Originally Posted by
RNAV
I noticed the sluggishness you're referring to when riding my dealer's 4.3 demo bike. I wasn't happy with that -- then he had me test ride his 5.2 -- world of difference. The 5.2 obviously has an upgraded frame but also upgraded wheels; out-of-the-saddle efforts are met with stability and responsiveness.
I test rode a 5.2 Madone and the 5.2 Domane back-to-back. I couldn't tell a difference between the two when climbing/sprinting . . . but once seated, the Domane's smoothness really came through.
I also noticed the difference in the ride quality between the 4.3 and 5.2. My wallet wishes I'd never ridden the 5.2 but I love it. higher grade carbon, better wheels, stem, seatpost, full ultegra 11-speed.
I couldn't really tell the difference between the Madone and the Domane on my test rides which were too short for me to appreciate the geometry differences. Both were rock solid.