Pinarello Prince -VS- Trek 5900
 

I am in doubt on whether to get a Pinarello Prince or a Trek 5900.

I am 5'11 and 140 pounds. I would be using the bike to train on (150-200miles per week) and for triathlons on mainly flat courses or slightly hilly courses (20-30 miles long).

I would welcome any thoughts or feedback anyone has. Thank you.

Well, when you're that high on the totem pole, it seems like it would be impossible to make a wrong choice. Speaking entirely as a fan, because it'll be another two years before I can order one, the Prince is the bike I pray to Santa for.

Nothing against Trek at all, the new 5900 is beautiful, but there is most DEFINATELY a certain je ne sais quois about the Pinarello frames - the craftsmanship and history is remarkable. Not to mention the way they forge the carbon rear triangle into the rest of the frame. I'm also a fan of the Opera, especially since it comes stock with the Ksyriums right now.

Before my jealousy causes me to implode, I cast a vote to thePrince

Buy the one that gives YOU the best ride/feel.
Ride the one you like
Pat

Well, while Abol98 prays to Santa (wait... I thought you wrote letters to Santa!?), I'll be the Grinch.

I have no first-hand experience with high-end Italian bikes (my Bianchi was "crafted" in Taiwan) but I've heard that if you ever need warranty work done on the frame, it's pretty much a lost cause. Granted, there's probably a pretty low likelihood you'll ever need warranty service on a good frame.

I'd write to santa, but he dosn't have e-mail yet. :p It's the same reason my parents never hear from me...

This is going to sound entirely snobbish, especially coming from someone currently riding a Diamondback Frankenbike... but when I drive down the street and EVERY bike I see is a Trek, that little voice in the back of my head that sounds suspicioulsy like Phil Ligget begins to sing "I did it myyyyyyy wayyyy".

When I upgrade, I want something that will make the roadies from my LBS curse me out behind my back after the Thursday nite rides. (I suppose being in shape would help too).

It's a good point about the service though... And I'd like to be able to ride the bike I buy next before purchasing. I haven't found many Pinarello's around waiting for a test ride :-)

Personally, I'll probably start researching the Specialized M4, Allez Comp and the Giant TCR 0. I think I can deal with an aluminum frame as long as there is no skimping in the fork and handle bars... I'll probably go carbon on the seatpost and bars.

Must....keep.....saving..............

That's a game that's hard to win (although a cool frankenbike will definitely get you on the podium). Get the Pinarello, and instantly you're labeled a poseur or wannabe.

Pat nailed it. Try 'em out. Eventually, you'll climb on to one, your hands will fall into the drops, the pedals will just feel right. If you aren't sure, you still haven't found it. Get the one you like.

Get the Pinarello. A local bike shop is always sending Treks back to the factory!

That's an easy one. Pinarello all the way. That is one of the sweetest frames out there. It performs and is beautiful. A Prince with Campy Record is about the perfect bike!

I saw a De Rosa Merak up close for the first time the other day. It was the most beautiful bicycle I have ever seen. The welds [brazings?] were perfect and the paint, though understated, was superb. If top-end Pinarellos [never seen a Prince close-up] are anything like the de Rosa, then go with the Pinarello. I've seent he Trek 5900. Nice bike... but it's not the kind of bike you dream about.

hey guys,
I accidentally hit "new topic" instead of "reply" and put my thoughts on a new thread.

"Pinarello and Merak" is basically a reply to this thread. Sorry 'bout that.