Fifty Plus (50+) - 5.2 Madone vs. 06 SWorks Roubaix?

Sage purchase advice needed. Getting back into cycling after a 15 yr. break. Goals are aggressive training and overall cycling fun. I am in good physical condition and run 25-30 mi per week. I have been looking at a 2008 5,2 Madone performance fit. LBS also recommended a leftover 06 S Works Roubaix that they will let me have for about the same price as the Madone. Technology has come so far since my old 531 frame that both bikes seem fantastic to me on a 20-30 minute test ride. Would appreciate any guidance the group has to offer--Thanks!

Both bikes are good but the 06 sounds a better deal. Couple of things to check out though- Which one fits better? That is the one to go for and also look at the gearing if you have hills in your area.

The second thing is- What are the colours of the bikes? You will learn the significance of that once you have bought the wrong colour.

These are two entirely different animals. I have an 06 S-Works Roubaix and love it. It should come with full Dura Ace equipment. I've also ridden several different models of the Madone fairly extensively. The difference between the two bikes, at least in terms or ride characteristics, is that the Roubaix is a more comfortable ride, in large part due to the longer head tube, allowing the rider to sit up a bit more. Both bikes are very capable machines and have both been raced in the Tour de France. If you are concerned about comfort, and at my age, I am, the Roubaix might be a better choice. This is not to say that the Madone is not a comfortable bike as well; it's just not as comfortable as the Roubaix. Keep in mind that unless the bike is a proper fit for you, neither one of them will be a bargin. I don't think all the Madone's come with full Dura Ace, and this would be something that would make a difference to me. I'd go toward the Dura Ace setup. This is not to say Ultegra isn't good, just that your don't get better than Dura Ace, IMHO. Finally, both companies have solid reputations for standing behind their bikes.

Get the bike that fits YOU the best.:D

If they both fit well, then just pick the one you like the best.:)

If you still cannot decide, test ride each bike again, stop for pie on each bike. The test ride on the bike for which the pie taste the best is the bike to buy (search for pie in the 50+ forum to find out why).;)

Get the one your favorite racer uses. It will make you ride just as fast as he does.

Sage purchase advice needed. Getting back into cycling after a 15 yr. break. Goals are aggressive training and overall cycling fun. I am in good physical condition and run 25-30 mi per week. I have been looking at a 2008 5,2 Madone performance fit. LBS also recommended a leftover 06 S Works Roubaix that they will let me have for about the same price as the Madone. Technology has come so far since my old 531 frame that both bikes seem fantastic to me on a 20-30 minute test ride. Would appreciate any guidance the group has to offer--Thanks!

Well, what was said, get the ride you are best suited and fitted to. You really can't go wrong with either. Both are more bike than you (or any of us) could ever outride.

However, all things being equal, especially price, the Madone wins hands down. The frame is way beyond what Specialized is doing now, never mind two year ago. Plus, the old Ultegra was performance wise 95% of what D/A was, and the new Ultegra SL stuff is supposed to be better, so D/A on a Roubaix or Ultegra SL on a Madone: practically equal. The Wheels could be a factor, but the new Bonty Race Lites are supposedly better than the old Race Lites, which had a well won reputation for being bomb proof. The Mavic's on the Roubaix are also a major factor in it's favor. But wheels are easy (not cheap) to replace, and is usually the first major upgrade, so it is less of a factor in deciding what to get.

To summarize: The Madone any day of the week, it's just a better bike.

zac

I have the '08 Madone 5.5, which I believe is similar to the 5.2 except with Dura-Ace instead of Ultegra components (there may be some other differences but I think the frame is the same.) I have the "Performance" fit which is supposed to be a bit more upright than the "Pro" fit. I find the ride to be very, very comfortable, but still quite responsive. I couldn't be happier with it really. The only thing I've swapped out on it so far is the saddle. I'm used to the Specialized Toupe saddle. I did 20 miles on the stock Bontrager saddle and was hurting already.

I have a Madone 5.2 SL 2006. I have not ridden the Specialized. I opted for the 5.2 for versus the 5.5 and picked up some better wheels. I have the Race XXX lite carbons and the Easton deep dish carbon tubulars. The bike rides differently with the each wheelset.

Performance is all about the engine. Welcome back to cycling.

The 5.2 seems to have more trail in the 56 cm frame, 5.8 cm vs 5.6 cm. Expect the steering to be more stable.

The main thing for me is to have thw bars at the same height as the saddle (72 cm saddle height). My Trek 5500 requiresa 100 mm Zoom extender and 135° stem to achieve this

John Hawrylak

Both are great bikes you cannot be wrong purchasing either. Ride them and see which one you like best. I would take 06 Dura Ace over 08 Ultegra SL, but that is my personal opinion I just love the look of the Dura Ace cranks and chainrings. But if the 06 came with CF cranks I would probably go with the new Madone.

I bought a 2008 5.2 madone performance fit with the new Ultera Super light just before I got my pinarello with full Dura Ace. I can notice no difference whatsoever in the two component groups. The Madone frame is stiff and provides an awesome ride. The Roubaix does provide a more upright riding position, which just adds drag!:eek: I do agree however, the Specialized Toupe seat is the way to go as the Bontrager is almost unbearable!! Good luck with your choice and enjoy your new ride!!:)

The 5.2 Madone really does attract my attention:

http://trekroad.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/11/27/08_20176_tk.jpg

It would be on my wish list except that, the 5.2 will not be brought out in the 64cm frame size as planned. The larger frame size will be badged as a Pro model, which means, it will not come from the factory with a triple crank ... Trek is always saving me money, Dangit!

:)