Mosheva

I'm looking for a new bike frame (well actually the whole bike in general) and I just wanted to see everyone's opinions on all three. I ride a CR1 and have ridden a Speedster (both Scott) but haven't ridden either a Trek or a Specialized. I love the geometry of Scott frames and the stiff, Euro feel they have. However, from what Iv'e heard, the Addict may not be the best choice and Iv'e seen a wide variety of good and bad reviews on the frame. Anyways, just wanted to know yalls opinion.

intence

Assuming geometry and material are the same, I don't think you're going to see significant differences between frames. Sure one may be stiffer than the other, but the biggest differences in feel will have to do with geometry or the material. Why not ride all three and then decide which one you like best?

PCad has a Scott which he seems to like, so that should say something about the Scott. I may forego the Trek just because it's the most "well known" brand, also I believe the Madone is offered in various flavors of carbon this year (with the lower end versions being Asian made and the higher versions still being made in the US). If I were in the market for a carbon bike, i'd also take a look at Giant as I've heard they OEM for other manufacturers.

patentcad

Addict is VERY stiff. I've been riding and racing for 20 years, didn't like it at first. Now I love it. But it is a pure racing frame, gives up some comfort for performance. Fantastic handling, climbing, sprinting. Fine on smooth roads, handles big bumps well. But it can beat you up a bit on the chip 'n seal (rough country roads). The heavier you are, the more you'd like the Addict (my fat 175lb. ass makes it more compliant than a 150lb rider would).

Reggieb

Super Six!!!!















YES...in before the "in before Cannondale" post.

Ride all three, try to get a shop that will let you try them for more than a trip around the block (although sometimes that's all it takes) and see which one you are most comfortable with. That will always be the best choice.

coasting 

Madones are so pretty. I have never seen one that I didn't like.

umd

I vote Tarmac. Yes i'm a shill.

patentcad

Once you get over three grand none of it sucks kid.

coasting 

i like the tarmac second. they are pretty too.

I'm not sure I appreciate bikes in the right way. oh well.

Cdy291

Only get the addict if you are looking for a rocket. But they all have different top tube lenghts and stuff so pick one out that fits you best.

umd

They put rocket motors in these bikes now?

patentcad

The top of Pcad's TT helmet:

Cdy291

You would think it had one if you ever through a leg over one. They are so stiff that you could reach down a pedal the bike up to 30mph with one hand.

youcoming

Not sure what aeuro bike feels like but I love how my Madone feels!

Fox Farm

I ride an Orbea Orca an like it. A friend of mine spent a lot of time test riding many carbon bikes and settled on a Stevens, a German carbon frame. Not widely available here in the states though.

gus6464

Aren't the R1 and CR1 SL the same frame but with different geometries?

patentcad

Hardly.

patentcad

Also, Scott is quite deceptive in my view, promoting the '790 gram' weight of the Addict. Only if you buy the higher end bikes. The R2 I purchased weighs more like 950-1000 grams (heavier CF), but from all accounts the heavier mid range bikes perform much like the higher end frames. But this is not at all apparent from Scott's marketing. Which I'm sure is how they like it.

I knew this going in, but I found Scott's website very misleading.

sqharaway

I have a Tarmac and it's been great. Assuming its geometry works for you, expect nothing less than a stiff and responsive frame. I have a comp model, meaning 105 components. I would advise getting at least the expert (ultegra/force) as the 105 shifting is, well, lackluster...

sqharaway

lol, opposite for me: I've never seen a Madone I liked... Tarmac's are wayyyyy prettier!!

docjoe

I give a "third" for the Tarmac. Specialized has been working hard to get their bikes as "vertically compliant" so they're more comfortable. But they also have a stiff bottom bracket as well, which will help transfer power.

I have a Tarmac and noticed a significant difference in comfort comparing a Cervelo S2 to the Tarmac Expert. The Tarmac was definitely more comfortable but power transfer was similar.

But go out and test the other bikes. Find out for yourself which one you like!

helmut

Another Specialized vote.

waterrockets 

I've never ridden a Madone I didn't break through pedaling.

coasting 

i read this 3 times. eh? what? huh?

addict, Tarmac, Madone...that is the question.

acaurora

+1 Tarmac. Have never ridden an Addict/Madone, though. I have heard from others though that a Madone is supposedly more comfortable on the bumpy roads. No info about the Addict though.

markieta

may I sway your vote (and the OP's vote) to the Madone side...

(only if you get a Project One of course)