Road Cycling - do people not like the Trek 5000 series?

I was on E-bay, looking for a nice-quality used bike, and i saw all of these trek OCLV bikes, with less than 100 miles on them. Tell me if im wrong, but for someone investing $2500-$4000 in a Trek OCLV, 100 miles is like two days of riding, meaning that these bikes are almost brand new.

These bikes are a tad too expensive for my tastes, and I probably wouldn't buy one, but why are all these people selling theirs? Are they uncomfortable to ride? whats the deal? Why aren't there more trek 2000s with <100 miles, for $300 less than retail?

Bought Lance bike.Couch poatatoes cannot mutate.Sold bike.

rich couch potatoes, at that!

All that, and they ride like they're made of wood. Kind of harsh and not much character. But, they're not bad bikes. It's all personal preference as far as bike feel. I'd guess that it's the fat of the land getting fatter. Or, their husbands or wives are pissed about that much money just sitting around and are making them sell the bikes.

a rich couch potato thinks," I can ride!" so they go buy all the equipment and make a LBS's day. Then they ride, and they experience pain and suffering, and they don't like it.

when you are a (rich) beginner you always buy the best, in every sport is the same! think when you see some new rich sky-beginner, or some rich guy joggin for the first time.... after one day they may love or hate the sport they tried and sell everything...
p.s. i'm enthusiast of my trek 5500
ciao:)

I can agree with all responses parcially. However, I don't think the majority of buyers of those types of bikes are rich couch people, and out of shape. Your statements appear almost derogatory...why is that?

I think due to Treks marketing program and LA's success, those frames have much more across the board visibility them most exotics, expecially being all carbon.

I also feel that riders with different levels of skill don't know how exotic materials in a frame or fork affect the rider over longer periods. Those light bikes come with serious racing wheels/spokes and tires and they ride very different then other exotic frames...IMO.

Riding a racing bike in the parking lot of an LBS isn't really going to tell a rider how he's going to feel after 25 miles in the saddle. He finds some business success and loads his CC with a new fancy bike. There's nothing wrong with that either. He rides it for awhile and discovers it doesn't do, handle or feel the way he'd hoped...Ebay here he comes.

That's way it's important to do your duediligence before spending lots of money on a bike of any kind.

one more thing about the frame... it's really beautiful, especially in the usps '00 '01 '02 years colors, instead of the last one '03y usps is a litle bit less attractive... but is the tour de france leadership the most important showcase for this bike... and for every other thing...

Originally posted by bakman
one more thing about the frame... it's really beautiful, especially in the usps '00 '01 '02 years colors, instead of the last one '03y usps is a litle bit less attractive... but is the tour de france leadership the most important showcase for this bike... and for every other thing...

Bakman... Trek has something that no other makers have, "Project One" bikes. You can go online, design your own bike from the 5200-5900 frames, including optional "color" designs and take the order to the LBS for fitting & completion. That's why Trek has so many bikes on the road....creative marketing and technology... Down side is that ordering a bike this way will NOT allow a buyer to test ride it prior...

As for TDF showcase... I'd say if I was a bike maker, and LA was riding and winning on it, I'd say yep, TDF is the ultimate competition for serious bike mfg technology to win!

i agree with you garbear... but about LA.. i think he can win with every bike frame or brand

Originally posted by bakman
i agree with you garbear... but about LA.. i think he can win with every bike frame or brand

Don't let anybody fool ya, it's all about the motor! ;)

People buy whatever they want to/ able to buy. How can you make a judegement on someone's right to buy a nice bike? That is completely ********.
Somehow, certain people don't deserve a nice bike? Oh, but YOU could ride that bike like it was meant to be ridden right? Because you are somehow SO much better, more dedicated, could experience greater joy/ benefit from it than someone that actually bought one?

People can and I hope continue to buy all sorts of racing cycles. The more people exposed to the benefits of quality performance machines the better. I make no value judgements on the quality of the rider. Unless you are kicking Lance Armstrong's arse, than you have no room to talk either.

I am a firm believer in quality cycles and parts. I know a custom frame can be of great benefit and the joy of quality bikes is not just in performance but beautiful workmanship or craftsmanship. Things even a non-racing cyclist can appreciate and enjoy.

At the same time, cycling is great because someone on a sub-$900 bike can enjoy the same experiences as one riding one costing much more. What I mean by that is; if someone in a econobox and someone in a Mercedes go on a road trip, they both will experience the great vistas, new people, camping, sleepy drives, etc, etc. It's the same with racing- both will experience the same things.

Who deserves the expensive bikes? ANYONE THAT CAN AFFORD THEM. Everyone else is just a crybaby with their priorities in the wrong place.

Originally posted by RacerX
People buy whatever they want to/ able to buy. How can you make a judegement on someone's right to buy a nice bike? That is completely ********.
Somehow, certain people don't deserve a nice bike? Oh, but YOU could ride that bike like it was meant to be ridden right? Because you are somehow SO much better, more dedicated, could experience greater joy/ benefit from it than someone that actually bought one?

People can and I hope continue to buy all sorts of racing cycles. The more people exposed to the benefits of quality performance machines the better. I make no value judgements on the quality of the rider. Unless you are kicking Lance Armstrong's arse, than you have no room to talk either.

I am a firm believer in quality cycles and parts. I know a custom frame can be of great benefit and the joy of quality bikes is not just in performance but beautiful workmanship or craftsmanship. Things even a non-racing cyclist can appreciate and enjoy.

At the same time, cycling is great because someone on a sub-$900 bike can enjoy the same experiences as one riding one costing much more. What I mean by that is; if someone in a econobox and someone in a Mercedes go on a road trip, they both will experience the great vistas, new people, camping, sleepy drives, etc, etc. It's the same with racing- both will experience the same things.

Who deserves the expensive bikes? ANYONE THAT CAN AFFORD THEM. Everyone else is just a crybaby with their priorities in the wrong place.

You hit the mark right on the head RacerX... However, I will add one key point. In my experience, the ones that knock others because of their purchasing power, are usually the ones that can't afford to buy and are jealous.

That happened to me sometime back after I bought a new 2001 Harley Road King Classic and then had it customized. Those that couldn't afford a new scooter or the $$$ to invest in what they had, called me some stupid name and said I wasn't a biker...I am not. As if I cared about their childish games and sought their acceptance...NOT!

Originally posted by Garbear
Trek has something that no other makers have, "Project One" bikes. You can go online, design your own bike from the 5200-5900 frames, including optional "color" designs and take the order to the LBS for fitting & completion. That's why Trek has so many bikes on the road....creative marketing and technology... Down side is that ordering a bike this way will NOT allow a buyer to test ride it prior...

I don't think this is all that unique. Many other manufacturers allow you to do a frame-up build complete with your choice of graphics and paint job. This is especially common for high-end monocoque CF bikes because very few monocoque CF frame manufacturers will do a fully custom layup so this is the next best thing. Trek simply applied a web-portal to the ordering process.

They are great bikes. There are also a lot of other great bikes. Shop around, buy one that feels good to YOU. I have a 5200 and I am very happy with it.

Why are these people selling them? You won't know until you ask them. Any other data is just a guess.

Originally posted by khuon


I don't think this is all that unique. Many other manufacturers allow you to do a frame-up build complete with your choice of graphics and paint job. This is especially common for high-end monocoque CF bikes because very few monocoque CF frame manufacturers will do a fully custom layup so this is the next best thing. Trek simply applied a web-portal to the ordering process.

Khuon... I just completed a 3 month buying cycle, using the internet and LBS's. I found many unknown exotic frame makers from import distributors and a some small no name TI/Al makers with no formatable name or race history that offered very low prices on custom completed offerings. No "nationally" or world recognized frames makers that would offer multiple paint sets and build to my specs.

Treks site is very unique considering their level of exposure. I looked at at least 10 different racing recognized frames for build, with a 6500. limit on a completed bike. Trek was the only builder I found that allowed many different paint options, and would change out their stock group, wheels, tires, bars, posts, etc. Many LBS's were willing to change out after delivery to store with additional charge.

If you know of some builders on Trek's 5200+ exotics level please share their names, so I can review what I missed?

Originally posted by Garbear
If you know of some builders on Trek's 5200+ exotics level please share their names, so I can review what I missed?

Last year, I purchased an Aegis. My LBS worked as the middleman and provided the final assembly. Aegis will do a frame-up build for you. I started with one of their bike kits and started swapping parts to get what I wanted. Because I wanted to make sure I didn't have to play the phone-tag and back-and-forth email game, I just went ahead and made a spec sheet in html, threw it up on my webserver and pointed them to it. I'm not suggesting everyone do that but I believe that many bike builders will allow you to do an ala carte build of their higher end bikes. One of the guys who work at the LBS was purchasing an Aegis cyclocross bike around the same time I was ordering my bike and did pretty much the same thing. He was also able to get them to customise the logo colour and position too without an extra charge. I think they do charge more if you want unique logos though. Have you also checked out Calfee, Serotta, Merlin, Habenaro, Airborne (I think Airborne does this too), Moots, Seven? I believe all those will do frame-up and/or custom with personalisation. There are possibly more.

Originally posted by khuon


Last year, I purchased an Aegis. My LBS worked as the middleman and provided the final assembly. Aegis will do a frame-up build for you. I started with one of their bike kits and started swapping parts to get what I wanted. Because I wanted to make sure I didn't have to play the phone-tag and back-and-forth email game, I just went ahead and made a spec sheet in html, threw it up on my webserver and pointed them to it. I'm not suggesting everyone do that but I believe that many bike builders will allow you to do an ala carte build of their higher end bikes. One of the guys who work at the LBS was purchasing an Aegis cyclocross bike around the same time I was ordering my bike and did pretty much the same thing. He was also able to get them to customise the logo colour and position too without an extra charge. I think they do charge more if you want unique logos though. Have you also checked out Calfee, Serotta, Merlin, Habenaro, Airborne (I think Airborne does this too), Moots, Seven? I believe all those will do frame-up and/or custom with personalisation. There are possibly more.

I know all high bikes can be reconfigured through their local LBS distributor and some minor changes are available from the mfg. My point is I didn't find one major frame mfg company that offered anything close to what Trek does, either through an LBS or direct. Also, most offered completed bikes with Shimano DA or lower.

I spoke with a few Airborne LBS's and none said custom painting was an option. They all said they'd swap out any techology that came from the mfg for additional charges. Some said they only handled Shimano high end gruppo...not campy and said they were sorry.

No matter, I purchased a Fondriest Titan Level 9 frame and indiviually ordered all the components I wanted through a LBS and had them build it up for me.... My dream bike.:)

Originally posted by Garbear


I know all high bikes can be reconfigured through their local LBS distributor and some minor changes are available from the mfg. My point is I didn't find one major frame mfg company that offered anything close to what Trek does, either through an LBS or direct. Also, most offered completed bikes with Shimano DA or lower.

My LBS only did final assembly with exception of parts that the mfg'er didn't carry in stock and would have been costlier for them to order. For instance, I chose a full DA group but swapped out the crankset for FSA. Since FSA is about 2 miles down the road from the LBS, and they were familiar with them, it was easier to do it that way. Aegis said they would mix and match parts from different lines of Campy and Shimano as requested by the customer. I didn't actually have to go through my LBS to place the order and have the bike spec'ed but it was easier since I wasn't going to spend the time with final assembly myself and would have probably had them do it in the end anyways. I'm still not sure how custom ordering from other mfg'ers is remarkably different than from Trek other than Trek having spent time and money developing a nice web interface for it. Don't get me wrong, I like the Project One bikes and the few OCLV frames I've ridden were pretty good rides but again, I don't see their personalisation/customisation as particularly revolutionary or unique.

Originally posted by Garbear
My point is I didn't find one major frame mfg company that offered anything close to what Trek does, either through an LBS or direct. Also, most offered completed bikes with Shimano DA or lower.

BTW, Wrench Science (http://www.wrenchscience.com/) also does online bike building. Their interface is pretty good too. You customise the group and components although I don't think you can specify personalised lettering and logos.

Originally posted by khuon


BTW, Wrench Science (http://www.wrenchscience.com/) also does online bike building. Their interface is pretty good too. You customise the group and components although I don't think you can specify personalised lettering and logos.

I agree, I visited their website many times and tried a few builds. I didn't see any offerings to change paint or details. The builds I put together appeared to have limits based on frame size and what was in stock.

Getting back to some of the posts about the Trek 5k series, I personally don't find anything wrong about the bikes themselves. The 5900 won the TDF (Actually, I think LA did, but that's because they implanted hydraulics to replace his quads :p ). The thing that I see, though, is that when a rich couch potato goes to buy a bike, he goes for a Trek 5k series. And then gets the USPS uniform. And the shoes. And the Giro helmet, and applies all the right decals in exacting detail. And so on... until they get smoked by a newbie like myself on a 15 - yr - old steel Panasonic. Then they realise that cycling is not like owning Porches or Harleys, but requires physical effort. I applaud those who realise that, join a team, and realise the amazing piece of carbon the Treks are. I pooh-pooh those who get tired and bored, and let the beautiful bike rot in the garage.

I guess my point is that too many just get a Trek to get LA's bike, and then let it rot in the garage after their 15th pinch flat due to the rider's weight. If a rich couch potato gets one, and turns into a rich bike snob, I hope he'll donate the Trek to me when he goes Italian anything or American Ti (and we all know bike snobs do... just like I hope to :D ).

That's just my thought...

I believe I am that couch potato you refer to. I recently (6 months ago) started riding again after not being on a bike for a couple years. Broke out my 15 year old Cannondale and started putting the miles on. On one of my last rides I was with a buddy who doesn't ride as much so the pace was slow. We got passed by a group of roadies with some smart comments. I told my buddy to hang loose and I'd be back. I powered forward, caught the group, past the group, lead the group, and left the group. I made no comments though I wanted to. I'm 38 years old and smoked the little snot-noses.

Point of my story is...I have a 5200 on the way because I needed/wanted newer technology and I don't need the "unique" factor that some of you seem to. I could care less if 50% of the bikes are Treks. It's a damn nice piece of hardware and I'm going to ride it fast. And no, I'm not going to wear the USPS uniform, I got a 2002 smoke carbon, not USPS. I got dura-ace to replace ultegra, and velocity wheels over the bontragers. Not to be different, but because I wanted to. Who's that old bald guy on the Trek smoking the young kid on the Colnago...that's me.

Originally posted by peawee03
Getting back to some of the posts about the Trek 5k series, I personally don't find anything wrong about the bikes themselves. The 5900 won the TDF (Actually, I think LA did, but that's because they implanted hydraulics to replace his quads :p ). The thing that I see, though, is that when a rich couch potato goes to buy a bike, he goes for a Trek 5k series. And then gets the USPS uniform. And the shoes. And the Giro helmet, and applies all the right decals in exacting detail. And so on... until they get smoked by a newbie like myself on a 15 - yr - old steel Panasonic. Then they realise that cycling is not like owning Porches or Harleys, but requires physical effort. I applaud those who realise that, join a team, and realise the amazing piece of carbon the Treks are. I pooh-pooh those who get tired and bored, and let the beautiful bike rot in the garage.

I guess my point is that too many just get a Trek to get LA's bike, and then let it rot in the garage after their 15th pinch flat due to the rider's weight. If a rich couch potato gets one, and turns into a rich bike snob, I hope he'll donate the Trek to me when he goes Italian anything or American Ti (and we all know bike snobs do... just like I hope to :D ).

That's just my thought...

So Peewee, is your vocabulary that limited, you're not able to communicate without labeling others your jealous of... Could you be one of those socially cool rider types that thinks he's part of the incrowd.

I really don't think those you "label" are "the mkt" for Trek or any other exotic bikes. I believe the majority save to buy while others charge their bikes as the purchase of their lifetime because they have credit and income can do so.... Don't you?

Originally posted by WaltH
I believe I am that couch potato you refer to. I recently (6 months ago) started riding again after not being on a bike for a couple years. Broke out my 15 year old Cannondale and started putting the miles on. On one of my last rides I was with a buddy who doesn't ride as much so the pace was slow. We got passed by a group of roadies with some smart comments. I told my buddy to hang loose and I'd be back. I powered forward, caught the group, past the group, lead the group, and left the group. I made no comments though I wanted to. I'm 38 years old and smoked the little snot-noses.

Point of my story is...I have a 5200 on the way because I needed/wanted newer technology and I don't need the "unique" factor that some of you seem to. I could care less if 50% of the bikes are Treks. It's a damn nice piece of hardware and I'm going to ride it fast. And no, I'm not going to wear the USPS uniform, I got a 2002 smoke carbon, not USPS. I got dura-ace to replace ultegra, and velocity wheels over the bontragers. Not to be different, but because I wanted to. Who's that old bald guy on the Trek smoking the young kid on the Colnago...that's me.

Walt, well said. I am 53...there are so many young punks with attitudes, that think they're greater then they really are. I've beat them in 2man sand VB, road racing, cross/back country skiing, mtb and in golf... It's sad, so many have mouths bigger then their abilities!

Gar,

I could be wrong, but I need to stand up for peewee a bit.

I don't think he was insinuating that EVERYONE that buys one of these bikes is a rich couch potato. He is just trying to explain why there is so many of these for sale used (slightly). When some rich (relative term subject to interpretation) couch potato buys a new bike, he feels that too often they decide on this one since it was made famous by LA. When they get on it and realize that they are not LA, they stick the bike back in the garage and list it on e-Bay to try and get something back on it. Obviously he doesn't have a problem with people that ride these Treks, he even commented that he hoped someone would give him one.

but again, as always, I could be wrong.

ChipR

Originally posted by ChipRGW
Gar,

I could be wrong, but I need to stand up for peewee a bit.

I don't think he was insinuating that EVERYONE that buys one of these bikes is a rich couch potato. He is just trying to explain why there is so many of these for sale used (slightly). When some rich (relative term subject to interpretation) couch potato buys a new bike, he feels that too often they decide on this one since it was made famous by LA. When they get on it and realize that they are not LA, they stick the bike back in the garage and list it on e-Bay to try and get something back on it. Obviously he doesn't have a problem with people that ride these Treks, he even commented that he hoped someone would give him one.

but again, as always, I could be wrong.

ChipR

ChipR... I think you missed my point... What I take offense to is the "labeling" or the term "couch potato" in casual conversation, as if it's acceptable...it's NOT! Those types of labels are usually used by someone that either seeks to feel better about himself or seeks acceptance by some socially undeveloped group. I don't like that behavior and I don't believe that performance cyclists in general are socially underdeveloped insensative snobs. And, it shows a lack of respect for others that are different.

As I stated in another thread. Everyone starts their biking experiences on an old steel framed bike. They don't have a real sense about the characteristics of a an exotic or in this case, Treks Carbon frame bike. I believe the majority are bought and sold quickly because they discover that the ride and handling characteristics are more dynamic verses a basic steel frame Panasonic. Also, I haven't found a LBS that allows anyone to ride a bike long enough before purchase to really get a true feel. So, they buy and sell a few months later. People such as PeeWee can get a better bike at someone elses expense. He needs to be more respectful of those he can benefit from.

Gar,

I think that you missed my point, so let me explain myself. First, I use the term 'couch potato' to describe sombody who was very much like myself six months ago- the only form of aerobic exersise I got was when an exciting movie got my blood pumping. Then I decided to get a bike, and ride till I can hadly get myself off the bike. I respect the Trek carbon owners, who do much like myself, only can afford a much higher price than I. When I first went bike hunting, I dreamt of a Trek, because that is really the only 'good' bike manufacturer that many hear of. So a newbie buys him/her-self a Trek, and gets into it. If he discovers that carbon is not for him/her, then that person sells it, and gets the bike that they really want. If he likes the carbon, then he gives it TLC and rides it like others ride their Italian steel, or American Ti.

What annoys me about some Trek owners is that they buy the bike simply to own the bike. They could care less that it is a rather quite nice bicycle. I know more than one person who wants to get one simply because it costs $$$, and it's LA's. They then take it out once or twice, discover that the bicycle just doesn't move itself, and resume flipping channels, as the bike sits getting dusty, unrealised. Once or twice a year, a friend stops by and mentions that he's a cyclist. The owner then shows off the bike, with less than 200 miles on it. He then shows off the entire USPS uniform. This has happened to me- and the owner of the Trek would not part with the bike until a better one came out. He admitted owning the Trek because "it's simply the most expensive I could find," in his own words.

That is who I am talking about. I do very much respect people like Walt- he rides the bike. He is not somebody trying to just look cool, he's trying to be good. At this point, I'll bet he's better than I am. Sure, I am jealous, but I have no feelings of ill-will or disrespect towards him.

Besides, if you were on this forum to begin with, aren't you pretty serious about riding to begin with?

I do aplogize for the apparent lack of respect, I never have enough time to think these posts through before I post.

And that's just my thought.

Originally posted by peawee03
Gar,

I think that you missed my point, so let me explain myself. First, I use the term 'couch potato' to describe sombody who was very much like myself six months ago- the only form of aerobic exersise I got was when an exciting movie got my blood pumping. Then I decided to get a bike, and ride till I can hadly get myself off the bike. I respect the Trek carbon owners, who do much like myself, only can afford a much higher price than I. When I first went bike hunting, I dreamt of a Trek, because that is really the only 'good' bike manufacturer that many hear of. So a newbie buys him/her-self a Trek, and gets into it. If he discovers that carbon is not for him/her, then that person sells it, and gets the bike that they really want. If he likes the carbon, then he gives it TLC and rides it like others ride their Italian steel, or American Ti.

What annoys me about some Trek owners is that they buy the bike simply to own the bike. They could care less that it is a rather quite nice bicycle. I know more than one person who wants to get one simply because it costs $$$, and it's LA's. They then take it out once or twice, discover that the bicycle just doesn't move itself, and resume flipping channels, as the bike sits getting dusty, unrealised. Once or twice a year, a friend stops by and mentions that he's a cyclist. The owner then shows off the bike, with less than 200 miles on it. He then shows off the entire USPS uniform. This has happened to me- and the owner of the Trek would not part with the bike until a better one came out. He admitted owning the Trek because "it's simply the most expensive I could find," in his own words.

That is who I am talking about. I do very much respect people like Walt- he rides the bike. He is not somebody trying to just look cool, he's trying to be good. At this point, I'll bet he's better than I am. Sure, I am jealous, but I have no feelings of ill-will or disrespect towards him.

Besides, if you were on this forum to begin with, aren't you pretty serious about riding to begin with?

I do aplogize for the apparent lack of respect, I never have enough time to think these posts through before I post.

And that's just my thought.

Thanks for the clarity. I understand your thoughts better. I've always been one of those that defends others, just my weirdness...;-)

There are very few sports mkt firms that mkt the same product to consumers as the professional uses. I think that's pretty neat and those that want and can afford should at least experience, no matter the product, go the extreme. It's no different than me owning an expensive custom pool cue made by a famous player.

Yes Peewee, I am serious about riding :p Then again, I am serious about anything I do in life :angel: I don't attempt!
You are right...these types of forums can be difficult to express one's thought clearly. :beer: