Road Cycling - Trek 5200 Equals

What other bikes out there equal the trek 5200 as far as weight, component group, performance, wheelset, and overall durability of the bike? Oh yeah......and price :).

Considering the frame has an advertized weight of 2.4 pounds,It's hard to beat for the price.

...perhaps a custom bike...

a car

Originally posted by kewlrunningz
What other bikes out there equal the trek 5200 as far as weight, component group, performance, wheelset, and overall durability of the bike? Oh yeah......and price :).

If you're talking carbon frames, you may want to take a look at Aegis (I have an Aro Svelte) or Calfee frames. Depending on what bike-kit you pick, you should be able to find a comparable component package.

Ok. I guess the 5200 is going to be the best one as I thought. Just wanted to see what else was out there.

The Trek 5200 is, what, $2500-$3000? Ultegra group?

There are a lot og bikes in that range that are as good or better, to be honest. If you have Carbon on the mind, you can look at the Look KG361, which comes with campagnolo Chorus in that price range. If you like steel, there's the Lemond Maillot Jaune, DeRosa Ne Primato and any number of frames from small builders. If Alumunum is your thing, the choices are endless. Titanium? How about a Merlin Agilis or a Litespeed Arenberg with Ultegra...

The point is that there a whole lot of bikes out there in the same general price range that offer similar or better value. I personally don't like the Trek geometry and I find the OCLVs ride pretty dead. I find the Bontrager wheels harsh and I have heard that they don't keep true on bad roads for very long. I prefer Campagnolo Centaur to Ultegra. I think the Trek 2002 paint jobs are just absolutely butt-ugly. I think there are too many Treks on the road anyway.

In my opinion Almost any bike would be a better choice than a Trek 5200. With less exotic frame materials, you'll get better components at the price and probably a better ride. What's the 5200's equal? I can't say, but I can think of a whole lot of superior bikes in terms of performance and value and style.

Of course, that is me, and my opinion. You might like the Trek geometry and you might like the feel of the OCLV ride and you might be a big fan of Shimano. In which case, this might be the best choice for you.

The only way to know is to take the bike out for a ride and take a whole lot of different bikes out for rides and compare. You might be surprised.

what are you saying?? trek is to bikes what hondas are to cars?? :D

Just had to weigh in with an opinion of me own here...

I've been riding a Trek 5200 for about 8 times now, (commuter ersatz & road bike) and I've been just as pleased as punch.

It's stiff without wasting me over my commute, the handling is nice, and the price ($2500 w/o pedals) was right.

It's one of the better bikes that I've ridden. The paint job does take a bit getting used to, but then again, pretty much EVERY paint job does that.

That all being said, wish that I had gotten Lightspeed's catalog before I purchsed the Trek.

The only drawback that I can immediately discern is the absolute lack of pump attachment ability.

Good luck,
Tom

P.S. oh yeah, really stiff, and VERY light. I like that (I have a 58 cm)

Originally posted by kewlrunningz
What other bikes out there equal the trek 5200 as far as weight, component group, performance, wheelset, and overall durability of the bike? Oh yeah......and price :).

Like Velocipedio stated, there are many bikes available @ that price range that are VERY good. It really comes down to personal choice. You should ride as many of these machines as possible, and then make an educated decision in terms of fit and ride.

I rode several bikes before I bought my 5200 this year. The Trek just fit me well, and I love the feel and ride and look of the OCLV frame. Moreover, I bucked up for a custom paint job, which really sealed the deal for me.

Good luck - it's tough to be disappointed @ this price point! :D

The point is that there a whole lot of bikes out there in the same general price range that offer similar or better value. I personally don't like the Trek geometry and I find the OCLVs ride pretty dead. I find the Bontrager wheels harsh and I have heard that they don't keep true on bad roads for very long. I prefer Campagnolo Centaur to Ultegra. I think the Trek 2002 paint jobs are just absolutely butt-ugly. I think there are too many Treks on the road anyway.

I think this is a rather jaded opinion. Did you have a bad experience with a Trek?

Originally posted by avivino
I think this is a rather jaded opinion. Did you have a bad experience with a Trek?
Not particularly. I've test-ridden a few Treks and I didn't like the geometry -- shortish TT and steep HT -- or the feel of the OCLV frame. It was stiff, alright, but it felt lifeless to me... sort of like riding on plastic. It's not what I like, so that's what I said. I can -- as I said -- certainly understand that some people might like the geometry/feel of the Trek OCLVs, but I don't.

How is that jaded?

Velocepedio,

Don't forget the Lemond Zurich which is all Ultegra, the Maillot Jaune is full Dura Ace. The frame is anything but dead on either one of course it is the same frame.

I know Lemond is owned by Trek now, but one of the reasons I wanted one is because everytime I go on a ride just about every other bike that I see is a Trek and 40% of the rest are Litespeed and Cannondale's.

Just wanted to be a little different and I love the ride my Zurich gives me.

Just my $.02 worth...

What does the Zurich weigh these days? Also, what is the frame material of the Maillot Jaune? I agree about how trek has become the "thing" to ride since thats what Lance rides. Kinda sad really but it is a good bike despite all of those posers.

as much as i hate to admit it, i recently tested a 5700 Trek from 2001 and loved it...it climbed effortlessly, and accelerated great. i'm really struggling with myself cause i told myself i'd NEVER buy a Trek since everyone has one...and A LOT of crappy riders have them. but as much as i hate to admit it, it was the most pleasing bike i've tested out of CAAD 7 C-Dale, and a Giant TCR.

i thought the carbon frame would feel lifeless as well, but it responded great to my pedal strokes, and just felt like it wanted more as i was standing on climbs.

this was the 110 carbon frame. not sure if 120 ( from the 5200) makes a real noticeable difference in performance...but i'm leaning towards getting one...

i always told myself i'd never settle for less than italian craftsmanship when i bought a new bike...but damn, the Trek might have won me over...

The Zurich and the Maillot Jaune both have the same frame which is Reynolds 853 pro and they weigh about 18.5lbs. It is a fairly light bike and very responsive. Another nice thing about them is you don't see near as many of them on the road.

I know steel is not for everyone but for me steel is real.

Coppi,

Go test ride a Serotta, or Seven, or Spectrum
or Calfee if you want CF.
(if you can find one), or even better look for a
Pegoretti classic Italian only modern.
I'm betting that any one of these would dissuade
you from the Trek.

Marty

Originally posted by lotek
Coppi,

Go test ride a Serotta, or Seven, or Spectrum
or Calfee if you want CF.
(if you can find one), or even better look for a
Pegoretti classic Italian only modern.
I'm betting that any one of these would dissuade
you from the Trek.

Marty

thanks for the suggestions man :) i wish i could find some places around here that carried those fine brands :)

but alas...my price budget is kinda holding me back as well...originally when i thought i'd end up getting an $1800 Giant TCR1 i had no problem with that...the $2500 Trek 5200 is REALLY pulling some strings...i would think the others would be above that price?

Buy the bike that fits you and you like and forget about everybody else. If it is the 5200 so be it, there is nothing wrong with it and you will find many many people that love them. I ride with a guy that has one and he really enjoys it, he is also a very strong rider. He took off last night and I couldn't keep up with him.

Your the one that is going to ride it not all the guys on this forum so get what you want. Trek make a great bike, if they didn't they wouldn't sell so many and they wouldn't have so many happy customers.

as much as i hate to admit it, i recently tested a 5700 Trek from 2001 and loved it...it climbed effortlessly, and accelerated great. i'm really struggling with myself cause i told myself i'd NEVER buy a Trek since everyone has one...and A LOT of crappy riders have them. but as much as i hate to admit it, it was the most pleasing bike i've tested out of CAAD 7 C-Dale, and a Giant TCR.

Whenever a brand gets popular, a pool of haters form for no other reason than because the product 'went commercial'. I've had 4 Treks in my life so far, my first was in 1983 when they were not very well known except for those who knew bikes. I purchased my last Trek a few months ago (the 2300) not because it was popular, but because of the quality. I could care less if anyone thinks I'm a Lance wanabe.

Coppi,

EXACTLY my sentiments...I went into the shop looking for shorts, ended up on a test-ride, and ended up getting the bike. It was a bit serendipitious, as it was my size (58 cm) had long crank arms (175mm) and the bars were my size too...(44cm)

It's a great ride, and I don't regret getting it yet.

cheers,
Tom

I own 2 bikes (currently) one of them
is a 1985 Trek, which I will NOT get rid of, its also
from the era when trek was not a well known name
and built some frames that would rival the best from
italy.
My only beef with trek is that they totally gave up on
steel, which is where they started. Is this a reason
to not buy a trek? only if I want another steel frame.

Coppi, about the Trek (and if I may quote?)

Originally posted by velocipedio
Honestly, if you like this bike -- if it is the one that sings to you -- go for it.
and there ain't nothing more to say on that account.

Marty

Originally posted by lotek
I own 2 bikes (currently) one of them
is a 1985 Trek, which I will NOT get rid of, its also from the era when trek was not a well known name and built some frames that would rival the best from
italy.

I remember back in junior high (ca 1985) when a friend of mine just got a new bike... a Trek 500. It was the envy of us all. 'Course I grew up in the midwest and Trek was a little more well-known.

Originally posted by khuon

I remember back in junior high (ca 1985)

sigh. . .
(I feel so old).

Marty

Can someone explain to me how expressing an admittedly subjective opinion on the ride quality and geometry of Trek bikes justifies the comment "a pool of haters form for no other reason than because the product 'went commercial'" or that such an opinion is "jaded?"

As far as I can tell, no one has actually said that the Trek 5200 is a bad bike, only that the original poster's "I guess the 5200 is going to be the best one as I thought" had to be qualified.

Some of us don't think the Trek 5200 is the best bike in its price range, some of us do. There seems to be a diversity of opinions on the subject and most of these opinions, though subjective, are informed and considered. That's a good thing.

Remember, this thread started with the question "What other bikes out there equal the trek 5200 as far as weight, component group, performance, wheelset, and overall durability of the bike?" We've all tried to answer the question, and all of our answers are valid.

If you live your Trek, that's great. I hope it gives you a great deal of enjoyment. I personally wouldn't love it, but that's me. My opinion doesn't invalidate yours and yours doesn't invalidate mine.

Whooaa. Didnt mean to strike up such a controversial thread over Trek bikes. I do like the Trek bikes and the ride. It's true that there seems to be a hate group out there that have no reason to do so (excluding velocipedio)and this tends to persuade riders from the more popular bikes. These bikes wouldn't be among us as they are if they were crap, no matter what pro rides it. So as others have stated, what others say doesen't matter and it's all about personal preference.;)

On the Lemond wieght issue I ride a 98 Zurich upgraded with 2001 Dura Ace, Mavic Classics SSC wheels, and Chris King headset, I would put the weight at about 19 -20 lbs for my 59 cm. The frame and fork wieghed less than 4 lbs. I love the ride and handling, and with all the upgrades the whole thing including wheels has cost me about 2200.

My wife just purchased a 2003 model 5200. I agree with others in that I personally don't like Trek geometry but my wife, who rides a 50 cm, likes it. She paid $2395 for the Posties version and a triple crank, no pedals. Here's the 2003 paint job and note the straight fork blades this year:

http://home.insightbb.com/~dtresenriter/Trek2.JPG

Originally posted by Trsnrtr
She paid $2395 for the Posties version and a triple crank, no pedals. Here's the 2003 paint job and note the straight fork blades this year:



cool, how'd she get it so cheap?

Originally posted by Coppi51


cool, how'd she get it so cheap?

I don't know, it seems to be the going rate in my part of the country (central Illinois). We have 3 Trek dealers in our area and they were all within $25 or so.

$2700 in my neck of the woods:rolleyes: .

as far as i've seen, most dealers will come off the sticker price unless they're closing a bike out. i even got a local trek dealer to concede that $2500 was a jumping off point, as i was expressing strong interest in a 5200 but balked at the price. he said they could order one for $2200 or so.

I have owned a few Trek bikes and they have been fine. However, they have become run of the mill bikes in these parts. They are still good bikes but they are so common. I recently built a Litespeed 'Classic' for a comparable amount of $$$. The Litespeed is hands down a better ride. Carbon to me is just to dead of a ride. If you are putting that amount of cash down on a bike I would definetly try other high end bikes. Weight is not that big of a deal. Try Colnago for one. I guess I'm not a carbon kind of day.

Originally posted by iamsparticus
. Weight is not that big of a deal. Try Colnago for one. I guess I'm not a carbon kind of day.


lol...ummm, like a Masterx Light with ultegra? thats probably the only model with ultegra that is remotely close in price to a 5200...maybe $2800...for a 23-24 lb bike?

Master X Light's don't weigh that much. I built a 59 on wrenchscience once with Ultegra to less than 20 lbs.

Originally posted by Guillermo
Master X Light's don't weigh that much. I built a 59 on wrenchscience once with Ultegra to less than 20 lbs.

sweet :) i didn't know they were that light...

Can someone explain to me how expressing an admittedly subjective opinion on the ride quality and geometry of Trek bikes justifies the comment "a pool of haters form for no other reason than because the product 'went commercial'" or that such an opinion is "jaded?"

Your the man!

I've been riding my 2003 Trek 5200 for 2 weeks now, and couldn't be happier. I thought about the Calfee and others, but ultimately liked the Trek warranty (lifetime frame warranty - who else has that?), liked the ride, and didn't really mind the black/silver frame color option.

Also, contrary to one earlier poster, it IS possible to attach a pump. Not sure what his/her problem was.

At my LBS, got the bike, computer (Cateye wireless), repair kit with two tubes, and two waterbottles plus cages for $2500.

Originally posted by TieaflyandBike
...but ultimately liked the Trek warranty (lifetime frame warranty - who else has that?)...


Aegis

[Originally posted by TieaflyandBike
...but ultimately liked the Trek warranty (lifetime frame warranty - who else has that?)... ]

Specialized...

Two weekends ago I was riding with three friends, two of whom have the Trek OCLV Postal bikes. One guy's Trek is one of the 2001 Tour de France bikes that Trek recently auctioned on their web site. About 40 miles into our ride he offered to let me ride his OCLV. Nice ride. Incredibly light. I ride an old Trek 2300 which is a relatively light bike, but the OCLV put it to shame. It's a bike I will definitely look into.

Originally posted by kewlrunningz
What other bikes out there equal the trek 5200 as far as weight, component group, performance, wheelset, and overall durability of the bike? Oh yeah......and price :).

The 5200 is a great bike for the price. I considered it for a while. There are many bikes our there at that price point. However, I didn't find any that were Carbon. But, being a heavy powerfull rider, I couldn't benefit from their stock wheels and couldn't convince myself to go with a full carbon frame. Just my weirdness :)

Originally posted by gabiker
[Originally posted by TieaflyandBike
...but ultimately liked the Trek warranty (lifetime frame warranty - who else has that?)... ]

Specialized...



Lemond... ;)

[Originally posted by TieaflyandBike
...but ultimately liked the Trek warranty (lifetime frame warranty - who else has that?)... ]

Might as well add Klein...:rolleyes:

Originally posted by TieaflyandBike
lifetime frame warranty - who else has that

Serotta

Glad you like your bike, in the long run thats all that
really counts.

Marty

Well yeah, but aside from every other bike manufacturer out there, who else has such a warranty!?

I stand chastized and corrected... and still love my ride.

Originally posted by Gus Riley
Aegis

Aegis also has a lifetime crash replacement warranty... not sure how many others if any have that.

the 5200 and 5700 are both oclv 120. the 5900 is oclv 110.

I guess Trek and CF just brings the BS mongers out of the woodwork.:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: ....And another point too,the 5200 does not have a shortish TT,as the TT length is actually LONG for the standover. and HT angle is meaningless unless one also considers TRAIL, which is what defines handling, and is a function of HT angle and fork rake.....:confused: :confused: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Originally posted by drbob
the 5200 and 5700 are both oclv 120. the 5900 is oclv 110.


wrong...

5200 and 5500 frames are 120 carbon

5700 (which they no longer make) and 5900 are 110 carbon...

they used to have one frame of each representing ultegra/dura-ace respectively

5200 (120)= ultegra 5500 (120)= dura-ace
5700 (110)= ultegra 5900 (110)= dura-ace