JamesInSJ

Hi all, wondering if you have some insights as to weather this would be a good investment.

I have a Trek 2.1 Alpha, and have done a few changes to make it the right bike for me (saddle, fitment changes, wheelset), and feel that the combination of components is pretty good now and have no particular complaints. However, I'm curious about carbon frames and have received varying opinions, usually focused on the particular model (usually being too stiff) and not carbon in general.

I have an opportunity to buy a 4.7 Madone frame/fork only, 2013, brand new/never built. It was a warranty exchange and the person never built it up. Apart from bottom bracket bearings and a headset, and probably a braze-on derailleur (all attainable through my sources for ~$100), it looks like everything would adapt directly from my 2.1 Alpha though I'll probably replace a few wear items (mainly cables).

My question is do you really think this "upgrade" is worthwhile? Would this be an investment in a virtually no-compromises frame, or am I overthinking how good carbon or a Madone 4.7 would be? I haven't nailed down a price with the seller, but let's say ~$600-700, and I can sell my 2.1 Alpha frameset for ~$300, so this is really only a $300-400 net cost. Assume that fit is identical/non-issue. I don't have any "time" on a carbon bike to make a personally informed decision, so hoping readers here have done similar upgrades themselves and can provide their insight.

For reference, I mainly ride recreational/longer-distance. I got into road cycling a year ago when a friend talked me into doing a charity ride, and find I really enjoy 30-50+ mile rides so a race bike that isn't comfortable on longer rides is not for me.

Thanks in advance!

bonz50

if you get the upgrade for ~$300 then yes, definitely worth it.

merlinextraligh

Test ride a 4 series Madone and see what you think. It's a bit lighter which is nice, and I bet you'll find the ride a bit more comfortable, and likley more responsive.

However, I think you'll find your numbers are a little optimistic. $300 for a used aluminum frame seems a bit high. And new bb, all new cables, braze on derailleur are likely going to be more than $100.

You may not need a new FD, though. Quite often derailleurs with frame clamps are actually braze ons bolted to a clamp.

Dee Tee

I agree. Go for a test ride at the LBS and try out a similar Madone.

IthaDan 

You're not going to get $300 for your aluminum frameset.

Don't forget about the seatpost, headset and cables for potential swap over issues and added expense.

The swap will be noticeable, but I'll be floored if you can do it for much less than the price of the carbon frameset. (I.e. I don't think you're going to recoup much in the sale of your old frame, and I'm willing to bet you'll be nickel and dimed on all the little fiddly bits to make it a fully functioning bicycle by the time it's all said and done).

That being said, go for it, but budget accordingly.

JamesInSJ

Thanks for the replies. Keep them coming... anybody have a personal "I went from similar aluminum bike to Trek carbon and this is what I thought" story?

snidely

Keep the 2.1 and ride the **** out of it. I like riding mine just as much as my Lynskey. For a recreational rider, the differences in frames are negligible IMO. Although it is always fun buying new bike stuff. I agree that you are being overly optimistic about what you will spend and recover. I played that same game, and definitely did not anticipate everything. No regrets, though. I now have two cool bikes.

tristecalvin

I went from an alu Fuji to a Trek Domane 5.9 and the difference was unbelievable. But, if you prefer 50+ mile recreational rides, maybe a Madone isn't the best option? I'd still keep the Trek 2.1 as a backup bike.

JamesInSJ

Thanks everyone! The negotiated price on the frame ended up at $650, and since my heart wasn't in it and concerns about the Madone being too "race" given my endurance riding preference, I passed. Still a great deal for the guy who is buying it this weekend instead of me (seller gave me first shot at that price). Earlier today I went reading Madone 4.x vs. 5.x discussions and that convinced me even more that I need to really ride some more of these frames to understand the differences.