Road Cycling - Any thoughts on trek 5200 usps road bike?

Hey guys,

I am considering the purchase of a new road bike to do some local charity rides on and to also ride while the trails are too muddy for the mountain bike. I was looking at a trek 2200 and 2300 but like the idea of trying the 5200 frame. I am 6' tall and weigh about 220 lbs. I have been out of cycling for the last 5 years and have really enjoyed my return to mountain biking. I am going to buy a road bike and this one seems to have the performance and quality of parts that I am looking for. My question is do you think that the frame itself is worth the 800 upgrade? Basically the wheels and components are pretty close to the same except the cranks. I am wondering what everyone thinks as far as ride quality and vibration is concerned. I am going to test ride them this weekend and would like to know what to look for in the bikes that I have narrowed it down to. Thanks in advance for any tips or advise.

-lee-

I would buy a 5200 in a minute. They ride nice and handle well. No I don't work for Trek. I have ridden alot of 5200's in the shop I worked at. There is a world of difference.
If your going to be doing metrics or centuries the 5200 will be a joy to do them on !
Happy Cycling!:beer:

The 5200 is a Carbon Fiber frame, which is lighter and stiffer than aluminum. Whether it's worth 800 more it's hard to say. Trek probably spends a lot of money on the OCLV operation(OC for optimum compaction, LV for low viod) where the carbon and epoxy are compressed to reduce weight and provide ideal stiffness.During the compression air pockets are removed which increases strength and durability, hence "low void". I would spend 800 more.

It's a very nice bike... but two things you might consider are...

Heavier riders -- over 180 lbs -- sometimes find the feel of carbon fiber to be "dead." That is, you don't get much of the road feel transmitted through the frame. Do a loooooooooooong test ride.

There are other bike manufacturers. I find Treks to be rather over-priced and I've seen a lot of people just buy Treks because they equate Trek with road bike. If you're spending that much more rhino, check out a bunch of other bikes from other manufacturers. It doesn't have to be a Trek, does it?

Thanks for the opinions and help guys.

No it doesn't have to be a trek but so far from everything I've seen these are the ones that I like the most. I know that I am looking for a bike that has mostly if not all 105 components. I don't want to go any lower than that. I don't have a local lightspeed or softride dealer(those are the other two companies that I also like). I do have a local colnago and merlin dealer that I am going to check out and ride before I make up my mind. I went in their store the other day and looked around. They had several mid to high end bikes but their prices were 3000+ and that is more than I probably want to spend. I looked at a Giant aero carbon bike, it had oval carbon tubes but I didn't like the way it fit me. Thanks again, this sure is a great forum.


-lee-

Does cannondale still use mostly 105 on it's r800 line?

It's been a while since I was at thier web site.

Originally posted by William Karsten
Does cannondale still use mostly 105 on it's r800 line?

It's been a while since I was at thier web site.

The R700 is full 105, the R800 is full 105 too, but it is a "Féminine" triple" according to Cannondale. It is hot pink in color....Hey,maybe I'll get one!!:rolleyes:

Lance seems to like his. Of course its free, but...

5200 - sweet bike

Cannodale makes the T2000 with ultegra and the T800 with tiagra. Both durable touring bikes with 700x35 tires and some mud capability.

enjoy

Thanks for all the help and advise guys. Today I went to my bike shop(after riding several different brands) and purchased a trek 5200. I also installed a specialized computer with cadence and also bought a set of look pedals. I cannot wait until tomorrow to go out and ride. I think I'm really going to enjoy it. Thanks again.

-lee-

Congrats on the new purchase and welcome to the forum.

It's a sweet bike.

Give us a review in a few hundred miles.