Beans Baxter said:Thanks to everybody that helped me out with my question about upgrading a
Panasonic DX-4000. I have another question related to that bike. I have
the opportunity to purchase a used Trek 1000 and I was wondering what
people's opinion of the two frames are.
For those of you unfamilar with the Panasonic, it's a lugged frame made
with Tange 2 double-butted tubing. The Trek 1000 is a year 2000 model
aluminum frame. Thanks for your help.
Beans Baxter
apples and oranges, I don't think either frame is better if you take away
the variable of the nicer modern components.
The Trek will probably be a little stiffer and a better hillclimber if
you're the out of the saddle type. I bet it weights a pound less as well.
The handling will be slightly more responsive or twitchier depending on
how you want to perceive it. It's an all around darn good frame--I think
it even has braze ons for fenders and a rack if you wanted to go the sport
tour route. List for a complete bike is around 600 bucks, so if you can
pick a used one up for half or a little more, then by all means do it.
It's a solid ride.
The Panasonic's going to be slightly more shock absorbent than the
Trek--not tons, the Trek's ride is pretty nice--but if you ride on bumpy
pavement you'll probably like it better. I believe the wheelbase and
fork rake are larger--don't have the specs in front of me, I'm going by
what the norm for the vintages are--so the Panasonic would be more of a
"steady rider".
Which one feels better? That's the important question. If the Trek fits
well, then why not get something modern and fresher? I'd still hang on the
panasonic and perhaps slap some sturdier rubber on it and make it a foul
weather bike--can't have enough ponies! 🙂