Road Cycling - Trek Pilot?

So I was just checking out the Trek site and took a look at their 2005 model "sneak peak", I noticed the Pilot model right away, the bars on it are at a wierd angle and a funny shape, it has the same type of frame as the 2100-2300 but has more slope to the top tube and has stuff ranging from the 105/Ultegra spec on up, anybody know anything about these? Can you explain the advantages of the different components/geometry? Here's the link.

http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2005/index_preview.jsp

Looks like Trek is finally getting into the "compact geometry" frames. I think there are several old threads debating "compact geometry" vs. "classic geometry". Typically, the advantages are said to be:
- stiffness - smaller triangles are stronger.
- lighter - less frame material used (you can debate how much lighter).
- comfort - because of the longer exposed seat post, you get a bit of compliance from the seat post to cushion the ride.

They say builders can get by by offering fewer framer size options with compact geometry. Though it looks like Trek is offerring 6 frame size choices. They typically offer 7 sizes in trad. geometry.

I think it looks goofy with they way they are photographed. the bars look really high.

I'm glad I bought my 2004 5200 since it's not even being offered anymore; the pilot line doesn't really do it for me and the roads here in Southern California desert area are extremely bad, the Madones stiffness would really jolt me & what's up with that rear fin.

You didny see the 5.2's or the 5.2SL's? The pilot i was told has plastic between the carbon layers.

The Trek 5.2SL look's nice but for $3,219.99 with Ultegra WOW, even thou it's the new 10 speed. Hopefully in the near future the upgrade to Dura-ace will occur for me but I'm very content for now.:)

hey, they took the pilot off the site.

Well i've already seen an 05 trek catalog and they have them in there. They also took the top of the line carbon off to.

hey, they took the pilot off the site.


Sheesh, I thought I was going crazy, I was looking everywhere for it.

Why did they take it off the site? Anyone know?

My LBS says the Pilot has a taller head tube. I think they are gearing it towards the "Grampy's" out there that still ride but don't want the aggressive design of the other carbon Treks.

ya was shootin the bull witht he local Trek dealer and he mentioned there's some type of gel between the carbon fork and the crabon seatstays that makes the ride and little bit smoother.

the pilot seems positioned to go for some of the market between the specialized sequoia and roubaix. as the road market ages, there is a growing market for a performance comfort road bike. look at klein: for 2005, they're putting an elastomer bumper into the seatstay of the aura series.