kokol

Hey guys,

I'm eyeing a road bike now that seems to be light weight. Its the 2011 Trek Alpha 2.1 Road bike. I got some question about it before buying. Frame size is 20" and wheel size is 26".

1) I'm 5' 10". Will it fit me?

2) How much does it weigh?

3) Is it worth buying?

4) Its either 10 or 20 speed. Not sure. Will it get me going fast like a bike with 21 or 24 gears I've seen on other bikes?

02Giant 

They dropped the price to $100

https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/sear....aspx?id=22604

It is a 10 speed with a triple.

dvdslw

Looks like a decent bike on paper, how much it weighs is anyone's guess but Trek makes a solid product and assuming this is your 1st road bike, it should suit you just fine provided it fits. Looks like $300-$400 is a good price if its in good shape. Here's Trek's product spec's;

Wheels and Tires

Hubs: See Rims/Wheels
Tires: Bontrager R1, 700 x 23c
Spoke Brand: See Rims/Wheels
Components

Brakeset: Tektro
Shift Levers: Shimano 105 STI
Rear Cogs: Shimano 105, 10-speed: 11-28
Saddle: Bontrager Affinity 1
Handlebar: Bontrager Race VR-C
Handlebar Stem: Bontrager Race Lite

dvdslw

For that price I'd buy it regardless of fit and resell for more if it was half way decent.

02Giant 

dvdslw

Pictures show a double.

02Giant 

That it does. BBB description for that model gives the spec as a triple but their image show a double also.

dvdslw

Yeah, thinking back to 2011 when this bike was new, I believe you had the option of a double or triple. That bike looks like a pretty good deal and it appears whoever is selling it knows nothing about bikes.

bonz50

When I bought my old GT I had test ridden this bike, its a nice ride, I wouldn't think twice if it was in your budget. the quality of the bike not a question, its nice. if it fits you and the price works for you go for it, its a good bike.

San Pedro

50cm seems small. I'm 5'8" and I'm between a 52 and 54 for most bikes. That price is good though and the bike looks cool too.

goenrdoug

it's a great price and a fine bike, but at 5'10", you'll need a 56 and could possibly make do with a 54, but definitely not a 50.

Keep looking..

Or buy this one and resell it or trade it or.. ? I'd move on though.

kokol

What about raising the seat post? Wouldnt that be enough to make up for the 50 (20") frame size?

draganm

sure, then you'll just need a 400mm long stem
The top tube length is really the one to look at IMO, and a better way to size a frame (flame suit on)

MRT2

nope. Not enough reach. You will be scrunched up. Your back and neck will hurt after a short while.

Iride01 

Agreed. Unless you have short legs for your height the 20" frame is too small. But you have to measure the frame yourself. Many sellers have no idea what frame size they got much less how to measure it.

My son is 5'10" with his mom's short legs. He rides a 56cm Trek Emonda road bike. Seems to fit him well. I'm 5'11" with very long legs (35"inseam) and I'm happy on a 60cm frame.

MRT2

BTW, road bikes don't generally come with 26" wheels. Nor are they measured in inches. My guess is, the bike is a 50 cm, with a 700c wheel.

kokol

Damn.. Ok I'll keep looking. Thanks.

kokol

Least bike I want is a Huffy, Schwinn, GT, Raleigh, or Pacific. Worst bikes in the world! But as I said I'll keep looking.

Iride01 

I gather you don't want a new bike. But even if you don't, go to a bike store and let them try to sell you one. That way you can get fitted to a frame and you'll know the ballpark sizes you need to be in. Try several stores, some may not have the actual size for you and will try to fit you on a less desirable size just for the sale.

You can resist the temptation to give them your credit card.........can't you?

Some help on what your budget is and what your riding style and goals are might help us out some too if you are wanting suggestions.

kokol

Good question. My budget is $90 - $200. I know its not enough to buy a new lightweight. But yes I'm looking for used lightweight. I'm sure there are lightweights that fit my budget out there, although tehyre few and far between.

One example of one of my riding goals is to not "strain" as much on a good bike going uphill than on a less desiable dept store bike. Want to travel around my city (NYC) relatively fast with the great possibility of traveling even beyond the state borders like venturing into Boston of Phily.

Hope my goals can help you further to help me get what I want. Thanks.

dvdslw

I would have to disagree with your statement, Raleigh and GT currently make some nice bikes, yes they do have some turds at the lower-end but they also have some really nice mid-high end stuff.

kokol

Youre wrong. Raleigh and GT are dept store bikes that havent had the reputation of and lack the quality of serious bike brands. GT is owned by Dorel Industries the same company that owns Schwinn and Pacific. LOL.. Come on dude.

kokol

Btw, what do you guys think about this Trek 4100 Alpha? Its 19.5" while I'm 5' 10". What do you think? Is it good on being lightweight too?

Trek Alpha Aluminum 4100 Series Mountain Bike - No Reserve! Free Shipping! | eBay

chip1

Cannondale is also owned by Dorel

kokol

Cannondale isnt sold at Toys R Us.