The excellent component selection and attention to aesthetics have easily warranted Slowtwitch forum member rmcboy's Cervelo P3C the attention of a bike spotlight post.
This machine is majestic. I would describe this bike the same as I would a 100 foot tall supermodel: beautiful and terrifying.
Though the sum of this P3C's parts is greater than the whole, I'll mention just a few highlights of what is, for all intensive purposes, a perfect machine.
The Frame:
Cervelo's venerable P3C is the standard by which all other triathlon bikes are compared. That might even be an understatement.
The Cockpit:
Easton has been underrepresented in the aerobar market and undeservedly so. Their excellent products present a minimalist aesthetic appeal and excellent performance. As an example of the attention to detail demonstrated on the Easton Delta CNT Carbon Base Bar (pictured here), the resin of the carbon fiber is impregnated with nanotubes which strengthen the matrix. Is there a notable performance advantage? Who cares! They're ****ing nanotubes!
A bike isn't sexy unless it's ridden properly, however, and the extremely low front end is just one indication of how the position afforded by this bike has been refined for aerodynamics.
The Fork:
Blackwell research helped pioneer a technology by which a central channel within the fork redirects oncoming air away from the turbulent air created by the spinning motion of the wheel. And it's sexy.
The Wheelset:
The only faster wheel combination than a HED 3-spoke and a rear disk is, well, there isn't one. And the aesthetic appeal is so far through the roof that the building is no longer visible.
The Crank:
The crankset is often neglected in regards to aerodynamics. Generating both rotational and translational drag, inappropriate crank selection could have a surprisingly significant detrimental impact on an otherwise excellent machine. That is certainly not the case here, as the excellent FSA SL-K carbon crank is outfitted with an aerodynamic outer chain ring, offering up both enhanced aero performance and undeniable visual appeal.
The Saddle:
The perfect bike has to address one fundamental consideration- it must make you comfortable, so that you can remain in the aerodynamic position and generate the optimal amount of power. Here rmcboy has equipped his ride with an ISM Adamo saddle. For those unfamiliar, this saddle is essentially a seat with a central cutout and no nose, forcing the rider to bear weight on the sit bones and not on the sensitive perineum. A bike isn't sexy if it keeps you from performing sexually, and this P3C certainly doesn't stand in the way of any post-race activities.
Honorable mention goes to the rear bottle cage retrofitted to the seatpost head. Rather than having a heavy rear attachment (often referrred to quite correctly as 'bottle launchers'), rmcboy has affixed a lightweight cage.
From the gorgeous and flawlessly performing component spec, to the overall presentation of one of the most intimidating and beautiful machines I've ever seen, rmcboy has hit a home run with this P3C. The additional details such as the low-front end, rear bottle cage attachment, and overall presentation of the bike make it a grand slam. I wouldn't be surprised if I am a faster cyclist just for having seen it.
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