Trek 1.2

"i have a eight year old daughter. i started riding a heavy department store mountain bike a bout three years ago. and last year me and my little girl started venturing father out in town and through parks and subdivisions. and i realized how much i liked riding. so i started looking for a road bike. for month i looked at different reviews on line. and every thing pointed me to the trek 1 series .so i went and test one an let me tell you if you have Ben riding a mountain bike. and then you take this thing for a ride. you will fell like your peddling effortlessly and gliding on air. and you get where your are going quick and in style for a first road bike it is awesome."

"This thing is great for the price. The frame is phenomenal and the components get the job done. As much as people hate on the Sora drive train, it has worked well for me with occasional tuning. I have taken the 1.2 up some serious climbs, down insane descents and placed in some races. For enjoying the local scenery, look no further. One problem I have with the stock bike is the saddle, it gets uncomfortable after an hour or so.

The wheels are quite heavy but essentially bomb proof.

After 4500 miles including crashes and riding in the rain, everything is still running smoothly."

"I previously had a bike for commuting to class and was interested in being more serious with cycling. Also, I wanted to give myself a graduation gift that would help me lose some weight! I've had the 1.2 for about 4 months and have over 1,500 miles on it. I cannot get off this bike. I only wanted to ride 40 miles a week when I was shopping and I have surpassed this big time. I feel like I'm connected to the road and flying by, less work=more speed.



Here's the good:

-For the price, this bike is excellent.

-This bike will kick your butt.

-It's lightweight

-Very durable (no problems at all yet)

-Handles almost too well (coming from steel monster)

-Brakes, shifting, gears are fine.

-Tapped & drilled holes for bike racks front and back, very versatile!

-Wheels and tires might be indestructible.

-The triple may be looked down upon, but your obviously not spending 3,000 on a bike because your new to it. If I need a "granny gear" then I'll have it.



Here's the not good/reality:

-This is a "cheap bike" and doesn't have top-of-the line components.

-It takes a lot of time and patience to work out the shifting problems of the Sora shifters/derailleurs, but it is very possible. I recommend learning how to adjust them, so you don't take it to the shop every week.

-The saddle isn't for everyone. I haven't replaced mine yet, but it isn't always nice to me.

-The pedals work for a while but if you leave them on too long, they will rub off the chrome plating on the crank, so quickly purchase new ones (approx. 750 miles this was noticed)

-You will quickly realize you want a more expensive bike.



So, bottom line: this bike is Trek's 2nd cheapest road bike, to get you into cycling and it is designed with racing inspiration. I absolutely love this bike, so much that I would like to get a better bike within the year. If you'd like to lose weight, join a cycling club, start riding, spend more time outdoors, commute to work, tour across your state (done it), participate in a local event or begin racing: start here."

"I bought this bike after using an old concord from the 70's in an MS 150. I knew it was time to upgrade to a legit road bike. The STI shifters are amazing when you've only used down tube shifters and the bike is actually pretty fast (depending on the rider of course).



It came with the triple but I've honestly only used the "granny" front gear a total of 2 times in the year I've had it and those were because I had encountered a severely steep, long hill. I could have gotten up if it was a compact crank I'm sure but I didn't chose that option in the beginning.



Now that I've been riding about 2 years pretty seriously I'm seeing all of the things that I need to upgrade and I'm probably going to part with the bike and go to the 2.1 or 2.3.



The bike is great for what it is and what it's intended for (especially for the price). it will go fast and for MS 150's and rides of the like (maybe even for beginning races or triathlons) you're going to be flying. But for true road racing and hard training it would pay in the long run to go up to at least the 1.5 if not the 2.1 or 2.3 (or the Madone if that's in your budget).



So...the low down



Good:

-Lightweight compared to most bikes out there

-Good starter bike and will serve you well for many years if maintained

-Nice price point

-Will most likely give you the cycling bug and get you hooked



Bad:

-Saddle was unbearable and was replaced on day one

-The triple derailleur in the front can be finicky but gets better and stays for quite some time if all is adjusted correctly

-If you do catch the cycling bug you may have to upgrade it within 2 years of buying it.

-Brake pads needed to be replaced for more stopping power/evenness. Not dangerous but definitely not high quality.



Be realistic with your expectations. If you're not going to race or be competitive in a club then I'd say this is perfect and will suit the beginner perfectly for years to come. But if you anticipate getting serious in the sport I'd go up to at least the 1.5. Remember...it costs a lot more to buy aftermarket upgrades then to buy a bike with them already on there from the beginning."

"I use this bike on the weekends for 100-mile return trip recreational/fitness rides. I had this bike for 1-year now (have the 2009 model). The geometry gives me a relatively upright position making it quite comfortable. The saddle isn't comfy, but I upgraded it and life is good. About the drive train components, I am satisfied with the Sora class components. Some say go for the 1.5 which has Tiagra class components, but I think that's a waste of money if you aren't an aggressive rider/wannabe racer, there is no need to shift from the drop-down position on the handlebar (which you can't do with the Sora shifters). Also, some argue about durability, but look in the mirror and determine if you will really ride so much that you'll be replacing the chain and cassette within a year--if you are starting out like me, you ain't a pro. As mentioned earlier, I ride 100-mile round trips every weekend (even during the winter months) and the chain and cassettes are still in good shape (according to my local Trek store, which I had my bike tuned a week ago from the date this review was submitted). Aside from the saddle (which one can argue you get what you paid for), the brakes are the biggest problem with this bike. I'd say this is a big safety problem Trek might have overlooked. They are so bad that you might as well not have them. On stock brakes, going downhill (8% grade hill), I was just coasting down the hill at 30+ mph fully holding the brakes. After that, I immediately upgraded/replaced the pads. Brake pads are a relatively cheap investment (Dura-Ace pads I got were under $25) that will still keep the total bike price under a grand with much improved/needed braking power."

"I have been riding about 6-7 months and I got this bike 1 month ago and I really like it! It is a GREAT bike because it is light, it shifts really well, and it is a comfortable ride."

"I have a 2003 Jamis Citizen hybrid for street riding in NYC. The Jamis takes everything the street throws at it. I purchased the Trek 1.2 as my first road bike three months ago. I got to tell you, it took some getting use to. The feel, the response and the speed all came as a surprise. I now ride as if I'm chasing the wind on this thing.

My initial difficulty was shifting. Learning how long to hold the up-shift was a problem. Standing on an incline and shifting can exert too much torque and cause the gear to slip. I have it down now. My shifts are smooth and accurate. The chain pops right onto the sprockets in a timely manner.Timing is everything. I love this bike. I get lots of looks from other bikers. I stay out of the street with this one. potholes are numerous in the big apple. Plenty of bites in the road. My Jamis performs well for that task. I use my Trek for Prospect park, Central Park, long distances, West Side bike trail up to Harlem, etc. BTW, I am 55 years old, 6 feet tall and weight a lean 220lbs. With this bike, I am only improving. When I reach 200lbs, watch out for Freddie. Thanks Trek!"

"These Bicycle are absolutly fantastic, as a beginner on road bikes, I found the toughness of power these bike can hold my weight and feel Comfortable and Secure.



The front Carbon fork is a good showoff and reduces a big amount of weight to the bicycle, These are VERY Light for beginners regardless of the aluminium frame, The front Derailleur has caused me some trouble which needed quite alot of tuning, it sometimes makes noises but it is Fixable. The Rear Derailleur however is pretty awesome, Shimano's tiagra has good mechanical gear changing, fast - doesnt skip or stuck if trying to change gear.



The stock tires I recieved however were pretty bad, after a month, I got a puncutre or two every ride, and I ride about 50-60 miles each go, The Grip with those 25c tires is also bad, and Immediatly changed to Hardcase Racelite 23c.

Heavier then most tires, but cuts through metal.



The seat is uncomfortable for new riders - recommend to change to something a little bit softer."

"The Trek 1.2 Alpha is my first roadbike after 11 years on a mountain bike. I have been dreaming of roadbikes for a few years now; and finally decided to splurge. I know it is a NOT a Madone, but it sure feels like it to me. I test rode 9 bikes (Specialized, Orbea, Cannondale); and found this one to be the most comfortable for me. I am on the husky side (5'11/ 235 lbs); and this bike flew the first time I rode it. I have about 300 miles on it so far, and the only complaint I have is the saddle, I replaced it after my first 30 miler. If you are beginner like me, you cannot go wrong with Trek; go to your bike shop and take this bike for a test ride. You will not be disappointed!"

"This is my first road bike. I have test ridden a couple but i like the looks and feel of this bike. for an entry level it is pretty fast. The components are of course not the best but overall i like the ride."