Bike shopping

[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.

[Velocivixen]

Congratulations! Do you have pictures?

[MichelleOH]

Congratulations! Do you have pictures?

Thanks. I plan on getting some once the sun comes out and I get my camera back. (It's on a trip to New Mexico, at the moment. Wish I was with it. )