Recreational & Family - Trek Softride

Has anyone noticed the Trek Softride?

http://www2.trekbikes.com/Bikes/City_Bike_Path/Sole_Ride/Sole_Ride_300/index.php

It seems like they copied the seat concept from the Revive. This bike probably weights about 26 - 29 lbs compared to the Revive which is almost 40 lbs! I think Trek can sell a lot of bikes and it seems like the geometry is very similar to the Revive. The Trek is probably more efficient since it uses 26 inch wheels. The only problem with the bike is the lack of gears as it only comes in 3 and 7 speeds. The other thing wrong with the bike is the lack of a suspension seat post. Since you're going to be sitting straight back on the saddle, you'll feel every rut, bump and pothole! The Revive to it's credit has a suspension built into the frame.

In my opinion, it's a good first try but needs more work.

Trek is good at "borrowing" ideas from other companies. I thought the Trek "Sole Ride" series was copied from the Electra cruisers designed to let you put the "sole" of your shoe on the pavement will still sitting firmly on the saddle. These are alternatives to traditional beach cruisers. People who rarely ride bikes often put the saddle on a beach cruiser WAY low because they want to be able to easily put a foot (or both feet) firmly on the ground.

And, part of "cruiser" culture is "style", and these lower bikes have a new look that is a bit between a BMX bike and a standard cruiser.

The 2005 Trek line has so many different bikes that I can not imagine that any Trek dealer could possibly stock even half of them. I admire Trek for trying to give people choices, but I suspect dealers are going to focus on bikes that sell. The "Sole Ride" may not make the "cut" when dealers are ordering bikes.

It looks like one of those products designed for the guy that thinks riding a bike is uncomfortable. Much like the spongey seat marketing. "Oh wow, it has a back on the seat that would be great for my bad back. And that seat will be perfect for the 6 miles total that i ever ride this bike." :rolleyes:

http://www2.trekbikes.com/Assets/Bikes/City_Bike_Path/Sole_Ride/Sole_Ride_300/asset_upload_file107_8572.jpg

It looks like one of those products designed for the guy that thinks riding a bike is uncomfortable. Much like the spongey seat marketing. "Oh wow, it has a back on the seat that would be great for my bad back. And that seat will be perfect for the 6 miles total that i ever ride this bike." :rolleyes:

Something tells me you're right. I have a feeling that the person who that seat would appeal to would never ride it anyway.

How about the new Trek Pilot series, seems to be a knockoff of the Specialized Roubaiux, Upright seating position, vibration control carbon,(instead of Specialized Zerts), etc.