Trek 1000 as woman's tri bike?

[Mike Kruger]

My daughter's been using an old Gitane 12-speed with friction shifters and
platform pedals as her introductory road bike (cost: $0), but is now writing
seeking advice. Got any?

Daughter:
I'm thinking of taking up bike racing and getting a good bike. Two of my
friends bike almost daily but I can't keep up with them because they have
really nice bikes and although I love the one I have (I really do) I can't
quite keep up.
I've been looking at the girl's version of the trek 1000- any comments or
suggestions?

Dad: Do you mean "racing" or just "riding fast"?

Daughter: I think I just mean "riding fast" but the thing is I may get into
races sometime. Both of my buddies are triathaleets and I might get into
bike racing.

My daughter is 20, average height (5'6") and weight.

[Mike Jacoubowsky]

> My daughter's been using an old Gitane 12-speed with friction shifters and
> platform pedals as her introductory road bike (cost: $0), but is now
> writing seeking advice. Got any?
>
> Daughter:
> I'm thinking of taking up bike racing and getting a good bike. Two of my
> friends bike almost daily but I can't keep up with them because they have
> really nice bikes and although I love the one I have (I really do) I can't
> quite keep up.
> I've been looking at the girl's version of the trek 1000- any comments or
> suggestions?
>
> Dad: Do you mean "racing" or just "riding fast"?
>
> Daughter: I think I just mean "riding fast" but the thing is I may get
> into races sometime. Both of my buddies are triathaleets and I might get
> into bike racing.
>
> My daughter is 20, average height (5'6") and weight.

The TREK 1000 would be a very nice entry-level bike for triathlons. Main
thing I'd change to speed it up a bit, as well as enhance the ride, would be
a high-quality set of tires. Any bike under $1500 is going to have adequate,
but not great tires. Replace them with something a bit more compliant and it
will feel like you've bumped up a couple grades of bike.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com

[Brian Kerr]

Mike Kruger wrote:
> My daughter's been using an old Gitane 12-speed with friction shifters and
> platform pedals as her introductory road bike (cost: $0), but is now writing
> seeking advice. Got any?
>
> Daughter:
> I'm thinking of taking up bike racing and getting a good bike. Two of my
> friends bike almost daily but I can't keep up with them because they have
> really nice bikes and although I love the one I have (I really do) I can't
> quite keep up.
> I've been looking at the girl's version of the trek 1000- any comments or
> suggestions?
>
> Dad: Do you mean "racing" or just "riding fast"?
>
> Daughter: I think I just mean "riding fast" but the thing is I may get into
> races sometime. Both of my buddies are triathaleets and I might get into
> bike racing.
>
> My daughter is 20, average height (5'6") and weight.
>
>

IMHO, the best thing to do is to get some clipless pedals on the Gitane
first. I think that is probably the best upgrade you can give your bike
and the best part is they can transfer over to a new bike when you do
decide to get one. Assuming you do eventually go with the 1000,
clipless pedals would be an upgrade compared to the toe clips on that
bike anyway.
A 2nd upgrade I would also recommend is a decent set of tires assuming
that is a short coming on the Gitane. Between those 2 factors you might
be surprised at the people you can keep up with (assuming you are in shape.)

[gravelmuncher[_61_]]

OH GO ON! - Buy her the 1000 and some nice tri-shoes, stick a set of
R540 clipless pedals on it and some Michelin Krylion tyres, and she'll
love you to bits ! :D


--
gravelmuncher

[catzz66]

Mike Kruger wrote:
>
>
> Daughter:
> I'm thinking of taking up bike racing and getting a good bike. Two of my
> friends bike almost daily but I can't keep up with them because they have
> really nice bikes and although I love the one I have (I really do) I can't
> quite keep up.
> I've been looking at the girl's version of the trek 1000- any comments or
> suggestions?
>
> Dad: Do you mean "racing" or just "riding fast"?
>
> Daughter: I think I just mean "riding fast" but the thing is I may get into
> races sometime. Both of my buddies are triathaleets and I might get into
> bike racing.
>
> My daughter is 20, average height (5'6") and weight.
>
>

My daughter rides one of the women's 1000s after catching it on sale.
It has been a real good bike for her. She is not able to ride every day
right now, but it has been a reliable ride so far. She's had it about a
year.

[landotter]

On Jun 15, 7:20 am, gravelmuncher <gravelmuncher.2s7...@no-
mx.forums.cyclingforums.com> wrote:
> OH GO ON! - Buy her the 1000 and some nice tri-shoes, stick a set of
> R540 clipless pedals on it and some Michelin Krylion tyres, and she'll
> love you to bits ! :D

Forget the tri-shoes--just get her some comfy walkable shoes that
aren't too dowdy, a pair of cheap spd pedals, and some fast tires. The
Nashbar Prima 2 Plus are on sale right now, fast, puncture resistant
and only 240g. They're not racing tires--get some of those if you like
getting whiny phone calls.

I do nearly 200 miles per week on a 30 year old frame on such tires on
a single geared bike--and the boys on Madones in these parts are
sucking *my* wheel. What I mean by such braggadocio is that beyond
basic rolling resistance with decent tires, fit, and pedals that are
comfy--the only palpable thing holding your daughter back is her own
lack of muscle. If she actually *does* race, then the Gitane probably
won't cut it, but I see tri-bikes on Craigslist around here all the
time for half of what they sold for--with very very low miles. $700 is
the average in these parts for such a bike--usually equipped with 105/
Ultegra.

[Just A User]

landotter wrote:
> On Jun 15, 7:20 am, gravelmuncher <gravelmuncher.2s7...@no-
> mx.forums.cyclingforums.com> wrote:
>> OH GO ON! - Buy her the 1000 and some nice tri-shoes, stick a set of
>> R540 clipless pedals on it and some Michelin Krylion tyres, and she'll
>> love you to bits ! :D
>
> Forget the tri-shoes--just get her some comfy walkable shoes that
> aren't too dowdy, a pair of cheap spd pedals, and some fast tires. The
> Nashbar Prima 2 Plus are on sale right now, fast, puncture resistant
> and only 240g. They're not racing tires--get some of those if you like
> getting whiny phone calls.
>
> I do nearly 200 miles per week on a 30 year old frame on such tires on
> a single geared bike--and the boys on Madones in these parts are
> sucking *my* wheel. What I mean by such braggadocio is that beyond
> basic rolling resistance with decent tires, fit, and pedals that are
> comfy--the only palpable thing holding your daughter back is her own
> lack of muscle. If she actually *does* race, then the Gitane probably
> won't cut it, but I see tri-bikes on Craigslist around here all the
> time for half of what they sold for--with very very low miles. $700 is
> the average in these parts for such a bike--usually equipped with 105/
> Ultegra.
>

How about adding a set of aero bars to the 1000? I don't use them yet,
but it seems when I do get passed it is usually by a rider using some.

Ken

[SMS]

Mike Kruger wrote:

> Daughter: I think I just mean "riding fast" but the thing is I may get into
> races sometime. Both of my buddies are triathaleets and I might get into
> bike racing.
>
> My daughter is 20, average height (5'6") and weight.

At 5'6" she probably doesn't need a women's specific design. If this is
the case, there is a lot more to choose from.

She should also look at the Bianchi Eros in a WSD. It has a cromoly
steel frame, as opposed to the less desirable aluminum. See
"http://www.bianchiusa.com/07_eros_donna.html".

[catzz66]

SMS wrote:
>
>
> At 5'6" she probably doesn't need a women's specific design. If this is
> the case, there is a lot more to choose from.
>
>

Good point. My daughter is about that height, and could have ridden
either bike. She just liked the way the WSD felt a little better. If I
am not mistaken, only the frame is different. Wheels and other hardware
are interchangeable with the other bikes.

[Melinda Shore]

In article >,
catzz66 > wrote:
>Good point. My daughter is about that height, and could have ridden
>either bike. She just liked the way the WSD felt a little better.

It really depends on how she's built. I'm 5'5" and am
relatively long-legged. That means a shorter torso, and
women's bikes are a lot more comfortable for me as a
results. It's nice to have a broader range to choose from
but it's always going to come down to what feels and fits
best.
--
Melinda Shore - Software longa, hardware brevis -

Prouder than ever to be a member of the reality-based community

[Mike Kruger]

Brian Kerr wrote:
> Mike Kruger wrote:
>> My daughter's been using an old Gitane 12-speed with friction
>> shifters and platform pedals as her introductory road bike (cost:
>> $0), but is now writing seeking advice. Got any?
>>
>> Daughter:
>> I'm thinking of taking up bike racing and getting a good bike. Two
>> of my friends bike almost daily but I can't keep up with them
>> because they have really nice bikes and although I love the one I
>> have (I really do) I can't quite keep up.
>> I've been looking at the girl's version of the trek 1000- any
>> comments or suggestions?
>>
>> Dad: Do you mean "racing" or just "riding fast"?
>>
>> Daughter: I think I just mean "riding fast" but the thing is I may
>> get into races sometime. Both of my buddies are triathaleets and I
>> might get into bike racing.
>>
>> My daughter is 20, average height (5'6") and weight.
>>
>>
>
> IMHO, the best thing to do is to get some clipless pedals on the
> Gitane first. I think that is probably the best upgrade you can give
> your bike and the best part is they can transfer over to a new bike
> when you do decide to get one. Assuming you do eventually go with
> the 1000, clipless pedals would be an upgrade compared to the toe clips on
> that
> bike anyway.
> A 2nd upgrade I would also recommend is a decent set of tires assuming
> that is a short coming on the Gitane. Between those 2 factors you
> might be surprised at the people you can keep up with (assuming you are in
> shape.)

You're right -- the clipless would be a pretty painless upgrade. The tires
are another matter since the Gitane has 27" wheels. Other than Harris
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/tires/630.html it's hard to get fast
tires for these wheels. Still, 1 source is a lot more than 0.

[landotter]

On Jun 15, 6:23 pm, "Mike Kruger" > wrote:
> Brian Kerr wrote:
> > Mike Kruger wrote:
> >> My daughter's been using an old Gitane 12-speed with friction
> >> shifters and platform pedals as her introductory road bike (cost:
> >> $0), but is now writing seeking advice. Got any?
>
> >> Daughter:
> >> I'm thinking of taking up bike racing and getting a good bike. Two
> >> of my friends bike almost daily but I can't keep up with them
> >> because they have really nice bikes and although I love the one I
> >> have (I really do) I can't quite keep up.
> >> I've been looking at the girl's version of the trek 1000- any
> >> comments or suggestions?
>
> >> Dad: Do you mean "racing" or just "riding fast"?
>
> >> Daughter: I think I just mean "riding fast" but the thing is I may
> >> get into races sometime. Both of my buddies are triathaleets and I
> >> might get into bike racing.
>
> >> My daughter is 20, average height (5'6") and weight.
>
> > IMHO, the best thing to do is to get some clipless pedals on the
> > Gitane first. I think that is probably the best upgrade you can give
> > your bike and the best part is they can transfer over to a new bike
> > when you do decide to get one. Assuming you do eventually go with
> > the 1000, clipless pedals would be an upgrade compared to the toe clips on
> > that
> > bike anyway.
> > A 2nd upgrade I would also recommend is a decent set of tires assuming
> > that is a short coming on the Gitane. Between those 2 factors you
> > might be surprised at the people you can keep up with (assuming you are in
> > shape.)
>
> You're right -- the clipless would be a pretty painless upgrade. The tires
> are another matter since the Gitane has 27" wheels. Other than Harrishttp://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/tires/630.htmlit's hard to get fast
> tires for these wheels. Still, 1 source is a lot more than 0.

I have Vittoria Zaffiros on my 27" bike. They're a bit wide visually--
but they're very fast, comfy, and seem impervious to punctures. $13/
each at aebike.com. Seriously nice tires for the money. Groovy
decorative tread would look good on a Gitane--but don't worry, they're
slick where it counts.

Nashbar's got their Prima Plus 2s in 27" with a kevlar belt for $10
each. That's also a favorite tire of mine. It's light, supple, and
pretty flat resistant. Dull looking, but whaddaya want for a tenspot?

They've also got Conti Ultrasports for 13

http://tinyurl.com/2mr6pw
http://tinyurl.com/2zsz4m


For my money, the Zaffiros at aebike.com in 1 1/8" are by far the
nicest choice. I've enjoyed ordering from them a few times. Kick butt
customer service.

[Mike Jacoubowsky]

> At 5'6" she probably doesn't need a women's specific design. If this is
> the case, there is a lot more to choose from.


Actually, we find more reason for WSD bikes in women at the mid-to-taller
end of the range. For whatever reason, the differences between the leg
length/arm length ratios of men & women in that height range seem to be
greater than for shorter women. Also, it's not just shorter relative arms &
torso that make the difference; women in general have more difficulty
bending over as far due to different placement of the hip socket (I'm told
this is true about 70% of the time, for what it's worth).

Also, in general, there's an assumption that taller frames are going to
guys, and thus you'll find a trend towards longer top tubes than they might
have if they figured otherwise. Smaller non-WSD bikes are sometimes built
with the idea that women might be more likely to be who's riding them.

> She should also look at the Bianchi Eros in a WSD. It has a cromoly steel
> frame, as opposed to the less desirable aluminum.

Why? Geometry is *so* much more important than the material a frame is made
of. As I've said so often before, you can make a great frame from steel,
aluminum, ti or carbon. They all have various strengths & weaknesses, but
it's just not correct to make an assumption that a bike is better because
it's one material over another. It may very well be, but there's more than
the material involved in making it so.

--Mike Jacoubowsky
Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReaction.com
Redwood City & Los Altos, CA USA

[Mike Jacoubowsky]

> She should also look at the Bianchi Eros in a WSD. It has a cromoly steel
> frame, as opposed to the less desirable aluminum. See
> "http://www.bianchiusa.com/07_eros_donna.html".

Forgot to mention something in my rant about frame materials vs design. If
you look at the geometry chart for the Bianchi, you'll see something that
there's way too much of at most bike companies. Short chainstays. 406mm.
WHY???!!! Tucking the rear wheel tighter under the seat is going to have
more effect on ride comfort than the frame material, not to mention
compromise shifting performance. I just don't get short chainstays.

--Mike Jacoubowsky
Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReaction.com
Redwood City & Los Altos, CA USA

[Ozark Bicycle]

On Jun 15, 6:23 pm, "Mike Kruger" > wrote:
> Brian Kerr wrote:
> > Mike Kruger wrote:
> >> My daughter's been using an old Gitane 12-speed with friction
> >> shifters and platform pedals as her introductory road bike (cost:
> >> $0), but is now writing seeking advice. Got any?
>
> >> Daughter:
> >> I'm thinking of taking up bike racing and getting a good bike. Two
> >> of my friends bike almost daily but I can't keep up with them
> >> because they have really nice bikes and although I love the one I
> >> have (I really do) I can't quite keep up.
> >> I've been looking at the girl's version of the trek 1000- any
> >> comments or suggestions?
>
> >> Dad: Do you mean "racing" or just "riding fast"?
>
> >> Daughter: I think I just mean "riding fast" but the thing is I may
> >> get into races sometime. Both of my buddies are triathaleets and I
> >> might get into bike racing.
>
> >> My daughter is 20, average height (5'6") and weight.
>
> > IMHO, the best thing to do is to get some clipless pedals on the
> > Gitane first. I think that is probably the best upgrade you can give
> > your bike and the best part is they can transfer over to a new bike
> > when you do decide to get one. Assuming you do eventually go with
> > the 1000, clipless pedals would be an upgrade compared to the toe clips on
> > that
> > bike anyway.
> > A 2nd upgrade I would also recommend is a decent set of tires assuming
> > that is a short coming on the Gitane. Between those 2 factors you
> > might be surprised at the people you can keep up with (assuming you are in
> > shape.)
>
> You're right -- the clipless would be a pretty painless upgrade. The tires
> are another matter since the Gitane has 27" wheels. Other than Harrishttp://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/tires/630.htmlit's hard to get fast
> tires for these wheels. Still, 1 source is a lot more than 0.-

There's alot more than "1 source". Our friend Landotter has mentioned
AE Bike and Nashbar has Continental Ultrasport 27 x 1 1/4 for $12.99
and Vittoria Zafirro in 27 x 1 1/8 and 27 x 1 1/4 for $14.99. If
you're buying mail order/internet, you might as well get mail order
pricing, not retail shop pricing.

[landotter]

On Jun 15, 8:57 pm, "Mike Jacoubowsky" > wrote:
> > She should also look at the Bianchi Eros in a WSD. It has a cromoly steel
> > frame, as opposed to the less desirable aluminum. See
> > "http://www.bianchiusa.com/07_eros_donna.html".
>
> Forgot to mention something in my rant about frame materials vs design.

I'm starting to come to that conclusion--that while I love my steel
bikes, I'm sure properly built alu should be comfy. I've ridden a lot
of different tires the the past few years as I've had close to a dozen
bikes pass through my hands during that time--and they sure do seem to
matter more than frame material. I've replaced gumwalls or goofy
treads with supple and smooth and turned blech into yum. Still,
nothing rides like the Aerospace Viscount--100psi skinnies--and the
road still feels smooth as glass.


>If
> you look at the geometry chart for the Bianchi, you'll see something that
> there's way too much of at most bike companies. Short chainstays. 406mm.
> WHY???!!! Tucking the rear wheel tighter under the seat is going to have
> more effect on ride comfort than the frame material, not to mention
> compromise shifting performance. I just don't get short chainstays.

Can I add short reach brakes for civilian bikes to that list? If
you're not racing a bike--there's no reason for it not to have normal
reach brakes and some eyelets in case you do train in the winter.
These modern high zoot bikes seem to discourage their owners from
really using them--I asked one guy on a $4k ride how many miles he did
a couple days ago at a public faucet (came up in conversation, wasn't
just random) and he said "1,500". Shoot, I do close to a grand a year
in flip flops.

[Mike Kruger]

Mike Jacoubowsky wrote:
> [Bianchi model has] Short
> chainstays. 406mm. WHY???!!! Tucking the rear wheel tighter under the
> seat is going to have more effect on ride comfort than the frame
> material, not to mention compromise shifting performance. I just
> don't get short chainstays.
Thanks for that reminder. Our goal is for me to take some leave and do a
cross-US trip when she graduates from college [aim: 2010]. It's a great goal
and would be really cool if we can pull it off.

That would mean outfitting this for touring, which is easier with longer
chainstays (although she might not have the problem I have with heel strike,
since I'm taller).

[Mike Kruger]

Mike Kruger wrote:
> Brian Kerr wrote:
>> Mike Kruger wrote:
>>> My daughter's been using an old Gitane 12-speed with friction
>>> shifters and platform pedals as her introductory road bike (cost:
>>> $0), but is now writing seeking advice. Got any?
>>>
>>> Daughter:
>>> I'm thinking of taking up bike racing and getting a good bike. Two
>>> of my friends bike almost daily but I can't keep up with them
>>> because they have really nice bikes and although I love the one I
>>> have (I really do) I can't quite keep up.
>>> I've been looking at the girl's version of the trek 1000- any
>>> comments or suggestions?
>>>
>>> Dad: Do you mean "racing" or just "riding fast"?
>>>
>>> Daughter: I think I just mean "riding fast" but the thing is I may
>>> get into races sometime. Both of my buddies are triathaleets and I
>>> might get into bike racing.
>>>
>>> My daughter is 20, average height (5'6") and weight.
>>>
>>>
>>
>> IMHO, the best thing to do is to get some clipless pedals on the
>> Gitane first. ...
>> A 2nd upgrade I would also recommend is a decent set of tires
>> assuming that is a short coming on the Gitane.

UPDATE:
First of all, thanks to all those who replied. It was helpful to me and to
my daughter. So here's what happened:
My daughter got her Trek 1000. The LBS spent about 3 hours with her getting
the right fit. Since she's in Philadelphia, I can't really describe this in
any detail, but from her description this is a guy who does a lot of
fitting. She's got new bike fever and is quite happy, even though she paid
for it herself.

As a birthday present, I offered to buy some clipless pedals and shoes.
She's going to pick these up in a couple of weeks when she goes back to the
shop for a check-out. She's going to have the old Gitane tuned up as well,
for use as a "bad weather" bike or when she must leave a bike in a less
secure location.

We'll see how much faster she is. This might motivate her to improve the
engine, so the new bike might actually make her faster.