Trek Pilot

[HappyAnika]

I just wanted to plug Trek in general. I bought the 1500 WSD in April and I absolutely love it. . 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.

[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.

[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!!