Trek Hilo 1000

Price Paid:  $1650.00 at Landis Cyclery

Favorite Ride:
Bartlett Lake Tri (brutal)

Bike Setup:
Currently a stock setup.

Summary:
Absolutly the best bike at the price level I got it at (1,400 to 1,700). Rides smooth and has a more solid feel than the 6 others I tried, which riders who don't weigh a buck twenty will appreciate. The bladed carbon fork makes it a very comfortable aluminum for those of use doing longer distances but don't have 3k to shell out for a carbon bike. The only mis-step is that Trek went with a seat that a cyclist would love, not a triathlete. Trek sets up the 105 components to shift smoother than any of the other 105 bikes I tried. Magic? Keep the components and spend money on race wheels.

Strengths:
Best value at this price. Carbon fork. Sets up well. Quiet. Trek quality and customer service. Say no more.

Weaknesses:
Stock seat leaves something to be desired.

Similar Products Used:
QR Kilo, QR Tequila, Cannondale, Ross.

Price Paid:  $1700.00 at Bike USA

Bike Setup:
Ultregra 3-speed crank and Ultegra Rear derailler.

Summary:
This is a great bike for the money. You can find some really good deals on the 2000 model of the bike. The Vector wheels aren't the best in the business, but they are very nice training wheels.

Strengths:
Lightweight, fast, price

Weaknesses:
The wheels don't have sealed bearings, saddle a bit uncomfortable

Similar Products Used:
none

Favorite Ride:
Ironman Canada

Bike Setup:
Dura Ace Derailleur upgrade
duraace crank arm upgrade
for races: corima 4 spoke clinchers F+R

Summary:
Most dialed out of the box tri bike for way less than $2K

Strengths:
Excellent Aero position possibilities,
Good training wheels, Heavy enough that race wheels feel lighter.
Top of the line frame, fork and aero bar system, upgrade the drivetrain and wheels as you see fit.

Weaknesses:
Runs quite big, Go down 2-3 cm from your typ[ical road bike sisze.

Purple

Similar Products Used:
QR Tequilo
Cannondale R700

Bike Setup:
Factory

Summary:
Damn good bike for the money. Trek is putting out a bike that compares with the more expensive ones, but gives us cheaper people an edge.

Strengths:
Smooth shifting, quick accelerating, steady in high winds, and easy to control.

Weaknesses:
Inner tube cables rattle on rough roads, skybar setup is not very easy to quickly adjust.

Similar Products Used:
None