Road Cycling - I'm a begginer shouldI get a trek or what?

I'm starting to get in to road biking with my dad every day and I don't have a road bike. My dad says that I should get the TREK 1000 but I don't know if i should or not. If you have any suggestions or info please give or let me know:) :fight: :beer: :cool:

Hi, like I expressed to cdc28p ih his post. I would neevr hesitate with going with a Trek. The Trek Corporation while rather large has been able to maintain a good relationship with the consumer and with it's lack of financial distress they utilize a lot of funding for the R&D and production of their bicycles. Once again, like I told cdc28p, the only way I can see you not happy with this bike is if you get the "upgrade bug" like everyone gets as they progress and aspirations increase.

I agree with what Braddley posted. I had a schwinn Le Tour as my first road bike. I road that for two years. Last year I bought a Trek 2200 and I LOVE IT. The Shimanno 105 components and Rolf wheels, I've had no problems with them. I would have to say.. for the best bang for the buck.. ie.. components, frame strength, frame weight, and overall performance they are near or at the top. The best part of the Trek bikes is they are made right here in the USA. All the bells and whistles that some bikes nowadays come with are nice, but if your looking for a bike to go riding everyday, not looking to race with, I would have to say; you cant go wrong with Trek Bikes. What ever you may choose...enjoy the riding.

i'm also a happy trek owner. but... i'd recommend trying out different manufacturers, styles, and frame materials *before* you decide.

go on as many test rides as you can and be open to different bikes (even ones that you may not have considered). test rides are one of the best ways to get exposure to what's out there, and more importantly, to get a real feel for what you like.

personally i think fit is the most important consideration in your decision. bikes that are "the same size" often aren't (for various reasons), and going on test rides really helps you understand what's comfortable for you in terms of fit.

have fun bike shopping and riding!
-jb

Checkout the Giant OCR 3, that is a good buy. What is your price range? The cheapest road bikes start at about 500 bucks, you may be able to get a deal at your LBS, but still you're loking at 400-500 bucks.

I've asked the question about entry-level road bikes in a different post and have decided to go with the Fuji Ace, which is perhaps the cheapest road bike at $499. I eliminated the Trek 1000 because it was pretty similar to the Giant OCR3, and I didn't have a good experience at the LBS that carries the Trek. I picked the Fuji Ace over the Giant OCR3 because the Ace has a steel frame and feels a bit nicer on the tough roads of Boston. The $100 difference between the Ace and OCR3 can be spent on pedals, cleats, and shoes.

cdc28p, Fuji bikes ROCK! Unfortunatly (or not, depending on your point of view!), Fuji does not promote thier bikes to the extent that the others do, so there is little prestige to the name. But, on the other hand, the money they save in advertising and so on probably means you get a quality bike equal to the others at a more reasonable price! I own two of them, a Sagres and a Roubaix, and they have been excelent machines. They are durable, comfortable and just a plain joy to ride! Enjoy your Ace!!

Are Fuji's good bikes? I've never really payed attention to them. But they have some cool looking bikes.

Hi Ya Fubar! Yes, I think the Fujis are excellent bikes! I have been reluctant to say anything, becuase everyone has their own favorites, even those who would prefer spending $1500 for a $500 bike because of the name or color, and I didn't want to start a war, being a peacable type of guy at heart! (Hey, it's a joke! No letters, please!!):D
All joking aside, I will say that I have been really happy with mine. I will turn over 1000 miles on my Roubaix this week, not bad since I just got it the 19th of May! Mine is the aluminum framed version, and I have actually been pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the ride is for such a light bike. If you go to the Fuji web site, you can get an idea of the many types of bikes they offer (www.fujibikes.com)
I guess it boils down to finding a bike that you like, can afford and fits you (and says Fuji on the frame :) )...then just get it and ride, ride, ride!

No promotional fee was paid to me by Fuji for the above posts (But if they want to send me a new Raoubaix...the address is........!!!)

You should also pick an LBS that you like. One of the main reasons that I picked the Fuji Ace is that the LBS that sells it has people who seem really nice and truly like bikes. Of course a one-time visit might be deceptive, but this is where Sheldon Brown works, so I kind of trust this place. :)

Good point on the LBS! If you have read many of my posts, you know how much I appreciate my LBS and the lady who keeps me spinning!
I think I have read about every word that Mr. Brown has written on his beginners bicycling pages! It has been a terrific resource, be sure and tell him HI for me! ( He won't know who I am, but it might make him wonder!:D )
Gosh, what a great bunch of folks hang around here! Here I clenched my teeth and made a post about there being Fuji bikes then the other brand X's, and so far, no death threats, or letter bombs, or horse heads in the bed! Either people have gotten bored with me and quit reading my posts, or they took my posting in the spirit in which it was meant! How cool! Thanks everyone!

Originally posted by cdc28p
You should also pick an LBS that you like. One of the main reasons that I picked the Fuji Ace is that the LBS that sells it has people who seem really nice and truly like bikes. Of course a one-time visit might be deceptive, but this is where Sheldon Brown works, so I kind of trust this place. :)

You got to go to Sheldon Brown's shop? ahh man...Cool:D
Could you get me something from his shop? and send it to me? I'll pay.

Originally posted by fubar5


You got to go to Sheldon Brown's shop? ahh man...Cool:D
Could you get me something from his shop? and send it to me? I'll pay.

But doesn't Harris Cyclery sell stuff over the Internet too?

Originally posted by cdc28p


But doesn't Harris Cyclery sell stuff over the Internet too?

Yeah, but thats not the same as something straight out of his shop. On second thought, he probably fills people's orders with stuff from his shop. Maybe I'll order something from there.

As to Fuji quality. I bought a Fuji MTB 6 years ago and it's still works perfectly. I have done zero maintence. I only paid $325 for it.

Ditto the opinions about Fuji. I just bought a Roubaix-Pro (steel, 2 rings) at a shop with a good reputation. I feel they probably chose to carry Fuji for the reasons people have already mentioned (quality, value, etc.).

So far I like the bike a lot. And the fact that it's a slightly obscure brand is cool, too IMHO.

Condor

I checked out Fuji's website...I can't find anywhere in Toronto where they sell these bikes :(

Originally posted by KennethToronto
I checked out Fuji's website...I can't find anywhere in Toronto where they sell these bikes :(
Contact Fuji's Canadian distributor Veltec Sports at veltec.info@velteccanada.com. You can also call them at 416-251-5006 .

I just got into Road biking myself...

I looked at the Trek 1000, Giant OCR 3.. and a few others in that price range but those two topped the list.

Bang for the buck you can't go wrong with either one.. The only problem i had with the giant was the sizing.. At one bike shop they told me i was a Med.. at another i was a Large.. Nothing felt right..

After wriding both i ended up with a Trek 2000 :rolleyes:

If you know exactly which Fuji you want, there are many web sites that sell Fuji.

http://bikesdirect.com/products/road_bikes.htm

BTW: I have nothing to do with this company.

raskle, i'm in the same boat as you. for the past two weeks been deciding which entry level road bike to get. i've narrowed it down to the trek 1000 (01' $480, 03' $550 at LSB), motobecane record ($525 bikesdirect.com), fuji finest al ($375 on ebay, really cheap. a few stores sell fujis on ebay). i'm pretty set on the trek, 01' over the 03'. its cheaper and i do like the colors on the 01'. not really into getting a giant bike, don't like the straight fork. bvut to each his own.

The Trek is a sound bike well specked , nothing at all wrong with it. The small threaded eyelets where the rear wheels fit will enable you to fit fenders for foul weather riding, or a luggage rack for lightweight touring or commuting. This is such a useful feature on a general purpose (non competition) road bike, dont buy one without them.

Other makes to look for , for comparison, would be something from Jamis.

jamis is nice.. also, if you can find a miele, they were decent. since they arent around anymore it may be cheaper. may be a little bit older but still.

plus Mr. Jim Miele is my boss lol.

claims he went bust cuz the bank called him and said he owed them 6million so he went bankrupt instead.

Originally posted by brianm801
I just got into Road biking myself...

I looked at the Trek 1000, Giant OCR 3.. and a few others in that price range but those two topped the list.

After wriding both i ended up with a Trek 2000 :rolleyes:

Pretty much the same thing for me, but I would up with a Trek 1000 and I am very happy with it!

Originally posted by Spire


Pretty much the same thing for me, but I would up with a Trek 1000 and I am very happy with it!

Did you replace the pedals?

Originally posted by KennethToronto


Did you replace the pedals?

Not yet. It is on my list of things to buy though.

What an opportune thread, as I was looking at a Trek 1000 today, the 2003 model, right around the $500 mark...seemed pretty nice, wasn't able to give it a ride.

Right now I'm riding an older Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2
Now I read someone had one like that, they Le Tour, anyone have the bike I have and have experience with the Trek?

I'm so used to the shifters on the down tube I'm not sure if I would be as comfortable with them on the brakes, are they easy to get used to?

Since getting back into biking last year I promised myself that I'd treat myself to a new bike this year if I kept at it, this one looks promising...

More info on the Trek 1000 if you have it please, my older bike has a big ring of 52 and small 14, have to check the specs on the Trek to see where that will put me as I'm driving that bike pretty hard during lunch times!

G2

Look at the frame first and nothing else. Don't be influenced by brand, color, or even components for that matter. Frame fit and feel are THE most important quality of a bike. Ride as many brands AND sizes in your price range that you can. The frame material is important as well. Some love steel and would never buy anything else, and some think Aluminum is the way to go.
I am a 3 Trek owner, but also own 1 Marin mt. bike. The frame fit the best out of the 5 bikes I tested in my price range. Since then I have upgraded many component without hesitation because I know the frame is a great fit and will last a long time.

I use downtube friction levers and Campy ergo-levers.
Its pretty easy to adapt to either, but I dont switch on a daily basis.
I have the occasional reach to the empty downtube at first, but then it becomes so easy and convenient.

How does it feel switching back to the downtube? Better than you would expect. Downtube shifters feel so sharp and direct compared to bar mounted systems.

I am super-faithful to Treks. I'm a converted road rider - I mountain-biked for six years and bought my first trek MTB in colllege, went through two of them - and I just bought a 2003 Trek 1000. Plus, the guys at my LBS were so helpful and VERY informative. I think that's the most important part of being a novice and buying a new bike. Find a place where the salespeople show you everything you're getting into, from using a Schrader valve to giving you a final rundown on everything that needs maintenance. (however, I couldn't get a date with the guy who helped me out - you can't always have your cake and eat it too!)