Trek 1500

Everett Brown

I'm a writer-photographer working in Japan and am looking for a bike to do a 1,200 k trek following the Japanese haiku poet, Basho's footsteps.
I want a fast and light bike, but also one that I can put a bike rack on, not for heavy loads, but say for a change of clothes, a camera and notebook etc.
I'm thinking about the Trek 1500 or the 1200C, any suggestions?
Thanks,
Everett Kennedy Brown

BlareApsan

I have one and I love it.
see thread
http://www.cyclingforums.com/t34189.html

RTM

I have recently purchased the Trek 1500 - Love it - great bike

:)

Rominger

My vote is also for the 1500, because I own one. It is a great bike (since you are in Japan, you have the full ultegra version), but haven't put anything else than my body over it (80kg). I do believe, though, that the frame is stiff enough to handle this extra weight.

What I would recommend is that if you decide for the 1500, check if there is a chance to get a better wheelset, since you are going into a journey. Not only you might find a lighter set, but you can ride more confident, so you won't be left alone during the way. But this is just a "devil's advocate" point of view since I haven't had any problems so far.

jon_stewart

I'm a writer-photographer working in Japan and am looking for a bike to do a 1,200 k trek following the Japanese haiku poet, Basho's footsteps.
I want a fast and light bike, but also one that I can put a bike rack on, not for heavy loads, but say for a change of clothes, a camera and notebook etc.
I'm thinking about the Trek 1500 or the 1200C, any suggestions?
Thanks,
Everett Kennedy BrownHey, I'm impressed with the idea of the haiku trek. If I was smarter I would write one as a reply to the post - no danger of that!

The 1500 may be fine, but I think you are talking quite a bit of weight in carrying the camera and notebook, and this weight is directly over the back wheel. I would have a serious look at your wheel strength... More might be required!

Hope this helps. Hope you let us know how your trek is going.

humbleradio

I'm a writer-photographer working in Japan and am looking for a bike to do a 1,200 k trek following the Japanese haiku poet, Basho's footsteps.
I want a fast and light bike, but also one that I can put a bike rack on, not for heavy loads, but say for a change of clothes, a camera and notebook etc.
I'm thinking about the Trek 1500 or the 1200C, any suggestions?
Thanks,
Everett Kennedy Brown Hi Everett.
I saw your name on the Metropolis photo byline for Donald Richie. Is that you?
This is Robert Reilly. I'm the actor/filmmaker whom you interviewed and took some pics of a couple of years ago in Koganei Tokyo. You were doing a project for Apple House Big World 21. We also did some pics outside loading and unloading suitcases into a van? You remember?

I'm still working on my film <sign>. But considerably farther along than when you visited our building.

Here's the website for it:
http://homepage.mac.com/thehumbleservant

It will be changing in a couple of weeks to a new site.

By the way, how was meeting Donald Richie?

I do take some Japan tours on a Honda Super Cub.
You can check out some pics I took of my exploits here:
http://supercublog.blogspot.com/

Sorry to all for cutting in here with an off topic post.
Sincerely,
Robert Reilly

nanook08

I LOVE my trek 1500. I toured this summer, several thousand miles on it and it held up phenomenally. But definitely consider a better wheel set (probably 32 spoke wheels). And, i took front and rear panniers, but you have to replace the carbon fiber fork with a steel or aluminum one. Steel is better in my opinion, because it is a little softer and absorbs some of the impact, and while it is heavier than aluminum, I think it's a lot better for touring. Good luck!

ChristoffH

I also just got a Trek 1500 and LOVE it. It's a perfect entry level bike for me and I love most everything about it. The brakes..ehhh

TKOS

Actually this years Trek 1500 doesn't have the spots to attach a back rack for some reason. You end up having to get a rack that hooks onto the seatpost.

the 1200 which is essentially the same bike does have the attachment points. Very odd. I would go for the 1200 or 1200C at that point (the comfort model might be nice for such a long ride).