Fifty Plus (50+) - Trek Madone test ride

I got lucky today. A customer of my is a serious biker. (Mark did a Time Trial of 100 miles in 3:52 Hrs)
He knows this Bike Store Owner who happens to ride a Trek Madone size 58. Mark recommends the Madone highly over other bikes.
This guy installed a computer on it and offered to let me ride his bike for a week.
I went to my favored Detroit Metropark and made a initial trial run of 40 miles. This park road is not in good condition and they are repairing/replacing it now. So it is not a smooth ride.
Here are my observations compared to a five year old Cannondale aluminum frame bike size 60.
The ability to smoothing out road vibration is dramatic for the Madone.
The geometry of either the Madone and/or the size 58 allows me to spin more uniform so I feel more empowered. My original bike creates a feeling of push/pull, the Madone encourages uniform spinning.
The Aluminum bike has Aerobars, the Madone has not. Therefore my top speed in the drops was equal to the Cannondale size 60. The average speed over 40 miles was higher for the Madone than the Cannondale by about 10%. In my opinion due to the smoother operation of the bike.
Another surprise was riding using the drops. I have never been comfortable in the drops. I now think that the 60 frame was just to big for me and 58 is right. I used the drops a lot today. No choice since there were no Aerobars.
The Madone is more fun to ride. The 40 miles seemed like no big deal. I intend to put a few hundreth miles on the Madone in that week. (time permitting)
I am posting this in part as thanks to the 50+ BF who have helped to get me to this point with performance biking:). Also, I may get a reality check by you guys:D. BTW, the price of this type of bike is reasonable.

You'll get no disagreement from me. I test rode several bikes before making my choice, and the Madone was the one I was happiest with. In your brief review you've captured many of the best aspects of the bike. For me, the "feel" of the bike on the road is the single biggest selling point... it's a very light and very stiff carbon frame, but it handles road vibration so well that you can hammer on it for hours and not feel beat up the way you would on some other bikes. I've done a number of centuries on my Madone now (none of them in times remotely close to 3:52!!), and after each one I felt like I was ready for more.

There are plenty of other great bikes out there -- the Madone has no monopoly on carbon fiber sweetness. But if what you're after is a great ride, it's hard for me to imagine somebody getting a Madone and then regretting it.

They are a sweet ride, and you are a lucky man to snatch one for a week. Love to hear your thoughts at the end of the week. BTW, is it the 5.2 or the 5.9?

I saw a 5200 S.P.A. today. looked very interesting. I think they are part of the Pilot family though.

I saw a 5200 S.P.A. today. looked very interesting. I think they are part of the Pilot family though.

Wondering just how much more comfort vs. "squish" their s.p.a. suspension system provides. On my mtn. bike with front suspension, I sometimes feel on the street like I'm rowing a rocking boat (on washboard trail I just feel grateful!). Nice to get a test ride impression posted here.

They are a sweet ride, and you are a lucky man to snatch one for a week. Love to hear your thoughts at the end of the week. BTW, is it the 5.2 or the 5.9?

It is a 5.2 with original Bontrager saddle, saddle stem, Race light wheels (with eyelets!), Ultegra (which shifted very crisp compared to my 5 year old ones.)
I did another 40 miles today. Squeezing it between business and travel schedules.
Interesting to me, the Bike Shop owner is a bit taller than me. I questioned why he rides size 58. His reply was that he does that on purpose and is no accident. Same answer I got from Mark the Hot Shot.
I am beginning to think that a bike one size too large is not a good thing.
I bike a lot on a much smaller frame Trek Hybrid 7700 and find it very comfortable except on Aerobars.
I think I found my next bike.:D Need to see how Aerobars fit on this thing. Perhaps will go XC next year God and Wife permitting. (not a sure thing:o )

Wondering just how much more comfort vs. "squish" their s.p.a. suspension system provides. On my mtn. bike with front suspension, I sometimes feel on the street like I'm rowing a rocking boat (on washboard trail I just feel grateful!). Nice to get a test ride impression posted here.

CC:
Starting to ride today, there was this real determined biker. (you know you can tell, equipment, style of riding, cadence. Dressed for summer in 43 degree weather)
I see him coming full speed and, of course, need to try out my new bike. Well, I kept up with him up some hill and that was that. From being cold I was overheated. I had four layers of clothes on.:mad:
After that I took it easy and enjoyed the beautiful riding bike.
The Madone finds a nice compromise between being squishy or being harsh like glass (or Aluminum).
BTW, I asked Mark why no Ti. (He is not money limited) Answer: Too much flexing. Mark is a little bigger than me and of course immensely strong.

CC:
The Madone finds a nice compromise between being squishy or being harsh like glass (or Aluminum).
BTW, I asked Mark why no Ti. (He is not money limited) Answer: Too much flexing. Mark is a little bigger than me and of course immensely strong.

I once had a test ride on a litespeed ti bike and found the same. It did flex and at times it felt as though I was sitting in the middle of a very stiff spring. Front wheels staying where they were but me dropping an inch or so at every bump. Mind you- It was the longest test ride I have ever done on a bike that was not completely set up for me, and there was no discomfort whatsoever. Not very often I get to ride a top quality bike for 40 miles. Only thing that stopped me from buying it was that only thing of cost- Early days of Ti and it was expensive.

Will-one of my bikes is a Madone 5.2. It is a very good stiff, solid frame and is excellent for flats, rollers or climbing. It is extremely stable and solid on descents as well-in fact I like it descending a lot more than the 5900. It just feels like I have more bike under me. My Madone now has the new 10 speed (double crank) package on it and I just love how it shifts and spins up. If I did the XC trip across the US I'd ride the Madone over the 5900.

It sounds like the 58 is going to be the perfect size for you. Now all you'll need to do is find the right height for the handlebars.

You might not want to do it but you could probably find a used a Madone 5.2 that's about 1 year old out there and save a good bit of money. I'm glad you got a chance to try one out.

BTW-it was golf today (and tomorrow). I'm in the home of golf in the USA-Pinehurst!!!

Interesting to me, the Bike Shop owner is a bit taller than me. I questioned why he rides size 58. His reply was that he does that on purpose and is no accident. Same answer I got from Mark the Hot Shot.
I am beginning to think that a bike one size too large is not a good thing.

This year I moved from a 56 to a 54 and don't regret it a bit. While my seat is back a bit more, I feel I have more control over the bike, ride in the drops more comfortably, and am able to spin better.... all good things in my view. My sons (the smart a$$es they are) were quick to point out that I best remember that I'll continue to get shorter as I age.

I've also got a madone 5.2 in a 58 and I ride a 55 Litespeed (not as often now that I've got the madone- its (LS) too mushy for me). 56 any other Road bike. Must admit it took me awhile to get used to it but its now my Go To Bike!!!!

[QUOTE=stapfam]I once had a test ride on a litespeed ti bike and found the same. It did flex and at times it felt as though I was sitting in the middle of a very stiff spring. Front wheels staying where they were but me dropping an inch or so at every bump.QUOTE]

You are confirming what others told me. Thanks.:)
BTW, a good Ti bike will cost more here in the USA.

Will-one of my bikes is a Madone 5.2. It is a very good stiff, solid frame and is excellent for flats, rollers or climbing. It is extremely stable and solid on descents as well-in fact I like it descending a lot more than the 5900. It just feels like I have more bike under me. My Madone now has the new 10 speed (double crank) package on it and I just love how it shifts and spins up. If I did the XC trip across the US I'd ride the Madone over the 5900.

It sounds like the 58 is going to be the perfect size for you. Now all you'll need to do is find the right height for the handlebars.

You might not want to do it but you could probably find a used a Madone 5.2 that's about 1 year old out there and save a good bit of money. I'm glad you got a chance to try one out.

Hi jppe:
The test bike has a 10 speed double crank. Ultegra. Amazing how crisp it shifts. Those Japanese do make some fine products (:rolleyes: ).
This same bike has perfect saddle to bar height for me. No adjustments were needed. I will try to buy this bike from him. I rather have triple crank but I think I am getting stronger. I used to go to the 39 crank ring in this park I keep talking about. With the Madone I never shifted from the 53. So I am thinking that double may be OK for XC, or perhaps go compact if in doubt. I wonder what this guy will say if I tell him that he will not get his bike back? Just kidding :D . Money talks BS walks I have been told.

BTW-it was golf today (and tomorrow). I'm in the home of golf in the USA-Pinehurst!!!

You lucky guy. Some of us have to keep the economy going and keep Social Security from going kaput:rolleyes: .

My sons (the smart a$$es they are) were quick to point out that I best remember that I'll continue to get shorter as I age.

They are not kidding. I lost 1/2 to 1 Inch somehow.:mad:

I've also got a madone 5.2 in a 58 and I ride a 55 Litespeed (not as often now that I've got the madone- its (LS) too mushy for me). 56 any other Road bike. Must admit it took me awhile to get used to it but its now my Go To Bike!!!!

OK, Madone it is. (initially I pronounced it Madonna, Hmm... thinking:)

They are not kidding. I lost 1/2 to 1 Inch somehow.:mad:

I was 6' 02" at one time, now just barely over 6'. I have a Trek 1500 in 56cm and a raleigh in 51cm. With some disc problems etc, I can't ride in a truly aero position and must sit up more than I like, the short top tube actually suits me. Could be you are finding the same thing. Anyhoo, congrats on making the decision for the Madone. I am going to upgrade to one as soon as I can, you know, wife and family kind of takes precedence.

I was 6' 02" at one time, now just barely over 6'. I have a Trek 1500 in 56cm and a raleigh in 51cm. With some disc problems etc, I can't ride in a truly aero position and must sit up more than I like, the short top tube actually suits me. Could be you are finding the same thing. Anyhoo, congrats on making the decision for the Madone. I am going to upgrade to one as soon as I can, you know, wife and family kind of takes precedence.

Happy to say that I have no known disk or other Orthopedic problems. (emphasis on "known"). I started with biking very late in life, after 50 and serious after 60. Biking in aero position on drops continues to challenge me on fast descents (over 35 MPH I chicken out). That has nothing to do with my back or disc and everything to do with my computer between my ears.:)

BTW, I have been looking and thinking of this line of yours:

"I would rather have a German division in front of me than a French one behind me." --General George S. Patton

There are two interpretations I can think of:
1) The German division are wimps and the French are not to be trusted. (shoot you in the back)
2) The French division is so bad that in comparison the German division is not the problem.
Which one is it?

BTW, I have been looking and thinking of this line of yours:

"I would rather have a German division in front of me than a French one behind me." --General George S. Patton

There are two interpretations I can think of:
1) The German division are wimps and the French are not to be trusted. (shoot you in the back)
2) The French division is so bad that in comparison the German division is not the problem.
Which one is it?

Given Gen. Patton's disdain for the French, I believe he had no trust in the French. He felt better facing a known enemy than an untrustworthy 'friend'.

The real question I have is when will you pick up your Madone? Man I envy you!

I like to add a warning to Newbie 50+ bikers regarding my experience with some Local Bike Stores.
The following happened to me twice and I think my experience should be made public. Here it is:
A Newbie wannabee biker may be tempted to trust a Local Bike Store for recommendation as to what bike to buy. This includes brand, size, type, accessories. In an ideal world you deal with a bike shop who cares for their reputation and customers and are trying to build a loyal customer base.
I have been dealing with two large bike stores. Recommended to me by fellow bikers. Followed their advise only to find out later that the real plan was to liquidate the business and clear out slow inventory to Newbie bikers such as me. In other words: I did not get what was right for me but was good for their inventory reduction plan.
This happened before I started communication with this BF. The only defense to this abuse is knowledge.
That is not so easy if you do not know what to ask. I have specifics on this if someone wants to know.
One LBS was here in Rockford the other was N.E. of Detroit.

Given Gen. Patton's disdain for the French, I believe he had no trust in the French. He felt better facing a known enemy than an untrustworthy 'friend'.!

Probably apocryphal, but George P. supposedly liked to raise his eyebrows and, with mock surprize, exclaim, "What, the g*dmn*d French surrendered again?"

Stand down, Will D., the General seemed to have much respect for Germans, thinking they would be handy allies for storming across the Eastern Bloc and into Stalin's heart of darkness.

The real question I have is when will you pick up your Madone? Man I envy you!

Next week :D :D

Probably apocryphal, but George P. supposedly liked to raise his eyebrows and, with mock surprize, exclaim, "What, the g*dmn*d French surrendered again?"

Stand down, Will D., the General seemed to have much respect for Germans, thinking they would be handy allies for storming across the Eastern Bloc and into Stalin's heart of darkness.

CC:
Thanks for the education. You are a teacher, are you not?:)

I thought I had the best bike shop in town and they did just what your talking about Will. First they sold me a Trek navigator 200.I said can I just try it for a week or so,they said OK.After a short time I was back again to buy the 7300,no problem for them, but the bike didn't feel right and being a new I couldn't put my finger on it. So I rode the bike for a month and stayed on the computor.Between this forum and Google search I found I had the wrong size bike.I'm over 6' tall and they sold me a 20" frame. I went outside with the fitter and he was going to watch me and see how I looked on the bike.I looked over my shoulder a couple of times, one time he was looking at the sky and the next the ground. Anyhow I went back to the owner and told him I think I got the wrong bike. He said what size did I get a 22.5 and I said no I got a 20'. He said we can make it work,I said no you cant I want the 22.5.Anyhow I'm the bad guy and they all just walk away when I come into the shop. I did get the 22.5 and I don't think I got the real good deal I got the first time.Like you said they just wanted to just clear the floor. When I got the 20" bike home I put the handlebars as high as they would go as well as the seat and it still didn't feel right. I keep looking back at it and everytime I do I get hot under the collar.You wonder why they do that,I'll never go back there again.I have five bike shops in the area , but when I go to them I'm real careful.I order a lot of things from the online stores now. I would like to give my business to the LBS, but I just cant trust them.I can get things from Sea & Ski Sports and take them back with no problem if they don't work and I dont have to listen to a bunch of BS from them. I could go on and on with the problems I had with the first shop but Im sure you get the drift of it.Good luck with your new bike Will,George

I have five bike shops in the area , but when I go to them I'm real careful.I order a lot of things from the online stores now. I would like to give my business to the LBS, but I just cant trust them.
Over the past decade of cycling, I've evolved from never even considering shopping on-line, to barely considering shopping at the LBS. Too may bad experiences, too many lies, too many nudges in the wrong direction, too much BS. And all this from shops with long histories of being reputable.

Over the past decade of cycling, I've evolved from never even considering shopping on-line, to barely considering shopping at the LBS. Too may bad experiences, too many lies, too many nudges in the wrong direction, too much BS.

Depends on the LBS but I browse the net for parts I want- check out the price of the more expensive items and go to the LBS. I give them the chance of supplying and often get a better deal. Recent purchase was a very expensive front lamp. Calculator disapeared but retail of £340, price on the net of £295 + postage. Told the LBS I wanted a good deal and I reckoned 10% discount would be good enough- I got the lamp for £270. They made a profit- I got a bl**dy good deal.
Then on the Bike I bought earlier in the year. No-one will discount this model as it is an 07. I got 10% off without asking.

As for advice- I ask it- I get it and I either take it or don't. Only time they ever let me down was on quality of a chain. I bought the wrong one and it let me down- They offered to replace but as I had put this on the Tandem- I felt it was down to me so took the cost myself. They appreciate taht I am honest with them. If I am in doubt about something- I often get a trial to see if it is what I want. Now if I could get a trial on Madone in my size- But they are not Trek Dealers. Can get a good deal for you on a giant though.

CC:
Thanks for the education. You are a teacher, are you not?:)

Will, you certainly don't need any more education. As for teacher...Yup. It always shows. But, unlike my students, you can always tell me to knock it off. ;)

[QUOTE=CrossChain]Will, you certainly don't need any more education. QUOTE]

I just had a humbling experience. Picked up and studied this book by James Martin called "The Meaning Of The 21st Century". (Remember that I am a technical educated guy)
This book will make it clear that you can never have enough education. This is stuff you really need to know, for our children, if nothing else. IMHO it should be required reading in our schools.

[QUOTE=CrossChain]Will, you certainly don't need any more education. QUOTE]

I just had a humbling experience. Picked up and studied this book by James Martin called "The Meaning Of The 21st Century". (Remember that I am a technical educated guy)
This book will make it clear that you can never have enough education. This is stuff you really need to know, for our children, if nothing else. IMHO it should be required reading in our schools.

Closing in on 60 years here and the probably universal recognition that I'll never ride every road, buy every bike, read every book, have every Chinese dish, visit every wanna-go place, have every conversation.................in a single lifetime. Damned shame. But, gotta buck up. And not get manic about the art of living-- balance is everything.

That's why you're important to this site, Will-- I mean, taking off XC in your 60's, getting inspired and doing it again this time only faster. I like floating in your wake.

[QUOTE=CrossChain][QUOTE=will dehne]
That's why you're important to this site, Will-- I mean, taking off XC in your 60's, getting inspired and doing it again this time only faster. QUOTE]

Here is what happened today:
Lost my hearing on my left ear two days ago. What is going on? I have excellent hearing. Use over the counter stuff to clean ear. No dice. See MD today (walk in clinic, I have no MD). He runs a physical on me. He asks what I am doing since all body signals are normal. I tell him about the biking. He says: No wonder, that is why.
The ear was just stuffed up with wax.
This little story is what inspires me to keep biking. It is a great enhancer of life.
Let us spread the word. Inactivity is a bad thing. And that includes mental inactivity.

[QUOTE=CrossChain][QUOTE=will dehne]
That's why you're important to this site, Will-- I mean, taking off XC in your 60's, getting inspired and doing it again this time only faster. QUOTE]

Here is what happened today:
Lost my hearing on my left ear two days ago. What is going on? I have excellent hearing. Use over the counter stuff to clean ear. No dice. See MD today (walk in clinic, I have no MD). He runs a physical on me. He asks what I am doing since all body signals are normal. I tell him about the biking. He says: No wonder, that is why.
The ear was just stuffed up with wax.
This little story is what inspires me to keep biking. It is a great enhancer of life.
Let us spread the word. Inactivity is a bad thing. And that includes mental inactivity.

Will
Like you- I rarely get ill. Have had my share in the past few years but I do not go to the Doctors for much. Especially since last time I went- I had a back problem and I was told I was a bit overweight and should get out and exercise a bit. I suggested that I have a bike and perhaps I should get out on it- but How far and how Often? She suggested a couple of times a week for 10 miles at a time on our local Mup. My replie was another question that my 25 to 30 miles on a sunday across the hills offroad and a midweek ride taken a bit faster and twice a week at the gym was not good enough then?

However- When I had an angiogram done- the Doctor involved asked me what sport I did- was it Cycling or Swimming? Although I had blocked arteries- only those two sports would keep the heart in that good a condition.

Hows the Madone trial going by the way?

Will
Like you- I rarely get ill. Have had my share in the past few years but I do not go to the Doctors for much. Especially since last time I went- I had a back problem and I was told I was a bit overweight and should get out and exercise a bit. I suggested that I have a bike and perhaps I should get out on it- but How far and how Often? She suggested a couple of times a week for 10 miles at a time on our local Mup. My replie was another question that my 25 to 30 miles on a sunday across the hills offroad and a midweek ride taken a bit faster and twice a week at the gym was not good enough then?

However- When I had an angiogram done- the Doctor involved asked me what sport I did- was it Cycling or Swimming? Although I had blocked arteries- only those two sports would keep the heart in that good a condition.

Hows the Madone trial going by the way?

I was so impressed that I ordered a 5.2 Madone yesterday to be delivered next week.

You are more brave than I would be: Offroad biking as in mountain biking? Does that not bang up your back?
Question: These blocked arteries are a result of what? Is that genetic or what you eat? It cannot be lack of exercise in your case. I avoid MD's because of a rash of false positives involving my family and subsequent medical problems to correct the fiddling around.

I was so impressed that I ordered a 5.2 Madone yesterday to be delivered next week.

You are more brave than I would be: Offroad biking as in mountain biking? Does that not bang up your back?
Question: These blocked arteries are a result of what? Is that genetic or what you eat? It cannot be lack of exercise in your case. I avoid MD's because of a rash of false positives involving my family and subsequent medical problems to correct the fiddling around.

It would appear to be hereditary as My Paternal grandfather died at 40 with heart problems- His 3 sons- including my father, were dead by the time they were 50 and his daughter died at 60. All of heart problems. Then on my mothers side- They all lived into their 90's so one may be balancing out the other.

Will......congrats on your new "baby" in the family. May you have thousands and thousands of miles fo pleasure on the Madone. Those top 4 guys in the XC better train harder for next summer!!

I always went every year for a complete checkup and everything was fine for all those years,but I went to a different doctor just to see if he could find something.He asked if I ever had a Colonoscopy,I said I didn't even know what it was.I found out and he found cancer.You know that ruined my whole day. After getting 12" of my colon cut out and almost cashing it in the next day I'm real glad I when to that other doctor or I would be dead now.If you haven't had one please get it done.I may feel uncomfortible for 10 minutes but it could save your life.I have to go every year now and this Wed.I'm getting it again,such fun.
Will, good luck with the new bike and I just knew you were going to buy it. If I was doing half the things your doing with a bike I would have one too.I'd really like to see you win this next event,but even if you don't, you made your mark already and it's something you'll remember for the rest of your life. George

It would appear to be hereditary as My Paternal grandfather died at 40 with heart problems- His 3 sons- including my father, were dead by the time they were 50 and his daughter died at 60. All of heart problems. Then on my mothers side- They all lived into their 90's so one may be balancing out the other.

Thanks for sharing. I am always looking what to do or not to do with health, that is why I asked. Hereditary issues are tough and one hopes to counter them with clean living, to a point. I hope you succeed.
Will

Will......congrats on your new "baby" in the family. May you have thousands and thousands of miles fo pleasure on the Madone. Those top 4 guys in the XC better train harder for next summer!!


:D :beer: :D :)

A final note to this thread.
I took possession of the Trek Madone 5.2 today. I asked the LBS to set it up identical to the test bike. It was working great. On a given test hill, which I have done perhaps hundredth times, I improved my best time and top speed by 10%. Of course I realize the psychological factor. However, the responsiveness of the lighter and stiff bike cannot be ignored.
I am using the Trek supplied saddle for now. I have done multiple 50 mile rides on this test bike but no centuries yet. It will be interesting to make a comparison of this Trek saddle with my Brooks Pro. I will let you guys know. I do stand up a fair amount of time. But I am concerned what happens on Aerobars which I had installed. I took the new Madone for a test ride and it was marvelous.
If any of you guys have a 5-10 year old bike, give this type of bike a try. You will be in for a surprise.
Will

A final note to this thread.
I took possession of the Trek Madone 5.2 today. I asked the LBS to set it up identical to the test bike. It was working great. On a given test hill, which I have done perhaps hundredth times, I improved my best time and top speed by 10%. Of course I realize the psychological factor. However, the responsiveness of the lighter and stiff bike cannot be ignored.
I am using the Trek supplied saddle for now. I have done multiple 50 mile rides on this test bike but no centuries yet. It will be interesting to make a comparison of this Trek saddle with my Brooks Pro. I will let you guys know. I do stand up a fair amount of time. But I am concerned what happens on Aerobars which I had installed. I took the new Madone for a test ride and it was marvelous.
If any of you guys have a 5-10 year old bike, give this type of bike a try. You will be in for a surprise.
Will


Hopefully not a final note as we all expect to hear more about the Madone. Funnily enough on saddles- I use a particular one on the solos and it is fine- However on the Tandem- I do a lot more sitting down. As you realise- For two riders to ease the butt on a ride on a tandem takes co-ordination. I have to use a wider saddle on the Tandem and Even then- frequent standing stints are necessary- Luckily- My co-rider and I have the same butt endurance before we have to Ease the load a bit.

It will be interesting to see how the aero bars affect your Seating comfort with the same saddle, as it is one of the items I am thinking of putting on the road bike to get me into longer rides. Although I am getting past the Head below the knees Race position- I think a stretched out riding position will help on the comfort stakes after 40 or so miles.

A final note to this thread.
I took possession of the Trek Madone 5.2 today. I asked the LBS to set it up identical to the test bike. It was working great. On a given test hill, which I have done perhaps hundredth times, I improved my best time and top speed by 10%. Of course I realize the psychological factor. However, the responsiveness of the lighter and stiff bike cannot be ignored.
I am using the Trek supplied saddle for now. I have done multiple 50 mile rides on this test bike but no centuries yet. It will be interesting to make a comparison of this Trek saddle with my Brooks Pro. I will let you guys know. I do stand up a fair amount of time. But I am concerned what happens on Aerobars which I had installed. I took the new Madone for a test ride and it was marvelous.
If any of you guys have a 5-10 year old bike, give this type of bike a try. You will be in for a surprise.
Will

Terrific report Will! Having ridden the older Cannondale you can now probably appreciate some updated technology even more. Here's to many enjoyable miles on your new ride!!

Send pics and also let us know the type of wheels you wound up going with.

A final note to this thread.
I took possession of the Trek Madone 5.2 today. I asked the LBS to set it up identical to the test bike. It was working great. On a given test hill, which I have done perhaps hundredth times, I improved my best time and top speed by 10%. Of course I realize the psychological factor. However, the responsiveness of the lighter and stiff bike cannot be ignored.
I am using the Trek supplied saddle for now. I have done multiple 50 mile rides on this test bike but no centuries yet. It will be interesting to make a comparison of this Trek saddle with my Brooks Pro. I will let you guys know. I do stand up a fair amount of time. But I am concerned what happens on Aerobars which I had installed. I took the new Madone for a test ride and it was marvelous.
If any of you guys have a 5-10 year old bike, give this type of bike a try. You will be in for a surprise.
Will

Congrats Will, I am very happy for you. Now if you will do us all a favor and post pics of the new "baby" so that we can drool all over it! Happy for you!

I really appreciate your post's above and for that reason must explain something. This Trek Madone, is right at this moment, 400 miles away from me in the Detroit area. I know, this is crazy, but logistics. Detroit has these Metro-parks plus Hines Drive. Great for Road biking. This town, Rockford, IL, has diddly squat.
I go here on Limestone trails in Wisconsin. With a Trek Madone? You must be kidding?
Well, someday I will retire and go visit jppe in NC or CC in CA. Until then, I am stuck. I will soon go to Florida for a month with my wife plus Tandem and Trek Madone.
BTW, I am happy to report that this old guy improved his best personal time on a 50 mile run on Limestone trail by 0.1 MPH average as measured with a Cateye. (no fibbing)
Dear God, that was an effort. But I was very happy after that. It was wind neutral, go 25 mile against and 25 miles with the wind.
Pictures of the Trek Madone will be posted soon. That is more difficult for me than improving my biking.:rolleyes:

Will, without you, this place would be a lot less than it is. Waiting, sort of patiently, for pics-- like everyone else.

Biking in aero position on drops continues to challenge me on fast descents (over 35 MPH I chicken out).

There are OLD pilots and there are BOLD pilots but there are NO OLD BOLD pilots.

I'm with you Will......much more comfortable in the 20's...plus the downhill ride lasts longer.

Will, without you, this place would be a lot less than it is. Waiting, sort of patiently, for pics-- like everyone else.

OK, here it is. I hope it works.:o
http://i11.tinypic.com/35bxlbl.jpg

Hey you guys, this is a big deal for me. I posted a picture without help from DnvrFox or my Secretary.
Perhaps there is hope for me.
The above picture shows me in my most used long distance posture. Feel free to critique. You will save me trouble if you are right.
The Trek Madone is model 5.2 and Trek does a better job than me to make a picture. See their web site if you want details. I am interested if I sit correctly on this thing or not.

Now Will, how can actually you ask about your 'posture' or anything else?

From that picture, I'd say that if you can improve your fifty mile ride that much then you've got that baby dialed in to FLY! And on a trail no less!

You are ALL over that bicycle - da' Man goin' 'bout his bicyclin' bidness.
If you like it, I like it and you look like you like it or a darn good imitation.
That's some pretty serious fitup with the aero bars an' all.
An' you wanna go and ask us if you're doin' it 'RIGHT'?
aw, gimme a break, just tell us how much you like this bike!

So would you cross the country on 25 steak dinners on this puppy?

It looks good Will,but where's the smile.

It looks good Will,but where's the smile.

George,
That is my charming personality. :(
I was focused on going fast for this picture. A smile would require multitasking.
In fact, only two pictures made a quality test. Well, it was overcast also.:rolleyes: