Trek madone 5.2

pete dutton

Hi everybody, I was just wondering what are your thoughts on the new trek madone 5.2 as I am having a test ride on one in the near future. I have two bikes at the moment and want to consolidate them in to one better one. In the past I have bought frames and built them up myself so this would be the first time I have bought off the peg so to speak. If I bought it I would change the saddle to my favourite specialized toupe' , any opinions out there, good or bad, cheers.

steedmaster

what kind of bike are you after ? the madone is ok but if your looking for stifness/power transfer look elsewhere....

cervello r3 would be the ultimate with a build of your choice, or if thats a bit rich the new tarmac SL2 (spesh) is years ahead of the madone in ride quality and stifness

John.T

I have to disagree with steedmaster. I have had a Madone 5.2 Performance fit since last October and while it is the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden the stiffness and power transfer are first class. The handling is very good, very stable but changes line as quick as you can think about it. I was riding a 5200 and the Madone is streets ahead in comfort, performance and weight. As for the spec, I normally build my own bikes but could not fault the 5.2. I only changed the saddle (Toupe Gel) and fitted a longer stem. I put deep section wheels in for TTs along with aero bars and fit my Rolf Sestrieres for RRs and serious sportives. The Bonty wheels that come with the bike are only 100gm heavier than the Rolfs and perform just as well.
The Tarmac SL2 frame is £1800 which is £400 more than the Trek. The R3 is even more.

pete dutton

Thanks for your opinions, I was going to test ride one on Saturday but the weather was so awful I've decided to leave it till this Saturday so hopefully I'll know if it's the bike I want , thanks again.