I thought part of being into bikes is getting what you want despite there being little difference in many of the brand names offered in the US now a days. I went with Trek because we have a solid support system around us and the ride was the most comfortable out of all others I tried. I could have picked up a Specialized for a bit cheaper and nicer color but I felt the Isospeed stuff actually made a difference having a bum disc in my neck, well, whether it’s in my head or not, it seems to help on long rides compared to the others.

To say they're all the same is not 100% true but how much a mm there or a mm here really matters can be debated forever. But to me it seemed like the Isospeed wasn’t just marketing, rather it’s true engineering that has “some” effect on my ride so it made sense to go that route. Or maybe it’s me trying to justify my purchase but what does it matter if I was going to spend the money on a bike regardless? Buy what fits you, is comfortable and makes you want to ride more. If that’s a 10k bike with a shiny name, go for it!

I’ve never understood the whole mentality of not supporting brands that sponsor known dopers. I’m sure every brand has had a doper on their bikes in a world class race at some point so that’s just silly. People dope, always have and always will regardless of which bike they ride or who sponsors them. lol