TREK 2300 : 2004 model

Donald Gillies

I am thinking about a TREK 2004 model 2300 frameset. I have a couple
of questions about these frames, and wondered if someone knows the
answer.

1. These frame have an internal headset. Is this just marginally
better than an integrated headset, with all the associated
maintenance nightmares, and the possibility of a quickly ruined
frame because these headsets are not robust?

2. The frame lacks braze-ons for a rear rack, although it has eyelets
on the dropouts. What are the drawbacks of a rack that attaches
to the seatpost, or the mono-stay (if such mounts exist) ??

3. The frame lacks a pump peg. Is this really a disadvantage? My
old trek had a pump peg so you could carry a frame-fit pump below
the top tube.

4. Does anybody know how much these frames weigh ?? I read that the
2003 full ZR9000 frame was 2.72 lbs, however, I have also heard
that frames with carbon seatstays are usualy _heavier_ than pure
aluminum frames. So did trek downgrade the frame this year
(e.g. is it heavier than it was back in 2003) ??

Thanx in advance,

- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA

Zog The Undeniable

Donald Gillies wrote:
> I am thinking about a TREK 2004 model 2300 frameset. I have a couple
> of questions about these frames, and wondered if someone knows the
> answer.
>
> 1. These frame have an internal headset. Is this just marginally
> better than an integrated headset, with all the associated
> maintenance nightmares, and the possibility of a quickly ruined
> frame because these headsets are not robust?

It's quite a lot better really. See
http://www.chrisking.com/pdfs/Int%2...20Explained.pdf for a
slightly opinionated explanation!

> 2. The frame lacks braze-ons for a rear rack, although it has eyelets
> on the dropouts. What are the drawbacks of a rack that attaches
> to the seatpost, or the mono-stay (if such mounts exist) ??

Lower carrying capacity and stability, but it's not as bad as it seems
because most of the weight is carried by the struts leading to the
dropouts. Some people get away with P-clips for the top rack mountings.

> 3. The frame lacks a pump peg. Is this really a disadvantage? My
> old trek had a pump peg so you could carry a frame-fit pump below
> the top tube.

Not if the head angle is steeper than the seat angle, because in that
case the pump can't slip anyway. Looking at the specs for the 2300,
this will depend on what size frame you ride. The smaller frames have a
rather steep seat angle and a slack head angle, presumably to avoid toe
overlap with the front wheel, but the bigger frames are OK.