Good deal on the madone in general or versus the other bikes you mentioned? As afar as I know $2600 is the normal price for the 5.2. With regards to as which bike to use from aren't there other places where you could test ride the other bikes (so you can maybe also compare prices, service etc)? I believe Canondales usually have a better package on components (especially wheelsets) because their bikes are aluminum vs the more expensive carbon. The ride is something that you will get 100 different opinions on.