Road Cycling - should I buy a Trek 5200

I have been riding a mountain bike for the last few years and want to get back into road biking. I am considering the Trek 5200 but have a couple of concerns. I am 6'6" and weigh 270 will this bike last in its stock configuration. Also I have read reviews that said that there was problems with the front deraillure trying to shift into a non existent third ring. Has anyone had this problem.
Any help or guidance would be appreciated.

They may not be big enough for you.

I bought a 5200 last year and I really like it. I was throwing the chain off with the front derailier until I did some fine adjusting. It is fine now. I'm a little guy so I can't answer if it will be strong enough for you. Good luck.:D

Originally posted by georgesnatcher
Also I have read reviews that said that there was problems with the front deraillure trying to shift into a non existent third ring.

Mine actually shifts to an existent third chain ring!! Yup, I got the granny gear and I'm glad that I did.

Anywho, I absolutely love my 5200. I'm sorry that I can't help you regarding your size and this frame. I"m guessing that this carbon frame will last just as long as frames made with differing material, but I'm no expert in this area. However, there are many here that are experts, and I'm sure they will shed some light on that subject.

Good luck with your search! :)

I personally would recommend against it-we see many carbon frames in our shop and nearly all of them develop cracks. Some have been morons who let chainsuck go on to the point of wearing a hole in the chainstay. Most common is cracks around the bottom bracket. These seem to arise from the fact that the alu bottom bracket insert does not flex while the frame does so around it, leading to stress risers and eventually cracks. Plus, carbon frames feel dead to me (Trek 5200 and Look KG381).

I have ridden many bikes over the years, and have to admit that despite my love of hand made Italian machines, the Trek carbon is, by far, the best ever. Fast, smooth and durable. The draw back is that you'll look like everyone else who worships Lance.

There's an article in the April Bicycling magazine (the only good article in it) about a 250 pound guy buying a 5200 because it could handle him. He put 5000 miles on it in the first year. Having said that, the article is really about the fact that he lost 70 lbs, but I thought you might find his initial choice interesting.

The frame's got a good warranty on it too.

Why worship lance?He's had cancer and is dumping his wife.

what teh hell do you mean dumping his wife!!!
he can't be that stupid. Shes gorgeous.

Over here Lance I'll catch her..

George I reckon you should have a look at this web page

<http://www.spectrum-cycles.com> before doing anything drastic.

For a guy of your height and potential power, a Carbon fibre frame may not be the answer for you.
Perhaps a Cannondale CAAD7??
Have a look and then decide.
The 5200 is a great bike though. Bit too much BB sway for my liking but I'm only 5'8" (171cm) so I prefer a really stiff frame.

Originally posted by spexy
There's an article in the April Bicycling magazine (the only good article in it) about a 250 pound guy buying a 5200 because it could handle him. He put 5000 miles on it in the first year. Having said that, the article is really about the fact that he lost 70 lbs, but I thought you might find his initial choice interesting.

The frame's got a good warranty on it too.

Hey, I just read that article last evening! I thought of this post also. :D

I want to thank everyone for their help and suggestions. So far I have owned a steel Raleigh road bike, an aluminum Trek mtb, and a Ti Independant Fabrications MTB. I found thesteel bike to be very loose especially at speed in corners. The aluminum bike was good and stiff but a very hard ride. The titanium is great and I love the ride but the cost is to much. I really shot my load buying this one. The reason I am considering the Trek is that it was suggested by the owner of a lbs. He is about my size and has had two. As far as carbon fiber goes this is about the most inexpensive bike I have found (quoted $2400). Also living on the coast in FL I am somewhat worried about corrosion.

PS I hope to like the guy in the Bicycling article. On my mtb I have managed to loose 50 pounds.

It's actually a very funny article. The guy is a good writer. There's also a buyer's guide in the issue but I kinda found it lame. Stuff like, "How to buy a bike" "How to bring a bike home" poop like that.

Erm, a, duh.

A friend of mine bought a Trek 5200 and it wasn't big enough for him. He was about the same height and weight as you, George.

If you're looking for a bike in approximately the $2400 range, check out the Cannondale R2000. Ultegra group with Dura Ace rear derailleur, Mavic Kryserium (sp?) Elite wheelset, and a decent carbon fork. Cannondale road bikes ride a heck of a lot better than they used to, and for that matter, better than most companies' alu bikes. It should run you about $2200-$2300. As I said earlier, I'd be very shy about putting a guy your size on a carbon bike. You may also want to look at some of Litespeed's offerings, including the Antares.