Trek 5.2 Madone
04-09-19, 08:28 PM
#1
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Trek 5.2 Madone
Can anyone help my out. I am looking at a used 5.2 tomorrow and would like to get any information about this model I can. It says Discovery Channel on the bike and I do not have any other information at this time. Is there something I should be looking for as I have read the BB can be a sore point. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Frank.
Frank.
04-10-19, 07:02 AM
#2
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Can anyone help my out. I am looking at a used 5.2 tomorrow and would like to get any information about this model I can. It says Discovery Channel on the bike and I do not have any other information at this time. Is there something I should be looking for as I have read the BB can be a sore point. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Frank.
Frank.
Carbon frames are not any less durable than alloy frames, but if anything is damaged, it can be a lot harder to spot than on an alloy frame (hairline cracks, etc.).
Lastly, don't pay too much for a bike like that. Even though most sellers think it is probably worth a lot because it is full carbon, that is a pretty old frameset. I wouldn't pay more than $400 for it probably, depending on the condition. It is probably this 2006 model:
https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/SearchListingDetail.aspx?id=11201&make=750&model=57300&year=2006&priceMax=20000
04-10-19, 12:14 PM
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I'd say nothing more than the due diligence required on any carbon frame: look for cracks, dents, test ride and listen for creaking, grab (push/pull) the frame firmly with both hands in various places and feel for flex / listen for creaking.
Carbon frames are not any less durable than alloy frames, but if anything is damaged, it can be a lot harder to spot than on an alloy frame (hairline cracks, etc.).
Lastly, don't pay too much for a bike like that. Even though most sellers think it is probably worth a lot because it is full carbon, that is a pretty old frameset. I wouldn't pay more than $400 for it probably, depending on the condition. It is probably this 2006 model:
https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/Sear...priceMax=20000
Carbon frames are not any less durable than alloy frames, but if anything is damaged, it can be a lot harder to spot than on an alloy frame (hairline cracks, etc.).
Lastly, don't pay too much for a bike like that. Even though most sellers think it is probably worth a lot because it is full carbon, that is a pretty old frameset. I wouldn't pay more than $400 for it probably, depending on the condition. It is probably this 2006 model:
https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/Sear...priceMax=20000
Frank.
04-10-19, 01:43 PM
#4
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Carbon fiber (or carbon fiber reinforced polymers to be exact) does not degrade over time, contrary to what people say / think, that is an old wives' tale. In fact, I work in construction engineering, and we use carbon fiber reinforced polymers as a repair method on concrete floors to add tensile strength. You couldn't do that if it were to degrade over time.
The "issue" with older carbon fiber frames is just that they are heavier and less refined than the newer designs. I personally have a Trek 5200 from 2001, which is also full carbon. The bike still works great, but if you compare the frame to a modern carbon fiber frameset, it is much heavier and much less compliant (comfortable). Over time, the designs of the frames have been optimized a lot.
04-10-19, 02:14 PM
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No problem.
Carbon fiber (or carbon fiber reinforced polymers to be exact) does not degrade over time, contrary to what people say / think, that is an old wives' tale. In fact, I work in construction engineering, and we use carbon fiber reinforced polymers as a repair method on concrete floors to add tensile strength. You couldn't do that if it were to degrade over time.
The "issue" with older carbon fiber frames is just that they are heavier and less refined than the newer designs. I personally have a Trek 5200 from 2001, which is also full carbon. The bike still works great, but if you compare the frame to a modern carbon fiber frameset, it is much heavier and much less compliant (comfortable). Over time, the designs of the frames have been optimized a lot.
Carbon fiber (or carbon fiber reinforced polymers to be exact) does not degrade over time, contrary to what people say / think, that is an old wives' tale. In fact, I work in construction engineering, and we use carbon fiber reinforced polymers as a repair method on concrete floors to add tensile strength. You couldn't do that if it were to degrade over time.
The "issue" with older carbon fiber frames is just that they are heavier and less refined than the newer designs. I personally have a Trek 5200 from 2001, which is also full carbon. The bike still works great, but if you compare the frame to a modern carbon fiber frameset, it is much heavier and much less compliant (comfortable). Over time, the designs of the frames have been optimized a lot.
04-11-19, 04:08 AM
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I have a 2005 Madone 5.0. Still rolling along. I’m the original owner so still have the warranty on the frame. The frames in good shape. Cross fingers. For a good price I’d buy a used one. I Upgraded to Bontrager carbon wheels last year. My rear rim cracked so it was time. :-)
04-15-19, 12:30 PM
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I'd say nothing more than the due diligence required on any carbon frame: look for cracks, dents, test ride and listen for creaking, grab (push/pull) the frame firmly with both hands in various places and feel for flex / listen for creaking.
Carbon frames are not any less durable than alloy frames, but if anything is damaged, it can be a lot harder to spot than on an alloy frame (hairline cracks, etc.).
Lastly, don't pay too much for a bike like that. Even though most sellers think it is probably worth a lot because it is full carbon, that is a pretty old frameset. I wouldn't pay more than $400 for it probably, depending on the condition. It is probably this 2006 model:
https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/Sear...priceMax=20000
Carbon frames are not any less durable than alloy frames, but if anything is damaged, it can be a lot harder to spot than on an alloy frame (hairline cracks, etc.).
Lastly, don't pay too much for a bike like that. Even though most sellers think it is probably worth a lot because it is full carbon, that is a pretty old frameset. I wouldn't pay more than $400 for it probably, depending on the condition. It is probably this 2006 model:
https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/Sear...priceMax=20000
04-16-19, 07:55 AM
#8
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Uhm.. yeah that is just how it goes with old bikes. They were never "worth" their asking price to begin with. Do you really think a $3000 bike is 3x better than a $1000 bike? I bought my used BMC SLC01 with an MSRP of $7000 (in 2009) for $1250 in 2016.
When you are no longer paying for the privilege to have the latest and greatest, people start comparing bikes to what you can currently buy for your money. If you are paying much more, I would say that I'd rather have a brand new alloy road bike with 105 11-speed components for example, versus a 13 year old carbon bike with outdated Ultegra. Considering you are not sure of the history of the bike, if it has been crashed, etc.
Depending on the condition of the bike, you could pay as much as $600 for it, if it is in pristine condition. But more than that would be foolish. You can find much newer, used carbon bikes for under $1000.
When you are no longer paying for the privilege to have the latest and greatest, people start comparing bikes to what you can currently buy for your money. If you are paying much more, I would say that I'd rather have a brand new alloy road bike with 105 11-speed components for example, versus a 13 year old carbon bike with outdated Ultegra. Considering you are not sure of the history of the bike, if it has been crashed, etc.
Depending on the condition of the bike, you could pay as much as $600 for it, if it is in pristine condition. But more than that would be foolish. You can find much newer, used carbon bikes for under $1000.
04-17-19, 07:41 AM
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Thank you all again for the good advice. I will keep it in mind when the next "good deal" comes along. 
Frank.
Frank.
