Trek 1.2 compact

[Ness]

After reading loads of threads and taking the advice offered on one of my other posts, it looks like I'm getting there in my search for a first roadie.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bike...izing?url=us/en/bikes/road/sport/1_series/1_2

The above bike would normally be out of my price range, but my friendly LBS has offered a good deal.
It fits my requirements/wishes for a carbon fork and Sora groupset (FSA Vero chainset though), looks stunning, and after trying the size 58 in the shop yesterday, fits perfectly!

It retails for £700 although I've seen it for up to £750 and even £775. I've been offered it for £600 cash and could possibly squeeze out some freebies too (seeing as I've spent thousands there over the past couple of years!) or trade in my old Ridgeback MX5 and £500 cash.

Has anyone got one or ridden one?

What do you experienced roadie chaps and chapettes think?

Cheers

 

[Kestevan]

I've got the previous version (1200), now downgraded to my winter bike. They're decent all-round road bikes. Well made, with a good selection of kit and a good warranty on the frame.

They can be fitted with mudguards if required and make a really good choice as a commuter bike.
£600 is a decent price for a new one, but (as always when buying new) you can probably pick up better 2nd hand bikes for that sort of cash.

 

[MaxInc]

White bar tape looks really bad if not cleaned after every ride. In the specs you linked, they mention Sora STI for shifter and 2300 STI for brake levers which is confusing, hopefully you get the slightly better ones. Also brakes are generic alloy and rear casette is listed as SRAM. Not that would make any difference for me, as far as I'm concerned, shifters and rear mech are the most important pieces in the group set. Colour scheme looks great for my taste and price seems reasonable. Most importantly if you feel comfortable on it, it sounds like the perfect first bike.

 

[Ness]

It's the new Sora kit, the one that's the same as Tiagra from a couple of years ago. No thumb shifter!!
IMO SRAM cassettes are better than Shimano anyway so that's fine with me.
Not too fussed about the brake calipers. Merlin do a pair of Tiagra ones for 35 quid!!
I was looking at second hand but think I'd prefer new after seeing what's about. Plus the frame warranty only applies to the original owner.

Reckon it sounds like a good deal then?

 

[ohnovino]

I've got the 1.5 from a year or two back and I'm very happy with it (apart from the dirty white bar tape!). I've dropped it a couple of times (first when going clipless, then again when riding far too fast on an icy road) and it's emerged pretty much unscathed.

When I bought it, the FSA chainset did seem like a negative, but since then I've read countless threads about external bottom bracket problems, while this good old fashioned square taper one has been flawless.

 

[rideswithmoobs]

I had the 1.7 triple compact, not sure if they still do that one now. I liked it alot. Great all round bike. I now regret selling it as can be seen in other posts on this site. Good luck, sure you will really enjoy it.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

If it fits you then it's a nice bike. Looks like an 'on the money' spec' at that price point.

 

[vickster]

White bar tape looks really bad if not cleaned after every ride.

How dirty are your hands or gloves????

 

[MaxInc]

How dirty are your hands or gloves????

People have different standards when it comes to cleanness and what is considered acceptable. I like my stuff very clean.

 

[vickster]

I have done several hundred miles on fizik white tape and it's still as new. Just avoid the spongy cork stuff. Just don't get the soft touch, which is off white when new!

 

[SpokeyDokey]

People have different standards when it comes to cleanness and what is considered acceptable. I like my stuff very clean.

Um! Me too. However, black tape is usually pretty filthy you just can't see it.

Mine is impregnated with maintenance lube, sweat, snot and fly mash - I try not to think about it but have decided to change it every year come what may.

Not sure white tape is a good reason not to buy a bike though.

 

[MaxInc]

With black tape you still have a chance of being clean and looking clean at the same time and for longer, while the white stuff (indeed the spongy cork stuff) it looks filthy after a short while even with proper cleaning. I agree it's not a reason, on the contrary, it was one of the reasons I bought a white bike, and I'm sure the marketing people knew that too ... everybody loves bright, clean white ... as long as it stays that way.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

With black tape you still have a chance of being clean and looking clean at the same time and for longer, while the white stuff (indeed the spongy cork stuff) it looks filthy after a short while even with proper cleaning. I agree it's not a reason, on the contrary, it was one of the reasons I bought a white bike, and I'm sure the marketing people knew that too ... everybody loves bright, clean white ... as long as it stays that way.

I went white too I didn't originally choose white I went blue/black but when the blue/black thing turned up it had an out of kilter rear brake boss!

2013 replacement frames were not available so I had a 2012 frame built up to 2013 spec' and that is white/red/black but mainly white.

I'm not really much fussed what colour my bike is tbh but I have grown to love my whitey!

 

[lulubel]

They're nice bikes. My first road bike (about 5 years ago) was the women's version of the 1.2, and I loved it. It was comfy to ride, and well kitted out for the price. My partner still has hers and also loves it, but mine was written off by a white van man about 18 months ago.

White bar tape is only an issue if you get it really greasy, but moderate amounts of dirt and grease comes off with baby wipes. I used mine for commuting, and it was left in the bus depot all day, exposed to the grease in the air from diesel fumes, and I could never get it clean. I replaced it with black in the end, which matched the black saddle I put on it because the original didn't suit me. My partner still has the original white tape on hers. It's worn well, and it isn't sparkly clean, but doesn't look grubby either.

 

[jazzkat]

My main road bike is a trek 1.7. Very similar bike. All day comfy. I love it and while I'd like a fancier bike I really struggle to justify it when the trek is so good.