Trek Pilot

[Cyclesome]

I have been researching road bikes and am strongly considering the Trek Pilot. Does anyone ride a Trek Pilot or a Trek Pilot wsd? I haven't seen the new 2007 Trek catalog as of yet. The LBS in my area carries Cannondale, Giant, Trek, and Specialized. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Cassandra_Cain]

Hi - I find it helpful to have a point of comparison....

Are you already riding a bike?

[tygab]

I have a WSD Pilot and I love it. This is my first road bike though. What 'trim level' are you considering? I will say that my bike has been very steady and reliable and I really have no complaints at this point. It shifts smoothly and I am pretty satisfied with all my components. Bike has ~700 something miles on it now. It has even been packed and flown. I should probably clean the chain and I had a free tune up in July that came with the bike w/no issues reported.

[Bikingmomof3]

I almost purchased a Trek Pilot, but preferred the Trek 1000. My suggestio nwould be to try out various bikes at your LBS, they sound as though they carry a nice range. For me the Trek 1000 was perfect, the Trek Pilot was close, and I disliked the Trek 1500 WSD. But that was me. Everyone is so different.

[esther231]

I have the Trek Pilot 1.2 WSD. I honestly like this bike. It's probably the first bike I ever owned that fit me well. I love how upright I can get on it or can bend to the hoods or drops.

I think it all depends on fit in the end. Try a bunch and one will end up calling out to you.

[Cyclesome]

I now ride a Cannondale Adventure 400, a hybrid. I have the handlebars down/forward as far as they will go and the seat pushed back to the max. I have over 700 miles on this bike and am itching to find a road bike which would be lighter, faster, hopefully a better fit, and an easy transition from a hybrid to the road bike. I have tried out a Specialized Allez but would like to try other bikes as well.

[esther231]

Go for lots of test rides. It's fun and exciting to find the bike that's right for you and it's the only way to a get a sense of what fits you best.

My only rule was that I stayed within my price range on test rides. I knew the higher end bikes would likely feel better and I didn't want to end up falling in love with something I couldn't afford. Unrequited love is just not my thing.

[susan.wells]

I bought one just this summer. I purchased the Pilot 5.2 s.p.a. WSD (http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=1456003&f=2). The LBS ordered her in (her name is Ariel) for me to try and much to my surprise I really liked her. I had previously owned a Trek 1500 WSD and did not like this bike & its road feel at all. In 2004 I had purchased an Airborne WASP (hence my avatar) and put over 4000 miles on it last year. I went with a friend to look at bikes back in the spring and he was looking at a Pilot. I really liked what I saw and finally by June I had convinced myself to give one a try ... and the rest is history. This bike is the first road bike that I can comfortably ride in the drops for extended periods of time.

[beckt]

I bought a trek pilot 5.0 - not WSD. Had some components changed around to make the bike fit me better...quite happy with the bike. If you are thinking of going carbon then you may want to buy soon.... rumor mill says that price of carbon s going to go up... thanks to boeing.

[Cyclesome]

I have 3 LBS's within one hour distance. The LBS 10 minutes away is the least helpful. Right now finding a road bike close to my size to try out is slim as all three LBS's are awaiting the new 2007 models. All of the LBS's I have gone do not take measurements etc. They use standover space between you and the bike. The one that is most helpful has looked at the horizonal top tube length with me as well as spent time discussing different models. When I asked the three LBS's how they fit people for a road bike they looked at me like I was an alien. Do you have to go to large cities to have this done?

I was leaning toward the Trek Pilot because of its more upright position. Mainly low end road bikes are sold in my area so LBS's aren't at ease ordering anything but lower end bikes for you to try out. How many different bikes in my size do I ask them to order just so I can try them out?

[love2bike]

My DH and I both bought Pilot 2.1's last month. I got the WSD, and I'm glad I did. This was my first road bike and I'm in love with it.

Our bike store was great about sizing and fitting the bikes for us. But, we travel over 40 miles to get to our favorite bike store (The Trek Store in St. Louis), there are 6 LBS's that are closer in distance, but they don't compare to the service that this one gives.

You are talking about spending alot of money, it may be worth your while to travel further and find a store with a large inventory of bikes so that you can try many different sizes and styles.

[GLC1968]

My husband has the Trek Pilot 5.0 and he loves it. He upgraded to it from the Trek 1200 because he wanted carbon and a more upright stance for long distance riding comfort. So far, it's been a great bike for him (he's had it 3 months or so).

When I was ready to upgrade from my starter bike, I had some difficulty finding one to try because I have very short legs. I am 5'4" so bike shop employees look at me and then hand me 50 - 52 cm bikes to ride. I don't even bother to stand over them because I know they'll be too big. I had to hit a few LBS's to find ones with bikes in my size range...just to test ride. I rode a base model 2005 Specialized Dolce in a 44 cm for size...then I ordered the 2006 Dolce Comp without ever having ridden it. Luckily, it was perfect for me! My shop would not order a bike until I'd paid for it. Apparently, they'll only do that for men's bikes...not women's. :mad:

[Steph_in_TX]

Here's a link I found elsewhere...I've been searching out 2007 models as DH is REALLY wanting to me to get another bike. Terrible position to be in, I know. :D

http://www2.trekbikes.com/Bikes/2007_preview.html

[HappyAnika]

I just wanted to plug Trek in general. I bought the 1500 WSD in April and I absolutely love it. :D . Two of my girlfriends have specialized bikes (Dolce and Elite) and I was sure I would just love the Elite, but I didn't. The Trek just felt so much better for me. Everyone is different in how they fit on the bikes and what feels best to them. But my plug for Trek stems from the fact that for the money, it came with much better components than any of the other bikes I looked at. Since they own Bontrager and get those parts for cheap, they can spend more on the Shimano parts so you get the higher end components. Even as a beginner, I could tell a difference between the "entry level" and the higher up components just on my test rides.

[Bikingmomof3]

I have 3 LBS's within one hour distance. The LBS 10 minutes away is the least helpful. Right now finding a road bike close to my size to try out is slim as all three LBS's are awaiting the new 2007 models.


How important is it to you to have a 2007 model verses a 2006 model? Also, do any of the stores carry your size in the 2006 or even 2005 models for you to try and then you could order a 2007? Sorry if you already covered this. What size are you trying? I was fortunate as the store I finally bought from had many 50cm Trek bikes in.

[Cassandra_Cain]

hi - i'm rather stunned to hear of the fitting practicies (or lack thereof) of these LBS! I think of all the dimensions, going solely and only off of top tube height is not wise. How often are you going to straddle your bike, perfectly centered, and flat-footed???

I think other dimensions are much more important - proper leg extension (seat tube height - crank length), back/shoulder (top tube length - handlebar height/width.

I wouldn't buy a bike from a shop, unless they did a fitting - usually for a test ride - since testing a bike that isn't set-up for you, is not generally going to work.

I'd strongly consider going outside of those LBS, and finding one that treats you right.

About the bikes....I have an '07 Trek 1600 WSD - I absolutely love it. I'm a big fan of the WSD designs. Trek is a quality brand, others are too, but that's just my experience. My advice is to try as many bikes as possible (with a proper fit!) and then see what works. If it fits you, a Trek Pilot would be a terrific ride.

Best of luck and please let us know about your new bike :)

[Cyclesome]

Thank you for the advice! Steph, I spent at least 30 minutes drooling over the Trek bikes especially the Trek Pilot 5.2 WSD with custom dots and Ultegra components. I can't wait to test bikes!!!! Thanks!
P.S. I am thinking of trying out 51, 52, 53, 54 cm bikes. I am 5' 5 1/2 " tall and have an inseam of 30.5 inches in my bare feet.

[oxysback]

I spent at least 30 minutes drooling over the Trek bikes especially the Trek Pilot 5.2 WSD with custom dots and Ultegra components.

I was just heading in to post about that one! Love the dots...very cool!

[Gowest]

I have owned the Trek Pilot 5.2 2006 with Ultegra components since November of last year. I do not have a WSD and have made minor modifications such as a shorter stem and shims in the brakes, and a unisex Terry seat - the Bontrager that came with it was an owwie. This bike has been very comfortable to ride once I had it properly fit. I think fit is everything. Once I identified the level of components I wanted on a bike, it was a matter of finding the bike that fit me the best. I do a lot of climbing here in the mountains, and ride long rides, and have never been sore on this bike, other than normal wear and tear muscle fatigue. My only complaint of the bike - if you can call it that - it that it really dampens the feel of the road, and if you like a really "crisp" ride then I would not recommend this bike. I think people who own it will tell you they love it for its comfort. My next bike will probably be higher performance with Campy components, but if I were going on a longer tour - my Pilot would still be my first choice. Hope this helps.:)

[DrBee]

Cyclesome - I have similar measurements to you and I ride a Pilot 2.1 WSD. I've had mine since April and I love it! It has a very smooth ride. After my crash, the owner of the store test rode it (after repairs) and commented on how smooth it was! Test everything you can - sizes and makes and models. They thought I would be better on a 51 to start, but I felt crunched. You'll know when you find the right one - you'll know.

[Toni]

I love my TREK 5000 WSD. I think it is really important for you to be fitted properly. I too, am 5'4", but due to my long femur bone, I fit on a 54cm. The first LBS I went to "fit" me to a 50 cm, it sounds like they fit me like your LBS fit you! Good luck!

Here is a link to several different bike fitting methods:

http://www.cyclemetrics.com/Pages/FitLinks/bike_fit_links.htm

[quint41]

Just wanted to add my 2 cents -- I live in Hartford county, CT. Metropolitan. I've been to five LBS's so far and NONE have offered to fit me. Every one of them has done the standover. I've heard rumors that one or two of the shops will offer the true fit of the bike only after you agree to purchase, and another will fit you for something like $150, which they will refund if you buy a bike from them.

[mary9761]

I have been lusting after a Trek Pilot 1.2 WSD myself lately. I have so far test rode the Trek Pilot 1.2 flat bar recently and it was a sweet ride. I had thought about the flat bar and adding bar ends since that is how my Navigator is set up, but I still want to try the WSD with drops. She is Lava Red and has already told me her name - Pele. She's ready to BURN UP THE ROAD! Now if I can just figure out a way to bring her home. I haven't been able to test specifically the WSD with drops as they don't have any in stock right now, but the 20 mile test ride I got on the flat bar was nice. I did have trouble with the thumb shifters on the left though so I don't know if it was me or the fact that it wasn't WSD. I really want this bike!! http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a361/mary9761/misc%20pics/pilot12wsd_lavared.jpg

[Cyclesome]

My saga continues..... Yesterday, I went to the bike shop near my home and practically had to beg for service. I ask for a measuring tape. They found one, gave it to me and went back to working in the shop. I will not buy a bike from these people!!!

Today I went to the shop that has good service about one hour away. When I asked if he could get in a Trek Pilot and a Trek Pilot WSD in my size, he said this would not be possible as all Trek Pilots are considered high-end bikes even the 1.2. and if I didn't buy the bike, he could not sell it in his store as peopel in that area do not have the money for Pilots. I was a bit disappointed!! He did however direct me to another shop in Pittsburgh (2 - 2 1/2 hours away from where I live and told me this was my best bet if I wanted to test ride a bike before I buy it. How can you buy a bike without testing it out first? Am I living on Pluto or something? How can you girls find all these bikes to test ride?

[esther231]

That's amazing. And depressing.

The trek bike website does have a search for a dealer. That's probably gonna be your best bet.

If that doesn't work, maybe the PA bike clubs -http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/6213/pa.htm - can help you find the larger stores?

I was lucky. My LBS had a sister store that had it in stock so I could try it.

[love2bike]

This is sad....now I feel lucky that I have so many choices in bike shops to go to.

Has this shop ever sold a Pilot or Pilot wsd to a woman before? Could they refer you any customers who have purchased Pilots? If my bike shop asked me to talk to a potential woman Pilot buyer, I would be happy too...for that matter, if you want to come to St. Louis, I'd let you test out my 50cm 2.1 wsd

If your bike shop considers this a high-end bike, why aren't they bending over backwards to try to sell you one?

[Cyclesome]

I failed to ask the owner if he had ever sold one to a women before. I'll try to contact him today. The idea of making a contact with someone in my area that owns one is a good one. I was thinking I might need a regular Pilot in a 52cm but the Pilot WSD in a 54cm. Not sure though. I'm 5' 5 1/2 inches with a 30 1/2 inch inseam. That is why I really need to test ride them.

[love2bike]

I took my bike into the shop this morning for a pre-MS150 adjustment. They said that it's really hard to get any Pilots right now....the 2006's are almost gone - they only have 5 WSD's left (1-1.2, 1-2.1 and 3-5.2, in various sizes) The only 2007's that are available are the "Project Ones" that are more expensive because of the custom paint jobs.

You may want to email Trek and ask them when the 2007's will be available, and what bike shop has the largest inventory in your state. Hope this help with your search.

[Carm]

I've had my Pilot 2.1 since March 2005 and really like it. Smooth ride. I purchased a mens 52 cm and I'm 5' 5". I tried the WSD and it felt cramped in the reach. The fit on the 52 cm is near perfect. Best of luck in your decision.

[Sparky]

[QUOTE=Gowest] My only complaint of the bike - if you can call it that - it that it really dampens the feel of the road, and if you like a really "crisp" ride then I would not recommend this bike. I think people who own it will tell you they love it for its comfort.

I agree & am happy to hear this from someone else.

In March I purchased pilot 5.2 spa even posted here at TE about what a smooth ride the bike has. The spa feature absorbs the road well. The pilot is very comfort oriented. It is a nice bike but after riding these past months I have determined it's not the right bike for me.

The more upright geometry has been an issue which lbs made adjustments & improved but still doesn't feel "right". I miss the responsiveness of my 1200. Sometimes I like to ride hard & fast(well fast for me). I think the spa feature on my pilot absorbs some of my energy on agressive upward pedal strokes. At least there is this strange grabbing feel?...I do not know how to describe what it I feel.

I am so frustrated with myself over this whole dilema. Saved up my money, bought nice bike, don't love it. Ridiculous!

Lucky I bought from a great bike shop. Finally went to talk to them. They have been so nice about the whole mess. They are trading me into a trek madone 5.2 & are beyond fair in the whole deal. I do not think they believe the spa takes anything away so maybe that is just me.

I guess different bikes work for different people. Hope you get it right the first time! Try bikes that you might not think are the right one(part of my mistake). Most important find a helpful bike shop. Mine is an hour away but so worth it.

GOOD LUCK!!