Cervelo's standing in the aero bike world cannot be be denied or brushed off. If you doubt it, go to any major triathlon event in the world and count bikes. The development of the company from the beginning was based on aerodynamics engineering and use by time trialist, triathletes and most recently, the Great Britain Track Cycling Team have been able to reap the benefits. The P2 model has always represented the value bike of the line-up, even with its proven aero chops. This 2019 model is being offered at a tremendous package in for a P2 105 R7000 Bicycle 11-speed complete for under $2900.

When Cervelo chose to redesign the P2, the natural change was to incorporate one of their true aerodynamic gems, the practically-named and executed Extended Seat Tube Cutout. This shroud-like design is what perfectly ties all of the forward facing aerodynamic features with the proper guided flow of air over the wheel and back third of the bike, which is essentially to ultimately reducing drag and even creating some aero "push".

With the new design the fork maintains a full carbon straight 1⅛ steerer tube but reshapes the headtube shape and fork crown to mate cleanly with the Dropped Downtube design, which is another current feature from the worlds fastest frames. These two features are part of the truly integrated design process which takes bike, rider and wheels, and how they interact in both the wind tunnel and real world environments. A final component of the redesign was the addition of the Shielding Seat Stays, which effectively "hide" rear brake from the wind, and integrate into the seattube for a continual clean path for air to follow. Cervelo also pays special attention to the full package of cable routing, whether running mechanical or electronic shifting systems. Those details tie in with the Future Proof cable stop and guide frame inserts, as well as the oversized integrated Reduced Friction Bottom Bracket Guide.

Of course you also get the proven Cervelo carbon construction process and frame features like the full carbon horizontal rear dropouts and the massive, asymmetrical BBright bottom bracket shell. Power transfer is excellent and the torsional stiffness from the headtube to the bottom bracket fully benefits from the frame design and BBright system, which also builds out the nondrive chainstay to counter the asymmetrical power of the right side crankset. Bottom bracket stiffness was improved 6.5% and torsional stiffness at 16%, so the ride, power transfer, and aero efficiency are markedly advanced, but Cervelo also recognized that the P2 is marketed towards developing and recreational endurance athletes. Hydration and equipment access, as well as fit and positional flexibility are all geared towards such athletes. The most significant being the carbon aero seatpost, which offers an amazing 75mm of fore-aft adustment through the top rail design of the post. Factor in saddle rail length and not only do you have an incredible range of movement, but it is also completely customizable to ANY effective seattube angle in that range. Factor in that the P2 is available in 700c wheel sizes: 48cm, 51cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm and 61cm, so almost any size athlete can find a fit that they can be successful with.

Accessibility is also the name of the game when it comes to the price of this complete bike. The drivetrain is largely Shimano 105 R7000. The aero bar-end shifters (BSR1) are 105/Ultegra level, while the front and rear derailleurs, chain and 11-speed 11-30 cassette are R7000 series. With Cervelo driving the BBright system, they opt for their BBright Connect bottom bracket, which carries a 105 equivalent RS510 50-34T crankset. The wide gearing range favors the presumed market. Shimano also supplies the 105 R7000 rim brake calipers, which work well with the cable pull of the Profile Design ABS AL brake levers. The cockpit assembly of base and aero bar extensions is Profile's WING 10a Basebar, 35a extensions and arm rests and Sonic Clamp. A Profile Aris Stem holds the whole assembly securely for sure front-end control and balanced aero handling. An ISM PR 1.0 saddle graces the Cervelo aero carbon rail adjust seatpost, and is about as neutral an aero-position saddle as you will find. The beauty is that as solid as every component is, you can upgrade one, a few, or all at any time as you grow and develop and advance your skill level and expectations.

Which leaves us with the item most likely to be upgraded- the wheelset. The Shimano RS100 is a perfectly serviceable wheelset and solid for training of any kind, but not particularly aero. To truly take advantage of the frame design, a mid to deep section aero wheelset is required. There are options ranging from "good" starting at less than $600, or you can spend four times that much and get "pro-level", and anywhere in between. Combined with the frame all will offer more efficiency. Your budget and commitment will drive this decision. The supplied clincher tires are Continental Grand Sport Race in 700x23.