Trek Madone 5.1wsd or Pinarello 5 fp5

[redrhodie]

The Pinarello FP5's I just found online (gitabike.com) are with Dura Ace gruppos, for MSR $3450. Does that sound like the same bike you're considering?

[yauchzee]

I just got a Madone 5.1 this year and love it. I had compared it to the Ruby Expert and Orbea Diva when I made my decision so I didn't look at the Pinarello.
I love the Trek and I think it is one of the best frames you can buy for that kind of money (OCLV carbon). Smooth riding.
My two cents, good luck with your decision. Here is what mine looks like:

[Purki1]

Thanks for all your replies!

Well, technically I have not road tested either bike as I have not been able(until now) to find either one in my size. I am 4'10" so I need the smallest frames out there and most don't carry them in stock. I did not want to order one without riding the proper size first so I have been looking in multiple states..

I am visiting in Scottsdale Arizona and amazingly found both bikes so I will go out and test ride them Monday morning. Of course the Pinarello test ride will require a two hour drive to Tucson, but it's worth it. I don't want to get a bike just because it's the only one in my size.
I have never been on a road bike before (only Mtn Bikes) so trying to figure out what fits right has been difficult. Most stores keep trying to sell my a size to big and that's really irritating. I am renting a Masi this weekend which is to big for me and now I am so happy I did not listen to them, my back is killing riding this thing and braking and shifting are interesting...

I was also considering the Cannondale six13 fem1 but the top tube is 28.8
which is way to tall for me. Most bike shops have told me to stay away from getting a smaller bike with the 650 wheels as it will make me slower. Is this really such a big deal? Some smaller frames such as the Orbea only come with the 650 wheels.
Also, what about a triple, compact or standard crank?
And thanks for pointing out the Dura Ace group on the Pinarello, I had it in my head that they were both Ultegra.. Must have been thinking about the Orbea...
Any other comments would be greatly appreciated.

[Purki1]

The only other bike that I was considering was the 2007 Cannondale Optimo Fem2, but I was shying away from it because of the 650 wheels.. Any thoughts on this bike or the wheel size.

[ehirsch83]

what about the jamis xenith pro?
The frame technology is the newest out of any bike out there and super stiff and responive.

[sbctwin]

I am 4'10" and I have a Lightspeed Bella XS with 650c wheels for my road bike. I love Bella. She fits me. I had flat bars installed because I wasn't comfortable with the brifters and I kept shifting when trying to brake. Now that I have ridden her a couple of years, I believe I could handle drops and may switch back.

I have been trying to find a new commuter bike and was about to get a 44 Bianchi Volpe with 700c wheels. It felt good in the reach and everything but standover height. There was no room and I had to lean the bike over to stop/start. I was commuting home a few weeks ago and going down a very steep hill when I had to make a drastic defensive stop. I realized then that 700c wheels were out of the question for me. I would have been seriously hurt with the Volpe had I had to make that stop.

Do not let your lbs dictate what feels best for you. As you can tell, we don't have many choices in bikes because of our height. Find one that fits you the best, but at least try 650c wheels to make sure it isn't the best fit for you. Just my 2cents....

[Triskeliongirl]

No, 650c wheels will not make you slower. Your speed is dictated by the gear ratio. With a smaller sized wheel you need to select a different gear to have the same ratio, but the effort required to move at a certain speed will be virtually identical. It is true that smaller wheels have slightly more rolling resistance, but then they are also lighter which will balance things out. Furthermore, to build a frame in your size with 700c wheels will likely have either compromises to the handling, or toe clip overlap.