Which Bike??

[skingsbury]

I am finally upgreading from my Trek 7.5 to a real road bike. I am looking at a Trek 2.3, Madone 4.5 or a Specialized in the same price range. Does anyone have any words of wisdom on either one....

[Zen]

7.5
is that an FX?
Is the 2.3 a 2008 or 2009?

[Jo-n-NY]

I had a 2005 Specialized Dolce Comp & I now have a 2007 Specialized Ruby Pro and love them both. I had sold my Dolce and now kicking myself as it would have made a great winter bike.

I love both bikes, the main difference in the two is the Ruby being carbon fiber I get a more forgiving & smoother ride.

If you can the best bet is to try them I see for yourself what feels best. Both are good reputable companies. My family and friends just love what Specialized offers in a bike for the money & we seem to be more comfortable on them.

~ JoAnn

[skingsbury]

Zen - the 7.5 is a Hybrid and the 2.3 and the Madone 4.5 is a 2009. I'm not sure that my ability is up to a Madone, but maybe it might be in a year or two. I'm just having a hard time deciding how much technology I need.

[ny biker]

What's the difference between the 2.3 and Madone 4.5, other than the frame material and the price?

[ilima]

Consider a Felt F75 as well. It has carbon seat stays and 105 components like the Trek but is several hundred dollars less.

I think getting 105 components or better is a good idea since you know you're into biking & that way you won't feel the tinge of regret that will make you need to buy a better bike in a year. IMO, the 2.3 or Madone 4.5 would both serve you well for many years.

If you decide to go with the alu/carbon frame combo, do check out Felt as their comparably equipped bikes are less money than the Treks.

[Zen]

Is this your 7.5?

I'm thinking of selling a 47" 2007 Pilotand replace it with a 7.6
Drop bars are not for me.

[AnnieBikes]

I just bought a Felt FW3 with Shimano 105 and I really like it. If you have a dealer, you might want to try one. They are women specific and fit me really well. Think about it. I also looked at the Specialized Ruby...? not sure which one now, but it was a sweet bike!

[kitten]

I just bought a madone 4.5. So far so good.The bike is waaayyy beyond my abilities as I've only been riding again for less than a year after decades off any bike. I decided to grow into it, and i don't think it's been a mistake. Plus it's flat out sexy and light. Just make sure you love your lbs, they were my one mistake.

[Lori81295]

I went from a Trek 7.2 to the Madone 4.5. I was like you, I didn't want to look at my puchased bike in a year and say, yeah, I wish I would have got the 4.5. I love the 4.5, and I also love the 7.2. I just finished a 20 mile ride on the 4.5 and really feel like I have 20 more miles left in me. It is a great bike. I am very satisfied with it. It is more than I need right now....but I am looking forward to "growing into it"