Bklyn

I have a slightly insane friend who just decided he's going to ride a stage of the Tour de France (one of those package deals that takes place before the actual tour begins). And he needs a new bike. He has a Specialized Sirrus or something now. It's kind of a nutty "I'm going to change my life" decision, I think. So he's narrowed it down to these two. What do you think? What's the best bike for the étape . . . which won't be too insane for him to do fitness rides when he's done. (I doubt he'll get into serious racing.)

Thanks, and feel free to criticize. Like I said, it ain't me.

bvfrompc

Is your friend one of those guys who says "hey, maybe I'll run a marathon" and three months later finishes one in 4 hours? (R3)

Or is he one of those guys who says "hey, I'm going to get into shape", joins a gym and goes religiously until about super bowl time? (Trek 1000)

GuitarWizard

Hmmm....

Get the R3, and in the 54 cm size. So this way when he decides he doesn't want it in August, he can sell it to me for cheap .

Really, either bike will be a good choice. It really comes down to whatever fits better. The Cervelo will cost more, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's a "better" bike if it doesn't feel right. He needs to get some seat time on both.

I personally like the Trek OCLV frames; I like the way they ride and feel, and for me, they are plenty stiff. But again....he needs to try both before dropping that much money.

pelotonracer

I'm actually going to go with Trek on this one. If for nothing more than me hearing that they have amazing customer service/warranty policies.

DocRay

so does Cervelo.

DrPete 

Honestly, if your friend is totally new to cycling and actually gets it properly fitted, he won't be able to tell much of a difference, so he should go with the one he likes the looks of and will feel the most motivated to ride.

SushiJoe

Ride both - decide on looks, feel, & cost. The R3 will be a ton stiffer and probably score you more bling points. It was the runner-up in my decision to get a new bike. I really like them!

simplyred

Does your friend have the athletic ability to DO a stage in the TdF? It's coming fast [July] - and suppose he's on the summer side of Jan Ullrich, then asking R3 vs. Madone is like asking Porsche or Lambo before learning stick. On the other hand, if he IS in shape - it comes down to fit. One's a compact frame, the other is traditional. I'd be more concerned about wheels and gearing - a stage in the Tour is no walk in the park.

Good on him though for having the cajones and wallet to do so...

LeonL

I personally think the R3 is a better bike.....its lighter and stiffer. And I love the way it looks.

cycle17

Madone all the way. Can't beat Trek's customer service and the Madone rides sweeeet!

Kris Flatlander

The Madone is great, I ride one, can't go wrong there.

3MTA3

not so much. i worked at a cervelo & trek dealer & trek was 1,000x more helpful when customers went through us with warranty/customer service issues. cervelo was also that company that would send you 1/2 a bike & demand full payment before they got you the other half & before the terms were even due. we sold a good amount of cervelos as we were a big tri store & dropped them due to their crapiness with customers & their business style. that being said, i say no to both. get a look.

waterrockets 

The difference between the bikes is minimal -- they're both great. I'd get the R3 just to be different. Everyone and their uncle has a Madone around here.

tc83

maybe he'll do the prologue

R900

Cervelo makes cool bikes, but all things considered, Trek is my choice. But ride both and let that be the deciding factor.

munkyv22

Madone. I voted with my wallet too.

TWD

I've had both, really can't go wrong with either. any bike over 2500 is more a personal preference than a quality of workmanship decision. we could split hairs on gruppo, wheels, quality of carbon but I think most pick based on color scheme

Bklyn

Thanks very much for the information (especially TWD's rule of thumb about at what price point the law of diminishing returns starts to kick in).

Bklyn

Addenda:
My friend went to a bike shop in Brooklyn known for its high-end road bikes. As you might expect, they're happy to talk to people who might spend $4,000, but: NO demos!

daytonian

System Six