Originally Posted by will dehne

I have a Madone road bike and a Stevens CX bike. The geometry of both bikes is very nearly the same as far as my posture on the bike.
Testing both bikes for speed with same tires:
The Madone is slightly faster. Say 20 MPH average over 100 miles and 19 MPH for the CX.

However, we have many roads with very bad surfaces. There the CX is much safer, more comfortable and the Madone is only marginally suitable and just about unsafe.
The Madone tracks better and responds slightly better for acceleration on good pavement. The CX can handle just about anything with proper choice of tires.

Either of the 2 bikes is great for century rides. Madone for ultimate in speed. CX for safety and comfort.