'cross bikes from Trek

[tsunayoshi]

Anyone have any experience with the cyclocross line from Trek? The XO1 or XO2?

Not looking to race 'cross, although I might enter a race or two for S&G. Just looking for something that can handle WF and the C&O type trails.

[Auger N]

I have not ridden either as my usual shops (including a Trek dealer) did not carry the XO bikes.

Looking at the specs I was not disappointed, however, as there did not seem to be anything that particularly stood out with these bikes.

Just curious why you are interested in them....

[spin]

I don't have any experience with their cross bikes. I did 9 cyclocross races this year and did not see a single one. I think a lot of people are put off because of Trek's popularity (Armstrong Era). Seems like everyone wants what nobody else has. Just so they can be different... just like everybody else!

But I would say they are probably pretty good bikes. Trek makes a solid bike. I think their mountain bike line is a little behind their road bike line-up. But I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Trek. If you're not looking to spend a lot of cash, just go with the cheaper model. If you think you might race, the higher end one will be worth it in the long run. Be forewarned though... if you race cyclocross... you're probably going to be hooked. It was my first season this year and I can safely say I enjoy it more than mountain bike racing. I still enjoying riding my mountain bike more than my cross bike, but I just enjoy the racing aspect of cyclocross over the racing of mountain bikes. Both are a blast though!

[jed]

I got it used from a friend. It is pretty old, 2000 model I think. It's an Al frame, nothing spectacular but no flaws either. It doesn't have much in the way of original parts but the frame is solid. It rides acceptably for an Al frame. It's pretty stiff and reasonably light. Geometry is pretty neutral, it is good for 'cross but not as quick as a road bike.

Trek has a lifetime warranty on frames, so if you crack it they'll replace it.

[Auger N]

Looking at the specs again, I don't see any particular reason to go with these bikes. The frames are pretty typical aluminum but nothing special.

For instance, the Trek XO frames do not come with carbon seatstays like the roughly equivalent models from Jamis have (the Nova Pro at $1100 or the Supernova at $1850). The Supernova is directly comparable to the XO-2 in terms of both having SRAM Rival drivetrains. The Jamis is way below the XO-2 in terms of MSRP as well ($2200 for the Trek).

The Nova Pro also undercuts the XO-1 ($1100 vs $1400), although the Jamis comes with a Sora/Tiagra mix (as apposed to 105 on the Trek). You will be replacing Sora/Tiagra soon enough anyway with normal use (trust me).

The Treks do reportedly have a more "cross race friendly" geometry than other big brand equivalents such as the Specialized Tricross bikes. But they seem overpriced in comparison to the Specialized as well.

Me? After searching for a replacement cross bike this fall (my Jamis Nova was stolen), I had Excel Sports Boulder build me up a Redline Conquest Team with Campy Veloce components and wheels that will hold up to my Clydesdale physique (none of those wimpy 20-spoke wheels for me). I could not be happier. Campy on a cross bike? Way traditional. (P.S. It came in under the price of the Supernova.)

[tsunayoshi]

To answer the multiple responses in one post.

I have a Trek mtb and am pretty happy with it, and my preferred LBS is a Trek dealer so was looking at the XOs. I have also looked at the Specialized Tricross, and another company (Redline or Kona, I forget). The non-Trek lineups all have Sora/Tiagra lines at the bottom end, which for what I need is probably enough, but I like the fact that the XO1 comes with 105 across the whole drivetrain.

It's just a question of do I spend more up front and get a bike with good parts, or get something more budget friendly for the short term and just upgrade parts as they break? This bike will mostly be used on the indoor trainer, on the road when trails are crappy, the ocassional 'cross race, and if I can fit it in the schedule I want to do the charity C&O 2 day ride in 2008. Oh, and the occasional change of pace on trails like WF and Rosey.

[Vecsus]

Been thinking about getting myself a cross bike as well. I haven't looked at the Trek offerings but so far I am 90% certain I will be getting the new Salso La Cruz. It looks like the perfect bike for what I want - 105 driveline, disc brakes, steel. As a bonus, the stem is painted to match the frame.

[drtnsnw]

If you can find an '07 Poprad from LeMond, grab it! Steel frame, carbon fork, mech disc brakes...

[Auger N]

Steel (in the LeMond or Salsa) may not be the best bet for a "bad conditions" or commuter bike, as such a bike will be getting wet fairly often. Also, the Poprad, with disc brakes, will not be "legal" for cyclocross racing. You can still race, but if you turn out to like the sport you will need a new bike as you will not be able to gain points at the higher levels.

Tsunayoshi - based on the Trek XO-1 having Shimano 105 over other bikes with Sora/Tiagra, it probably makes sense to go with the Trek. I had Tiagra on my first cross bike and the STI shifters didn't last a year, so you will definitely have to upgrade early on.

[newfdog]

...another company (Redline or Kona, I forget). The non-Trek lineups all have Sora/Tiagra lines at the bottom end, which for what I need is probably enough, but I like the fact that the XO1 comes with 105 across the whole drivetrain...

The Kona Jake the Snake is all 105 with Mavic wheels for $150 less than the Trek XO1. Solid, do-it-all, proven bike!

[mtbmore]

To answer the multiple responses in one post.

I I want to do the charity C&O 2 day ride in 2008. Oh, and the occasional change of pace on trails like WF and Rosey.


Mike, I am thinking of doing this as well. I did it 8 years ago on a MTB but will do it on my cross bike this time.

Scud

[sourceofdenial]

Steel (in the LeMond or Salsa) may not be the best bet for a "bad conditions" or commuter bike, as such a bike will be getting wet fairly often. Also, the Poprad, with disc brakes, will not be "legal" for cyclocross racing. You can still race, but if you turn out to like the sport you will need a new bike as you will not be able to gain points at the higher levels.

Tsunayoshi - based on the Trek XO-1 having Shimano 105 over other bikes with Sora/Tiagra, it probably makes sense to go with the Trek. I had Tiagra on my first cross bike and the STI shifters didn't last a year, so you will definitely have to upgrade early on.

Dont go with anything lower than 105 if you plan on spending any time at all on the bike. Doesnt feel that great, and you will break it really quickly. Especially if you plan on racing a bit or taking it on a few mountain rides. I have some older 9spd Dura Ace shifters if you need something.

Dont worry about disc brakes, unless you want to be uber competitive, they wont hold you back. You dont see a lot of them at the races, but for commuting or mountain biking they would be fine. I think they are overkill and raise the price and weight, but if you must have them, then dont let that turn you off from buying the bike. Also, the only level that does not allow you to use disc brakes is UCI sanctioned races. If you miraculously advance from the beginners to B races to the elites in only a few races, then someone will probably give you a bike to race. The level of competition between the categories is quite huge.

Steel is a fantastic material for a cross bike. Let me say that again, steel is a fantastic material for a cross bike. Dont skip on a bike because its steel. Spray some framesaver in it, dont leave it in a pool of salt water overnight, and you'll be fine. Steel cross frames ride incredibly nice, and dont come with much, if any, of a weight penalty when built right. The poprad is a great bike, I havent looked at this years, but they used to make a model without disc brakes that was less expensive, and quite nice. I did a few races on one as a pit bike in 05 and thought it was a very nice frame.

If you like Trek, then there isnt any reason to turn away from the XO. The part spec is nice, the bontrager wheels are great, I've used a set for training/backup races for two seasons and have had limited issues, and the frame will be light, stiff, and responsive. I'm not really a fan of carbon/alu cross frames, I dont think it really takes that much edge off ride, so I wouldnt count that against it.

Other bikes that are nice: The specialized line is nice, especially if you plan on racing. Another one to consider is the Fuji Pro cross bike or the lower end model. I dont know about MSRP, but the wholesale team cost this year was incredibly cheap, something like 700 or 800 bucks. For something that just gets beat up every weekend and ridden hard, not a bad deal.

If you want something really simple, and fun to race sometimes, a steel singlespeed cross bike is just about as utilitarian and simple as they come. There are few things on this earth that are as nice to pedal.