TREK 1000 vs Raleigh R500

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by dmadaniel
I am looking to buy a new road bike for commuting (about 30 miles a day) and can get Trek 1000 and Raleigh 500 for about the same price (trek - $520, Raleigh - $550).

Which one should I buy?

The one that fits and you like best.In case of a tie go with color.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by dmadaniel
I am looking to buy a new road bike for commuting (about 30 miles a day) and can get Trek 1000 and Raleigh 500 for about the same price (trek - $520, Raleigh - $550).

Which one should I buy?

Are you talking about the Raleigh R500 or C500? Since the C500 is a cross bike, I assume you're referring to the R500. The R500 is a 2002 model and it looks like a better deal based on the 27 speed drive train alone. It looks like Trek 1200 components with a Trek 1000 price tag.

The Trek uses 24 speed Sora stuff that's hard to upgrade a piece at a time as you wear things out. The Sora shifters must also be operated from the brake towers. Although a couple of riding partners actually like it, I've learned to hate it now that I'm using the drops more and more.

I've been told Sora chainrings and such will outlast Tiagra, but that isn't me talking from experience. They're a little thicker and use a wider chain so I guess it makes some sense that they would. I doubt there would be much of a difference in materials, just 27 speed marketing hype and pricing.

Raleigh R500 all the way. Mostly Tiagra with 105 rear der. 27 speed drivetrain is upwardly compatible. Put about 2k miles on my R500 before I got a free Klein Q Pro Carbon. Would still be hammering on it today. It's a great entry level bike and the 500 bucks can't be better spent IMHO.