[DRLski]

I was looking at the new 05 trek XO 1 today and it looks sweet, isn't as flashy but many upgrades from the 04 model, however this one has a Anodized frame which is considered an upgrade, so I ask this, what is the advantage of an anodized frame? I assume paint durability ie. doesn't scratch as easily and doesn't blemish?

Dave

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[cashtar]

Also anodizing results in a lighter frame since there's no paint.

[AlanK]

I'm a little skeptical of how significant an anodized frame is. It might be negligibly lighter and more durable, but I suspect it's just an excuse to charge more.

That said, it looks like a great, true cross bike. I have an 03' XO-1, and the 01-04 models are sort of an odd mix: some components are more suited to commuting and light touring (specifically, the drive-train), while others are for cyclocross (tires). I'm not a racer, I use mine for commuting, and light touring, so changes in the 05' aren't appealing to me, but again, it looks like a great choice if you want a true cross bike.

[SAB]

The frame went from Fe to Al. That's a much bigger change than using anodizing to color the frame...

[UNHBiker]

Fe to Al?

[SAB]

Periodic table of the elements: Fe = Iron, Al = Aluminum, C= Carbon, Ti = Titanium

[AlanK]

The frame went from Fe to Al. That's a much bigger change than using anodizing to color the frame...

No it didn't. It's been an Al frame at least since 2000.

[lilcog]

I am awaiting the arrival of a 2005 XO-1.I hope to get on it before it gets too cold to try it out on the trail.
I've been told it does not come with the wheels pictured on the Trek site.

[chunt]

I did my first ride today on a new '05 XO1. The wheels are not the Bontrager's pictured on the Trek web site; they are the Mavics listed in the specs. The specs are consistent with what was delivered including spd's on the crank...the picture is wrong; it's not like Trek to have that error on the web site. I bought this bike for winter training on the road and lite trails. I did 30 miles today on flat road in a big head wind. The Shimano 105 components were much better than I had expected; I have to get used to the canti brakes again...how quickly we get spoiled to the new stuff. Overall, it was a great ride today and I think this bike will be great for winter/lite trail riding. I installed the Shimano Flight Deck computer integrated into the brake hoods plus fenders...like the ones on my father's old three speed 'English racer'. Actually, the fenders look better than expected; the semi-gloss paint contrasts nicely with the anodized frame. It's a great looking machine.

[lilcog]

Odd,mine came with Matrix Auroras for wheels.So far I've put on 170k on it and am loving it.I've done mtb trails and gravel roads,things I avoid with my road bikes.Looking to put fenders on it for crappy weather rides which is any day now as the snow is falling.

[chunt]

my bad; my XO1 came with the Matrix wheels as well...half thinking when I wrote that I guess. I did another 25m yesterday on it. Great ride.

[iriedub]

I have an '04 XO-1 myself. I built it up from the frame using some Ultegra compnonents I took off another frame. The '05 actually as a better spec than the complete '04 bike, that's why the price is higher. The anodising of the frame does make it lighter and less prone to scratches. I would have waited for the '05 if I had known Trek would be doing this.

[Mindless]

I'm a little skeptical of how significant an anodized frame is. It might be negligibly lighter and more durable, but I suspect it's just an excuse to charge more.


Easily 100+ gr. Without any loss of structural stength. People would pay hundreds $$ to lose that much weight on components.

[AlanK]

Easily 100+ gr. Without any loss of structural stength. People would pay hundreds $$ to lose that much weight on components.
Yeah, I suppose it's a 'significant' difference if you're a racer, but for a commuter/light tourer like myself, it's not that big a deal. The rack I have on mine probably adds more weight than is saved by the anodized frame.