3footbike

Hi All-- I found someone selling their Trek 2300 (2005 year) for $700. Can someone tell me what they think of this bike? Does anyone know which line of Trek it would be considered with today's models? I think it is a bit old however, it retailed pretty high back then. Also, I noticed that the components were Ultregra, which I was told was top notch. Would this still be the case back in 2005? Please let me know what your thoughts are, thanks!!

Dan333SP

That's a lot of money (unless it has brand new and really nice wheels), anything that age is probably well-worn and it'll show. The only situation where I'd pay that price for such a bike would be if it was ridden a couple times and then hung in a garage in mint condition, even then the tires/chain/cables could need attention. I'd look at it in person, if possible, and bring someone that knows a good deal about bikes before making any offer. If it really is in great shape, $600 might be reasonable. The most comparable bike in Trek's current lineup is this one-
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...3_h2_compact/#

3footbike

I was able to get a few pics of the bike, which looks like it is in good condition. However, I was told that he was not the original owner and that there is about 1,000 miles on it. If I was able to get it down to $500, would this be a good deal? I've also been looking at 2010 - 2011 Trek 2.1, however, the lowest I can find out there is about $800ish. Would this old Trek 2300 be better than today's Trek 2.1s? Thanks.

Dan333SP

Hmmmm... That looks like it's in pretty good shape, actually. No way to be sure there isn't some hidden demon lurking in the mechanicals, but I'd have no problem paying $500 for that if it fits. Definitely get a new seat, but the wheels/cassette/chain/shifters look like they are in good shape, and the frame itself looks spotless from what I can see. I think the 2.1 has 105 or SRAM instead of Ultegra, no? If that's the case, I'd definitely take the older Ultegra bike for $300 less and invest that money in nice clothing and accessories.

3footbike

If priced the same...would you say the older Trek 2300 (2005) is better than the newer Trek 2.1 (2011)?

Trek 2300: https://www.trekbikes.com/ie/en/bikes/2005/archive/2300
Trek 2.1: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2011/archive/21

I don't know if I should keep trying to look for a reasonably priced Trek 2.1 instead...

bikerjp

The problem with used, in my opinion, is that it's hard to know if it fits if you don't know a lot about your own fit and you can end up spending a lot more getting it tuned up or replacing wear parts. If you are sure it fits well or will with minor adjustments then I'd say that older one is pretty nice but I probably wouldn't pay $700. I was not impressed with a 2010 2.1 when I test rode one (or might have been a 2.3). I don't know anything about the build or ride quality of the 2300.

3footbike

I was able to purchase the bike for $500. I'm 5'8 and the bikes 54cm so it seems to fit fine. I will have a professional check it out tomorrow. Everything seems great so I'm pretty happy with the purchase. Thoughts? Also, the seller said I shouldn't need a tuning but what are some standard things I should do before I take it out for 20-30 mile rides? I kind of want it tuned but it's quite pricey if I don't really need to.

bikerjp

Congrats. Enjoy. I'd check the bolts, wheels, etc. to make sure everything is tight. But don't over-tighten anything. If you are not sure, then having a shop check it is probably good. I can't imagine they'd charge too much to do a quick adjust and check. Who knows, might do it for free or cheap if you are buying some clothes, pedals, etc.

catonec 

according to bikepedia that bike was $2300 new. it looks as if its never been riden.
https://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/B...e#.UDhU-vs2gbs
I personally think $700 is a great price. offer $550, go up to $650.


Whoops! just saw you got it for $500. good score!

Tunnelrat81

I have that exact bike, and it's been absolutely amazing for the 6 years that I've had it. I bought it in 2006 from a guy who said he'd put around 800 miles on it. Keep an eye on the rear wheel drive-side spokes as they will likely start cracking the rim and pulling through. It won't be a catastrophic failure, and your first indication will likely be a wheel out of true.

I was lucky enough to have the shop warranty my wheelset and my wife is still riding those replacements. I'm running a home-built set of wheels on it now and the bike still rides/shifts really well. After probably 10-15k miles, the drying grease in the shifters is starting to gum things up, and I'll probably flush them out with solvent this winter to get some more life out of them, but they otherwise function perfectly. $500 for that bike with 1000 miles on it is a steal.

Old or not, that bike is spec'd better than most mid-range bikes today (aside from the wheelset) Everything is Ultegra, and it's all top notch and will last a very long time. If it was truly in "well taken care of for 1k miles" condition, there would be no reason not to pay $1k for it, as it's still MUCH better than you'll get for $1k at any shop for a new bike.

You did well, now ride it for the next 6+ years, and just be ready to buy a new rear wheel (or wheelset) in the case that the stock rear wheel gives up the ghost.

-Jeremy

Dan333SP

Awesome, great buy! When someone "tunes" a bike at a shop, all they are really doing is checking how tight all the bolts are, the wear on the tires/chain/brake pads, and adjusting the cables so that the shifting is smooth plus a general safety inspection for frame cracks and any other obvious issues. You can do all of that yourself for FAR less than a shop will charge, it just requires a good book or online guide (and faith in your own mechanical abilities). FWIW, I use Leonard Zinn's "Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance". It's allowed me to stay shop-free for everything from truing wheels and setting up new brakes to replacing shifters/cables/cranks/chains. Just expect to invest a little $$$ in some tools, because certain things require specialized items.

Banded Krait

I feel the same way. If the bike is actually as nice as it looks in the photos, you got yourself a very nice bike at a great price. Congratulations--I hope you enjoy many happy miles on it!

alexaschwanden

Great bike.

scottspeedster

Nice job nice bike!

bpr

Yeah, nice score !!

Enjoy it

Terex

The aluminum Bontrager seat post snapped on my '04 2300. You may want to give it a quick inspection and check for metal scoring or signs of fatigue. It would be something that I would replace in the not too distant future. I enjoyed my 2300 for several years and it's now my bad weather bike. Looks like you got a nice bike!