My first road bike

[cincichris]

Tomorrow I am going to buy the Trek Pilot 2.1 WSD. I was really unsure about a road bike - it looked uncomfortable to me. My husband likes riding - and I do as well but road on an old clunker of a hybrid. I really like how smooth the ride was on the Pilot and it is upright enough that I really feel comfortable. So before I take the plunge any perspective....

I am going to get the pedals that clip only on one side so i can ride the flat side to get comfortable. Also am going to get the shoes with the clips in the sole vs regular road shoes - that way i can walk around easily.

Well wish me luck!

[DarcyInOregon]

Another forum member, Suzie, purchased the 2.1 and is happy with it, other than she had to get a new saddle.

I purchased the 5.2 and love it. I had to get a new stem and handlebars and my bike is now a really good fit. I've biked just under 800 miles on my Pilot so far this year, meaning the last 2 1/2 months. It is a wonderful bike.

Good for you for getting a great bike. Post a photo when you have it.

Darcy

[lacyliz]

Congratulations on your new road bike!- it sounds like you are really comfortable on it which is the best thing. Send a pic when you have it- happy trails...

[mimitabby]

You know, it takes some getting used to. Then it is more and more and more fun!

[Susan126]

Congratulations on your new bike! And like everyone has said . . . there is a breaking in phase but once you are over that hurdle you will be cruising comfortably. Yes . . . send us a picture! Would love to see your new bike!

[missymaya]

Congrats on the new bike, you'll have lots of fun the more you ride it and it will be like second nature the more you ride it. Be sure to take it to the LBS after you've ridden the bike a good amount of time (usually a week-2 weeks, depending on how much you ride through the week). The gear cables are gonna stretch a little and a few tweaks here and there will occur.
Happy riding

[violette]

We need pictures. I'm dying to see it.

[cincichris]

Hi and thanks to everyone who replied. I rode it for one hour earlier this week on a beautiful sunny day and i could keep up with my husband! Wow, cannot believe what a difference there is compared to my old clunker: lighter, faster, clips give me more strength to pedal....the only thing I am a bit fearful of is going downhill and feeling like I'm going to fly off forward when i apply the brakes and then more stress on my arms....Will let you know.

[spokewench]

Hi and thanks to everyone who replied. I rode it for one hour earlier this week on a beautiful sunny day and i could keep up with my husband! Wow, cannot believe what a difference there is compared to my old clunker: lighter, faster, clips give me more strength to pedal....the only thing I am a bit fearful of is going downhill and feeling like I'm going to fly off forward when i apply the brakes and then more stress on my arms....Will let you know.

Good for you with your new bike - it sure does make a difference when you have a road bike. Pretty soon, you'll be beating your husband - keep us advised.

A tip for braking. When you brake, shift your weight back on your seat, i.e. push you butt back off toward the back of the seat, keep your elbows bent. See if that doesn't help. Congrats sounds like a nice bike

[Jenn]

I too finally got my bike last weekend. I just got the Trek 1000 WSD because of price, but I love the color. But, after you add clips, and the computer and the pump etc, etc.....we dropped more then we had intended but it was worth it. I went out Saturday and was able to ride for 2 hours and not HURT! I'd been riding my husband's bike so it was a WORLD of difference, not to mention I felt so much stronger on mine. I LOVE it, just a little miffed that the handle wraps are already starting to come undone.....?

[Cella66]

I am looking for some input from the "Big Dogs"

I have an opportunity to get a good deal on the Trek 1000, (I know the 1500 is a better deal because it comes with the 105 components, but it doesn't come in my size, a 47, yeah it stinks to be short) I guess I am worried about wanting an upgrade next year. Did I mention I am not indepentdently wealthy?

So the next step is the Pilot, but is the 2.1 really 500 bucks better than the 1.2?

My only guide rides a project one and his "POS" is his Madone SSL

Anyone?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I LOVE it, just a little miffed that the handle wraps are already starting to come undone.....?

Congrats on everyone's new bikes, how exciting!!! Do post pix when you can.

Jenn, take your bike back to the store and make them put the bar tape on right- it shouldn't be coming off at all. They should really do this for free since it seems it was not done right to begin with.

[DrBadger]

I am looking for some input from the "Big Dogs"

I have an opportunity to get a good deal on the Trek 1000, (I know the 1500 is a better deal because it comes with the 105 components, but it doesn't come in my size, a 47, yeah it stinks to be short) I guess I am worried about wanting an upgrade next year. Did I mention I am not indepentdently wealthy?

So the next step is the Pilot, but is the 2.1 really 500 bucks better than the 1.2?

My only guide rides a project one and his "POS" is his Madone SSL

Anyone?

Hey-
Well, I was confused at first about you saying the 1500 doesn't come in a 47 as that is what I have... but after visiting the Trek site I see what they did... the old 1500 is now the 1600, which does come in the 47 WSD.

As for the question about the Pilots and if the 2.1 is really $500 better than the 1.2... after looking at the technical specs on the Trek site I would say yes for these reasons:
1. the 2.1 has shimano 105 components all around and ultegra in the back... the jump from Tiagra to 105 for the front derailer is a huge jump, and you would not outgrow these components in a year (or more), unlike the tiagra on the front, which you very well may wish you had something better a year from now.
2. the 2.1 has carbon seat stays in addition to the carbon fork. These are the triangular stays that go from the seat post area back to the back wheel and will make for a smoother ride without having to go to full carbon.
3. the 2.1 comes with SPD clipless pedals, the 1.2 comes with traditional platforms. That means you are going to be out ~$100 when you add the clipless pedals to the 1.2 as opposed to having them right up front.

Now this, all being said, they will both be good bikes, and plenty of people are really happy with their Trek 1000 and Pilot 1.2, so you really can't go wrong. Have you ridden both of the bikes? The reason that I ask is that the 1000 is more of a traiditional race geometry while the Pilot series is designed for a bit more relaxed riding style. So, when you ride them you might find that you really like one set up better than the other.

Have fun shopping!

I too finally got my bike last weekend. I just got the Trek 1000 WSD because of price, but I love the color. But, after you add clips, and the computer and the pump etc, etc.....we dropped more then we had intended but it was worth it. I went out Saturday and was able to ride for 2 hours and not HURT! I'd been riding my husband's bike so it was a WORLD of difference, not to mention I felt so much stronger on mine. I LOVE it, just a little miffed that the handle wraps are already starting to come undone.....?

Jenn-
I found that the bontranger bar tape that came on my Trek 1500 didn't stay well wrapped at all... I lived with it for a while and then just got them re-wrapped,and now all is great. I would second the suggestion to take it back into the shop and see if they will re-wrap it for you since you just got the bike. (I couldn't do this since I bought mine used from someone on Craigslist).

[Cella66]

[QUOTE=PABadger;183593]Hey-
Well, I was confused at first about you saying the 1500 doesn't come in a 47 as that is what I have... but after visiting the Trek site I see what they did... the old 1500 is now the 1600, which does come in the 47 WSD.

As for the question about the Pilots and if the 2.1 is really $500 better than the 1.2... after looking at the technical specs on the Trek site I would say yes for these reasons:
1. the 2.1 has shimano 105 components all around and ultegra in the back... the jump from Tiagra to 105 for the front derailer is a huge jump, and you would not outgrow these components in a year (or more), unlike the tiagra on the front, which you very well may wish you had something better a year from now.
2. the 2.1 has carbon seat stays in addition to the carbon fork. These are the triangular stays that go from the seat post area back to the back wheel and will make for a smoother ride without having to go to full carbon.
3. the 2.1 comes with SPD clipless pedals, the 1.2 comes with traditional platforms. That means you are going to be out ~$100 when you add the clipless pedals to the 1.2 as opposed to having them right up front.

Now this, all being said, they will both be good bikes, and plenty of people are really happy with their Trek 1000 and Pilot 1.2, so you really can't go wrong. Have you ridden both of the bikes? The reason that I ask is that the 1000 is more of a traiditional race geometry while the Pilot series is designed for a bit more relaxed riding style. So, when you ride them you might find that you really like one set up better than the other.

Have fun shopping!


Thanks! The info actually helped a lot, or maybe I just needed someone to "justify" spending a wee bit more than I had planned!

[Jenn]

Congrats on everyone's new bikes, how exciting!!! Do post pix when you can.

Jenn, take your bike back to the store and make them put the bar tape on right- it shouldn't be coming off at all. They should really do this for free since it seems it was not done right to begin with.

I'm calling the manager today, it also happened to DH's bike when he bought his. It works out though because I want to change the color of the tape.

You know, I have tried to post pix but it won't take them. The files are the right size, and I emailed the webmaster but he didn't really know what was wrong any ideas??