Lightweight road bikes have always been one of the most popular types of bikes for casual riders. And this is a comprehensive review of the Trek 1200 aluminum road bike from 2006.
The Trek 1200 has long held a place among road bikes, thanks to its lightweight aluminum frame, multiple speeds, and specifications for fast riding and a more comfortable road ride. Some road riders use it as their first road bike.
To fully understand this road bike, we will look at its different terrain performance, key features, components, and specifications, as well as a comparison to its older versions. If you’re on a tight budget, you should also read our Top 9 Best Road Bikes Under 500 [Review].
Road Performance
We prefer flat, mixed dirt roads because they are the flattest and can be accelerated to the highest speeds. With its fast road-ready head tube angle and lightweight Alpha SL aluminum frame, combined with 25C fast-riding tires, the Trek 1200 performs surprisingly well on roads where you can accelerate.
Riders new to road bikes will be familiar with the Trek 1200 and will feel more at ease on roads in good condition with few undulations, but on hilly terrain, the Bontrager Select can show amazing traction with the 3X9 drivetrain and allow you to go up hills more comfortably. Not to mention on steep downhills.
Commuter Roads
Tarmac and brick sidewalks are the most commonly used roads for commuting. While the road performance is superior, the commuter road performance of the Trek 1200 is as simple as breathing.
The carbon brazed dimensional fork makes it easier to roll the front wheel during the ride. The most popular gear is the smallest 30-tooth Bontrager Select cog, which is not too fast but allows you to get through crowds more easily and onto roads where you can ride faster. Has an aggressive riding position that will not let you down on downhill roads.
Although it is not a mid-range road bike, it provides a better commuting experience than a standard commuter road bike.
Key Features
Alpha SL aluminum frame
With the current development of road bikes, the frames of mid to high-end road bikes usually use carbon fiber, but the choice of frame material in Trek or other brands of low to mid-range road bikes is still dominated by aluminum frames.
The Trek 1200 SL has an Alpha SL aluminum frame that is lightweight and simple to maintain. The paint color is dark red, which I personally do not dislike. However, the most popular paint colors today are still the classic popular colors black, white, and gray.
Geometry
The Trek 1200 aluminum road bike has a very steep headtube angle of 73°.
This is a very aggressive head tube angle, which means you can climb more efficiently on steeper uphill roads and descend more comfortably. This is one of the primary reasons that some riders use the Trek 1200 as a training bike.
However, staying upright on flat roads becomes more difficult as a result of this. As a result of the body geometry angle, it is closer to a race road bike.
Components and Specifications
Shimano Tiagra STI drivetrain
Shimano’s 3X9 drivetrain is one of the bike’s main components, and I think it’s a good choice.
The ability to provide a large number of gears to help the rider deal with the effects of different terrain changes. Despite the fact that the Trek 1200 still used a 3X8 drivetrain in 1999.
The new Trek 1200, on the other hand, did not disappoint the riders who wanted it at the time. Longer rides are possible with a wider gear range, allowing you to use your energy more efficiently and have the best riding experience possible.
Aluminum dual pivot brakes
Although I’m not a big fan of rim brakes, the Trek 1200’s Aluminum dual-pivot brakes are very good in terms of braking performance.
Despite the low replacement cost, the performance is excellent, and the braking effect is comparable to that of mechanical disc brakes. If you are not a particularly aggressive road cyclist, the Aluminum dual-pivot brakes are ideal.
You’ll be impressed with the performance of the Trek 1200 brakes after a little break-in time, with crisp braking and not too many cables for a full set of braking action.
When it comes time to replace the brakes, I believe it would be a good idea to upgrade to mechanical disc brakes along the way for lower maintenance costs and a better experience.
Carbon fiber fork
The fork is subjected to a lot of strain, especially on descending roads or when there are potholes and rough terrain, and a good fork will help the bike last longer.
Bontrager forks have withstood the test of time, despite being mostly found on low to mid-range road bikes. When subjected to large impacts, the fork will not deform, and its internal construction reduces the impact on the Trek 1200.
I have to say that the carbon fiber fork has contributed to the Trek 1200’s overall weight reduction, which I believe would have been a mistake on the designer’s part if a cheaper aluminum fork had been used.
There isn’t much to complain about with the Trek 1200’s fork, and it performs admirably on all terrains.
Bontrager Select Tires
The Trek 1200 and Trek 2000 both have 700 x 25c Bontrager Select tires. This is the most commonly used tire size.
They provide dependable traction in a variety of terrains. And because their rims can accommodate 23c and 28c tires, you can change widths depending on whether you want a faster or more comfortable ride.
However, I’m more at ease with the Trek 1200’s 25c mid-width tires.
Carbon Fiber Seatpost
Bontrager Carbon seatposts are still designed to reduce overall bike weight. This part of the bike is often overlooked.
Trek 1200 aluminum road bike still considered the weight factor of this part at the time. Because the Trek 1200 is not expensive, it does not cut corners by using low-cost components. So I’m not concerned about the Trek 1200’s durability.
However, because it lacks a quick lift mechanism, riders cannot quickly find the proper riding height.
Other versions of the Trek 1200
The 1999 production Trek 1200 is the earliest information I could find on the Trek 1200, a model that is hard to find even in the used bike trade. I have only found a few comparisons from a handful of components and forums.
The 1999 Trek 1200 has a 3X8 drivetrain and the fork is made of Chromoly. The seatpost, on the other hand, is made of aluminum. These accessories arguably keep him out of the mid-range configuration. And the price is just less than $100 lower than the 2006 Trek 1200. So not a great value for the money.
What we like about the Trek 1200
- Lightweight aluminum frame that will stay with the rider for 10 years
- Carbon fiber fork for durability and longevity
- 3X9 drivetrain with wide gearing for more terrain
- Race-ready geometry
What we don’t like
- Dark red paint color, not all riders like it
- Brakes look outdated
FAQ
- What is the body weight of Trek 1200?
About 17 lbs.
- What frame sizes are available for the Trek 1200?
43, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 63cm
- What is the Trek 1200 value?
Depending on the condition of the Trek 1200 bike, it is around $82 if in better condition.
Related Reading
Is The Trek 2000 A Good Road Bike?
Is The Trek 1000 A Good Road Bike? [Trek 1000 Review]
Is Schwinn Solara Road Bike Are Good Bike? [Review]
Trek 1200 Specs
| Component Group | Road Mix |
| Pedals | Aluminum/nylon |
| Extensions | Not applicable |
| Spoke Brand | Stainless steel |
| Hubs | Shimano Tiagra |
| Rims | Alex aluminum |
| Tires | 700 x 25c Bontrager Select |
| Frame Construction | TIG-welded |
| Fork Brand & Model | Bontrager |
| Cassette | 9-speed, 12 – 25 teeth |
| Crankset | Bontrager Select, 30/42/52 teeth |
| Handlebar | Bontrager Sport |
| Handlebar Stem | Bontrager Select |
| Headset | Aheadset Slimstak |
| Saddle | Bontrager Race Lux |
| Seatpost | Bontrager Carbon |
| Brakeset | Aluminum dual-pivot brakes, Shimano Tiagra levers |
| Fork Material | Carbon fiber, aero crown |
| Frame Tubing Material | Alpha SL aluminum |
| Shift Levers | Shimano Tiagra |
Comparison Table
| Bicycle | Frame material | Wheel size | Speed Number | Price |
| Trek Domane AL 2 | Aluminum | 28c | 16 | Click View |
| Trek Domane AL 4 Disc | Aluminum | 32or 35C | 20 | Click View |
| ALL CITY Super Professional | Chromoly Steel | 38c | 11 | Click View |
| Schwinn Phocus 1600 | Aluminum | 700c | 24 | Click View |
Competition
Trek Domane AL 2 vs Trek 1200
If you like Trek’s road bikes, the Trek Domane AL 2 is the best budget road bike they make.
The bike is outfitted with a 100 Series Alpha Aluminum frame, 25c tires, and a carbon fiber fork. They share many similarities, but there are some differences as well.
The Trek Domane AL 2, for example, has an alloy seatpost for durability, but it costs less than the Trek 1200. The slightly looser head tube angle is intended for commuters or casual riders rather than faster riders.
If you want to go on a road trip, it also has The commuter-friendly fenders and rear rack mounting holes allow for more touring gear, so you won’t run out of room.
As a result, the Trek Domane AL 2 is one of the most affordable road bikes on the market today.
Trek Domane AL 4 Disc vs Trek 1200
The Trek Domane AL 4 Disc is an improved version of the Domane AL 2, with the Trek 1200’s aluminum frame and carbon fiber fork.
The Trek 1200, on the other hand, has a more relaxed head tube angle, allowing it to adapt to upright riding on flat roads while also serving the purpose of a fitness bike.
With hydraulic brakes, the best brakes available on a road bike, the brakes are overkill. When riding, the 2X10 drivetrain, which looks a little less than the Trek 1200, doesn’t feel like it’s missing a gear combination.
So, for an additional $700 on top of the Trek Domane AL 2, you get a lot of premium gearing. So it’s a good value-for-money investment that will last for years without being outperformed by other road bike configurations.
Learn more: Trek Domane AL 4 Disc Review – Chariot Suspect Revealed!
ALL CITY Super Professional vs Trek 1200
The ALL CITY Super Professional road bike, which can handle more difficult terrain, is a popular daily commuter model.
The price is comparable to the Trek Domane AL 4 Disc, but the focus is on how the daily commuter rides, so the head tube angle is similar to the Trek 1200, and it performs better on cobblestones or potholes.
The 612 select chromoly steel frame is very strong, and despite being heavier than the aluminum frame, it will last for ten years. After ten years of use, the material frame retains the same properties.
The improved internal alignment will also improve the riding experience for commuters. It’s not the most affordable commuter road bike, but it’s built to last for 20 or even 30 years, making it more than just a passing investment.
Final Verdict (4.5/5)
The Trek 1200 is a good road bike for exercise riding, or for competing in beginner road bike races. Although its latest version is the 2006 model, it still has more components than some of the current sub-$1,000 road bikes. So it’s still a very worthwhile investment road bike. Combined with its comparative ratings, we think it gets a high score of 4.5.
What are the top features to consider when looking for Trek road bikes? If you want to learn more, you can follow us as we will have more related reviews.
Learn more: Top 9 Best Road Bike Under 500 [Review]
