Focus Cayo or Focus Cayo Expert or a Trek Madone 5.2 SL 07?

flanners1

As per the title, I have had MTBs since 1989 but never a roadbike. I want something that will ride well, maybe on club runs and distance work on Sundays etc. Is the Cayo Expert worth the the extra 600 notes?

Failing those two what about the Madone 5.2 SL for around £1400 so sits in the middle finacially speaking?

Opinions welcome or other bikes for the £1600 mark. Ta

ianmichaeljones

Hello Flanners

My first post here, and not a very helpful one, as I just want to say that I've been agonising over exactly the same question.

Would be lovely to have the Expert's Dura Ace, of course, but would a Sunday cyclist like me really notice the difference? And I can't see much else on the Cayo Expert that justifies the extra dosh, especially now that the basic Cayo is down to a grand. I wonder if you'd be better buying the basic Cayo, getting better wheels and flogging the Mavics it comes with as new to get a few quid back.

I've been looking at the Madone 5.2 08, too - now that does make me go drooly, but again, I can't really justify £1300 (!) extra when it might only see twenty or so decent length rides per year.

Bloody hell, I'll need a good long ride to clear my head after all this. One final question - is it nuts to consider buying a bike off ebay?

Thanks for tolerating yet another bumbling novice...

Ian

flanners1

I have gone for the Cayo!!!! Lke you the extra £600 notes are just not worth it. I have looked at a secondhand Pinarello Prince on ebayu at the beginning of this week aftera round trip of 130miles, the bike was ok but was well used, decals missing and worn headset, components and it was up for £500!

I am doing the cyclescheme on my Cayo so for the same dosh I get a new bike and a full carbon frame. No brainer really.

I am brand conscious I have 4 Specialized MTBs, C'Dale, Gary Fisher etc but the Focus a great bike it seems for a reasonable outlay, I bet the other 'big brands' are having some concerns.

ianmichaeljones

Hello there

Glad you made a decision! More than I've done as yet?

How's the Cayo going? Are you happy with it?

I've got a bit more money to play with than I first thought so I'm toying with some other options now, including the Trek Madone 5.2. But I could just get the Cayo!

blorg

I got a Cayo and upgraded the wheels to DT Swiss RR 1450s with Schwalbe Ultremo tyres; took a whack of weight off the bike.

Also swapped stem, handlebars, seatpost and saddle- saved weight there too but that was more for comfort reasons.

The Cayo Expert didn't seem to justify the extra money, better save it and spend on wheels IMHO.

blorg

BTW I was also considering the (2008, new model) Madone 5.2, I would definately consider it a better bike but it was exactly three times the price of the Cayo from the LBS here.

The 2007 Madone 5.2 is nice if you get it in the grey colour, know a few lads with them and they are nice looking bikes.

passout

Cayo or the other Focus if you want to be flash.

Trek's are boring.