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06-14-05, 02:17 PM
500+ miles and going strong!
I have to say I've been impressed by the performance of this bike so far. I swapped out the stock triple for a standard 53/39 double and the stock 12-25 cassette for a 12-27. The Ultegra 10 drivetrain shifts crisply, although the 21 to 24 and 24 to 27 jumps are a bit much. Despite this drawback, however, it is nice to have the two "granny" gears for tougher climbs.
As far as the total package performance, I have been pleasantly surprised at the speed and race-like handling of a so-called "Comfort" bike. I was originally looking at the Trek Madone 5.2, but found myself checking out the Pilot and the Roubaix due to my age (42) and for comfort reasons. My neck and back were screaming for a more upright position. The problem is that I want to get back into racing and I am a pretty competitive rider in general. I was very leary of purchasing a bike that did not allow me to express that side of my cycling personality. After test riding all three bikes, I took a leap of faith on the Pilot. I have yet to be dissappointed.
I keep meticulous records of my training rides, and decided to compare my rides on the Pilot to the rides on my more traditional geometry Trek 2300 CF/AL I rode last year. Both frames are 58 cm, and I am 6'1" with long legs and a short torso. Both bikes were professionally fitted by my LBS. The 2300 was set up with a lower stem, whereas the Pilot stem is approx. 1/4 inch below saddle height. I have been pleasantly surprised with the results.
Although I wanted a more comfortable ride, I do like some level of road feel. Although not as "buttery" as the Roubaix, the Pilot smooths out the road and mutes out much of the nasty road buzz. I was impressed at the overall "feel" of the ride. It is comfortable, but I still feel I'm on a performance machine.
Handling wise, the Pilot handled corners confidently, and felt always in control. I noticed little if any drop-off in handling from my 2300.
Also impressive is the Pilot's climbing ability and stiffness. I am 6'1", 185 lbs and experienced virtually no flex when out of the saddle during climbs or sprints to the next stop light. Power transfer is excellent and the Bontrager Race Lite wheels seem very tough, strong, and responsive. No adjustments (truing) have had to be done even after riding these horrendous CT. roads.
So far, my reservations about going "Comfort" have been reduced dramatically. To date, my performance on the Pilot has been better than on my 2300 over the same time period and similar rides. My average speed has increased, as has my comfort level. Maybe "comfort and "performance" are related?... I may be more upright, but I feel better which leads to better performance.
My only qualms are with the Bontrager Race Luxe saddle and the Bontrager Race Lite bars. The saddle is too plush for my taste, and the bars shape does not give me a good hand position in the drops. I'm going to change to a Specialized Alias saddle and look for better bars.
Interim Verdict: I would have no qualms racing the Pilot, and intend to do so. To me, the Pilot gives the best combination of comfort, performance, and component mix available in the "Comfort" category. For me, the Roubaix did not feel as performance oriented as the Pilot. The longer wheelbase felt less aggressive and the Alex wheels were crap (mushy as hell). Upgrade those wheels before you take it out of the store!). It's all my personal preference......and I did not test ride the Giant OCR's, but I don't feel I've lost much at all by going with the Pilot rather than traditional geometry.
I have to say I've been impressed by the performance of this bike so far. I swapped out the stock triple for a standard 53/39 double and the stock 12-25 cassette for a 12-27. The Ultegra 10 drivetrain shifts crisply, although the 21 to 24 and 24 to 27 jumps are a bit much. Despite this drawback, however, it is nice to have the two "granny" gears for tougher climbs.
As far as the total package performance, I have been pleasantly surprised at the speed and race-like handling of a so-called "Comfort" bike. I was originally looking at the Trek Madone 5.2, but found myself checking out the Pilot and the Roubaix due to my age (42) and for comfort reasons. My neck and back were screaming for a more upright position. The problem is that I want to get back into racing and I am a pretty competitive rider in general. I was very leary of purchasing a bike that did not allow me to express that side of my cycling personality. After test riding all three bikes, I took a leap of faith on the Pilot. I have yet to be dissappointed.
I keep meticulous records of my training rides, and decided to compare my rides on the Pilot to the rides on my more traditional geometry Trek 2300 CF/AL I rode last year. Both frames are 58 cm, and I am 6'1" with long legs and a short torso. Both bikes were professionally fitted by my LBS. The 2300 was set up with a lower stem, whereas the Pilot stem is approx. 1/4 inch below saddle height. I have been pleasantly surprised with the results.
Although I wanted a more comfortable ride, I do like some level of road feel. Although not as "buttery" as the Roubaix, the Pilot smooths out the road and mutes out much of the nasty road buzz. I was impressed at the overall "feel" of the ride. It is comfortable, but I still feel I'm on a performance machine.
Handling wise, the Pilot handled corners confidently, and felt always in control. I noticed little if any drop-off in handling from my 2300.
Also impressive is the Pilot's climbing ability and stiffness. I am 6'1", 185 lbs and experienced virtually no flex when out of the saddle during climbs or sprints to the next stop light. Power transfer is excellent and the Bontrager Race Lite wheels seem very tough, strong, and responsive. No adjustments (truing) have had to be done even after riding these horrendous CT. roads.
So far, my reservations about going "Comfort" have been reduced dramatically. To date, my performance on the Pilot has been better than on my 2300 over the same time period and similar rides. My average speed has increased, as has my comfort level. Maybe "comfort and "performance" are related?... I may be more upright, but I feel better which leads to better performance.
My only qualms are with the Bontrager Race Luxe saddle and the Bontrager Race Lite bars. The saddle is too plush for my taste, and the bars shape does not give me a good hand position in the drops. I'm going to change to a Specialized Alias saddle and look for better bars.
Interim Verdict: I would have no qualms racing the Pilot, and intend to do so. To me, the Pilot gives the best combination of comfort, performance, and component mix available in the "Comfort" category. For me, the Roubaix did not feel as performance oriented as the Pilot. The longer wheelbase felt less aggressive and the Alex wheels were crap (mushy as hell). Upgrade those wheels before you take it out of the store!). It's all my personal preference......and I did not test ride the Giant OCR's, but I don't feel I've lost much at all by going with the Pilot rather than traditional geometry.