Trek 5200 Triple

Price Paid:  $2600.00 at Trek Superstore La M

Favorite Ride:
TREK 5200 Triple

Bike Setup:
Still "off the shelve" except for double wrap on the bars (crushed hand in 'nam so very prone to going numb) and a split saddle gel seat.

Summary:
Fantastic bicycle for the price. I'm a 58 year old rider, serious since 1977 when I began doing 50+ mile rides, worked up to double centuries on the weekends (San Diego to Huntington Beach and back the next day) and did my first ride from San Diego to San Francisco in 1978. First $$$ bicycle was a Cannondale 1000 purchased in 1984 which I kept and rode until my purchase of my 5200 two years ago. Wow, my thanks to NASA and the military for developing technology that's bled down to we common folk. This bicycle is fantastic worth every penny I paid for it and then some, especially (ever since I was hit by a car coming out of Balboa Park on 6th Ave) the third chain ring to support my blown-out right kneecap. Don't misunderstand, I loved my Cannondale and for it's manufactured date I'd rate it as a top 5% in the '80's but there's just no comparison to the '05 TREK 5200. Not trying to preclude you from buying an even more expensive TREK or other bicycle but unless you're going into SERIOUS road racing or other demanding bicycle the performance gain versus the money has got to be very slight and, at 57 I'd just be pouring money down the drain to aspire to a more expensive bicycle for the performance gain (why would an old man buy a 15K stero system when he can no longer hear the high's or the low's anymore?). A get bicycle for the money

Strengths:
No frame flex no matter how hard I hammer yet still somewhat forgiving on the bumps (if you want a "comfortable" ride get a touring bike, this bike becomes "one with you" and transmits the road so be prepared to be driving an extremely fast and well handling sports car, not a luxury car).

Weaknesses:
May be to quick reacting for some riders, first twenty-five miles was spent on a bicycle trail until I felt comfortable with the much quicker response than my Cannondale 1000 had - some may not like the amount of road feel that is transmitted by the seat and handlebars but most can be nulified by changing seats and bar wrap.

Similar Products Used:
Have owned a Puegoet Road bike(spell?), a Cannondale 1000, a Pro-tour 15-speed, a Raligh Portage (still have), a Santana Sovg. custom touring (still have).

Price Paid:  $2200.00 at Sierra Cyclesmith (R

Favorite Ride:
Geiger Grade, Ebbet's Pass

Bike Setup:
100% stock (Ultegra triple, Bontrager wheels and hardware), Look Pedals

Summary:
All I really wanted was a lower gear on my old bike (I'm too old to pedal a 12-21 freewheel up Ebbet's Pass anymore), but the expense of a new gruppo and the work involved (spreading the rear triangle, etc) was almost the cost of this bike. Overall, this a great bike, and for the price it really can't be beat. Rock solid handling inspires confidence on winding descents, highly responsive and stiff, which translates pedaling into instant forward motion, a very efficient hill climber. It transmits a bit more road vibration than I'm used to (coming from an old school Columbus SLX steel frame). About the only way to get even a slightly better bike is to spend a ton more.

Strengths:
Light and responsive with rock solid handling. Corners like it's on rails.

Weaknesses:
I probably wouldn't buy the triple, as nearly the same low is available with a standard double (53/39) and a 12-27 cassette. I spin out at about 40 mph, and rarely use the low ring. (Of course I haven't tried the Death Ride with it yet - probably change my tune after that). Not quite as shock absorbing as I would have thought - coming from my old school Columbus steel frame, I find the ride on rough pavement a bit harsh. Of course everyone and their dog has one, but then that's just an indication of the value of this bike.

Similar Products Used:
My old Nobillette (Columbus SLX) steel frame with Campy Chorus - Suntour Superbe Pro - Mavic

Price Paid:  $400.00 at Frame from Ebay

Favorite Ride:
Mountains !

Bike Setup:
King headset, Triple Ultegra, D/A shifters and rear der, occasionally switch to XT der and cassette when mtns too steep. Velocity aerohead/D-Ace wheels. All self built.

Summary:
Very nice bike, much better than I deserve. I do long distance rides (200+) and it was perfect, absorbed bumps and everything. I got lucky and bought the frame on ebay for 400$. Was pre-owned but didn't show any sign of wear at all.

I am selling because it is slightly small. I like it a lot, used it about 6000 miles and was looking for the same model next size, but didn't find any good deal on ebay, so I'm trying a Merlin X-light now.

Strengths:
- abosrbs bumps
- fast bike

Weaknesses:
- the paint doesn't like carbon or what ? I do nothing and get cable rub, small chips...
- this is everybody's bike. I removed all decals, and still everybody recognizes it.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 5200 8spd, Trek Y-foil w/ Ultegra, Fuji team, Bike Friday, Merlin Extralight.

Price Paid:  $2100.00 at PROBIKE

Favorite Ride:
TREK 5200T

Bike Setup:
All Ultegra components - Not as pricey as the Dura-Ace, but I'm not worrying or complaining.

Summary:
I saved up for six months to get this bike and I LOVE IT! Looked at the Klein Quantum & Quantum Race, and a few Cannondales too but the "feel" just wasn't the same as the 5200. I'm 6'3' and 215 but we're ONE now (THE BIKE AND I)and I've never ridden better. Bought it at a great price too, that was just the cherry on top.

Strengths:
I have the Bontrager Lite rims and the continental supersonic tires too, and never have any trouble with speed or handling in any weather.

Weaknesses:
Need to adjust the rear drivetrain a little more than I'm used to - a minor inconvenience.

Similar Products Used:
I've had experience with Schwinns and older Trek models, this is the best yet of those I've ridden on.

Price Paid:  $2500.00 at Park Ave Bike

Favorite Ride:
Trek 5200 Triple

Bike Setup:
Purchased with Ultegra triple and STI. Later moved components from Bianchi to Trek (Ultegra double c

Summary:
Purchased to replace Bianchi Proto (steel)that was run over. Liked most of the Trek but hated the triple.

Strengths:
Nice light frame with more comfortable ride than Al frames.

Weaknesses:
Shimano triple leave much to be desired. Can't change chainrings on hills, and 30,42,52 is all wrong. Shifts poorly and bottom bracket was shot after 300 miles with a click.
Much prefer the old 39,53 standard drivetrain. Believe the Shimano Ultegra triple should never be mated to a frame with tubes this short, may function well on a touring frame, but was noisy and unreliable on the Trek 5200.

Similar Products Used:
Bianchi Road racing frame, Serotta Colorado etc.