i have been looking at some of the trek bikes. Specifically the madone 4.5 and 5.1 which are carbon fiber bikes. I have also looked at the cannondale caad-9 4, which is aluminum, but has slightly better components for the price. Some people argue that cannondale is the way to go, while others say that trek is the best. Should i go with the trek or the cannondale for about $2000?

I'm also having this dilemma, though I haven't been looking at that many treks. Mostly comparing the Caad9-4 to say a Synapse Carbon 5. Still can't decide which one I like. I took both for a quick test ride and they didn't feel much different. Synapse was more upright, but supposedly the aluminum frame is supposed to be a little harsh? Like I said short test ride, I couldn't tell.

i've heard the same thing about the aluminum frames, but i am not sure. I would prefer a carbon fiber frame, but don't want to sacrifice the quality of the components for the frame if i still want to spend the same price

You won't go wrong with any of them, shop compare, ride, study.. then buy the most expensive one.

BF consensus is CAAD 9.

I would ride one if I could fit a stock frame. Sadly, I am stuck with custom.

Look at the Cannondale Six Series. A Six Carbon 5 gets you 105 Components and a BB30 crank (lighter/stiffer). All that for around 2k. Carbon will dampen the road vibrations a bit better than Aluminum. I'm riding a Caad9 1 and its not as harsh as I expected. I have had a bad experience with Trek and will never buy one again after dealing with their company.

I have never ridden the Madones but I used to own a CAAD-9 and now own a Cervelo R3 carbon bike, a Cervelo P2-SL aluminum time-trial bike and a Bianchi steel road bike. They are all nice frames and most people would be happy with any of them.

Some of the roads that I ride on though are fairly rough black-top country roads (older farm roads). The CAAD-9 and the P2-SL are at times pretty harsh in terms of transmitting road vibration. My carbon frame is considerably more comfortable and is always the one I grab for longer rides. In fact, my steel frame would almost always be my second choice for a long ride. I have no idea how the Madones compares.

For what it is worth, I have Ultegra, 105 and Tiagra components on my 3 bikes and there really isn't that much difference. I would prefer a high quality comfortable frame even if it came with a lower level of Shimano components.

ya can't compare the Synapse to the CAAD or the Six series. different geometry, different rides. One aggressive, one relaxed.


likewise, I wouldn't compare Cannondale and Trek. Just sayin..............................

Take a longer test ride. If you're going to drop $1700+ for a bike, you're entitled to enough data to make an informed personal decision.
Then, once you've done that, test ride them both again with your own wheels and (if it floats your boat) 25c tires to see how much that might take any edge off the aluminum frame.