Road Cycling - '07 Madone 5.0 vs 5.2 SL

I have a question about ride differences. I have been test riding bikes for about a month. I have narrowed my new bike choice down to a Madone 5.0 or 5.2. I have ridden both about 5 to 10 miles but at two different shops. I thought I noticed the 5.0 was smoother but just as stiff in the bottom bracket and fork. Is the 5.0 just heavier. The area where the fork meets the steering tube looks more robust on the 5.0. I will be going back for another ride of each at one store.

And another question, is it worth an extra $318 for the upgraded wheels/stem/etc on the 5.2. The black pearl carbon on the 5.0 is starting to grow on me but the Red still leads.

Thanks:)

The main difference between the two is with the 5.2 your getting oclv 110, dura-ace rd, and x-lite race wheels. IMO its well worth the extra cash.

Thanks. I have managed to streeetch my budget up to this level but is also worth the frame. I read the 110 frames weigh less but how was the change supposed to affect the ride?

I have a question about ride differences. I have been test riding bikes for about a month. I have narrowed my new bike choice down to a Madone 5.0 or 5.2. I have ridden both about 5 to 10 miles but at two different shops. I thought I noticed the 5.0 was smoother but just as stiff in the bottom bracket and fork. Is the 5.0 just heavier. The area where the fork meets the steering tube looks more robust on the 5.0. I will be going back for another ride of each at one store.

And another question, is it worth an extra $318 for the upgraded wheels/stem/etc on the 5.2. The black pearl carbon on the 5.0 is starting to grow on me but the Red still leads.

Thanks:)

I looked at both today as well, the 5.2SL positively worth the extra money, also the fork on the 5.2 is a better design with being aero (preventing some wobbling in high speed descends-as the man explained it). I would defiantly go for the 5.2SL.

biker128pedal, did you get the Trek sale price? I think its like $2600 for the 5.2SL

We sell trek in my shop and right now there are really good end of year closeouts ask your lbs. You might even be able to move up in the line for the same price ;) ;)

When I wrote 5.2 I ment 5.2 SL.

I was justifying the 5.2 SL at $2699.99 when the 5.0 was $2,499.99. Then the sale came and the 5.0 is discounted to $2,374.99. As far as escalating upgrades there is an '05 5.9 for about $3000.:D

I need another test ride on each.