Comments on: Trek 2.3 or Fuji Roubaix?

By: JP

JP — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 02:36:43 +0000

I know this is well after the previous post, but I think it’s still worth mentioning…

Both are good bikes. But I think a more fair comparison in this case would be with the Fuji Rubaix Pro (as opposed to the regular Roubaix), especially if the deciding factor for the Trek 2.3 is the upgraded shimano components. The Roubaix Pro comes with the same 105/Ultegra mix as the Trek, and still costs hundreds less.

All things being equal, you’d be paying for the name if you went with the Trek..

By: Bill (cycleguy)

Bill (cycleguy) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:08:12 +0000

I am sort of “stuck” with having to go with the Trek. I need a 64 cm frame because of my size. I have investigated these two and settled on the Trek because it comes in a 64. I have not yet bought it though. My question to the editors: know any other bikes at that size comparable in price or say…under $2K?

By: Paul Tregouet

Paul Tregouet — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:00:40 +0000

A couple points to consider:One would be: How much do you want to get into cycling? If it’s a first bike, and you have not been logging miles and you may find it boring or not enjoy as much as you thought, then dropping $1500+ on a bike may not be the best way to go about it. The Trek does have nice components, and that is what makes up a lot of the jump in price as you go up the bicycle food chain.Having said that, there are definitely a lot of very strong opinions in the bike world (just pose a question about triple versus double Some folks say get the best you can afford right now. Some say start with a good but basic frame and upgrade components as they wear out. As an example, wen my cassette, chain and large chainring needed to be replaced on my Giant SCR3, I used the opportunity to upgrade the whole group. I had a lower outlay at the beginning, got to know that I really liked cycling and the upgrade has made it feel like a whole new machine. Of course, I then complemented it with a new set of wheels, again an upgrade over time instead of a new machine. The other advantage to this is that if, after the summer, you find it s your niche, then getting a newer/better bike means that you have a winter trainer already on hand. Yes, my Orca stays inside in the nasty winter weather You also have a heavier bike for training so that when you ride a sportive on your race machine, you will feel like you are flying.One last note: LBS, i.e. local bike shop. Sure, buying over ebay is cheaper, I got my Speedplay pedals, among other components, on ebay. The thing is, the local bike shops are the ones that support you, do the repairs, fit you properly on a bike, advise on components. There’s not really a big margin on bicycles (unless we count Serotta and the like). You’re probably going to find that the LBS is where you get a lot of useful info, see/feel new products, get ideas. I have always found my LBS to be supportive, especially with warranties (and things do occasionally go wrong in manufacturing) Maybe that’s why they’ve been around so long. If you have your heart set on one of these two, I would say go for the Trek, and consider the triple. If you are starting and have hills near you…. you will appreciate it.

By: Tim Trogdon

Tim Trogdon — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:57:07 +0000

If you really must go this route I would order from the dealer in Texas who sells on E-Bay. But until you ride a lot and can really appreciate the feel of a bike you can get a bike like a Forge CTS 1000. Mine was under $400 dollars including taxes and shipping! With the extra money I purchased some great wheels and tires from Performance – had a Grand Opening special. So for inclement weather or other road conditions I can use my original wheels – great for workouts and when I want to fly I switch back to my selected wheels. So with the extra wheels, my preference of seat (you need to ride a while before judging seats) and clipless pedals I was still way under $400 dollars. Get a book on fit and make sure the bikes specs will fit you properly. Zen’s Art of bicycle maintenance will show you how to make measurements to get a great initial fit. Because stems come stacked it is harder to tweak them – have to use spacers, etc. so that is important. The bottom brackets are pretty good nowadays and you can wait until you wear yours out to replace it with an upgrade. Gook luck and avoid paying retailer markup, especially if they don’t support you.

By: Will Ward

Will Ward — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:44:02 +0000

I would recommend riding a few different bikes before making a decision. There are a lot of good starter bikes with good components for $1000-$1500.

By: Alastair Hamilton

Alastair Hamilton — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:39:08 +0000

That’s very reasonable, $1000 for a starter bike is well worth it.Get the bike and get out as soon as you can!

By: Heather Sharp

Heather Sharp — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:38:00 +0000

I am in the same boat as far as buying my first bike. I have been riding for a year and a half on department store bikes. My uncle recently asked me to join him in one of his marathons. Told me i need to purchase a road bike and train for it first. Went to the local bike shop and he quoted me $1000 for a beginners bike and gear. Is that reasonable?