Description Lighter, faster, better. That was Trek's goal in creating their best-of-the-best Madone 6.9. Brutally efficient and ultra light, it features ingenious new technology for a superior ride, such as a 90m...
Summary: On my second day on the bike coming back from my second ride (less than 40 miles total on the bike) I stopped a t a red light. Once the light turned green, I clipped in and jsut made it across the intercestion when I heard a loud snap and came to a screeching halt. I looked down and the frame was resting on my back tire and my derailleur was hanging off the chainstay.
The bike had failed at the drive side seatstay / chainstay junction - not at the derailleur hanger but actually the carbon junction.
Devestated by this turn of events, I was somewhat bouyed by the thought of Trek's custoemr service. I returned the bike to the dealer for a new frame and derailleur and was surprised to learn that this catastropic failure was not covered under the warranty. I was shocked since I had a 2004 5500 prior to purchasing the new bike and bought the second Trek based on my customer experience experience. I was informed that not only would I not get compensated for a new derailleur, but that I would have to pay an $80 repair fee to get my brand new frame fixed, pay for the tear down, shipping both ways and rebuild as well.
Beware stay away from this model and Trek in general.
Strengths: Great Lines and extremely light weight
Weaknesses: Structuraly questionable and extremely poor customer service
Favorite Ride: The downhill payoff after a long climb
Bike Setup: Stock Trek 2009 Madone 6.9 pro, Astana color scheme with Durace 7900 and aero Bontrager clinchers. Look carbon/titanium pedals and Stella Italia saddle.
Summary: I rode this bike in the roads in NYC, Colorado Rockies and the rolling hills of Seattle. Loved every mile of it. It's fast as a Ferrari but rides steady as a Rolls Royce. After doing 100 mile ride, I feel I can go 50 more but have to go home sometimes. I was surprised by the carbon wheels and how it can be used every day. It's definitely at least 2 to 4 mph faster gain cruising past 20mph compared to my Mavic ES using the same effort and road conditions.
Strengths: The frame and the wheels.
Weaknesses: Paint... the paint job came uneven and the white paint under the down tube is just chipping away with every ride.
Bike Setup: 6.9 pro Astana colors, sram red, ITM unico steer. Saddle Specialized. Wheels bontrager race lite and Zipp 303 (not used on the Madone yet)
Summary: I got the 2009 Astana Model with Sram Red on it. The steer Ultima Uniko/unika and untill now i am riding with very old bontrager race lite wheels! My former bike was an 2007 5.9 sl with Zipp 303 clinchers and dura ace. Even with the old bontragers the 6.9 is riding much better realy!!
Great bike!!. I am still very happy after every ride I made. It feals like you were the bike. It realy gives confidence. Awsome. I bought it for the looks but now I ride(her?) because I realy love it.
Strengths: Stiff in the right way and soft as well on bumpi roads for instant.
Stable at high speed. Sharp cornering.
Sram red has a good ergonomy (the shifters are well formed). Sram shifts very good (fast and secure) at the back.
Weaknesses: The front shifting with sram is sometimes a problem. (but I am working on it and its getting better)
Summary: 2008 Madone 6.9 with Durace and Race X-Lite wheels. Keo Sprints, 175mm cranks, 44cm XXX bars. I am coming off a 2007 Madone SL 5.9. Great bike but at 190lbs. I found the front end too flexy. Could watch the fork bend backwards 2cm under braking. Fast downhills were not fun as I could not hold a line very well due to flex. Got a smokin' deal on the 6.9 and went from 58cm down to 56cm. 5'10.5" 33" inseam and the 56cm fits great. Took it to the Colorado National Monument last weekend. Climbed up from Fruita over and back. While the 5.9 SL climbs well, when I stood up for the 1st time on the 6.9 my mouth took over and without thinking I said "WOW". You read about bikes that propel you foward but you never believe it. Believe me, the 6.9 did just that. Seated climbing felt more effecient as well. I dialed it in to the measurements I like and it felt like I had been on it all my life. I met a freind of mine who is a pro cyclist and we went back down to Fruita. While he beat me to the bottom, the 6.9 would not flex even when I intinially tried to flex it. Held a line without issue. I expected some creeky sounds since the entire cockpit is carbon but nothing doing. I have been riding since 1986 and have owned steel, al.,al. carbon combos and carbon. I was specptical that a bike could really make that big of a difference but I am humbled, this thing is good at everything. I am not a big Trek guy but I have to admit, they got this one right. Huge difference between the 2007 SL 5.9 and the 2008 6.9. Totally different realm. I am surprised it is still called a Madone because it is a totally different bike.Get one if can.
Strengths: Freaky lite,stiff, oversized head tube, bottum braket, seat mast feels very smoth, climbs like it wants to pull you up the hill, decends on rails.
Weaknesses: Retail price
Similar Products Used: Cannondale,2007 Madone SL 5.9, Orbea Opal
Bike Setup: 60 cm "Red" frame Bontrager Aoelous 5.0 clinchers, Dura Ace Tripple, Pro Carbon Bar, Fizik Aliante Carbon Twin Flex saddle
Summary: Purchased a project one frame. Third Trek for me and is an awesome ride, Improvements over previous is stiffness, and ride comfort. Very stable and fast downhill and excellent on the climbs. Third week in did the cool breeze century and was totally in love.
Strengths: Stiffness, responsive and road feel
Weaknesses: expensive
Similar Products Used: Trek madone 6.9 2004, Trek 5.2 2001
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