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S5 or 6.5?

Started by uhclem3 · · Last activity · 11 posts · 2,050 views

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01 / Original postS5 or 6.5?uhclem3 · 9 Sep 2011 02 / This pagePosts 1–11Page 1 of 1 · chronological order 03 / Latest replyPost #11maddogbubba · 2 Jan 2013

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Original section
Bike buying advice
Published
9 September 2011
Last activity
2 January 2013
Original author
uhclem3
Posts
11
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Public discussion
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2,050
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Topics
Spoke countClassics racingElectronic shiftingFront derailleurs

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  1. Original post
    uhclem3
    Archived post
    #1

    Hello.

    I am in need of some advice here. My 2002 Trek 5900 USPS was recently stolen. Fortunately, I was insured and the policy calls for equivalent replacement. This should give me approximately $6500.00 to work with, based on my local dealers estimate that the current equivalent would be a 2011 Trek Madone 6.5 with Dura Ace 7900 components.

    However, I have developed an interest in the 2011 Cervelo S5 with Ultegra Di2 components which would cost about $6000.00.

    I am not a racer, but a rider who averages between 75 and 125 miles a week, with the occasional 175 mile week. The majority of my riding is relatively flat, but I still want a bike that climbs decently. I live in a city (Milwaukee) with very sketchy road conditions. I frequently tell people, with a touch of hyperbole, that the city would be an excellent place to train for Paris-Roubaix. The conditions are such that I would not ride the Trek except on bike trails, using a 2006 Specialized XC Pro mountain bike for the streets.

    I was very happy with the 5900 as far as weight, comfort and handling. It's durability was usually excellent, too. However, Milwaukee roads were excessively hard on it, causing Bontrager Race X Lite wheel failure more than once.

    Can anybody give me some input on this? It would be most appreciated.

    Report
  2. oldbobcat
    Archived post
    #2

    You're in thin air out here, Clem. Most of us would be grateful to have ridden one of these bikes in our lifetimes. But if you can use this, I took an S3 out for a quick one. It was stiff and responsive and it also hammered my butt pretty hard. Those who know say the Madone 6 is quick but supple, and I can say firsthand that it's easier to fit than your old 5900.

    Report
  3. uhclem3
    Archived post
    #3

    Hello.

    Just giving my topic a bump.

    After having confirmed this with my insurance adjuster, I have been adjudged to have $7400 (including sales tax) to replace my stolen bike with. I have also been given permission to get either the Trek Madone 6.7 SSL or the Cervelo Team Ulterga Di2 to perchase. Does anyone else have any imput they wish to share in regards to the new bike.

    Thank you.

    Report
  4. davereo
    Archived post
    #4

    I would get the ins co to cut me a check and I would spend 2 on a bike and pocket the change. But Im not you. Get whatever bike you like the most.
    like the Oldbobcat said I would be greatful to just ride one of those bikes one day. I am convinced that if I did I would come away happy knowing that I own the bikes I do.

    Report
  5. alienator
    Archived post
    #5

    Have you test ridden any of the bikes in question? Trek's geometry has changed a bit since your last Trek was made.

    Iffin' I were you, and you were set on which bike you wanted to get, I'd get that bike with the cheapest components possible and sell those components so that you can replace them with better components. Those components could be paid for (mostly or totally) buy selling the cheaper components online. In fact, you can get some top of the line components (if that sort of thing tickles your nethers) on eBay for great prices.

    The Cervelo with Di2 is a tasty option, even though I am decidedly not a Cervelo fan......though I would gladly have/buy a buy a Cervelo Super Prodigy frame. I think Cervelos, excepting the Super Prodigy, are butt ugly.....but that's just my opinion. I've not pedaled one, so I have no opinion or insight on how they perform. I would really like to ride Ellen Page, though:

    [IMG]cyclingforums.com280[/IMG]

    I would not lend any credence to suggestions made by Davero because of what he wears when he's cycling:

    [IMG]cyclingforums.com400[/IMG]

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  6. swampy1970
    Archived post
    #6

    The Cervelo R series has a more compliant ride than the aero S series bikes. The Cervelo RS is even more forgiving than the R3 and would make a great all round road bike for someone who wants a great bike that's not a full on, hard core race only machine. It's been a favorite of pro's for events like Roubaix and has a longer wheelbase and revised front end.

    The Cannondale SuperSix Hi-Mod manages to be as forgiving in ride quality as the Cervelo RS but I'll be damned if my measly sprint can garner any visual deflection of the chainrings inbetween the front mech. The cracknfail (which hasn't cracked or failed yet) has brought me more smiles per mile than anything I've ridden on two wheels without an engine.

    I wasn't too impressed with the Madone when I test rode one last year. It was a nice bike but not $5,000+ nice.

    If you have crappy roads, I'd for go the usual factory made wheel options and instead go with a more traditional wheelset - something like Dura Ace hubs, Sapim CX-Ray spokes on HED "belgium" or Velocity A23 rims with 32 or 28 spokes.

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  7. davereo
    Archived post
    #7
    Quoted post said:

    Originally Posted by alienator [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

    Have you test ridden any of the bikes in question? Trek's geometry has changed a bit since your last Trek was made.

    Iffin' I were you, and you were set on which bike you wanted to get, I'd get that bike with the cheapest components possible and sell those components so that you can replace them with better components. Those components could be paid for (mostly or totally) buy selling the cheaper components online. In fact, you can get some top of the line components (if that sort of thing tickles your nethers) on eBay for great prices.

    The Cervelo with Di2 is a tasty option, even though I am decidedly not a Cervelo fan......though I would gladly have/buy a buy a Cervelo Super Prodigy frame. I think Cervelos, excepting the Super Prodigy, are butt ugly.....but that's just my opinion. I've not pedaled one, so I have no opinion or insight on how they perform. I would really like to ride Ellen Page, though:

    [IMG]cyclingforums.com280[/IMG]

    I would not lend any credence to suggestions made by Davero because of what he wears when he's cycling:

    [IMG]cyclingforums.com400[/IMG]

    This is my triathlon series line. The shoes are fabulous for running, cycling and swimming. By incorporating my towel into my wardrobe time is saved transitioning from the swim. Like you never got invovled in "Drag" racing before. Where have you been hiding in a closet or something.

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  8. Lewie
    Archived post
    #8

    I have a 2009 Madone Series 6, and I love it. Have heard the the S5 rides very rough, but do not know personally. With the money you are spending, I would want to test ride both if possible.

    If I may ask, what type of insurance do you have? Does the policy cover damage to the bike?

    Lew

    Report
  9. uhclem3
    Archived post
    #9

    Hello.

    Just a quick note for now, a longer one during the holiday weekend.

    Today, I plunked down $6000 for the Cervelo Team Ultegra S5 with electronic shifting. Pedals will be Keo Blade Chromo and 'puter will be the VDO MC1.0+. Delivery to the local shop is expected in mid-February due to high groupo demand swamping Shimano.

    More later.

    Report
  10. Franz Zemen
    Archived post
    #10
    Quoted post said:

    Originally Posted by uhclem3 [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

    Hello.

    Just a quick note for now, a longer one during the holiday weekend.

    Today, I plunked down $6000 for the Cervelo Team Ultegra S5 with electronic shifting. Pedals will be Keo Blade Chromo and 'puter will be the VDO MC1.0+. Delivery to the local shop is expected in mid-February due to high groupo demand swamping Shimano.

    More later.

    How did that S5 turn out for you? Considering the same line.

    Thx

    Report
  11. maddogbubba
    Archived post
    #11

    chinavelo - never again . Trying to remember , think it was a S3 with ultegra , switched the ultegra out for sram force because I did not know better at the time . Bike handled crappy . unstable 35 mph and up ( downhills ) ,also .unstable cornering . I would try to get my money back .and go for just about any other bike .

    Report

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