Riolazar said:Hello, I have narrowed my long, tedious bike search to three final bikes. My bike shop doesn't exactly have them in stock so I can't test-ride, my first ride will be when I order them. These are my final three because I work at the LBS, and these are the ones we carry. So, if anyone out there has experience with any of these models, help a brutha out!
Trek Madone 5.2 [ultegra 10]
Specialized Tarmac Pro [DA 10]
Cannondale R5000 [DA 10]
Basically, the main differences here are frame quality. I am reluctant to go with the Cannondale R5000 b/c I have read that the CAAD8 frame is not the strongest around. What do you guys think?
If your reluctant on the Cdale, isn't there a pretty big price gap between the Madone 5.2 and the Tarmac (is that an S Works Tarmac?). Between those 2, I choose the Tarmac, just because group rides are already saturated with 5200's and I like Specialized bikes (I ride a Roubaix). That's not really a good reason, you really need to test ride your choices. Even the shop you work in doesn't have your sizes available, find a shop that does and test ride theirs and then order it from where you work. Any of these choices are too expensive ot purchase without a good fit and test ride. Also, look at the warranties, I believe that Specialized gurantees the frame for life (against manufactures defects), and Cdale only for a couple of years, I really don't know about Trek. Also, your choice should depend on your intended use, the Tarmac and Cdale may be better suited for racing.
