K2 Mod 3.0

Price Paid:  $900.00 at Morningside cycles

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere out of the wind!

Bike Setup:
Bontager Race light wheels, Fizik Arione saddle, specialised carbon seatpost, Conti 4000s tires, Polar CS100 HRM

Summary:
Its been a great bike. I've done about 7 000 miles on it since new and it's never let me down on the road.
I've done a few upgrades over time such as the wheels (the original Alex wheels were finished after 4 000 miles!), the pedals (lasted 2 rides) and saddle.
It's taken a pounding through potholes and broken roads but the frame still feels taut and inspires confidence.
the 105 components have worked flawlessly once correctly adjusted.
Overall a really good buy.

Strengths:
Comfortable ride
reliable components
light for the price
Stable in fast corners and at speed

Weaknesses:
OEM wheels and pedals were poor quality.
The clearcoat over the paint has bubbled in a couple of places.
Tekro brakes not great, just replaced them with Shimano 105s
the front triple derailleur is very fiddly to get to change smoothly - though once set it keeps its adjustment.

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $699.00 at rscycle

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
American River Bike Trail

Summary:
Very good bike overall. It has the highest quality aluminum along with 105's front and rear. At 699 it's a screaming deal since other products with this setup are more than twice the price. Very smooth with carbon in the front and rear.

The mount that hold the seat stem needs to be replaced. I quickly ruined the bolt and had to have it drilled out. It was also showing signs of cracking after only a few rides. It was very pool quality. Also, the seat itself is very hard and needs to be replaced asap. I replaced mine with a specialized low end -- it's way better.

Strengths:
Value, ride, quality of components and frame materials.

Weaknesses:
Looks, small quality issues that will need to be replaced.