Choosing a starting bike (Trek 1000 or 1500)

I've finally decided to take the plunge and get my very own road bike, however, I'm not sure as to which bike to buy. I went to my LBS and told them what I wanted, which is a starter bike, as I'm new, which could take me into low level racing. The thing is, they've offered the 1000, 1200, and 1500. The 1200's out, as I could just get the 1000 and upgrade parts (and since they don't have one that fits me at the store). Now I'm left with the choice between the 1000, which apparently has geometry less suited toward racing, and the 1500, which looks to be a decent compromise between entry-level and raceable.

What I want to know, is the 1500 actually the compromise it seems to be, or will I just be doing myself a disservice and buying too much bike at the beginning?

EDIT: I forgot to add, I'm in good shape (5'10", 145 lbs.), it's just that I don't have any kind of base built on a bike (since I haven't ridden).

Thanks.

I can't help too much since I am in the same boat as you (just buying my starter bike -- a used specialized epic), but I've learned in several hobbies that buying something with the idea to upgrade it is almost always a bad idea early on in the hobby.

Here are some links I found helpful when making up my mind on what bike to get:

http://www.epinions.com/content_2819465348
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm

best of luck,

yeah i think I'm in the same boat as you too. tomorrow im gonna go down to a shop that has a lot of used bikes and if i don't see anything i want, i'm just going to pick up a trek 1000. it seems like that is the best option for me because i'll only be using it for training, i doubt ill actually get to racing on it.

correct me if i'm wrong: i thought that trek 1000, 1200, 1500 all had the same geometry, just different components.

Looking on the trek website, they do all seem to have the same geometry, I think I may have been confused, the attendant mey have been talking about differences between the 1500 and another mid-level bike.

Yes it is. Kudos for you. It also doesn't make any sense to hang Ultegra or Dura Ace components off of an entry level frame. Bad mojo.

Are there any specific reasons you want a Trek? At that price range there are other options so there is no reason to be married to the Trek brand name.

A Specialized Elite has an MSRP of $1100.00
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkMode...k91vbsj.j27004

A Giant OCR1 has an MSRP of 1000.00
http://www.giant-bicycle.com/us/030....sp?model=11025

A Felt F70 has an MSRP of $1100.00
http://www.feltracing.com/2005_bikes/2005_f70.html

My first bike was a Felt F80. It is a lot of bike for what you are paying. I even still ride it when it is too nasty to take my Dogma out. You should really look into a Felt. They are fantastic.

1500 beats the 1000 based on the group. Same frame and fork, but the 105 gets you 105 9 speed over the 1000's Sora 8 speed. Better upgrade path. Lots of other bikes priced in the same dollar category. You might even find an '04 leftover at a clearance price right about now.

Nah, I'm not married to a Trek, it's just that my LBS only carries Trek for entry-level bikes.

Trek 1500. You get decent components. And most likely you'll be upgrading components and what not if you got the 'lesser' models.

I ride a Trek 1500. I've been upgrading components and all that jazz. I just got an Ultegra front derailleur. It is amazing the difference. Components do make a difference, even on an entry level bike. Do yourself a favor and, if you are going to go with Trek, go with the 1500.

__________________
TrekDedicated no more

Orbea Orca
Full Dura-Ace
Mavic Ksyrium ES Wheels

Wake Forest Cycling

The Small Biz. Guru

Someone suggested not to hang Dura Ace or Ultegra on these frames. Let me say that these are very good frames(Alpha SL)...and certainly Dura Ace has been hung on lesser frames than this I assure you. I have the 1200 myself and have done a few upgrades. I have found the frame to be the best part of the package. I was really surprised. The Alpha Super Light tubes are custom butted/seamless drawn. They are not taditional round tubes. If you look at them closely you will see that they are shaped a bit oddly to give stregth where it is most needed. What's more these frames are stiff and very light. Nothing wrong with the Alpha SL frames. They are very 'upgrade friendly' framesets...and I know from experience.

The 1500 should be able to accomodate any kind of riding or racing that you want to do on it. It has a very good drivetrain and shifters. Plus you get a good frame, carbon fork, and carbon seat post. Those Bontrager 'Select' wheels should be pretty good too. I put a set of Bontrager Race Lites on my 1200 and I also swapped out those generic brakes for a set of 105 brakes. My Bontrager wheels have black hubs...and the stock 105 rear derailleur is also black...so I made sure the shop put on the black 105 brake set on my 1200. It has a really kool stealth look to it now. I may upgrade my drivetrain to Ultegra next....but I am in no hurry. I have no regrets with the 1200.

I've just bought a 1500 having had a 1000 for about a year.

The difference between the two is amazing. The 1500 is made out of different aluminium and is lighter and is much more responsive. Here in England we get Ultegra throughout the bike and is a world away from the Sora. I was told by my LBS shop that this was fine for a beginner at a local club or race meet.

I test rode a Cannondale R2000 (2004 model) and this was actually my first choice but was slightly out of my price range. Definitely give a Cannondale a ride though.

I also rode a Lemond Alpe D'Huez which looked like it had come out of the 70s but rode nice enough with a compact geometry.

I recommend going to a different LBS to make sure that you can test ride a few bikes. But personally I can totally recommend the 1500.

I believe that you meant to say the Allez Elite Double.

I also agree that you should look at other brands and don't limit yourself. Is there only one LBS in your area?

I got a family member an 05 Trek 1500 and he couldn't be more happy with it. It is a great bike for the price too. You might want to ask your LBS if Trek is going to be doing any discounting during the Tour too. There were plenty of great deals to be had last year around my neck of the woods.

Yes. I ended up picking the 1000, because I really don't want to work all of my balance/maneuevering issues out on a thousand dollar bike.
Also, about upgrading, I wasn't planning hanging Dura-Ace, Ultegra, or even 105s off of this, I just wanted to upgrade from the (current) Tiagra shifters because I have to be on the hoods to downshift with those.

However, I should have more bike options once I move back down to university, which will dovetail nicely with my improved biking ability.