Recreational rider, is a Trek Madone 4.5 overkill?
 

I'm a recreational rider who rides the flatlands & bike trails. My rides will vary from 10-30 miles a ride. Usually get out a couple times a week in the season.

I''m wanting to upgrade from my Trek Pilot 1.2. Reasons for upgrade would be to get better components & to get away from the triple that I hate (never use granny & it shifts terrible).

A LBS has a Madone 4.5 in my size for under $2K. I was also looking at a Trek 2.3 for approx. $400 less. Components are the same across both models. Both 'compact' as far as gearing, which seems to be a good replacement for the triple that I have, almost goes as low & less duplication.

Questions;

1. Is the Madone overkill for a casual rider?
2. Should I be looking at other brands/models in the $1,500-$2,000 price range that would suit me better?
3. Or is it just crazy to spend that kind of dough for my type/amount of riding?

No such thing as overkill. Get what you can afford and what you want!

If you like it, I say go for it. Overkill is taking the H1 to the grocery store.

if you can afford it easily, generally speaking, the better bike you get the more you will enjoy riding it. the madone isnt overkill if it fits you right and will get you riding more. i say pull the trigger and get out there!

You will love it on those 30 mile rides and it will make you want to go longer. I have the 4.7 and am doing 100 a week (recreationally).

He who dies with the most toys, wins. :D

1. buy bike
2. don't listen to us.

I like how this gang thinks :thumb:

it may be overkill at first, but once you get it, that obsessive love of cycling, it will not be enough. you will not be able to ride or buy enough cycling. enjoy. later.

If you can afford it, go ahead and buy it. Just note that for the same nominal size, a Madone frame would be lower and longer than a similar marked Pilot.

A better bike will inspire you to get better on the bike. I have my Bianchi almost exactly like I want it and I look forward to waking up at 5:30 to go for a ride. Believe me, when you have that bike those 10 mile rides will be few and far between, you will want to be on the bike longer.

Definitely check out other brands and types of bikes. Buy the one you like the most. May be the Madone, might be a cross bike. Many different bikes out there.

i'm a rec rider these days.... only doing about 20-30 miles a week.

however, i still LOVE to take out my nice road bike. just because you're doing short rides, doesn't mean you need a cheaper bike.

If a non-cyclist asks, divide price by 10...

fify

I would argue that a more comfortable bike would suit you better. Take a look at the Giant Defy Alliance or Advance before you pull the trigger.

Well, that depends....

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o0SUQe9g5F...0/100_3295.JPG

Get whatever bike you want. There is no such thing as overkill. Don't let the people here get you down. This, of all places, is the last place for advice.

Which post was that?

I'd do it. I love my 4.5...

Have you ever asked "is happiness overkill?", probably not. If riding a bad ass bike makes you happy go for it. I bought a Cannondale System Six and yesterday I rode it at tempo speeds just cruising around for 2 hours working on my base. I realized that yah I love this bike when I'm cranking the hell out of it but it's great ride makes just being on the bike a more enjoyable experience even if I'm only soft pedaling it.

Get the madone 4.5, i had one last year, they are nice bikes... comfortable to...

That's what a friend of mine tells his wife about all of his purchases. :thumb:


Preemptive strike, I'm guessing.

If you have the dough, then go for it.

For the record, this is overkill.

Indeed. It doesn't take long for someone to post 'you don't need that, its a waste. Get a CAA9 and be done with it'.