Trek 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.