Getting a new bike!

[Grits]

My LBS is having a Black Friday sale, (no sales tax, plus deep discounts on many items). I went today and tested out several Madones. I have it narrowed down to either a 2010 5.2 WSD or a 2011 5.2 WSD.

They both feel equally comfortable. The main differences are:
2010 has SRAM Rival, 2011 has ultegra
2010 has bontrager race x lite wheels, 2011 has bontrager race wheels

The 2010 bike is $200 more than the 2011 - due to the upgraded wheels. It has been pretty heavily discounted. I priced the wheels separately, and the race x lites would cost $500 more if bought separately.

I have always ridden Shimano, and was surprised at how much I like the SRAM. It felt very intuitive to me. Really, I guess the only thing holding me back from the 2010 is I don't like the color as much, but I don't dislike it, either.

If anyone has any input, it would be welcome! I know I'll like either choice.
(I am not interested in looking at other brands of bike.)

[ny biker]

I've been very happy with the SRAM Rival components on my 2010 Madone 4.7. My old bike was mostly 105, so I can't compare to Ultegra.

I know how you feel about the color -- I would have preferred a different color bike (old and new are both silver/gray) but I got a great deal on the new one so I'm okay with it.

[indysteel]

Color is important to me, but I also like light wheels. I'm a Campy girl, so I can't weigh in on SRAM versus Shimano, although both groupsets are very nice from what I understand. My DH has SRAM on his bike and loves it.

If it were me, I'd go with the color I liked. Since it sounds like you like the 2011 better, take the $200 you'll save and apply it towards a set of handmade wheels (which are almost always my preference anyway). If you don't need an extra set of wheels, sell the Bontrager Race wheels on Craigslist. Done and done! :)

[macski]

Firstly, how exciting to be getting a new bike - and thanks for sharing so we can all enjoy the pleasure vicariously.

Color is such a personal thing and for me central to bonding with a bike. That said, I think the 2010 model is the better bike (and an easy choice for me because I like the 2010 color better too). But if you think you wouldn't bond with the 2010 model because your prefer the other color then listen to your heart.

[zoom-zoom]

I get the color thing...totally. I knew an upgrade would be in my future, since my entry-level Cdale Synapse isn't really the right geometry for me (WSD, when I really should have been on a men's frame, and I feel too upright and cramped in the cockpit) and I want to upgrade to SRAM Rival.

Orange is my favorite color. So when I saw this I knew I had to upgrade to a 2011 and not wait another year. :p
http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/1060501495_XYxde-M.jpg

Incidentally, we are going to order mine on Friday, too. Mostly as a joke. I have never once left the house on Black Friday to go shopping. That will change this year. I am still not setting foot near a mall, though. ;)

Can't wait to see what you end up with! :cool:

[pinsonp2]

I purchased the 2011 Madone 5.2 WSD. I was attracted by the color and love it!! I have gotten several comments on how cool it looks too. Sorry, not a great pic.

Good luck with your decision,
P2

[Catrin]

Orange is my favorite color. So when I saw this I knew I had to upgrade to a 2011 and not wait another year. :p
http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/1060501495_XYxde-M.jpg

Incidentally, we are going to order mine on Friday, too. Mostly as a joke. I have never once left the house on Black Friday to go shopping. That will change this year. I am still not setting foot near a mall, though. ;)

Can't wait to see what you end up with! :cool:

It looks like orange sherbert - lovely! Congratulations :)

Grits, I don't have enough experience to advise, but looking forward to seeing the pictures of your decision when it comes in :)

[Grits]

Zoom Zoom, I love your orange bike, and I have never been shopping on Black Friday either!

I am very thankful that today my biggest concern is which bike - both far better than any bike I ever thought I would have - I'm going to get!

Thanks for your input, everyone! I really don't think I can make a wrong decision here. It is going to be hard for me to pass up the great race x lite wheels on the 2010 model, and I am thinking that long term I might be more of an aqua (teal?) kind of gal than a pink one. Probably won't decide for sure until I go into the shop tomorrow.

[tzvia]

Tough call.
I would choose based on whichever bike feels better-in this case, Sram vs. Shimano shifting. I believe the Sram has adjustable reach, which may be a deal maker, and the lever and hood shape are different, as is the way the shift works. This is important, as the hoods/levers will get constant use unless you live on the tops or drops. I would rate the quality as about the same.

As for wheels, yes lighter wheels are noticeable on rides, being rotating weight which would make it feel like 3x more difference than it is. Less is much more on wheels.

So I would say, look again at the shifting, and choose which works out better for you as you will feel that every moment on the ride. You won't be looking at the bike then and the color won't make the hoods feel any better. If that's a toss-up, great, decide based on the wheels and color.

[zoom-zoom]

Zoom Zoom, I love your orange bike, and I have never been shopping on Black Friday either!

Sounds like we are both starting a new tradition--hitting our favorite LBS on Black Friday! This is a tradition that I can totally get on-board with. :D

[Grits]

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/images/attach/jpg.gif

I am now the proud owner of a 2010 Trek 5.2 WSD! Can't wait to take her out for a ride tomorrow. None of my fellow riders know I have gotten a new bike, so I'm also looking forward to seeing their surprise :D

Now, to change my signature to reflect new bike and get old bike ready to sell!

[warneral]

sweet bike! When I test-rode the 4.5 madone from 2010 and 2011 I swore I thought the 2011 felt better. But I'm pretty sure it is b/c I preferred the saddle on the newer one. I do like the idea of the better wheel set! Enjoy. I love the colors!

[Catrin]

Sweet bike, congratulations! While the other looked like lovely orange sherbert, I REALLY like the blue in this one. I am sure you will have lots of miles and smiles on her :D

[zoom-zoom]

Lori, that is gorgeous! I won't have my bike for a while...I'm thinking maybe a month, depending upon whether or not Cannondale has it in stock in their warehouse. Unfortunately a 48cm men's frame is not stocked in my LBS (can't blame them).

[Grits]

Warneral, the stock saddle (a Bontrager Inform, don't know exact model,size) will never feel my back side again! I had them take it off in the shop, put it on my old bike and replace it with my Selle Italia Lady Gel. It is amazing how uncomfortable a saddle can be on a relatively short test ride!

[Owlie]

Nice! (To both of you!)

[Grits]

I went for a 25 mile ride yesterday in 11 mph winds, so was really able to test her out well. First, the SRAM shifting is SO much smoother than my old Tiagra set up. I love it.

I got a compact double (after a good test ride on a hilly road), and have no regrets there. I had plenty of gears for some challenging hills and head wind. The carbon definitely absorbs a lot of the vibration and is a more comfortable ride.

It is hard to tell about improvement in speed since it was so windy yesterday, but I was not nearly as tired afterward as I usually would have been after fighting such strong headwinds. I am very happy with my choice :)

I will need to switch out the stem and put the less aggressive one from my 2.1 on the Madone. I wanted to try the new set up, but after 20 miles, my lower back started hurting. I think I just need to duplicate my old set up, which worked well for me. I also need some toe warmer cover things immediately!

I am looking at the calendar and am dismayed at all the stuff on it that is going to interfere with riding for the next month! :( I will just have to fit in some short rides when I can instead of waiting until I have time for longer ones!

[tzvia]

Congrats, it is a beautiful bike! That teal is lovely!

Maybe the stem is 'flip-able'; that is, it can be run one way for a negative, downward direction, or the other way for an up-swept position. Keeping yourself low is really helpful in the winds so I would suggest keeping it as low as you can go comfortably. Maybe a fitting could get it dialed in? It sounds like it's setup for someone with more back flexibility or longer arms.

[smurfalicious]

Awesome! That is super sexy, but I'm biased about ninja black bikes. I dig the SRAM myself, but I still have a tough time wrapping my brain around it. Pity the poor innocent SRAM equipped bikes I've test ridden.

One thing I've noticed about Bontrager wheels is that they tend to be "tight" no matter what brand of tires you have you them shod with. So test out flat changing at home and see how you do. I'd hope they've realized it after all these years and changed it, but better to find out at home, right?

Having come home with 150+ mosquito bites after flatting in a marshy area I can attest speed is of the essence! Also, if you're crying and covered in mosquitoes, guys will help you.

Boy, you lucky dog, showin' up all stealth on the group ride with a sexy new steed. We gotta find you some pretty teal bar tape to make those highlights pop. I think there's one from Bontrager, there should be, they have 3 different pinks.

[Grits]

Thanks Smurf! The sooner I get rid of the white bar tape, the better!

[smurfalicious]

Ha ha! I love white bar tape, but it's super high maintenance! I had a long tube sock I used turned inside out to scrub my tape with dish soap. I'm rocking red/white striped Fizik tape now, much easier.

Looks like Soma's Kelly Green might work:
http://www.somafab.com/tape_tnz_10.jpg

But why not go for all out bling (http://www.somafab.com/bartape3.html)?

[macski]

Great choice - it's a stunning bike. I wish you many happy miles riding your new stead.

[warneral]

I'm glad you like your bike! Such a great upgrade!!!

[Bike Writer]

Nice bike! Congratulations on your new ride and many happy miles together!

[zoom-zoom]

Ahhh...congrats on that first ride!

[Jo-n-NY]

very nice bike!!! and I love the color especially the teal accent. I wish you much luck and many enjoyable riding miles.

[arielmoon]

Congrats Lori! Gorgeous bike!



But why not go for all out bling (http://www.somafab.com/bartape3.html)?

WOW I like the chrome!!!