Road Cycling - OK, tomorrow is buy day, waffling on trek 2300 vs. 5200

All,

I have been looking and riding some on the trek 2300. I had figured that is the bike I would get since the 5200 was somewhat out of my budget.

NOW I ran across a shop in town selling the 5200 for a great price ($2299). the 2300 I can get for $1699......

I have not ridded the 5200 because when I was doing some test rides, the price on the 5200 was too much, hence not even a consideration.

I have seen a couple of threads here on discussions around this - and have read the reviews on another site on the 2300 and the 5200.......

since the 5200 has hit the very high end of my budget - I am considering it....

Any last thoughts or words of advice before tomorrow (when I was planning to get the 2300 but now will test ride the 5200 too to see how it goes).....

thx

I bought an '03 Trek 2300 last fall, have put a lot of miles on it and am very happy with it.

I researched road bikes (including Steel, Aluminum, Titanium and Carbon Fiber) for at least 4-5 months before making my purchase and feel like the 2300 with its ZR9000 aluminum frame, carbon fork and Ultegra components is a great value and that improvements above this are pretty costly and (at least for me) hard to time detect when compared with Trek's OCLV framed bikes.

As for the carbon fiber, I hear from a lot of folks that it’s worth the extra money to improve ride quality, etc. but it’s never been and issue for me. One possible reason for this is that the roads I ride are typically pretty smooth and in good condition. Perhaps if I rode more on poorer quality roads then the stiffness of the aluminum vs OCLV would be more of an issue.

I considered the 5200 and my LBS was ready to deal -- the price difference was about $500 - $600. I was tempted but felt a little silly buying a bike painted in USPS colors since I was just getting back into riding after over a decade off.

If $500 extra is no big deal you might as well do the OCLV, but in my opinion, the ride quality difference is hard to detect. The extra $500 can be used for lots of other things such as shoes, pedals, (consider speedplay), aero bars, a helmet, cycle computer, a couple of jerseys, riding shorts..........etc. You can always use that extra $500!

you don't even need to ask us... you'll test ride the 5200... fall in love with it, and buy it without ever looking back. call me a prophet ;)

5200 all the way man. I have owned a 2500 and the 5200 and I would never go back to the alloy frame after my 1st ride on the 5200. NO COMPARISON!

Tough call-some like the ride of carbon, others don't. Have you ridden both?
Personally, all the carbon bikes I've ridden (Colnago C40, Look KG381, Trek 5200, Kestrel KM40) have felt sluggish and unresponsive to me. They do have a more compliant ride; I just think it's too much of a good thing in terms of dampening. Some find aluminum road bikes to be harsh, but I love mine. Aluminum frames tend to be more responsive. All these statements are generalizations and there are exceptions. I haven't ridden the 2300 so I can't pass any judgement on it. The 2300 is rather heavy, particularly at that price point. One thing I have seen is a fair amount of carbon frames (particularly the Treks and Kestrels, though our shop did not sell either brand) cracking in the bottom bracket area-if you do get the 5200 check this area often.
What it boils down to is what ride qualities you value more-ride 'em both and then decide. See what kind of service each shop offers as well.

Here's the link to a Trek 5200 on ebay right now. It looks pretty clean.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3615068742&category=7298

Originally posted by Waldo
KG381, Trek 5200, Kestrel KM40) have felt sluggish and unresponsive to me. They do have a more compliant ride;
This is exactly what I found. I rode the 5500 first, then a 2300. The 2300 blew my socks off - vastly better than the 5500 (full Dura-Ace, etc). I was quite surprised and wondered why all the fuss about carbon. Mind you, I only did a few km around the LBS, so did not test the carbon on bumpy roads.

But for actual speed - ie acceleration - the 2300 won hands down. And it was significantly ligher than the carbon.

The only benefit I could see (as a purchasing decision) was the "pose" value of having a carbon bike. As shallow as that sounds, it is still a real consideration - and in fact I am going to look at a Giant TCR1 carbon today as it is a bit cheaper than the Treks. But frankly, that is mainly because carbon frames have such a good name.

There is no need to rush. Take a few days to be sure. I would also take the time to compare some of the other bikes in your new price range.

Buy the 5200 and never look back... unless you want to see all the people you've passed!!!

I've got over 12,000 miles on my 5200, so I'm a bit biased. I was hesitant to shell out that many $$$ but now I'm glad I did. You will too.

Let me know which one you bought!

Trek-aholic

My hot favourite at the moment is the Trek 2300 too. But then the LBS guy says the new 04 models are coming out very soon.

So - do I wait for the new '04 models or get the current one? The bike shop guy says that Trek never discounts last year's models...dunno if that is the complete truth or not.

And one bike shop says that Trek can supply a triple chain-ring with the 2300, and one says that do not. I know they do in the USA, but not in Australia, it seems. It is all very confusing.

And I really do want a triple - no matter how wimpy it looks....

As was said before, you may want to consider other brands in the price range of the 5200 now as well.
Besides that, even if Trek doesn't discount their 03 models, your LBS may do so once the 04 models begin rolling in, which will be happening by the end of the month, from what i hear. As for the triple, your shop can switch out parts to your specifications. Don't let them simply tell you no-there may be an upcharge but it can be done.

I did a lot of looking myself at several Treks including the 2300 and 5200. In my opinion the 5200 is just as fast if not faster in acceleration than the 2300 and will outride (comfort) and out climb the 2300 any day of the week. I spent the extra money and was VERY pleased.

I looked at many other bikes as well including Specialized, Airborne, Colnago and Bianchi and for my money the 5200 was the best all around bike for the money I spent. Of course that is VERY subjective as we each have our own preferences, but no matter what, you will not be disappointed you spent the extra money on the 5200.

By the way, you can get it in the natural carbon (gray) which is absolutely beautiful and not quite as much a poser paint job as the USPS colors.

Allan

Originally posted by Flea77
I did a lot of looking myself at several Treks including the 2300 and 5200. In my opinion the 5200 is just as fast if not faster in acceleration than the 2300 and will outride (comfort) and out climb the 2300 any day of the week. I spent the extra money and was VERY pleased.

Very interesting comment - since the main reason I am justifying the 2300 purchase is hill climbing ability. I currently ride a Softride Solo, which is great on the flats, and comfortable, but not too good on the hills.



I looked at many other bikes as well including Specialized, Airborne, Colnago and Bianchi and for my money the 5200 was the best all around bike for the money I spent.

I am probably getting a bit off thread here - but did you have a ride of the Giant TCR1? Or do you know anything about these machines in comparison to the 5200?

I only ask as I am about to go out right now to test ride the Giant TCR1 - Carbon. It is a LOT cheaper than the 5200 - in fact, it is around the same price as the 2300. So I am hoping that it will be as good.

I am probably getting a bit off thread here - but did you have a ride of the Giant TCR1? Or do you know anything about these machines in comparison to the 5200?

I did look at a Giant but not that one, the one I looked at I just didnt like. It was a clash of personalities thing, nothing really tangible. Kinda like the carbon and titanium Colnago I looked at, drooled all over and then passed out when I saw the price :-)

Although I highly recommend the 5200 over any and all bikes I checked out for the money, I also highly recommend you go with your gut. No matter how good, fast, nice or whatever the bike is, no matter if it is a double or triple, if you dont fall in love with it then it isnt for you. My bike is unquestionably the absolutely best bike in the world, for me.

Allan

PS: Do remember that the Treks have a lifetime warranty on their carbon frames, some other carbon frames I looked at did not, and that was a factor for me.

Have you considered titanium? I bought a LeMond Victoire for about $2k and could not be happier.

Originally posted by Markedoc
Have you considered titanium? I bought a LeMond Victoire for about $2k and could not be happier.
I live in Australia. There is NO WAY I could afford - or probably even find a titanium bike here. Out of the question. Even a Trek 2300 is out of reach for most people at AUD$4,000. The Trek 5200 is $6,000 - no one I know in my circle of cycling friends could afford one of those - not even a remote possibility. There are a few with with Giants and the like - but most ride Felt 85's and the like (around $2,000). Good bikes are very expensive here.

But then our climate makes up for it...here I was riding today in the middle of winter - perfect 24 degrees (centigrade), blue sky, no wind. Could not ask for a better day. I was also riding my new Trek 2300 that I picked up on Friday - it is a wonderful bike and allw as well with the world.

Interesting comments from all. I'm a 140lb rider, and I enjoy climbing. The Ksyruim wheelset on a 5500 (5200) is the perfect machine for me. I've ridden titanium (hard work to climb), and aluminum (stiff, but not comfy on longer rides).

It's like buying a pair of shoes, bikes are rider specific. I would suggest getting the 2300 - you can always buy something else later on.

So, Rory, what did you get? :)

Originally posted by kneighbour
I live in Australia. There is NO WAY I could afford - or probably even find a titanium bike here. Out of the question. Even a Trek 2300 is out of reach for most people at AUD$4,000. The Trek 5200 is $6,000 - no one I know in my circle of cycling friends could afford one of those - not even a remote possibility. There are a few with with Giants and the like - but most ride Felt 85's and the like (around $2,000). Good bikes are very expensive here.



Wow!!!

I know exchange rate has something to do with it but... Ouch!!!

I just did the math and thats around USD $1332

Local Felt dealer gets US$500 for F85 (Now F90).

USD $1332 would almost get you a F50 in the US.

USD $1332 would buy you a F65 + Shoes, Pedals, Seat, Shorts, Helmet if you shopped careful.

Ridden both the Giant TCR composite and Trek 5200 several times each. I am also in the market for a new bike. I favor Trek because I feel better from a comfort standpoint and, better from a control standpoint. The Trek just feels more like an extension of myself than the Giant. I feel always in perfect control. It is smooth, stable and quick when called for. It races well and cruises well. It is so stable that you could cook lunch while cruising on it.

The Giant feels more like a very stiff and efficient mountain bike. Great for climbing and racing but only ok for cruising. However, with the tires inflated at minimum the ride quality is quite good. At max inflation the bike was very stiff. There was a greater difference in the Giant between min and max inflation pressure with the Giant.

Both are very good bikes and it will be a matter of personal preference. If I was a smaller (and maybe younger) I very well may prefer the Giant for its very efficient dynamics and quick feel. But as it is, at 52 I prefer the able and stable feel of the Trek. I just feel it offers better all around biking characteristics than the Giant. Actually, I believe that if Giant had offered more frame sizes then I may have found a better fit which means everything in bikes. The wide 3 cm gaps can make perfect fits very difficult. I believe this is the case with me. I am 6'2" and the large felt just a bit too small, the extra large a bit too large.

Check out the Klein also if you like aluminum. I like these bikes too. Their history has been one of harshness but, I found the current bikes to be reasonably comfortable while still providing the feeling that you can climb in about any gear. Just very efficient.

Check out the Klein also if you like aluminum. I like these bikes too. Their history has been one of harshness but, I found the current bikes to be reasonably comfortable while still providing the feeling that you can climb in about any gear. Just very efficient.


Don't you think that since Trek bought Klein, Gary Fisher, Lemond etc that there is now a "Great Terk Rip-Off"?

Excepting the CF, steel, Ti, there is no difference at all between the frames for materials or geometry, only the finish and decals across the ranges. Look very carefully at the spec details! Then consider that most of these frames are not made in America either, but in Taiwan, and probably by Giant!!!! See the Giant website to confirm this!

This thread wasn't very old :rolleyes:

This thread wasn't very old :rolleyes:

No it was VERY VERY old. And just about everything the guy says is BS to boot. If you look at Trek, Klein and Lemond there is little resemblance (sp) acorss the lines. Sure the parts specs are the same but the frames are totally different with the exception of the materials.

you all have not fig-d on the other stuff. I'd go with the lesser costing bike and get pimp shorts /gloves shoes/pedals/ and helmet. or i'd save the money and look to get a better wheel set b/c that is where its at for speed and climbs IMHO.

No it was VERY VERY old. And just about everything the guy says is BS to boot. If you look at Trek, Klein and Lemond there is little resemblance (sp) acorss the lines. Sure the parts specs are the same but the frames are totally different with the exception of the materials.

I don't know, that Tete de Course looks an awful lot like a Madone 5.9 to me... ;)