Trek WSD's, 1000, 1500 and/or 2100?

[cusepack]

A little introduction . . . I've been reading the forums for some time as I venture into the world (again) of bicycling buying. I've read/researched specs, components, reviews, etc. on the bikes I've listed.

About one and a half years ago, I had to give up (temporarily) road bike riding due to back/hip problems and my ortho doc suggested switching to a cruiser. So, I purchased a Jamis Boss Crusier (7 speed) and have been riding it 5-6 days/wk, 12-15 mi/ride ever since. My ortho has cleared me to go back to a road bike, so I'm looking to buy. Interesting to note - right about the time I started having back problems, my road bike was stolen from my back yard storage house (a little foreshadowing, perhaps!!). Anyway . . . I'm set on purchasing a Trek (great fit for my 5'8" frame), but am having a real tough time deciding which bike to purchase. (BTW, my last road bike was a Schwinn). In any event, I'm considering purchasing 1 of the 3 choices . . . here are the prices the LBS has offered me . . .

2006 Trek WSD 1000 - $485

2006 Trek WSD 1500 - $889

2005 Trek WSD 2100 - $1100

Obviously, the Trek 2100 is the best value choice, but I'm faced with the "guilty" choice. Having not been on a road bike in close to two years, going from a Cruiser to a lighter road bike will, in and of itself be a significant upgrade. So, will I really notice the component upgrades from the 1000 to the 2100? Also, I need to purchase all new gear (as that was stolen as well), which includes shoes, jerseys, shorts, computer, helmet, etc. Quite honestly, I feel guilty if I am to purchase the 2100 because I'll be spending an additional, say, $4-500 on gear, which brings me into the $1700 range, and, the forward thinker that I am, I'm thinking about the holidays (travel, gifts, etc.) and don't want to strap myself. Granted, I have the Trek card to purchase the 2100, but I don't want to just throw my plastic around.

Okay, so bottom line is, if I am beginning (again) what are your thoughts on going from the Cruiser to each of the bikes listed? Any input you are able to offer on each of the bikes would be sincerely appreciated. I understand in the end, the choice is ultimately up to me, but I would love to hear a woman's perspective (as the men friends I have, have all said "go with the 2100" - men tend to think differently than women when it comes to stuff like this - much like when they purchase a car!!)

Thank you in advance.

KJL in Miami

[greenchick]

I think the question to focus on isn't "will you need the upgrades when you switch from the cruiser?" but "will you already be itching for a better bike a few months down the road?" If you were a newbie, I might say otherwise, but you obviously know the difference and are going to stick with road riding, so I'd go with the better bike.

[SadieKate]

So, will I really notice the component upgrades from the 1000 to the 2100?

Based, on your pst experience and desire to start riding a road bike again, yes. There is a significant difference between the weight and performance of Tiagra, Sora and 105 components. You're also getting into better wheelsets. All this pays out how the bike brakes and rides. The frames are also significantly different. Since you are willing to spend the money, I'd narrow at least to the two 105 equipped bikes and choose based on how the bike fits and how it rides thinking long term. How far do you expect to ride and what type of pavement? See if you can test ride each bike in typical terrain so you can feel the difference. One may absorbs roughness better and one may be a better climber/descender, etc.

[Nanci]

Hi,

I would go with the best bike you can afford, and get the accessories as you go. You can find really good deals on stuff on eBay or by looking on Froogle. It's easier, and cheaper, to get the upgraded components when you buy the bike, rather than trying to upgrade later. With the 2100, you're also moving up a grade in frame, as well as getting carbon seat stays and a carbon seat post, both of which are going to give you a cushier ride. I assume you are going WSD for the slightly more upright riding position? Otherwise, you're tall enough to be able to pick anything.

What I would do is go out and ride everything you can get your hands on. At the LBS and all others within driving range. When I bought my second MTB, I was looking in the $2500 range, and the bikes that got good reviews in magazines and that looked the coolest to me actually weren't the best rides, for me. I ended up with a pretty obscure brand that I test rode in some tiny town in the mountains of GA. Being 5'2", it's also very hard to find the correct frame size to test ride- I ended up riding some shop guy's personal bike and loving it. I also test rode a bunch of WSD mountain bikes and hated them all- with the smaller components, such as a smaller diameter handle bar, I felt like I was on a puny kid's bike. I ended up getting a non-WSD MTB.

But- even after that experience, I have just bought a WSD Trek 2100, sight unseen, on eBay. I hope I like it! I'd _better_ like it!! I did a ton of research first. I will let you know after Wednesday. You're lucky- you can go ride one before buying it, which is the right thing to do.

Nanci

[doc]

I agree with all of the above. Shimano 105 is significantly better. I have the trek 2100 and am itching for ultegra components. Durace is where the cost goes up significantly and the improvements in componentry is tiny. But below 105 you are taking huge jumps downwards in component functionality. Don't do it if you don't have to.

[cusepack]

Thank you so much for your responses. I have read, and re-read your responses and I"m so appreciative that you took the time to share your thoughts. I suppose I am feeling some of the "cold feet" syndrome. Inasmuch as I'm excited to purchase a new bike, it is a significant purchase for me and so as much information as I'm able to absorb is so helpful. Honestly, I think it might be one of those "I knew I should have gotten this one" if I pass up on the great deal for the 2100. Granted, it's the '05 model, but I've already seen the specs on the 2200 (replaces the 2100) and there's not much of a change, and in some aspects, the components are better in the 2100.

I was fortunate enough to test them all (each a WSD), and I felt comfortable on all, but with different adjustments to the bike - strange, I know, but each had it's own level of comfort for me. But, since I'm no longer a spring chicken, it's probably best the more carbon the better!!!

Again, many, many thanks. I will keep you updated. I'm so grateful to have "found" this wonderful community.

On a sidenote - Nanci, I LOVE Ebay - do let me know about your bike when you receive it!

Kathryn

[CorsairMac]

Kathryn: just as a sidenote, when I got back into biking I "thought" what I wanted was a simple little commuter bike when what I really wanted was a road bike. I now have 2 vintage road bikes but am dreaming of the day I can get a brand new, never-been-used, road bike just for me! My goal is to get the absolute best I can possible afford (or finance) coz I know anything less just won't be enough plus with the miles I put on a bike, it needs to be able to handle it! So I would say: go with the road bike and go with the absolute best you can possibly afford (or finance)......it'll be cheaper in the long run!