jaxgtr

Through my employeer, I have the ability to get either a Trek 2100 or Pilot 2.1 for the cost of tax as it is part of a larger benefit program, basically a rewards program. I have earned enough awards points to get a bike. Now the issues. I have taken both bikes out for extended rides, at least 15 miles and both gave me a great ride. Light, quick, great handling and very comfortable. Both have comparable components and the the only true difference is the fork on the 2100 says Bontrager Approved and the geometry of the Pilot is relaxed.

All that being said, I am having a heck of a time making up my mind which direction to go. Do I go with the 2100 and flip the stem and get a more upright riding position or go with the Pilot which is already designed for that? Going with the 2100 gives me the option to revert if I want, but looking for info for anyone that was in the same situation.

bdinger

Wow... that's awesome! I wish we had a rewards program like that! We used to with a vendor, but it has since gone away.. I did get a Mac Mini a couple years ago out of it, though .

Anyway, my recommendation is to defintiely buy the one you have the best riding impression of. I rode quite a few bikes both times I have purchased this year, and have been very pleased with both purchases. When I bought my Specialized Hardrock I had my heart set on a Gary Fisher. When I bought my Trek FX I had my heart set on a Redline 9-2-5.

Heck, I even enjoyed the FX I bought more than the bike I loved so much on paper that it was competing with - the Bianchi Volpe. I spent quite a bit of time over two weekends comparing those two and, get this, the Redline Monocog 29er. I'm still kind of kicking myself for not getting the monocog because it fit me so well, and was sooo much fun to ride.

I also rode a Pilot but feared for the carbon underneath my butt. However, through this forum I've learned that is kind of silly, and the LBS assured me it was as well. They were even ready to put a written guarantee from their shop for the fork on a 7.5 or 7.6 FX, but I didn't want to have to replace the wheelset right out of the gate. The pilot was, unfortunately, out of my price range.

Anyway, I say good luck. I've always thought I had my mind made up, then rode something and found something I liked even better.

masi61

You might want to compare the top tube measurements on the 2100 to that on the Pilot 2.1. If there is a difference of close to 20mm for the frame size, then you might want to talk to the shop more to find out what their recommendation is for you. I like sloping top tube frames and was curious about the Pilot series, but when I looked up the top tube length on the large (size 58 I believe), they had the top tube listed as like 54.5 cm. This would be comfortable for a clyde who is unfit because it would force you into a more upright position. This might make your belly more comfortable. As you get more fit you would need to change the stem several times. If you really got cycling fit after several years of sticking with it and riding many thousands of miles and taking off a lot of weight you might find yourself in the situation (if you get the Pilot) where you need to put a really longish stem on there (like 13 or 14 cm) just to stretch out sufficiently. This would look kind of cool and you might get some looks, but it could put you out front on the bike a little too much and begin the throw off the handling a little. I don't know you or your physique, but if you have a normally proportioned torso and are just overweight, I think you might be better served by the more traditional road bike - the 2100.

jaxgtr

thanks. I decided to go with the Pilot earlier today. Just waiting on confirmation that the bike has been shipped.

cohophysh

ya better post some pix when you get it

bdinger

EXCELLENT Choice. I'm trying to decide if the Pilot or the Madone will be my overall "goal bike". Like, after I finally drop these last 150 pounds heheh.

Then again, knowing my recent history, I'll likely get something totally different LOL!

I agree.. we need pics!

jaxgtr

Well I figure I will work my my from a hybrid to the pilot to a more typical race geometry. Going from a hybrid to race geometry could be a very severe change.

jaxgtr

Guaranteed