My new Trek 4500

[Pax]

Trek 4500

I bought this bike a couple of weeks ago and am just NOT digging it. :( The place I bought it has a 30 day exchange policy so I thought I'd hit up the collective wisdom before I head to Chicago.

I have the Trek 1500WSD for my more serious rides, what I want is something fun to tootle around the neighborhood on. Something comfortable! The shop carries Klien/Specialized and Trek, I'm thinking about a Navigator 300.

Any thoughts/cautions/enthusiasms??

[mary9761]

Trek 4500

I bought this bike a couple of weeks ago and am just NOT digging it. :( The place I bought it has a 30 day exchange policy so I thought I'd hit up the collective wisdom before I head to Chicago.

I have the Trek 1500WSD for my more serious rides, what I want is something fun to tootle around the neighborhood on. Something comfortable! The shop carries Klien/Specialized and Trek, I'm thinking about a Navigator 300.

Any thoughts/cautions/enthusiasms??


I don't know anything about the other bikes since I'm so new to cycling, but I LOVE my Navigator 50. If I can ride it for 69 miles at a time, you should be able to do even better. The only problem I still have is my hands and I'm still adjusting the bike to see if I can allleviate some more of that.

[Pax]

I don't know anything about the other bikes since I'm so new to cycling, but I LOVE my Navigator 50. If I can ride it for 69 miles at a time, you should be able to do even better. The only problem I still have is my hands and I'm still adjusting the bike to see if I can allleviate some more of that.
:D Awesome mary!! I can't even do 69 miles on my 1500 yet!

I keep running into problems with my right knee getting too "bent", even with short cranks. It doesn't bother me at all on the RB but on the MTB it hurts (I have a 38% loss-of-use in the right leg). The pics of the Navigator on Treks website look like the geometry may work, so I may give it a try.

[mary9761]

I started out earlier this summer with a Roadmaster MTB from Walmart that was my son's but it was ill fitted AND it beat my hands up terribly. I have carpal tunnel and it made it nearly impossible to ride ANY distance.
I got my new Trek Navigator 50 July 27 and I have over 700 miles on it already.
I'd go to your LBS and test ride the Navigators. Jimmy at Bike Line in Carmel showed me the Navigator and I couldn't believe how comfortable it was.
Good Luck! :D

[Nanci]

It sounds like you could really benefit from a professional bike fitting (couldn't we all...) where they do all the measurements and put you on the fitting bike after the computer tells them the geometry. They then recommend bikes with geometry similar to what the fitting software tells them you need, and you can try out what those bikes feel like on the fitting bike. Then when you _get_ your new bike, they already have the measurements to fit it perfectly.

Nanci

[bikerchick68]

I bought my Mom the Navigator as well... it is VERY upright and considered a comfort bike... heck the name is perfect cause it IS comfie! My Mom has no interest in doing the types of rides that I do, she just wants it to ride to the coffee shop and for when she visits the grandkids, to ride with them... she'll be doing 5-10 miles tops... that being said, I think it's a perfect "tool around town" bike!

[CorsairMac]

QueenB: my "getbackintobiking" bike that I bought a year ago was the Trek Navigator 200. She is a sweet bike - kinda like a Holstein cow! Sweet tempered, heavy as can be and can go Anywhere without issues. I did switch out the seat for something a little less cushy, tightened the seatpost suspension all the way down, switched out the handlebars for straight bars, went to rapid-fire shifters and put on clipless but other than that, she's my tank! I'm seriously thinking about getting her back out and tuned up for my winter commutes......it's just hard after riding the road bikes all summer coz she is a tank!! I just can't see myself ever getting rid of her - she was my first bike in a long time...and my first Trek. I also put over 1000 miles on her before I got my first vintage road bike!


Mary: I don't know what you have on the 50 but I had to switch my handlebars out. The 200 came with a swoop style handlebar and it was causing all kinds of agony in my elbow. We switched it out for a straight bar (a la MTB style) and I haven't had any problems since.

[Pax]

I get the feeling that I may end up with a Navigator, it'll feel funny though to walk out to the garage and pass by the 1500 and roll out a tank. :p I like the idea of a comfy bike for puttin' around.

[mary9761]

Mary: I don't know what you have on the 50 but I had to switch my handlebars out. The 200 came with a swoop style handlebar and it was causing all kinds of agony in my elbow. We switched it out for a straight bar (a la MTB style) and I haven't had any problems since.

I had to look up the specific specs, but the handle bars are similar to the MTB that I had previously except they have a 50mm rise to them. I may need to see about raising the handlebars, I'm not sure. I recently raised the seat and that helps with some situations, but I think it's making me go forward too far. http://www2.trekbikes.com/Bikes/City_Bike_Path/Comfort/Navigator_50/index.php
I've got a benefit ride Sunday so I'm not going to fiddle with anything until after that at least. Might as well ride what I know right now and not try to get used to a new set up on an organized ride.
I get to show off my brand newly made jersey that matches my shorts Sunday as well. :D

[Wendy]

I keep running into problems with my right knee getting too "bent", even with short cranks. It doesn't bother me at all on the RB but on the MTB it hurts (I have a 38% loss-of-use in the right leg). The pics of the Navigator on Treks website look like the geometry may work, so I may give it a try.

I have a question: How do you tell how long your cranks are? I'm having knee trouble, and seat height is not the problem.

[Pax]

I have a question: How do you tell how long your cranks are? I'm having knee trouble, and seat height is not the problem.
Look at the inside of the crank by the pedal, it'll say 175 or 170 or 165 (I think those are the possibles). My new MTB has 175's and it just bending the heck outta my bum knee. :(

[Technotart]

We are buying my parents a couple of Navs for christmas. They want something with a more upright posture and to use for puttering around, not going fast. They tried the navs out and really like them, my mom especially likes the womens model that she doesnt have to swing up and over to get on.

[Pax]

Just got home from Chicago and my new puttin' around town bike is all tucked away safe in the garage. :D

I tried the navigator 200 and the Specialized expedition side by side in trainers at the bike store. The specialized fit me like a glove and was quite comfy so that's the one that followed me home...I'm glad it was the better fit, it was on sale for $247 WOO HOO!!. :p

[doorah]

A new bike AND a great price! What could be better???

Let us know how he/she rides & what you name him/her kay?

[Pax]

A new bike AND a great price! What could be better???

Let us know how he/she rides & what you name him/her kay?
Will do! After 6 hours in the truck yesterday I still HAD to take her for a spin before I tucked her away. I think she'll like it here. :D

[doorah]

I just checked out the Specialized Expedition Sport '05 at the website. Is it the one? Green? If so, it looks sleek & comfy~perfect!

Ride on!

~doorah~

[Pax]

I just checked out the Specialized Expedition Sport '05 at the website. Is it the one? Green? If so, it looks sleek & comfy~perfect!

Ride on!

~doorah~
It's last years model so it's silver and bright blue...it's real purdy! :D

Interesting comfort note...I think the seat is more cushy than a lazy boy!!

[ladiebug]

Today I bought my first RB. It's a Trek 1000 WSD. I know it's gonna take some getting used to. But, I feel it has one major flaw. When I am turning and pedaling at the same time my toes hit the back of the front tire. This could be REAL dangerous. So, is it the design of the bike? Do cranks have anything to do with it? The bike is a 47cm and is fitted to me perfectly.

[traveller_62]

ladiebug,

This is not at all uncommon ---especially for compact frame bikes. The toe overlap with the front wheel is not usually an issue except for really slow speeds. At a higher speeds you just wouldn't ever turn your front wheel at the angle where it would come in contact with your front toe. So unless you plan on doing some track riding (where there are extreme turn angles with the front wheel) you should be able to adapt to the toe overlap.

I just bought a lovely Serotta racing bike with 700cc wheels and I have the same issue. Drove me nuts initially. :mad: Now I just pedal and steer differently at those low speeds and hardly notice it. If I did take a tumble because of the toe overlap it would be at a walking speed. The risk of injury wouldn't be that great (I always wear a helmet!!).

Another option is to go with a bike frame geometry where the front wheel is smaller (650cc) than the back wheel. I also own a Terry bike that was designed specifically for small frame women (I'm 5'2"). There is no toe overlap with that bike at all. If you aren't familiar with Terry bikes here is the web site: http://www.terrybicycles.com/

You asked about the cranks. Sometimes you an go with a shorter crank arm. If the toe overlap is not that much this change can make a difference. Just ask your local bike shop folks.

There is no one answer for your question. A lot of people just adapt to the toe overlap. The fit of the bike is more important than the toe overlap so don't go to a frame that doesn't fit just because you no longer get the overlap! But if you are new to road biking and you think that the toe overlap will cause you to worry and therefore not ride, then make a change either to the crank arm length or the front tire size or both.

Best of luck!

traveller

[Nanci]

That's weird, the Trek Alpha Aluminum and OCLV Carbon/ ZR 9000 WSD's in the 43 and 47 sizes look like they should come with 650 wheels. I know my 2100 WSD did...Maybe you should check- I just read that one of Lance Armstong's Treks came with the fork from a different size frame on it, and it was a mechanic that spotted it...

Nanci

[snpdragn]

I've noticed in my town that pretty much the only bike you can buy is a Trek. That is kind of disheartening, considering the fact that I haven't, as yet, found one that I like and no way am I going to buy one just on measurements.
I guess I'm going to have to do the travelling thing to find the bike love of my life.

[ladiebug]

Thanx Traveller. That's what I needed to hear!!! :D

[emily_in_nc]

That's weird, the Trek Alpha Aluminum and OCLV Carbon/ ZR 9000 WSD's in the 43 and 47 sizes look like they should come with 650 wheels. I know my 2100 WSD did...Maybe you should check- I just read that one of Lance Armstong's Treks came with the fork from a different size frame on it, and it was a mechanic that spotted it...
Nanci

Bikes with 650c wheels can still have toe overlap if they have a short enough top tube, long enough cranks, and if your feet are not real tiny (my 650c-wheeled, 46cm Aegis Swift has toe overlap with 170mm cranks and my size 7 feet). The Terry bikes with small frame sizes have 24" wheels (even smaller than 650c) in front to completely eliminate toe overlap. I have an older Terry too. You can't just stick a 650c wheel on a bike built for 700c wheels and have it work.

If you can't live with toe overlap, the bike has to go back, and your options will be a Terry or a Bike Friday (20" wheels), which I also have, and love! But a slightly shorter crank length may help too, as others have said.

Good luck! I haven't fallen yet from the toe overlap but have come close a couple of times - only at very slow ("parking lot") speeds, as mentioned.

Emily

[Pax]

Good luck! I haven't fallen yet from the toe overlap but have come close a couple of times - only at very slow ("parking lot") speeds, as mentioned.

Emily
Next time I fall over from my own ineptitude I'll have to frown at the bike and growl "dang toe overlap", maybe no one will notice my lack of ability. :D

[wabisabi]

My bike is a Rivendell, and, as I mentioned, 52cm. It's got 26" wheels for precisely that reason, the designer believes that the geometry does not allow for any bigger wheels due to toe overlap. The top tube is straight; I have not-long ;) legs and a long torso, so the geometry works for me. The only problem is finding narrower tires for the 26" wheels. Everyone thinks they are 650s--which they are not, they are act 559s in tire size--and I have had success with mtn. bike slicks. during the non-rainy season, and the ruffy-tuffys that came with it during the rain. The pump fits on the frame just fine.

[traveller_62]

The Terry bikes with small frame sizes have 24" wheels (even smaller than 650c) in front to completely eliminate toe overlap.



Oops. Emily is quite right. My Terry Classic also has a 24" wheel (not a 650cc as I implied in my previous post).

traveller