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The Undisputed Trend Setter

The P2 is largely regarded as the trend-setting aero frame. Since its introduction in 1996, the P2 has been interpreted (a euphemism for "copied") by virtually every manufacturer. The rear wheel cutout is now de rigeur on aero bikes, but it started with the P2. Aerofoil down- and seat-tubes, narrow top-tube, narrow, low-slung head tubes, integrated seatpost, and internal cable routing,  are additional facets of the P2 which set the stage for almost two decades' worth of replicas.

Good as the first generation of P2s was Cervelo constantly refined the frame. Subsequent iterations, like the P2K and P2 SL made the bike sleeker and even faster. Then Cervelo got their hands on carbon. Now, the P2 takes the venerable P2 series to a whole new level of performance and aerodynamics.

The 2009 Cervelo P2 incorporates the very same front triangle and ingenious seat post clamp as its big brother and record setting P3. Where the P3 and P2 really differ is at the rear wheel cutout. The Cervelo P2 uses technology way beyond the simple marketing hype of a perfunctory rear cutout. Specifically, the P2's rear cutout maintains constant and equal width along its entire length. This is only possible with molded carbon fiber as aluminum cutouts must follow the horizontal tapering effect of the extruded seat tube. As such, the cutout of the P2 ensures that 50% more of the rear tire is covered than on frames of a similar design.

Like the entire family of Cervelo frames, the P2 uses Cervelo's "Smartwall" butting technology. Smartwall butting enhances lateral stiffness in the tubing without creating additional vertical harshness. With Cervelo's aero carbon frames a modified version of the Smartwall approach is applied; they still stiffen the tubes laterally, but not only do they change the thickness of the tubes as they would with aluminum tubing, they also "tune" the lay-up pattern and the material properties of the carbon to achieve lateral stiffness where needed and vertical compliance where desired.

While Cervelo still makes the unbelievably cost effective Cervelo P1, the P2 is worth every additional penny you can invest. It weighs about 100 grams less than the P1, and provides significant aerodynamic improvements over the Cervelo P1. The least expensive option for getting into a complete P2 is $2,750, and that includes the attractive Ultegra SL derailleurs, Dura-Ace shifters, FSA Gossamer MegaExo crankset, and 3T Funda full-carbon fork.