BostonJim

Hey folks, I'm just about to turn 30 and I'm treating myself to a bike for the birthday. I've narrowed my search down between the Cannondale Six Carbon 5 and the Trek Madone 4.5. Both are running 105 with an Ultegra RD. I'm looking to do 30-50 mile rides on a fairly regular basis. Both of these bikes run $2,000 at my LBS and I feel pretty comfy on both bikes. I'm not trying to race, but I do like to go fast. You guys have any input? Thanks so much!



or

Jurgen

Flip a coin.

I'd probably err on the side of Trek if only because Cannondale seems to be in a bit of a transition mode--not just the company itself, but even the designs of their bikes. (With a new SuperSix on its way, who know what the inevitable trickle-down means for the Sixes and CAADs?)

I'm more confident Trek feels they've "got it' with the current Madones.

GPB

All things being even, the Madones, last I heard, were made in the US (if that matters to ya). Hmm, I think the Cannondales are too. Probably which ever fits you better (standard BF answer of course).

To complete my useless reply, here's a Nat'l Geographic piece they did on the madone design and manufacture, if you haven't seen it. And no, I'm not a shill...I swear. I only got a trek because it was a good deal...but sure, i'm happy with it. Good luck!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nVbmcnsXXs

Jurgen

Both are made in Taiwan.

You've got to go to the 5.x series Madones (and Hi-Mod SuperSixes) to get each company's American made carbon frames.

GPB

Figures...thx.

Youngin

Trek has lifetime warranty on the frame. It's going to be as stiff as a 6.x series frame (just heavier).

BostonJim

The Cannondale has the lifetime warranty as well. This coin flipping option is starting to look nice, haha. Thanks for the responses guys!

entukay

Look at the geometry, see which is more aggressive/relaxed, let that be the decider depending on what you prefer. I have a 4.5 and love it, but its pretty aggressive for day/day riding, great for racing and fast group rides though.

Jurgen

Both the 4.5 and the Six are more "relaxed" than each company's true racing bikes--the 4.5 boasts Trek's "Performance Fit" with a longer head tube than the "Pro Fit" available on the 5.x and 6.x; likewise, the head tube is shorter on the CAAD9 and SuperSix than the Six--but neither frame is what Bicycling(TM) would call a "plush" bike like the Roubaix (or Synapse, for that matter).

I don't think there's much difference between either bike.

Both have gotten good reviews (for what it's worth) in mainstream press.

Madone 4.5
https://bicycling.com/gear/detail/0,7...2093-0,00.html
https://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...ne-45-08-29372

Cannondale Six 5
https://bicycling.com/gear/detail/0,7...1911-0,00.html

Buy the one that fits; buy the one that makes your heart go pidder-padder.

BostonJim

I've found the 4.5 to be less aggressive than the Cannondale, but they both work for me. Even with the Cannondale step flipped up and the 4.5 down, 4.5 still felt more relaxed to me. Anyways, I could go on for days on here, I don't want to drag on too long haha. I think I'm leaning towards the Trek on a strictly aesthetic level. I think I'll sleep on it a day or two and then make the call. Thanks for all of the input. I look forward to see what you guys have to say in the future.

kaNUK

Well we've got one of each in the basement ...sort of. My wife rides last year's Madone with Ultegra and I have a new Carbon six 3 (also mainly Ultegra with DA RD). To be fair, hers is the woman specific geometry. Big differences when comparing the frames are that the rear triangle on the six is tighter (rear wheel to seat tube space is almost non-existent on the six), and the bottom bracket shell and chain stay are much beefier on the Cannondale. The Trek has a little taller head tube (both are 54cm) which may be part of the woman specific design bit (?)

When buying the Cannondale I also rode a Madone. The Madone felt a little smoother and quieter, while the Cannondale seemed more agile and more responsive when climbing or sprinting.

Of course these are strictly subjective impressions with no backing whatsoever

kaNUK

BarracksSi

https://www.random.org/coins/
https://www.facade.com/coin_flip/
https://www.flip-coin.com/

800over

I like the Cannondale myself...but the wheels on the Madone are better are they not?

BostonJim

Haha, nice touch with the coin flipper. As for the wheels being better, you folks know much more about that than me.

Eclectus

I think you should ask yourself, What would Lance recommend?

mustang1

... And then by the opposite (assuming he recommends the cannondale)

BostonJim

Hah! You guys are confusing!

kr32

I can't say anything about the Trek because I have never ridden one but I do own a Cannondale Six Carbon 5. I am very happy with it and would recomend it.
At first I thought it was pretty twitchy but as I rode it more it got better it now is smooth , very responsive. I came off a older Raliegh( and only rode that for a month, borrowed brothers bike to see if I wanted to ride)...really no comparison, two different amimals.

rollin

It's a great "problem" to have. Buy the one that make you want to ride more.

By the way, have you considered Giants, Kona, Bianchi etc.

roadwarrior

Both are nice. The Six is a bit less expensive than the Madone 4.

I sold a bunch of Madone's before the Six came out. The Six Carbon 6 at $1,699 is one hot selling bike.

One difference is that Cannondale builds more bikes off the Six frame...that frame can hold a higher price and still be attractive.

gettingold

Both really sweet bikes. I have the 4.7 which is the same frame as the 4.5. I love it. I do mostly 30 to 60 mile rides and it is very comfortable.

xpenny

I have the 2008 madone 4.5 and I really enjoy the ride. It takes whatever surface comfortably that I bring it to. We don't have many hills here, so I can't comment of the climbing. But the 4.5 is a more relaxed geo.

xpenny

It's hard to get anything out of the magazine press. They basically have to write something nice for every bike that is just coming out.

BarracksSi

I knew there had to be an online coin flip site..

I can't say which wheels are really better, although it seems like I've seen more griping posted about the Bontrager wheels on the Trek. That's not exactly a scientific conclusion, though.

ridethecliche

Whichever fits better.

I think the trek is going to be able to handle a more relaxed fit than the cannondale.