Trek vs. Specialized

[kalimom]

Thanks Tulip!
I have ridden all the bikes available at local shops.
I have been out at the local shops riding bikes and have narrowed it down to those two basically because it is what is available in my area. I am in Ventura, CA . It is hilly. Elevation on a basic 15 mile ride i do is 700ft. The local group rides have about 800ft gain. I am open to other bikes, however, i just havent found one i like.

[tulip]

You say you've narrowed the choice down to those two because that's what's available--but do you like them? Do you prefer one over the other? Is one more comfortable than the other? Have you been able to take them out for a longer ride than just around the parking lot? If neither are going to work for you, keep looking. You might have to go farther afield. I imagine that you are in an area that has lots of bike shops, but that's just my assumption and it might be wrong.


Triple vs. double is going to be a personal choice, based on your strength and conditioning, if you like hills, and your terrain. I could tell you what I would do, but that wouldn't really matter because I'm not you.

[Blue_Fedora]

I have a compact double and live in a hilly area (Santa Clarita). I honestly don't missing having a triple... I've learned to do what I can with what I have and truthfully I think it's making me better at climbing hills. After finally shifting down to the lowest lowest loooooowest gear I simply decide "well, hill... it's just you and me now so let's get down to business, shall we?"

I'm curious what other bikes you've given a whirl during your decision making process.

[colorisnt]

Why not look into the 1.2? Have you tried one? I got a great deal on mine and once I tried it, I was completely disinterested in the 1.1. The gears are better and the bike (overall) is a better buy. Plus, the carbon fork cuts down on weight as well. Not that I think the 1.1 is a bad bike, but the price difference between the two is not that great and the 1.2 is so much nicer.

[Norse]

+1 on the Trek 1.2. DP recently got one, after years of not riding, and absolutely fell in love with it - started bike commuting to work and, after only a few months, signed up for and successfully completed the local MS-150 ride. You get a lot of bang for the buck component-wise and you can get it with a triple if that's your preference.

When I was looking several years ago, it came down to the Specialized Roubaix vs. Trek 5.2 (now called the Madonne 5200). I really liked both but went with the Trek because: again, better quality components for the price and the LBS that sells Treks is closer to our house. There is a lot to be said for buying a bike from a LBS that you trust and that is near to where you live.

[Norse]

Oops, that's a 2.1 that DP got, not the 1.2.

[colorisnt]

Definitely look into who will be servicing your bike in the future. I love the place I bought my bike. It was a longer trip than the closest Trek and specialized dealer, but they have tons of women's specific stuff and a great service department. Whenever I go in there, they remember me, which is a huge deal. The same kid that sold me the bike is there. The service manager is great and will help me with any fit issues - no charge! That was a huge sell for me.

There is another shop in that area that has Bianchi's (also really nice bikes), but I wouldn't buy from there just because they are no help with WSD stuff and I feel like the never want to help me when I go there. Nothing wrong with the bike, but if I need someone to help with fit, etc, I want to have them do it no questions asked!