Originally Posted by alienator .
A carbon fiber bike frame or component has no specific response characteristic to vibrations or to bumps. How a frame or component responds is dependent on several factors. In that light, then, carbon fiber does not necessarily make for a frame or component that will more bump compliant or better at damping vibrations.
In terms of the Madone vs. Domane, the in nearly every spec a Madone of a given size will be racier (quicker handling, more aggressive rider position), less bump compliant, a bit less stable (perhaps "nervous" feeling) than the Domane. That doesn't mean the Madone will be difficult or scary to ride. The difference comes from the Domane being designed to be extremely stable in order to provide a more compliant, less abusive, and easier to control ride. The Domane is also significantly different in that its seat tube is not rigidly connected to the top tube and chain stays. Instead connecting the two is an "axle" wrapped by an elastomer which allows the seat tube to flex more than the Madone's, providing a more compliant ride.
I'd urge you to test ride both to see the differences.