barryst

no longer relevant

leftthread

Does it fit you?
You could always have a bike shop inspect the frame for damage and go from there.
If it meets those criteria, they are nice riders.

barryst

The frame should fit me (54cm, I'm 5'7 with ~30" inseam).. but haven't had a chance to really test it out yet.

Thanks, I'll take it in to get the frame inspected. don't see any apparent corrosion or damage, but better safe than sorry!

RobbieTunes

There are those stories, where the exception gets the news. I've had 4 of those types of frames, and they've been great.
Check it for cracks at the joints where the carbon tubes insert into the lugs, and if you don't see anything there, ride them with confidence.

The early composite Trek frames were made by Aegis Systems, a defense contractor in Maine. I'm not sure about the later 2100 models.
Aegis had an internal debate about the frame construction technique, and the frame-makers actually split into two camps...
One decided to "go West" and make their mark with frames using their idea. Perhaps you've heard of them: Kestrel.

The other camp stayed with Aegis, and made a lifetime-warranty carbon frame that is really, really nice. And expensive.
I've been offered one of those frames, and the seller has the invoice: $3800. I can't even afford it, used, but I'd love to have it.

The early models were aluminum/carbon, sort of the "natural" colors.
The later models got pretty funky, with purples and yellows, and stuff.
I really don't think they're anything to worry about.

Chombi

That's great! for free too! You could have a very nice bike there if it's in good condition and outward condition with bonded CF frames is a good gauge to use on whether the bike is sound. The Treks came later in the bonded CF bike scene and many lessons were learned from earlier bikes from other manufacturers like Vitus. I suspect that the Treks might have been using materials to try and isolate the CF tube ends from the aluminum lugs from each other to avoid electrolytic corrosion between the two, but it's still good to check whether there is corrosion evident at the tube/lug seams. It usually shows up as blobby looking black material and can take the form of small tendrils if there is clear coat over CF tube and lugs. Also try to check if the bike was ridden a lot in wet coditions. The condition of the components on the bike can usually show if this is the case if you notice a lot of corrosion and muddy dirt on them. If there's evidence that the bike was ridden a lot in the wet, there could be more possibilty of CF tube end/lug corrosion which will not be good.
I do a lot of my own inspections/checks for bond integrity on my C&V bonded CF framed bikes myself as there isn't really any bike shops out there that will be very familair with my bikes, but you are lucky as there are lots of long time Trek dealers out there that have actually sold and serviced bikes like yours, so find one that you can trust and have them check it out before you ride it. Don't be surprised though, if you encounter dealers that would rather just sell you a new CF tTek instead, as not everyone is a C&V CF bike fan......

Chombi

barryst

Thanks all!

Excited to get 'er up and running!

Puget Pounder

They are pretty sweet bikes. First thing I'd do is get rid of that alu fork for a carbon one though. These make great bikes for STI conversions... you are in sort of this awkward transition time between steel and alu bikes to carbon.

I'm currently working on a 2300 for my brother. It will be decked out with a mix of 105 and tiagra STI. Should be a great riding bike.

Take pics of that guy on your maiden voyage.

barryst

Took some pics after a quick wipedown.

barryst

updated

WNG

Looks sweet!

thenomad

wish someone would give me a bike like that for free! Good job

AK404

Yeah, me too.