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Trek 1.2 road bike

  • 30-06-2009 10:58AM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 883 ✭✭✭


    Hi all after some looking around and thinking i have decided to go for the Trek 1.2 bike. I was looking at some more up market priced bikes aswell but as i only want to use the bike for trips around the 10-20 k mark and its my first road bike i decided to keep it simple and start off with this bike.
    Has anybody on here got this bike and what do they think of it any tips on what i need to keep it working ok for me.

    Cheers for reading

    Con


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    It's a decent entry level road bike if slightly overpriced for what it is (like all Treks)- you won't get much better at exactly its price point but for a few hundred extra you can get a lot better from other brands, albeit generally internet/UK.

    My own first road bike was a Trek 1000 (the predecessor) and I found it great, you will enjoy the bike and it is more than enough bike for 10-20km or indeed much longer spins.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,565 ✭✭✭thebouldwhacker


    I bought one this year and have no issues with it. One thing though, I stripped the reflectors off it, there is some weight in them. I agree with Blorg it is more of a bike than just for short spins I've taken mine up and down some big hills on long spins and it has always been solid. It wasnt my first choice bike but such is life, enjoy it, treat it well and keep it serviced. There are some great vids on youtube and the boards wiki on how to care for your bike.

    Haggle on the price too, I found €150 of a price difference when I was shopping around.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 106 ✭✭Fredo


    Hi Con,
    I've a Trek 1.2 I bought it 2 years ago and it is a good starter bike, never had any problems with it. I do about 80/100 km at week-ends it is very comfortable, I really like to saddle. But as Blog mentioned it is a bit overpriced.
    I might sell it before at the end of July if you are interested Pm


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 698 ✭✭✭nitrogen


    Hi blorg,

    What other models would you recommend that are slightly better in the same price range as the Trek 1.2?

    Cheers


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    I am going to presume you are looking at the Trek at Irish RRP of around €750.

    To take one online example the Canyon Roadlite 5.0 @ €849 is a much much better bike, leagues ahead of the Trek, but I believe they are having supply problems at the moment.

    Another example that is actually available would be the Focus Variado Compact - this comes in at the same price as the Trek and is certainly a better bike (not up there with the Canyon though.)

    Push up the price to around/a bit over the €1,000 mark and you start getting into very nice bikes indeed.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 293 ✭✭keano007


    Hey I bought a trek 1.2 last December with the intention of just doing a small bit of cycling but with the last few months I'm doing alot more so I'm gonna upgrade. I'd be looking to sell it if ur interested in buying second hand, as I said I only have it 6 months so it's in immaculate condition, would be willing to talk about the price to


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 408 ✭✭jinka


    Hi keano Im interested if 54cm?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 293 ✭✭keano007


    It's a 56cm.....if u want to try it out for size we can organize something just pm me


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 408 ✭✭jinka


    ah too big pity


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 106 ✭✭Fredo


    jinka wrote: »
    Hi keano Im interested if 54cm?
    Mine is a 54cm if you are interested ... mint condition new types back/front. I can send you pictures.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 408 ✭✭jinka


    yeah send away if you have

    cheers


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 698 ✭✭✭nitrogen


    blorg wrote: »
    I am going to presume you are looking at the Trek at Irish RRP of around €750.

    To take one online example the Canyon Roadlite 5.0 @ €849 is a much much better bike, leagues ahead of the Trek, but I believe they are having supply problems at the moment.

    Another example that is actually available would be the Focus Variado Compact - this comes in at the same price as the Trek and is certainly a better bike (not up there with the Canyon though.)

    Push up the price to around/a bit over the €1,000 mark and you start getting into very nice bikes indeed.

    I'll be buying it in the UK. I was initialling looking at the Trek 1.5. The more I dug, the more I read negative aspects towards it (Wheels, 9-speed), but I still don't know enough yet.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1 David_G


    Keano007, are you still looking to off-load the 56cm Trek 1.2? I am currently in the market for something along these lines


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 180 ✭✭dexty


    Hi all,

    I am interested in buy a bike too and have been looking at the trek 1.5 and 1.9s. It's very hard to work out why there's a price difference between the models, what you are actually getting for your extra money?

    Also looking at the Specialised in same price bracket, but it's interesting to read that both these makes are over priced due to big marketing (much like I suspected). Why is the http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=817 such a better bike than say the Trek 1.5 or 1.9? Is there really that much of a difference? Would it be noticeablely quicker/better?

    Any help deciding would be greatly appreciated. Or anyone with a Trek 1.9 secondhand for sale Or a Canyon!
    Regards,

    dexty


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 180 ✭✭dexty


    58 cms bye the way!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    dexty wrote: »
    I am interested in buy a bike too and have been looking at the trek 1.5 and 1.9s. It's very hard to work out why there's a price difference between the models, what you are actually getting for your extra money?
    It's mainly the "groupset" which are all the bits on the bike, gears, brakes, shifters, cranks etc.- 1.5 is Sora which is entry level while the 1.9 is Ultegra which is only 1 step down from the top. You could expect from Ultegra: more speeds (10 vs 9), shifts better, lasts longer, is more reliable and lighter. The wheels on the 1.9 are also better and lighter. The frames between the bikes are the same but the 1.9 is a much better bike, they are not really in the same league at all.

    As regards to why Canyon are cheaper, it is because they sell direct on the internet from Germany. They are very good bikes; Cadel Evans and his team are on them in the Tour de France right now. Note if you bought a Trek or Specialized in a country other than Ireland it would be cheaper too, Canyon would still be better value but the difference would not be quite as stark.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 180 ✭✭dexty


    Many thanks for that excellent reply, basically Sora is base groupset, then 105's, then ultegra's, then one other higher groupset?

    So the Canyon 5 series would be better than the 105 Trek, but not as good as the 109 (Ultegra), but the 6 series (Ultegra) would be just as good as the 109. but @€;400 cheaper, am I right?

    thanks, I can see the difference between the 105 and 109 now. will better wheels make much difference to the speed of the bike/how it climbs? OR is the main difference just the groupset?

    Canyon selling direct on the net would keep the price down alright. Is an extra €150 for the 6 series with Ultegra groupset worth it? What's the wheels like on the 5 and 6 series? (Mavic Aksium)

    Buying over the net, what happens with repairs and servicing etc, it's not as if I can pop into the store I bought it from?

    Cheers,
    D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,414 ✭✭✭Bunnyhopper


    Just to clarify - the Shimano range of road groupsets runs like this:

    Dura Ace (Best)
    Ultegra
    105
    Tiagra
    Sora
    2200 (Basic)


    And for comparison, the Campagnolo Range is:

    Super Record (Best)
    Record
    Chorus
    Centaur
    Veloce
    Mirage
    Xenon (Basic)

    And SRAM:
    Red (Best)
    Force
    Rival (Basic)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,606 ✭✭✭Jumpy


    I just got the 1.7. Im only recently back into cycling but I have to say I love it. It has the 105 set and it looks fantastic, spanky red/white.

    Sora then Tiagra then 105 then Ultegra then Dura Ace.

    Edit: Too slow, Bunnyhopper in there first.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 45 1tony


    what price are these bikes you guys are talking about?

    how do they compare to the Ford Cayo


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,606 ✭✭✭Jumpy


    Irish RRP for the 1.7 is 1300.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,684 ✭✭✭macadam


    Just across the border ,Newry the 1.9 can be had for €1100 as to €1750 in the south.
    Bought one earlier in the year .


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    Personally I would pay an extra 150 for Ultegra over 105 but to be honest the difference is probably not that great, so if you want to save it... There is a general sense that from 105 up you are mainly looking at weight saving rather than functionality. Mavic Aksiums are a very solid entry level road wheelset and good value with the Canyon bikes, indeed they are specced with bikes far more expensive. Not particularly light but not heavy either and solid and reliable.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 698 ✭✭✭nitrogen


    Hi blorg,

    I understand all bike companies size their frames slightly different. What bike comes close to a Canyon? If I was comfortable on a 58 cm Trek, would that equate to a 58 cm Canyon Roadlite? I have completed Canyon's bike positioning application, but it's putting me on one size larger than competitive cyclist's fit calculator.

    Thanks.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    I don't know as I don't have a Canyon. I had a 58cm Trek road bike myself though and have ridden the same size in a good number of other bikes- Focus Cayo, Litespeed Archon, Specialized Tricross, Specialized Sirrus. Probably best email Canyon to ask their opinion. You could also compare the actual tube measurements between what you have now and the Canyon.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 180 ✭✭dexty


    So If I wanted to spend @1100, I could get the Trek 1.9 with the quality Ultegra groupset, or for the same money I could get a Boardman Carbon Team http://www.boardmanbikes.com/road/road_team_carbon.html which would have entry level groupset, but the carbon frame. Which would you chose & why?

    Bearing in mind Irish roads, is the carbon prone to cracking, particularly on back roads with pot holes etc?

    Regards,
    D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,517 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    dexty wrote: »
    So If I wanted to spend @1100, I could get the Trek 1.9 with the quality Ultegra groupset, or for the same money I could get a Boardman Carbon Team http://www.boardmanbikes.com/road/road_team_carbon.html which would have entry level groupset, but the carbon frame.

    SRAM Rival is not "entry level". I'd get the Boardman.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 180 ✭✭dexty


    I thought by posts above (Bunnyhopper) that SRAM Rival was basic and therefore would be same as basic Shimano (220 or Sora). Are you saying the basic Srams rivals groupsets are much better than the equivalent Shimano? = to 105's or Ultegra's?

    Cheers,

    D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,517 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    dexty wrote: »
    I thought by posts above (Bunnyhopper) that SRAM Rival was basic and therefore would be same as basic Shimano (220 or Sora). Are you saying the basic Srams rivals groupsets are much better than the equivalent Shimano? = to 105's or Ultegra's?

    Rival is the cheapest SRAM groupset, in the same way that a 430 Scuderia is the cheapest Ferrari.

    It is often compared with Ultegra in general quality terms, although the shifting is different.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    I would also get the Boardman over the Trek, it is a far better frame. Groupset comparisons are a bit of a religious matter but Rival is certainly not entry level, basically SRAM only went after the 'serious' groupset market when they entered the road market (e.g. what Shimano does from 105 up.) Whether Rival it is equivalent to Ultegra or not (some compare to 105, although Rival is lighter than even Ultegra) it is certainly a decent groupset.


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