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and I should have kept it 100% standard, but I wanted a bike that would ride hard, not hold me back or annoy me with outdated tech.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: 7.6 kg / 17.8 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.
Tempo Cyclist - Tasmania 
You know I dig this post. And I dig the new saddle. She’s just about right, I’d say. Well played.
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Thanks, man. I found the original US POSTAL race saddle on eBay. Not the most comfortable, but it looks ace and matching so I just have to keep it on there! 😎
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Definitely sharp. Try tinkering with the saddle height a little bit… maybe you get lucky and hit a butter zone. It’s worked for me in the past.
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Neat bike!
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I’m envious and appreciate vintage bikes. While I have a modern full-carbon Specialized I also have a 1987 Miele steel frame bike with down tube shifters. Bikes like these are fun to ride.
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Nice! :-)
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Beautiful 😍 You’ve brought the best out of this bike 👌
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I may have put a little more $$$ into it than I had originally planned, but it was 100% worth it. Thanks! :-)
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I must admit that I wasn’t really a fan of this bike, seeing it in your earlier posts, but the finished article looks mint. The new wheels seem to have calmed it down a little, as has the saddle… and let’s just not mention the old one.
How are you getting on with the 3.2mm tape? I’ve got quite big hands so have previously fitted the same thinking it was a good idea, only to regret it after some some longer rides.
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Thanks man. The new wheels are super sweet and really transform the bike.
I’ve been using the 3.2mm DSP tape for 5+ years now on a number of bikes. Expensive but I find it comfy and long lasting. Seems to work for me and my small hands.
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I managed to buy one of these in Tampa, Florida in mint condition from the original owner with very little miles. All Dura Ace components and a blades carbon seat post.I was new to cycling and you’re article helped me to understand what I had found. Thank you so much!!!I love this bicycle more than I can tell you. I have ridden about 700 miles so far. Recently I bought a 2013 Trek Madone and honestly, I prefer the 2002 5200 USPS.
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That’s awesome! If you have any photos, I’d love to see them! I searched for ages to find my one. It’s certainly not mint condition, but I still love it and love riding it.
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Do you have an email address that I can send them to? I don’t know how to send photos here.
Thanks!
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Sure! klemsworld @ hotmail.com
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