What to Buy???????????

Sneillm69

I currently own an entry level Merida Road bike and since march have been cycling 200 miles per week to and from work and also undertaken my first couple of 70mile plus sportives. I have seriously been bitten by the cycling bug but unfortunately three weeks ago suffered a head injury when I had an unpredicted argument with the tarmac.

I will be off the bike for a minimum of three months so decided that it is only fair to treat myself to an upgrade as a reward for the unavoidable episodes of cabin fever and frustration that will ensue over the weeks ahead.

I have trawled through dozens of reviews and the two bikes that meet my price scale and overall specs are the Trek Madone 3.5 and the Focus Izalco Pro 3.0. The problem is I just can't split them for preference so was hoping to gain some insider information from the valued Radar Forum.

If it helps I live in the Scottish Borders and cycle mostly country roads many of dubious quality. The terrain is hilly and the average trip I take is 3+ hours. My cycle to work is a 44 mile round trip that living in Scotland can often be done in particularly wet weather. I am a member of my local cycling club but keen sportive rider is where my aspirations end. I love speed but will not be turning pro anytime soon. I am also a keen upgrader so being able to add and higher spec gear onto the bike is a hobby of mine.

Please help.

Sneillm69

andyk19

I've got a Madone 3.1, and like you upgrading is also a hobby so mine is now Ultegra and not 105... The Trek is a very good bike and I find it quite comfortable as the geometry is a good cross between race and comfort making it fast but without being uncomfortable; something I would expect to be at the forefront of your mind when considering sportives.

The spec of the 3.5 is good as is the frame quality so you wouldn't be wasting your money with upgrades. I'd suggest looking at wheels and maybe swap some of the 105 bits for Ultegra, brakes etc. Beyond that there wont be much else to change as you'd have to start swapping for Dura-ace to beat the stock spec.

Not sure about the Focus, sure it's a good bike but I've got no experience of it.

Sneillm69

Thanks for our reply. Most of the reviews I have read do say that the Madone beats the Focus for comfort. The upgrade options are certainly something to consider. Your input has been a good help.

Cheers.

NickintheLakes

andyk19 wrote:

I've got a Madone 3.1, and like you upgrading is also a hobby so mine is now Ultegra and not 105... The Trek is a very good bike and I find it quite comfortable as the geometry is a good cross between race and comfort making it fast but without being uncomfortable; something I would expect to be at the forefront of your mind when considering sportives.

The spec of the 3.5 is good as is the frame quality so you wouldn't be wasting your money with upgrades. I'd suggest looking at wheels and maybe swap some of the 105 bits for Ultegra, brakes etc. Beyond that there wont be much else to change as you'd have to start swapping for Dura-ace to beat the stock spec.

Not sure about the Focus, sure it's a good bike but I've got no experience of it.

How on earth is upgrading a hobby?

rolf_f

NickintheLakes wrote:

How on earth is upgrading a hobby?

A pastime that gives the OP pleasure? What else is it if not a hobby.

Researching components, sourcing them, removing the old parts, fitting the new ones, testing they work. I can see the pleasure in that.

Personally though, if I was out of action for three months I'd do the thing properly and build from scratch with my choice of components. And something more interestingly unusual than a Trek or Focus.