tmass

Trek

Crue4

Wow a lot of posts... and I believe only 1 Trek vote... Any reason beside the "trek brand dislike" for this? I know so many don't like Trek b/c well it is a Trek..

scr660

Trek's lower-end bikes are ridiculously overpriced. You can get an almost brand-new 07 madone 5.2 for the price of a 2.3

nadimk

To the OP: I jumped on to this thread because your question brings up the issues of marketing hype and brand loyalty. Please don't fall into this trap. Choose from these three bikes based on fit and component level, the two things that will really effect ride quality. The aluminum frames on these three are pretty much the same for 99% of people. Look at the wheels that come with the bikes. Look at price. Then choose the one that jumps out at you. Trek, Cdale, Felt, who cares? It's all hype. Good luck. Post a picture when you buy.

longbeachgary

I don't have trek brand dislike. We just bought a 4.7 for my wife. My only complaint about trek are the Bontrager parts. Are Bontrager parts always better than the Shimano/Mavic/etc. parts that they replace? Maybe or just maybe they are only cheaper to spec on than the others. I want the best parts for the particular group I'm buying.

So far the 4.7 is a good bike - but it's a triple so many gears are unusable because of the chain angel.

BananaTugger

Trek owns the Bontrager brand.

Of course they are going to spec the stuff.

longbeachgary

I know that Trek owns bontrager - but it's not always the best spec

Crue4

Excellent points and that was what I wanted out of the post. I was hoping to get responses like so snd so has the better wheelset. Or so and so has better fork or hub or crank. They all ride solid and see similar price and spec, ap I was hoping for those type responses.

How can I decide the better wheelset? Which bike is lighter or faster? Any other factors?

What if I throw the specialized allez elite 2009 in the mix?

Unagidon

To choose a bike, I look at fit, frame, components (grouppo & wheel), and potential resale.

Assuming they all fit you, and to make it easier for lazy posters like myself to pick which bike, I think it would be helpful is you list the component levels.

From a frame perspective, I would probably choose the Cad 9... Bascially well known to be a good frame, and I bet you if you stripped the bike of all parts and ebayed them, you would get the highest price for the Cad9.

And since you're looking at aluminum bikes, why not see if you can find a Cervelo Soloist? There might be some on sale, especially as we get closer to Thanksgiving.

Crue4

Where can you find out which wheels are better or rated higher? Any resources on that?