Melissa, you have the bike I was salivating over two years ago and they were not able to get it in my size - Trek was out also. This year it is the Trek Madone that has been leading the pack for me, they make a WSD version, but it is a slightly lesser carbon than you can get on a men's Madone. My friendly neighborhood Trek dealing bike shop told me that this might be to my advantage since, per them, it means a slightly less stiff ride. I like the Blue Competition also though and the idea of supporting a smaller company is appealing. On the other hand, I don't think Trek is going anywhere nor is the local bike shop anytime soon, so I will have good mechanical support and a dependable warranty with the Trek.

I am having a mid life crisis and decided to do duatholons and maybe triatholons again. The last tri was over 18 years ago, kids came along and other priorities. I did a duatholon last year and recalled how much fun it was.

I also love to ride!!! I like to ride at least 40- 50 miles when I go out for a ride, if at all possible. I did a 62 mile ride this past weekend. My son and I ride the tandem in a cross state ride each year as well as some overnighters.

I am looking at carbon since I now have aluminum and have a rather brutal ride over some of the roads around here. Shake and bake can do a number on me. I keep hearing from folks that carbon is the most forgiving in relationship to weight. I tried a Cannondale Carbon for a ride during a demo day; it was fine, but not perfect.

I really would like to spend less than $3,000.00, ideally closer to $2,500.00 get a good frame and build up, if needed/wanted.

I am looking at a 52cm bike on average as far as size. I have been told over the years that I do not need a WSD because of my height, 5'6", finally had a bike shop owner take a look at the fit problem I thought I was having and he recognized that it wasn't all about height. So, I am leaning towards a WSD

So, what are the pros and cons to the 5200?