Which is a better option- a Trek 2100 or a Gunnar frame (Reynolds 853 steel) "custom built"?
The Trek has the carbon fork, seat stays and seatpost while the Gunnar will be a 853 steel framed bike with similar components.

Which will be more comfortable? Will one be significantly faster to repond on sprints or hills? Please educate me so I can make an informed decision.

I'll be doing rides with friends and a more serious group as well- ranging from 30-75 miles. I'm pretty athletic and I mountain bike regularly as well as run ( I used to sprint) and it'll be nice to have a bike that's somewhat competitive. I like the idea of the comfortable steel frame but will I be giving up a lot of stiffness and acceleration? Thanks for the info.

The only other bike I looked at was a Trek 1500 but the 2100 has a nicer fork and the carbon seat stays- which I assume makes thebike more comfortable, right?

Some will tell to go steel because it is steel but really you need to ride both and judge for yourself. FIT ablove all else

fit is of the utmost importance. I think you should ride them both and find out which one you really like. Take your time with the test ride, not just a lap around the parking lot, but a ride! I think you should also call Richard Schwinn and ask him why you should buy the gunnar and not the trek. 262.534.4190. They have great personalized service @ waterford.
I will vote on the gunnar, they are wonderfully made products by waterford and they are an outstanding ride and value. I have ridden the crosshairs and roadie and like them both very much. Lifetime warranty too.
I must admit though that I am a biased steel rider although I have some carbon bits in my closet.
The trek is a nice bike, I am just not too hip on the idea of the joining of the 2 materials carbon and aluminum. I am sure that this process has been perfected by now, but I am still a little leary. The trek will have a lifetime warranty if something does happen to the bonding.
Good luck, and let us know what you get.

I would buy a Gunnar bike over anything else, well except my Waterford. I have a Gunnar Crosshairs, a Gunnar StreetDog, and a Waterford R-33. I used to work in a shop, and sold more Waterfords and Gunnar bikes then anyone else in the world. Muuuuhahahahahaaaaa. Acutally our shop sold more than anyone else, and I did the majority of the sales. The bikes that Richard Schwinn builds are the nicest steel bikes you can buy, cost, quality, and service there is no match for steel bikes. Richard is a great guy, and his company is outstanding. I have owned some of the nicest carbon bikes TCR composite, Trek 5200, and well I sold them or traded them for tattooo work. I will continue to build and buy Waterford Bikes till I need them to make me a wheelchair.

Good information- I will actually try both tomorrow at two different shops and try to actually take it for a real ride instead of just the parking lot. Any more input will be appreciated.

I would choose Gunnar also! I have known a few riders who race them and they rave about the performance and build quality! Besides isn't steel far more durable to be raced on anyway and it's repairability is better? I race on steel whether it be on the track, road and off-road. Good Luck and please let us know what you purchased!

Would it be possible and cheaper to build a bike off a Gunnar frame myself? The dealer says it'll be in the $1,200-$1,500 range which isn't too bad at all BUT this dealer doesn' t take trades. The other dealer who also deals in Trek (and not Gunnar) takes trades which would make it cheaper if I trade in my Specialized Sirrus Comp. However, I suppose I could sell my Sirrus on eBay since it's so new. I'll definitely ride both and call Gunnar as well.
I've seen a few great reviews on the Trek but I'm surprised that I could not find a single review on Gunnar here.

I've seen a few great reviews on the Trek but I'm surprised that I could not find a single review on Gunnar here.

There are Gunnar reviews under the "2000 Hot Dog", which is what the Roadie frame used to be called (newer Roadie reviews mixed in):

http://www.roadbikereview.com/Road+Bike/Gunnar/PRD_23300_1610crx.aspx

There are Gunnar reviews under the "2000 Hot Dog", which is what the Roadie frame used to be called (newer Roadie reviews mixed in):

http://www.roadbikereview.com/Road+Bike/Gunnar/PRD_23300_1610crx.aspx

Thanks for the link:)

I ride a Gunnar Sport and it is a terriffic bike. If the Gunnar fits I would go with it. They ride great and are a good value for a quality handbuilt steel frame.

Just curious, but I used to run a shop that sold more Gunnar bikes than any other dealer. We were a Trek dealer aswell, I have to say that Trek makes a good bike, but if your looking for a sweet durable, semi-custom ride buy the gunnar. The dealer should be able to order the bike for you in many different colors, Trek gives you two if your lucky. The Gunnar dealer should build the bike from a frame up, in the shop. Trek builds most of the bike in a factory, good but not enough attention to detail. The Gunnar dealer should size you up to a frame, and if you need custom geometry they can show you Waterfords options. When you Order or purchase your Gunnar bike the dealer should give you options on parts, because they order the frame and fork, seperate from the parts. If you are nice to them, and bring them beer they should walk you threw it. That is what makes a Gunnar Dealer great to work with. Make sure your getting a new 04 model with a 1+1/8" head tube, and not the older 1" head tube. They are both great bikes but at the prices you quoted I would check to be sure. Ask about the color of the month, sometimes it is a free paint option given to the dealer by Waterford cycles.

I've test-ridden a Gunnar Roadie and a Trek 5200 for long rides. Hands down I would pick the Gunnar. I am biased towards steel and my last two bikes have been steel. However, the Gunnar is cheaper, looks better, is more customizable, and definitely RIDES BETTER. But, like everyone else said, only buy what fits you and your body type the best.

Anyone have some Gunnar pictures they would like to share? I have not came across many. Please post or email me.

Thanks,


(edit) Roadie pics to be exact

95% of Gunner buyers don't need "custom" geometry, but one option that I recomend is to have your name put on the bike. This eliminates the stupid "Rodie" decal on the top tube. I also recomend that you use one of the "colors of the month." These are much better than the standard colors.