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Old 05-23-11 | 07:09 PM
  #19  
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mtalinm
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Westwood MA (just south of Boston)

Bikes: 2009 Trek Soho

I have a 2009 Trek Soho, which is pretty much the same bike except it has drum brakes front and back and no carbon fork.

In my experience it is a great bike "in theory" but not so much in practice. I find that the IGH / belt drive combo just doesn't have the same power transfer as any of my derailleur bikes. And although "in theory" it's less maintenance, heaven help you if you get a rear-wheel flat or if the belt needs tensioning or the IGH starts acting up. I've had my Soho in the shop so many times that it has been more trouble than it was worth. Sounds like some of you have had better luck than me...

And the brakes suck rocks. They are worse than rim brakes, even in the rain. I hear the DLX replaced the front brake with a disc, which would be a major improvement. Good luck if you decide to do it, but proceed with your eyes open...

Personally I would take the $1200 or whatever they are overcharging these days and pick up a Specialized Secteur or something like that. No disc brakes but just get yourself some salmon KoolStop pads and you'll be in good shape.
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