1) Test ride both of them. Seriously.

Make sure the tires are set to the same pressure on both bikes. Make sure the saddles are set to the same height, and the reach to the hoods is the same. Try to ride the same roads. You may actually feel more "at home" on one bike.


2) Which did you like the looks of better?

Looks matter.


3) All else being equal, I would lean towards the 5.1

It's difficult to tell what model year a bike is sometimes ... but the 5.1 series will carry more 'cache' and resale value over a 4.5 series.

Anyway, have fun with your test rides. Buying a bike should be a joy. Create your own impressions by riding first, and then do some online research afterwards, to see others experienced the same feeling you did.

 

Morgan,

Thanks for the suggestions! I've done almost all that you've said. I've taken both for several rides although I can't be for certain the tires were at the same pressure, I'll do that this week. For the other settings, both were pretty much the same.

As far as looks go, I've really kept that on the back burner (if you ask my wife she's was willing to drop another $800 to have the option of pink for her :mad2. Both bikes have their pros on color with the 4.5 being black (I'd love it to be completely blacked out) and the 5.1 being a different kind of orange (different is always a plus too). As far as the frames go, I did like how the cables are housed internally on the 5.1, so I'll give it another plus. I think I stated there was a $200 price difference but it is more like $300 but if I'm forking 2k+ out anyway, it really seems to be a small difference.

The whole SRAM vs Shimano is going to be the biggest thing. Although I have always had Shimano the SRAM isn't bad at all, I just don't have much knowledge on it other than getting out here and reading. Both shifted well, with the Shimano being closer to "home" but again, I have a little "learning" to do with the road bikes.

As far as being fun...it did start out that way and it still is but the combination of going to various lbs has taken a toll. Not only am I trying to find the best for me, I'm also having to find one for the wife and those 47cm frames are hard to come by. It'll be great when we are on the road enjoying it at last.

Anyway, thanks again for the comments!

 

I would buy the bike that, if told right now you couldn't have it, caused you the most "distress." Both bikes are probably comparable enough, though in the end I am always the one buying last years model (I actually just bought a 2009 Cervelo) because I tend to think the value proposition is better, at least as far is it relates to me.

I prefer SRAM to Shimano personally, but both of those are great groups for the money, so if you think you will be happy with either, you are probably correct.

Another thing to consider. I am not sure how tight your budget is, but you might considering throwing that extra $300 at a good set of bibshorts, shoes, lighter helmet, better wheels, etc. Those things can be expensive, and going cheap on one of those could have more impact on your enjoyment than the minor differences between the two bikes.

 

I know you said you've decided on the Trek. But for 2 grands, you can potentially get a much much better used bike, especially if you're in a market like Socal. If your market is small, then you might not have such luxury of selections. Heck, for 1 grand, you may be able to get a better used bike. The good thing about buying a used bike is that you won't lose much value. The bad thing is that you have to wait for one to show up, and you have to pretty much know what size you want. But determining the size is not all that difficult now that you have test ridden some bikes already. Plus you've reading RBR so you know what to look for in a bike anyway, you aren't exactly completely in the dark.

As for resale value, don't expect much from it, nor any bicycle. A bicycle is not a classic car, and people who buy used bicycles buy them because they just want a bicycle to go riding; they don't buy them to collect them. Lower Trek and Specialized models are dime a dozen, not much resale.

 

I was pretty much in the same boat as you but between a 2012 Madone 4.6 and a 2011 Madone 5.1. The 5.1 was $100 cheaper than the 4.6. The only real differences between the two for me were the 5.1 has internal cable routing and it also has the ride tuned seatmast. The both had pretty much the same components. The 4.6 has a Apex front derailleur compared to Rival on the 5.1 but they are basically the same.
I ended up going with the 4.6 because I liked the color better. The internal cable routing on the 5 series is nice and clean but I just did not like the color of the bike.

 

xjbaylor - great advice on the other needs. I know I would need other things but didn't look at it that way really. I've been kind of hyperfocused on the bike itself.

aclinjury - I considered buying used for awhile. There are plenty of used ones around here in Charlotte but I feel a little bit comforted with the warranty on a new frame. It's that, or I just don't trust my little bit of research enough to really know what I am getting in terms of the condition of a used bike. I could obviously look for any areas of chipping, cracks...but I would imagine that I could really miss something. I would hate to drop 1k+ now and end up doing it again.

cyclesteel - You know at first I thought it would be easy to choose the black 4.5 over the funky orange 5.1 but that orange seems to have a bit of appeal to it, it's probably my warped mind.

I'm going to just compile a list of pros/cons and go from there I think. You all have really given me a lot of valid and different viewpoints not to mention all the knowledge I pick up from you all and other threads here.

I just noticed, after I checked the mail today, that REI sells Scott. I may have to try that 2012 CR1 Team out since it is the same price as the 4.5. Plus I really like the companies stand on 100% satisfaction on everything the sell and my annual refund (I always like getting freebies in February).

Again, thanks for all the input! I really like to hear other points of view, experiences and free knowledge is always nice.

 

Well as aclinjury said, I found a pretty good deal on a used bike. I ended up with a 2007 Blue NX7. I'm pretty stoked about it. Was able to find a carbon frame with ultegra. I hadn't really considered ultegra before due to cost. Since it was under a third of what I was going to pay, I can spend a bit more for all the other wants and needs.

 

So here she is as I bought her. Now to start making a few adjustments, add some gear and hit the road.

 

I have a Blue Norcross SP cyclocross and love it. Blue is getting a lot of good reviews lately. Is that where you are comfortable on the seat, or is that how it was when you got it?? That position will likely break the seat rails or the seatpost clamp.

 

The way it looks in the picture is how it was posted for sale (I swiped the picture from his ad). I've got some adjustments to make on the stem and seat for sure. Since I'm waiting on my pedals, I opted to hang around here. As I said before, I really like it. Went out for a ride yesterday with the guy I got it from and it felt great. Really responded well, was comfortable and seemed to move.

 

It depends. I think the 5.1 could be a good choice