I'm going to be buying a road bike for the first time, I am a avid mountain biker for about 5years now. However, I'm not sure what to go with a aluminum bike such as the trek 2300 or a carbon such as the trek 5200? Help me make the decision.

I would go with the 5200. I like the weight savings, and the feel of the carbon....

Depends on what you are buying! but the 5200 is the best out of those two!

remember with carbon if it cracks and you have crashed the frame there is no warrnty!

I would rather an aluminum bike! Im not a huge Trek fan thou!!

if you want a real carbon get a C40! I heard that the trek carbon frames are made by Merida!! you proberly did not want to here that thou!

Carbon is the way to go and if you crash aluminum and it cracks there is no warranty either. I would check out the Giant TCR carbon bikes, I like them more than Trek and C40's are really expensive. The feel of carbon is much more comfortable.

Hi All-

In re: warranties, if you crash, I gotta say that Specialized (other bike makers presumably) has replaced my cracked frames twice, no questions asked.

Both times I told the folks at the bike shop that I crashed it multiple times, and with my last frame, I was hit by a car hard enough to potatochip both wheels and send me and the bike flying. The folks at the bike shop insisted that I accept the warranty replacement.

I think the lawyers insert the small print disclaimers. But the companies are unwaivering in their customer service.

My $.02,

Jim

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Jim

How will you be riding the bike? If you plan to do long distance riding or road racing, go with carbon - its vibration damping qualities will make it more comfortable over the long haul. On the other hand, if you plan to do a lot of crit racing then go with aluminum because you WILL - at some point - crash, and aluminum will stand less chance of cracking.

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"There is no such thing as a great talent without great will-power."
- Honore de Balzac

I have a carbon Time Helix Equipe HM. I love the feel of the bike. I can only give you my .02 cents on carbon since I don't own a aluminum bike. The Trek OCLV looks like a nice ride. Let us know which one you get.

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Badluckschlepprock

I just changed from alu to carbon frame - what a marvelous improvement. My carbon frame is stiffer & more comfortable - dampens vibrations.
It is of course not only a question of material, the construction also matters - but carbone IS different. I'll not go back to alu.

I had an alu Trek and went to a carbon Trek (5200) and the difference is astounding. It appears faster on hills, sprints better and is much more comfy. Not to mention it is virtually silent while running (no creaks like the alu). If you have the bucks, get the 5200, you will not regret it.

Allan

I have recently changed to carbon and am very happy that I did. I tried the Trek 5200/5500 and ended up going for the Bianchi XL Carbon which for me felt & fit better.
Remember that frame design is far more important than frame material.

TREK OCLV frames are manufactured in Wisconsin by Trek.
They have a special facility for the production of OCLV and the security there is very tight.
Trek's carbon technolgy is so advanced that they were approached by a U.S.military contractor to fabricate a carbon fiber wing section for an experimental fighter plane.
Trek did not solicit the contract. The military came to Trek.
Pretty zoot!
Trek OCLV frames are manufactured by Trek , not by Merida.

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"You can't buy speed.
If you want to ride faster, Pedal faster."
Me.

Morning,

Just bought a 5500 after breaking a LOOK 381i in 7 rides(200miles) and it is not only surviving but is outstanding - it looks good in red!
Who's merida?

Steve WSW

hi,
what king of weight are you talking about ? i have no idea how heavy carbon bikes are.
what's the diference with aluminum frames - weight and cost?
fabs.

Have you tried Ti? I lovethe feel of my Litespeed. I almost bought a Cdale 4000si, but it transmitted every bump, right to my back...

Ti is an excellent material, definately worth looking into. It is also beautiful material. I tried two Lightspeeds and just didnt like them, didnt feel right. But that is VERY subjective. Alot has more to do with the overall fit and form rather than frame material.

I know, they need to make every bike in the world exactly the same in all the different materials! :-)

Allan