Trek 520

[blacksan]

Greetings,

I am fortunate enough to ride a Trak 8000 for work, but want to try a road bike for the first time. I have been considering many options and have found myself coming back to Trek. If any of you hard core road bikers can give me some solid input I wouls really appreciate it.

Adrian aka blacksan

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[P95Carry]

Adrian - hard to know really without a bit more info.

What type of riding? Leisure?
Distances? Short run, long run?
Cruiser or crotch rocket category?
Road - off road?
Baggage carrying ability - yes/no?

I am not familiar with the ride you refer too - so can't relate to that.

[Bud White]

http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/mountain/8000.jsp


heres the first bike ...

[Bud White]

http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/road/520.jsp


heres the 520


not the kind of bikes your used to Chris

[Euclidean]

Where's my brother when I need him... that's right, riding his bike...

[P95Carry]

Haha - shows how much I know about that sorta bike.

Sorry Adrian - I was (obviously) - on wrong track altogether. Duh

[Bud White]

i had to search it out to chris

[Euclidean]

You know what's weird? We're all stumbling in the dark over this and the one person who I know that could actually answer this question can't be reached because he's busy studying to become a mechanic...

My bro has spent more on his bike than I ever have on my guns and he's learning how to work on CARS... figure that one out!

[srfl]

I'm a fan of bikes made by Giant. Lots of bang for the buck.

[rstickle]

If any of you hard core road bikers can give me some solid input I wouls really appreciate it.

Adrian aka blacksan

Well I ride a Serotta road bike, which is a high end bike.

My advice is go to a "good" bike shop, they will usually let you road test. Figure out how much you are willing to spend, and what you want to do with it (Race or tour).

There is a "feel" to a bike, which I can't explain in words, which would be the reason for the road test. My first road bike was a Proteus...... Hand made by a small company, which ultimately went mainstream and stopped making their own frames. But that was the best "feeling" bike I ever had.

And, most important, make sure the bike fits you! Most good bike shops can make sure the fit is right and usually will do adjustments for some period after you buy. (Sort of sounds like buying a car.... Don't it? )

[P95Carry]

Not sure what you guys regard as top of range and good rep yourselves, but the Cannondale factory is close to my 20 - and I have heard good things about them.

[MattInFla]

Greetings,

I am fortunate enough to ride a Trak 8000 for work, but want to try a road bike for the first time. I have been considering many options and have found myself coming back to Trek. If any of you hard core road bikers can give me some solid input I wouls really appreciate it.

Adrian aka blacksan

If you are used to the MTB, you might look at a flat-bar road bike like the Trek 7.3 FX - similar riding posture and handling with road bike speed.

Matt

[rstickle]

Not sure what you guys regard as top of range and good rep yourselves, but the Cannondale factory is close to my 20 - and I have heard good things about them.

Cannondale does have a good rep. Of course so does Trek, they currently build the bikes for the Discovery Team. Top range road bikes, depending on the component package (gears, brakes, etc.) and frame type can easily go for 4 - 5 thousand dollars and up.

I paid more for my last road bike than I did for my first NEW car! (1970 340 Plymouth 'Cuda)

[blacksan]

If you are used to the MTB, you might look at a flat-bar road bike like the Trek 7.3 FX - similar riding posture and handling with road bike speed.

Matt

You hit the nail on the head! I like the MB flat bar style and handling, but want touring luggage capacity with road bike speed!

BTW I have also riden motorcycles for years and currently ride a KLR 650 ala Adventurer Touring style with detachable GIVI bags when I want to camp and such.