I have have had a QR for some time, w all DA components, but have had some back problems on it. I have a fused spine(from scoliosis) and although I have “perfect” aero geometry built into my body, it is quite uncomfortable to be in an aggressive aero position for long. I do International to 1/2 Ironman distances.
So, all that in mind, I found the Trek Pilot 5.2 it really seemed like a good match for me, but not ever spending more than $600 on a bike I am a bit nervous about the purchase.
Anyone, have advice on other bikes or opinions about the Trek Pilot 5.2?
BTW—after shopping around a few places I have to say that the Trek store had the best customer service…
If I understand correctly, you want to switch from a tri to a road geometry. The pilot is a sloping frame (which in facht doesn’t make a big difference, it’s mainly looks) with a very upright position. Basically thats exactly the opposite you want to achieve in a tribike.
My experience is, that a triathlonbike is easier on the back than a modified roadbike, except when riding the roadbike with shorty bar (Syntace XXS in my case).
I would FIRST decide on the intended ridingposition (road, multisport or tri) and only then decide on the bike. Concerning TREK I would go for the 1500 instead, it has almost a multisport geometry and is slightly steeper than “normal” roadbikes.
I ride a 1400 (speced down 1500 for the european market) with XXS aerobars (mainly for training, roadraces and draftlegal tris) and a 2004 QR caliente for all real tris.
BTW is there a reason rather to ride roadbikes in sprint? I have seen many people who own a tribike ride theyre roadbike in a sprintrace, while I always ride my tribike (though sprint and OD are not so important for me anyway).
Quote, “BTW is there a reason rather to ride roadbikes in sprint? I have seen many people who own a tribike ride theyre roadbike in a sprintrace, while I always ride my tribike (though sprint and OD are not so important for me anyway).”
adal,
Might it be that drafting is legal in sprint distances and this is the determining factor for many to ride road bikes rather than tribikes? Drafting on a tribike is much more difficult to control and consequently more dangerous on a tribike (more likely to crash) than drafting on a road bike.
No, sprint races around here are (officially) without drafting. But maybe thats the point, because there is usually no control and a big peleton anyway …
Trisha,
The pilot series of bikes has the same geometry as a Madone. The difference is, sloping top tube (increased stand over/higher hand position), taller head tube (again higher hand position) and something called OCLV VC in the seatstays. Trek has bonded a visco-elastic material into the carbon to soak up even more road vibration.
The bike is 180 degrees out of phase with the 1500. If comfort is what you want, the pilot would be a great bike for you.
Happy riding!
Only if you think the more upright position is going to be a sacrifice. Doesn’t sound to me like that’s the case. Trek builds the finest carbon bikes in the world. You’ll love it.
Only if you think the more upright position is going to be a sacrifice. Doesn’t sound to me like that’s the case. Trek builds the finest carbon bikes in the world. You’ll love it.
Even Lance went to a more upright position last year for time trials due to comfort vs small loss in aeroness. My road bike is set up very much like the Pilot 5.2 due to leg injury and I love it. I race a little, but I ride a lot. I’d buy that Pilot tomorrow if I were in the market. BTW it’s listed under Performance bike, not Comfort in the Bike Buyers Guide (BM) just out last month.