Trek X500 or Specialized Globe '05?



Commutist

New Member
Apr 10, 2005
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Having decided to get back into cycling after over 10 years away, I have been looking at bikes that might be good for commuting as well as some light-weight, single-day touring on roads or well-maintained trails. Has anyone else looked at/ridden these bikes, and if so what were your observations?

Thanks!
 
I have a trek X500. Heavy as a tank. I would guess about 35 pounds before any baggage. It’s advantage is that there is nothing to buy except bags. It has cheap lights (LED), good racks, bell, fenders and mud flaps, disk breaks, good kick stand, built in pump, 37mm tires and a built in lock. The kitchen sink might be there too I have not looked. It also has ridiculously low gearing. Inner chain ring 22, largest rear gear 38, that is low! I love the built in lock. Just like locking your car.

I use it around town, for shopping etc, It does not need good roads. My longest rides are in the 60-70 mile range loaded with junk. I’m planning in riding from Orlando FL to Boston MA next month. Best part of it is that it makes my Seven feel like it is nothing but a rocket engine.
 
Commutist said:
Having decided to get back into cycling after over 10 years away, I have been looking at bikes that might be good for commuting as well as some light-weight, single-day touring on roads or well-maintained trails. Has anyone else looked at/ridden these bikes, and if so what were your observations?

Thanks!

There are a few other options worth considering: REI now has a commuter bike with Nexus hub, front hub dynamo for lights, etc. Breezer is also selling a series of town bikes that are similar. Depending on your luck, you may be able to find oone of last year's models. Check the links below for more info. I cponverted a Novara Randonnee into a commuter bike. Pix of my bike are in the last link.

http://tinyurl.com/dthe3
http://www.commuterbicycle.com/
http://www.commutebike.com/
http://homepage.mac.com/k12rsrider/PhotoAlbum18.html
 
dnasmyth said:
I have a trek X500. Heavy as a tank. I would guess about 35 pounds before any baggage. It’s advantage is that there is nothing to buy except bags. It has cheap lights (LED), good racks, bell, fenders and mud flaps, disk breaks, good kick stand, built in pump, 37mm tires and a built in lock. The kitchen sink might be there too I have not looked. It also has ridiculously low gearing. Inner chain ring 22, largest rear gear 38, that is low! I love the built in lock. Just like locking your car.

I use it around town, for shopping etc, It does not need good roads. My longest rides are in the 60-70 mile range loaded with junk. I’m planning in riding from Orlando FL to Boston MA next month. Best part of it is that it makes my Seven feel like it is nothing but a rocket engine.

I"m considering that X500 to be ordered this winter if I go with it. I have a question though. I'm concerned about heel rub with rear panniers, if I had that problem do you think I'd be able to replace the rear rack with a Jannd Expedition rack? By the picture on the Trek site, I'm concerned the rear rack might be specialized just for the mounts on the bike.
 

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