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

[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

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 . 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!