stevenba

Hey everyone. Newb here. I began riding about two years ago. I'm riding a 2011 Specialized Secteur Sport. It's been a great bike, but now that I'm riding longer rides (40+miles/saturday) and have developed an addiction to riding, I would like to upgrade to a carbon bike.

I've had my eye on the 2014 Madone 4.7 and am about to pull the trigger on a new bike but wanted some thoughts on comparable bikes in that price range or a bit lower. $3k is stretching my budget, but if the 4.7 is worth it, I'm willing to pay it.


Thanks

floridamtb

I have the 2013 Madone 4.5 which was discontinued for the 4.7 this year I believe. I love that bike, best ride I've had. All Ultegra where mine is mostly Ultegra with 105 brakes. I love the upgraded wheels but you'll want to ditch the saddle, go for the Bontrager Serrano. If you can wait a few months Trek typically has a great sale during the Tour DeFrance. The 4.5 was $2499 MSRP but I picked it up during the sale for $1999. But of course that could have been due to them closing out the model, but in any case they might have 20% off or something. As for comparable bikes, I rode a comparable Cannondale and Specialized. Wasn't impressed with the Cannondale, the Spesh was a good ride but dollar for dollar the Madone was better with Ultegra/105 versus the Spesh 105. Had all things been equal the Trek store would have won hands down. If you do go with Trek you really should buy Trek Care+, it's $150 for 3 years, covers everything expect the tires, tubes, brake pads and tape. Even covers crashes and there is no waiting period. It's already paid for itself since I have 2500 miles since July and just replaced the cassette and chain under Trek Care+. You'll enjoy it!!

softreset

I agree with Floridamtb


If you can find a 4.5 on closeout they’re fetching $1999-2100 (new). It’s 10-speed Ultegra 6700 though, not 11-speed 6800. It’s also 105 brakes, cassette and the house brand crankset. But at $1000 less, I think it’s a better buy.


The other option is the 5.2 from 2013 which would get you full Ultegra, the “ride tuned seat mast” and internal wiring. Those usually sell for ~ $3000 (new).

stevenba

Thanks. I found a 2013 4.5 for $2200 but it's a 56 cm. I haven't been measured yet but I've had two separate bike shops tell me they were sure I would need a 58 cm. No idea what size my Specialized is. I got lucky buying it used and had no idea at the time I needed to be measured. I've hesitated to fork out the $100+ to be sized because my local shops will do it for free when you purchase.

A 2013 5.2 would be sweet if I could find one.

Thanks for the input.

BoJaffa

I really like the 2014 Madone 4.7. I like the traditional seat post and brake locations. Full Ultegra is nice too. You can also do Project One on this model so you can pick colors and components if you want.

McFlurrey06

I have a a 2012 Madone 4.7 that I love. I rode it facotry stock for 2 years, then went for a new saddle, couldn't stand the Serrano I tried (every butt is different.) I just recently, as in this week, upgraded to RXL TLR wheels and R3 tires, with a 23-11 ultegra cassette, from a 28-11 105 cassette. The bike is under 17lb, and I couldn't be happier.

And I'm not sure if your dealer is doing the same, but mine has a big sale this weekend, Friday through Monday.

floridamtb

The nice thing about Bontrager saddles is they have the 30 day ride guarantee so OP try anything but the Affinity, if you don't like to Serrano you can swap out in the 30 days.

McFlurrey06

Exactly