Trek Madone 4.5

I am relatively new to biking, I have an old (80s) Trek that I've used a bit the last two summers, but I've decided it's time to upgrade. Originally I was hoping to spend no more than $1500, however I came across the Trek Madone WSD 4.5 and fell in love ($2,100). I'm wondering if Carbon Fiber is what I need, or if I should just find an aluminum bike (or steel?) in my original price range. I want to bike a few days a week, maybe on average 20 miles each time, and eventually would like participate in some longer (maybe 150 mile's over 2 days) races...and by race I would be participating just to finish, not to make any time goal. I'm looking for a bike that will last me at least for the next 10 years, and hopefully much longer than that. Any input would be greatly appreciated! (Oh, and I live in Alaska, so our roads are not the greatest quality)

Love my Trek Madone 4.5. Aahhhhh, riding it is a little slice of heaven. It is so awesome. So fast. Comfy, sturdy... but I can't compare it to steel, as it's the only road bike I have.

I have the 4.7 Trek Madone and I really love it! It is such a great bike for me, I love the fit, it is comfortable, fast and I feel so confident and strong riding it!

OOoooh, an 80's Trek! Very cool! What model is it? What does it look like?
Some of those were incredibly lovely beasts.

Do you have pictures? (we like bike pictures!)

What don't you like about your Trek? If it fits you well, you can upgrade parts, powder coat, etc.

(that's what I did to my 80's steel Giant)

If the frame is good, a steel Trek can keep on going for many more years.

+1 on the Trek Madone 4.7. Love mine! I can't comment on steel as I have never ridden one, but the Trek is very comfortable.

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Originally Posted by KnottedYet

If it fits you well, you can upgrade parts, powder coat, etc.

(that's what I did to my 80's steel Giant)

If the frame is good, a steel Trek can keep on going for many more years.

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Why not get both? If the steel Trek fits you could upgrade to your hearts content and it could become your winter bike. Oh wait, it's Alaska :) This is Knott's 80's steel Giant. Lots of other examples here of beautiful rebuilds.

Get the Madone for club rides, long rides, going real fast etc.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=23135

Not sure what the model is, I'll check when I get home...It's bright blue with bright coral colored lettering (and I'm pretty sure it's aluminum not steel..so maybe just an early 90's bike, I just assumed late 80's because of the colors). It doesn't fit me all that well - has the gear shifters on the frame which I don't like, the brakes are awkward for me to use because of the positioning of the handles (my main reason for wanting a different bike), I think the handle width is a little too narrow for my shoulder width, and because it's so old the screws to adjust the bike seat and handle height are stripped out (luckily the seat was at the right height for me to begin with). I didn't want to spend money on a new bike until I knew I would enjoy it...and I figure if I can enjoy it on a bike that doesn't fit me correctly, surely a properly sized bike will be wonderful!
I would love to get both a steel and carbon fiber bike, and if I had an endless supply of money I might consider that ;)
Thanks for all the input everyone!

I bought the Madone...So Excited!

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Originally Posted by jennyrc

I bought the Madone...So Excited!

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Good for you! You will enjoy it..........pictures........we must have pictures!!!

2011 Trek Madone 4.5...yay!

BEAUTIFUL! I have a 2009 Trek Madone 4.7 and I can guarantee you are going to love her!