float

I have a Trek 1500 I bought a little over two years ago. I think I'm ready to get a new bike.

But lately, I've been thinking about perhaps just upgrading my components all around. The frame feels pretty good (to me) and I'm sure I could get away with using the frame another few years with a groupset upgrade. Even if I do upgrade to a new bike completely, I think I'd still look at another aluminum framed bike.

What are the general impressions of the Trek 1500 (the next MY it was renamed the 1.5) frame? Is it a good solid frame? Or would I be better off getting a better frame to move forward and grow with?

Thanks for any impressions.

Randochap

Both. Keep the old bike for winter.

Fixitman

First question would be are you looking for justification to by a new bike? If so you have my blesssing .. and need read no further.
Otherwise I would reconmend taking several bikes you would be concidering out on long test rides to see if you feel the offer you what you think you may be missing. If you find that the bikes you are riding do not make you find religion then you probably just need to upgrade your components.
When you are test riding these bikes if the shifting or gearing simply feels better then again components would be your answer. The last thing of course is to weigh what the upgrades would cost compared to an allready built bike with the components allready installed and of course figure what you can sell the old bike for into the mix.

beeballman

For what its worth, I have a 2007 Trek 1500 I purchased brand new. I have been thinking the same thing about upgrading or a new purchase. I have tried out some other newer bikes including some Madone's and some other carbon fiber bikes. I really feel more comfortable on the 1500. Plus with the economy being so tuff I can no way purchase a new bike. I'm thinking of new wheels. everyone says thats the most bang for your buck when it comes to upgrades. Just my two cents.

Georgebowen

wheels and sram rival group (at least brifters and front/rear dr)

This will shed weight and make it feel new. It will ride a lot better and probably similar to any newer aluminum bike you will test ride.

Hunt-man

Go buy a new Madone. I think the 2008's are on closeout now and the 2009's should be soon if not already. You deserve it, because your smart enough, work hard enough and dog gone it you deserve it.

Seriously, that was the logic I used to justify my new bike. Worked for me...

float

I'm not necessarily looking for justification. I'm just looking for the best spend of my money. I could go out and get a bike, but what would I really be buying? If I could upgrade my components and have a bike that "feels like new" then that's exactly what I was going for either way.

Thanks for the input, I've got some time to really make a decision, but I like to get started early, since it takes me forever to make a decision where any money is involved.

Velodad

What components and what is wrong. Maybe you (the bike) just need a tune up.

af2nr

I would be cautious upgrading many components on a bike of that level, no offense intended. What I mean is if you're not careful you will end up putting more money into the bike with upgrades than you did with the purchase. Then you will end up with a bike, no matter how upgraded, that is only a Trek 1500 if you decide to sell. I would weigh what it will cost you to upgrade parts as opposed to what it will cost for a new upgraded bike. This time of year you can find lots of deals on most bikes as the new models start to roll in...