2009 Trek 1.2 vs 2010 Trek 1.2 vs Trek 1.1

I'm just wondering how these three compare. This will be my first road bike. I'm looking for a solid bike that should last me forever (might be an impossible situation) but I'm not looking for a racer.

I know the 1.1 is a solid bike, but the 1.2's have a carbon fiber fork and better components. Then, apparently, the '10 1.2 has better components than the '09 1.2. But I'm not exactly competent about all this.

I would greatly appreciate it if someone could help me decide. Thanks in advance.

As a road bike enthusiast, I enjoy "the hunt" for a new bike. Trek is a great brand, and I have owned one, but if you do not have reason for the brand loyalty on your first road bike, have some fun and broaden your considerations. If you have already narrowed your choices to these, I would certainly recommend you to the 1.2 vs the 1.1, to make the jump to the Sora components, but I generally recommend to people that they get Tiagra or better, particularly if durability is important to you. In Trek that would mean jumping to the 1.5 model. If the price of the 1.5 is out of range, there are many opportunities to get a Tiagra equipped road bike for the price of a Trek 1.2 in other brands, or see if you can get a 1.5 on clearance or used. Also, it is unlikely that you will keep your first road bike forever, unless you just don't ride it. If you ride regularly and get the bug, you will want to upgrade in a year or two.

I'm trying to keep this bike as long as possible but I realize that I might, in the future, want to get something better. I know the 2010 1.2 has a Tiagra rear derailleur but I can't decide if the little tweaks in components are worth the money. I'll be checking out other brands, as well.

The Tiagra rear derailleur is a nice add. If you can make the jump to the Tiagra shifters as well, though, which operate in a similar manner to the 105 or better, it will make a bigger difference than just the derailleur. That said, I am sure however that the Trek 1.2 would serve you well. You just need to set your budget and choose the best bike you can get for the money.

I believe that the 1.1 has an aluminum fork and has an 8-speed cassette. The 1.2 has a carbon fork and a 9-speed cassette. The carbon fork will eliminate a lot of vibration versus the aluminum fork so that would be a big issue for me personally. The extra gear on the cassette is nice also especially if you're riding hilly terrain.

These are just a couple of my observations that have helped me to ride more comfortably for longer periods of time.

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Between these three, I believe I like the 2010 1.2 but I've just now realized that I should maybe look at a few other companies. Thanks for the help.

Have fun with it and let us know what else you consider and what you buy. Bike fit is most important to actually using and enjoying the bike, so buy the right size and style road bike for comfort considering your intended use, size, proportions, flexibility and injury history.

Yup, you do need to look at other bikes. Test ride as many bikes as you can and different bike shops. Buy what fits, what feels best, and what turns you on the most.

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