Not only do we ride bikes but many of our friends and family members do too. As any experienced user of road bikes can tell you, it can take awhile to find the right bicycle as well as the proper clothing and bike accessories to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable ride. Road bikes can be especially tricky, since the qualities that generally make them desirable don’t always create a comfortable ride.
In our experience, the Trek Madone Line is a noteworthy standout from other road bikes. Before purchasing one, my husband visited a local bike store in order to take a test drive. We were curious about how the Trek Madone would stack up to other road bikes.
Trek 2008 Madone: Basic Information
We’d done our research and even read some basic reviews of this bike and knew the newest design had taken over two years to create. Other road biking enthusiasts have raved about this bike. We’d heard it was sleeker and different than before.
Now it was time to find out for ourselves. For those unfamiliar with Trek Madones, I’d just like to add that it has a sloping top tube, eye-popping appeal and a former connection to Lance Armstrong. Veteran bicyclists probably know this but those who are getting a new road bike or looking to move up to an upscale one may not be aware of the aesthetics of the Trek. That was a definite draw for us, one that has gotten raves and comments from other cyclists.
Trek has always done an excellent job of making an excellent bike built for racing (having Lance Armstrong on board to help market their bikes didn’t hurt) but since Armstrong’s retirement, the company could decide to do the “same old, same old” or move in a different direction. They’ve decided to make some changes.
We couldn’t believe the differences! The new bike doesn’t even resemble the older version! Oddly, the 2008 Madone looks larger but has some special features we found appealing.
One is eye appeal, the wow factor. If a bike could be called sleek and sexy, then this one fits the bills. Of course, if the bike were only attractive, it would be a waste of money. But its appearance is only part of the total package. Speaking of appearance, though, lets start with that. The company has made a bold statement and this is not a bike for those who prefer a conservative look because the appearance is radically different from the norm.
Trek 2008 Madone: Appearance
No question about it – one look at this bike and you know you are looking at a beautiful object. In fact, it is breathtakingly different from other bikes, from the
sweeping appearance of the sloping top tube handlebars to the very light frame. Not only does it depart from other road bikes but the newest model is notably different from the previous Trek models. This bicycle is unique. While standard bikes have a 68 mm bottom bracket shell, the Trek has one that is 90 mm.
Another major feature of these bikes is seamless integration or an almost complete fusing of all the separate parts, from the headset to the bottom bracket. We prefer integrated systems like these.
The next step would be actually testing out the bike. Before that, we lifted it and then held onto the seat and got a feel of its balance as it was moved back and forth inside the store, just to get a first impression. The bike moved very, very smoothly and was clearly a handsome model. But how well would it hold up in real world conditions? Would it last in heat and cold and over all terrains? We were about to find out.
Trek 2008 Madone: Comfort, Durability and Ease of Use
My husband tested the Trek Madone 5.2 and found the ride to be very, very comfortable. I tested the woman’s version (but this article is focusing on his experience). My husband’s first impression did not waver or fade over time. Not only that, but it held up in both rainy weather and on all sorts of roads. He says he has never used a bike that was as sturdy and comfortable as this one. Most important to him, though, are reliable handling and quick acceleration or speed.
This bike is top notch in both areas! Having noted that, he felt that some bikers would feel immediately at home on this bike (as he did) while others would be less comfortable. As noted before, finding the bike that works for an individual biker is a matter of taste, comfort and other factors. There is definitely a fair amount of flex or flexibility in the seat and pedaling platform. Also, it is very important to recognize that the Pro Fit and Performance Fit are different. He went with the Pro Fit.
Trek 2008 Madone: Models
You can choose from Pro Fit, Performance Fit and WSD. For the purposes of this article, the WSD really isn’t relevant as it is designed for women. The Pro Fit is for racers and meant to stand up to such challenges as the Tour de France. Time, of course, will tell if the bike lives up to the hype.
The Pro Fit (my huband’s final choice) has a slightly more elevated handlebar and is for male racers and those who just want a nice ride but with racing capabilities as neeeded. .
The Women’s version, the WSD, is the equivalent of the Performance Fit but made for a woman’s body, a fact I’m noting in case any women reading this happen to be interested in a bike as well.
Trek 2008 Madone: Price
Prepare to take a breath. The bike is priced at between $3500 and $3700, give or take any special deals you find. Yes, this is more than we paid for our first car (used) but if you take biking seriously, the price may well be worth it. A lot of time, effort and professional work when into the design of this machine. We consider Treks to be both works of art and very, very competent performers. Take that into consideration when you think about the price – or just hope that someone will be selling or trading in a 2008 model and you get a price break soon.
Trek 2008 Madone: Performance
Test this baby on hills of all sorts and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Both models could handle anything we tried. Even better, you can go from a complete standstill to a surge of speed. It performs exceptionally well in sprints and we felt that even long bike rides seemed to go by very quickly. This was a testament to the bike’s comfort and speed.
Trek 2008 Madone: Weight
Like other bikers, we think carefully about the “weight factor”. This fuselage on this year’s Trek models are a half pound lighter than before! Truly amazing.
Trek 2008 Madone: Special Details
Here are some other items you might want to know about. All models have two areas for water bottles, an integrated pocket in the fork in case you want to use a Speed Sensor (which must be purchased separately) and internal rear brake routing for quick brake line installation.
Trek 2008 Madone: Special Advice and Tips Based on Our Experience
The only thing I can add to the information above is that you really need to find a fit that works for you. Each of the models has a slightly different fit and there is a significant difference between the Trek Pro Fit and the Performance Fit. So do consider your level of competition (if you compete often) as well as the fact that the Performance Fit has a head tube that is 30 mm taller. Take the time to see how this feels to you, the biker.
Most bikers ought to like the Trek and it is certainly worth trying out. In fact, if you are anything like us, you won’t be able to resist at least going on a test drive of this radically different road and racing bike. If you do, expect to hear plenty of comments and questions from other bikers as well.
Trek 2008 Madone: Where to Get More Information
To find a dealer simply to to the find a dealer section of the Trek bike site at:
www.trekbikes.com/us/en/find_a_dealer/
There is a special Trek the Halls red bow sale from now until December 24. Maybe you can find a great deal!
