Even the troll is gonna reiterate that fit is the single most important factor.
And sure, the Trek doesn't have rack mounts... not that a lack of mounts actually
prevents you from fitting a rack.
As for the gearing, is Cleveland all that hilly? Although first gear on that bike looks to be 42/21, which is kinda tall... but it worked for me for years in western Melbourne, which is pretty flat.
Originally Posted by
KonAaron Snake
I'll take friction DT shifting over indexed DT shifters everytime. Far easier to maintain and perfectly functional. Others disagree, but that's taste, not objective quality. Your argument would have more validity were it STI. Cantis vs calipers is a debate about use, not quality. I see no clear component advantage on the Trek and a less versatile, less interesting frame.
Hyperglide counts for nothing, you reckon? That single feature makes a world of difference, particularly to novices not schooled in the arcane delights of friction-shifting plain cogs.
This bike actually offers an upgrade path, should the OP become enthused. Freehub. 700c. No contest.