Exit3

I recently walked in to my LBS and spied a stealthy black road bike that didn't look like the usual skinny tire 200 pound max. rides I am used to seeing. Upon closer examination I see it is the 2011 Trek/GF Lane, which is a cyclocross bike set up for commuting. i was torn between an entry level road bike vs. a upper end FX series but now I am thinking this may be the best of all worlds. Anyone riding these yet?

skilsaw

It's Christmas! Treat yourself to this new steed.
It will be a suitable addition to your stable.

Exit3

Just thinking out loud here. Why is the Lane roughly $1K? The 1.1 seems to have many similar components but only costs $695. The 1.2/1.5 are closer in range but have sora/tiagra stuff instead. Even the Schwinn Le Tour Classic has better specs for a few hundreds less. Is the steel that much better? I am suffering from paralysis from analysis!!?!?!!

surfrider

The Lane looks overpriced. I've got an FX 7.3 that (this year) costs only $650 but has very similar component group to the Lane. The FX 7.3 has an aluminum frame with a steel-alloy fork and plenty of eyelets for front and rear racks, fenders, etc. Even doing a change-over to a drop bar (as I did after 1 year) would still be <$1,000.

john423

But ... but ... but .... steel is real!

All kidding aside, I'd really like a steel bike. But there are probably other steel bikes out there with better components for the same price.

surfrider

Look at Masi Bicycles (masibikes.com). They've always had a few 'steelies' in their line-up, and this year they've upped it to nine models (SS and multi-geared), and any of the multi-geared models look better eqipped than Trek's Lane.

I personaly like a stiff aluminum frame with steel fork, but after test riding a Masi Randonneur a few weeks ago, I'm thinkin' it would look really nice in my 'man cave' and with me on it out on the road for a long 100+ mile weekends next spring-summer-fall. (Still keeping my 2006 Trek FX 7.3 - its a great workout/commuter bike).

bautieri

A bit over priced, but not really that outlandish. If you like how it rides then go for it! What's a few bucks here or there for the bike you really like?

john423

Do you guys find the Trek bikes are a bit overpriced overall? I'm lusting after a 7.7 FX, but that's a huge price gap between the 7.7 and the 7.6 for the gain in componentry, I think.

Wogster

I don't know about that one, it's a TIG welded steel frame, it's a mix of lower end components (Deore RD is an MTB part,same level as Sora in the road line), it's 8 speed, there is no real reason this should be an $1,100 bike, other then possibly it's got Gary Fisher's name on it, and even he isn't such a big deal anymore.

bautieri

Somewhat, especially when you consider their over use of in-house brand components (Bontranger). That is not to knock Bontranger, some of their stuff is very nice and others is so-so. But when you think about it, you really are paying a premium for a Trek considering all the generic parts. Price wise, this year's model line up seems much more reasonable than they have been in the past.

Exit3

I think the sweet spot for the FX line is somewhere between the 7.3 and the 7.5. Maybe the 7.3 disc is the best of all worlds? The 7.7 is reaaally nice but you really just have to want it to justify the price (7.9 anyone??). I agree that Masi makes some sweet steel as well but my situation dictates that it must be in the Trek family. The bigger "weight loss" picture scheme is that I have a Trek card that I picked up a year or so and it's been burning a hole in my wallet as I try to figure out what I like best. The plan was to use the 0% financing to spread the payments out over the next year. Any money I would have spent on fast food for lunch or chilled Starbucks frappachinos ($2.50 a bottle x 5 or 6 a day = yikes!!) will now be bike money. That is how I have justified the new bike purchase to my better half. I expect to weigh 201.1 pounds by the end of 2011. It may well just be the Lane because I simply like the blacked out look (ala Cdale Bad Boy..and older target of my dreams) The new 1.2 looked nice too..and the 7.5 FX...and the...ohh, I need to go lay down now.

jethro56 

I like how your diet plan finances the bike purchase.Why not wait until you've saved some money? The bikes will still be for sale.Another "finance" plan could be so many dollars a pound in weight loss buys the bike.

Wogster

While 0% financing sounds like a good deal, with the economy the way it is, especially in the US,going further into debt at this point is not sensible, especially when it limits your options. Your better off, putting that fast food money and Starbucks money into a savings plan, say you put in $10 a day, that's $50 a week, in 14 weeks you have $700, thats a 7.3FX, if you don't have a bicycle, that's a good starting point, you keep saving though, and for Christmas 2011 which is 52 weeks away you will have $1900 and can buy a nice road or mountain bike.

Exit3

I do appreciate the concerns about going into debt. Believe me, I have thought about that risk as well. That's why getting the bike now helps me in two ways. 1: I have the bike to use to help me lose weight 2: The sheer thought of ruining my credit is one more reason to pay the monthly bill rather than the junk food and drink...thus losing weight as well.

longhaultrucker

just take all the gas money that you save and make the payment you can probably pay it off quicker this way....

Wogster

There is another option, that could work for you, save up for a month, have a look in classifieds (both websites like CL and the local paper) see if you can find a lightly experienced bike in the same class and size as the one your looking for. A lot of people, buy one with the intent of losing weight and getting fit, find out that couch surfing is more their speed and it sits in the garage, they want to clear out that corner so they try to sell it. Prices on the used market depend entirely on where you are, some cities can be much more expensive then others. Bicycles lose a lot of value rolling off the bike shop floor, it can be as much as half, they will lose another half the next year, and then strangely it evens out, and they lose very little after that, as long as they are maintained well....

clydeosaur

Not to be a downer, but if you think most road bikes are suited to handle only guys under 200 lbs. ,you need to broaden your research. Lots of great, sturdy bikes out there. For $1100, you should be able to find a nice 105 equipped rig.

john423

My Specialized Allez Elite cost $1050, has quite a bit of 105 stuff on it and seems to be holding up to my 250-pound self just fine.

clydeosaur

Yeah, got my Cannondale six with 105 / ultegra 10 speed mix for $1100 last February as a leftover.

TugaDude

For me it is a no-go. I agree that for that price it should have nicer componentry. 8 speed is probably enough for your typical "city riding", so that doesn't bother me, but Shimano 2303? Not. If that is the only component group Shimano has in 8 speed, I'd pass.

To me, it should be around $800.00 max.

I would look at other options. I just saw a Salsa Cassaroll with 9 speed 105 group on sale the other day for the same price. It would be a much better deal. I suggest you keep looking.

Exit3

I found that 2300 the biggest sticking point for me as well. I wonder why the Trek 1.2 costs about the same but has the sora/tiagra stuff instead. Could it be because this is deemed a "commuter/cyclocross" bike? Could the Shimano 2300 be more durable and able to withstand the abuse of such a bike vs. the need for speed of a 1.2?

john423

I think you're paying a steel premium, and a high one at that. I don't think there are too many bikes in the Trek catalog made of steel these days, so you're paying the price for stepping out of the usual aluminum frame.

Leo001

I have read tons of negative reviews about the Trek Lane, but I thought it seemed like an ideal bike for me. I ride aprox 30 miles per ride aprox 3 times a week, i also am a heavier rider (270) so larger tires appealed to me. Long story short, I found a 2012 Lane advertised in my size on craigs list for $500.00 I had to buy it! I have to say its a great bike, while I would have preferred a triple in the front, the compact is fine for 90% of the hills I ride, I did swap the 11-28 for a 11-34 cassette with a long cage derauiller, the fact that i got a fantastic deal is not what makes me love this bike, it rides great! Granted i'm no racer, but I average 12.5mph over my 30 mile rides, the bike is smooth, stable and compfortable. I dont know why this bike is so under appreciated.

side_FX

I don't think the bike is the problem for most, it is the $1000+ price. I am very jealous that you've found a model that fits for $500. THAT is a great price for a decent ride! I am closely watching my LBS for some 12 clearance Lanes and Erwins as well!

Enjoy!!

side_FX

Just an FYI, looks like the Lane gets tweaked a bit this year and is renamed the "CrossRip", now with disc brakes. Hmmmmmm.....interesting.