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2009 p2 used vs 2012 p2 new

Peter CarrollPeter Carroll
in General Training Discussions

So, i found someone who is selling a 2009 p2 used (of course they say not ridden a lot, but who knows).  He has it listed for $1500. I figure I can get him down to 1200 or 1300, maybe. 

The question is, should I try to buy it (its the right size)? or should I just get a new one at the end of next summer like I planned?

Currently I have a S2 converted to a tri position.

I'm not really a bike person...  What types of things should I look at besides for cracks in the frame?

Thanks for the advice!

 

Peter

Comments

  • Spokane_AlSpokane_Al
    After experiencing a cracked frame in my Felt B2 last year, which was fixed at absolutely no charge via the lifetime warranty for original owners, I suggest that you may want to check on the Cervelo warranty coverage to determine its capabilities and limits for new vs. used bike purchasers.

    But of course, if the price is right, you will probably be more willing to absorb those risks.
  • kurshingkurshing
    Fit is a big thing. Wear and tear ought to be visible just from looking over the bike...cracks may not be, but that is a risk with going used. Yeah, check Cervelo's warranty info as well like Al said.

    Also, when I buy a new bike at my local shop, I get free tune-ups for a year (including degreasing, cleaning, adjustments, etc) which is nice, and which I abuse a little - like before every race and to start and end the year. That is worth something as well. Your local shop may even give you a basic fit when you buy a new bike.

    Personally, I like new stuff when if comes to bikes...but I have never ventured into buying really expensive bikes that force me to go used - and I, like you, never have gotten enough knowledge on the subject to feel comfortable piecing a bike together.

    One other thought...check excelsports.com (in Boulder, CO) over the next couple of months. They buy up all of Cervelo's year end stuff (not sure how they got that deal) and then mark it way down in time for Christmas purchases. I got my P3 last year for $2900 by calling them, asking their price, and making an offer over the phone...it was the 2010 model, bought Christmas of 2010, and I think the retail on that bike was like $3500. Those new P2s are friggin sweet, and if you could snag one of those for like $2000 or so, around Christmas, that would be in time to get fit dialed in and be ready for spring.

    Happy hunting...whatever you decide, you will love a real TT bike vs. a road bike come next season!
  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    I'm pretty sure Cervelo warranty only covers original owners BUT, I bought my P3 used and have had no problems. I know dozens of people who have bought used bikes with no problems. You are taking a very minor risk, but the P2 has a great reputation and is a very reliable bike. Bikes depreciate in value very quickly (worse than cars as you drive them off the lot) but that depreciation is only really in the value somebody is willing to pay for them. Mechanically they will last a very long time. The only major difference between an '09 P2 and a '11 P2 is the paint job. The 2 yr old one will have a bit of wear on the components but I would guess if somebody spent almost $3,000 for a new P2 (counting tax and all the little crap you buy when you buy a new bike) that the chances are high that they wouldn't have abused it. If you look it over and there are no obvious cracks in the frame and it is reasonably clean it's "probably" fine. If the chain and cassette are all gunned up, might be an indication that the dude selling it did't care about it all that much, but a couple hours with a rag and a bike stand will fix this. If your lucky enough that it doesn't shift smoothly, you can use that as an opportunity to get it cheaper, but this is also easily fixable with simple derailleur adjustments. If it were me, I'd buy the used one and put the extra grand towards a Powertap or fancy set of race wheels...
  • kurshingkurshing
    Completely agree with John as well...well said!

    Cervelo - hard to go wrong!
    Extra $ that is saved on used vs new towards PT - absolutely!
  • CarlCarl
    I just wrecked my 2010 Cervelo P3 and after a 240 pound dude landed on the frame and me it bent the frame but still did not crack. Cervelo has a great crash warranty believe it or not....lets put it this way I am now riding a 2012 Cervelo P3 and only paid as if I was only getting the frame. It was at my house 2 days after the crash.

    The fit is the big thing with any bike....in my experience if you are very tall/long you may have a hard time being fit to the Cervelo. I am 5'11" and it fits like a glove. I have owned one P2 and 2 P3's and a Giant in my tri life. Cervelo is my liking.

    Best of luck
  • Brian Quarton [OLD]Brian Quarton [OLD]
    Random thoughts: I have a 2008 P2C. It is a great bike. I broke the frame and Cervelo replaced it. There have been some changes in the frame I think. Check that out to be sure, so they are not the same bike. I think the dropouts were improved? Also the P2 got cheaper in part because the specs were cheaper. Check that too. One thing I like about used is that the bike isn't perfect, so when I get a ding that inevitably happens it bothers me less. My first choice might be new at a discount. Second used with a steep discount. One thing I can guarantee is that you will like it!
  • William JenksWilliam Jenks
    Cervelo's warrantee is original owner only. So one way to think about this is as "insurance"

    Cervelo is cracking down on internet sales. They are only SUPPOSED to let you get your bike by walking in the door, not by mail. Don't know how well that's enforced.

    Given confidence in the frame, I'd also think very seriously about going for used + PT over new if the prices work out. Any changes in the frame over the last couple of years are real and good, but very minor compared to the overall bike.
  • Peter CarrollPeter Carroll
    Thanks for the advice everyone!

    Peter
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