I've finally had time to "assemble" the bike that I will be using for the centuries in the mountains. Some will be probably be disappointed to hear it is just a 2004 Trek 5900. The previous owner was a "weight weenie" and also very meticulous with his bike....heck it seems new to me!!

However, it's going to reduce my bike weight at least 3 lbs over the Madone. With bottles cages, pedals and essentially everything except the saddle bag it is right at 16 lbs.

What's different?

Size-The Madone is a big bike-it's a 62 cm but has been an extremely comfortable ride for me. The 5900 is a 58 cm frame but has a longer stem. I've actually brought the reach in a little to make it even more comfortable for climbing. You might notice in the pics the shifters are probably a touch "higher" than normal. I'm going to try that but can easily slide them down the drops a little more to add to the reach. They are just low enough to where I can shift them in the drops. Both bikes have 44 cm handlebars (spread out for comfort!) but the 5900's is a Race X Lite.

Components-The Madone is Ultegra which works superbly. The 5900 is full Dura Ace which feels flawless-softer but crisper feeling. The difference in the brakes is very noticeable as well. (note: I put some Kool Stop brake pads on the Madone this morning but I have not ridden it yet-curious to see if that helps). I also put some Profile Design X lite carbon bottle cages on it.

Pedals-Both the Madone and the 5900 have Look CX6 carbon pedals. However I was able to get a great deal on a set with titanium axles (instead of chromoly) and put those on the 5900. Hooray for eBay!! I was hoping to get the black ones but who is going to look at my feet anyway.

Crankset-The Madone is an Ultegra 52/42/30 triple with a 9 speed setup. What is in the picture is a 53/39 10 speed Dura Ace but it will be replaced with the Shimano 50/34 when the Compact Crank arrives. I have put a 12/27 Dura Ace cassette on the 5900 (man, those are $$$$-even on eBay). I'll probably move the 53/39 over to the Madone if I like the Compact Crank.

Wheels-Exactly the same on both bikes-Bontrager X Lites. I'm thinking of swapping the new X Lites for some Zipps for everyday use.

The Saddle is pretty firm (sure looks good though!!) but I think it will work pretty well. I'll find out tomorrow as I'm going to give it a 100 mile workout. If not I know what I'm used to.

I have measured the leg reach to the pedals and also the fore/aft of the saddle to the pedals and have it dialed in exactly as the Madone-so hopefully there are no transition issues with the knees on position changes.

The Compact Crank needs to get here soon!! I have a climbing century (Cheaha) in Alabama on May 7th followed by the Assault on Mt Mitchell May 20th. I really need to get in some clmbing miles with the Compact Crank and different setup just to get accustomed to it for these rides.

If it makes as big an impact of using the Time Trial bike did for time trials watch out!!

By the way, with packing in the miles over the winter, riding 2000 miles ytd and managing the calories I've managed to lose another 3-4 pounds of body weight over last year. All together I could be looking at 6-7 lbs less weight going up those darn hills. That has got to help a little!!