Description From cruising back roads to enjoying all-day epics to getting your feet wet in the racing circuit, Trek's Madone 4.5 does it all. This full-carbon beauty boasts a stiff, light frame that floats up the...
Bike Setup: Stock with the following changes. Bontrager carbon aero bar, duotrap sensor with bontrager node 1 computer. 105 pedals. Specialized Avatar 155 saddle.
Summary: The 2010 Madone 4.5 is the stiffest most forgiving bike that I have ever had the pleasure to ride. I started my rides with a few 20-30 mile hill climbs in the Reno Tahoe Area. I was soon comfortable enough to climb geiger grade,a 14 mile hill climb. I immediately decided that it was time to put myself and the bike to the test. After gaining some input from a bike coach i was off and peddling. I completed the 75 mile ride around Lake Tahoe in just over 4.5 hours and still felt like there was more left in me. This bike handles like a dream in the climbs and in the 40mph descents from the large hills.
Strengths: Light Weight make this bike easy to climb with. Rigid carbon makes it very stable in the downhill at high speeds. 105 components are easy and smooth.
Weaknesses: None... Well the stock seat is atrocious, I replaced this after the first 20 mile ride.
Similar Products Used: Giant, Cannondale, Specialized.
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Bike Setup: Williams 19 wheels, Ultegra brakes, Stock otherwise
Summary: I was a former spin junkie doing 5+ classes a week. Bought a Gary Fisher hardtail thinking I would do trips on a local trail. Got bored with that and started riding on the street for 30+ miles. Went on a Backroads trip in Sonoma (best vacation ever, by the way) and knew I had to get a real road bike. I have heard that you should get the most bike you can afford and thought entry level carbon would be the ticket. LBS recommended the Madone as the best all around bike from their selection...and I think they hit it dead on. The carbon soaks up the road *far* better than I expected. The frame is plenty stiff to put all of my 6'0" 165lb power to the ground. It's amazing how you get into a groove and just keep cranking out the smooth strokes. I end up burning more calories without even knowing it. I have quickly built up to 200 miles a week and love every mile. Except for the rock hard seat...it has to go. The stock brakes were ok, but went to Ultegra anyway. I have some hills where I hit 43+ mph and want to make sure I can stop. If I had to change anything else it would be the handlebars. I think a carbon unit would soak up even more vibrations and I can get it to flex a little when I pull hard on a hill.
Strengths: Trek support and warranty
Stiff, yet compliant frame
Quality for the $$$$
Light enough from the factory, but fun to upgrade
Weaknesses: Seat (ouch!)
Similar Products Used: Not much...rode a Fisher Hardtail on the street before, and a Ti frame bike on a Backroads trip (I will say that Ti rides nice!)
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Bike Setup: Size 62 Frame (I am 6ft 5in) 12-27 Cassette, Ultegra SL brakes and pedals. The rest is as supplied
Summary: I always fancied a Trek Madone, but they were always a little out of reach regards price. This model offers superb value for money and is a first class ride, although a couple of items are worth getting changed for better quality. I changed the brakes, which were un branded, to Ultegra and the Stem to a Bontrager xxx Lite. I have riden just over 500 trouble free miles on the bike, it is responsive, quick to accelerate and is a joy to ride. I am very pleased.
Strengths: Frame is light and stiff. Smooth ride on the Bontrager wheels.
Weaknesses: Brakes and handlebars. They had to skimp somewhere to keep the cost down and make it affordable.
Similar Products Used: Trek 1400
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Summary: Bought the bike in 2008. Purchased the 62 cm 2008 performance model. Good bike for an entry level carbon. Bike is stiff, semi-light with average components. Bike handles good and responsive. The brakes and cables are generic. Upgraded the brakes to Ulterga's and cables to Dura-Ace--better stopping power. The handle bars are cheap Bontrager's that don't absorb shock well. Wheelsets are bontrager's race os, at 2000 miles I busted the rear spoke. Not a bad bike for the price and entry level rider.
Strengths: The priced well for a American made bike.
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