Road Cycling - Older Trek 1200 or new Trek 1000

I am a runner wanting to train for a Triathlon. I need a bike and can spend around $500. A LBS has a "couple year old" but, new Trek 1200 all shimano, sti shifters...very nice. But, it is a funky green color. Will sell it to me for $500. I can also get a 2005 Trek 1000 for $569. Which is the better bike? Which is the better deal? I want to get the best performance possible in this price range. Any suggestions/comments are welcome. Thank you.

Lance

If you don't have to shift extremely quickly like a line sprint, I'd go with the new Trek 1000. You can check out the specs but there shouldn't be too much of a diff between the two anymore. The new Trek 1000 has Sora shifters, but the derailers are Tiagra. The crank is Bontranger Sport. The new 1000s also have a carbon fork. Last year they had an aluminum fork and I would have told you to definitely go for the 1200. The older 1200 is full Tiagra except for the crank which is the same Bontranger Sport that's on the 1000. If the 1200 has Tiagra shifters though, you'll be able to stay in the drops and shift more easily than with the 1000. The 1000 is a bit of a reach, and you have to use your thumb to shift down into smaller cogs in the back, if you can reach it at all. I would say ride both, and pick the one you are comfortable with. See if you can go on some longer test rides, and check out the shifters. You'll see what I'm talking about. I have an 05 Trek 1000, so I know all about the shifters. Once you get used to them, they shouldn't hinder you too much. That's the same once you get to know any bike though. Things become natural, and you know what it'll do. If you are at a standstill, like both equally, and both have the same feel to you, then by all means go with aesthetics. The new 1000 has two paint jobs, and the orange and white is actually kind of cool it isn't ugly like i thought it would be. The black chrome/smooth silver is what I got, and I like it. If you're doing a tri though, I would try to talk the dealer down a bit on the 1200 since he hasn't been selling it, obviously, and try to get a deal on some aero bars and barend shifters. That's just what I'd do. In then end, if you really love the 1000, go with it. You'll be comfortable, confident, and you'll want to ride it. The most important part of this equation is you, the engine behind the machine.

Thanks for the info....I bought the 2005 Trek 1000 today. Damn sweet bike. Test rode both and the 2005 rode very well. Can't wait to get it on the road for a serious ride. Love the orange paint :)

You're welcome. Glad I could help. I wasn't sure about the orange, but I thought it was pretty sweet once I got to see it. Good luck in your tris, and have fun.

How about a full review when you ride it more, I am looking at geting one for my 30- 50 mile charity rides.

Will do...hope to get out on the road this weekend.