Mobile 155

Just about any womens specific bike will feel better to you because they are designed to. I can almost ride a WS myself because of the typical shorter Top Tube. The bike itself is not all that important different between Giant, Cannondale, Jamis, or Trek it is the componants. The number one thing when people are talking about wheels are the weight of the wheel itself rather that the tires. Stock wheels weigh about 2200 grams, about 5 pounds. A good wheel set will be at least 400 grams lighter but a better one will be 600 grams lighter. that is about a pound less rolling weight you don't have to spin up to get rolling or to close on someone you are chasig or push up a hill. So when someone says get better wheels they are usually saying get as light of a wheel as you can afford if climbing or speed is a consideration. You will notice better wheels a lot more than you will notice just about anything else. But there is absolutly nothing wrond with the Madone as long as you get better "wheels" that what you are riding now.

Axiom

Wouldn't it be cheaper if she bought a carbon fork and carbon seat post to shed some weight?

Beachgrad05

Let us know what you end up doing. I am getting a 2012 3.1 Madone with SRAM Apex tomorrow.

Mobile 155

It is rolling weight that makes a bigger difference. For most of us we can lose 5 or ten pounds and it will help but take a pound or two off of the wheels and you will notice it the first time out. Like I said it doesn't make a big difference once you are rolling. But getting up to speed, climbing and closing are where light wheels shine.

fungirl

Well looking into upgrades, new bikes etc. I think that if the Cannondale Caad 9 4 that I looked at the other day, is just a small step up from what I have. What I learned about wheels, it still does not make a big difference with what I have now. Now these two bikes; 2011 Trek Madone 4.5 Triple WS full carbon, with Bontrager SSR wheelset and Shimano 105 components and a 2012 Cannondale Women Caad 10 3 with Mavic Aksium WTS wheel set and Shimano Ultegra are the same price $ 2199......I would say saving money to get either one of these would be a better deal because they have the lighter wheel set, isn't ? Or is one better than the other?
Beachgrad05, is it the Madone 3.1 WSD? I have seen that one too, is wheel set same as the Madone 4.5? So much to learn, but really appreciate everyone's comments. Takes me to a total different direction!
That being said, don't have the money right now but seriously consider to wait and save money for one of those bikes. My Giant Avail is ready tomorrow, I could afford to get a new wheel set for them.

Retro Grouch 

Let me put it another way. Once you get up to speed the lighter wheelset really doesn't matter so, if you crank your speed up to 17 MPH or so, and hold it there for an hour, your elapsed time won't be any better. Every ride, however, starts at 0 MPH. The more frequently you find yourself accelerating from 0 to 10 MPH, you'll immediately feel and the more you'll appreciate a light wheelset.

Mobile 155

+1

njkayaker

Since it's based on her body dimensions, no one here knows whether it would feel better for her or not. Or whether it would be a significant change from what she already has.

fietsbob

There is a WSD Madone, at several price points
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/colle...e_performance/


+ there are WSD aluminum framed Trek road models. https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/colle...ad/sport/lexa/

fungirl

Am interested in both, like the Madone 4.5 triple WS and Cannondale women CAAD 10 3, same price $2199. Just wondering if one has a better wheel set than the other? I think if I upgrade my Giant Avail, I would like to have good wheel set included, not to upgrade them. Anyone with advice about these two bikes?

fungirl

I DID IT! I was going to pick up my Giant Avail at service for a tune up and had to try the Cannondale Caad 9 4 again, this time I was wearing my cycling shorts, shoes etc. Planning was to pick up my bike and ride home. Instead I tested the CAAD 9 and it was soooo super smooth, faster and seemed to fit a bit more comfortable than my Giant Avail. Although the Giant Avail is a WSD bike and the Cannondale is not. Compared and test them both and i purchased the CANNONDALE CAAD 9 4!!!!!!!!! It is a $ 2100 bike but it was priced down to $1600 because it was the only size. Am super happy and excited to get it tomorrow, with new fenders, pedals swapped over, computer etc. Pictures soon!

ottawa_adam

If you want it buy it. If you love your old bike and have room to keep it, then keep it. If you get rid of it, you will likely regret it.

a1penguin

Congrats fungirl! I'm not surprised you ended up with the CAAD. Can't wait for the pics!

alexaschwanden

Upgrade what and went you like, for me i waited till i got over 6000+ miles before upgrading the drivetrain to climb steep hills, and clipless pedals/shoes.

fungirl

And here it is, my new black beauty Cannondale CAAD 9 4.....rode about 40 miles last two days and it's a blast! Super smooth, fast, climbing and cornering is so much better. I cannot believe how easier it is to make speed or climbing hills. Had to get used to different gear shifting but after this morning I got it. I really love the saddle that came with it, Prologo Kappa Pas, but have to see how comfortable it will be for long distances. I swapped the tires from my Giant Avail to this one, Bontrager Race, and maybe next year get new wheels. I really really love it. No regrets at all, what took me so long? .