The Trek 1.1 uses Trek's 100 series Alpha aluminium, along with an aluminium fork. The aluminium fork doesn't offer quite the same ride comfort as carbon forks, found on Trek's 1.2 model, or the Specialized Allez Compact, the chief competition around the entry level price point, but there is no weight penalty in comparison to teh entry level carbon forks.

Shimano 2300 8 Speed STI levers are an integrated gear shifter and brake lever, offering a total of 16 gears, two chainrings on the front and 8 sprockets on the rear. The compact chainset uses a small 34 tooth inner ring, with a 50 tooth outer ring to offer a gear range similar to that of a triple chainset, but on two chainrings for reduced distance between the pedals for better pedalling.

The finishing touches are provided by Trek's in house componentry company - Bontrager - with Bontrager bars, stem and saddle all used.

Key Features:

• Trek 100 Series Alpha Aluminium
•  Aluminium Fork
• Shimano 2300 STI Levers for relaible shifting
• Compact Chainset for a wide range of gears
• Comfortable Bontrager saddle
  

The 1.1 is a good bike for the novice rider, but the Specialized Allez is well worth checking out for an extra £25.