I've narrowed my search for a road bike down to a Trek 5200. It's a pretty good deal for a carbon bike from what I can tell.

Are there any problems I should be aware of?

Also, are there any alternatives that I may have missed for a similar price? There are so many brands out there that it makes my head spin. So many choices and I would hate to find something better AFTER I buy the Trek.

Thank you!

Yup, there are a bunch of really good bikes @ that price point. Having said that, I bought a 5200 this year (my 1st road steed), and simply love it to death! Prior to my purchase, I rode the 5200 as well as a few others, and the Trek was the best fit. I also really appreciate the smooth carbon ride.

My advice is to ride as many bikes as possible, and make your decision based on fit and the ride qualities that you desire.

I won't know how well it fits until tomorrow Taking a test ride finally.

They only have the 5200 in 58cm, so I'm thinking it may be a little too big for me. I'm 5'11" with a 32" inseam.

What size do you ride?

I also have about a 32" inseam, but I'm about 5' 9". I got the 54cm, and it fits me very well. You may want to see if they have another Trek carbon in a smaller size.

Pants inseam or bike inseam??? My bike inseam is 35 and ride a 58 OCLV.

If your LBS is any good, they should be able to fit you to a bike in the correct size. Don't let them bully you into one that is even in the slightest bit uncomfortable. You are probably going to need to swap stems on any bike you get though. It sounds like you are all torso, so make sure you get the right length across the TT, that is where the longer stem may come into play.

Doh! I'm sorry guys. I have a 32" pants inseam. I have no idea what my torso length is.

Test ride is going to have to wait until Monday. Had some other stuff to do today, and they're closed tomorrow

I've been riding a 5200 for the past two months and absolutely love it. There are lots of bikes that are undoubtedly just as good, but none that exceed the value of Trek. I agree that you should not be bullied into getting a size that is inproper for you. If your LBS doesn't have your size in stock, they can order it (as did mine). There might be a one or two or three week wait, but that's nothing in the long run. If they tell you they can't order the correct size, or try to stick you with something that's not comfortable to you, go elsewhere!

Get a 5200 that fits you, and you'll enjoy it to no end.

lol. I'm pretty hard to bully when it comes to my money. Don't worry about that.

I've found some SWEET deals on a couple used '01 5200's. Anyone know if they've made changes since then?

Thanks for the input everyone.

Besides the paint schemes, the 2003 model has a straight bladed fork. I only know that because my wife bought one. Here's a pic of the '03. FYI, this is a 50 cm and my wife is 5'3" with a 29-5/8" inseam (crotch to floor).

The wheelset has been upgraded to Bontrager Race Lites on the 5200 and 5500. The 5900 carries Bontrager Race X Lites. I plan on getting the 5200 in the near future (spring?) and agree that it is a very good value. You get what you pay for.

I only wish I could afford one - maybe in my next life.. Guess until then I'll have to ride my 2300.

My husband rides a 5200 and loves it and probably has several thousand miles on it. He did have a 5200 that was 4 or 5 years old and developed a crack below the bottom bracket. LBS sent it to Trek and they sent him back a brand new frameset.. It's nice to have a company that stands behind their product to that extent.

Oh, and trsnrtr, if your wife's bike goes missing, don't look at my house!

yup.. u will not go wrong with the 5200, 5500 n 5900..

i'm using the 5500 '02 with posties colour scheme myself.. beautiful ride.. if only the rider is as good..