Bike Setup: Mostly stock. I had the shop customize the crankset (48-36-26) because I anticipated a lot of hills and headwinds. Turned out to be a good move, because I can spin up climbs that wreck most peoples' legs. Handlebar has been double taped. Original 17 degree stem was replaced with a 10 degree. OEM cassette and chain were replaced at 3500 km due to wear and tear, and the front derailleur is being replaced due to a mishap. Otherwise, it's pretty much the way it came out of the box.
Summary: Great value. Fast enough to keep up on 100 km club rides with enthusiasts on bikes that are four or five times the price. Very comfortable because of the relaxed riding position - the longest rides I've done have been in the 150 to 160 km range, and it doesn't make my back hurt. Thanks to the local bike shop for that. They found me a bike that fits both my height/build and riding style on the first try.
Strengths: Frame and components are good enough to work reasonably well without being insanely expensive. Wheels are particularly good. With over 5000 km ridden so far, I haven't had to have the wheels trued. Auxiliary brake levers are very useful, because once in a while I get stuck in the middle of the pack and I can ride with my head up and my hands on the brakes.
Weaknesses: Haven't found any yet, and having ridden over 5000 km in a year that isn't over yet, if there were weaknesses I would have found them. The only problem is that Trek discontinued the product line.
Similar Products Used: None. My last road bike was a Peugeot purchased in about 1975, and the technology has changed a lot since then. I have a mountain bike (another Trek) but both the bike and the riding conditions are so different that there is no meaningful comparison.
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Summary: I've clocked 700+ miles on this bike, usually on very crowded and busy city streets that aren't always very well paved, This bicycle provides superb control, very good stiffness and is light enough to pick and lift over a gate or a divider with ease. The dual brakes are a huge boon for city riding and its rims have stood up to some bone jarring punishment from the cracks in concrete streets at 20 miles an hour. The bike was great value too, with Shimano Tiagra shifters and 105 derailleurs.
Summary: My first bike. Have logged 2,300 miles with excellent performance, stable, light weight,for the price point a real value,upgrading to a Specialized Roubaix Expert Ultegra or Expert Rival...
Strengths: handeling, stable, light weight, price point,
Weaknesses: none
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Bike Setup: Koobie PRS saddle, pannier rack and bag, Polar CS200 computer, Look pedals, Continental Grand Prix 4000 Road Tires
Summary: This is my first road bike. I bought it because of the upright riding position and price. I am a big guy at 6'2" 260ish. This bike has held up great. I have over 1500 miles on it.
Strengths: Strength, it hauls me and my pannier rack full of gear with no problems. Comfortable bike.
Weaknesses: Stock seat is real bad. I bought a Koobie PRS and realy like it.
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Bike Setup: I have the interchange system for the luggage rack and have added the profile airstryke aero bars, and the profile water bottle (which I highly recommend). I am adding a cateye cc-cd300dw computer when it arrives, as I am working on my cadence, trying for my personal best
Summary: This is also MY first real bike....good pricepoint for what I was getting, and a very easy and smooth ride. This is my first year cycling (not just biking). I like the more upright style, and have since added aero bars. It has held up very well so far, with just over 1000 miles logged in 4 months.
Strengths: solid, lightweight, and handles easily. It corners well and despite it's light weight, holds the road well. I like the dual brakes, which I understand they eliminated after 2006.
Weaknesses: It's a little stiff, and you can feel every bump in the road, but I suppose that's typical of Carbon forks. (?)
Similar Products Used: My last bike was an old steel Giant...no comparison
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