Trek Pilot

[Bethus]

I was interested in upgrading my current road bike for the new Trek Pilot (probably 5.2WSD). Has anyone ridden/purchased a Pilot? I'm interested in your opinions/pros/cons. Thanks.

[brok]

I ordered a Pilot 2.1 in December. I am anxiously awaiting its arrival - supposed to have been in in Jan. I took a chance and ordered it sight unseen but my LBS said I didn't have to take it if I didn't like it for some reason. He was very confident the fit would be right. I'm also interested to hear if anyone has even seen one, let alone taken a test ride. It sounds like a great bike - it will be my first road bike since my Schwinn 12 speed that was way too big for me.

[massbikebabe]

Hi:

I was actually going to post on a new thread, when I saw both of yours I had to reply. I am about 5'2'' and ride a Trek 5200 WSD, last fall and then again today I had the chance to ride a Pilot and I gotta tell you it was a sweet ride. The one I rode was all Ultegra like my current bike and was also
smaller, (40+), then my current 51 cm. ride. The Pilot handles like a beauty
and if I was in the market I'd have no problem buying one. Unfortunately, I was so in love with the Pilot I never test rode the mtb. I went to the shop to ride.... I hope you both get your bikes soon, let me know how you like them...

karen
why don't I work for Trek

[Carm]

Hi,

I test rode the Pilot 5.2 a couple of weeks ago. The ride was just like gliding - very smooth. I loved the all carbon bike but I couldn't justify the price as I am having knee problems and not sure just how much I will get to ride. I went ahead and purchased the Pilot 2.1 last Tuesday. I really like it. I have test driven every bike brand and this geometry is so comfortable. I thought I would need the WSB but the men's 52 cm fit me better. I am 5' 5.5" and apparently my torso is longer. The reach on this size feels perfect. I would like smaller brake levers though. I am having a professional bike fit in a couple of weeks and will wait until then to have some re-work done. I did put a Terry Butterfly saddle on as the saddle it comes with was made by Satan.

I have heard that the WBS's won't be coming out until late April. Hope this info helps.

[fasteryet]

I can only add that I saw several of the new Pilots, both men and WSDs at my LBS last week, and had to leave because I was drooling too heavily.

[brok]

My Pilot 2.1 came in about a week ago and I have gotten to ride a couple of times. I agree about the ride, it is sweet - almost like gliding. I am having a bit of trouble adjusting to the more bent over position on the bike - as compared to my hybrid 7700FX and the "touchy" (for lack of a better word) handling. They say the bike is a good fit but I feel a little stretched out. I have had some pain in my shoulders and upper back. Does anyone have suggestions or is it like they said and I will have to get used to a different riding position. Thanks for the input. By the way, after all the rambling, I would definitely recomment a Pilot.

[annie]

brok,

If you've only ridden the bike a couple times, it could be a case of needing time to adjusti to the different position. You definitely will be more streched out on a road bike than a hybrid. However, my understanding of the reason Trek made the Pilot model was for riders who want a road bike that is going to give them a fast ride but yet be more comfortable than traditional road bikes, ie. a slightly more upright position, more relaxed geometry, a less rigid frame for longer riding comfort. A bike made for road riding but with comfort in mind as opposed to purely speed. SO - that said - I would expect as you become more accustomed to the bike, that the streched-out feeling goes away, as will the aches. Your back and stomach muscles both need to be strong enough to support your core weight in a more bent-down position. You need to remember to relax your arms and keep a bend in your elbows. Your neck muscles might also feel a bit of strain at first, because you need to lift your head just a little more than you are accustomed to in order to look down the road. If, after a reasonable amount of riding ( a couple weeks worth, maybe) you continue to have shoulder/back pain, I would go to wherever you purchased the bike and talk to them. Tell them what the problem is and ask them if possibly the fit isn't as perfect as they thought. You should NOT have to hurt to ride. It took me over 10 years to learn that!

As for the handling, you can expect it to handle differently. Different frame geometry, different tubing, different tire size, and various other things, also. That is something you'll get used to fairly quickly. Just ride as much as you can. It's like driving different cars. You adjust quickly.

Good luck! I hope it works out well. A new bike is should be a wonderful, exciting experience. Have fun!

annie

[brok]

Thanks, I appreciate your thoughts. I will ride, ride, ride - well as much as the weather in IL will allow right now . I will keep you posted.

[Aint Doody]

Hey! I'm new to this, but when I saw the message about the Pilot I had to join in. I ordered my Pilot 5.2 WSD in Dec. It got here in late Jan. I was on my first ride and a dog caused a friend & I to wreck. I spent 2 days in the hospital w/a concussion and 9 stitches in my forehead from my broken glasses. I couldn't do anything for 6 weeks. Well, I had only 15 miles on my new bike. The bike wasn't hurt! After that I had my bike professionally fitted. (I had already planned to do that.) That was the best $$ I ever spent. They put on more narrow handle bars and a taller stem. Anyway my first ride after all this was pure heaven! The bicycle handles beautifully. I absolutely love it. Our weather here in Eastern OR is still not great for being on the road. I've put in lots of miles on the trainer and can hardly wait to get back on the road. So I would say the Pilot 5.2 WSD is a terrific ride.

[Jo-n-NY]

Just had to say congratulations on your Dolce. My husband bought me mine in Dec after also trying the Allez. I have to say that it fits me like a glove. I never thought of describing a bike like that but it is the description that comes to mind. Although I was able to go with the 52cm.

Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy! ~ JoAnn

[brok]

You are right JoAnn!! I rode twice this week-end with total comfort. I love this bike. Don't get me wrong, the Pilot was a very nice bike but this one just feels perfect. Nice hubby you have. I had to buy own - oh well, the price of being single