As will become evident on this post, I’m new to road biking. I began with an old Specialized hybrid simply for fitness, but came to love it so much that I decided to become more serious – possibly even looking to train for some low key races, and certainly a century or two in 2010.

My dilemma is this: I just purchased, from a bike shop out of my area, a new Trek 2.1 Pilot. It’s packed and on its way as I type. I did not realize that Trek sells two 2.1 bikes (really stupid, in my opinion) and thought that I was purchasing the “regular” 2.1. My concern: Is the Pilot suitable for beginner-level, local racing?

From what I can tell, the wheels on both bikes are the same (Bontrager SSR). The Pilot has 105 shifters and Ultegra rear derailleur (a free upgrade on the one I bought), while the 2.1 has Tiagra shifters and 105 rear derailleur. The Pilot has a triple, the 2.1 has a double. Both frames are Alpha Black Aluminum, but the fork on the Pilot is Bontrager Satellite Plus Carbon, while it’s Bontrager Race Carbon on the 2.1. I also understand that the Pilot has a somewhat more upright geometry.

I’d appreciate any thoughts on this dilemma. Since I managed to find the Pilot at a liquidation sale, I purchased it for a little over half the MSRP and could probably easily sell it and use the money to buy a plain 2.1. My concern is whether that’s necessary, or even wise, given my intended use. Thanks for helping a newbie navigate his entry into this sport!

Jeff