Madone series and Cervelo R3

I made the mistake of going into another bike store while in Lincoln and tried out both bikes. I don't remember the Madone number but it was in in the 5's or 6's. They were at closeout prices as the new 2012s will be out soon running from 2000 to 2700. WHAT a difference in ride..I was in love with both.

The Cervelo had a softer ride to it where the Madone had the same stiff feeling as my Sirrus, but of course a much nicer ride than the Sirrus as it's full carbon. These were men's bikes.

The other option is a Ruby, but they are pretty much out of stock and I'd have to wait for the 2012's.

When I went back to my LBS to ask about trades he could do with my bikes, I'd be paying the same prices as above. If I bought from the other company, I could keep my bikes and have one of those..if DH agrees. I could get a womens size the Madone line from my LBS, but there weren't very many left. My only choice would be the mens from the other store.

I'm one that doesn't need "bikes". I would love one street bike. My LBS can't put out that kind of discount on the above bikes so I would have to trade up from him.

Stupid carbon frames...evil..evil..evil...I knew I shouldn't have tried them out, but I wanted to see what a 3-5000 retail price bike felt like and they are evil.

I feel your pain. ;) I tested a Dolce the other day, and it fits so much better than my Avail. I don't get many chances to test bikes (I need a 54cm in most WSD bikes, which is not something that most shops keep on the floor--they tend to only have 48 and 51 cm). He had a 54cm Dolce built up, and let me take it out for a test run. It was similarly spec'ed to my current bike, but wow. If I had $4000, I'd have ordered a Ruby Expert (or maybe the one down, I don't really need Ultegra) then and there.

I run a 56 in women's and a 17.5 if I remember right so no one has that size in women's on the floor. I did try out a Dolce, but it was too small.

My LBS has a Madone 4.7 that is my size on the floor but I haven't tried it. I need to take my daughter's bike in to get the brake fixed so I'll try it out.

DH did say I could do this ONLY if I was truly certain of what I want as this would be the last bike EVER.

What I didn't know is how fast my confidence/speed would rise in 6 weeks when I bought a basic bike or how much I'd truly love cycling.

I'll try out the Madone 4.7 and the Dolce tomorrow. I really don't want to spend that much as a beginner, but hate to regret it as well.

I set a goal in 2009 to loose a certain amount of weight. After reaching my goal, my reward was a new bike, a Madone. I have never regretted my purchase and it is a dream to ride. It is so light to ride and very reactive. Love, love, love it! and so would you.

I purchased a Madone 4.7 after talking with my LBS. LOVE it.