Hi All,

Testing some bikes to replace my 2012 Madone 5.2. I'm hoping to get something a little more "comfortable" for longer rides like the Domane...but it doesn't have to be a Trek.

I'm hoping for Ultegra 11s groupset, no need for Di2.

Suggestions on bikes worth trying?

Roubaix, Synapse, and Defy are the obvious choices.

From what I've read before, (and with your past experience with the 5.2), I would take a test ride on a '13 or '14 Madone before I made a jump to a Domane. The improvements in '13 were supposedly ride significant and you don't get into that stiff front/ compliant rear thing mentioned so often. I rode both before I bought my 5.2 Madone and that aspect alone made up my mind. If you read some reviews the Madones from '13 up are frequently mentioned as having an outstanding ride quality. I never had the opportunity to compare it to an earlier version myself however. I tried so many different bikes and brands... nothing felt better to me. A similar level Synapse was the closest to compare with the 5.2, (to my experiences), but the fit and geometry was better on the Trek to my body. Your best bet is to ride everything you can and take detailed notes.

Focus Ergoride. Focus Izalco Ergoride 4.0 review - BikeRadar

Tremendous value for money compared to others in the the category. I've owned mine for a month, and love it.

On average, the Roubaix Sl4 Expert (closest match to the Domane 5.2 I believe) is about $500 CDN more expensive than the Domane.

Any reason why?

Lawyers are expensive.

LOL. Instigator.

S

That $500 buys you non-asploding crabon.

Second the Focus Izalco Ergoride. I was all set on a Roubaix until I rode the Focus.

Wilier Gran Turismo GTS - New in 2014. I had the one pictured built in January. I have put about 500 miles on it so far and really like the comfort and performance. Handling is very precise.

Volagi | Endurance Road Bikes | Engineered for Adventure

Thanks for the recommendations on the Focus Ergoride. Our one Focus dealer in Toronto does carry them; I'd likely test out the 2.0 model (with Ultegra). It falls within my budget.

No idea, but the price difference in the US is only $130.

Bianchi Intenso, or Madone 5 series with H2 geo would be my vote. If budget allows, Bianchi Infinito CV.

peers in this category - chime in, folks, I'm sure I'm missing some:

- Specialized Roubaix series
- Giant Defy
- Volhagi (sp)
- Bianchi Infinito / Intenso
- Wilier Gran Turismo
- BMC GranFondo
- Trek Madone H2
- Trek Domane
- Cannondale Synapse
-

I have a 2012 Madone 5.2 w/ H2; like I said, I'm trying to move away from that.

As someone else mentioned, the '13+ Madones bear consideration, so it is an apples-oranges thing. From what I gather (and from my own limited tinkering/riding), many folks prefer the new Madone to the Domane because the domane can feel odd - the front end is tight while the rear end can feel soft. Many don't like that.

If the geo is okay and you are simply wanting a plusher ride, the others I listed are all in that category.

What don't you like about the Madone? IMO, the Roubaix SL4 ride quality is much closer to the Madone than the Domane. Geometry wise there isn't a big difference in all three bikes. They all have pretty generous stack measurements if you need a higher bar position.

I'm seeking a bike that is easier on my back / neck. I have a lower back injury from last year and I'm simply no longer comfortable on my Madone.
The Domane did feel a bit better.

Plushness was never an issue. I love how my Madone rides. I just don't want to be in as aggressive as a position anymore. You're right, perhaps the new Madone will be OK as well.

Based on your clarifications, it sounds like you're definitely looking for something more upright than the H2. With that in mind I'd probably take the infinito CV and Intenso off that list, as they are less upright than the H2.

My gut sense is that any of the bikes suggested in this thread would be fine for ride quality. It is worth sizing them up against your H2 and finding one with more stack and less reach. Fine tuning with a shorter stem / less saddle setback should help dial in a more comfy position.

The Domane has one of the highest stack heights I've seen on a road bike. So that's probably your best bet if you want to get more upright. Trek also seems to cut the steerer tubes longer than Specialized which allows you to set the bar slightly higher. In my size the Roubaix SL4 is within 1cm of stack compared to the Madone H2 fit.

It you get a chance check out the Fuji Gran Fondo and Altamira. Both a very compliant without sacrificing any performance. My other options would be the Roubaix and Focus as mentioned.

My only real beef with the Domane is the paint job; I already have a matte black 5.2 Madone...it wouldn't look like a new bike (which is important on a $3500 purchase) ;(

Just to throw another name in the hat, a friend rides a Jamis Xenith Endura and loves it. Much happier than he was on his old Lemond.

Carbon synapse and Roubaix would be close