Anybody have a Trek 2.3?
06-06-09, 07:58 PM
#26
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I bought the 2008 model last year and love it!
Only thing I don't like is the wheels, but any bike in that price range is going to come with crappy wheels. In a years worth of riding, they've gone out of true three times. But this happened only in the first 4months of having the bike. After that I haven't had to true them since. The wheels are very flexy. I'm only 132-135lbs and I can get these to flex in a hard sprint or out of saddle climbing. They aren't very light either. I don't race yet so I figure I'll just beat the hell out of them till they break, then replace them.
Everything else on the bike is great though! I do wish they had offered a double version instead of a compact. I'm planning on tossing an Ultegra 53/39 on there one day. I was torn between this and a Giant, can't remember the model. The giant was about the same price, except it came with full Ultegra. I just loved the way this bike felt and rode compared to it. One of the things I later noticed later on was the bottom bracket was a little flexy on the frame, but nothing huge.
You'll be happy with it.
Only thing I don't like is the wheels, but any bike in that price range is going to come with crappy wheels. In a years worth of riding, they've gone out of true three times. But this happened only in the first 4months of having the bike. After that I haven't had to true them since. The wheels are very flexy. I'm only 132-135lbs and I can get these to flex in a hard sprint or out of saddle climbing. They aren't very light either. I don't race yet so I figure I'll just beat the hell out of them till they break, then replace them.
Everything else on the bike is great though! I do wish they had offered a double version instead of a compact. I'm planning on tossing an Ultegra 53/39 on there one day. I was torn between this and a Giant, can't remember the model. The giant was about the same price, except it came with full Ultegra. I just loved the way this bike felt and rode compared to it. One of the things I later noticed later on was the bottom bracket was a little flexy on the frame, but nothing huge.
You'll be happy with it.
Way to back up your opinion with any facts or experiences. You really don't make a convincing argument.
06-06-09, 08:50 PM
#28
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If you're looking at the 2.3, I'd suggest saving/spending that little bit more to go for the 4.5.
06-06-09, 09:25 PM
#29
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Yours are pretty compelling.
06-07-09, 02:46 PM
#30
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The wheels tend to flex a bit if you really like to mash on the pedals, at 170lbs if you're going to beat them up they will flex a lot. I agree that from what I've been seeing that they are just a bad batch. So far I haven't heard of too many people having problems with them cracking and going out of true. Either way any bike in that price range is going to have crappy wheels. I've been riding the hell out of mine and haven't had them crack or go out of true in over 6 months. From what I've read it had to do with them being improperly tensioned at the manufacturer. After having the LBS deal with them, they've been fine.
It's a great bike nonetheless. Take it out for a spin at the lbs and take note of those two things. If you feel that it's too much flex for your weight, try the Caad9 5.
06-07-09, 02:57 PM
#31
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I have an '09 2.3 with the compact double. I bought it in March and I've put just over 400 miles on it. I am very, very happy with it. Some people don't like the saddle (every bike in this price range seems to have this complaint), but I' comfortable with it.
I'm 5'7" 150lbs, and I have the 54cm frame. The wheels haven't gone out of true and the frame feels pretty stiff. I love the way it looks and the frame seems to be of very high quality, smooth welds, nice paint job, etc. It climbs very well. So far I have no major complaints. Eventually I will upgrade the wheels, but I don't think they are horrible for a ~1400-1600$ bike.
If I had to list two negatives, (1) I think I need to change the brake pads, they don't seem fantastic. (2) It's a little bit pricier than similarly equipped CDale or Specialized, maybe $100 more? My LBS sells mostly Trek and Look. They cut me a very nice deal on the 2.3, and I am glad that I spent a little more to get it instead of the 2.1.
You'll be happy with either bike. Pick the one that fits the best and has the nicest paint job
I'm 5'7" 150lbs, and I have the 54cm frame. The wheels haven't gone out of true and the frame feels pretty stiff. I love the way it looks and the frame seems to be of very high quality, smooth welds, nice paint job, etc. It climbs very well. So far I have no major complaints. Eventually I will upgrade the wheels, but I don't think they are horrible for a ~1400-1600$ bike.
If I had to list two negatives, (1) I think I need to change the brake pads, they don't seem fantastic. (2) It's a little bit pricier than similarly equipped CDale or Specialized, maybe $100 more? My LBS sells mostly Trek and Look. They cut me a very nice deal on the 2.3, and I am glad that I spent a little more to get it instead of the 2.1.
You'll be happy with either bike. Pick the one that fits the best and has the nicest paint job
06-07-09, 04:11 PM
#32
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Here is my dilemma, The shop I want to deal with sells the Caad9 5 is 20 mins away and I like the bike VERY much and is a little more than I originally planned to spend. The lbs that sells the Trek is an hour away gave me a REALLY bad first impression but the owner called me personally and is willing to make it up and the shop itself is a more professionally run shop (save for bad part-time emp) and I liked the 2.3 as well. I dont really want to spend the money on the 4.5 Madone. I have a friend who has gone through 3 carbon frames and will never again ride carbon! My heart tells me Caad9-5, even though the Trek was a smoother bike. Crazy?
06-08-09, 05:51 AM
#33
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Funny you mention that, The owner of the lbs made me a deal of $2050 for a 4.5 and he has a 54cm which is the size I need, he wants $1575 for the 2.3.
Here is my dilemma, The shop I want to deal with sells the Caad9 5 is 20 mins away and I like the bike VERY much and is a little more than I originally planned to spend. The lbs that sells the Trek is an hour away gave me a REALLY bad first impression but the owner called me personally and is willing to make it up and the shop itself is a more professionally run shop (save for bad part-time emp) and I liked the 2.3 as well. I dont really want to spend the money on the 4.5 Madone. I have a friend who has gone through 3 carbon frames and will never again ride carbon! My heart tells me Caad9-5, even though the Trek was a smoother bike. Crazy?
Here is my dilemma, The shop I want to deal with sells the Caad9 5 is 20 mins away and I like the bike VERY much and is a little more than I originally planned to spend. The lbs that sells the Trek is an hour away gave me a REALLY bad first impression but the owner called me personally and is willing to make it up and the shop itself is a more professionally run shop (save for bad part-time emp) and I liked the 2.3 as well. I dont really want to spend the money on the 4.5 Madone. I have a friend who has gone through 3 carbon frames and will never again ride carbon! My heart tells me Caad9-5, even though the Trek was a smoother bike. Crazy?
06-08-09, 06:50 AM
#34
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06-08-09, 03:41 PM
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I just ordered a 09' Caad9 5 in White! Its one of last thats gonna be made in the USA! The lbs got off the phone with C'dale and there is one more batch this month for USA made frames and thats it, I got one! Whew! 
