Originally Posted by oldnslow2

Sounds logical and you would think that, but my real world experience says its more than just the weight difference of the frame.

My previous bike was 2012 Madone 4.6 with Easton 38mm carbon wheels, a bit over 17#. It's 400 level carbon and I put 6500 miles over 3 years.

My current bike is a 2015 Emonda SLR with Zipp 45mm carbon wheels, a bit over 14#. It's 700 level carbon and I put 1200 miles over 3 months.

While the SL is 500 level carbon, it's sort of a comparison....

The SLR is just plain faster. It accelerates faster, climbs faster and handles better. When I first bought it i figured the upgrade from Sram Rival to Red would be what I noticed, and I did, but the frame is amazing. The more i ride it the more I appreciate what a huge improvement it is over the Madone.

My son, who has a 2012 Madone 6.5 w/ Force (600 level carbon), rode the bike and agrees it's amazing stiff and light and lively.

Don't get me wrong, the SL is a great bike and a great value. But the SLR is a much better bike, but at a considerable cost. And cost matters.