Trek Madone 5.1 08'?

[acupunk]

I am thinking of purchasing the new madone 5.1 08'
model. I test road it and it was pretty cool.
My favorite was the Specialized ruby pro 08'
Just a little to pricey. I am not a pro rider just a casual rider.
But I like comfort and good quality.
Any thoughts on the Trek? or the ruby?
Owners please chip in

[Mr. SR500]

Wow, they really are making them? We've had a Madone on order since Aug/Sept, early on we thought maybe Nov, then December, now Trek says March. At least we don't need to spend the money yet. That said, pricing was very good and much less then on the Trek Web site. She rode some Ruby's, but the '07 Madone fit perfect, hopefully the '08 will be even better.

[kelownagirl]

I'll be watching this thread. Those are the two bikes I'm considering as well.

[velogirl]

A couple of weeks ago I fit a guy on a 2008 Trek Madone 5.x (can't remember which one). The design changes, namely the triangulated tubing and aero seatpost, really make it look like an Orbea. I had a tough time with the seatpost and because of the unique shape and design it would be impossible to replace it with anything else. I predict some issues with the seatpost down the line.

BTW, I have a 2005 Trek Madone 5.9SL and I've ridden it longer than any of my other road bikes. I absolutely love it. I'm also a big fan of Trek in general. They have a great warranty program and I've found most Trek dealers know their stuff.

[OakLeaf]

The Specialized Ruby frameset is the same across the model line. If you compare apples to apples (Ultegra gruppo) then you'd be looking at the Ruby Expert, not the Pro.

It's still a little pricier than the Madone, but not by much.

[7rider]

Back in June, I got to ride the '08 Trek Madone 5.2.
Here's my review/thoughts on it: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=16643&highlight=Madone
It was a really nice bike...nice ride for carbon. Comfy, responsive, fast but I didn't find it to be overly "aggressive".

[TriMom217]

I recently bought the '08 Ruby Comp. LOVE that bike! Same frame, mostly 105 with Ultegra rear derailleur.

[acupunk]

Just bought a Madone WSD 5.1 08.
Awesome bike. Trek did a great job with this bike.
I chose it over the Ruby.

[mariposa]

Hi,

I tried about 12 bikes, and the two that emerged as my absolute favorites were the Trek Madone 5.1 and the Specialized Ruby.

I tried each model several times, and just couldn't decide. So I let price decide: Waited to see what I could find on sale.

Ended up with a Specialized Ruby Expert (with Ultegra components, the 'Expert' is the counterpart to the 5.1 version of the Madone). It was a 2007 model that I got for a fantastic price because, technically, it was used (a bike shop employee had bought it and rode it only 30 miles).

There are still many 2007 Rubys on sale; from what I understand, nothing much changed in those models from 2007 to 2008. The Madone, on the other hand, had more changes, I think, from 2007 to 08, and more of the 07's are sold out anyway.

So, just an idea...You can save up to one thousand bucks by looking for an 07 and/or a used model...and you can't go wrong with either of those bikes!

[flipflops-TE]

Hi Guys- I'm trying to choose between the Ruby Expert Triple and the Madone 5.1 WSD-- I see that some of you are riding these bikes-- any problems with either? Anyone blissfully happy with their purchase? Any regrets? I'm having the hardest time choosing-- it's going to be quite a cash outlay so I want to make the most informed decision possible.

[Mr. SR500]

My wife's not been able to get many miles yet, but the feel & geometry between the Specialized and Trek is different enough I would guess one would feel better for you. My wife liked the Madone.

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/bikeforums/Madone51a.jpg

[cosc]

I have a over 100 miles on my 08 wsd 5.1 madone. I'm still adjusting to a new season of riding and a new bike. I chose it after testing different bikes including the ruby expert. For me, the madone had the best fit and smoothest ride.

Test riding both bikes will help you narrow down your decision.

[auntiebobo]

I didn't get to test ride the Madone. The local Trek dealer didn't have it in stock and I had to commit to purchase if they ordered it. I ended up with the Ruby Expert and love it -400 miles so far. Test ride both, pick the one that's best for you - they are both great bikes!