The P2 SL comes from a long line of high-performance time trial/triathlon bikes that starts all the way back in 1996 with our first production model, the P2. With features such as the (for the time revolutionary) aerodynamic shapes, internal cable routing, horizontal dropouts and seat mast, the P2 was a no-holds-barred speed machine. It was also impractical and expensive.
For the 2000 model year, we wanted to make the performance of the P2 available to a broader range of customers, but we were adamant that performance could not suffer as a result. At the top of the list of featured that were impractical was the seatmast. The seatmast made it impossible for a medium or large P2 bike to fit in a standard (or even a custom) bike bag, which is really a big drawback considering how often people travel with these types of bikes.
So the challenge was to remove the seatmast, boost or at least match the overall aerodynamics (though maybe improvement in one spot to offset losses elsewhere on the frame) and find ways to make the frame less expensive to purchase for our customers. To replace the seatmast, we designed an aero seattube/seatpost combination that not only ensured the same seamless aerodynamic shape from bb to saddle that the seatmast did, by significantly narrowing down the width of the seatpost we were able to reduce the frontal area of the frame, an important factor in aerodynamics. Almost coincidentally, these changes also reduced weight of the frame, yet another benefit. Lastly, thanks to some clever engineering the changes also lowered our manufacturing costs. At the same time, our very strong growth had given us much more clout with suppliers, giving us a further opportunity to make the new P2 more affordable.
When the new P2, dubbed the P2K, was introduced just before the 2000 season it created immediate excitement. Remember this was the year where many manufacturers gave up on TT/tri bikes or significantly worsened their performance because of the new, limiting UCI rules. Yet the new Cervélo P2K offered our renowned P2 performance without the impracticalities from before and at roughly half the price. No wonder that year after year it picked up top honors in the roadbikereview.com customer awards, as well as Best in Class distinctions from the major triathlon magazines. It was even used by professional cyclists and picked up a World Time Trial Championship title along the way (by far the least expensive frame to have such honors).
The next step in the evolution is the P2 SL. The tubing has been further refined with the Smartwall 2 set, further reducing the weight while increasing the stiffness. The finish is upgraded to an anodization to offer the best possible scratch-resistance. The parts kit is stepped up another notch to DuraAce, offering pro performance at a very affordable price. The result is that the P2 SL is still ahead of its time today while it continues to build on ten years of family history carrying people to their personal TT/Tri victories.
