Road Cycling - Help! Opinion on Carbon Bikes

Okay folks. I have finally broken down and decided to upgrade to a carbon bike. I've narrowed to 3 choices: Trek Madone, Trek 5900, and Calfee Dragonfly. I have ridden the Calfee and it is so light and responsive compared to my current chromoly bike. I plan to ride the two Treks later this week. I'd like to get opinions from any current owners, riders, mechanics, or builders on the pros and cons of any/all these bikes.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Tom

glig@cfl.rr.com

The Calfee is the best of the 3. I like the 5900 second and I think the Madone sucks in comparison.
The only problem with the Dragonfly is that I think it only comes in 1" headtube.

I haven't ridden the Calfee but I do love my 5500.

55/Rad

Tested the Treks. Nice rides, but Iwas looking for something a bit more aggressive. On a side note, count how many Trek stickers are on that bike. Do they really need that many?

Tested the Treks. Nice rides, but Iwas looking for something a bit more aggressive. On a side note, count how many Trek stickers are on that bike. Do they really need that many?

More stickers the better. :D I try to make my bikes look like Grand Prix cars. I get as many Mavic, Time and Columbus stickers as I can find, and whack 'em on.

By the way, I recently busted my 2nd alu frame, so I'm never spending top money on one ever again. I'd get the carbon.

I did like a 30 minute test ride of a trek 5200, and it was really nice. Its head angle was definitly slacker then my lemond though. it was stange that I noticed that first, but it rode really nice. I havent ridden the others though, so i cant really comment on them.

I have been very impressed by the Parlee Cycles bikes. I rode the Z1x for about a week and it was clearly the best bike I have ever ridden. The carbon took away my elbow, wrist and hand pains, smoothing out the tarmac. Yet, the bike really felt like a race bike, able to leap up the hills without my legs getting tired while tracking perfectly without bounce. It sprints and descends with utter confidence. Plus, it's just downright beautiful. You can but them with clear coated carbon or painted. The Z1 and Z1x (see ParleeCycles.com) are both custom sized machines in the price range of those you mentioned. They also have a Z2, in stock sizes for about a $1,000 less, as well as a Z3c compact model with a sloping top tube. In addition, their customer service will bend over backwards to help you decide on the right ride for you. Check 'em out...

I'll also recommend test riding a TCR Composite 1 or 0 - if they fit you the price is great for a great ride.

Calfee.
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