Price Paid:  $700.00 at Reno Cyclery and Fit

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
reno, nv

Bike Setup:
Stock everything, except pedals. Took off all spacers to lower handlebar height; flipped stem to further drop handlebars. Upgraded pedals to clip pedals.

Summary:
This a a fair entry-level/beginner road bike. Once you get in shape and bike often, you soon realize that it is indeed an entry-level bike, and you soon wish you had an intermediate-level bike. If you're just a casual/recreational rider, it's a fine bike. But if you're athletic and/or competitive with yourself, you'll soon want to go with a better/more expensive bike.

Strengths:
Stock setup is very comfortable. Adaptable: You can flip the stem, take off the spacers, and put your saddle at a correct height in order to ride in a more aggressive position.

Weaknesses:
Fairly heavy, not very stiff/responsive. Gear shifting is moody, sometimes poor. Three chainrings up front are excessive, as you can basically get the same thing with a 50/34 compact setup.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $700.00 at Bicycle Station

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Horse Creek Rd., Cheyenne, Wyoming

Bike Setup:
everything stock- Ascent clipless pedals, Cateye wireless bike computer

Summary:
This is my first road bike, and I'm not easy to fit due to my height (5'10" woman) and a chronic back condition. I road-tested nearly a dozen bikes. This was the only one that didn't send my back into pain after a mile or two. Put a few hundred miles on it first summer, last summer. Have ridden in all conditions, even snow. This bike is great. Getting a new seat is the only upgrade I'd recommend. Some trouble shifting into largest ring, but hey, nothing's perfect. I love my bike!

Strengths:
*comfort
*performance and durability
*great looks- even though geometry is more upright
*some carbon components- great value for price

Weaknesses:
*shifting
*stock seat

Price Paid:  $500.00 at ellekers

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
brough to scarbrough

Summary:
the trek pilot is a great bike for road riding especially on acessents and for gear changing. on smooth flat roads it rides like a dream but on slightly rough roads it is a bit messy, big decents have caused some whell wobble on occasions but sytill it is a great bike.

Strengths:
gear changing and smoothness

Weaknesses:
tendency to have a bit of speed wobble at 40mph

Similar Products Used:
raleigh spirit

Price Paid:  $599.00 at Bicycle Sport Shop

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Volente/Veloway

Bike Setup:
Stock except for Selle San Marco and removed the direct pull brakes.

Summary:
This is my second road bike. I actually downgraded from a Tommasini and was quite surprised at how smooth of a ride it is for entry level. For longer distance non racing rides, this bike rocks and is very comfy. The only upgrade I've made to this point is a Selle San Marco saddle. I havent had any issues with the front deraiuler which I've read for this component set up is sloppy.

Strengths:
Comfort, comfort, and comfort. Quick and responsive. Brakes are solid and vibration for me is minimal.

Weaknesses:
The saddle. My bottom deserves better. Wheels but for what I paid, they'll do until I decide to drop money on a new set.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 1000, Giant OCR and Tommasini Tecno

Price Paid:  $750.00 at Alter Ego Sports

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
St. Mary's Rd, South of Perimiter

Bike Setup:
Crank Bro's eggbeater pedals (borrowed from my mountain bike), swapped stock stem for 120mm, 7deg stem for better fit, not quite so upright.

Summary:
This is the best deal I could find for an entry level bike (price above is Canadian $). I am 6'4", so I need a large frame (I got a 63 cm). I like the compact geometry on big frames, it looks much better. I don't like the look of the TREK 1000 in a large frame size. The bike geometry is very comfortable, but it still looks racy.

Strengths:
Comfortable geometry, carbon fork and seat post, looks great.

Weaknesses:
Sora components, but you get what you pay for.

Similar Products Used:
TREK 1000, Giant OCR2 & 3