*sigh* 2011 Bike Lust

[zoom-zoom]

I just upgraded from a Trek 2000 (aluminum frame, mostly 105 components) to a Trek Madone 4.7 WSD (carbon, SRAM Rival components). It's the 2010 version so I got a great deal on it.

How do you like that upgrade? I'd be going from aluminum/105 to carbon/Rival, too. When the day comes that I can upgrade I am interested to see how chip seal roads feel. The vast majority of our roads are chip-seal and many were freshly done this Summer. Those really are exhausting and frustrating to ride.

[ny biker]

How do you like that upgrade? I'd be going from aluminum/105 to carbon/Rival, too. When the day comes that I can upgrade I am interested to see how chip seal roads feel. The vast majority of our roads are chip-seal and many were freshly done this Summer. Those really are exhausting and frustrating to ride.

I've only ridden it twice. I went out on a short test ride last Friday but I only had time to ride on a flat rail-trail that was nearby, which was not a good test since I was going from a triple to a compact double. So the bike shop manager let me come back the next day for a longer ride that included hills. After about 25 miles and two hills for which I usually need the granny gear, I was sold (actually I was sold after about 5 miles, but I kept riding just to make sure ). The WSD geometry really is a better fit for me and the lowest gear on the new bike is pretty much the same as what I had on the old one, which is sufficient. And the roads were noticeably smoother with the carbon frame.

I got used to the SRAM shifters pretty quickly. I might even like them better than the Shimano brifters.

After I returned to the shop to pay for the bike, I went back out and rode another 20 miles, and was very happy.

I was going to do a hilly ride yesterday after work but that got rained out. This weekend I'm planning a long ride on the flat rail-trail so I can play around more with the gears.

[zoom-zoom]

I've only ridden it twice. I went out on a short test ride last Friday but I only had time to ride on a flat rail-trail that was nearby, which was not a good test since I was going from a triple to a compact double. So the bike shop manager let me come back the next day for a longer ride that included hills. After about 25 miles and two hills for which I usually need the granny gear, I was sold (actually I was sold after about 5 miles, but I kept riding just to make sure ). The WSD geometry really is a better fit for me and the lowest gear on the new bike is pretty much the same as what I had on the old one, which is sufficient. And the roads were noticeably smoother with the carbon frame.

I got used to the SRAM shifters pretty quickly. I might even like them better than the Shimano brifters.

Great to hear! Yes, my next bike will be a compact double, too. I actually wanted that for my current bike, but we waited and waited and waited for Cannondale to build one with that gearing...they already had a triple ready to go, so we took it.

I am currently on a WSD, but I have a long torso and short inseam--I really went with WSD to get the shorter reach Shimano shifters, but with the SRAM adjustable-reach shifters it will be a non-issue. I should be comfier on a unisex bike, since we've already had to flip my stem and swap 2 spacers up to give me more cockpit room.

[warneral]

NY biker congrats on the madone! The madone was on my super short list. I loved the ride! Keep us updated on your adventures with the new baby.

Kirsten, I also have a long torso. I didn't realize there are SRAM adjustable reach shifters. That sounds perfect - man's geometry combined with short reach shifters.

[malkin]

I am also really happy with my bikes.
I'm just wishing for more time to ride and while we're wishing, I'll wish for clean air all winter!

[HillSlugger]

I'm planning to replace my 2005 Specialized Allez with a Trek Madone 5.5 as a 50th birthday present; I don't know if I'll receive around Christmas or around my birthday.

[Trek-chick]

I dream of a custom Luna or a Bianchi road bike in Celeste Green ( I do not know why but, I am drawn to that color) I really like Terry bicycles too. I do not fit standard frames well. Darn long legs/short torso!!!