Bike Upgrade Recommendation

gotlimes said:

I've got a Trek 1200 that I've ridden 2200 miles (road and rollers) since Aug '05. Got into biking and I Love It!! Looking to get a new bike this Spring, what is your recommendation given a budget of $1,400 - $1,700? I'm not hung up on any particular brand or component set.

Thanks!!

What are your goals? Where do you want to be? Do you want to race? Do you ride for fun and fitness? Great that you have caught the bug. Nothing wrong with the 1200 though depending on what your status is and any upgrade given your financial limitations may be minor. Why upgrdae, what are you looking for in a new bike? Schloads of bikes in the 1500 - 2000 range and many different frame types/materials to consider. More info please ........

Good questions. I ride mainly for fun and fitness with a small group on the coast, so it's flat except for high rise bridges. I'm definately interested in some better wheels and base components and decided that I'd be better off getting a new bike than swapping out components on the 1200.

I am interested because I would consider a 1200 perfectly acceptable for your type of riding, and I am considering one for myself once I lose more weight. The component mix looks nice to me for a frequent but casual rider (I have a goal of at least 2006 miles in 2006).

What do you find about the component mix that needs upgrading? Are the wheels too flexy? If you did a lot of climbing I could see the weight being an issue, but you are in the flats...

What are the weaknesses of the other components? I am not sure about the components in the year you bought the bike, but the current 1200 seems like a reasonable mix of components to ride for many years for me... Of course, my next new bike will be my first new road bike, so I could be off base...

Thanks for whatever insight you can provide. Your comments may also help others know what is important to you in making their recommendations.

The 1200 gets you into the far more common 9-speed world of Shimano, currently speced with Tiagra brifters and 105 rear derailer. I use that exact setup on one of my trainer bikes, perfectly acceptable even if you started to dable in local beginner races. A wheel upgrade is going to be far more noticeable that strictly components. Now if you want to go to an AL frame with a carbon rear you get a lighter frame and an Ultegra/105 mix. Bang for your buck would be better/lighter wheels which could transfer to a new bike later on. If it were me, I'd ride what ya got until you decide to take it to the next level. Test ride some of the bikes your mates ride (assuming proper sizing). Do they really feel that much different than your 1200? Also, be on the lookout for a better grade used bike. If you're willing to dump a Trek 1200 after only 6 months I reckon there is someone out there with a Trek 2500 who just has to have "what Lance rides". It's natural that once you get hooked on riding you crave better, bigger, faster gear. That's cool.

I ride a range of bikes from Ti (DA 10), to AL with Carbon (DA 9) to a basic Al Taiwan frame(105/105 Tiagra mix). All feel great and give me pleasurable rides. Now for racing I must admit I tend to go with the higher end bikes.