trek 1.2 double or triple

[Nickl52]

I was pondering over the 1.2 and 1.5 (09 model) but there were none in stock. I was then let down by my LBS with a Scott Speedseter and they have now offered me the 2010, 1.5 Trek for £650 instead of £775 due to me being inconvenienced... i pick it up Saturday.... for me it has been worth the hassle, but I probably would have stretched to the full price originally for the newer model due to the better spec.

 

[jay clock]

I have a 1.2 with a triple and my other road bike is a compact. I use the Trek as a winter bike and love it. The brakes were not great but I have just stuck new ones on and they seem better. The bike only sees action from Oct to March and I really recommend it as a good all rounder. If you do get a double make sure it is a compact chainset (ie 34/50)

 

[jay clock]

sorry, see here too http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/sh...highlight=trek

 

[Downward]

Sometimes when your not at your best the Compact is a battle up the hills - But the way I see it is if I want to plod around I can use my hybrid and the Road bike is going to be for fitness.

 

[jimboalee]

One report I found had the Trek 1.2 at 8.4 kg ?? Confirmation please.

Add pedals and bottles of water and it will increase to about 9.5 ( or 21 lb ).

All wise old sages will tell you a 21 lb bike needs a 48" gear to get up a 10%. 44" inches to get up a 12% and 40" to get up a 14%.

As long as the double 'Compact' has a gear in the thirties, you're laughing.

The triple is for those rare 20% grades known to evil sportive organisers.

 

[jimboalee]

One report I found had the Trek 1.2 at 8.4 kg ?? Confirmation please.

Add pedals and bottles of water and it will increase to about 9.5 ( or 21 lb ).

All wise old sages will tell you a 21 lb bike needs a 48" gear to get up a 10%. 44" inches to get up a 12% and 40" to get up a 14%.

As long as the double 'Compact' has a gear in the thirties, you're laughing.

The triple is for those rare 20% grades known to evil sportive organisers.

34 x 26 is 35".

What are you worrying about?

 

[Banjo]

I have a Trek Valencia Hybrid road bike triple. I use the granny ring less now than I did but now and then when finding a steep bit when legs are tired its a lifesaver.

 

[rich p]

One report I found had the Trek 1.2 at 8.4 kg ?? Confirmation please.

Add pedals and bottles of water and it will increase to about 9.5 ( or 21 lb ).

All wise old sages will tell you a 21 lb bike needs a 48" gear to get up a 10%. 44" inches to get up a 12% and 40" to get up a 14%.

As long as the double 'Compact' has a gear in the thirties, you're laughing.

The triple is for those rare 20% grades known to evil sportive organisers.

As usual Jim is making assumptions based either on his own experience or some mythical 'truths'.

I regularly ride up Ditchling Beacon which is an average of 10% with a max of 12% and the most comfortable gearing for me is 30 x 25 (or 30 x 23 on a good day). So for my hips, knees and cadence preference the gear inches I use on a 10% hill is 32" or 35".

 

[jimboalee]

As usual Jim is making assumptions based either on his own experience or some mythical 'truths'.

I regularly ride up Ditchling Beacon which is an average of 10% with a max of 12% and the most comfortable gearing for me is 30 x 25 (or 30 x 23 on a good day). So for my hips, knees and cadence preference the gear inches I use on a 10% hill is 32" or 35".

Is that you in your avatar?
Is that your bike?
Does it weigh 21 lb?

 

[nmcgann]

I'd always recommend a triple to beginners, there are no compromises with ratios and steps between front chainrings and there will be a gear for just about every situation. The "triple is heavier" argument is pretty laughable (usually under 100g difference to have the inner ring) and IMO it's down to appearance and fashion rather than any practical reason.

The main advantage of a compact is that it is harder for other riders to tell you are using very low gears

Neil

 

[jimboalee]

OP.

Is the '88' in your membername a reference to your year of birth?

If yes, you'll be 21 this year. Congrats on that.

Question... Do you think you could be HALF as good cyclist as a professional?

If yes, the Compact is OK for you.

[The mysterious gear calculator is aimed at the cyclist who is beginning but WANTS to be average]

 

[Garz]

Hehe a unique way to look at it jim but very apt.

 

[johnnyb]

I have just had a 2010 Trek 1.2 compact - I ordered a triple but evans couldn't deliver, so it was the compact. I am not the fittest but have ridden 90+ miles on it since friday and all I can say is it is a superb bike. I've hit one or two hills but nothing that I couldn't ascend!

 

[Fab Foodie]

Is that you in your avatar?
Is that your bike?
Does it weigh 21 lb?

OK Jimbo.
I also ride Ditchling regularly. My fave gear is similar to rich P's at 30x25.
I used to climb it on a heavier bike, a fixie of 42x15. That's quite a gearing difference.
Go figure mumbo-jimbo!

 

[MacB]

OK Jimbo.
I also ride Ditchling regularly. My fave gear is similar to rich P's at 30x25.
I used to climb it on a heavier bike, a fixie of 42x15. That's quite a gearing difference.
Go figure mumbo-jimbo!

Noooooo.......you and RichP are way out of line......this is like unveiling the Wizard of Oz.......you take all the magic out of things!