Quick advice needed re:Trek 1000, please!

[VeloVT]

The Trek 1000 is a great bike and that's a good deal - I would stick to the plan! THen you get more time for anticipation and shopping for the good one

I think I vote with the others. There's a big difference between $300 and $900, budget-wise. I'm not sure what you have now -- but if it's not a road bike, chances are you'll be so thrilled with how light and fast the bike feels, you won't be focused on the finer points of shifting quality.

I'm starting to think that, generally speaking, one shouldn't spend a lot of money on one's FIRST road bike. My reason is that, especially if you are very new to cycling (as I was two years ago), you don't really know much about what you want and what you like. LBS guys/gals can point you in the right direction (and they usually do try!), but I don't think I really had a good handle on what worked/didn't work for me until I'd put a few thousand miles on the bike. This is because it takes time to get used to a road position, it takes time to build conditioning, it even takes time to get good at shifting if you're new, as silly as that might sound (or maybe I'm just embarrassing myself here . It took me some time anyway). I'm not criticizing anyone who DOES buy a $$$ new bike as a brand new rider, it's just a little riskier of an investment.

After a year or two, you can spend a little more money on a new bike with more confidence that you will be getting a bike that **you know** will be good for you. (Also gives you a chance to save for it, and not feel like you're stretching your budget uncomfortably. Peace of mind is worth a lot).

[RolliePollie]

I have a 2006 Trek 1000 WSD and I'm very happy with the bike. I've had her just over a year and I've ridden about 3,000 miles. I really have no complaints. Of course, having never ridden a higher end bike, I don't really know what I'm missing. I do think in another year or two, I'll be ready for an upgrade. But for now, I'm completely satisfied. She gets me where I want to go, she's tough (poor thing has been a little abused since I was a complete road bike newbie when I got her), and she's fast. The only things I've changed out are the saddle and the brake pads. But actually, the Bontrager seat she came with wasn't too bad.

The $300-ish price sounds great! Good luck!

[Triskeliongirl]

I agree. The trek1000 is a very solid entry level bike. Several women in our club started on that bike, some even still ride it. It is plenty light for racing, it just won't be as plush feeling as the higher end bikes, or keep its tune as well. The price on the used one sounds great, so use it to get started, see if you are bit by the cycling bug, fine tune your fit, so you'll know what you need in your next bike. Remember you also need to budget money for a helmet, shoes, clothes, etc., so going easy on the first bike makes a lot of sense.

[Mr. Bloom]

Silver learned to ride on a Trek1000! Solid bike; saw her through 5 flips at 30 mph, 5 broken ribs, 1 collapsed lung, a broken wrist - and she still rides it!

[Lifesgreat]

Silver learned to ride on a Trek1000! Solid bike; saw her through 5 flips at 30 mph, 5 broken ribs, 1 collapsed lung, a broken wrist - and she still rides it!

Is that a recommendation?

[sandra]

I ride a Trek1000 and I have no complaints. It's a great bike. If it is in good shape, that sounds like a deal.

[mkidd]

Thanks for all the responses. I got it! I have not put the wheel back on to take photos, but I attached the pics she sent. It looks brand new. I think this girl rode it 4 times maybe.

Now I just have to wait for the snow to melt. Though today it was over 1" of rain.