Road Cycling - Trek 2200 or Klein Quantum

Hi all! I'm looking for a good 'first bike' to get into regularly training for duathlons and maybe some (cycling) road races and rides (like the Houston to Austin 150, etc.). I'm a marathon runner and have been doing some cross training on an old Bridgestone 200 I bought as a teenager in 1984.

I've done a lot of reading, and went today to look at bikes. I came up with the Trek 2200 and the Klein Quantum in about the same range ($1500 for the Trek, $1600 for the Klein).

After reading all the specs and picking the salesperson apart, it seems to me they are pretty similar in quality, with the Trek having slightly better components (Ultegra and 105s mixed in). I'm told the Klein has a slightly better frame as far as fatigue absorption and durability, but the components are all or mostly 105s.

I did road test them and the Klein does handle the bumps a little better, but the Trek just seemed to fit. Will I notice that much difference between the two after I ride for awhile?


Anybody have experience they could share about either or both of these? As a complete newcomer to cycling, are these good bikes to get into? Any other advice?

Thanks in advance!

mbologna
Houston, TX

I like klien over trek. it has a better frame and all 105.
The only reason you should even look at the trek is becuase it
fits better.
I would talk to the local bike shop and see if he/she could improve
on the fit I'm sure they can... go with the Klien..

good luck. both are fine bikes..


K

K:

Thanks for the info! I guess what confuses me is that everyone I've spoken to says the Klein frame is better, but the components on the Trek are a step up from the 105s (I think they are Ultegra and 105s actually). If choosing one over the other, is the frame more important than the components? Also, as someone new to riding and racing, will I even notice the difference between 105s and Ultegra?

In your opinion, what makes the Klein a better bike?

Thanks again. this is all really confusing to me, so any help is appreciated. The guy at the local store was great; I'm just looking for other opinions.

mbologna

what makes the klein better??.
I like the frame, the paint is done very well.
I like the way it handles..
I have friends who have both and (one has a klein and the other has the trek) they are both happy. the klein gets more remarks.
I hope this helps you in some way....


K

Klein Q. No question its a better frame. It is very well sorted out and great for racing. Its the type of bike you appreciate more and more and appreciate the more you know about racing.

Get the best frame you can for the money. Components can be upgraded later, a frame is the most expensive and difficult "part" to replace. Will you take the Treck because it has a $20 more expensive Ultegra part or whatever? Naw, go for 1st class and get the Klein. Paint, attention to detail like the internal cable routing, is far superior also.

105 is fine but not as durable or nicely finished as the Ultegra but it will serve fine duty until you feel the urge to upgrade. $50 here and $20 there is alot easier than $1000 or whatever for a new frame.

I would say go Q but your personal feeling on comfort is very important so if adjustments/different stem/ bar width/ etc doesn't help, get the one you feel most comfortable on.
Good luck!

I would pay a great deal of attention to how the bike fits you. Most of the componentry aspects which you describe seem about equal.

But after 1000s of miles, the way that the bike fits will matter a lot. So, before you choose, you should make sure that you have evaluated all aspects of the fit. Ask careful questions like: How do they compare in frame size, top tube length? Does the Trek fit better simply because it has a shorter or longer handlebar stem? Were both bikes adjusted to you carefully before you did the test drive?

It doesn't matter which is the "better" bike. If it doesn't fit, you won't be happy in the long run.

Cheers!