Trek Portland?

AliR
AliR Posts: 18
edited November 2009 in Road buying advice
Hi,

I have a Trek 1400 and I've really got into road biking this summer - distances 50 - 60 miles. I want to carry on through the winter and would like to get a winter bike that will also double up as an all year commuter (at the moment I'm on my MTB), something for light touring (low priority) and can cope with mixed summer rides (75% roads / 25 % green lanes, forest tracks).

Would the Trek Portland be good for this sort of riding? I am drawn to the Trek as I've got one already and presumably the same size frame would fit me?

Thank you.

Comments

  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    not ridden one but they certainly look like they'd be fun. My only issue would be how interesting the alu frame would ride. The cheap alu frames I've had were fine, but not something you'd learn to love...
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • AliR
    AliR Posts: 18
    Thanks, maddog2,
    What's the problem with aluminium and what's the alternative? Steel? I've only got my Trek 1400 to go on and it's aluminium but I've never had another drop handlebar bike to compare it with. It's certainly light which I like 'cos I can lift it in and out of the car easily.
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    Simplifying, all frame materials have a feel to them. It's subtle yet important, in that it is a key determinant* to the ride quality and how lively/stiff/comfortable/light etc. it feels.

    Aluminium is usually pretty light and stiff but can sometimes be described as harsh/unforgiving. Whereas steel and ti usually get better words like supple/comfy/responsive and so on.

    It's not the end of the world though, and if you ride on good roads then the issue is reduced. Some alu bikes are worse than others too. I had a alu mtb for a while and hated it. My current mtb frame is steel and much better all round. Road bikes are less sensitive generally, as roads are smoother than trails, obviously. But given the Portland has semi-offroad intentions I'd be tempted to try and get a test ride first, just to see how it rides.

    The only downside to all this is that steel is generally heavier than alu, unless you buy a decent frame, in which case it's more money, as is ti.

    *others things matter too, obviously, like fork stiffness, tyre choice/width/pressure, seatpost stiffness and so on.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer

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