Trek Hilo 2000

Price Paid:  $2800.00 at Idaho Mountain Touri

Favorite Ride:
Trek Hilo 2000

Bike Setup:
Look pedals

Summary:
This bike was an awesome buy for me. I began triathlons in 2003 along with my brand new Trek Hilo. I have won many tri's with it and posted several of the fastest bike splits with it. I have put many miles on the bike and find it very comfortable albeit stiff. The front carbon forks help with the stiffness as well as slicing through the wind. It has taken me from beginner up to an advanced triathlete. The bike is very aero and cuts through the wind effortlessly. The Rolf wheels are light, sturdy, aero and will spin forever if I put the bike upside down and give them a push. It accelerates quickly and the stiff and aero design keeps it moving fast. This bike makes you feel powerful.

Strengths:
Light wheels, aero design, quick acceleration, great value for the price

Weaknesses:
although 650 wheels help with steep hills this bike is not the best for climbs.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 5900

Price Paid:  $0.00

Favorite Ride:
Hilo 2000

Summary:
The HIlo 2000 frame is no joke. This bike is literally a rocket! Mine was purchased frame and fork only then built up to my preference with Dura Ace 56 tooth TT Chain ring and groupo. Reynlolds Ouza Aero Pro and Vision Tech Tri Max Plus bars. My main interest was to get this frameset because it is spec'd wonderfully. Starry Night Black looks fast.
Considered Cervelo P3 and Cannondale MS5000 but the Hilo was available to build up to my liking. Plus, I liked the spec's the most. Easily one of the premier Al TT bikes. Too bad they are non longer produced. :-(

Strengths:
Very light and aero in the right places. Gemoetry is right on.
Perfect Welds...absolutely flawless and beautiful.
Color (Silver and Black)
Solid very responsive ride. Very stable on fast descents. Very stiff if you can ahndle it. Its an aggressive triathlon rocket!

Weaknesses:
Fork is heavy...it has Steel Steerer (not all carbon) so don't be fooled.
Aggresive geometry may require a few hundred miles to dial into.
Internal cable routing caps on downtube don't stay on. No big deal..

Price Paid:  $1600.00 at Bob's Cycle Center

Bike Setup:
ITM Millenium stem, HED Pro-Am disk, Flite Genuine Gel saddle and Vittoria Ultra Speed tyres

Summary:
I changed the stem, saddle and tyres to suit my personal preference and this is now one sweet TT bike. Steering is really fast but bike remains stable. Which is handy really as on an island only 10 miles long. Lots of turns. Rolf wheels are great on windy days and climb well too. Disk does sound nicer though! Lack of aero tubing on seat tube makes no difference as it is disturbed air in middle of bike. Worked out cheaper that the 'Dale too as it needed only minor mods. Conculsion? You will like it. Buy one.

Strengths:
Excellent power transfer. Very aero

Weaknesses:
Saddle hurts your behind.

Similar Products Used:
Eddy Merckx Corsa SL with (tri bars), Cannondale R1000

Favorite Ride:
Trek Hilo 2000

Bike Setup:
ITM stem, standard

Summary:
Beautiful bike that's incredibly rapid, well built and reasonably comfortable in the aero position. However for 6 foot 1 I have a very weird riding position. Very much over the BB, on the edge of the seat. I don't know if this would effect other riders but the bike suits this perfectly.
The bike demands attention because of the blindingly quick steering. Not a bike to relax on or pull millions of miles, but ensured to keep you focused on a tri (or toss you). Beautiful bike that's been well designed for triathalons.

Strengths:
Fantastically rigid, fast acceleration, comfortable aero position. Rapid turning.

Weaknesses:
Shimano chain began skipping after 30 miles. Stem bolt head snapped off.

Similar Products Used:
Willier Triestina, Kestral EMS

Bike Setup:
Ultegra - stock

Summary:
Great bike for the value, gives a comfortable ride and is easy to control under all conditions.

Strengths:
quick responding, good bike for hills with stiff frame, easy to fit into aero positioning, smooth ride, and holds line well, one of the best aluminum bikes on the market, good technical advice from the Trek staff.

Weaknesses:
With Trek being a big player in the bicycling market, my competition will be buying the Trek Hilo to my dismay.

Similar Products Used:
Cervelo, RRB custom, litespeed