Strengths: Light weight,
Super stiff bottom bracket (I'm a sprinter, and I can't feel any flex),
Carbon bars,
Internal cable routing.
Weaknesses: Heavy wheel set,
High rolling resistance tires,
Heavy saddle,
Weird saddle adjustment mechanism (Trek needs to work on this).
Bottom Line:
I'm reviewing the 2011 Trek Madone 5.5
This bike is fantastic. A rocket on wheels.
I've had the bike for about two weeks. I've only logged 250 miles, because it will not stop raining.
The bike comes with a full Sram Force drivetrain, compact (50/34).
This bike is a sprinters dream. I stomped on the pedals, and it took-off like I was shot out of a canon.
It climbs very well, but I've never been a good climber. Actually, I suck at climbing, and I always get dropped.
The compact gearing really helped me, and I was able to stay with my friends on the last couple of climbs. If you are a good climber, this bike might be magical.
I did some upgrades, which I will describe in the "Bike Setup" portion of this review.
Overall, I love this bike, and I'm looking forward to logging many miles this year.
If you live in Silicon Valley, and are in the market for a new Trek, go to Chain Reaction Bikes, in Los Altos, CA. It's the best service I've ever (EVER) had!
Ask for Amy or Steve, or any of their employees (all of them are great). They are very professional, super friendly, and will work with you to setup your bike to the way you want it. You will not be disappointed!
The first time I rode this bike it wowed me; it still does. The frame does a great job dampening the roads I train on. (Review is only on the frame itself.)
Submitted by
Damien Smith
a Recreational Rider
from
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2008
Strengths: Groupset, Quality of the frame and forks, Build quality including the selection of components upon the bike is outstanding.Just superb in every way.
Weaknesses: None found so far. Hope never to be dissapointed.
Bottom Line:
This is without doubt the quickest and most accomplished bike i have ever had the pleasure of owning. Only had for 2weeks but already it has changed my riding style and ability. I am a mountain bike rider by heart, only buying the bike for my journey to and from work and to increase my power and stamina. Now i am quite happy to think of myself as a road rider also. The bike is outstanding in every way. From the ability of the frame to soak up the road vibrations to the amazingly accurate groupset and kit. Nothing pleases me better than to be able to write this review. The bike is so outstanding in the bends it feels stuck to the tarmac, climbing and descending the hills gives more than enough feedback to allow you to push that little bit more than usual.
Possibly a more standard spoke pattern would benefit me during these wintery months but it is not stopping me and they have remained almost true. Innovations like the shaped sleave replacing the seatpost and the wider bottom bracket width give the bike fantastic ridgidity but don't result in unneeded vibration or discomfort. Bontrager kit works well and feels of a solid build, this coupled with the dura- ace groupset gives me the impression that this bike is going to win races and the hearts of many a rider.
Coupled with the fantastic service and set up advice i received from my local shop, this is becoming one of the best purchases i have ever made. Thanks to Trek for their continued improvements and innovations. Thanks also to Ride Cycleworks for their outstanding service.
Bring on the summer months so i can ride longer and safer.
Bike Setup: Standard uk spec. Good enough without you having to spend more money to get the right bits. All the bits are right first time. Truely outstanding
The handling is, in a word, superb. This vehicle is light, fast and responsive. A former avid mountain biker, I decided this year to venture onto the road, and I did my research. I don't have a boatload of saddle time yet (it's still snowing here), but what ride time I have put in has been exciting. This ride is addictive and I can't wait to really put some miles on this steed. Well worth the investment, especially at the price I paid.
Weaknesses: Faulty worksmenship. Won't stand by their warranty. Over priced. Bontrager components leave something to be desired.
Bottom Line:
This is the second Trek Bike I've owned that they have not stood by their warrenty!
I bought the Madone 5.5 sl in mid December and after 3 months it developed a crack at the bond just above the front derailleur. I had mostly riden it on the trainer since it was winter and had never crashed it. So, with NO scratches on it and with everyone that looked at it, especially the LBS, saying it was a warrenty issue it was sent back to Trek.
Trek then cut it apart and decided that even thought there were no blemishes on the frame and that even though it was cracked at the bond that it was not a warranty issue.
The LBS fought it but in the end has determined that I got one put over on me by Trek and they are now questioning their confidence in selling Treks since they won't hold up their warranties.
I'm bulding up this frame,it says BB90 on it,can I use an Ultegra 6700 bb? Here is the one I'm looking at:
[url=http://www.excelsports.com/main.asp?page=8&description=Ultegra+BB Read More »
I'm bulding up this frame,it says BB90 on it,can I use an Ultegra 6700 bb? Here is the one I'm looking at:
[url=http://www.excelsports.com/main.asp?page=8&description=Ultegra+BB Read More »
I just purchased a 2012 Madone 5.9 frame at a great price from the LBS. It should be here sometime in January (out of stock in my size) and I will start the build then. So far, I Read More »
I found an excellent 2008 Trek Madone 4.5 frameset and i'm upgrading swapping out my 2.3 frame for it. After running the cables, I noticed the front derailleur was not shifting cri Read More »
