Trek Madone 4.7

ALaPlage

I have searched the threads for any comments/views on this bike. A colleague is selling his 2009 Madone 4.7. Has done about 200 mile on the bike and it is totally original and looks like new. It is the black/white/red frameset with Ultegra groupset and Bontrager finishing kit and xlite wheels.

I want a road bike that I can cover long distance on - up to 7/8 hrs in the saddle (with breaks). I am doing the London to Paris in July and hopefully the York 100 in September.

I like the look of the bike and the ride and position feels good (although I only rode it for 20 minutes) - seat is a bit sharp but I guess that could easily be changed.

He paid about £1900 last May - whats the going rate for a second hand bike in % terms. He needs the cash and asked me to make what I considered was a fair offer if I am interested. As much as the temptation is to offer a low price I want to be fair and offer the market value but how do you work that out!

Also I note it is a TCT carbon frame which is also noted as Treks budget (entry level) carbon frame - is this ok and hardwearing? Has anyone got any experience of this bike or advice? Also are the wheels ok or are they budget models that may need upgrading in time?

I am coming from a Boardman Hybrid Pro after 12 months back into cycling following a 20 yr break. Loving it and want to get back on a roadie.

rjh299

I had the 2008 model which is exactly the same except the price hike. I found the saddle uncomfortable and switched to Selle Italia. That's personal choice but quite a few people don't seem to like the saddle. The wheels are ok, I upgraded these to Dura Ace clinchers, but definitely decent enough. I got quite a bit of use of mine and had no problems at all, frame fine, components spot on. I did couple of centurys on mine and it was perfectly comfortable.
Unfornuately a car hit me and now the bike's screwed but not gonna blame Trek for that.
Common price gauge seems to 50-60% of RRP depending upon condition.

ALaPlage

Thanks for the response. The saddle was very hard - even after 10 minutes so if I go with the bike I will have to change it. Bike seems to fit - is the right frame size for me and was comfortable albeit for a short ride.

Watch this space although I have the opportunity to get a Felt F3 carbon too but not ridden it yet.

Lillywhite

rjh299 wrote:

Common price gauge seems to 50-60% of RRP depending upon condition.

I agree. Reckon that an offer in the region of £1200 would be about right. 2010 RRP for the Madone 4.7 are £2150 for Triple and £2100 for Compact.

I think the Madone would suit your needs and you can upgrade bits and bobs later.

carrock

bear in mind that you will get no balance of warranty at all- so if the frame has a lifetime warranty it's only for the original owner

Also a shop would offer him far less than 50-60% of retail- probably about £700

I'd offer him £900 and be prepared to be haggled up to £1000

rjh299

carrock wrote:

bear in mind that you will get no balance of warranty at all- so if the frame has a lifetime warranty it's only for the original owner

Also a shop would offer him far less than 50-60% of retail- probably about £700

I'd offer him £900 and be prepared to be haggled up to £1000

Do you have to register your bike to activate the warranty? If the original owner hasn't registered it he might be able to. Also don't some dealers offer lifetime warranty to frame regardless of original ownership?
Genuine questions, not sure myself, not trying to argue with you!

A shop would offer less because they've got to try and turn a profit on it again. It's like selling a car, privately or trade in.

Lillywhite

carrock wrote:

I'd offer him £900 and be prepared to be haggled up to £1000

With only 200 miles covered I reckon that the bike should be in near mint condition so I think £1200 is a fair price. He is his mate after all.

ALaPlage

The bike is in mint condition - like new to be honest as I can't find any marks on it at all. The Felt F3 carbon I am due to look at this weekend is going for circa £800 - it is an older bike than the Trek but has Mavic Krysium wheels - also full Ultegra like the Trek.

I like the Maodone but havent looked at many bikes and didnt want to jump in on the first option but happy to pay £1200 and after sounding the seller out he seems to be happy with that. I need to let him know before next Monday if I want it otherwise he is going to advertise it.

So going to check the Felt F3C out on Saturday morning and also local Evans have a Felt Z35 in Garmin colours for £1300 - reduced from £1600. Carbon bike with 105 groupset. Trek is looking the favourite option but will know better after looking at these other two bikes.

If anyone has any thoughts on these options then I would love to hear them:

1. 2009 Trek Madone 4.7 with Ultegra groupset - Bontrager racelite wheels
2. 2007 Felt F3C with Mavic Krysium wheels and Ultegra groupset
3. 2010 (New) Felt Z35 with 105 groupset - Felt standard wheels

Lillywhite

ALaPlage wrote:

If anyone has any thoughts on these options then I would love to hear them:

1. 2009 Trek Madone 4.7 with Ultegra groupset - Bontrager racelite wheels
2. 2007 Felt F3C with Mavic Krysium wheels and Ultegra groupset
3. 2010 (New) Felt Z35 with 105 groupset - Felt standard wheels

I'd personally go for the Trek 4.7 bike. I appreciate that the TCT carbon frame is not built in the USA but it is built in the Far East to Trek's design and exacting quality control standards and you will be getting a great bike for your money. You can always upgrade your wheels later if you decide that's necessary. Perhaps your mate will let you have his original receipt in case you need to claim (unlikely) on Trek's lifetime frame warranty.

Cannot comment on the other two options.

rjh299

Lillywhite wrote:

ALaPlage wrote:

If anyone has any thoughts on these options then I would love to hear them:

1. 2009 Trek Madone 4.7 with Ultegra groupset - Bontrager racelite wheels
2. 2007 Felt F3C with Mavic Krysium wheels and Ultegra groupset
3. 2010 (New) Felt Z35 with 105 groupset - Felt standard wheels

I'd personally go for the Trek 4.7 bike. I appreciate that the TCT carbon frame is not built in the USA but it is built in the Far East to Trek's design and exacting quality control standards and you will be getting a great bike for your money. You can always upgrade your wheels later if you decide that's necessary. Perhaps your mate will let you have his original receipt in case you need to claim (unlikely) on Trek's lifetime frame warranty.

Cannot comment on the other two options.

Are any of the Trek range still built in USA? Thought they are all built in Asia now. I wouldn't see that as a negative point anyway. All Cannondales are built in Asia now not USA and my new Super Six is mint.
I'd go for the Trek. You know where it's come from and it's a good bike. The F3's got a few years use on it and your paying more for the 2010 Z35 because of the price increases on everything.

Aud Reekie MTB

Have ridden a Trek 2.1. Although it's got an alu frame and is a cheaper model, it has the same geometry as the Madone. Very comfy! As above, will meet your needs.

Lillywhite

rjh299 wrote:

Are any of the Trek range still built in USA? Thought they are all built in Asia now. I wouldn't see that as a negative point anyway.
I'd go for the Trek. You know where it's come from and it's a good bike.

My understanding is that frames on the current Madone 5 series and 6 series models made out of OCLV black carbon and OCLV red carbon are still produced at the main Waterloo production facility in Wisconsin USA.

In Trek's 2010 catalogue talking about their OCLV2 Carbon frames they state 'We're one of the only companies that makes its own carbon frames, and we don't share our production facility or processes with other manufacturers". They also state that the 5 series is hand built in their Waterloo facility

tigerben

My 5.2 frame was built in the USA - it says so on the side. Assembled in Germany.

Not that it really makes a difference.

Lillywhite

tigerben wrote:

My 5.2 frame was built in the USA - it says so on the side.

Yes, my OCLV frame has 'Handbuilt in the USA' on the chain stay.

rjh299

Lillywhite wrote:

tigerben wrote:

My 5.2 frame was built in the USA - it says so on the side.

Yes, my OCLV frame has 'Handbuilt in the USA' on the chain stay.

I stand corrected! :x

Squillinossett

Out of those I would be going for the Madone! Hands down winner IMO over the others fro the price!