We recently completed a custom build Cervelo P5 for Welsh Ironman record holder Finn Arentz! Here's what Finn had to say after a few weeks riding his new race bike...
Taking a brand-new untested bike out on a training camp is usually a poor idea. It can take a while to get used to a new fit, and to get used to a new bike’s ‘personality traits’, and with the mileage that usually happens out on camp these factors can come back to bite you in a rather big way. However, I just could not resist the lure of tearing around the roads of Lanzarote on my new Cervelo P5, and after a small transit related blip, I was doing just that.
"The very adjustable front end allowed me to easily play around with it, trying out different positions until I found one that was comfortable."
The stock bars gave a surprising amount of reach, something I’m used to having to buy an aftermarket front end to sort out. The stock pads were also comfortable and high-sided, another rarity. I never once got my usual back pain whilst out on the island this year, and I put that down to the brilliant front-end adjustability, as well as the comfortable ride provided by the 28mm tyres.
The wins do not end there however: my new 165mm cranks allowed me to churn out more power than usual whilst sat in TT position, likely due to the reduced hip angle. At the same time, my 58/44 chainring gave me far more gears than my peers, allowing me to on occasion pull away on the famous long straight Lanzarote downhills (making up somewhat for my having gotten dropped on the way up- a problem no bike barring an electric one could solve).
"The bike handled excellently on the more technical downhills too; it had a more road-bike feel to it than previous TT bikes I’ve ridden..."
...and the disc brakes were worth the hype, allowing me to brake far later into corners than I would have dreamed of on carbon rim brakes.
It is clearly just a well thought out bike, from the tyre clearances, to the cleverly designed rear botte cage mount, to the easily adjustable mono-riser. It is the most comfortable TT bike I’ve ever had the pleasure of riding, with it dealing with everything that was thrown at it perfectly, even the notorious Lanzarote crosswinds. I honestly have no complaints- this is the best TT bike I have ever ridden, end of.
So, it might be comfortable, but is it fast? Only time will tell, with multiple full and half Ironmans on the calendar for me this year, there will be plenty of opportunities for this bike to prove itself, which I am very confident it will.
We can't wait to see how Finn's season goes, you can follow his training progress and race results via Finn's Instagram page, here.
