Trek 1.5 2009 vs. 2010? (alpha black vs alpha white?)

cc0
cc0 Posts: 2
edited February 2010 in Road buying advice
Hi, all.

I'm looking at getting a Trek 1.5. I'm aware that the frame has stepped down in this year's model, from the Alpha Black in the 2009 to the Alpha White in 2010. My question is this: Is the 2009 preferable to the 2010 for this reason? (A local bike shop has a 2009 model that I could pick up.)

What is the practical implication of this change in frame? The 2009's have been widely praised (among entry level bikes) as having versatile and extensible performance. Is this not the case with the 2010 because of the change in frame? Is this change counter-balanced by the higher quality shifters (I believe) the 2010 model has?

Thanks in advance. I appreciate the info.

Comments

  • jimsam33
    jimsam33 Posts: 59
    Hi,
    When I bought my 1.5 towards the end of last summer I had the same question. Either buy the 2009 1.5 or wait a few weeks for the 2010 1.5.

    I choose to have the 2009 1.5 for several reasons:

    1. The colour scheme is so much nicer. I love the lurid green colour and when you change the tyres for green rubino pro 3's it looks even better.
    2. The frame is better made, lighter, looks better, i believe it's also stronger and therefore will last longer. Just look at the quality of the welds. The frame is the same as this years 2.* range
    3. To me the wheels looked nicer.

    I also have absolutely no problem with the Sora shifters. I am probably in the minority here but I really like them. In fact I'm in the process of buying a winter / every day bike that also has sora shiters.

    Plus you should be able to pick up a 2009 1.5 for about £600 where as the 2010 1.5 should be around £675. If you were unsure about the shifters you could put the price difference aside and change them at a later date should you feel the need. By then you will probably hankering after something like 105, so you could upgrade the bike to nearer todays 2.* range.

    To answer your question I believe the better frame outweighs the slightly better shiters by a long long way.

    My opinion is get the 2009 frame and I believe you will not regret it. Much more upgradeable.

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