Favorite Ride:
IL Prairie Path Bike Setup:
1998 model came with stx Derailleurs, & rsx tube shifters.I swapped out the Coda triple, for a 105 53/ 39, If I ever use it for full loaded touring in hill country I'll put on a triple.The Coda handle bars with all cables covered by wrapping tape are comfortable and uncluttered for adding bags, etc.
Summary:
I bought it because I do about 1/2 my riding on gravel or limestone trails, and wanted the stability of the 38mm tires, but the long range efficency of a down tube handle bar bike. I got tired of fighting the wind on my hybred. The craftsmanship is excellent. I put on about 1000 miles in 4 months of actual riding with no problems or adjustments required.While I don't use it for it's intended purpose, Touring, it's a great alternative to hybreds for those wanting more performance in a bike used in a variety of terrain. I've just picked up a Trek 1220 for straight road riding, but my T500 will remain the bike I use daily for training, and converted rail road trails.
If I had to do it over I might evaluate a cyclo cross bike as well. Strengths:
Comfortable responsive frame, long stretched out comfortable geometry, 38mm tires on beefy sun rims, lots braze ons, and connections for adding accesories, Beautiful Black aluminum frame with none of the noise usually atributable to Alum. frames. Reasonable good stiff acceleration. Weaknesses:
Coda Crank: 22/32/42,doesn't offer the high end gearing needed for speed down hills. Similar Products Used:
Raleigh C200 hybred
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