Madone frameset crash replacement upgrade options

chris7

I got knocked off my bike last week and insurance has come through for a replacement. Can't believe the how quickly they've settled even though van driver immediately admitted liability.

My bike was a 2010 Madone 4.7. Under the trek crash replacement program I have the option to upgrade from the 4 series frameset to a 5 series for around an extra £200, 6 series for around £800 and 6 series SSL for around £1300. SSL is a no goer immediately as I don't have the cash. Common sense is telling me to go for the 5 series but heart is saying that now is the only time I'll be able to afford a 6 series frame.

To complicate things a little I'm doing the Fred Whitton in early May and at the moment I'm bike-less. Delivery on a 5 series is a couple of days but 6 series is 2 weeks.

Has anyone any experience of the 2011 5 and 6 series to give an objective comparison? It'll be used mainly for long rides in the Peak District and fitted out with the ultra groupset from my 4.7 and Shimano Dura-Ace Wheels C24 wheels.

cougie

Can't help you on the qualities but I would go for the shorter lead time. You don't want to miss the FW due to the frame being delayed - and bikes always take longer to arrive than you think..

chris7

Thats exactly what my head is telling me. I'm going to ask the bikeshop to speak to Trek today and If they have stock available in the six series (i can cope with any of the stock colours) I'll order a six series. If not I'll get the 5 series. It's a rare occasion that head wins over heart but looking forward to the FW and need to get a bike ASAP.

Stelvioisnice

Had a Madone 5.2.. Dont bother about 6 if can afford it get a Litespeed.. I have C24 wheels and it is lovley..

My friend has a bike shop in Canada and says Litespeed T1 is the far better than a Madone 6.2 or whatever.. My Archon T1 is unbeliebable and has C24 wheels which r bomb proof.. I have a review someowhere .. Hope this helps

tlw1

unless the bike shop can lend you a demo bike for a while.............

Down the Road

The ride on both bikes is the same. Main diff is the carbon fork steerer on the 6 series.

Get the 5 you'll love it and never miss the 6 series

Lillywhite

Down the Road wrote:

Get the 5 you'll love it and never miss the 6 series

IIRC the 2011 5 series frames are TCT carbon and not the OCLV Black carbon frames used on 2010 5 series bikes.

Down the Road

I know but the finish on this frame is better than on the 2010 and I doubt anyone could stress them enough to find a difference

porker33

Is the finish of the 2011 that much better?

I can't say I have noticed in the showroom and the finish and quality of my 2010 5 series OCLV is as good as I have seen on a bike.

turnerjohn

got a new 6.5 frameset soooo cheap it was silly...ubber lovely comfortable yet fast and race ride...tho TBH I doubt there is much "obvious" difference between the 5 and 6 series...bar the weight difference ! Bit more carbon in the 5 could mean the frame lasts longer as well (Im light so Im hoping I dont have any issues....over a year and she's going strong as ever !)

Stelvioisnice

Litespeed Archon vs. Trek Madone 5.2 - Initial Thoughts:[/img]


Litespeed ARchon Titanium T1


Archon is incredibly quick to accelerate on the flats and downhill than the Madone. When powering got the Archon up to 48kmph on the flat, could go faster. 64kmph max on downhill could have gone faster yet again. If you can deliver high wattage into the rear wheel this bike will deliver more speed instantly.

Durace triple gears the same in terms of precision as Ultegra! Can’t tell much difference, but, of course Durace is lighter.

However, the Durace C24 wheels do make a lot of difference when climbing they allow for massive power transfer.

Archons upward drive is incredible when climbing 10-15% more power - faster especially, when standing up; the power transfer is huge. If you have strong powerful legs the Archon is the one if you can climb standing up.

No carbon creaks and cracks when going over potholes and speed bumps. When riding bike feels a lot more solid and safer cornering, much quicker and more precise. You can go forever down a hill no hands. Archon possesses a much better balance and smoother ride.

Archon’s comfort is much better than the Madone’s which jars your back mainly due to the Madone’s in-flexible carbon seat sleeve design. The Archon will be better for long rides in the Dolomites and Alps.

Archon makes a metallic sound when riding like an Aluminium bike. Carbon is more silent, but you always have in the back of your mind when this Carbon frame will crack on you!

Archon still not at optimum yet have to configure it more.

I have pics but cant post any or dont know how to.?

Stelvioisnice

http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopi ... 0#16846200

Ben6899

Erm, I'm not sure the Litespeed is an option. We're helping Chris choose between a Madone 5 or 6 Series.

I'd jump for the 6 Series.

chris7

Heart has won the day over head/logic and I opted for the 6 series. I know it's the only chance I'll ever have to own one and that I'd regret it in the future if I didn't take the chance. Just need to confirm delivery details in the morning then order can be placed.

Lightspeed was never an option as getting the frame replaced on the trek replacement policy.

Thanks for comments/help.

chris7

I forgot to say that I've managed to borrow a frame so waiting two weeks not such an issue. I'll have the bike (hopefully) for years so worth waiting a little now.

tlw1

well done - nothing worse than regrets

Squillinossett

For the sake of £200 you make the right choice with the 6. Even if you dont notice any change, its £200, worth it for re sale value and bling factor.

spasypaddy

Squillinossett wrote:

For the sake of £200 you make the right choice with the 6. Even if you dont notice any change, its £200, worth it for re sale value and bling factor.

Its £600 difference. But i like the logic!

Squillinossett

Ah, so you have gone from a 4 to a 6.

Even better & money well spent

Enjoy!

chris7

Yes, the crashed bike was a 2010 4.7 Madone which I'm replacing with a 2011 6 series.

Getting another 4 series was never really an option as the 2011 version sounds like it's the 2010 frame with a new paint job whereas the 5 and 6 series are new for 2011 (or the 2011 5 series is the 2010 6 series but in TCT and the 6 series is new). I've been doing lots of reading whilst making the decision and now it seems like I know the Madone models inside out. I dred to think how hard the decision would have been if I hadn't been limited to just Trek.

The order was placed this morning (delivery has been extended to 18 days). It's sad that you can get excited about a new bike frame but I know that the 18 days are going to pass very/very slowly.

Lillywhite

Squillinossett wrote:

For the sake of £200 you make the right choice with the 6. Even if you dont notice any change, its £200, worth it for re sale value and bling factor.

But the series 6 is costing him £800 and not £200!
However, it is OCLV Red carbon and made in the USA so is a really good frame.

turnerjohn

chris7 wrote:

. It's sad that you can get excited about a new bike frame but I know that the 18 days are going to pass very/very slowly.

you got a right to be excited

chris7

Frameset has arrived early but unfortunately this colour arrived



when I'd ordered



so I've got another couple of weeks to wait till the correct colour arrives. I tried to like the white frame last night and get the bike built up today but it wasn't growing on me.

rolf_f

You turned down the option of cool white for cliche red white and black? Silly man!

(through the packing materials, that white frame looks far, far better to me! Still, less practical maybe.....)

turnerjohn

Rolf F wrote:

You turned down the option of cool white for cliche red white and black? Silly man!

(through the packing materials, that white frame looks far, far better to me! Still, less practical maybe.....)

+1 def looks better in one colour !

nochekmate

I agree with other posters -you've sent back the better looking colourscheme IMO!!

chris7

It was a strange situation turning up at the shop then getting shown the wrong colour frame which I think that put a negative on the white frame straight away. Also, I didn't like the finish of the frame which arrived as around each of the trek logos there was a slight yellow tinge which made it look like the transfers had faded in the sun (maybe I was over picky and looking for reasons not to like it though).

If I was starting from scratch buying all new components then I'd have been more tempted with the white frame.

I guess the differences in opinion is why they offer so many choices in colour/customisation. I played around with the trek designer overnight before deciding whether to accept the white frame but choose to stick with my original choice. Images of the final bikes (with as close a match to my components) are below. Frame arrived with black headset/stem/seatpost so selected those on the white frame. They are both nice bikes and obviously the colour makes zero difference to how it'll ride.

turnerjohn

both look sweet but I actually still prefer the white.
Hey thing is if your not happy with it, us lot saying go for the white isnt going to help !
TBH go with your gut instinct...end of the day you got to live with it...if you dont like it it will haunt you forever (ok little OTT lol)