Trek 2300

Price Paid:  $1800.00 at pasadena velo

Favorite Ride:
trek 2300

Bike Setup:
full ultegra 6600

Summary:
This bike is awesome.I own the 5500 as well but I cannot tell much difference.It's slightly heavier by about a pound but more sturdy and i feel more conmfortable with the stiffness that it gives me

Strengths:
the frame with zr9000 and carnbon seatstays is a much better buy compared to a full carbon 5500

Weaknesses:
none that I can include except for the climbing feature which can be attributed to my gearing and the fact that I'm not using a triple

Similar Products Used:
trek 5500, litespeed hyperion

Price Paid:  $1600.00 at lbs

Bike Setup:
Stock

Summary:
This was my first road bike and after a year, it is working very well for me. The aluminum frame is very stiff and every bump in the road is felt in the saddle. The carbon fork does a nice job of relieving some of the vibration to the handlebar. I now also own an '03 Trek 5500 and the difference between the aluminum and carbon is quite significant (as is the price). Compared to the carbon, the ride is quite harsh. Also, after about 1000 miles, I noticed a creaking noise developing from the bottom bracket, but wasn't major. A thorough drivetrain cleaning reduced it, but it came back soon enough. I am a light rider (125 lbs) and I found that the saddle works well for me, regardless of the mileage. It is quite hard, so it may be a problem for some. All in all, a great bike, but when it comes down to it, carbon is the way to go (if you have the option). I've seen other full Ultegra aluminum frames for less money, so if that is important, shop around.

Strengths:
Stiff frame on climbs/sprints
Carbon fork
Ultegra

Weaknesses:
Aluminum doesn't absorb road vibration
Creaking

Similar Products Used:
'03 Trek 5500

Price Paid:  $0.00

Favorite Ride:
fast rides with hills

Bike Setup:
All stock + Ultegra spd-R pedals.

Summary:
This bike is amazing. The ZR9000 frame is light and sturdy, and the carbon fork absorbs the road "buzz". The full Ultegra setup is great along with all the great Bontrager race and race lite gear.

Strengths:
Light, competition worthy bike for if you dont want to spend a whole lot more to go carbon. Very fast. Maintainance is easy and I havent had any problems with anything.

Weaknesses:
Rock solid seat. Its OK for short rides or races but if your thinking of a long ride of 70+ miles get another saddle. The bontrager race lite tires handle and roll good but I am not so sure about the durability of them, I've got 1500 miles and they are cracking pretty bad. The tire bead is coming off too.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 1200

Price Paid:  $1450.00 at Cycles Sales

Bike Setup:
ZR9000 Al Frame, Carbon Fork, Full Ultegra, Profile Design Aero, Wireless Flight Deck, Dura Ace Pedals

Summary:
100 mile review:

I went to my LBS to order a 2003 Trek 2200 for $1350 when the owner stated he has a left over 2002yr. 2300 in my size and for a hundred dollars more I could have it. I couldn't pass it up.

This is my first quality road bike. A few years back I bought a Trek 1000 after getting sticker shock at other bikes. All bikes are not built the same. Comparing the two bikes is like night and day.

Most Alum. bikes will rattle your fillings out of you teeth. Not this one, maybe because if the carbon fork and the new Alum (ZR9000). The fit is great and the bike can withstand all 225lbs. of me just fine. Quick to get up hills and great in the corners. I did get a Selle Italia gel Trans AM seat with Ti. rails and the cut out because the San Marco seat was rock hard. Also added the new Shimano Dura Ace 7750 pedals. Bontrager Tires are very stick and handle great in dry conditions but I have some question about durability. I have not had any issues with them yet but have met others that have.

Overall this is a great bike for most of us if you can find any left over's.

Strengths:
Light frame
Ultegra
Very responsive
Quick when you need it to be

Weaknesses:
Saddle - Unless you are 150lbs or less.

Price Paid:  $1900.00 at Village Cycle (see w

Favorite Ride:
Any and all

Bike Setup:
As noted in Summary + Profile Design Aeros, Coombe Pro Pedals and Flight Deck
wireless.

Summary:
2000 mile review:

I got 1800 miles out of the Bontrager tires and replaced them with the same. Good, sticky, long lasting tires after hammering them down.

Replaced the seat and post after ~200 miles of bruising. Record carbon post and
Selle Italia Fluid seat fixed that. The Era seat is appropriately named. I named it "The Brick" (although a brick may be softer).

Ultegra components are great, minor normal adjustments only.

IMO,this is a great bike at a good price.
Responds fast and solid. I've had to pull a few fancy maneuvers to avoid idiots and this bike's reflexes are amazing. Has saved my life at least twice.

Strengths:
Light weight, fast, solid, well handling bike.

Weaknesses:
If you don't want your bike screwed up then don't take it to Village Cycle Center in Chicago.

I ordered it with a double chain ring and got a triple (back to the shop).

The handlebar stem was mounted wrong. On the first (and last) "free" tune up, they scratched my paint.

I took my MTB in for new cables, they screwed them up leaving the cables way too long and loosened my endos (thank you, I really needed THAT!)

They "forgot" to give me cleat shims that was supposed to come w/the shoes (back to the shop) I do all my own work now and will NEVER shop or recommend the Village idiots to anyone again.

Go to your nearest LBS and not Village Cycle. There should be a LBSReview.com site!!

Similar Products Used:
First road racer. My other car is a
Specialized Rockhopper aluminum frame w/Ahead set stem and Rock Shock front and newly mounted brick for a saddle.