trek pilot wsd 1.2 vs 2.1

[FloridaGal]

hello. I am buying my first road bike and I think I have it narrowed down to a trek wsd pilot due to its uprght design. I have some shoulder problems and this style feels more comfortable to me. The big question is should I splurge for the 2.1 as opposed to the 1.2.? I am wonderng how much of a differece having the seatpost in carbon(2.1) vs alum(1.2) will make. My LBS only carries the 1.2 but they will order a 2.1 for me, but then i won't have a chance to test ride it first. Any thoughts??

[Denise223]

Hi there!

I know that you will definitely get some responses b/c some of the gals around here have those bikes (the WSD, I'm not sure..)

But, if/when I ever get a road bike, I would probably get a Trek -- Problem is, there are soooooooooo many to choose from... I don't know the difference between carbon, aluminum, steel, etc......

Originally posted by FloridaGal: My LBS only carries the 1.2 but they will order a 2.1 for me, but then i won't have a chance to test ride it first. Any thoughts??

If they won't give you a chance to test ride it first, then I'd have to say, "you need to find another bike shop!!!" Not a good idea to have to buy something without trying it first.

Good luck -- can't wait to see which one you get !

Have a great evening!

Denise

[esther231]

I have a 2006 Pilot 1.2 WSD. It does have a carbon seat post also. That being said, if I had the money I would have gotten the 2.1 cause it has buzz kill for the handlebar and better gearing than the 1.2

I do like mine though. I honestly have no complaints with it but have only had it one month. I did switch to 25 tires from the 28. And I added shims to the brakes to make them easier to reach. LBS did both for free.

[love2bike]

I bought my Pilot 2.1 wsd last month, when they were closing out the 2006's. (They gave us a great deal!) It is also my first road bike.

I got to test ride the 2.1 vs.the 1.2., As inexperienced as I am, I could tell a big difference in the shifting mechanisms and the seats of both bikes. I also wanted the Shimano 505 clipless pedals, which are on the 2.1.

I'm such a sucker for pink, and the 2.1 is black with pink detailing - it's so cute!

[Nanci]

What part of FLorida do you live in???

I'm curious, too, about if there is a noticeable difference between carbon and aluminum or titanium for the seat post. I have carbon now, but have never had aluminum on a road bike, but sometimes think I should put on an aluminum post so I can tighten down my rack- it's not meant for use with carbon. But if that's going to make the ride worse- even a little, then no.

Will the components be a lot better in the 2.1?

Nanci

[FloridaGal]

Thanks for all of your replies. I'm in the Tampa Bay area so I can bike all year so I hope to be riding a lot.

Here are the component differences from the 2006 models and I think they are similar in the 2007s. The difference in price is about $350

Pilot WSD 1.2 Frame alpha SL alum/ Fork Bontrager Satellite Plus, carbon/
Wheelset Shimano Tiagra hubs-Alex ally rims/ Crank Bontrager Select 52/42/30 / Rear Derailleur Shimano 105

Pilot WSD 2.1 Frame ZR9000 Alloy/ Fork Bontrager Satellite Plus, carbon/ Wheelset Bontrager Satellite Plus, carbon/ Crank Bontrager Select 52/42/30 / Rear Derailleur Shimano Ultegra

[Nanci]

Mmm, I'd like to have an Ultegra derailleur....

[cusepack]

Floridagal - for the additional $350, and if you can afford it, I would absolutely go for the 2.1. The upgrades on the 2.1 would be much more expensive sold separately if you decided at some point to upgrade the 1.2.

Glad to see another Floridian (miami resident here).

*******

On another note, Nanci . . . you don't have an ultegra derailleur on your 2100? What do you have, a 105?

[FloridaGal]

[QUOTE=esther231]I have a 2006 Pilot 1.2 WSD. It does have a carbon seat post also. That being said, if I had the money I would have gotten the 2.1 cause it has buzz kill for the handlebar and better gearing than the 1.2

I didn't realize that the 1.2 has carbon seat post too. It is pretty confusing with all of the components! The LBS should have the pilot 1.2 in soon so I can try it and I will try to find a place that seels the 2.1 so I can compare! I can't wait to get my new bike. I am on a hybrid now, which I love but I am anxious to have the road bike to do longer rides. I want to work up to a centruy ride.

[esther231]

I'm excited for you. Which ever one you get, I think you'll see a difference from a hybrid. I looked at hybrids - that's what I wanted when I first started looking. But the road bikes were so much easier for me to ride. And then the upright on the pilot made me really happy.

Let us know which you choose or if you end up with an entirely different one. You never know.....so many great bikes, so little time.

[tygab]

I have the 2.1 '06 model and love it. I paid the regular price for it so it wasn't cheap, even though I got in well before the real riding season this year. But I compared it to a couple of discounted 05 models, other middle price 06 models, as well as the women's version of the Specialized Allez (what my hubby got). Unfortunately, the price differential between the Spec. men's and women's was significant and that wasn't in near my target price. I felt the 2.1 was the best combination of features.components at that price point (it was actually a little more than I'd been thinking to spend, but I haven't regretted it at all), and it fit well. The rest of the bikes didn't feel as crisp. I wasn't a huge fan of the pink but the black really mutes it nicely.

I would say if it's not a bank-breaker, go for the better bike - it's a long term item from which you'll get lots of use, especially if you are happy with it.