Trek Valencia Experience : Ride #8 (of 10)
Ride Type: Easy trip to restaurant for breakfast
Distance: 10.62 miles
My brother Jason was in town last weekend and joined us for the weekly “Sunday Morning Ride” that my Dad and I do. It was one Trek Valencia (me) flanked by two Electra Townies. I’m sure we were quite the sight as we headed northbound on Stone Oak Parkway just after 07:30am with our tail and head lights blaring!
Here’s the latest scoop on my “Valencia Experience”:
- Disc Brakes: I give my bicycles a quick once over before each ride and especially my commuter bike given its heavy responsibility of getting me safely to work on two wheels. I noticed that the front wheel seemed to be spinning with “less freedom” than the rear wheel. I also thought that I could almost hear the disc brake slightly rubbing. A mechanic at BikeWorld quickly confirmed my suspicion – the front disc brake was every so slightly rubbing. In less than ten minutes he’d made the necessary adjustments to correct the issue. As I close in on 300 miles, it’s clear I need to take the bike in for it’s INITIAL and FREE “tune up”. With the disc brake problem corrected, the ride to the Egg & I restaurant for breakfast seemed even easier than it usually does!
- Frame: Other than the disc brake issue, the Valencia has been weathering the rough road surfaces I frequently encounter without complaint and there have been times when I’ve run into truly punishing road conditions. So far, so good.
- Fenders: This ended up being my last ride with fenders. I had a pair of Planet Bike Cascadia fenders on the Valencia, which accomodated them with all the necessary mounting points. I chose to remove the fenders since rainy days are so few and far between here and why have the extra weight (though clearly, a minimal weight addition). I’m keeping the fenders handy in case I change my mind – certainly a possibility! Another aspect of the removal was pure vanity. The bike looks, in my opinion, more “sporty” without them.
My brother captured some video of me riding the bike so if you’d like to see the Valencia in a “live action” clip, check it out! It will give you a good sense of the ride position, accessories I’m using, etc. I look pretty bulky in this video but I also had about three layers of clothes on. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Be sure to check out my Flickr photostream for more Valencia photos and do post a comment if you have questions, etc.!
Hahaha nice the valencia in action. You have a pretty good pace there and looks like your pedaling effortlessly. It looks like the Valencia has a more upright position than the FX series. You look really comfortable and I am quite impressed with your detailed review of the Trek Valencia.
Is the Valencia strictly your commuter or would you take it in long distance rides?
Thanks Jay-Ar!
The Valencia, right now, is my commuter and errand-running bicycle. I think it has characteristics that would also make it a fine touring bike (e.g. 24-speed drivetrain, frt/rear rack mounts, etc.)
I also have a mountain bike for offroading and a Felt F75 road bicycle for training and long-distance cycling events/charity rides.
Liked this post. I’ve been getting a off-and-on rubbuing sound from my front wheel that i thought was the brake, now with your information I’m pretty sure and also about to get my free tune and adjustment.
Patrick,
Let me know what the bike shop finds regarding your bike. I’ve also learned that some degree of slight rubbing can be expected on new disc brakes as you “wear them in”.
I got my Valencia back from the TREK store. First, I ned to get this off my chest. The floor/salepoeple there are total doucebags. If anything I felt like I was the bad guy for bringing my bike in within its 90 grace period for a free tune-up and it was insinuated that because I couldn't replicate the brake noise and other mystery creak on command I didn't know what I was talking about. In fact the sales/floor person tried to dissuade me from even getting my free tuneup. Seriously, the floor/salespeople that I have dealt with at the Trek Superstore are assholes. But once I got to talk to the mechanics it was a whole different story/ They listened, they tested, they took apart, tryingg to find the reason why the bike was acting as it was. Five stars to them. Turns out 1.) several cables stretched from use. Normal new bike stuff. 2.) the rotor on the front brake was loose. they removed and reinstalled properly. Possibly a fix from a bad initial assembly. Who knows? So F thhe store, but praise the mechanics. Out the door this time $0. But it was a loose front rotor. Have anybody else had this problem>
Still a totally great looking badass bike.
Patrick,
Are you here locally in San Antonio? Just wondering.
I’m sorry to hear about your bad experience at the Trek store you visited. The whole point of purchasing the bike from a local shop was to have a place to go for checkups, repairs, etc. so the reaction of the floor/salespeople was – frankly – unacceptable.
That said, I’m glad the people that DID treat you right were the mechanics that are going to be your best friends ANYWAY from this point forward.
Glad they were able to diagnose and correct your issues and pleased it was at ZERO cost to you.
No loose rotor problems to date. I’ve got about 450 miles on the bike so far.
Justin
No, I’m in San Diego. I normally use a locally owned (Mission Hill Bike Shop) for most of my parts and service needs so I’m not expecting to have to deal with those yokels again at the Trek store. And it’s too bad because they make some great bikes but the service was bad enough to turn me off from recommending them. As for the bike, doing very well. 10 mile commute round trip 5 days a week and enjoying every minute of it.
Patrick,
I love San Diego! What a beautiful city. Glad you’re not having to deal with those yokels anymore!
Also pleased to see that the Valencia is making your 10 mile commute enjoyable.
It certainly continues to make my 22 mile round trip commute fun as well. A great bike!
I had a question about mounting your Topeak Rack. Which holes is it screwed to on the bottom, the ones closer to the rear edge, or the ones inside that protrude a bit out?
Thanks.
I looking for a better rear rack and a front rack. Do you have any suggestions?
Yokevo,
I have the disc brake version of the Topeak Explorer rack. It is attached to the hole just above and slightly to the right of the rear wheel quick release.
Patrick,
Can’t say enough wonderful things about the Topeak Explorer bike rack. Love how the Topeak bags slide onto the rack with a fitted grove and snaps to the rack (at the front of the rack) which ensures the bag is firmly attached to the rack. No need for velcro and no issues – that are common with velcro fastened bags – of the bag swaying back and forth, etc.