Bike shopping

[MichelleOH]

My LBS has a 2010 Pilot 2.0 left over and wants $900 (that's around 850+tax) for it out-the-door. From what I'm seeing from the Trek 2012 line, it falls in line with the LexaSL/1.5 models, would that be about right? Those models are listing at $1150. The Pilot originally sold for $1150 in 2010 and is now two models old.

I rode it today and it felt okay, but I didn't go far as I had sandals on and the seat was way too far forward (which we didn't notice until I got back to the store). I didn't have time to adjust and ride again.

Does anyone have this bike or know anything about it? It's got 25c tires v 23c, but I'm not sure if I'll notice that difference. It has Tiagra components and a carbon fork.

Thoughts?

[MichelleOH]

And, now, three hours later...another bike gets thrown into the mix. A small LBS that basically deals in recumbants and used stuff has a 2010 Pilot 2.1 with 800 miles on it for $700 (plus tax, but has a computer). I put a deposit on it and he is going to clean it up for me.

Thoughts on this one?

[Velocivixen]

It looks to have softer geometry than a racing bike. Are looks important? Do you like the looks? How do you plan to carry birding stiff? Would you want fenders? A rack for a pannier (to carry binoculars?). Will it meet your needs in regard to riding and birding? Just some things to think about.

[MichelleOH]

Thanks, Velocivixen. I've pretty much nixed the birding idea. I might put a rack/bag on it to carry my stuff if I really want to.

I'm just worried mostly about fit. Can't find geometry specs for the 2010 Trek Pilot line. The top tube might feel a little higher on the non-wsd model. Going out now to ride both and take some measurements.

[Velocivixen]

Although the Trek website says "Fender Mounts" under "extras" I highly doubt most fenders will fit this bike without major "surgery". I almost bought a Kona Honky Inc. and the website had me thinking I could do fenders, racks, etc. and when I got to the bike shop they looked at me like I had two heads! They hemmed and hawed and said they would have to cut the fenders, etc. So....if you think you will likely want fenders and a rack I would be asking directly about these things before you pin your hope on something. The Trek you're looking at won't easily support racks/fenders.

[MichelleOH]

Thanks for that info! I will check it out in the store. I'm heading there now.

[Owlie]

Although the Trek website says "Fender Mounts" under "extras" I highly doubt most fenders will fit this bike without major "surgery". I almost bought a Kona Honky Inc. and the website had me thinking I could do fenders, racks, etc. and when I got to the bike shop they looked at me like I had two heads! They hemmed and hawed and said they would have to cut the fenders, etc. So....if you think you will likely want fenders and a rack I would be asking directly about these things before you pin your hope on something. The Trek you're looking at won't easily support racks/fenders.

Agreed. I have Giant's version of that bike, and while Giant does sell fenders that will fit it, there is no way I can see to get them on there without some significant fiddling. It should take a rack--I've seen them around--but probably not fenders.

[MichelleOH]

So, I went with the 2010 WSD Pilot 2.0. If I find it's not quite the bike I wanted, I will upgrade next year. The guy at my LBS said there are no problems with fitting racks. We didn't talk about fenders...but I don't *plan* to ride in wet conditions, so I'll cross that bridge if I ever need to.

Attm, I like the relaxed geometry of the Pilot, but again, we'll see how long that lasts.