Getting Into Road Biking
 

I've always owned mountain bikes and recently got into Cyclocross. Picked up a 2011 Trek XO1 for the upcoming cross season a few weeks ago. Been riding a lot on streets due to trail conditions after rain.

I'm also training for the Tour de Cure ride coming up in June. I'm going to do the Century on my cross bike (adding road slick tires).

I decided that I want to pick up a road bike now and start seriously getting into the sport. I was looking at the Trek Madone 4.7 and now I've started looking at the Madone 5.1 and 5.2. Originally, I wanted to stay around the $2,000-$2,500 range. However, I'm not married to that range.

Does anybody have experience with any of these bikes? I'm already used to the SRAM doubletap system so I'm leaning towards the 5.1. However, I could easily get used to the Shimano system. Would you suggest a different bike over the Trek?

Well you narrowed it down, didnt you? I would look at other brands if trek isnt your holy grail.

I own 3 Treks right now and I've always had awesome experiences with the brand. However, I'm willing to look at other options. I looked at a Giant TCR today. Don't recall which one or the price though. What company do you suggest I take a look at?

When your spending $2,000+ dollars on a bicycle you really can't buy a bad bike. If it fits, you like the ride and your comfortable with the amount your spending then its a good buy. Specialized and Cannondale offer good bikes in your range with the Tarmac and Supersix lines. Also check out Felt, Giant, Scott, Wilier, Pinarello. Theirs tons of brands out there.

FWIW, I wouldn't buy another Trek. Part of that, I'll freely admit, is brand snobbery. I'd rather be seen on a Pinarello, Cannondale, Scott, Specialized, etc, over a Trek.

That said, I'd 100% overlook that if I felt Trek built a better bike. They make good stuff, but after riding quite a few frames looking for my replacement, I feel Treks are pertty boring. I ended up choosing a Scott, but there are a lot of bikes that offer a great ride, great geometry, and overall solid build.

Kind of bad poll options. They're basically the same bike with different components. If you're going to get a 5 series I would get the SRAM setup.