Trek T1 as a Light Commuter
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Sumter, SC
Posts: 467
Bikes: Nashbar SSCX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Trek T1 as a Light Commuter
Hey guys,
I'm fairly new around here, but I've been lurking for years. I made a terrible mistake on my first ss/fixie build last year and all of the information and insight here got me back on the road. So thanks for that.
Anyway... I live in a historic district and I'm looking for a basic ss/fixie commuter to ride to the farmer's market, tavern, etc. I had my heart set on a Fuji Classic Track, but the only Fuji dealer between here and Japan doesn't carry it. However, he sort of felt me out to see what it was I was looking for in a bike and said he had a handful of 2012 Trek T1 holdouts left in his shop that he'd let go "for a good price" (whatever the hell that means... I'm waiting on him to call me back before I drive an hour to his shop). Anyway... He said they were trying to get rid of them and that they'd probably just let it go at cost. I don't know what "cost" is on a T1, because all of the MSRP numbers are gone from the Trek Archives, but I'm assuming it'll be about a $500 bike.
So... All that being said, would you guys recommend the T1 as a basic commuter for neighborhood galavanting? I'll probably dump a little cash in it along and along to spiffy it up a bit, but really, I'm just wanting something to get me around the 'hood.
I've read a good bit about the T1 and it seems to be a bit of a polarizing bike. Some people hate it because it's a track bike and not fit for road use and others love it because it's a track bike that's cheap enough to bounce around town on without breaking the bank.
I know the components aren't the best on the market, but upgrading stuff along and along is half the fun, isn't it?
I'd definitely appreciate some insight from you guys.
Thanks in advance,
Matthew
I'm fairly new around here, but I've been lurking for years. I made a terrible mistake on my first ss/fixie build last year and all of the information and insight here got me back on the road. So thanks for that.
Anyway... I live in a historic district and I'm looking for a basic ss/fixie commuter to ride to the farmer's market, tavern, etc. I had my heart set on a Fuji Classic Track, but the only Fuji dealer between here and Japan doesn't carry it. However, he sort of felt me out to see what it was I was looking for in a bike and said he had a handful of 2012 Trek T1 holdouts left in his shop that he'd let go "for a good price" (whatever the hell that means... I'm waiting on him to call me back before I drive an hour to his shop). Anyway... He said they were trying to get rid of them and that they'd probably just let it go at cost. I don't know what "cost" is on a T1, because all of the MSRP numbers are gone from the Trek Archives, but I'm assuming it'll be about a $500 bike.
So... All that being said, would you guys recommend the T1 as a basic commuter for neighborhood galavanting? I'll probably dump a little cash in it along and along to spiffy it up a bit, but really, I'm just wanting something to get me around the 'hood.
I've read a good bit about the T1 and it seems to be a bit of a polarizing bike. Some people hate it because it's a track bike and not fit for road use and others love it because it's a track bike that's cheap enough to bounce around town on without breaking the bank.
I know the components aren't the best on the market, but upgrading stuff along and along is half the fun, isn't it?
I'd definitely appreciate some insight from you guys.
Thanks in advance,
Matthew
Last edited by heymatthew; 07-31-14 at 07:16 AM.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 4,770
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 630 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 369 Times
in
206 Posts
Do you have plans in the future to hit up the track or an alleycat race? If not, a super stiff and aggressive bike may not be practicable.
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Sumter, SC
Posts: 467
Bikes: Nashbar SSCX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#4
Senior Member
The frame or the complete is $500?
If the complete is $500, I'm sure I'm not alone in suggesting a kilo tt.
If the complete is $500, I'm sure I'm not alone in suggesting a kilo tt.
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Sumter, SC
Posts: 467
Bikes: Nashbar SSCX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I spent a LONG time in the Kilo photos threads and really dig them for their style and simplicity. I built up a pretty snazzy ss/fixie a while back using a Kilo frame from Bike Island and it was pretty solid for the money. I didn't really want to go that route yet as I'm looking to ride and add on as I'm able.
Thanks for your input. I'll definitely keep looking at my Kilo options.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,610
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 399 Post(s)
Liked 274 Times
in
136 Posts
I'm looking at the Kilos. I've actually been looking at the Stripper as I love the idea of not having decals. There's a shop local to me that carries State bikes which I am not opposed to either. I realize they're a little "hipsterish" but I think their frames are decent and can be built up pretty easily, which I plan on doing as I'm able. I'm going to look a those this afternoon and maybe take a test ride. The good thing is my wife wants a bike as well and the guy seemed sort of interested in like a twofer deal since I'd be buying two at once.
I spent a LONG time in the Kilo photos threads and really dig them for their style and simplicity. I built up a pretty snazzy ss/fixie a while back using a Kilo frame from Bike Island and it was pretty solid for the money. I didn't really want to go that route yet as I'm looking to ride and add on as I'm able.
Thanks for your input. I'll definitely keep looking at my Kilo options.
I spent a LONG time in the Kilo photos threads and really dig them for their style and simplicity. I built up a pretty snazzy ss/fixie a while back using a Kilo frame from Bike Island and it was pretty solid for the money. I didn't really want to go that route yet as I'm looking to ride and add on as I'm able.
Thanks for your input. I'll definitely keep looking at my Kilo options.
#7
THE STUFFED
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 12,671
Bikes: R. Sachs Road; EAI Bareknuckle; S-Works Enduro
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 361 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 20 Times
in
17 Posts
I think the MSRP for it was around $900 or 1000; which would make $500 a pretty hefty discount for the complete.
Better yet try to talk him down from $500 into the 400's to sweeten the deal.
Compared to a kilo this is a killer deal for a couple more dollars which you can save here and there. I would take this over a kilott any day. Kilo tt's can be had for cheap on craigslist besides...
Better yet try to talk him down from $500 into the 400's to sweeten the deal.
Compared to a kilo this is a killer deal for a couple more dollars which you can save here and there. I would take this over a kilott any day. Kilo tt's can be had for cheap on craigslist besides...
#11
Senior Member
Buy the Trek T1 and I will trade you a brand new Charge Plug 1.
__________________
Semper fi
Semper fi
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 1,414
Bikes: 2008 Surly Cross Check, 2010 Fuji Track Comp
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 255 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Bikepedia says the MSRP on that year of T1 was about $830 USD. I have no idea what the dealer's cost would be.
As long as the roads aren't too beat up in your area you shouldn't have any trouble commuting on that style of bike. I ride a similar bike, the 2010 Fuji Track Comp, and it works well for me. (well, I ride the Surly when it's wet because fenders) I'd be concerned if I had to lock it up unattended very often, though.
Which hasn't been mentioned or asked yet. Will you have to lock it up unattended very often? Will you have to lock it up in sketchy neighborhoods? If so, I'd suggest something cheap that doesn't draw attention to itself. (or just make sure yours is never the nicest bike on the rack )
As long as the roads aren't too beat up in your area you shouldn't have any trouble commuting on that style of bike. I ride a similar bike, the 2010 Fuji Track Comp, and it works well for me. (well, I ride the Surly when it's wet because fenders) I'd be concerned if I had to lock it up unattended very often, though.
Which hasn't been mentioned or asked yet. Will you have to lock it up unattended very often? Will you have to lock it up in sketchy neighborhoods? If so, I'd suggest something cheap that doesn't draw attention to itself. (or just make sure yours is never the nicest bike on the rack )
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 330
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've ridden a singlespeed Trek T1 as a daily commuter for a few years, ~16mi daily on the commute, add'tl miles for grocery, bar, etc. Even though I don't race, I opted for a stiffer bike to make the hills here a little easier on me.
I guess the ride can be a bit harsh, but I've learned my routes and avoid bumps as best I can. I have also ridden primarily aluminum bikes, so I don't have a great counterfactual.
Note that mine isn't stock, I'm not sure what the stock components are like if that's what you go for.
I guess the ride can be a bit harsh, but I've learned my routes and avoid bumps as best I can. I have also ridden primarily aluminum bikes, so I don't have a great counterfactual.
Note that mine isn't stock, I'm not sure what the stock components are like if that's what you go for.
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Sumter, SC
Posts: 467
Bikes: Nashbar SSCX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Alright guys... Thanks for all of the input.
You know that old saying "If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is?" Well... it was. I went to the shop and the guy I've been talking to wasn't around. Instead there were two other people, an incompetent woman and an even more incompetent man. They had the bikes priced at $959 plus tax. I mentioned that they were discontinued and the man said that Trek brought them back for 2014. Which was a lie. Strike one. They offered to sell it to me for $750, out the door. I explained that MSRP on the bike was under $900 and that it was a discontinued bike that had been sitting on a shelf for 2 years and he basically told me to take it or walk.
I decided to walk and before I left, he said he'd do it for $650 OTD. He actually had my interest at that point as the other bike I looked at was a State Bicycle Co. Contender at the same exact price point. He then proceeded to tell me I needed to buy pedals and that after tax, etc. I'd be back up at the $750 mark. Not to mention, he tried to tell me that the best pedals for that bike were some giant MTB pedals that had a surface area the size of the state of Texas.
Basically, they gave me the runaround, completely ignored the previous offers I had received, etc. I'm not one for negotiating so I just walked. If anyone in the South Carolina area wants a Trek T1 and you don't mind dinking around with a couple of bike shop workers, there's a bike shop in Columbia that has them in stock. They've got 5 2012 T1's in stock. One is lightly used (still priced at $959). I personally don't trust them as far as I can throw a T1, especially given they lied to me about Trek resurrecting the T1 for 2014 (which is a blatant lie) and the fact that they don't have any interest in honoring over-the-phone commitments.
I mean, I assumed that when I said I had a $550 budget and the guy said, "Definitely swing by. We want these T1's gone and we can get you in one for sure!" that the guy meant he could get me into my bike at my budget.
That's what I get for assuming.
I did check out the bike pretty thoroughly and while it seemed really, really nice, the geometry was a bit aggressive for me so I'm not sure it would have been a great fit, even at the $500 price point I was hoping for.
Again, thanks for all of the insight and information. You guys are the cat's meow of the cycling world. I will definitely keep looking around and see what I can come up with. If you guys want to chime in with suggestions (other than a Kilo TT, Stripper, Pro, etc.) in my price range (up to, but not exceeding $600-650), I'd be glad to hear them. Even if it's entry-level and I have to do some upgrading along and along. I really enjoy working on bikes and tinkering and I'm not afraid to bust out a wrench to make something my own. I just don't want to start from scratch.
Best,
Matthew
You know that old saying "If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is?" Well... it was. I went to the shop and the guy I've been talking to wasn't around. Instead there were two other people, an incompetent woman and an even more incompetent man. They had the bikes priced at $959 plus tax. I mentioned that they were discontinued and the man said that Trek brought them back for 2014. Which was a lie. Strike one. They offered to sell it to me for $750, out the door. I explained that MSRP on the bike was under $900 and that it was a discontinued bike that had been sitting on a shelf for 2 years and he basically told me to take it or walk.
I decided to walk and before I left, he said he'd do it for $650 OTD. He actually had my interest at that point as the other bike I looked at was a State Bicycle Co. Contender at the same exact price point. He then proceeded to tell me I needed to buy pedals and that after tax, etc. I'd be back up at the $750 mark. Not to mention, he tried to tell me that the best pedals for that bike were some giant MTB pedals that had a surface area the size of the state of Texas.
Basically, they gave me the runaround, completely ignored the previous offers I had received, etc. I'm not one for negotiating so I just walked. If anyone in the South Carolina area wants a Trek T1 and you don't mind dinking around with a couple of bike shop workers, there's a bike shop in Columbia that has them in stock. They've got 5 2012 T1's in stock. One is lightly used (still priced at $959). I personally don't trust them as far as I can throw a T1, especially given they lied to me about Trek resurrecting the T1 for 2014 (which is a blatant lie) and the fact that they don't have any interest in honoring over-the-phone commitments.
I mean, I assumed that when I said I had a $550 budget and the guy said, "Definitely swing by. We want these T1's gone and we can get you in one for sure!" that the guy meant he could get me into my bike at my budget.
That's what I get for assuming.
I did check out the bike pretty thoroughly and while it seemed really, really nice, the geometry was a bit aggressive for me so I'm not sure it would have been a great fit, even at the $500 price point I was hoping for.
Again, thanks for all of the insight and information. You guys are the cat's meow of the cycling world. I will definitely keep looking around and see what I can come up with. If you guys want to chime in with suggestions (other than a Kilo TT, Stripper, Pro, etc.) in my price range (up to, but not exceeding $600-650), I'd be glad to hear them. Even if it's entry-level and I have to do some upgrading along and along. I really enjoy working on bikes and tinkering and I'm not afraid to bust out a wrench to make something my own. I just don't want to start from scratch.
Best,
Matthew
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Sumter, SC
Posts: 467
Bikes: Nashbar SSCX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It is a neat bike, but in hindsight, after looking at it and testing it, I'm not sure I would have loved it as a commuter to the tavern.
Last edited by heymatthew; 07-29-14 at 08:00 PM.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 358
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What size do you ride because I have a black 47cm kilo tt with a old school Time threaded fork and the original fork you can just have. The top tube has a couple of dings but it's just cosmetics and still ride straight.
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Sumter, SC
Posts: 467
Bikes: Nashbar SSCX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
going to to look at this Masi on Thursday at lunch. It's a craigslist find but should be ok to get me started. The wheels are from a Bianchi Pista Sei Giorni and the pedals, chain and a few other pieces have been upgraded as well. I love the wheels and as long as it's sound, it gives me a little room to add to it. Especially since it's about $200 under budget... It's no Kilo TT I guess, but I'll give it a shot.
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Sumter, SC
Posts: 467
Bikes: Nashbar SSCX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Which Masi do you ride?
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,610
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 399 Post(s)
Liked 274 Times
in
136 Posts
If you are happy with that Masi, more power to you & hope you enjoy the hell out of it, but...
FWIW you made a huge mistake by talking to store help other than the guy who had actually offered you the great(?) deal on the T1. They have no way of knowing what you had going on with him besides your say-so, and may not have the authority to wheel and deal as much as he did.
If, after having seen the pretty positive comments here regarding that bike, you really wanted it and still would like to have it at the right price, you have an obligation to yourself to call your original contact person at the shop, ask him whats up, find out if he actually does "want these T1's gone and we can get you in one for sure!", with a concrete price. If he cannot, then you walk away and move on to something else.
Good luck...
FWIW you made a huge mistake by talking to store help other than the guy who had actually offered you the great(?) deal on the T1. They have no way of knowing what you had going on with him besides your say-so, and may not have the authority to wheel and deal as much as he did.
If, after having seen the pretty positive comments here regarding that bike, you really wanted it and still would like to have it at the right price, you have an obligation to yourself to call your original contact person at the shop, ask him whats up, find out if he actually does "want these T1's gone and we can get you in one for sure!", with a concrete price. If he cannot, then you walk away and move on to something else.
Good luck...
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Sumter, SC
Posts: 467
Bikes: Nashbar SSCX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you are happy with that Masi, more power to you & hope you enjoy the hell out of it, but...
FWIW you made a huge mistake by talking to store help other than the guy who had actually offered you the great(?) deal on the T1. They have no way of knowing what you had going on with him besides your say-so, and may not have the same authority to wheel and deal as much as he does.
If, after having seen the pretty positive comments here regarding that bike, you really wanted it and still would like to have it at the right price, you have an obligation to yourself to call your original contact person at the shop, ask him whats up, and find out if he actually does "want these T1's gone and we can get you in one for sure!" If he cannot, then you move on to something else.
Good luck...
FWIW you made a huge mistake by talking to store help other than the guy who had actually offered you the great(?) deal on the T1. They have no way of knowing what you had going on with him besides your say-so, and may not have the same authority to wheel and deal as much as he does.
If, after having seen the pretty positive comments here regarding that bike, you really wanted it and still would like to have it at the right price, you have an obligation to yourself to call your original contact person at the shop, ask him whats up, and find out if he actually does "want these T1's gone and we can get you in one for sure!" If he cannot, then you move on to something else.
Good luck...
Also, I went under the understanding that the guy would be there. I told him when I would be there and he was gone. I'm guessing that place just has shty service and I was kind of ticked right off the bat as the dude didn't stick around and wait for me to get there.
The information here on the T1 was enough to get me to at least go look at it, and I'm glad I did.
#24
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Falls Church, Va
Posts: 16
Bikes: 2011 Masi Speciale Fixed
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have a 2011 Speciale Fixed Flat. I bought it used in May but it looked like it had never been ridden. Tires looked like they'd never touched pavement. Brake pads were unused and the rims didn't have a mark on them. I've probably put 600+ miles on it and still very happy. It's my first SS and we'll worth the $450 I paid for it.
#25
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Sumter, SC
Posts: 467
Bikes: Nashbar SSCX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have a 2011 Speciale Fixed Flat. I bought it used in May but it looked like it had never been ridden. Tires looked like they'd never touched pavement. Brake pads were unused and the rims didn't have a mark on them. I've probably put 600+ miles on it and still very happy. It's my first SS and we'll worth the $450 I paid for it.