! But with a bit of patience, you will learn quite a bit about making the right choice via a pro-bike fitter.

I think we are all enamored by the popular brands via advertisements and Kona bike counts. Certainly Cervelo and Trek are top tier brands (wish I had either) and the LBS can fit almost anyone via frame sizes, seat / bar adjustments, etc. but test riding them in the LBS parking lot or down their street without any real adjustments (other than seat height) doesn't cut it when you need to be in an aero position for the duration of a 15k or 112 mile bike split. Secondly, when reviewing brands also look at the components that you get with them. For example, a Cervelo P2 may come with an Ultegra drivetrain whereas the Trek (depending on the grade) may come with a 105 for the same price.  

If you do get a bike fit prior to your purchase, hammer the bike fitter with any and all questions about brands, components and fit. At the end, they may have their own preferences but you will walk away with a detailed document of your specific measurements and knowledge so that when you do decide, you will make the right choice. Finally, when you're ready to purchase your bike, you can give the measurements to the shop so that they can make all the adjustments prior to your pick up. 

I'm no expert by any means but I did it the wrong way the first time and I won't make the same mistake on the next purchase. I now have my measurements in safe keeping! Good luck!

I wanted to revive this thread because I am looking at both of these bikes, as well.  I was looking at getting either the P3 or 7.5 and leaving it stock, or getting the P2 or 7.2 and getting upgraded wheels.

Anyone have any thoughts about either of my choices--i.e., any good info about the Cervelo/Trek general question and the higher end stock or lower model with upgrade is much appreciated.  Thanks so much!

-Chris

Well, I went Sunday and yesterday and test rode the Trek, the P2, the P3, and--for good measure--the Specialized Transition and Cannondale Slice.

Ended up going with the P2.  The P3 was a bit too low for me, I absolutely hated the LBS that sold the Cannondale, which may have soured me on the bike, and the Specialized just didn't fit right.  Totally stoked to get out and ride this thing!  Thanks for all the help!!

If you plan on traveling for business, a race, or vacation in the near future, maybe figure out if there is a professional and reputable fitter in one of those locations?  I got fit before even looking at the different models, and that fit came with a 30-day and 60-day recheck once I actually purchased a bike and had it adjusted to the pro fit measurements.

-Chris

Thanks!  I've gotten to take it on a ride already, and I notice SUCH a difference from my roadie.  Hills are so much easier!  I can tell I'm going to be in love with this thing for a long long long time!

Is the gear ratio different on your new bike? That might probably account for hills being easier. Otherwise a tri bike shouldn't be that much different than a road bike for handling hills... At least as far as climbing. Of course the two handle much differently. 

Actually, I have a compact crank with a 12-25 on my roadie and a standard crank with a 12-25 on the tri.  BUT the P2 is my first carbon frame--I think I am transferring more power to the frame than on my aluminum roadie.