Trek 2001 5700

Price Paid:  $2200.00 at JAX

Favorite Ride:
Santiago Canyon loop Orange County, CA

Bike Setup:
All stock Ultegra except had to replace the too stiff seat.

Summary:
Third road bike in 10 years for this 50 year old recereational rider. First group ride on this thing felt like a nice glide on a silken road coming off the old aluminum frame bike. Solid cornering and decending at my level. Average ride speed improved around 2 mph for the same effort.

Strengths:
Super lightweight. Really dampens road bumps, solid feel. Very noticable climbing improvement over old 25 Lb bike.

Weaknesses:
Rock hard stock racing seat when used by a 187 lb rider. Stock seat better left to the 150 lb rider. Expensive. Even at $1100 off list price. Limited color choice and way too many Trek brand name decals everywhere.

Similar Products Used:
1997 Trek 1200, Nishiki road bike

Favorite Ride:
Eureka Canyon

Bike Setup:
Stock 5700 with Specialized S Works tires and Speedplay pedals

Summary:
Awesome performance with little compromise. Went from 21 lb. 90's vintage Gios SLX to sub-16 lb. rocket, and yes weight does matter. If you don't beat your buddies up the hill, it sure isn't the bike. I expected it to climb well, but was pleasantly suprised how well it descends. Very solid handling and feel with the straight bladed fork. Not only do you save weight, but get a better ride as well.

Great acceleration with the Sestriere wheels. Was concerned how well they would hold up, but are still straight after six months. Had one instance of high speed wheel wobble when descending at 45 mph into a 20 mph+ cross wind. I wouldn't be concerned unless you are regularly descending at interstate speeds.

Now if they would just cut back from the 17 (!) stickers on this bike ...

Strengths:
Acceleration, climbing, descending, and climbing (what else is there?)

Weaknesses:
At least 1 lb. of stickers, wheel wobble over 45 mph, price

Similar Products Used:
Italian steel

Price Paid:  $3250.00 at Local Bike Shop

Favorite Ride:
Hill Country

Bike Setup:
Stock Ultegra. Swapped seat at time of purchase. Will probably change out stem and bar as wallet recovers.

Summary:
Very nice ride. As stated above, a nice compromise for the same frame if you don't want to spend $1000.00 more for the 5900.

Strengths:
1.)Very, very, very light weight. 2.)Good warranty, though hopefully won't have to use it. 3.)A good compromise compared to the much more expensive 5900.

Weaknesses:
1.)Price. 2.)A non-USPS version without the sponser decals would be nice.

Similar Products Used:
None really. This is my first carbon bike.