Triathlon - Trek Madone vs Look 585

I need a new bike for Ironman. Don't want a tri-bike as I love my old trek road bike. I am looking at the Trek Madone 5.9 which I can get for less than the 07 Look 585 ($5K) which I rode and LOVE. I haven't tried the Madone....any feedback on these two bikes or other suggestions for a good bike around 3-4K?

Looks seem to be expensive with not as much support. The is an awesome bike built here in the USA support will be far better.. I also think a Look is more $. Either bike would be a great ride. I would try them both but if you want better service and care with more options go with the TREK.
here is a link discussing the LOOK

http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/frames-and-forks/frames/look/PRD_335512_2493crx.aspx#reviews

holy smokes get the look with white carbon everything (stem, seatpost, crank, bars) and full record. now that would be a nice rig

Just because you "love your old trek road bike" is no reason not to get a tri bike. A tri bike has geometry designed for triathlons that puts you in a more aerodynamic position with the added advantage of saving your legs for the run.

If you want to stick with Trek, their Equinox TTX 9.5 comes in right around $4k and is all the bike you'll ever need. If you are willing to entertain options outside of Trek, however, there are many, many better bikes than the Trek Madone (and, IMO, better than the Equinox line) that you could buy for $4k, in my opinion: Cervelo P2C, Felt B2, and even the Giant Trinity Alliance series. I ride one of the Giants, and it's really 99% as good as bikes that cost 3x what I paid for my A2 with upgraded derailleurs. The list goes on and on.

Especially for Ironman, find a real triathlon bike that fits you and that saves you some money for aero wheels and an aero helmet. I can tell you right now that the $2500 Cervelo P2C with some deep rim wheels and an aero helmet will be much, much faster than a Madone with clip-ons and no aero wheels (since you spent all your money on the bike)!

I ended up with a TREK Madone 5.1 WSD. I can't wait to ride! Less expensive and felt great. It also is very pretty...like the pink on it! Yes, fashion is important.

Congratulations on the bike purchase! Since you bought a road bike, you'll definitely need to invest in some good aerobars (which would have come with the bike if you had bought a triathlon bike). You'll also probably need to invest in a zero-setback (or a set-forward) seatpost to get in the correct position for a triathlon--a road bike doesn't put you as far forward as a bike designed specifically for triathlon.

Also, consider investing in an aero helmet and some race wheels--the Madone is not a very aerodynamic bike, though it does look very cool :)

The Madones are sweet bikes. Good luck! (Post a pictures if you can!)

I ended up with a TREK Madone 5.1 WSD. I can't wait to ride! Less expensive and felt great. It also is very pretty...like the pink on it! Yes, fashion is important.

Pictures required! :)

Interesting to hear you like the pink - - while the vast majority of women's bikes seem to be 'feminine' colours, there seem to be relatively few women who actually like that.... Thoughts??

OK so it may not be the most aero bike, but at my age (40 something) comfort is more important. My back can't take that aero position of a tri bike for an ironman distance, besides, I am not going for a win, just want to finish. And the women design.....LOVE IT! When I was younger (20 something) it was all about speed, now it is fashion. I say if you can't go fast, you might as well look good! You can check out my very pretty bike at:
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/road/madone/madone51wsd/

OK so it may not be the most aero bike, but at my age (40 something) comfort is more important. My back can't take that aero position of a tri bike for an ironman distance, besides, I am not going for a win, just want to finish. And the women design.....LOVE IT! When I was younger (20 something) it was all about speed, now it is fashion. I say if you can't go fast, you might as well look good! You can check out my very pretty bike at:
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/road/madone/madone51wsd/

Sounds like you got just the bike you wanted then :) Congrats on a great purchase!

Why wouldn't you want a tri-bike?

I ride a madone myself. It's an awesome bike. I got it when I was more into cross training and some duathlons. Now I'm doing so many Tri's I allllllmost wish I had a tri bike. The madone is super comfy though, and I've had a great time with it. If I end up with a spare 4K maybe I'll see about a tri bike. hmmmmmmmmm :-)

I to am an older guy been ridin gfor 20 yrs now I just got my first Carbon Coast to Coast all 105 shimano. It is purpose built for the older man. I also built a new Tri bike...I hav eyety to ride either do to the weather.

It is a lovely bike and I am happy for you that you have found a bike to love.

As to your original post, I can't imagine there are any bikes between 3-4k that aren't good and to find one you love and fits well is the important thing.