This Cervelo PX-Series SRAM Red eTap AXS Excel Sports Photo bike was received during the pandemic, built, photo-ed then had a part removed for another build. Given the challenges in production and supply during the pandemic years, we just recently received the necessary part, installed it, and now this size medium, premium grade, PX-Series triathlon bike is ready to rock. The frameset is covered under Cervelo's warranty policy, and the groupset and Zipp wheels are covered by SRAM.

The PX-Series released in 2019 was meant to balance the best raw performance and aerodynamic aspects of the original P5X and the more comfortable P3X. Born from advanced aero testing, this machine features an innovative silhouette, improved aerodynamics, stiffness, and cockpit construction, while providing rider-efficient fueling and travel solutions. Cervelo's engineers found this balance with a new carbon fiber construction, and it was built in a new factory with advanced equipment that could achieve the proper carbon lay-up schedule and premium resin use required for the construction process. The result, the PX-Series is stiff and light to climb better, as well as handle the way you expect a triathlon race bike to perform. In raw numbers it is 16% lighter and 8% stiffer than the previous P5X frame (dropout to dropout), and 9g more aero than the P3X while also being 15 percent stiffer at the bottom bracket. Those are real gains, and while the P3X lacked the split basebar system of the P5X, the PX-Series does have this travel-essential feature.

Fitting the PX-Series generally requires a professional bike fitter. The frame design makes straight-up comparison difficult, even when using Stack and Reach. Once you have your size and fit, however, it is easy to travel with and adjust. The key is the PX Riser system, which essentially replaces the upper steerer tube column and stem with sliding, well marked set-up. As your base-bar/pads can be mounted in different positions, and the PX5 Split basebar can easily be unbolted to drop down either side for travel without changing the pad zone set-up, reassembly and proper fit share a single process. The Cervelo ski-bend extensions are simple to use, and marked or cutting if necessary. This should be done by your bike fitter/shop. SRAM's Clics are wired buttons that are compact, with a good ergonomic press and response. These wires connect to the SRAM AXS BlipBox, which then transmits wirelessly to the derailleur. The front of the cockpit is simple to manage. To the rear, Cervelo's SP21 Aero Carbon seatpost gives you fore-aft rail positioning for at least an effective 74-81 degree Seat Tube Angle, with some saddles offering a little more flexibility. It is easily set for your favorite saddle angle as well. This PX-Series comes equipped with an ISM PS 01 Saddle, which fits and works well for a wide variety of body types, but is impossible to know if it will work for you until you get your fit. Favored by many triathletes, the PS 01 is nose-less and designed to remove pressure from soft tissue, ensuring maximum blood flow, zero or reduced genital numbness, and a healthier, more enjoyable ride.

As the PX-Series is not, and was never intended to be, UCI legal for time trials, the PX-Series has Cevelo's fully integrated storage system items that integrate for a full foil effect. These are the Stealthbox 300, Smartpak 600, Speedcase 600, Rear Hydration Mount, and Basebar Holster. Given you need hydration, food storage, tool and supplies storage in an unsupported triathlon event, you have everything with you need, in a full aero package to get you to the finish line faster.

Given the pure purpose of this PX-Series model, Cervelo has equipped it with SRAM's lightweight, super clean, and crisp shifting Red eTap AXS shift system and drivetrain. The SRAM Clics buttons are used for shifting and the S900 Aero brake levers and calipers are Red-level. A 1x12 48T aero single ring Red cransket is employed, driving a 10-33T cassette managed with the Red eTap AXS Rear Derailleur. The overall effect is incredibly sleek, with easy AXS app access to customize, manage and monitor the eTap/AXS components. Keeping within the SRAM family the PX-Series rolls on the Zipp 404/808 Firecrest Tubeless Disc Brake wheelset. The 404 Firecrest front wheel keeps you more stable in a crosswind, while the slick 808 on the rear helps curtail the turbulence you create while passing through the air at speed. Both carry 25mm Vittoria's Corsa Speed TLT tires, which have very low rolling resistance and a great feel. For rainy days you may prefer something like the heavier but gripper standard Corsa or Corsa Control, but the Speed's test face, have good inherent small puncture protection and feel great on super smooth or mildly rough. pavement.