Well I'm finally gonna get a new bike after enjoyably riding my 1999 Trek 2100 for a few years. The 2100 was my first road bike and I have really fallen in love with the sport...so much so that I've decided to shell out a lot of cash (in my world) for an upgraded road bike. I decided that I wanted to stick with the Trek line although I know there are other amazing lines out there as well.

I'm looking at the 2007 Trek Madone 5.9 SL, 2006 Trek Madone 5.9 SL or a 2006 Trek Maodone SSL. I've read great reviews on the 5.9 sl, so I'm leaning more toward that bike. Is it worth it to spend the extra money on the SSL? keeping in mind that the ssl that I am looking at comes with the bontrager race x lite wheelset rather than the "xxx." Basically the upgrade from the sl to the ssl would be for 55 rather than the 110 carbon frame.

Information that may help in guiding me to the right bike:
Ride in groups and solo anywhere from short 20 to 100 mile rides.
Training for triathlon and will be doing a few triathlons this summer...most olympic distance (i don't have the cash to get both a tri and road bike).
I'll be doing a few centuries and want to do a tour this summer as well.

If there is anymore information that might help...I'll certainly to my best to let you know. Also, I'm not opposed to suggestions for other bikes in the same caliber.

One last thing. This is my first post on this site and I really appreciate all the great information that this site has. Thanks everyone! :)

i just got a chance to get set up on a cannondale systemsix w/ sram force (listed at $4799) at the LBS. it really felt good. so i guess you can add this to the list of the three mentioned above. any suggestions? anyone? thanks

have test ridden a few. haven't ridden system six--looked at a synapse and six 13. if you are buying retail, there are lots of other bikes to consider. i'd recommend a Look as a serious upgrade. tarmac as well.
if you know your size, you can also get an awful lot of bike in the used market--most high end bikes aren't abused--mine certainly aren't. you could get one super bike used, or even 2 great bikes for the price of your one new. there is a shop on ebay, westcyles or such that sells calfees direct from calfee--warranty and all--for a lot less than new.

my 2 cents

jim

have test ridden a few. haven't ridden system six--looked at a synapse and six 13. if you are buying retail, there are lots of other bikes to consider. i'd recommend a Look as a serious upgrade. tarmac as well.
if you know your size, you can also get an awful lot of bike in the used market--most high end bikes aren't abused--mine certainly aren't. you could get one super bike used, or even 2 great bikes for the price of your one new. there is a shop on ebay, westcyles or such that sells calfees direct from calfee--warranty and all--for a lot less than new.

my 2 cents

jim


Do you have a reason why you don't like trek? Or is it just because of the name? Also, I've seen the look 585/595 online, but there aren't any LBS in my area that carry Looks, so I'm kinda out of luck for a test ride.

The custom bikes are amazing but I really like to get out and ride it before I buy a bike...this may sound old school, but take it as it is.

Also, I am overwhelmed because there are so many bikes to consider on the market. It's been along time since I've seriously looked around at new bikes. That's the main reason I decided to post. There are many more people who are much more knowledgeable about the new technology that I am.

Thanks for your response though, I will check out calfee and the eBay store you recommended.

suggestions would be not getting another Trek, why be part of the crowd and jokes of passing riders or did you even know the majority of riders all have Trek jokes when they see one. It's comedy but dont be part of the Trek jokes.

suggestions would be not getting another Trek, why be part of the crowd and jokes of passing riders or did you even know the majority of riders all have Trek jokes when they see one. It's comedy but dont be part of the Trek jokes.


HB, you've made this claim before... don't project your jr. high mentality onto the "majority" of riders, most of whom 1) don't care what other people rides and 2) don't share your bias against the largest US-owned cycling co. in the world. I don't own a Trek, but would recommend a number of their bikes in a heartbeat.

suggestions would be not getting another Trek, why be part of the crowd and jokes of passing riders or did you even know the majority of riders all have Trek jokes when they see one. It's comedy but dont be part of the Trek jokes.


First, I'm new to this forum and don't want to immediately burn bridges, but if your going to say you don't like a certain brand of bikes then please back it up with reasoning (not just because people make jokes about trek). It's unacceptable to simply say, "don't get a trek" unless you have had experience with the particular bikes that I mentioned. Also, if you say something similar to this, please give a constructive reason why you didn't like the bike or a possible alternative.

Second, my intention for this post was simply to get feedback on the three (now four) bikes that I mentioned. I didn't ask if you liked the brand, I honestly don't care what other riders "think" about the bike, but I do care about the particular experiences they have had while either a.) owning or b.) test riding and comparing them to other bikes.

Thank you for your courtesy.

What's wrong with a Trek? As long as you like the bike and feel good on it and ride it, buy what you want. Trek makes a perfectly acceptable bike. I have no experience with these three you're considering, but I'm sure they're lovely.

On the other hand, why limit yourself? Maybe you'll find something you like better if you ride a bunch, or maybe you'll decide Trek is the one for you. Either way, it can't hurt to test ride a bunch of different bikes.

Don't ask if you dont want repsonses. I dont care what you ride but it's the truth about the jokes, Treks are the ultimate Fred bike, period... and YOU ASKED.

you mentioned three brands: Trek, Cannondale and Look. The Cannondale Caad 9 Dura Ace is a great buy but the System Six is a very expensive bike considering it still has a lot of aluminum. Treks are cookie cutter bikes, dime a dozen. If you can afford a Look 585 then thats the best of the bunch from what you've mentioned. I spend a lot of time on a 585 and its an amazing machine.

I've owned a Caad 8, Six13 and ride a Look 585 a few times per week, so my opinions on those bikes are valid. I have never given a Trek a chance and never will, so my view is only on the dork meter and it's through the roof with Trek.

JayTee, Did you say something? Have you ridden any of these bikes or owned them, do you have any input or just screaming from the sidelines hoping someone will hear you.

HBPunk is right- nobody who is any good rides a Trek. Trek's don't even make race bikes, they are like getting a kids bike. I even heard that Trek's R&D department was closed down almost 10 years ago. Plus they are known for having carbon deposits in the down tube that pass out the back exhaust tube and pollute the environment. As you can see in the pic below, No good AMERICAN rider would ever be caught dead on a Trek.











http://www.usacycling.org/gallery/albums/album160/hincapie.jpg

to the OP, Trek's are awesome, not my cup of tea, but awesome. Get all that you can afford on the bike- this is a sport and where you spend your discretionary income, so spend it like you want!!

Fred, I cant beleive you just posted that, lol. The best post ever, lol

Fred? Me?

I have raced for 4 Belgium teams in 6 seasons. Trek is the obvious pick which is what you are getting at HB. But, it is obvious b/c it is one of the most well tuned racing machines.

I am a Fred b/c of posting a pic of GH? What, I am not as cool as you b/c I don't wear my "Tornado Tom" t-shirt, or have fdj arm-warmers? Get over yourself- I know these guys too, tool.

I put the over under on HBPunks age at 15..... any takers? :D

"I am not as cool as you b/c I don't wear my "Tornado Tom" t-shirt, or have fdj arm-warmers? Get over yourself- I know these guys too, tool." (Fred)

Only a Fred would name drop :) Tell Tom I said Hi, I'm sure youre riding with him today, lol :)

and you know you laugh when you see your passing brothers (Freds) on their Madones decked out in Disco Discovery Jerseys

dont lie

dude, you have got to learn to use the "reply" feature so that we can keep try of who you are insulting, since that's pretty much the extent of your contribution to an otherwise sincere thread about (gasp) the pros and cons of one model over another.

PS -- For a guy who made a name (such as it is) for himself on the board with a now-famous thread railing about "message board stereotypes," your hypocrisy is stunning.

For anyone who missed it: http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=70154

The only reason to be wary of Trek......

is the geometry.

Trek measure sizes from the center of the BB to the top of the seat collar. Consequently, what they call a 56 has a 56 CM TT with a (roughly) 53 CM Seat tube (measured Center to center). This results in a shorter head tube than other manufacturers bikes with similar Top tube lengths. Unless you either:
1.) Have a long torso & short legs,
2.) can tolerate a very severe drop from the seat to the bars, or
3.) don't mind the look of many spacers and a riser stem......

you should avoid buying a Trek. The Trek OCLV is a very good frame, responsive, relatively light, & tough. However, IMO, a frame is only as good as the way it fits & looks when set up for the rider. For me, the geometry doesn't work....YMMV.

The other complaint you will hear about the OCLV frames is that they have a dead road feel. Again, test ride and see if you like or don't like the feel.

BTW, most of the Trek bashing is elitist...ignore them unless what other people thinks bothers you.

If I had almost $5,000 to spend on a bike, I would look at many different frames than Trek....but that is because of the geometry.

Len

Yeah, that's always been one of the problems with the Lemond geometry, too, except at least Lemond slackened the STA to assist with the otherwise disproportionately long TT.

Anyway, looking at the geometry charts it doesn't look like the Madone geometry is significantly different from the 2100 in 1999, so if the OP has been happy for 6-7 years my guess is that fit will be a snap.

As for deciding between the SL and the SSL, there's no right answer. At that level, you're just talking about what makes your heart sing and feels worth it to you. The difference would not feel worth it to me (I'd get the SL). I'm kinda suprised you are wanting to race such a pricey steed, but otherwise it sounds like you are willing to ride a bike for a long time and a lot of miles. In that respect, don't deny yourself too much... you don't want to always be riding and wondering "what if."

The only reason to be wary of Trek......

is the geometry.

Trek measure sizes from the center of the BB to the top of the seat collar. Consequently, what they call a 56 has a 56 CM TT with a (roughly) 53 CM Seat tube (measured Center to center). This results in a shorter head tube than other manufacturers bikes with similar Top tube lengths. Unless you either:
1.) Have a long torso & short legs,
2.) can tolerate a very severe drop from the seat to the bars, or
3.) don't mind the look of many spacers and a riser stem......

you should avoid buying a Trek. The Trek OCLV is a very good frame, responsive, relatively light, & tough. However, IMO, a frame is only as good as the way it fits & looks when set up for the rider. For me, the geometry doesn't work....YMMV.

The other complaint you will hear about the OCLV frames is that they have a dead road feel. Again, test ride and see if you like or don't like the feel.

BTW, most of the Trek bashing is elitist...ignore them unless what other people thinks bothers you.

If I had almost $5,000 to spend on a bike, I would look at many different frames than Trek....but that is because of the geometry.

Len


I don't really like the geometry either, but for me, I don't like Trek because of it's popularity. I'm sure they make great bikes, and LA seemed to really like them. I don't want to show up to a ride with 30 other bikes just like mine there. THAT'S MY preference. I know a lot of guys who love their Trek's. If I had that budget to spend on a bike right now, I would be looking at a custom steel or Ti bike, but that's cause I don't really dig carbon, and I like something custom.....Like that friggin Eriksen in the other thread.....still having pleasant dreams about that frame.....:eek:

Also, I am overwhelmed because there are so many bikes to consider on the market.

This is just about the only piece of absolute truth in this thread.

Given adequate geometry for your body type and intended riding style, there are still dozens of good bikes out there that will fit the bill. Choosing one out of 20, 30 or 40 simmilar bikes is difficult, specially when there is more perceived than real differences among them.

Brand attachment is not necessarely a bad thing if the bike fits and can definitely help to narrow down the selection.

Personally, I have a things for Cannondales and when the time came to get a new bike, I test rode 4 C'dales and a Specialized. I bought a CAAD9 DA and couldn't be happier.

If you like Treks, get a Trek, what's wrong with that?

mind you this is just ME. I have long legs and a short torso. i prefer a 56-57 TT with a 16cm + HT--that is not that common, and not on a trek. I think compared to almost every other carbon bike i test rode (circa 2002-2003) they had the worst feel for the road--my opinion. I even went so far as to make sure each bike i test rode in san diego had the same wheels whenever the shop would allow. I own a slew of carbon bikes. I will soon be selling most of my bikes--among them 3 colnagos. I'll be the 1st to say colnago makes a good/great bike. But i will also ADMIT i dislike riding a bike that screams I have more money than sense, more weekend warrior than talent--even if that might be true. That is just me--i dislike seeing my exact bike 5 or 6 times on a sunday ride. Sure i am a bike snob--but in my own way--i seek out what to me is interesting manipulation and use of carbon--i've ridden calfee, ride a crumtpon, have a 585 and a VXRS. I simply dislike the position on a trek, the feel of the trek, and the only thing i see more of than treks when i am out for a ride is fat people, smokers, and Hondas.
I really like the 585. I like the Tarmac, but don't own one.
When you test ride--try to set your cockpit up the same way, try to use the same wheels (maybe bring your current wheels). I don't even bother with test rides--i get a bike based on design, looks, geometry and most times it is a decent to great ride --sometimes (585, VXRS, crumpton it is a joy to ride). Too much of a short test ride is about the wheels, tires and saddle.
Really, get what you like, or for the price of a new bike go buy 2-3 used and keep whichever you like best.
jim

JayTee, My contribution to " the pros and cons of one model over another" makes me a major contributor to the board because I actually have owned at or least ridden the bikes I compare.

How about you? Your numerous posts on models you have no personal experience with but seem to think your opinion would somehow be valid.

you speak about the SSL and SL as if you've owned them both, have you? Or is this another one of your non factor posts? What sense does your post make if you lack experience with these bikes? JayTee, that master at screaming from the sidelines

For anyone who missed it: http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=70154


god that's a fun thread.

thanks to those who didn't waste my time with trying to get their post count up. clearly they have popularity issues that they need to work out on their own time.

as for the bikes, I made a decision....after putting on about 30 miles on a test ride on the c'dale systemsix then riding the madone 5.9 i felt like the 5.9 was "the one" for me. can't say much about being a brand wh0re because i really didn't care what the brand was as long as it felt worthy of my hard earned $$. I don't have much expendable income yet, so it was a big purchase which is why I'm very happy with my decision to buy on feel.

The cannnondale was a great bike, it had the sram force which was new to me. But again I just felt more comfortable with the DA components on the trek.

I'm guess I felt more comfortable on the madone because of what JayTee said that it had a similar geometry to my previous ride. I was aware that Trek measured differently than most other manufacturers, which is why I wanted to be fit correctly by the LBS.

The main reason I decided on the madone was the incredible price I got on it. 3k for the madone or else it was 4.9k for the systemsix....easy decision.

Thanks again for all your help everyone. I guess I'm part of the "joke" but I'm certainly fine with that since I found a good ride that fits well and performs at the level I wanted.

JayTee, My contribution to " the pros and cons of one model over another" makes me a major contributor to the board because I actually have owned at or least ridden the bikes I compare.



Major contributor....
191 posts.....
LMAO

Len

Did it come with a Free Discovery Jersey! You should get a liscence plate that says FRED and hang it below your seat. Keep hammering Fred

Hey HP Punk, Shut up and ride....the more your mouth is open, the slower you go...And for the rest of you, Terry B and Len, would you spend time kicking road kill off line? No, i didn't think so....Let's all go play in the sand box together and sing Kum ba ya!

Laughing my Arse off,

You have no idea what you are doing.


bas, I was riding smaller wheels (622cc) on my Ridley and did switch to 700cc on my new bike, so that would make sense.

My "friend" put wheels that were to small on my Ridley when it was originally built, I didnt notice until I bent them and noticed the size when looking for the bend in the wheel.

that would have to be the mph difference being slower on the computer with the larger wheels

and lol at you other clowns, you kill me



Tires labeled 622mm are known in the industry as 700C. If your wheels were actually 622cc that would either mean they are 10 times the circumference of a normal bicycle wheel or their volume was 622 cubic centemeters.

Other than showing that you don't know much this also shows that your reported speed reduction has nothing to do with your computer setting.

lol, what an idiot! (From another post...)

ezman, just buy what you like, and ride it. I owned a Trek in the dark ages, enjoyed it. I bought a Raleigh 5 years ago when i got back into cycling. Still have it. Just ride what you like and what gets you on the road. Fark the rest of them nay sayers...like blondes, brunettes and red heads, like what you like....I like India Arie and Stevie Nicks...New Belgium and Old Style, Volvos and 67' Mustangs...

Congratulations on your purchase, ezman. I'm sure you will happy with it.

*word*

There's no right answer. Get what ya love and ride it like hell. Ignore the insecure folks who spend way too much energy trying to decide who's "cooler." Not to mention that the Madone is plenty cool. Some folks just don't play well with others. Enjoy!

OMG!!! I had totally forgotten that thread. It is a CLASSIC. Ezman can enjoy reading its sweet goodness while contemplating that this is the bonehead who dared to call Ezman a "Fred." Nice.

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=72316

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=72316


thank you. i needed that! lol.

thanks all! i will enjoy my new ride and who knows...maybe some day down the road i'll check out a custom bike, but at the moment...i'm SO ecstatic about the new bike!!!!!

Godspeed

ahaahahhahhahahahhahahahhahahahahahahahhahahaha,.. .........aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahhahahahhahah..... ......
Well after reading that whole thread posted earlier with HBpunk and after a good laugh,,, I can say to not listen to him, congrats with your new purchase and have fun.

ezman, This would go really well with your new Trek, this is as cool as it gets

http://www.serotta.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27643

For God's sake HBpunk, how old are you?. 14? 15?. You can't possibly be a minute over 16, and if you are, you're retarded. Just shut up and ride.

ezman, This would go really well with your new Trek, this is as cool as it gets

http://www.serotta.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27643




*crickets*