Publication-Roadbikereviews.com

Date-January 2007

Findings:

• Summary:
• After some 1500 miles riding for recreation and fitness I can say this bike is a tremendous value.
• It felt quicker with better power transfer than the Felt, Giant and Cannondale bikes I tried.
• I am 5'8" and tend to stretch out after getting warmed up, the 54 cm frame fits me perfectly. You can pay a lot more for only incremental increases in performance.
• That said I immediately upgraded to clipless pedals and bike shoes. This will be the first and most rewarding upgrade to do.
• Also the standard seat is marginal and an upgrade here is worthy.
• I just replaced the stock Bontrager select tires. The rear started to flat. After a lot of reading this forum's tire reviews I just installed new Continental GP 4000's and new Continental tubes. Wow, what a difference in acceleration, rolling resistance and especially cornering. The Continentals stick in the corners in a confidence inspiring way. I corner faster and sharper in the same turns I took with the stock tires. There is a distinct improvement in comfort and road feel at the same time.
• I added a Cateye Micro wireless computer. This is a good basic inexpensive bike computer that keeps track of most of what I want and I love the clean wireless installation.
• Got a Topeak small wedge seat bag that just has room for cell phone, CO2 inflator, patch kit and Trek multitool. This is all the bike you need for recreational and fitness riding. Performance is exhilarating enough to make you anticipate your next chance to ride
• Strengths:
• Relative to its class, excellent power transfer, this bike surges ahead in a rewarding fashion. Stable, predictable handling. Great build quality, takes hard riding without breaking or needing constant adjustment.
• Beautiful paint job and nice clean looking welds on frame.
• Carbon fork and seatpost.
• Weaknesses:
• Clipless pedals not standard.
• Stock seat is marginal.
• Stock tires don't perform as well as higher quality replacements.