Back in the late 90’s / early 2000’s the Trek 5200 / Trek 5500 was one of the lightest production frames available and was the very first carbon fibre frame to “win” a Tour de France. Ridden by big names such as Tom Boonen, George Hincapie, Tyler Hamilton and Lance Armstrong to multiple race wins, the bike was well ahead of it’s time.
Photo credit: Peter Dejong / Shutterstock. Lance Armstrong rides with
teammate Vjatceslav Ekimov during the Tour de France (2002).
I used to see an older gent cruising around on one in full US POSTAL kit years ago (now that guy is me) and I’ve always loved the classic lines of this frame. When the opportunity to snap one up in Tasmania came along, I didn’t need to be asked twice!
Apart from the frame, the rest of the bike had seen better days. I treated it to a complete strip down, then lovingly built the bike up using high quality modern parts. Some would say this is sacrilege and I should have kept it 100% standard, but I wanted a bike that would ride hard, not hold me back or annoy me with outdated tech. The Trek has turned out FAR better than I expected. Around two decades old and riding better than new! So here it is, finally finished.
2002 Trek 5200 – US Postal Team Edition
Bars: 3T Carbon Ergonova Team
Stem: Selcof Carbon -10 degree (100mm)
Tape: Lizard Skinz DSP 3.2mm
Saddle: San Marco Carbonio (US Postal Team Edition)
Seatpost: Uno Carbon
Shifters: Shimano Dura Ace 11-speed
Brakes: Shimano Ultegra
Drivetrain: Shimano Ultegra (52/36T front & 11-30T rear)
Wheelset: ICAN Carbon 35mm Aero
Tyres: Pirelli P Zero Velo 23mm
Pedals: Assioma Duo Powermeter Pedals
Accessories:
SupaCaz Fly limited edition bottle cages
K-Edge Garmin out-front mount
Custom KAPZ.com stem cap and bar ends
Weight: 7.65 kg / 17.85 lbs (including pedals, cages, mounts, etc)
I was blown away by the finished bike, she’s a dream! Sure, it’s never going to be an all-out race weapon or compete with with new-era aero bikes, but with a little extra “want to” I can just about keep up with modern machines. But it’s not about that, this bike truly is a joy to ride and brings a smile to my face every time I look at it or swing a leg over the top tube.
And that my friends, is what cycling is all about.
Two Wheels with TC 
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your well-crafted article on “Project Postal: 2002 Trek 5200 US Postal Team Edition”.
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I appreciate the effort you put into research for this article about “Project Postal: 2002 Trek 5200 US Postal Team Edition”. It shows in your well-rounded article.
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So what bottom bracket was used to convert from the original 109.5×68 Octalink to Hollowtech?
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I am fairly sure it was just a standard Shimano one that fits their new cranks. Removing and replacing the bottom bracket was the one job I got my local bike mechanic to do, as I did not have the correct tools.
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Trek 5200 US Postal. I in the middle of doing a full rebuild on frame with SRAM Red Etap Rim Brake. I have two questions for you. did you have to use a derailleur hanger (if so, which one?) and I was going to try and fit a 28mm tire, do you know if that will work? Love the bike and look. Trying to make this my daily ride/racer. thank you.
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I used the standard built-in hanger. Working fine with my Shimano groupset so should be fine with eTap also. I very much doubt a 28mm tyre will fit, especially in the rear. Maybe just! Frame clearance is pretty tight in the rear triangle. Currently I’m running Conti GP5000 25mm tyres.
I was very tempted to go eTap for full wireless, but my frame has a big SHIMANO sticker on the chainstay. 😅 Enjoy the build!
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Any clearance issues with the 25mm tyres?
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The 25’s work well, but I’d be worried about going any wider.
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great! I’m 85-90 kg so I’m hoping they have enough clearance for climbing out of the saddle and other stress. What type pressure do you run them at?
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Around 75-80psi.
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I still have mine. I’ll never get rid of it. It has been mucho MPH down Palomar mountain many times. I also have a near perfectly matching Trek Elite 9.8 mountain bike with a Fox F80RLT fork.
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Excellent! 😁
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Finally got the bike all set up (SRAM Red eTap) with 60mm deep Rims (25mm Rim width)…..**Running 28mm Continental Grand Prix 5000** (I’m 150 pounds and use 70 PSI)Just did a 150 mile ride over the weekend to make sure everything worked out well and get my fit dialed in. Everyone was going crazy on how the bike came out. I am really happy with how the bike worked out and excited to to do century ride this weekend.
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Epic! I’d love to see some photos! 😁
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Thanks! And one more question: have you noticed that there is less clearance between the rear tire and the seatstay on the drive side than on the non-drive side? My wheel appears to be off center relative to the seat stays by 1-2mm. Maybe it’s part of the Trek 5200 designs, normal bike-to-bike variation, or an issue with the wheel itself.
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