Rocky_Bike

tl;dr at the bottom

I hope this is okay to post here!
I'm considering two bikes at the moment. One is a 2011 Trek Madone 5.2 (frameset is carbon) with Ultegra. The other is a 2003 Specialized S-works [E5] with Campagnolo Record (triple)

The Trek appears a little bit more beat up whereas the Specialized is immaculate (indoor trainer). I've been riding a 2000 Specialized S-works M4 and I love it to death. Unfortunately it met its demise and the chainstay on the frame cracked apart right at the dropout. I'm pretty sure the bike was too big for me but that didn't stop me from putting thousands of miles on it (the seat was all the way down).
Anyway, I really can't decide which way to go. The 2003 S-works is really nice and I think it fits me well. It's a 57cm and I'm 6'0.5", with a longer torso. I wear ~30x31 or 30x32 pants.
The Trek is 60cm, I'm gonna test it out tonight. Perhaps it'll be too big and this will all be moot.. Aside from that, being that the trek will be about $300 more vs the Specialized I'm not sure which way to go. So I was hoping to get your opinion?
This would be for both training and competing, and commuting (given I can't buy two or three bikes)



tl;dr: 2011 Trek Madone 5.2 vs 2003 Specialized S-Works, what would you choose given the Trek is $300 more? Trek = carbon, Specialized = Aluminum

floridamtb

Madone

gsa103

Probably the Trek, but I'm pretty sure you're going to find it too big. I'm a very similar build and that would definitely be too big for me.

Rocky_Bike

With a shorter seat post it seemed great. Perhaps a large steed, but I was comfortable. Since it's about $900 vs $1200, I think I'll go for the Madone. First carbon fiber
Or maybe I'll buy both....!!

vinuneuro

How much are you paying for these? I wouldn't go for either, certainly not beat up carbon bike as you describe it, or a 2003 S-Works. A 2016 CAAD12 would probably perform better for similar or less money.

Rocky_Bike

Turns out the Madone is flaweless as well. Almost show room, minus some dirt smudges on the white accents of the bike.
2003 S-works => $900
2011 Madone => $1200
I'll take a look at that cannondale

Doge

I may be confused. But I think Trek and Specialized share factories. Maybe Trek and Giant.

garysol1 

Before you guys discount the Specialized because it is aluminum that E5 Aerotec frame is a pretty incredible piece. Nice ride quality, light and efficient.

ptempel

+1 On the CAAD12 (or even CAAD10). Try a size 56cm. I'm 6'2" with your inseam and that's what I'd be riding. Also if you have decent parts on your existing bike, then you can just buy the CAAD frameset only and build it up. Last I checked, Trek also sold the Emonda ALR frameset for $900 new. That's another option if you don't mind aluminum. Fit (and a good saddle) is more important than frame material, IMO.

RNAV

I'm assuming that neither the Trek nor the Specialized are 11-speed.

If you're already willing to spend $1200, I second the idea of picking up a CAAD 10 or 12 for not a lot more. Pretty sure they all came with 11-speed. Proper fit is most important; second is tire choice/size/pressure.

topflightpro

I had that E5 frameset. It was one of the best frames I've ever owned.

(Technically, I still have the frame. I trashed it in a crash. It's now in the shed with all the other frames I've cracked.)

vinuneuro

Plenty of used CAAD12's to choose from in this price range. I'm typically a Specialized fan but everyone who's ridden this bike raves about it. Beat out much more expensive carbon bikes in reviews.

caad12 | eBay

Cannondale CAAD12 105 review - BikeRadar USA
Review: Cannondale CAAD12 Disc Dura-Ace | road.cc

rubiksoval

$900 for a 14 year old bike is almost ludicrous.

But $1200 for a 5 year old Madone isn't much better.

For that price range, I'd follow the above suggestions. 11 speed 105 is better than 10 speed ultegra, in my opinion.

zymphad

2011 or 2003 carbon bikes? Pass.

builderguy

They both seem overpriced to me. It really depends on your area. I see alot of good deals in larger cities. Get away from large metropolitan areas and the prices go up. Less to choose from.

If you get a bike that fits, you will be much happier. Getting a bike that is too large and then lowering the seat, doesn't make it fit.

I have similar measurements as you. I bought a 56. At first it didn't seem any different than a 58. After a few hundred miles, I was glad I got the 56. After a thousand, there is no way I would buy a larger bike.

Have to try it out for yourself. I realize a 56 is a 56 is a 56, but I believe some brands vary slightly in their dimensions. It could be a slight variance in the geometry. This is a subject that goes way beyond my knowledge.

Maelochs

I like the CAAD 12 idea, but in general, if you have that kind of money to spend, why not wait for a better deal on a bike that Really fits? I cannot fathom spending $1200 on a bike I can "make" fit.

I understand that a variety of frames sizes can fit---my prefgerence is for less frame (less weight) and more stem/seat post, but whatever. But for the kind of money you are mentioning, I wuold wait for something which didn't demand so much compromise.

On another hand----if the Trek Really fits---not "I can ride it" but "Wow, this is made for me" then okay. I guess. However ... If I could get a new bike of similar quality for the same money as opposed to a used bike ... or a better used bike ....

If the Trek is basically "NOS," that is, it sat unridden in a dry storage area for six years, well, that's great. Otherwise ... it's a six-year-old bike with nice paint.

If one of these screams out to you "I am Your bike!", buy it. If neither does, wait a week. Nothing worse than buying a bike you aren't sure about and seeing the one you are sure about a week later.

JagR

+1 One dollar is too much to spend on a bike that doesn't fit or one that you will " make fit"