Bike Setup: Stock except for: Mavic Ksyrium Elite Wheels, Wolf saddle and 105 Crankset.
Summary: I bought the bike after a short experience on a flat handlebar giant, a hybrid bike, which I used primarily for commuting 13 miles a day. I love the Trek. It's very comfortable, responsive and nimble enough to make me feel like I'm riding something much more expensive. I now have about 15,000 miles on it and have no problems to report. I put some Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels on it which dramatically improved the ride, and a 105 crankset, that made pedaling more efficient. Now I take it on 60 mile rides pretty regularly and enjoy every minute.
Strengths: Well made, reasonably light, very comfortable, nice looking.
Weaknesses: for the money, none. Well, the stock wheels, Bontrager Race Lites, had a problem cracking near the spokes, but they were replaced by LBS promptly. With the Mavics everything's good.
Similar Products Used: Viscount Road bike from the 70's.
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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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