Bike Setup: Factory frame/carbon fork, aluminum bars/stem; American Classic post; Ultegra 9 drivetrain, Shimano 105 brakes; Bontrager Race wheelset, Race X Lite tires.
Summary: I bought the frame/fork used off eBay, then built it up to full Ultegra drivetrain, added Bontrager Race wheels, American Classic seatpost. Done a few centuries on it and have used it a regular training bike for about 18mos. I like to sprint, and this bike is very responsive with no discernable flex. Five massive steamy turds!
This bike was an upgrade for me from a 1994 Specialized Epic. I have been extremely happy with this bike and although I'm presently in the market for a Madone, the 2500SL will remain in the livery as a spare/bad weather bike.
Weaknesses: My fork seems to pull to left a bit; I have to shift my weight to the right a bit when riding hands free to dig in jersey pockets. Probably a maintenance issue and not bike's fault.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Epic (carbon/aluminum); Specialized Allez (aluminum)
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Bike Setup: Dura-ace, Rolf Vector Pro Wheels, Fizik Pave saddle, Look Anatomic pedals
Summary: Trek discontinued this one for 2000--Dura Ace and Vector Pro are worth it, especially since you will probably get it discounted under the cost of the 2300 for year 2000 (frame is probably the same). As stated before--5 flaming turds!!
Strengths: Stiff,(but not uncomfortable), Light, Fast. Great platform for sprinting, climbing. Did my personal best century on it without feeling like #$%^ as with other bikes
Weaknesses: None
Similar Products Used: Mongoose Road (1997)
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Bike Setup: Ultegra nine speed with helium wheels; Dia Compe BRS 200 brakes; Profile H20 stem with Hammer bars; mythos saddle.
Summary: A nice bike for not alot of money.
Strengths: I bought the frame and built it up. A very nice bike. Very light, with no discerable flex. I like that it doesn't come with an aheadset so I can easily adjust the stem height.
Weaknesses: None so far
Similar Products Used: None
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Summary: The first high end bike I've owned. Unless I wasn't looking hard enough I couldn't find a bike in the same value (i.e. DuraAce components, Rolf Vector Pro wheels) for around $2K. This bike seems incredibly fast compared to bikes I have previously owned. There probably are better deals to be had but I haven't been slick enough to find them. Overall, though, I am very happy with the bike (five flaming turds). I recently completed my first sub 5-hour century.
Strengths:
* FAST!!! * light * Good Value * Looks Sharp
Weaknesses:
Since I've only owned the bike 3 mos. I haven't had time to really beat on it and find problems.
Similar Products Used:
LeMond Zurich Giant TCR1R
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54cm with stock components - since replaced for Icon 90mm stem. Will be replacing Icon ergo-bars for Cinelli ergo-bars 12-23 9-speed cassette Rolf Vector Pro Wheelse (since traded for Vector Comps and cash back)
Summary: This bike is as fine a product as i have tested/ridden (in the $2k range) although I would not have purchased it had it not been marked down to $1850. I tried a number of other bikes including those listed above and did not feel as comfortable on any of them. This bike is stiff, climbs remarkably well and is very light. The alluminum frame feels better (to me) than the OCLV carbon and a bit more forgiving than the C-dale. Dura Ace is always nice although I could have been happy with Ultegra. If your LBS is feturing a '99 close-out, I would really recommend this bike (as long as you can get it in the sub-$2k range). Climbers and sprinters will appreciate the feel, even if the bumps ring a bit more than they did on the OCLV. Of course, all things being equal, I still would have wanted that C-40.
Strengths:
Extremely Stiff and Responsive Frame Dura-Ace gruppo is tight and light Lightweight Climber's Bike
Weaknesses:
The color scheme is downright embarrassing The Icon stem/handlebar combination is made for people with long fingers and strong backs
5 of 5
5 of 5
