Thoughts on Trek 1.1 as entry level bike....?
08-31-10, 07:30 PM
#51
Senior Member
Whoa, trails and road bike don't really go together so you should elaborate. If your commuting, you may want to consider a flat bar roadie. I have the giant rapid 3 which does not have a carbon fork but it is also only $550. It has lots of clearance so you could easily put 32 or 35c tires on it and actually navigate mild trails. It's geometry is also very close to that of the defy so you could always convert it to a drop bar later and upgrade components. It's quite a fast bike.
09-01-10, 05:26 AM
#52
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 89
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i did mean mup... sorry, i dont quite know all the lingo and may not explain myself clearly. sorry in advance for any confusion
09-01-10, 06:08 AM
#53
Banned.
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 732
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Got it. Another thing I will say from personal experience is commuting on a race bike carrying anything sucks. My flat bar is very easy and comfortable to ride with a backpack on, my new racing bike is not comfortable at all. If your commuting 10 miles and need to.carry a change of clothes or books or whatever, you should factor that in. You may find that you want to keep your old bike and make a few low cost mode and use it as a commuter but still get the new bike for your pleasure riding.
09-01-10, 06:14 AM
#54
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 89
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i actually have a locker at work where i keep work clothes, then shower and change when i arrive, so i can definitely go all out. gonna get a small bag just to keep phones, keys, etc...
09-01-10, 06:32 AM
#55
CAADdict
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: BF Heaven
Posts: 6,756
Bikes: 2009 Cannondale CAAD9-?
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Don't listen to the haters, go ride all the bikes you can in your budget range and see what you think. One of the bikes you ride will "fit" you, you will know it when you ride it. Most of the bikes at that price range will have similar components, the main differences will be geometry. I would agree with the previous post to spend a little more and get a 1.2 with the carbon fork though. FWIW I was in the same position as you a year ago, I rode a Cannondale CAAD 9-7 and Synapse, Felt F95 and Z100, Trek 1.2 & 1.5, Specialized Allez, and a couple of off brand bikes at Performance. In the end I got the 9-7 and so far it has been fine, the only immediate upgrade I did was better brake pads, and recently threw down for a new saddle. The rest of the bike including the Sora shifters has worked flawlessly since I bought it, it has only needed basic maintenance type stuff to keep going.
Yep...NoiseBoy is right.
Hear what the different opinions are, but use prudence to make a decision.
Of course, ride as many different bikes as you can to see which one fits you best.
I had a Trek 1.5. I loved it. I out grew it and now own a CAAD9-7 which is off the hook.
The 1.1 (in being compared to Lance's Madone) has nearly identical geometry to the Madone Series.
This will make your upgrading to better series Treks (2.X or Madones)
an easy & familiar transition if you choose to keep it in the Trek family.
The bike is an excellent bike for beginners.
The 1.X Series consistently comes out on top as far as entry level bikes are concerned in magazine reviews.
For the money, it's unbeatable. If you're going to buy a bike to keep for a relatively long while (over a couple of years),
I'd suggest the 1.2 along with the others. If you just want to get into riding and don't plan on riding a lot of miles,
and money really is a concern, then the 1.1 is more than enough bike for that.
Either way, as I always say, buy as much bike as you can afford and get the one that fits and once you
have it narrowed down to a bike or bikes that fit, get the one that puts the biggest smile on YOUR face.
Good luck.
09-01-10, 06:47 AM
#56
CAADdict
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: BF Heaven
Posts: 6,756
Bikes: 2009 Cannondale CAAD9-?
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Excellent "above" entry-level bike for entry-level price.
$800.?
See if you can find a CAAD9-7 in your size.
A 2009 leftover can be had in your range.
They are very similar to Trek 1.X's in geo.
Ride it. Experience nirvana, then buy it.
CAAD9 are undeniably the BEST frames you can get for your money
and are competitive with higher end bikes costing 3X as much.
It'll be a bike that grows with you and that is worthy
of upgrading as you grow into the sport.
BUT, Treks are great too.
Either/or, you'll be well off with a new bike.
Felt, Specialized, Giant Defy also comes to mind.
But out of all of those, CAAD rules.
Ultimately, pick what fits you and what YOU want.
09-01-10, 06:50 AM
#57
CAADdict
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: BF Heaven
Posts: 6,756
Bikes: 2009 Cannondale CAAD9-?
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
I was having the same problem as the OP... originally I wanted the TREK 2.1 2011 but it's too expensive for me as of now, so I was looking at the 1.1
I don't think the 1.2 or 1.5 are worth it, I mean, the 2011 2.1 is going for 1125 here, so only a little bit more expensive and comes with the shimano 105.
I found that my LBS have the Specialized Allez Sport Compact '10 for $710. I will stop by tomorrow and go for a ride.
Do you think it's a good price for this bike? or I would still be better saving more for the 2.1, Defy2 and similars?
I'm really far from been a pro, I just like to get my bike in the morning and go for a 20 mile ride before I go to work... I currently doing it on a hybrid, this would be my first road bike
I don't think the 1.2 or 1.5 are worth it, I mean, the 2011 2.1 is going for 1125 here, so only a little bit more expensive and comes with the shimano 105.
I found that my LBS have the Specialized Allez Sport Compact '10 for $710. I will stop by tomorrow and go for a ride.
Do you think it's a good price for this bike? or I would still be better saving more for the 2.1, Defy2 and similars?
I'm really far from been a pro, I just like to get my bike in the morning and go for a 20 mile ride before I go to work... I currently doing it on a hybrid, this would be my first road bike
2011 2.1's are 2009 1.5's.
If a 2009 1.5 ain't worth it,
then neither is the 2.1.
Now, '10 1.5's are just '09 1.2's.
So there you have a case.
But if you can get an '09 1.5,
then you have a monster aluminum frameset to build up.
09-01-10, 07:21 AM
#58
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 612
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 99 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
really? I did not know that 2011 2.1 is the same as 09 1.5
but price wise I'm trying to test drive a Allez Sport Comp, my dealer has a '10 clearance deal for $710. A little more on the Secteur Sport Comp. I want to ride both before making a decision, specially at this good price.
Hopefully they will fit
but price wise I'm trying to test drive a Allez Sport Comp, my dealer has a '10 clearance deal for $710. A little more on the Secteur Sport Comp. I want to ride both before making a decision, specially at this good price.
Hopefully they will fit
09-01-10, 07:27 AM
#59
CAADdict
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: BF Heaven
Posts: 6,756
Bikes: 2009 Cannondale CAAD9-?
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Savor that as part of "the experience"!
The dreaming, that 'can't wait till I get it' feeling.
Good stuff.
Last edited by 2ndGen; 09-01-10 at 07:48 AM.
09-01-10, 08:23 AM
#60
CAADdict
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: BF Heaven
Posts: 6,756
Bikes: 2009 Cannondale CAAD9-?
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Yeah, check out the specs on Treks site.
Identical framesets.
In the U.K., the 1.X is loved.
They have Ultegra Built 1.7's over there from the factory.
The 1.5 aluminum frame from '09 is Trek's best.
https://www.bicycling.com/gear/detail...2364-0,00.html
__________________________________________________________________
Issue: May 2009
Page: 84 Editorial Review
"This year, in choosing our finalists in this category, we tried an experiment:
We kept the drivetrain and parts spec similar
(same model of derailleur on all bikes, for instance),
but expanded the price range to see what a few more bucks would buy.
We found that, in the case of Trek's 1.5, you get the most compliant ride of the group,
with the kind of smoothness and ride tuning we'd expect from a bike that costs more than $1,100.
Handling is novice-friendly yet not plodding.
It delivers confidence from the start and yet, as your skills grow,
the Trek 1.5 will feel more capable as well.
So why the 1.5?
You pay only a little more, and that premium gives you a platform worth building on over the years."
Identical framesets.
In the U.K., the 1.X is loved.
They have Ultegra Built 1.7's over there from the factory.
The 1.5 aluminum frame from '09 is Trek's best.
https://www.bicycling.com/gear/detail...2364-0,00.html
__________________________________________________________________
Issue: May 2009
Page: 84 Editorial Review
"This year, in choosing our finalists in this category, we tried an experiment:
We kept the drivetrain and parts spec similar
(same model of derailleur on all bikes, for instance),
but expanded the price range to see what a few more bucks would buy.
We found that, in the case of Trek's 1.5, you get the most compliant ride of the group,
with the kind of smoothness and ride tuning we'd expect from a bike that costs more than $1,100.
Handling is novice-friendly yet not plodding.
It delivers confidence from the start and yet, as your skills grow,
the Trek 1.5 will feel more capable as well.
So why the 1.5?
You pay only a little more, and that premium gives you a platform worth building on over the years."
09-01-10, 11:37 AM
#61
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Westwood MA (just south of Boston)
Posts: 2,215
Bikes: 2009 Trek Soho
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
if you have $800 to spend, is there any reason NOT to get the 1.2?
09-01-10, 11:40 AM
#62
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 89
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
09-01-10, 11:57 AM
#63
Boom.
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Pittsburgh -> Cleveland -> San Francisco
Posts: 2,523
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
09-01-10, 01:53 PM
#64
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Got it. Another thing I will say from personal experience is commuting on a race bike carrying anything sucks. My flat bar is very easy and comfortable to ride with a backpack on, my new racing bike is not comfortable at all. If your commuting 10 miles and need to.carry a change of clothes or books or whatever, you should factor that in. You may find that you want to keep your old bike and make a few low cost mode and use it as a commuter but still get the new bike for your pleasure riding.
I actually bought a Brooks Flyer for my Trek 1.5 for this very reason. Yes, the 1.5 is a racing bike, but I'm over 200 lbs (so a few ounces weight savings on the saddle isn't going to do much for me) and I'm not the kind of guy who's going to stand up and mash the pedals for 20 miles. I knew I was going to sit my fat ass on that seat, especially because my preferred rides are of the all-afternoon or all-day variety with few stops, and I wanted to be comfortable while actually being able to get somewhere farther away. So I carry a Camelbak - heavy Kryptonite Fugghedaboutit lock (for the few stops I do make), some snacks (interestingly, I never actually get hungry on a bike, just feel drained of energy on longer rides), 2-3 liters water, cellphone, wallet, etc. NEVER the slightest ounce of discomfort.
09-01-10, 02:57 PM
#65
Banned.
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 732
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There's something wrong with your ride then. If you're riding a bike that is your size, was fitted to you by an experienced fitter, and you're riding a comfortable saddle, you should be comfortable. "Comfort" geometries have less to do with actual comfort and more to do with a natural feel and ability to actually look around on your bike instead of just staring at the pavement in front of you.
I actually bought a Brooks Flyer for my Trek 1.5 for this very reason. Yes, the 1.5 is a racing bike, but I'm over 200 lbs (so a few ounces weight savings on the saddle isn't going to do much for me) and I'm not the kind of guy who's going to stand up and mash the pedals for 20 miles. I knew I was going to sit my fat ass on that seat, especially because my preferred rides are of the all-afternoon or all-day variety with few stops, and I wanted to be comfortable while actually being able to get somewhere farther away. So I carry a Camelbak - heavy Kryptonite Fugghedaboutit lock (for the few stops I do make), some snacks (interestingly, I never actually get hungry on a bike, just feel drained of energy on longer rides), 2-3 liters water, cellphone, wallet, etc. NEVER the slightest ounce of discomfort.
I actually bought a Brooks Flyer for my Trek 1.5 for this very reason. Yes, the 1.5 is a racing bike, but I'm over 200 lbs (so a few ounces weight savings on the saddle isn't going to do much for me) and I'm not the kind of guy who's going to stand up and mash the pedals for 20 miles. I knew I was going to sit my fat ass on that seat, especially because my preferred rides are of the all-afternoon or all-day variety with few stops, and I wanted to be comfortable while actually being able to get somewhere farther away. So I carry a Camelbak - heavy Kryptonite Fugghedaboutit lock (for the few stops I do make), some snacks (interestingly, I never actually get hungry on a bike, just feel drained of energy on longer rides), 2-3 liters water, cellphone, wallet, etc. NEVER the slightest ounce of discomfort.
09-01-10, 03:05 PM
#66
Banned.
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 732
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
also, if i had $800 to spend and not a penny more, this is what I'd get https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...per_strada.htm
09-01-10, 04:11 PM
#67
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Anaheim Hills, CA
Posts: 104
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
1.1 is a great bike, I was on the fence about getting one but did a small upgrade for the Fisher Rail (Trek made). I was certain on the 1.1 though, its a great bike.
09-01-10, 06:03 PM
#68
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 267
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ok here is my suggestion...go to the local bike shops in your area and find the one in which you best relate to their staff. Good bike shop goes along way with a new rider in the sport. Then look for sales on their last year model road bikes. You can get a bike that sold for $1200 last year for your price range i am sure. You may be able to score one with 105 components which i think is a legitimate step up from Sora and Tiagra. Each time i have looked for a bike every bike shop around me had discounted previous year models available. I felt the most comfortable and established the most confidence in a store in my area that mainly sold specialized and scott bikes. They were willing to give me a great deal and a 2 year maintenance package on my first bike...it was a Roubaix by the way and I love it. This to me is a bigger benefit to a new rider than the brand name of the bike. However, I do believe you have to like the ride and feel of the bike and it definitely has to fit you. So even if they are the friendliest you still have to have a bike your comfortable on. Hope this make sense...but being new to the sport, establishing a good rapport with a good bike shop can go along way. I also think Felt, Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Fisher, bianca, and GIANT all make great bikes at most price range...it comes down to which one you like the ride the best and the deal you can get on it. You will like practically any bike you pick as long as you ride it. Good luck...you gonna love it.
09-01-10, 06:10 PM
#69
Boom.
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Pittsburgh -> Cleveland -> San Francisco
Posts: 2,523
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Stop recommending a horrible bike that none of you would actually buy.
09-01-10, 06:42 PM
#70
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 2,712
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 41 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Take your time to ride different bikes until you find one that feels right to you. Probably your best bet is to shop used. It is conceiveable you could pick up a full carbon bike with Ultegra or 105 components in your budget range off Craigs List. I did, and in my size too.
09-02-10, 06:01 AM
#71
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 89
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ok here is my suggestion...go to the local bike shops in your area and find the one in which you best relate to their staff. Good bike shop goes along way with a new rider in the sport.
Also, the Trek 1.2 was marked at $830, and I believe it is 10% off, and 20% off any apparel I buy at the same time, and $70 for a 5 year maintenance service. Does this sound about right?
Last edited by ara35; 09-02-10 at 06:05 AM.
09-02-10, 08:26 AM
#72
Senior Member
you couldn't have said this at a more relevant time. I went to the shop that sells Felt, Scott, and Giant yesterday and the Trek/Cannondale shop the day before. The guy at the Trek shop didn't even ask me to test ride one that day, he explained every component of all the bikes all the way up to the 2.1 (which he said "this is out of your price range, but just so you know why...") and took the time to talk to me and didn't not pressure me at all. Felt store was complete opposite. I said I was interested in the F95, which he didnt have, so he tried to get me with 10% off Scott bikes, which was still $200 over the price range I gave him, telling me that the sale is this weekend, but if i buy the bike today, he'll honor it. Then he told me (without a single question or measurement) that I would be a 56cm frame. I actually think I am a 58cm, but thats besides the point. These two visits have actually convinced me to buy 2011 trek 1.2. I also can rent a 2011 cannondale caad-9 for 48 hours from the Trek store. it cost $80 but if i buy the Trek 1.2 from them, the money will go towards it. It seems like an awesome idea. I plan to ride the bikes next week, I will start with the Trek 1.2 and go from there. Its a gorgeous bike and due to the attitudes of the two shops, I am leaning towards it more and more.
Also, the Trek 1.2 was marked at $830, and I believe it is 10% off, and 20% off any apparel I buy at the same time, and $70 for a 5 year maintenance service. Does this sound about right?
Also, the Trek 1.2 was marked at $830, and I believe it is 10% off, and 20% off any apparel I buy at the same time, and $70 for a 5 year maintenance service. Does this sound about right?
09-02-10, 08:39 AM
#73
Specialized Secteur Sport
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Atlanta, Ga
Posts: 143
Bikes: Specialized Secteur Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I ride a Trek 1.1.. I have logged over 600 miles since June with not problem. The bike is not high end but is good for beginning Road Biking. The Sora shifting take some practice but once you get it you good to go. My budget was like your. I don't like to buy used, nothing wrong with used I just like new. If you compare all the entry level bikes the components are the same. Go with the brand that fits you better. Look up this web site www. brightspoke.com. That site compare all manufactures of bicycles.
09-02-10, 05:55 PM
#74
CAADdict
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: BF Heaven
Posts: 6,756
Bikes: 2009 Cannondale CAAD9-?
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
you couldn't have said this at a more relevant time. I went to the shop that sells Felt, Scott, and Giant yesterday and the Trek/Cannondale shop the day before. The guy at the Trek shop didn't even ask me to test ride one that day, he explained every component of all the bikes all the way up to the 2.1 (which he said "this is out of your price range, but just so you know why...") and took the time to talk to me and didn't not pressure me at all. Felt store was complete opposite. I said I was interested in the F95, which he didnt have, so he tried to get me with 10% off Scott bikes, which was still $200 over the price range I gave him, telling me that the sale is this weekend, but if i buy the bike today, he'll honor it. Then he told me (without a single question or measurement) that I would be a 56cm frame. I actually think I am a 58cm, but thats besides the point. These two visits have actually convinced me to buy 2011 trek 1.2. I also can rent a 2011 cannondale caad-9 for 48 hours from the Trek store. it cost $80 but if i buy the Trek 1.2 from them, the money will go towards it. It seems like an awesome idea. I plan to ride the bikes next week, I will start with the Trek 1.2 and go from there. Its a gorgeous bike and due to the attitudes of the two shops, I am leaning towards it more and more.
Also, the Trek 1.2 was marked at $830, and I believe it is 10% off, and 20% off any apparel I buy at the same time, and $70 for a 5 year maintenance service. Does this sound about right?
Also, the Trek 1.2 was marked at $830, and I believe it is 10% off, and 20% off any apparel I buy at the same time, and $70 for a 5 year maintenance service. Does this sound about right?
But, warning, after riding the CAAD9,
you're going to be put in a predicament!
The Trek is probably smoother,
but the CAAD9 is a rocket compared to it.
Can't wait to see what your experiences
will be after riding both!
Go for the rental, enjoy the heck out of the CAAD9,
then buy what you want...win/win for you.
Also, the LBS sounds like the kind of shop I'd like to buy from.
You're lucky.
09-02-10, 05:59 PM
#75
CAADdict
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: BF Heaven
Posts: 6,756
Bikes: 2009 Cannondale CAAD9-?
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
The 830 less 10% seems like a good deal, as does the 20% on clothes. The $70 bucks for 5 years maintenance seems a bit off though. When I bought my bike it was 1 year free maintenance included. Some of the worth of that 5 years depends on how confident/interested you are in you wrenching skills. I am pretty comfortable with the wrenches, so the only time the bike went back to the shop was for a weird freehub issue, which in the end they warrantied with a new wheel. Other than that I have been taking care of the maintenance myself. If you are comfortable learning how to fix stuff, I would press them for 1 year free instead of $70.00 for 5 years deal.
I think the shop is smart in offering this deal.
They will know right away what their client needs
and be able to offer it to them on the spot "in house".
I think $70. for 5 years of maintenance is a great deal actually (IMO).
Plus, Bontrager is great with warrantying their stuff,
so all that will be covered (2 years).