Sure, Trek's not "cool" anymore, but...

[formernoreasta]

I rode these bikes:

1. Orbea Orca
2. Moots Vamoots
3. Independant Fabrication Steel Crown Jewel
4. Trek Madone 5.2

..and the Trek won. Both in ride quality and $price. Who'd a thunk it? I was not a Trek fan until I rode this, I always liked the smaller, independant frame shops. But I guess making thousands of OCLV frames gets them pretty far up on the learning curve! Very nice bike, and the whole bike costs what the framesets for #1-3 cost. (w/Ultegra at least).

The IF still wins the "cool" contest though.

 

[KellyT]

I rode these bikes:

1. Orbea Orca
2. Moots Vamoots
3. Independant Fabrication Steel Crown Jewel
4. Trek Madone 5.2

..and the Trek won. Both in ride quality and $price. Who'd a thunk it? I was not a Trek fan until I rode this, I always liked the smaller, independant frame shops. But I guess making thousands of OCLV frames gets them pretty far up on the learning curve! Very nice bike, and the whole bike costs what the framesets for #1-3 cost. (w/Ultegra at least).

The IF still wins the "cool" contest though.

Forget 'cool', if you just want a good bike, Trek really is excellent. Even my 'B' bike Trek 1000, is really nice to ride. I'd prefer to be uncool but enjoy the ride, thanks.

 

[astroluc]

What, no Cannondale or Specialized?

 

[formernoreasta]

What, no Cannondale or Specialized?

I also have a Cannondale R2000. Also not cool! (but an amazingly stiff bike)

 

[astroluc]

nah, was just kidding but C'Dales not "cool"? My R700 and I are very upset and just a little bit shocked

 

[formernoreasta]

nah, was just kidding but C'Dales not "cool"? My R700 and I are very upset and just a little bit shocked

At least in the Seattle area, there seems to be a fetish for oscure bikes. You know, some Italian make no one's heard of, etc. Actually, this was true in Boston too.

I used to have a Guerciotti. That would have been perfect. It's all kind of silly.

 

[artemidorus]

I also have a Cannondale R2000. Also not cool! (but an amazingly stiff bike)

Since when was Cannondale not cool? Some of the best frames in the business, and specialists with the best frame material, Al.

 

[mongooseboy]

Specialized has some of the highest technology going i believe...Lateral stiffness far exceeds most bikes (if not all?) out there.

Of course i just ride a lowly Allez triple, so what would i know? hey im never gonna be a racer, it works GREAT for me

 

[IEatRice4Dinner]

can and will fail i have had many good mechanics tell me to avoid them.

 

[bobbyOCR]

Trek never was cool over here........

In that list, you have 2 very boutique brands, which isn't really fair. The Orca is also on a different hotness level to the Trek. Treks are good bikes, but so freakin boring. The new Madone looks interesting, but still a proprietary seatpost, BB and no replaceable derailleur hanger.

Cannondales are great, but only moderately cool. They are about as 'cool' as specialized. Not unique, but they make great stuff.

 

[azdroptop]

Messed with the new Madone today at the local Trek store. Man, very sweet indeed. The integrated BB is cool as is the headset and Seatmast design. Trek really did an excellent job with the new geometry.

 

[ToffoIsMe]

Trek never was cool over here........

In that list, you have 2 very boutique brands, which isn't really fair. The Orca is also on a different hotness level to the Trek. Treks are good bikes, but so freakin boring. The new Madone looks interesting, but still a proprietary seatpost, BB and no replaceable derailleur hanger.

Cannondales are great, but only moderately cool. They are about as 'cool' as specialized. Not unique, but they make great stuff.

Don't forget proprietary fork (1 1/2 inch steerer! ), and proprietary cyclometer if you want to use the speed sensor that is built into the fork.

I can't wait for the shop I work at to get the new Madones in so I can check them out in person!

 

[alienator]

can and will fail i have had many good mechanics tell me to avoid them.

Well, heck, I guess if a mechanic said it then it must be.........completely ****ing worthless. That would an LBS that I wouldn't return to.

 

[bobbyOCR]

Well, heck, I guess if a mechanic said it then it must be.........completely ****ing worthless. That would an LBS that I wouldn't return to.

whoah, they don't * out language.

At the end of the day, it'll still be a trek.

 

[ToffoIsMe]

whoah, they don't * out language.

At the end of the day, it'll still be a trek.

Light, stiff, and not rediculously overpriced like some "made in europe" bikes. You can't go wrong with a Trek.

 

[Skoorb]

Well, heck, I guess if a mechanic said it then it must be.........completely ****ing worthless. That would an LBS that I wouldn't return to.

Eh, you made me laugh

 

[bobbyOCR]

Light, stiff, and not rediculously overpriced like some "made in europe" bikes. You can't go wrong with a Trek.

yes you can.

no replaceable derailleur hanger.

proprietary everything.

stock bontrager ****.

they look less interesting than a brick wall (they have improved this)

though they fixed their head tube

so that gets them a little extra respect.

 

[Tim Lamkin]

stock bontrager ****.

Bull buy a frame kit....

 

[bobbyOCR]

Bull buy a frame kit....

You can't tell that I don't really fancy Trek?

 

[rudycyclist]

yes you can.

no replaceable derailleur hanger.

proprietary everything.

stock bontrager ****.

they look less interesting than a brick wall (they have improved this)

though they fixed their head tube

so that gets them a little extra respect.

Trek still makes very quality bikes. Now they are breaking out and doing something most other North American manufacturers wouldn't dare to do. Plus, these machines are extremely stiff and strong at a very affordable price. The seatmast they have now is so much nicer than all the other fully integrated seatposts in that you don't have to CUT the entire seatpost just to change seat height.