Trek 1200

Pros: Value for money, reliable components and solid construction
Cons: May be too basic for some peoples needs

I was thrown into the bike buying game on a limited budget and desparately wanting to compete in some local triathlons. The Trek 1200 triple represented my most realistic option.

I was given the choice of double or triple, and being new to...

Pros: FAST, LIGHT, nice handlebar shifters
Cons: The SEAT (ouch!), lack of color selection and 25 mm tires instead of 23's

Think stock 2-seater sports car: Not true race quality & not really everyday workhorse; but quick, good looking and FUN!

I've only had it one month and so far so good. It has a lighter, more responsive feel compared to the 1989 Schwinn Le...

Pros: Budget minded, light, reliable, good looking black paint.
Cons: None that I am aware of for what you are paying for.

These people crack me up with all the swap mods etc. etc. Who in there right mind buys a $1000 bike and swaps parts? This bike, at neary $1000 is a well made, light and comfortable bike. The brakes are no different than any other, as you squeeze the grip and the bike stops. Want to race with it.?.. go ahead; it has yet to fail me. The only change I did to this bike was put on clipless pedals because that is what I am use to. Other than that, the shiny black paint is wonderful, and I disagree with the other writer; it is most certainly to attract attention as mine does. People always comment on it's attractive looks. If you put tape over the 1200 on the frame, no one would know the difference between it and any of the others offered for the year. I bought mine new and ride it all over kingdom come. I love it!

Pros: -cheap and good looks
Cons: -no lock pedals, not as light as required to participate a competition (do well too!)

Well, some who loves biking just as a habit to spend one`s leisure time and / or holiday, this is a cheap option. This is not a toy for a professional road biker at all.
If you wanted to do well in some road bike competitions, I would recommend at least the next road bike model, Trek 1400, which has a lighter frame and lock pedals with it..

Pros: Robust, reasonably priced, easy to maintain, brand, good level of specification at budget.
Cons: Later models better specified, no clipless pedals, needs better brakes.

I have a Trek 1200 that was purchased for training and commuting, benefitting from a reduction in price as it wasn't the most up-to-date model. It's a nice light bike (mine is a 52cm frame), easy to work on, and robust, but it does not have the refinements that later versions have, in particular carbon forks, which let it down a little.
That said, it is not difficult to work on a bicycle and swap parts out to adapt it to your own preferences, so if you can find one of these bikes in a shop, it should represent good value for money.
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Pros: Robust frame and forks (Trek Custom Aluminium), reliable STI / Shimano Tiagra gear system, tough paintwork, inconspicuous bike (i.e. not as likely to attract the attention of thieves!), easy to maintain and work on, ready source of replacement parts, wide network of dealerships, recognised brand. Down in price as now surpassed by later models.
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Cons: Not as well specified as later models - no carbon fork, Shimano Tiagra shifters and wheels. Would consider upgrading brakes for improved stopping. Pedals provided but not clipless.