The 2.1 is a Madone. they just call it a Madone for 2013. The Geometry is the same other than aluminum being build material. Trek always marketed it as a Madone in aluminum anyway so why not call it that. I would go for the 2.1. Can not comment on better frame as and I am just guessing here it is the same material as before just a marketing spin. Black over white aluminum or whatever they had going on. Boils down to what you want. bottom end carbon or their top of the line aluminum.