Difference between Trek 4 and 5 series

Green Lantern
Green Lantern Posts: 64
edited July 2012 in Road buying advice
Has anyone ever A/B the Madone Series 4 and 5 series. If both have Ultegra parts is the frame on the 5 series just a little lighter or is there a different riding experience?

Comments

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  • nickellis
    nickellis Posts: 239
    Depends on what year the bikes are.

    IIRC 4 series bikes are TCT carbon (Trek Carbon Technology) Made in their Tiwanese factories.

    5 series bikes up until 2011 are OCLV carbon (Optimum Compaction Low Void) made in Waterloo (Wisconson, not South London)

    Not sure if the 2012 & 2013 are still made in USA, they are still OCLV, which is supposed to be superior. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong.
    Trek 1.1c (2012) - For commuting
    Trek Madone 5.5c (2010) - For pleasure http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o62 ... G_0413.jpg
  • porker33
    porker33 Posts: 636
    I am quite sure the 5 series has not been made in the Us since 2010.....which is why I picked up a 2010 model.

    Agree on difference between tct and oclv carbon, 5's often have that integrated seat mast thingy, rather than a regular seat post depending on year of manufacture.