Trek 2.1

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at Pasadena Cyclery

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
Trek 2.1. Shimano Tiagra Shifters and front derailleur. Shimano 105 rear derailleur. Bontrager Aero Lite Wheels.

Summary:
This Review is for Trek 2.1 2009. I am a track athlete (Im a sprinter) and I wanted to cycle to keep my knees fresh and build different muscles in my legs. I was riding a mongoose double suspension mountain bike for about 5 months that weight a TON! So I desperately needed a lighter and FASTER bike. I went bike shopping and tested Bianci, Marin and Specialized bikes. The geometry of those bikes didnt make me feel so comfortable. (I am 5'9" with long legs) So then I tried the trek 2.1. To be honest I like the fancy pearl white and blue color scheme and the elegant frame at first, and then I took it for a test ride and the bike was the missing piece of the puzzle. Its very smooth and runs REAL FAST. Handles the corners well and holds up flawlessly in high speeds. The bike has a very light aluminum frame with carbon seat stays and carbon fork that do very well in damping. Shimano Tiagra shifters, front derailleur, and 105 rear derailleur makes it a very nice beginners set. The only thing I didnt really like was the SRAM cassette. I would suggest switching to a Shimano cassette which will make a BIG difference. The SRAM cassette shifts OKAY with the 105. Most have said the saddle was bad, but I dont find it bad at all. So that will come to personal preference. All in all this bike has a good set up for the money. Also IT LOOKS BEAUTIFUL! Also, the bontrager stock wheels are very nice. I believe I got a lot of bang for my buck. This bike is good for people getting in to road racing or going fast =).

Strengths:
Handles well in top speeds and corners
Absorbs shock really well
Very light

Weaknesses:
SRAM Cassette. (I would suggest switching it for a smoother shift)

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at yucaipa bike center

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
tour de Poway

Bike Setup:
bontrager and shimano entery level

Summary:
went with a known name after 20yrs of not riding. combination of alu. and carbon with the compact geometery; entry level componets with nice paint scheme. bike is very comfortable and stable in all aspects of riding. saddle in just horrible replaced ASAP! did a lot of research and felt the was the best bike for the money. tires and wheels good,but the crank is my next replace, it groans when i really mash it.

Strengths:
good entry level componets, except saddle and crank. good company and a great bike shop, treks compact bikes are very comfortable.

Weaknesses:
saddle and crank, wish trek would offer low end campy!

Similar Products Used:
1982 Trek 400 series, 1984 Olmo with campy

Price Paid:  $1150.00 at Agee's Carytown in R

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
Shimano 105 SPD SL pedals

Summary:
Compared to the Specialized Allez, the bike is noticeably more maneuverable, and feels much faster to accelerate. The riding position of the Trek 2.1 is not quite as upright as the Allez, but it is still comfortable.

Strengths:
Nimble steering, wheels

Weaknesses:
Would be better with Shimano 105 components all around rather than just on the rear derailleur.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Allez Sport Double Compact

Price Paid:  $1250.00 at Trek Retail Store -

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Little Miami Scenic Trail - Ohio

Summary:
Absolutely great bike. This was my first road bike purchase and I have loved it. I did about a year of research before deciding and released this was the best deal. What you get for the price is amazing. Love the components and weight of the frame. For aluminum, its really light weight. Carbon where it matters.

Strengths:
Shimano 105 Components, Carbon fork, stays, and seatpost, light weight, good for climbing.

Weaknesses:
Stock pedals are miserable, go clipless.

Similar Products Used:
Tried a Fuji Roubaix first, but went back to the Trek.

Price Paid:  $1045.00 at Bike Rack (LBS)

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
Stock with Look Keo clipless road pedals.

Summary:
Let me start out by saying this is the first road bike I've purchased and ridden in 25 years. I've been riding a comfort bike for the past 7 years, so this is a beginner's opinion. The bike is light, fast and much more responsive than what I'm use to. Don't laugh, but I think the geometry on this bike is more comfortable than my comfort bike. The carbon stays, forks, and seat post seem to take care of most of the road buzz. Unfortunately, I've only got to ride it for one weekend (<100 miles) before the Nebraska winter decided to return, so I can't make a good assessment of the durability--so far, so good. Honestly, after doing a lot of research, this bike didn't make my short list (top three). However, I then went out and test rode a half dozen bikes. This one seemed to have the most comfortable ride, without sacrificing much performance. In the end what I learned from this experience is don't let reviews and ratings make your final decision. Go out and test ride the bikes, and find out what fits you. With that said, I would highly recommend testing this bike.

Strengths:
Light, responsive, and comfortable. The 105 derailer operates quickly and smoothly.

Weaknesses:
I have the compact front chainring. The front tiagra derailer can be a bit slow when shifting from the large ring to the small ring. This might just be an adjustment issue.

Similar Products Used:
Test road Specialized Allez Elite, Lemond Tourmalet, Specialized Triple, Trek 5000.