
03-05.-2004
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| Junior Member | | Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Guildford, Surrey, UK Age: 23
Posts: 15
Rep Power: 0 | |
When was there a 5000 zerokoo0l, ive been aware of a 5200, 5500, 5700 and 5900 over the last 5 years, but never a 5000?
I own both a 2002 5900 and a 2003 5200. I bought the 5200 after crashing the 5900 into a car at high speed and realising that training on such an expensive bike was a pretty dumb thing to do! I've had the 5200 about 3 months now, and ive done about 1500 miles on it. It's just the stock spec- full Ultegra, Bontrager Race Lite wheels, Bonty bar/stem. I've put on a Selle Italia SLR saddle and Ultegra SPD-SL pedals. For the first time since i got the 5200 i went out on the 5900 last week, to see how marked the difference was. The 5900 is stock spec (Dura-Ace, Bonty Race-X-Lite wheels), with a couple of upgrades- Giant Carbon stem and bar, USE Carbon post, SLR saddle, Conti GP Supersonic tyres/tubes. The acceleration was noticably faster on the 5900, and it did climb faster, particularly when standing. The front end felt decidedly more 'muted' which i attribute to the lighter fork and carbon bar and stem. I wouldnt say the frame was any more harsh, there may be a very slight difference, but its not something that is really noticable, and thats on the sh*t road surfaces in the UK! I would actually question whether the 5900 is a worthwhile upgrade if you already own the 5500, as the difference is solely the frame. I also find it irritating that on pre-2004 models you cannot change the headset, as the fork steerer is 1.25" at the bottom, but the standard 1.125" at the top, so you're stuck with the crap Klein/Cane Creek headset they spec, meaning you have to take out the seatpost and 'empty' the frame after a wet ride! That really is the only complaint i have, it is a pleasure to ride, extremely responsive and very stiff, a dream to ride. Just to be saved for racing and sunny days!
Nick Evans |