zerocool33

I have been doing some research on this website seeing as how I am going to be buying my first road bike in a month or two, and I keep seeing some really negative comments when it comes to Trek's and Specialized. I have had my eye on the Trek 2.1 for a while now, and the Roubaix Elite Compact. Just curious if the hate is because they are big companies, or what the deal is? I saw some Felt's that were pretty sweet, and also some Cannondales. One of the new bike shops that is opening up carries Trek as do a few other bike shops I frequent. My biggest problem is that I have a Trek 6500 I need to trade in if I am to buy a new road bike. Haven't had luck with Craigslist as people are cheap asses where I live and won't buy anything over a $100, lol. So I guess I am trying to find a dealer that carries Trek, as they would most likely take a Trek as a trade in. Not sure when Trek became so ****ty. My 6500 is pretty nice except that I bought a frame size too big.

Tulex

I didn't do much research, so I didn't see the hate. I don't regret getting my Robaix Elite Compact last year. Wife purchased the Ruby at the same time. Both very good bikes.

AlexTaylor

Nowt wrong with either of them.

Some people on here, including me, however, seem to prefer other brands...

dark13star

My only problem with my wife's Trek 2.1 is that I am her mechanic. The Bontrager wheels are garbage and won't stay true. The brakes are also pretty weak, but better with Swisstop pads. The saddle is laughable, but everyone replaces that anyway.

She really wanted the bike, even though I tried to guide her to another bike with better components for about the same price (a Cannondale). I just don't see any value in the Trek 2.1 for what we got.

John1992

Becuase, if we can not own one of every brand of bike we need to make other folks have doubt about their purchases. Buy what you like and ride. My only advice is to splash out on a full set of Rock Racing kit in the original black / neon green. No one will look at your bike becuase they will be staring at your over the top kit.

jsharr

Set a budget that you are happy with and go ride some bikes. Buy the one that feels best to you in your price range. I have ridden Trek road bikes since the early 80's and have nothing but good things to say of Trek.

bjoerges

I'm not sure where the trek hates comes from either. Very involved in racing and trickle down their technology quickly (all aluminum road frames have same geometry as performance fit Madone bikes). A lot of people bash Trek on price, but even that is a misnomer. If you are paying retail anywhere your going to get a higher price than somewhere that has a bike on sale. That said, if you can't wait for a sale, you'll pay more. Lots of dealers will toss in a bonus (computer, bottle cages, etc) if you ask.

Part of Trek's higher retail price is due to having a great warranty (lifetime frame) and liberal crash replacement discounts for crashed Trek's.

I work for a Trek/Cervelo dealer and am ordering a 2.1 myself in about 2 weeks.

kyriefurro

The thing is, the frame warranty and crash replacement policies are pretty standard for all the big brands. I don't know if Trek's is any better or not since none of them seems to actually publish their crash replacement policies, except to acknowledge that they exist.

FWIW, when I was shopping for my bike, the Trek models seemed to run about 20% more expensive for similar set-ups on comparable models from other manufacturers. When you're in the $2k+ range, 20% can be quite a bit of cash.

dark13star

Just to be clear, I am not trashing something other people own. I paid for one. My wife rides it. That means we own it.

Seriously, out of the 5 bikes in my basement, the 2.1 is just the worst value. It is an ok bike, but at that price point there is much better stuff out there. The frame is fine. The wheels, saddle, and brakes are bad and the component set is sub-par for the price. That is my assessment, and if Trek were to ask me the all important marketing question "would you buy another Trek?" my answer would be "no," based on our experience with this one.

Is it a lemon? no.
Could we have done better? definitely.
Did I give in against my better judgement because my wife liked the color? Definitely, but it is a cheap bike, after all, and peace has a price.

Good luck with your purchase. If you are getting a killer deal, buy it. Just buy some good brake pads and a saddle. Wouldn't hurt to learn how to true wheels either...