Timanator

This will be for my first bike(To own, I have a older Trek 1100 on loan), and I would like Carbon fiber forks and rear uprights. So it narrowed down to a few bikes available in my area. Can you guys tell me the pro and cons of each? Or maybe somethingelse I should look at other than the ride cushion quality of the Carbon Fiber.

The Bikes I am thinking of purchasing are:

Trek 2100

https://www2.trekbikes.com/Bikes/Road...2100/index.php

Trek Pilot 2.1

https://www2.trekbikes.com/Bikes/Road..._2.1/index.php

Speciliazed Sequoia Elite

https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...keTab=features

cydewaze

Those last two make me want to projectile vomit (not a big fan of the sloping top tube). But they're all decent bikes. I just prefer the 2100.

Plainsman

Don't know much about the Sequoia, but I thought I heard it had a more upright riding position. I have a Trek 2300 and love it. Rode the 2100 and really liked it too. Doesn't the Pilot series also afford a more upright riding position. I think the question you should try to answer for yourself is, "what is my preferred riding position." If you like the traditional road feel, a little more agressive, the 2100 is a nice bike. If you're looking for a more upright position, I would consider the other options.

superdex

have you ridden the three? Which felt most at home? --That's your bike. If your worried about component/manufacturer quality, these are all great bikes and it will come down to how you feel while riding each. I will say the Bontrager Race wheels on the 2100 are better than the Selects on the Pilot.

The Pilot and the Sequoia are less 'racy' than the 2100, placing you (intentionally) in a more upright position (as was already mentioned), but can be made 'racy' by flipping the stem, which is an option down the road as you get more and more miles under you (and if you desire).

You're not going astray with the 105 components, and the SRAM cassette on the 2100 is just fine -- a fine compromise to get the better wheels.

So basically, which one do you dream about? Which one connected to you when you rode it? Which one will you sit and just stare at when you get it home?


(fwiw, I ride an all-Aluminum Trek 2300)

Rushfan

Something else to consider is getting a pro fit. A fitter can help you determine which bike will be more comfortable. The one that's more comfortable is going to be ridden more. If you explain your goals to the fitter, he or she might be able to steer you to a bike you haven't even considered.

That said, I have 6000 miles on a Specialized Allez Elite, which is pretty similar to the Sequoia. The one problem I had was the wheels with mine were pretty bad-Alex 330s. Make sure that the wheels that come with your bike are appropriate for your weight and the type of riding you plan to do.

Dchiefransom

Those are three good bikes. Choose the one that you like the best. Don't worry about people that don't like the looks of a sloping top tube. Next week we're going to start a thread telling them the world isn't really flat.

cydewaze

Some of those people have reasons. Ever try to jam a 32oz water bottle into a frame that only has enough room for a 20oz? I have a sloping bike and a horiz bike, and the sloper's always a PITA to get water bottles into. The bike makers sure love em though, because it allows them to make fewer sizes.

bernmart

I've been riding the Sequoia Elite for a few months now, and find it a fine bike in every way. And it's fast as hell--faster than I can make use of. You pay no noticeable price for it's somewhat upright riding position, either in weight or handling qualities.

RiDE

Oh great, the top tube police.

rickkko

Check out the Trek 2300. I'm very happy I selected that bike. My first 1200 miles have been outstanding!

Take the plunge and get a bike just out of your $$$budget$$$ that fits you. A few months down the road, you'll be glad you did.

..rickko..

operator

Hands in the air...!

Timanator

It's kind of weird, the one that I like the most isnt any of the above. It is a girl bike in a blue color that I was looking at prior to being pointed to the men's bike section.

Out of the 3 bikes I mentioned, I was able to try the Trek 2100 on a trainer and also a 2300(Which isnt available in my size) But the sells staff were a bit rude and did not want to assist me in anyway after I asked if there was any specials or packages when purchasing a road bike. (Bike Barn in Houston on Westheimer)

So I will be looking for a bike at another location.

Should I buy a cheaper bike to start off with? This is something my friend (A tri athlete) is advising me to do and upgrade components as they break or I improve.

Timanator

Also, what is a good pair of shoes with clips to start off with?

Grasschopper

I don't like that the Specilized has a suspension seat post, but they may be able to switch that out at the time of purchase. The Specialized and the Piolt 2.1 are really a different sort of bike form the 2100...I would think that on a test ride that would be evident. The 2100 is more of a racing position while the other two are more like comfort bikes.

cydewaze

Good call. If they were rude when you were looking to spend money, just imagine what they'll be like if you need assistance after your purchase.


The problem with this is that it usually takes quite a while for parts to break and/or wear out. It almost always costs more to upgrade than it does to buy something better to begin with. In fact, the only real advantage to the upgrade route is that you get to defer cost over time. But you still pay more.

cydewaze

Ben, you fit nazi you!

just kidding

superdex

Ben, you caught me. All I wanted to point out was that these three are all fine bikes and it comes down to fit. And I'm in favor of getting properly fitted. Sounds like the OP has to find a good LBS first

Thanks for the reality check--

Timanator

Thanks for the suggestions. The bike that seems to fit me the best is a Trek 2300. But the price is abit more than what I'd like to spend for just the bike(I have no shoes or any accesories either)

dfw

I have the Trek Pilot and carry two 24oz bottles with no problems getting them in and out. I'm sure I could get a 1L bottle in the front if I wanted one.

The Pilot also comes in 6 sizes which is the exact same number for all other Trek performance bikes.

dfw

Bike shorts are a must for road bikes and should be your first accessory, IMO. Shoes and cleats are a close second and of course I wouldn't ride around the block without a helmet.

cydewaze

It fits your size, but it might be tougher on a smaller size. My trad frame has lots of space to get the bottle in and out. On my compact, the mouthpiece is 2mm away from the top tube. The compact frame size is 1cm larger than the trad frame.


Most compacts don't. They like to do S, M, L.

Debating compact vs traditional geometry is beyond the scope of what this thread was intended to be about. The OP requested an opinion, and I gave him mine. Others may not share said opinion and are encouraged to leave their own. Let's not threadjack this with a debate.

Elvish Legion

Any reason for that Sequoia pick? You could pick up an Allez for cheaper an Elite Tripple (1200) is nearly the same bike, for 100MSRP lower

cjbruin

What size frame do you ride? I have a 54 cm Specialized Allez Pro with a sloping to tube and I have no problem carrying two 30 oz bottles.

They are actually good for guys like me who have short legs and a long torso. I would probably need to ride a 50 or 51 to get the proper standover height but then I would would be all scrunched up...the other option is I could ride a 54 or 55 and then worry about whacking my nuts when I came off the saddle.

To the thread starter...this is something you should consider. Depending on your body type, one of the bikes you mentioned will probably fit you better.

Guinness

If you want a carbon fork and seat stays with 105's look at the Felt F70. The price is hard to beat.

https://www.feltracing.com/2005_bikes/2005_f70.html

cydewaze

This is on a 57cm frame w/ a 32oz Zefal Magnum bottle. Jessica's 53cm Lemond is even worse.