Trek 120 OCLV Carbon

I'm definately leaning to buying a Trek Pilot 5.2. But what I have a question about, since you guys are unbiased unlike the LBS, is if the carbon frame will be OK if I weigh 250LBS, and pull hard going up hills? And does trek carbon ride nicely?

Shouldn't you know if it will ride nicely? Did you take it out for a test ride?

-Matt

I think any carbon frame might be a bit flexy for a 250 lb dude who cranks up the hills. If I were you I would a-b test (using clip in pedals) the madone against the trek 2300. I bet you'll find the 2300 is noticably stiffer, a pound or so heavier, and a bit lacking in bling factor compared to the madone. You might like the ride better though. Just a thought.

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Road: 2004 BMC SLT 01 Team Machine
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It's usually not a question of the rider's weight, it's a question of frame size when it comes to flex. I've seen a BIG dude riding a 54" carbon frame with no problems. As the frame get larger, and the tubes longer, you tend to see more flex. Best get on one and give it a ride. I myself have a Trek 120c fork on m ride, and have seen no flex at all, even when cornering hard.

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The ZR 9000 is a little stiffer and might be better for me? and what it weighs like 1 or 2 more lbs?

This has been my experience. I went from a Trek 2300 with the ZR 9000 alloy to a carbon fiber Giant TCR (both bikes had full Ultegra), which I assume has similar ride qualities to the Pilot 5.2. The carbon bike is lighter by about a pound, but creeks in the bottom bracket under hard cranking, and seems quite a bit more flexy than my old 2300. The benefit of the carbon, however, is that the ride is noticably smoother over the bumps. Anyway, might be worth it to try out a ZR 9000 model while you're at the store next time. Personally I'd rather have a good aluminum bike over a cheap carbon bike, which is why my TCR will probably be going up for sale soon.

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Road: 2004 BMC SLT 01 Team Machine
Mtn: 2003 Orbea Team (Columbus Starship)

Frame ? Not a probelm.
Wheels ? That's the problem.

If any bike creaks in the BB, something is loose.

The OP should test-ride each bike he's considering buying to determine the ride qualities. 250 lbs should not be an issue for an OCLV frame. I recently rode several miles on an OCLV 120 frame that had two unbonded chainstays (as in the chainstays were no longer connected to the BB area) and the seatstays alone were strong enough to support my weight. If the tire hadn't rubbed the left chainstay under hard climbing, I'd have never noticed the problem.

OCLV 120 is plenty stiff.

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