Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Anyone using a Trek Madone 5.1 SL for Centuries et al?

Hi Everyone

I recently purchased a Trek Madone 5.2 SL 2008 (the title is wrong!) for long-distance rides, day rides I should specify, centuries and the like. Love the geometry of the bike, comfort and snappiness.

Was wondering if anyone else on here has the same machine and if you're happy/unhappy with your selection... do tell!

Mike

I have an 08 Madone 5.5 (performace fit). I'm not sure how similar it is to your bike. I did 25 centuries on it last year. 3 so far this year. I'm very happy with it after having tons of issues with the original wheels. Solved by getting new wheels :(

I have an 08 Madone 5.5 (performace fit). I'm not sure how similar it is to your bike. I did 25 centuries on it last year. 3 so far this year. I'm very happy with it after having tons of issues with the original wheels. Solved by getting new wheels :(

My mistake, it's a 5.2 version (2008)...
Looking at Trek's archive files, both bikes have the same OCLV but the 5.5 has slightly lower downtube/headset. It looks like a really nice machine!

I also have the original Bontrager Lite wheels... I hope they do well.
What kinds of problems did you have with them?

If the bike fits you and is comfortable, I'm not sure how or why other people's experiences matter. ;)

I'd keep track of how comfortable the bike feels on your training rides, since those will get into the 60+ mile range fairly quickly, and may still afford you enough time to make minor adjustments prior to a century. E.g. if you start to really feel the road buzz after 60 or 70 miles, you may want to lower your tire's PSI a little bit and/or try 25c's. If your hands and arms feel a bit beat up, try bar gels, different tape, thicker gloves. If your shoulders or back feel fine at mile 30 and painful at mile 70, check your position and so forth.

Pretty much any bike in that price range is going to have high-quality components. Just make sure to tune it up on a regular basis, especially right before a big event.

If the bike fits you and is comfortable, I'm not sure how or why other people's experiences matter. ;)

This thread is about sharing experiences, ideas and thoughts about other riders who appreciate their Madone as much as I do.

I know a guy that went cross country in 30 days on one, good luck.

The bike shipped with loose spokes. Many attempts to keep the wheels in true failed. Finally they developed a crack in the rim. Trek replaced the wheels, but in the meantime I bought a set of Ksyrium SL Premiums. I only use the Racelites on the trainer bike now. They work fine there :)

This thread is about sharing experiences, ideas and thoughts about other riders who appreciate their Madone as much as I do.

:hug:

:wtf:

I have the earlier version "Trek 5200" and have riden on many centuries including 4 in a row!:thumb:

I have the earlier version "Trek 5200" and have riden on many centuries including 4 in a row!:thumb:

Way cool! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

The bike shipped with loose spokes. Many attempts to keep the wheels in true failed. Finally they developed a crack in the rim. Trek replaced the wheels, but in the meantime I bought a set of Ksyrium SL Premiums. I only use the Racelites on the trainer bike now. They work fine there :)

Thanks for the heads-up!