Cervelo releases the highly anticipated P5

Cervelo has added their newest Time Trial/ Triathlon bicycle to their line up of already impressive machines. The company started by two Canadian engineers in 1995 has become known for their innovative aerodynamics and ability to design and produce some of the fastest bikes on earth.

In 2005 the P3 was released. A design much ahead of it's time, the P3 quickly became one of the most popular bikes at triathlons and time trials. The P3 is now known as the most copied bike frame of all time, as many cycling manufacturer competitors copied key points from the P3's design. An example of this is the curved seat tube.

Cervelo P3

No other bike release (not even the P5) was as highly anticipated as the release of the Cervelo P4 in 2009. Having spent hundreds of hours in the wind tunnel, Cervelo promised a bike that would, aerodynamically, leave others in the dust. Key upgrades from the P3 included a more aerodynamic frame, an integrated hydration system, and integrated rear brakes. 

Cervelo P4

Finally, we arrive at the all new P5.  Cervelo says they have risen the bar even higher than that of the P4 with regard to aerodynamics, claiming that the P5 could save athletes ~30 seconds over a 40 km time trial. Main differences between the P5 and P4 are improved aerodynamics, with angles to increase air flow across the entire surface of the frame; the worlds fastest and best fitting aero bar with 100% hidden cables; an all new storage and hydration design; and finally, what is in my opinion the coolest new feature on the P5, hydraulic brakes by Magura. 

Cervelo P5

With the use of hydraulic brakes, Cervelo becomes the first TT/Triathlon bike to use hydraulics. The front brake is integrated into the fork to help boost aerodynamics, while ensuring maximum stopping power. 

An interesting note is that the P5 actually has a lower starting cost ($6000) than the older P4 model ($6200).  This is probably due to the fact that the P4 comes with complete SRAM Red components and a more reliable set of wheels in the Shimano rs30's. At $6000, the P5 comes with mostly Shimano Dura-Ace, and some Ultegra (Chain and Cassette), the hydraulic brakes are however included at the starting price. Neither of the rides are available with their pictured Zipp race wheels. As a matter of fact, even the top P5 with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 for $10,000 comes with entry level Vision Team30 wheelset.

With the recent changes in company structure, it will be interesting to see how the P5 sells and performs. It may play a large role in the direction the company chooses to take in the future.