Trek 2.1 Road Bike Reviews

Price Paid:  $1250.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2011

Favorite Ride:
Trek 2.1 Alpha

Bike Setup:
Stock, except for aero bars and bike computer.

Summary:
My first new road bike in many years. Purchase strongly influenced by a very knowledgeable, easy-going LBS owner. Laid out the pros and cons of various models in comparison with my goals and objectives (long recreational rides and 2-3 triathlons annually). Settled on the 2.1 Alpha. Overall, I'm quite happy with the bike. Will have ridden about 1K miles by the time the season ends here in NJ, including my first sprint tri and the 145 mile one-day Ride to Montauk. Looking forward to next year's events, which include a 208 mile one-day ride. This bike makes these long rides very doable and enjoyable. Whether climbing in the hills or riding the flats, the 2.1 Alpha delivers quite well. It gives the rider great confidence, and allows me to always be at or near the front of the pack. Highly recommend it.

Strengths:
Frame integrity, shifting, positioning.

Weaknesses:
With a two-ring front, I often long for taller high gearing to give me more top-end speed. Conversely, steep hills can be very tough. Will be investigating the feasibility of changing the set-up to see if I can achieve significant gains without breaking the bank.

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at Bicycles Inc

Model Year:
2011

Favorite Ride:
Trek 2.1

Bike Setup:
105 pedals, bontrager R3 tires, nashbar glide race 2 saddle, blackburn 4.0 wireless computer

Summary:
I upgraded to the Trek 2.1 from a hybrid bike in April '10 and it was the best decision I have ever made. I was worried that I would have back pain as many family members have had pretty bad back pain, but the bike was fit to me and it feels really good and solid. I've logged over 1050 miles on it since April, including a 55 mile and 100K and have not had any major problems with it. I was looking for a bike that would not break the bank but that would last me a while, one which I could upgraded parts as I felt needed and a bike that would be competitive and light. Very easy to adjust seat, removing wheels is a quick task with the quick releases. The bike has a location on the front fork for an integrated computer which is pretty cool but I have not used. The stock seat is not too bad but I have replaced it. I love this bike and it looks like a million bucks!

Strengths:
Number one factor was price, I didn't feel like I was being ripped off. The 105 components feel and work very well. Shifting is smooth. Very comfortable ride even on long rides. The bike is also pretty fast, and it makes you want to work at getting better and faster.

Weaknesses:
Nothing really, maybe better tires.

Price Paid:  $1360.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2011

Favorite Ride:
Trek 2.1

Bike Setup:
Stock, H3, have added Bontrager Node 1, speed trap and cadence sensors.

Summary:
Just got back into road bikings in order to help reducing blood glucose levels for Type II Diabetis. Chose the Trek 2.1 as I already have a great Trek hard-tail MB. Couldn't be happier with the 2.1. Great handling characteristics with the H3 set up. Shimano 105 group provides very smooth shifting. The 11-28 cassette and 52-39 crank provides a wide range of training capabilites.

Strengths:
Reliability, weight, Shimano 105 group, value for price. Perfect bike for strength and endurance training.

Weaknesses:
None.

Price Paid:  $1300.00 at Bicycles Ect.

Model Year:
2011

Bike Setup:
Stock.... so far.

Summary:
This is my first road bike so I do not have a lot to compare it to. But I am very happy with my purchase. I have put about 200 miles on it so far and rode in one triathalon. It handels well and seems to be a great bike for the money.

Strengths:
Fast, light, good price point.

Weaknesses:
Me the rider.

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $1149.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2011

Bike Setup:
Look keo pedals. Conti gatorskins. Cateye computer. Everything else is stock.

Summary:
After ten days and 130 miles I absolutely love this bike. For my first road bike, I searched and researched for over a month before buying this bike. It's smooth, comfortable and handles anything I throw at it with ease. The only things I have changed were the stock tires and added a computer. Stock saddle is comfortable for me.

Strengths:
105 group set. Handles well.

Weaknesses:
Stock tires

Similar Products Used:
None