Help Me Build Up My Madone!

[ivorygorgon]

DH and I just scored a brand new 2009 Madone 5.5 frame.

So now I am in the market for components! I thought it would be fun to have all of you give me ideas.

So have at it! The sky is the limit. DH and I will be researching each recommendation thoroughly.

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

[TrekTheKaty]

Congrats! I just bought a 5.2 with Shimano Ultegra/compact double (worth every penny by the way--I wouldn't go below that on a 5.5 frame--I believe that's standard). What are you riding now? I was blown away by the difference between Tiagra and Ultegra. I've learned the components are what cost the money! Shifts like butter, even while mashing up a hill :D

We were shopping for a Madone with SRAM (that's what DH rides). Had trouble finding one, so if I'd had a choice (and you want to be unique), I'd do SRAM components.

[Becky]

Ultegra or Rival. Both groups perform great- it comes down to preference.

If I built another road bike today, I'd put Rival or better on it.

[ivorygorgon]

TrektheKaty: Hey, I am your twin remember? I have the 2.1 WSD. :)

[TrekTheKaty]

Sorry, I forgot! Definitely, ultegra then ;) I love the red! Just be forewarned twin, I may swap out my wheels. I'll keep you posted :D

[ny biker]

If the sky is the limit, why not go for Dura Ace components? Or SRAM Red (or Black Red or whatever their top of the line is)?

[feral1]

I would go for SRAM....I have the Force group and love it! :D

[smilingcat]

well... if money is no option then go with top of the line.

Campagnolo super record 11S
Dura Ace Di2
Zip 2011 808 wheelset (others may beg to differ)
specialized Ruby saddle (I use toupe and I like it)
speedplay pedal get a titanium spindle (I use stainless steel x/2 it and I like it)

and while at it why not use power tap for your rear hub so you can record your power output. use Garmin Edge 800 as your cycling computer.

Personally, I use SRAM force, and Ultegra on my bikes. Top of the line is just lighter for whole lot more $$. And I'm not sold on "wireless" Di2. What happens when the battery dies?

I've ridden with 105 and it's okay.
I've ridden with Chorus and I love it.
I've ridden with Centaur and it's okay.

[Mama Coosa]

I agree that Ultegra is the best bang for your buck. I do prefer Shimano over SRAM. It's mostly a personal preference, but as a mechanic, I find most SRAM stuff to be extra finicky.

When money is no object, Di2 all the way. The shifting is amazing and the battery gets around a thousand miles per charge. There's an indicator to give you an idea of how much power is left.

Congrats on the new frame!

[smilingcat]

I agree that Ultegra is the best bang for your buck. I do prefer Shimano over SRAM. It's mostly a personal preference, but as a mechanic, I find most SRAM stuff to be extra finicky.

When money is no object, Di2 all the way. The shifting is amazing and the battery gets around a thousand miles per charge. There's an indicator to give you an idea of how much power is left.

Congrats on the new frame!

I thought it was just me about Force being finicky... BTW, I use Ultegra chain with my Force. Didn't care for the SRAM chain.