MrMojoJoJo

So I know the Madone Pro has a shorter headtube, but how much of a difference does this really make? I copied a couple images off
of treks website and did an overlay to look at the two at the same time. You can see there is not much difference...

Laplacian

The difference is exactly 3 cm. I just ordered a Madone Pro after test riding both fits (and a Tarmac).

The Pro definitely feels more aggressive and you can get into a better aero position. My previous bike was closer in geometry to the Pro and I had the stem flipped and spacers removed so I figured I would go for the Pro fit. However, even the Madone Performance fit has a more aggressive geometry than the Tarmac, in my opinion. The Tarmac has a slightly taller head tube (than the Performance) and a slightly longer top tube for a higher, more stretched out ride. It felt very nice and plenty comfortable, but not quite the feel that I'm used to.

But that's just me...everyone is different. Depending on how you set it up (offset of seat, stem length, handlebar reach) the bikes can feel totally different to you. I had a rough idea of what I wanted before I went shopping.

WR3K

eh, it seems small, but it does make it easier to either have;

A- a flexible road bike position for enthusiasts

or

B- a bike bred to race and made JUST for those extreme positions

MrMojoJoJo

I knew about the 3cm deal, but I was just not sure about how this translates into real world performance. I have a performance fit madone myself and have a .5 cm spacer with the stem flipped down.

I was just wondering if there was some chart out there graphing the stem position v.s. watts saved or faster time... I was not sure what I was missing out on by not having the pro...

(I don't know why the handle bars look tipped up, but they are level...)

Laplacian

Are you comfortable on your bike? Do you feel like you're in enough of an aggressive position for your usual rides? If so, then don't worry about the Pro fit. Depending on your body geometry, flexibility, etc. you could be faster on the Performance fit than you would be on the Pro fit. Forcing your body into a lower position could make you considerably weaker/slower if you're already at your optimal position.

Given that you're still running a spacer with the Performance fit, it looks like you made the right choice. To make the effective head tube length shorter in the future you could remove the spacer and/or get a more angled stem (but those would only make minor differences). Don't forget to take reach into account if do either of those things. Swapping out components will help you customize your bike--that's why they make different stems, spacers, seat tubes, etc.

You could always try a ride with different spacer stacks and see where you feel better and faster. That's how I have a rough idea of what I like. You could also see a professional fitter that will help determine your optimal position based on your body shape and flexibility.

You have a nice bike--the most important thing is that you ride the crap out of it. Let the pros worry about optimal this-and-that.

ZXiMan

I've owned both. I *much* prefer the Pro fit.

intence

Am I missing something, why not just get the Pro, keep fork length long and use spacers. As you start adapting to a lower position, you cut the fork and remove spacers. With the Performance it seems like you're stuck with additional head-tube length whether you like it or not.

roy5000x2

Just go with whichever one feels the best. The only difference between the two is the 3 cm. If you think you're going to be lowering your stem in the future, then chances are the pro fit would be the best choice.

BikesAreCool123

A lot of people need spacers on top of the extra head tube length they get with the preformance fit.