Aluminum frames?

[MauiRockHopper]

Well, I finally had a real conversation about this with my husband. He really doesn't think my steel frame is worth upgrading. And he doesn't think it makes sense to make a parallel move to a bike of similar quality but with more modern components. He seems to think the best option is the Madone. I'm so glad I married this guy! But, strangely, as soon as I started asking about when we could go into Santiago together to look at it more seriously, his schedule got really full. To be continued...

Any update on what you tested and/or bought? I'm in the same position in Hawaii as far as no WSD bikes in the LBS to test out. Most are all special order. It's so stupid that the bike shops never seem to have any in stock and they say when they get them in stock they sell right away. Duh. Meanwhile their racks are full of men's bikes that aren't selling...Maybe I should open up a WSD shop with full time fitters, it would be slamming!

[celerystalksme]

So...I'm jumping in this thread a little late...and it sounds like you want the Madone. and that's all very well and good...i think carbon is my favorite frame material.

BUT...if you want to get aluminum...realize that all aluminum is not created equal. Easton scandium is the preferred aluminum for those want aluminum that feels as close to steel as possible.

[Mr. Bloom]

I just went up from an Aluminum Lemond Reno to a Madone 5.5. I love them both, but I'm faster on the Madone.

I really still love the Reno. Don't write aluminum off.

[Chile Pepper]

Any update on what you tested and/or bought? I'm in the same position in Hawaii as far as no WSD bikes in the LBS to test out. Most are all special order. It's so stupid that the bike shops never seem to have any in stock and they say when they get them in stock they sell right away. Duh. Meanwhile their racks are full of men's bikes that aren't selling...Maybe I should open up a WSD shop with full time fitters, it would be slamming!

I wound up getting the men's Madone 5.1.I posted pics here:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=26224

They had a 2007 WSD, but it was a lot more expensive (DA components). I've always ridden men's bikes and been comfortable on them, so I didn't feel like the WSD was necessarily a better choice--and I didn't really get a chance to test ride much to really feel the difference. It was a lot flashier than the one I bought, and I prefer subtle.

Anyway, I'm loving my Madone. It's a 52 cm frame with a compact double. The WSD was a 51 cm with a triple. Sometimes when I'm running out of gears I start thinking I should have spent the extra $2k for the triple, but I'm getting used to the compact and starting to use my gears more efficiently. I'm also just getting started again after a slow winter, so I think it'll just keep getting better as the season progresses. One thing that did surprise me is that the bike does not pedal itself up the hills. I mean, for that price...

[Jiffer]

My husband doesn't like triples at all and always tells me not to let anyone convince me otherwise. He says they have more shifting problems, i.e. don't shift as smoothly and/or chain comes off ... much more often than a double or compact double. We have a triple on our tandem and always have problems, and it's a nice triple. But his opinion isn't only based on our tandem.

So, maybe that will make you feel better about your compact double. I know there are a lot of people that feel otherwise, but those are his two cents.

I have an aluminum frame, by the way. Cannondale CAAD9 with carbon fork and seat posts. Love it. But if I were riding on bumpy roads as often as you, I might want a comfier ride. Mine's built for speed and I need all the help I can get in that area!!!

On a side note, there are different grades of carbon, making for a different feel for every carbon frame made.

Congrats on the new bike! Now ... GO RIDE IT!!!!!!

[Chile Pepper]

My husband doesn't like triples at all and always tells me not to let anyone convince me otherwise. He says they have more shifting problems, i.e. don't shift as smoothly and/or chain comes off ... much more often than a double or compact double.

Has he been talking to my husband? Mine doesn't like them either.

As to the different levels of carbon, my 5.1 is Trek's white OCLV. It is really, really nice on these bumpy roads. So much gentler than my steel bike.