Should I buy a TREK 1000 WSD? STUMPED!!! Need advice!?

Question

I've been searching on the web for a fairly new road bike. I came across a TREK 1000 WSD for 400 bucks that is suppose to look like new...ridden less then 100 miles!! I'm 5'3" and the bike is a 51 inch. This should theoretically fit...but I've never ridden a TREK!! The bike is also located 4 hours away. So my question is should Jump on this opportunity... take the chance and drive 4 hours??, or keep waiting. I went to my local bike shop to test ride a TREK 1.2 which I thought would be similar but they informed me that they couldn't get their hands on one until AUGUST!! I have a Sprint Triathlon coming up in August...I'd really like to upgrade from my Wal-mart bike before then!!! WHAT IS A GIRL TO DO?!?!?!? I appreciate your opinions!! =)

Answer 1

you mean 51 CM  - But 51 sounds big to me for your size.....

My wife is 5'2 and rides a 49 i think and her bike has smaller than average wheels (650C i think instead of the more common 700c)

A used bike should be 1/2 of what it cost when new. 400 for the trek sounds a little high.

Don't forget the gas money for 200 miles round trip....at 20MPG that's around 40 bucks...

You can try buying online online if you want.....

my wife has the WIndsor Willow from Bikesdirect and trained for a sprint tri with it...and she was happy with it.

it was 400 - new about a yr ago.

Some other places to check online.

http://www.bikesdirect.com -local stores in TX and florida only i thing ( under cyclespectrum brand)

http://www.rscycle.com

http://www.performancebike.com - they have local stores too

But really for a srint tri - you can use your walmart bike....if it;s in good condition and won't break down. Get clip on Aero barsnow and after finishing the TRI - why don't you reward yourself with a bike then.....and a well deserved massage.

And check out www.beginnertriathlete.com if you want to find encouragement or support and also they have free training plans and articles about what to expect.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

hmmmmmm, i think that sounds a little big for a 5'3" body.  go online and google how to size a frame to your body and make sure it will fit.  if the bike is in great shape and you need and want it, it sounds like it might be worth it, as long as it fits.  i am 5'8" and ride a 52cm frame, so you might what you measure yourself twice before you drive.  bikes come and go on craigslist and ebay, there are deals left and right, but it does require jumping.

-Diamond Galaxy

Answer 3

at 5' 3 " I would say a 50 or smaller would be a better size for you. Try checking out a couple of different bikeshops for fits. Womens Specific designs are almost identical to the ordinary design with sometimes some very minute geometry differences such as top tube length and head tube angle. (And more feminine color choices) Whatever route you go try to stick with Shimano 105, Campagnolo Centaur, or Sram Rival groups because you will have components at that level that wil perform well and you wont want to go out and upgrade right away. At those levels you will be competetive without going broke. I personally ride Campagnolo Centaur and love that Group. Whatever you do test ride any bike before you buy it! You'll be much happier in the long run!

Answer 4

Sounds like tough situation, You could look on Craigslist and even on ebay there's a section where you could find stuff for sale by zip code. If the pics of the bike you're looking at look good maybe you could take the ride or see if the seller would meet you somewhat of the way. I bought a specialized mountain bike from a seller that was 2 and a half hours away and had him meet me an hour closer to me. Good luck.