Summary: My frames bottom bracket cup on the drive side was out of spec and required a bearing press which doesn't jive with Treks marketing and assembly instructions.
The replacement frame was even worse with both cups out of spec. Now the feedback I am getting is press fit is ok from Trek and it doesn't really matter if one side is a slip fit and the other requires a press/puller to service. I do not see how frames this far out of spec make it out the door at the factory and make you wonder what else about the quality of the frame is simply "close enough"
Strengths: I do like the ride.
Weaknesses: Bottom bracket service and install procedures are not in agreement with marketing and published information.
Similar Products Used: many
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Bike Setup: 2008 Trek Madone 5.2
Ultegra SL drivetrain, Fizik Arione seat, Bontrager Race X Lite wheels
Summary: I purchased this bike last summer. I wanted to have some good mileage on the bike before I wrote a review. So, the bike is a dream. This is such a upgrade from my 2005 Cannondale Six13. The bike has been such a pleasure to ride. I've put over 1700 miles outdoor and countless hours indoor over the winter. The only thing that I changed on the bike is the bar tape and added my Fizik Arione seat to the bike. The new technology that Trek has incorporated into this bike is amazing.
Strengths: 90mm bottom bracket
Beefed up down tube
New seatmast system
Ultegra SL drivetrain
Weaknesses: none at all
Similar Products Used: Cannondale Six13
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Bike Setup: Madone 5.2 pro, Full Dura-ace, Mavic R-Sys wheels, Michelin Pro race 2 tyres, Look KAO Ti pedals, Deda newton o/s stem and bar, Selle italia SLR Ti saddle.
Summary: I bought the Madone 5.2 pro frameset (54cm) and had my local bike shop – Trisports in Letchworth build it into a complete bike. I’ve put 400 miles
on this bike so far and everything people say about it is true. Very light (15lbs), very comfortable, smooth and quiet. Haven’t noticed the increased stiffness over my old 5200. (I only weigh 130lbs at 5’9”, so maybe why).
Is it worth the price? Yes. If you want the best, it costs. You won’t be
disappointed. Is it a worthy upgrade on a 5200/5900? In a word. No.
Don’t get me wrong this is a fantastic bike, but maybe a bit to comfy/smooth. It seems to lack the feel that made the old models special.
I can’t help thinking that I may have been just as happy (and less guilty) if I’d have upgraded the older bike. As the saying goes: “You pays your money...you take your choice”.
Strengths: You can ride all day and not feel tired. It really is that comfortable. Great climber and descender too. Lovely design and good all rounder. Fantastic quality and finish.
Weaknesses: Seat cap cracked after 100 miles. Replaced with new design cap under warranty. Sometimes my water bottle hits the bottom of the sloping top tube when I pull it out of the cage.
Similar Products Used: Trek 5200
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Summary: I purchased a Trek Madone 5.2 Discovery model last September. I have less than 500 miles on it and no one has worked on the bike except the mechanics at the TREK store (yes they sell only TREK). First time out this year 2 weeks ago, aired up the tires, wiped down and relubed the chain, and went 5 miles before the rear derraileur pulled completely out of the threaded socket in the frame, bending the socket and stripping the threads. I was pedaling normally, not uphill. I took it back to my trusted TREK dealer and they advised that it could be fixed under warranty and I paid $50 for them to send it back to TREK. TREK calls me and advises me that it will cost me almost $500 and they keep refering to the "crash" I am 54 years old, 165lbs, and could not push this bike hard if I wanted to. I seem to have no recourse at all. The dealership recommended that I send it in to get the rear derraileur repaired. They now have my bike and I will have to pay to get it back. I cannot prove that they assembled anything incorrectly. The warranty is a joke! As soon as they get a frame, they claim "crash" and you're finished. I'll never own another one.