Quick advice needed re:Trek 1000, please!

[mkidd]

Hi, I've been searching for a used bike or a maybe considering a new one.

I am looking at a used WSD trek 1000 today, a 2006, looks mint condition. I can get it for $300-$350. If it fits is this a good bike, a good deal? Or are these options better:

--A new LBS closeout WSD 2007 Trek 1000 for $650.

--an new WSD OCR 3 for $550-700? I rode a friend's Giant and think it would be fine. Plus I'd get a fitting.

--or I saw a LBS closeout 2006 Trek 1200 new for $700

--really reaching budget wise to get a bike with 105 or Ultegra? I saw a LBS closeout 2007 Trek 1500 WSD for $900

I think the Giant and the Trek 100 Tiagra I think?

The 1200 is Tiagra/105 rear I think?

The 1500 is ultegra I think?

I really wanted to stay in the $300 range for a decent used, and buy something really good in a year or two.

But after looking at used ones a bit and feeling like a LBS fit would be good, I think I could be persuaded to spend $500-600, but I'm worried I'll regret it in a year or two. I honestly don't think I can easily afford $900 for a bike in a perfect world.

I have 3 kids, and though I did 2 tri's last year, I'm new at this. I think my husband would freak over $900 but if you guys this it's worth it I can prob persuade him on quality.

Thanks!

[KSH]

WOW! So many options!

The Trek 1000 will be a fine starter bike. Once you ride it for a couple of years, you might want to upgrade, but it will be fine to start with.

I had a Trek 1000 I rode for 4,000 miles/2 years.

Now, the components are lower end ones and need to be adjusted on occasion (by a bike shop if you don't know how)... but otherwise it's a solid bike. $300-350 is a good price for it.

Go for it.

Good luck!

[Zen]

the shop will have closeouts next year too.
Stay in the budget, times are tough and that's not a bad deal at all.

[Geonz]

The Trek 1000 is a great bike and that's a good deal - I would stick to the plan! THen you get more time for anticipation and shopping for the good one :D

[mkidd]

Thanks guys. I'm relieved by your responses.

I'm off to go see it. I hope it fits!

[VeloVT]

The Trek 1000 is a great bike and that's a good deal - I would stick to the plan! THen you get more time for anticipation and shopping for the good one :D

I think I vote with the others. There's a big difference between $300 and $900, budget-wise. I'm not sure what you have now -- but if it's not a road bike, chances are you'll be so thrilled with how light and fast the bike feels, you won't be focused on the finer points of shifting quality.

I'm starting to think that, generally speaking, one shouldn't spend a lot of money on one's FIRST road bike. My reason is that, especially if you are very new to cycling (as I was two years ago), you don't really know much about what you want and what you like. LBS guys/gals can point you in the right direction (and they usually do try!), but I don't think I really had a good handle on what worked/didn't work for me until I'd put a few thousand miles on the bike. This is because it takes time to get used to a road position, it takes time to build conditioning, it even takes time to get good at shifting if you're new, as silly as that might sound (or maybe I'm just embarrassing myself here :D. It took me some time anyway). I'm not criticizing anyone who DOES buy a $$$ new bike as a brand new rider, it's just a little riskier of an investment.

After a year or two, you can spend a little more money on a new bike with more confidence that you will be getting a bike that **you know** will be good for you. (Also gives you a chance to save for it, and not feel like you're stretching your budget uncomfortably. Peace of mind is worth a lot).

[RolliePollie]

I have a 2006 Trek 1000 WSD and I'm very happy with the bike. I've had her just over a year and I've ridden about 3,000 miles. I really have no complaints. Of course, having never ridden a higher end bike, I don't really know what I'm missing. I do think in another year or two, I'll be ready for an upgrade. But for now, I'm completely satisfied. She gets me where I want to go, she's tough (poor thing has been a little abused since I was a complete road bike newbie when I got her), and she's fast. The only things I've changed out are the saddle and the brake pads. But actually, the Bontrager seat she came with wasn't too bad.

The $300-ish price sounds great! Good luck!

[Triskeliongirl]

I agree. The trek1000 is a very solid entry level bike. Several women in our club started on that bike, some even still ride it. It is plenty light for racing, it just won't be as plush feeling as the higher end bikes, or keep its tune as well. The price on the used one sounds great, so use it to get started, see if you are bit by the cycling bug, fine tune your fit, so you'll know what you need in your next bike. Remember you also need to budget money for a helmet, shoes, clothes, etc., so going easy on the first bike makes a lot of sense.

[Mr. Bloom]

Silver learned to ride on a Trek1000! Solid bike; saw her through 5 flips at 30 mph, 5 broken ribs, 1 collapsed lung, a broken wrist - and she still rides it!

[Lifesgreat]

Silver learned to ride on a Trek1000! Solid bike; saw her through 5 flips at 30 mph, 5 broken ribs, 1 collapsed lung, a broken wrist - and she still rides it!

Is that a recommendation? :p:p:p:eek:

[sandra]

I ride a Trek1000 and I have no complaints. It's a great bike. If it is in good shape, that sounds like a deal.

[mkidd]

Thanks for all the responses. I got it! I have not put the wheel back on to take photos, but I attached the pics she sent. It looks brand new. I think this girl rode it 4 times maybe.

Now I just have to wait for the snow to melt. Though today it was over 1" of rain.

[Tuckervill]

Looks just like mine! :)

You'll probably want to change that Bontrager saddle. (None of our Treks have their original saddles anymore. OUCH!)

Congrats!

Karen

[Geonz]

Did the Road Morph come with it?

It does look sweet!!!

Many happy miles!

[Susan126]

Beautiful bike Mkidd! And I agree with Tuckervill regarding the seat. My Trek's original saddle was the same, ouch. 5 miles on the original seat and I was sore! I love my specialized women's dolce saddle. :D

Again congratulations on your new bike!

[cyclechick2008]

I have a 2005 trek 1000. Mine is orange and white. I have logged between 1000-2000 miles on it. I'm just now starting to adjust things like the angle of the handlebars and position of seat to handle bars. Also I didn't buy my bike at the LBS, (moved) they will do adjustments for free because I take my bike in for the spring tuneup.

Kim

[KSH]

Awesome and congratulations! You will enjoy it and it was just the right price.

[Possegal]

wait a sec - when did i sell you my bike? ;-) i've still got the original saddle but i just got my bike last year in june or july and haven't logged a lot of miles on it. i guess a new saddle may be in my future.

i can't speak to much since i'm a novice here, but my trek did me well last year and i'm pleased with it! i think you'll be very happy with your choice too!

[rij73]

Congrats on your new bike! I've heard that the Trek 1000 is a great bike to learn the joys of road biking with.

[Aquila]

Congrats, that's a sweet looking ride!

(I must be the only woman around who likes her Bontrager standard issue saddle. Maybe give it a try at least?)

[mkidd]

Thanks, everyone. I still can't believe I finally have a decent bike!

And yes, Geonz, I got the morph and the little bag under the saddle with extra tubes, etc too. Score! I’ve been looking for awhile and I do think this was a steal at $350.

Aquila, yes, I’m going to try the saddle. Not only did I do 2 tri’s on an ancient mountain bike, I did it with no padded bike or Tri clothes, just regular exercise gear. And I never wore anything padded when I trained. I think I have a high tolerance for pain-- which I wish would kick in when it comes to mile 2 on the run. But I’m open to swapping it out if it’s not working for me.

KSH, Zen, Sara, Sandra, Tuckerville, Susan, Cyclechick, Possegal, rij73, thanks so much for weighing in. It was also great to get the thumbs up from people whose threads I’ve followed in the tri thread.

Liza, yes, I want to take my time before dropping $1k+. I’m lusting for the tangerine C-dale Synapse Fem 3, but I’d like to save and see (and ride) what else is out there rather than just knowing about Giants, C-dales and Treks. This feels amazing compared to my mountain bike and it’s what I suspected all along that I would not need a top of the line to be happy for now.

Trisk, yes, exactly re: staying to budget. I have good helmet, but I need a few things like clothing (!), and maybe special biking pedals and shoes, maybe a decent used bike rack now that I cant just throw this in the back of my husband’s pickup.

Mr Silver, thanks for the vote of confidence. I had read a bit on Mrs. S’s recovery and its really inspirational.

Now if this wind and rain would stop! Millie

[Triskeliongirl]

Big Congrats. She's a beauty. May you have many happy and long miles together! That is a steal, especially including the pump and saddle bag. That is an excellent pump by the way, only portable one that I can fully inflate a tire with.

[Starfish]

maybe a decent used bike rack now that I cant just throw this in the back of my husband’s pickup.

I love your new bike! The Trek 1000's got really good reviews for their frame geometry in Bicycling Magazine a year or two ago.

Just a note about the truck...

A couple of times I have had to put my road bike in the back of my brother's truck, and it is very easy to do and kind to the bike to use tie down straps like dirt bike (motorcycle) riders do. One tie down strap each attached to the bar on either side (and tightened down gently) holds the bike stable and upright without needing any special fork attachment. And, the bike doesn't touch anything or lean on anything, so the derailleurs don't get bumped, etc.

I use the same tie down system in the back of my Honda Element, and it takes just seconds to load, and the bike is really protected.

[mkidd]

Thanks Starfish. That's good info. I borrowed a friend's bike for about a week and bungeed it upright nicely to the truck bed but your way sounds better.

[RolliePollie]

Congrats! She's my bike's twin! Don't you just love the shade of blue? I think she's one classy looking ride (even if she is made of aluminum!).

Hopefully your snow will melt quickly and you can take her out for a spin. I think there's a chance you'll be ok with the Bontrager saddle. I didn't hate mine, but I wanted to try something different. I ended up with a Terry Butterfly (thanks to ebay).

Enjoy your new bike! :D:D:D

[VeloVT]

Congratulations & have fun with it!!!

[SouthernBelle]

I carry my bike in my pickup and built my own carrier using some spare lumber and something like this. (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=600071&subcategory=60001022&brand=&sku=15324&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Car%20Rack%20Accessories)

If you need a picture let me know.