Long Distance Cycling - Which Trek bike would be most comfy for long ride?

Anyone have any thoughts on which Trek bike would be a better ride for all around riding and occasional century or MS150 rides? I was thinking pilot 1.2 but then I saw that the 520 was designed for specific touring. Would that mean the 520 is more comfy but heavier, slower, etc.? I'm not looking to carry any heavy gear on my rides so I don't need to worry about racks and the like. ALso, would the portland or the cross bike be worthy options as well? I would like speed and comfort and the ability to hold up to the normal rough roads of everyday life. the Madone would be extreme overkill for me.

Not the 520, as you say, it's for loaded touring. For anything else, it's excessively heavy. Sorry, that's all I got.

When I was shopping for such a bike it was between the Trek Pilot and the Specialized Roubaix. I bought the Roubaix just because I got a good deal. I have a touring bike (LHT) which has done a couple of Centuries but a lighter bike is easier. The lighter bike leaves you feeling more refreshed at the end.

Anyone have any thoughts on which Trek bike would be a better ride for all around riding and occasional century or MS150 rides? I was thinking pilot 1.2 but then I saw that the 520 was designed for specific touring. Would that mean the 520 is more comfy but heavier, slower, etc.? I'm not looking to carry any heavy gear on my rides so I don't need to worry about racks and the like. ALso, would the portland or the cross bike be worthy options as well? I would like speed and comfort and the ability to hold up to the normal rough roads of everyday life. the Madone would be extreme overkill for me.

I have a 520 and do agree that it is way comfy, but certainly slower. If your definition of 'all around riding' includes commuting and errand-running (ie. grocery shopping) then the Portland would be a worthy alternate consideration, but you might have to double check and see if the pilot 1.2 and/or cross bike have rack braze-ons. Last I checked, racks braze-ons were not standard on the Trek cross bikes.

Otherwise, I've taken my 520 on centuries and have been fine with it.

Bear in mind that road races tend to fall into the 100-150 mile category, so if the ride is supported, there's no reason why a road racing bike is unsuitable. If you're really slow, and/or need to carry everything (food, water, tools, clothes, etc.) with you, then a bike set up for baggage makes some more sense.

In my experience, participants in organized centuries are almost always using racing bikes with a small under-seat bag.

HTH!

The jamis nova supports full fenders and a blackburn rear rack. I use it for unsupported centuries with one pannier on the rear rack and a smaller top bag. Works quite well.

The Jamis nova is a cyclocross bike but I don't do cyclocross. It has become my all round bike long distance bike.

My Mondonico is my training bike and road bike.

Anyone have any thoughts on which Trek bike would be a better ride for all around riding and occasional century or MS150 rides? I was thinking pilot 1.2 but then I saw that the 520 was designed for specific touring. Would that mean the 520 is more comfy but heavier, slower, etc.? I'm not looking to carry any heavy gear on my rides so I don't need to worry about racks and the like. ALso, would the portland or the cross bike be worthy options as well? I would like speed and comfort and the ability to hold up to the normal rough roads of everyday life. the Madone would be extreme overkill for me.

The 2008 Madones come now in two 'fit types,' one with the conventional short head tube for aggressive riders on the Lance/Levi track, and one with a 2 or 3 cm higher head tube for less 'bar drop. I think the Cycling Plus review said it had the speed and much better comfort, if I recall right (you folks can be a tough crowd!). If my Mondonico doesn't work out for riding this summer, I might go there!

Road Fan

I love my 2006 Pilot 5.9. Not as stiff as the Madone. Absorbs road vibrations. Has a more relaxed positioin than the Madone. Very friendly on the long rides.

I think the carbon fiber Pilot would be better and not much more $ than the Al frame Pilot.

My wife loves her Pilot 5.2. Some think the Pilot is slow as a more upright comfy bike but Oh, the sucker is fast. :D

I love my 2006 Pilot 5.9. Not as stiff as the Madone. Absorbs road vibrations. Has a more relaxed positioin than the Madone. Very friendly on the long rides.

Just to be clear, I was talking about a new (2008) Madone with a tall head tube, about as tall as that on the upper-end Pilots, not the previous racy-aggresive position of the previous Madones. I can't say personally how comfy it is, but Cycling Plus loved it. Trek salesman told me the higher-level Pilots won't be coming back at least in the USA, due to this design being introduced.

Road Fan

Just to be clear, I was talking about a new (2008) Madone with a tall head tube, about as tall as that on the upper-end Pilots, not the previous racy-aggresive position of the previous Madones. I can't say personally how comfy it is, but Cycling Plus loved it. Trek salesman told me the higher-level Pilots won't be coming back at least in the USA, due to this design being introduced.

Road Fan


If I were buying a bike today, I would very seriously consider the Madone (but not the pro). You are right, it is a lot like my two year old Pilot 5.9.

I rode my Pilot 5.0 across the United States and it was great. I like the more upright position. Ride is smooth and it can be fast. The limitation I had was being able to load the bike. Had to custom make a bracket to fit a rear rack. Could not fit anything on the front except the handle bar bag. Too much weight on the rear. Unloaded it is a fantastic ride.