The Trek 1500 is probably one of the more popular cycles currently around, and at a fair (if not slightly high) price from $950 - $1,100, is attainable for any avid road cycler.

Let’s start with the specifications of the Trek 1500 (from trekbikes.com):

• Frameset
  • Sizes: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 63cm
  • Frame: Alpha SLR Aluminum
  • Fork: Bontrager Approved, carbon
• Wheels
  • Wheels: Bontrager Select
  • Tires: Bontrager Select, 700×25c
• Drivetrain
  • Shifters: Shimano 105 STI, 9 speed
  • Front Derailleur: Shimano 105
  • Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105
  • Crank: Shimano 105 53/39 or 52/42/30
  • Cassette: Shimano HG50, 12-25, 9 speed
  • Pedals: Alloy/nylon road w/clips and straps
• Components
  • Saddle: Bontrager Race Basic Lux
  • Seat Post: Bontrager Carbon
  • Handlebars: Bontrager Select, 31.8mm
  • Stem: Bontrager Select, 17 degree, 31.8mm
  • Headset: Aheadset w/semi-cartridge bearings, semi-integrated, sealed, alloy
  • Brakeset: Alloy dual pivot w/Shimano 105 STI levers

The Trek 1500 is a lightweight, evenly balanced bike, utilizing an aluminum frame.  It offers a nice stiff ride, not overly stiff, but felt very good, especially up hills.

The first thing I recommend is swapping out the the Bontrager Race Basic saddle.  This is also the first thing I typically upgrade, as the stock saddle isn’t exactly comfortable; this is especially noticeable on a longer ride for obvious reasons.  I don’t typically like recommending a replacement saddle, as one size is definitely not fit all, so stop at your LBS for some advice.

The Bontrager Select tires are not the most memorable, and will also be replaced as soon as I find quality replacements.  I do like the Bontrager Select wheelset though.

This bike is loaded with the Shimano 105 setup, and is about what I would expect out of a bike for this price.

Overall, this is a great upgrade from a Trek 1000 or similar entry level bike, looks great with the red aluminum frame, and is a blast to ride.