I rode the new '08 Trek Madone

[7rider]

I went to the LBS today, fully expecting to tell Mike, the owner, that I flipped my quarter, and the ID8 won. With BikerZ and my own DH getting new Seven's, my desire to go custom has jumped up about 15 spots on the "gotta have" scale. Not sure if I wanted an Axiom or ID8, I figured it'd come down to a coin toss. So I tossed 3 - best 2 out of 3 wins. Tails: ID8 won.

So I go to the shop. I have Pepper look at my commuter, which is shifting funny. Bike is fine. Shift-er (me) doesn't know how to push the button hard/far enough. Sigh. User error.

So, Mike comes over. "I got a bike for you to ride. You're gonna love it," he said. "You got an ID8 in my size???" I ask hopefully. "No. That." He points over at a slick black and white Trek leaning up against the row of bikes. "A Trek???" I ask dubiously.

He goes over the details: The brand new, just unveiled, 2008 Trek Madone 5.2. Full Ultegra compact (50-34; 11-25 - which increases the high end over the 12-25) in the new black finish. He explains the integrated seat mast - offset to increase compliance. He explains the 1 1/8" to 1 1/2" headset, doing away with the "90-degree" bend, shaving weight and increasing ride quality. He shows me the massive bottom bracket. He explains the bearings (no tools required) in the BB and headset (no pressfits, which was the demise of DH's Klein frame).

Then, the coolest part...he took measurements off my Felt, and set up the Trek to fit me...and let me take it home! Shhh...it's downstairs in my basement right now...looking rather un-sleek with my Terry Butterfly saddle and SPDs stolen off the Felt.

It was the fastest commute ever! Now...let me tell you. I am no fan of carbon bikes. I've ridden a few. A Look. A Colnago (I think that was carbon). Didn't really care for any of 'em. A carbon fork. Carbon stays. Carbon bars. Those I can handle. Not the whole danged frame. I found they just knock the fillings out of your teeth.

But this Trek moved along nicely. You can definitely feel the road ("texture" was what PezCycling News said), but it was not harsh or rough. It climbed great. Tracked like an arrow - I was able to ride no-hands down a newly chipped-sealed street, even over a bumpy man-hole cover with no problems at all. It had a very lively feel. I can't wait to take this think out for a 30-40 mile ride. I've got p.m. con calls tomorrow - but hopefully, I can scoot out early to really put this thing through its paces.

Oh...and back at the house...I pulled out my Seven and did back-to-back loops (~2.5 miles each) through the neighborhood (which rolls like a rollercoaster). The difference was remarkable. The Seven is like silk - utterly smooth, unfazed by the road. It is so subtle. You just float along, but when you put the pedals down, it hops to it, and flies. It was like slipping into my most favorite pair of p.j.'s. The Trek was definitely more "rider involved" - it let you know the road was there, but not uncomfortably so.

The question is....do I like the Trek enough to get one over a new ID8? I don't know. They are totally different animals. I just need to figure out what new beastie gets a new home in our stable o' bikes.
Oh...but I had been thinking already about necessary upgrades: Wheels, handlebars were at the top of the list!

[Zen]

If you have this Seven that sounds flawless why would you want something else?

[Velobambina]

Go custom. You won't regret it.

I realize that Trek probably makes great bikes, but I don't like their business practices. I guess that's besides the point...

Get the Seven!

[short cut sally]

Its great that the LBS let you take that beauty home for a test spin. Decisions decisions! A guy that I work with, his friend just bought this bike. No reports as of yet. Just got to see the pics. Good luck in your decision, can't give you any advice as I don't know much about any of those bikes. BUT if you're going to do it, do what you want and spend the money to make yourself happy. ( I like spending other peoples money )

[rij73]

The Trek sounds nice... How much $$ if you don't mind my asking... I'm in the market for a bike too!

[bikerz]

Seven, Seven, Seven! One question - does the Trek make your heart go thumpity-thump??

But seriously - I'd be interested to know what you think of the Trek after a longer ride - what do yo think makes this carbon frame feel better to you than the others you have ridden?

[7rider]

Why a new bike? Couple of reasons. I'm hoping a new bike (custom if necessary) will address some pain/comfort issues that have cropped up recently related to a neck injury and are not necessarily the result of my current bikes' fit. I wonder if I have "outgrown" my current bike due to the aging and creaking of my body. It's a common thing, I'm discovering, with the stock Seven owners I've talked to: They go custom...eventually. I've held out for 7 years (how's that for irony?). Now maybe it's my turn?
Plus - I admit it - it's a bit of an arms race with DH. If he can get it, why can't I?? Yeah, he's faster and stronger. It's not like he's BETTER than me. Right?
Oh, Shellyj. If there's one thing I love to do....it's spend other peoples' money! Spending my own, however, requires a lot more thought!
I've read that this Trek goes in the $3,200 range (about what the ID8 frame costs). I don't know if it makes my heart go pitter-patter, but it makes the mouth say "ooooooo" and it makes my financial advisor not have heart palpatations. I know it's so far the best carbon I've ridden. It is much more compliant that the others and doesn't beat me up. I came away from the ride (granted - only about, what? 14 miles total) not feeling spent. I love speed....but I love comfort, too.

[Velobambina]

Regina--The custom bike will last you a long, long time and I remember all the problems you were having w/your arm/shoulder last fall. I used some of the $$ my parents left me to get my custom Lunas and I don't regret it. Riding those bikes is a treat. You'll be able to outfit your Seven with the wheels you want, components, etc. Plus the anticipation of getting it, after planning it, right down to the color, is such a treat. In the long run, I expect you'll save money by going custom (won't want to replace anything on your Seven).
I know lots of folks enjoy carbon frames, but I'm a steel girl. I'd love to get a titanium bike eventually. Carbon doesn't interest me because I love the ride steel gives me. What type of material is the Seven you want made of? I thought about getting a Mudhoney when I was looking for a custom 'cross bike. It was only because I loved my Eclipse that I went w/Luna for the 'cross bike. Seven has such a great rep, too.
You ride more than enough to justify investing in a custom "machine." You deserve it, so follow your heart.

[northstar]

Is it just me, or does that Madone look like the Orbea Rij has been lusting after?

[melissam]

Hey Regina,

It sounds like you can't go wrong with any of the bikes you're considering. The Madone sounds like a great bang for the buck (relative to the other bikes); I own a Trek 5200 WSD, and I've been absolutely thrilled with it.

But, there's more to making the decision than that, isn't there? OK, let's play a little game, shall we?

If you buy the Madone, how long do you think it will take you to start wanting a custom bike?

If you buy the Axiom or the ID8, do you think you'll secretly lust after the Madone?

Just some food for thought. The Madone's a nice bike, but I don't think it's your dream bike, and it sounds like you're at a point where you can afford to have your dream bike.

Good luck -- keep on posted on what you decide.

-- Melissa

PS There's an interesting review of the Madone at this link.

[7rider]

Well, I had my fling with the Madone. I guess it's really "Mad One" - my bad boy affair before I commit, yah??
It's back with the shop....and I ordered and ID8!!! Yikers!!!

[melissam]

Well, I had my fling with the Madone. I guess it's really "Mad One" - my bad boy affair before I commit, yah??
It's back with the shop....and I ordered and ID8!!! Yikers!!!

Mad One -- that's really good! Well, I'm glad you got to sow your wild biking oats before settling down with the ID8.

When do you think the ID8 will be ready? What kind of components are you thinking of? Are you going to put on a snazzy red SRAM cassette (ala BikerZ)? Can't wait to see the pics when the ID8 comes in.

[7rider]

Mad One -- that's really good! Well, I'm glad you got to sow your wild biking oats before settling down with the ID8.

When do you think the ID8 will be ready? What kind of components are you thinking of? Are you going to put on a snazzy red SRAM cassette (ala BikerZ)? Can't wait to see the pics when the ID8 comes in.

ID8 won't be ready soon enough!
6-8 weeks is my guess.
To save some $$, I'm transferring most of the drivetrain and my handlebars over from my existing bike....FSA compact crankset - the rest DuraAce, and Easton carbon bars. Probably no snazzy red SRAM cassette - just a Shimano 10-spd road group - 12-25. Chris King headset, Seven fork. Stem and seatpost are up in the air - probably more Easton carbon. I'll go for the basic black and silver look. Maybe a splash of color on the headset from www.purelycustom.com.
I can't wait!