Road Cycling - 1998 Trek 2300

Rode a trek 2300 with a carbon fiber frame and shimano 600 components today. I liked it but my frame of reference is really limited as I have been riding a 30 year old Raleigh Record. I only put in about 50 miles a week and have been riding for 2-3 years for exercise only. Friends tell me that with a better bike I will have more fun, go faster be more efficient and may then consider racing,or at least riding with others. Mostly now I have trouble keeping up. I am not a spring chicken at 53 years of age and don't have all that much time or interest in spending days doing multiple demos. Any info on this bike which I think that I like would be helpful. Thanks

I currently ride a Trek 2300Pro carbon with mostly Ultegra. The bike has been a solid performer for me, has even survived some pretty bad crashes over the years. I can't complain, I've definately gotten my $$ worth.

I know Trek had some issues with the carbon tubes separating from the bottom bracket area, but that was on some of their first carbon frames.

Cat2
Thanks for your input on the Trek 2300. I made the big jump and bought the bike. I paid around $850 for it at a shop on the outer banks. The bike seems mostly cherry. Doesn't have ultegra but has Shimano 600 series components. Don't know if I overpaid but I am excited about getting more seriously involved in biking.
Jay

I can't comment on the price positively or negatively but Shimano 600 is Ultegra. Shimano used the 600 designation since the 1970s to indicate their #2 components (behind DuraAce). Sometime in the 1990s they started adding Ultegra to the 600 name and for the last couple of years or so it's just Ultegra. Sounds like you have the same bike as Cat2 just a mdel year or so older which explains "600" instead of "Ultegra."

:beer:

I have a friend who's 2300 has at least 50,000 miles on it. It's an ugly florescent green, but the bike is still solid. And it also has the 600 groupo on it.

I recently purchased a '99 2300 frame, it's gray. I installed an 8 spd Dura Ace groupo on it. It is a nice nice bike! Very comfortable and relatively quick on the sprint. I haven't weighed it, but it feels pretty light.

I think you got a good solid bike, especially since it is in good condition.

Go easy and you'll be catching up with your buddies in due time.
:D

Thanks for input. I haven't recieved bike. It's in the mail but I'm feeling much more confident that the bike is good and that it'll give me a good shot at a good quality road biking experience.
I usually ride about 15 miles, max on my old Raleigh Record and just about fall off at the end. It seems that "real" bikers routinely put in 35-50 miles a day. How long does it usually take to build up to that level assuming a basic level of physical conditioning and unfortunately a not so young 53 year old body? Just trying to set up some basic expectations for myself.

Originally posted by shredvet

.....I usually ride about 15 miles, max on my old Raleigh Record and just about fall off at the end. It seems that "real" bikers routinely put in 35-50 miles a day. How long does it usually take to build up to that level assuming a basic level of physical conditioning and unfortunately a not so young 53 year old body? Just trying to set up some basic expectations for myself.

I'm not a professional trainer, but based on my new season training and looking back to my first rides. I would say with regular riding you should be up to your 30-35 mile goal within at least half (2 months) of the riding season this year. By the closing months of the season a 50-mile ride should be well within your grasp.

But again, this is based on my preseason fitness, which is usually about ten pounds heavier than I'd like to be; the legs are soft and the lungs are lazy. I'm 47; I'm not too much younger than you. So my preseason fitness is probably like you describe...basic level.

Take it in small chunks, don't over do it. It's important to ease into those miles as a new rider, you don't want to dampen your enthusiasm or hurt your health.