Carbon bike choice??

quidel

Specialized Tarmac Elite Road bike or Trek Madone Three Series. Looked at both recently. Spec seems similar enough but the Specialized is a nice bit pricier. Any thoughts?? Hope to pick up a bike in the new year for long weekend cycles with a view to a few triathlons later in the year.

billyhead

quidel wrote: »

Specialized Tarmac Elite Road bike or Trek Madone Three Series. Looked at both recently. Spec seems similar enough but the Specialized is a nice bit pricier. Any thoughts?? Hope to pick up a bike in the new year for long weekend cycles with a view to a few triathlons later in the year.

As far as I know Trek prices have come down for 2014 whereas Specialized prices have increased therefore I would go for whatever bike offers the best value for a similar spec. Which 3 series madone is it. Post the spec for both and the prices for 2014 for a better synopsis.

Brian?

Any reason for narrowing it down to those 2?

ZiabR

Do you have the specs of both bikes handy? That would really make the decision easier. Also, what prices are you talking about?

quidel

No reason for narrowing it down to those two, just happened to be the two I was shown if I was to go as far a buying a carbon bike.

Details I can remember-

Trek Madone 3.1 (~€1700) - Frame 300 series OCLV Carbon; Fork: Trek Carbon Road; Wheels Bontrager Approved Alloy; Groupset Shimano 105/Tiagra Mix

Specialized Tarmac Elite (~€2000) Frame Specialized FACT 8rCarbon; Fork Specialized FACT Carbon; Shifters Shimano 105 STi; Cassette Shimano Tiagra 10 Speed; Crankset FSA Gossamer Pro 52-36; Tyres Specialized Turbo Elite

not yet

Check out Defy 2 composite, full carbon, full 105 group set @ 1599

billyhead

What are your intentions OP? Is it racing or sportives/lesisure. These 2 bikes would be race orientated and may not fit your requirements. If its for racing or fast rides then why not consider other options such as a Cannondale Super 6, Felt F series or a Giant TCR advanced

mistermatthew

quidel wrote: »

Specialized Tarmac Elite Road bike or Trek Madone Three Series. Looked at both recently. Spec seems similar enough but the Specialized is a nice bit pricier. Any thoughts?? Hope to pick up a bike in the new year for long weekend cycles with a view to a few triathlons later in the year.

After specialized behaviour these past few days I'd give them a miss,
There are some beautiful other brands at that price range, perhaps a smaler less corporate entity deservses your money.

2 Wheels Good

Wilier Izoard XP, can be got around the €1700 mark and is something a bit different.

denbatt

Rose or canyon do bikes with full ultegra and better wheelsets for similer money.

Cee-Jay-Cee

2013 Felt F5 is €1262 on Wiggle at the moment, 105 groupset with FSA compact crankset. Not a lot of money for a lot of bike. Felt F5

quidel

Mostly for leisure, out with the local cycling club, etc. but with a view to triathlons later in the year.

Thanks for all the replies to date, very informative and plenty of alternatives go check out. Appreciated.

detones

quidel wrote: »

. but with a view to triathlons later in the year.

Off to triathletes forum with ya so ;-)

For 2000 I'd be looking for better components. Should get a decent bike with Ultegra or equivalent for that. Countless threads in here about it. Sure the Planet X pro carbon online can be had with Ultegra for £1000 sterling.

billyhead

What about a Cannondale Caad 10 which always gets great reviews and is the the best aluminium bike on the market rather then an entry level carbon bike.
Costs around €1700
http://www.cannondale.com/2013/bikes/road/elite-road/caad10