Taipei325

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum and thank everyone for all the knowledge I have already gleaned reading the threads here.

I'm in my 30s, 180cm tall, 80kg, and working towards a triathlon in six months and taking my fitness to the next level. So, I'm looking for a new bike to enjoy while my hard work takes me there! I'm an expat living in Taipei...and we have hills, hills, hills and more hills here for some awesome riding that involves a lot of climbing and fast descents for the brave.

I've visited many shops, talked to many people, and really tried to do my due diligence. Now I'm at the point of deciding and would love any insight and opinions anyone would like to share on my choice of:

Scott Foil (I think Foil 20, but I might go for 15)
Trek Madone 4.7

I know they are fairly different bikes. I'd love to know more about those differences and the direction you might go if you were in my shoes! (or clips? )

Thanks everyone!

Menel

Road aero (Foil) would likely serve you best as a best of both worlds bike for climbing/TT.

Bob Dopolina 

The Scott has a slightly longer wheelbase and TT but steeper HT. Although they don't list the rake or trail I would assume it might be a little faster on the front end. Both of these factors mean the Trek would be a little better with clip-on aerobars.

The Trek has a taller HT so, depending on how aggressive your aero position is this might be a factor as well.

Specs are similar but I'd give the edge to the Scott on wheels/tires.

Good luck.

Bacciagalupe

Do you plan to use an actual TT bike during the race? If so, I'd think you would want to train on a TT bike, since that requires a different set of handling skills.

jamesdak 

Well I have hardly rode my Trek since getting my Scott, just saying....

Seriously, take them both out on long test rides and see which one speaks to you. Can't explain why it is but my 2009 Scott just seems like such a better ride than the 2 year newer Trek. So much so that I am considering selling the Trek as I don't need to high-end CF road bikes.

Taipei325

Thanks for the feedback guys. I think I have settled on a Foil 20, RED group set, Fulcrum Racing 1 Limited wheels (for now), 3T ergonova team carbon handle bar, 3T arx aluminum stem. In the Taiwan market, this came in at a bit over $1000USD more than a Trek 4.7 Madone. Overall, service and fit expertise from the shop selling Scott versus Trek was a big factor. Plus the reviews on the Foil from others who use the bike the way I plan to are quite exceptional....so I will roll the dice on the Scott, break it in, and see how if it lives up to the hype and hopes in my eyes! Thanks!

NWS Alpine

Did they fix the issues with the seatpost clamp design. I remember that being the only ding on the foil. Otherwise a hell of a bike!

Taipei325

Yes, apparently the stopped production around March/April 2012 to resolve the issue. I live about 150km away from the factory where the frames are built in Taiwan...so I've been assured I will be getting a 2013 frame "fresh and warm" from the factory! Ordering today...not the wisest financial decision I've made considering that I'm getting married in 2 weeks....but after my wife said that any assets we acquire after marriage would be shared 50/50 in a divorce, I knew I had to get the deal done in advance! hahahah

zigmeister

I don't think they changed the design at all. A rep I have contact with said there were cosmetic cracking issues at the high torque limit. But they didn't stop production. Of course, maybe he lied.

Mine has been fine. I only tighten it to around 8nm at most and use carbon paste, never has slipped.