I rode the new '08 Trek Madone

[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.