Trek 1500 '05 or '07, $100 price difference
 

I only have fixed gear and singlespeed bikes right now, and I really want a new road bike (I haven't had a road bike for a year and I miss it). My LBS has a leftover '05 Trek 1500 that they said they'd sale me for $849. It's a 63cm, which is probably why it's still left over (I'm 6'4" so it would fit me). It seemed to be spec'd a little differently than what it says on the website, since it has an ultegra rear derailleur, but from what I've read in other threads, this happens often with Trek 1500s so I'm not concerned about that.

On the other hand, they also said that they can order me an '07 1500 for $949. So, I'm wondering which one to get. The frames seem exactly the same, but would the components be enough of an upgrade on the '07 to warrant me paying the extra $100?

The only issue with me is that I'd prefer a double crank (that I can get with the '07) versus the triple crank that comes with the '05, but I'd settle for the triple to save $100, all else being equal.

Thanks for your input!

I doubt there is any difference between the two bikes. I had an '05 1500 frame that I didn't build up. These are good solid rides. Enjoy! BTW, you might be glad to have a triple crank.

Same size....Hmmm...if the 07 has 105 level components or higher and 10 speed (which it should) instead of 9 speed like on the 05, then I'd definitly go for the 07 for $100 extra.

Thanks! Maybe I'll go for the '05 then... I had a triple on my last road bike and I got to the point where I never used the smaller chainring even going up the steepest hills. But then again, I'm not a racer or anything so I guess I can live with the weight of the useless ring (and save it for when no one is looking :) )

Good question about 10 speed or 9 speed... I didn't count the cogs.

I should add that they did have an '07 there that looked like it had an Ultegra rear derailleur also, so it might not have the latest 10 speed on it. But they would have to order one that is my size if I got the '07, so (from what I've read on this forum in other threads), it's a crapshoot whether or not I'd get the new 10 speed or an older Ultegra 9 speed.

I would get a specific component list for the '05 before deciding. Trek changes stuff from year to year in order to hit certain price points - and compromises are made.

The '07 seems nice but it specs with all 105 9-speed. This is probably why it's only $100 more.

http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike...id=1440000&f=3

Final thought - the '05 will be worth whatever other mint condition and used '05's are going for once you buy it. Meaning it will depreciate much faster than the '07 - which is not a bad thing if you plan to keep it for a good long while.

55/Rad

The '07 Trek 1500s are still spec'd with a 12-25 9speed cassette and a 105 RD, to get a 10 speed you'd have to bump up to the 1600, but it does have the Ultegra RD.

Thanks for the info guys... I don't plan on getting rid of it for at least a couple of years (until I can afford a nicer bike), so I'm not too worried about depreciation.
But I think what I'll do is ask the bike shop if they'll accept $800 for the '05. If not, I'll get the '07. After all, the '07 is red.

By the way 55/rad, your bikes are beautiful.

Sounds to me,
that it would be in your best interest to hold out to buy the bike you REALLY want...;)
An extra $500 might be hard to come up with but worth the wait...:D

By the way,
I prefer the '05 for purely cosmetic reasons.

...You're probably right, but I haven't had a geared bike for awhile and miss it. I'm curious about your cosmetic comment. From what I noticed, the only difference is the paint job between the '05 and '07. So, I guess you meant that you liked the blue/white better than the red... or, is there some other cosmetic difference I didn't notice?

The '07s still have 9-speed? Shame! Either way, they're both solid bets.

Right. I don;t think you can go wrong either way. They are both solid rides. But if the LBS has to order you an 07, then I'd offer then $800 cash in hand for the 05 and see what they say. Because they'd rather sell from existing / new old stock than order a bike.

Cycle17, that's quite a collection of Treks you have there...

any affiliation?

Good idea! Thanks...

Thanks! Nahhh... I just like the ride and handling of the 5000 series and have a decent job!:p A Madone SL is in my not too distant future as well.;)