obsidian

Anybody commuting on the Trek Portland? How do you like it?

thanks

Nucks

I bought one a few weeks ago. Prior to getting this bike I have been riding a Miyata 512 that I bought 19 years ago. I don't find the Portland to be as comfortable but that may just take getting used to. The shop didn't really do much to fit the bike to me except put in a shorter stem. I'm 5'9" tall with a 31-32" inseam and I'm on a 54cm frame. I find that I'm riding with my elbows locked, or at least too much weight on my arms and hands. They put in a 75mm stem and i removed one of the carbon spacers on the headset to lower the bars. I think an even shorter stem may be necessary. They set the seat level to the ground, but I feel like it is tilting forward exacerbating the weight on the hands issue. I'm still playing around with the bar height, position of bars in the stem and the seat height and angle. I like the brifter idea as opposed to down tube shifters. Lots of people complain that the wheels will be too weak but they seem fine to me. I like the triple on the hills around here and the disk brakes are nice in the rain. I'm having a bit of trouble fitting a water bottle and cage plus a bulldog mini u lock and bracket within the main triangle. No problem with heel clearance with the panniers and the fenders fit on easily. When I was test riding it, I tried a couple of times to ride no hands and almost wiped out. I'm getting used to it more now and I think soon I will be able to do it. It is faster and lighter than my Miyata and definitely better when standing up and hammering. The other thing I don't like about it, apart from the current fit, and this isn't the bike's fault, is that I'm sure it is a thief magnet. it's ok at home and work but in Vancouver, I would be leery about leaving it out in many areas. I certainly don't have that worry about my 19 year old Miyata. Lots of people complain that it is expensive for what you get but the Kona JTS is about $300C less and doesn't have disk brakes. Also, for commuting, the stock jake tires are overkill. Shops here don't seem to want to do much at all for you even when you are dropping close to $2K including tax. They would not swap tires or handlebars and grumbled about trying different stems. Unfortunately, if this is the bike you want, where I am there are only 2 different retail outlets to buy it from. I'm sure in a few years there will be a number of different brands with this combo of disk brakes, road style geometry and fender/rack accommodation so that will surely increase the number of stores that this type of bike is available from.

newbojeff

I've had one for almost a year now and have been loving it. The disc brakes are great and I really like the way this bike handles. Some may find it a bit "twichty," but I think it is lively compared to some touring frames I tried. The wheels have been rock solid.

Agreed that it is a thief magnet. I wouldn't ride this if I didn't have secure parking at work.

Do a search and you will find discussions on it, including my one major complaint about the design: the routing of the rear brake cable. It does not run through the bottom bracket guide smoothly.

Also, look at the Schwinn DBX.

aykew

I bought a new bike last weekend and in the end it was the Portland vs a Lemond Poprad. I really wanted to like the Portland better for cosmetic and financial reasons, but in the end I had to go with what felt better and the Poprad was the clear choice for me!

dynaryder

I test rode a Portland and didn't like it. Ride was too rough,I couldn't believe the fork was carbon. My Schwinn DBX and Redline Conquest Disc both ride much smoother.

The current DBX is about $400 cheaper than the Portland,has cross levers,and comes stock with full fenders.

Nucks

Unfortunately, the only place to buy Schwinn in Canada is Canadian Tire. That is a large hardware store chain. Obviously, they only stock the cheap wal-mart quality models.

SportV65

I have been riding a portland for about a year now, really like the bike - reminds me of a pre cantilever brake 520 sport trek- I had a problem getting a rack for panners and I finally modified a older blackburn rack to fit, really had to tweak the seat stay mounts, now I have a good close fit with heel clerance, btw I am 6'2" and wear a 48 shoe. Initally I had some seating in problems with the disc brakes, took more time than with hydraulic brakes on mountain bikes I own. and I had to route the rear wheel brake cable inside the chainstay, ditched the usless finderetts, If I want fenders I'll put on full size ones. I have had no problems with the wheels - in addition to being 6'2" I weigh in at 230 or so, and carry full panners to boot, My bike shop was great, did a full fit up and traded the bontrager saddle for a areione. Did a free once over after 3 months. I think I will swap out the 10 speed for 9 speed drivetrain components, I want a wider range ratio on the bike, I am wanting to ride this bike on the mountains to the sea ride in NC. As for a stiff ride I am used to riding a 2.8 Cdale road frame [old model] so this bike seems compliant to me.
just my .02