Publication-Bicycling

Date-April 2008

Title-Trek 2.3

Findings:

• PERFORMANCE COMES FIRST
• NEW TECH, OLD FASHIONED QUALITY: Trek hydroforms and manipulates 6000-series aluminum for flex free power transfer and a compliant ride. Low-count bladed spokes in its Bontrager wheels help cheat the wind, and its Race Lite tires have a dual compound tread for reduced rolling resistance, better wear and grip in cornering.
• PICK YOUR GEARS: The 2.3 is a available with hill-eating compact double chainrings or a wider-ration triple-chainring to suit your terrain and fitness level.
• FRAME: Alpha Black aluminum w/TCT carbon stays
• FORK: Bontrage-Race, carbon w/aluminum steerer.

Publication-Bicycling

Date-March 2009

Title-Trek 2.3

Findings:

• TREK IS PART OF A REFRESHING TREND: THE USE OF THE SAME FRAME GEOMETRY across different models so that lower-priced models have all the sharp-handling characteristics of a top-tier bike. "We used to force you to make a choice when buying," says Tyler Pilger, product manager for Trek's road bike division. "Because you didn't want an aero fit, we assumed you wanted more relaxed handling." He continues, "But that's like BMW offering to sell you a Buick because you don't want the BMW M3's powerful engine. If yoou buy the most basic 328i, you still get something that handles great, and that's where we are now."
• Trek uses what it calls Performance geometry in bikes ranging from the $880 alloy 1.2 to the top flight $9,130 Madone 6.9. Key measurements-head angle, seat angle, chainstay length and wheelbase-are the same, or within millimeters of each other, across that spectrum. The more upright stance of the Peformance fit provides a more comfortable rider position, but with the Madone's signature handling. Trek offers a race-oriented Pro geometry, with a 30 mm shorter head tube and sharper handling on its Madone models from 5.2 to 6.9.
• At fast, aggressive speeds, the 2.3 is predictable, like the 6.9 I tested last year. And, thanks to its carbon seatstays and Pilger says, some give built into the seatpost, the alloy 2.3 proved as comfortable as my classic steel-framed bike when cruising for hours. I felt perfectly at home on the 2.3, from sit-and-suffer hill-climb repeats to a fast weekend shop ride. Two bonuses: The 2.3 comes in compact and triple cranks, as well as in a women-specific model with its own geometry.