I have narrowed my bike choices down to two road bikes. (this will be my first bike purchase getting into tri’s)
2004 Trek 2100 or
2004 Fuji Robaix
I just thaout that I would try to get the thoughts of those that know a lot more than I.
Thanks for the input
I have the Robaix and use it for century rides, climbing, and trainer purposes.
It has a triple crank and is pretty light. Mine has 105 components. Not sure what the 2004 model has.
Wheels are Ritchey semi-aero with offset in rear and low spoke count in the front. Decent wheels but hub latching mechanism ratchet system was not adequately lubbed from factory. Had to rebuild it. Not really a Fuji issue as much as a component wheel choice issue on the bike.
I paid less than $1000 and have since seen Ultegra out-fitted similiar bikes (different brand frames) for about the same price on Colorado Cyclist, etc.
In hindsight, I probably would of purchased an Ultegra based Titanium import from Airborne.net
It would of been twice the price, but on some recent century rides, the few Airborne titanium bikes I saw looked really nice and knowing that they were only about $2k made me second guess my purchase aluminum bike purchase.
Haven’t ridden the Trek. I’m sure its a reputable frame that you can’t go wrong with.
Did you go visit Tom yet?
I could answer your question if you tell me/us how you came to chose those two bikes in particular…
Both are good bikes and plenty bike for the money. Light aluminum, decent components.
I have a 2002 Roubaix which has a lighter frame than the '04 and '05. It used to be the same frame tubes as the Fuji Team, I think: a sub 3-lb frame. The whole bike is exactly 19 pounds with pedals, pretty good for a $1100 bike.
I bought it a little more than 2 years ago and can’t complain. It’s my first real road bike and is all I need, really. I will be happy with it for 4-5 seasons and 10,000 miles. Right now its in a roadie position, but as the tri season progresses I bolt on Syntace C2s and move the seat forward a bit. This works fine for me for triathlons. I may also get fitted this year.
The Ritchey wheels are fine (and very comfy, but not light or fast), but I was given Rolf Vectors, a bit of a step up. The 105 stuff is fine and I use a triple, which I like.
If it fits, the Fuji is just fine. Go with wahtever fits and feels better.