Trek 2000 2300

Price Paid:  $2000.00 at Bicycle Station (Col

Favorite Ride:
Beach Dr., Washington DC

Bike Setup:
Alpha SLR aluminum frame; Shimano Ultegra set; Rolf Vector rims; Conti 3000 Ultra tires; Specialized Elite computer; bottle racks; Icon headset & pedals; Selle Italia saddle (stock).

Summary:
This is my first road bike and I am extremely pleased with it. I test rode other bikes in a lower price range, and then happened on this while on vacation and couldn't say no. The ride is very smooth; the carbon fork, seatpost, and headset smooth out a lot of road hum. I have been very pleased with the Rolf Vector rims, too. Overall, I think it's a great value.

Strengths:
The Shimano Ultegra component set is really top-notch. I've had the shifting adjusted from time to time and have always enjoyed precise, responsive shifts and good braking. I've read elsewhere that the Dura Ace set is great, too; I've seen some say, too, that they can't tell the difference.

Weaknesses:
The only problem I've had with the bike has been with the cassette. Whether through wear and tear, or my riding, or whatever -- after about 800 miles (including some time in the stationary trainer), it became loose, affecting the shifting and requiring a quick rebuild at the LBS. I don't know whether to attribute this to the bike assembly, design, or my riding / shifting, etc.

Similar Products Used:
I ride a 2003 Bianchi Pista (fixed gear) for commuting as of late. It's a steel frame, very different geometry. For training and racing I would highly recommend the Trek.

Price Paid:  $1650.00 at Richardson Bike Mart

Favorite Ride:
anything in a fast paceline with no cars

Bike Setup:
2001 Trek 2300 (Ultegra), Rolf Vector Pro wheels, Speedplay pedals, Terry Fly saddle

Summary:
I went with this bike because it was the only bike in the shop that came close to fitting me (63cm) in my price range <$2000. It is responsive, light, stiff, and quick. It is not a hindrance on climbs and rides smooth and quiet. The Ultegra groupo is top notch, and the Rolf Vector Pro wheels (can you say free upgrade!!) are great. With this being my first true road bike, I don't have much to compare it to, but I'm finding it hard to believe you could get much better without spending twice as much.

Plus it's American made, which is nice.

Strengths:
Great components all the way around. Geometry is TDF tested. American made. Very pleased with my first bike

Weaknesses:
Aluminum ride can be a bit harsh at times. Stock saddle stinks and must be replaced immediately. Starting to find a few small creaks and annoyances after 2000 miles, but I'm 6'5" 220lbs, so they are to be expected. Too many stickers make the bike look a bit cheesy. I'd prefer it to be a bit less understated.

Similar Products Used:
None.

Price Paid:  $1800.00 at The Bike Shop, Alexa

Favorite Ride:
Collegeville, MN area

Bike Setup:
2000 Stock with Shimano Flight Deck computer, specialized geometry comp saddle, icon SPD pedals.

Summary:
A truly wonderful road bike. It's fast, stiff,and agile. The Rolf Vector Comp wheels are truly amazing; they're fast and durable. I've only had to have them trued after 9,000 of hard riding.

Strengths:
Stiff frame, great components, awesome fork, and the Rolf wheels.

Weaknesses:
No flux capacitor.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 330.

Price Paid:  $1700.00 at Forest Lake Cycle an

Favorite Ride:
St. Croix River Valley

Bike Setup:
STOCK. Ultegra grouppo, cane creek aheadset (C2). Rolf Vector Comp wheel set, look 206 pedals and

Summary:
This bike is TIGHT, AGILE, and extremely quick. I have already had her up to 52 miles per hour blasting down into the St. Croix River bottoms. At that speed it is tight and confident. No, shaking. This bike handles very well, and absorbs bumps pretty effeciently as long as they are small ones. Larger road ripples seem to shake my molars loose but thats a small price to pay for such as smooth bike. I've ridden 67 miles the longest so for an my bottom felt A-OK.

Strengths:
Stiff frame, with little or no flexibility. AMERICAN MADE AND TOUR PLAYED BABY!! Excellent component grouppo. (Ultegra) Great tires, they stick to ANYTHING (Michelin Axial Pro)

Weaknesses:
The stock saddle, feels like a 2 by 4. Gotta get that sucker replaced, if you buy this bike, replace the seat, your ass will thank you. Lower aheadset bearing crumbled on me in about 300 miles. Dealer replaced it under warranty. He, said Cane Creek was having problems with them.

Similar Products Used:
LeMond Zurich. Steel, but didn't feel any more comfortable than the aluminum, so I went with the aluminum.

Price Paid:  $2000.00

Favorite Ride:
Mountain passes

Bike Setup:
Stock 2001 model, with Look pedals

Summary:
This is a class bike - it rides like the wind. The frame is very stiff & light for 63cm, while the carbon fork gives good damping. It goes up the Austrian passes like a breeze. It´s stable at speed & corners well for a big bike. I like the Rolf Vectors after the usual scepticism at first, although they are a bit unstable in side winds. They´re still true too, after some big holes (I`m 192 cm & 85kg), which is something new for me! It´s pretty comfortable on long rides, although a better seat would help a bit. The Ultegra is good coming from 105s. I wouldn´t buy a more expensive bike unless I was racing; I´m sure carbon must be better, but this bike´s a dream anyway. For the money, you won´t do better.

Strengths:
Great frame & forks, Rolf wheels are solid & the Ultegra is good

Weaknesses:
Probably could do with a more comfortable seat.

Similar Products Used:
Nil (previous bike was an Australian brand aluminium with 105s)