Trek Madone 5.9 SL - advice!

[sylv]

I have decided that as my Sunn froad frame is an inch and a bit too big, it's not worth trying to try put up with it with a very short stem as I'm doing at the moment. Also I plan to do lots of road riding this winter and maybe some racing next year, so have been looking at either changing the frame or selling the whole bike and getting something nicer/lighter (the Sunn frame is at least 1.5kg, the wheels are fairly heavy).

I can buy a Trek Madone 5.9 SL (carbon frame & forks) in 52cm for £1,900 posted (worth £3,500 new). It is an ex-team DFL, I know as such it could've been thrashed, but it's a 2005 and alot of the drivetrain parts and tires have been replaced last month. Spec is: full Dura-Ace 10 speed, Bonty components (x lite clincher wheels, carbon post and bars, stem, carbon post).

What do people reckon? It's a lot of money, but still sounds like a good deal, almost same frame as Lance and top range components.

[img]http://www.londoncyclesport.com/pics_2005_reports/team_dfl/2.jpg[/img]

It's not Yanko's by the way!

[Kevin Rynne]

Sounds like a lot of money, but it is the same of the pro's use! Have a look at the bcf website as they sell off their ex team bikes, which are the same spec and might be worth comparing.

[sylv]

That's where the ad was posted, but there are no Team GB bikes on sale at the mo.

Reminds me I have to renew my membership very soon!

[sylv]

That's another option, I'm flying to the States next week

[sylv]

Thanks - it's Utah we're going to though

[Grahame]

Sylv, wait 'till you see the Merlin road bike in the window of Rim Cyclery in Moab.

There should be plenty of road bike deals available over there.

[sylv]

Aaaaahhh !!

Ok i'll wait.

[Jon H]

Nice looking Merlin in Condor's window at the moment too.

[sylv]

He's proposed me £1,695 now

Would I get such a deal in USA?

[Rob]

sylvian, when i was last in america, you can get bianchis etc cheap...but you need to look more closely....alot of them have crappy spec!!!

so make sure you do your homework.

also, if you get caught at customs, your gona have trouble convincing them that its for educational purpose(thats how you byoass the customs people )


AND...if you bike cocks up, no first free service, no shop to moan at and get help!!!

last but not least...dont buy a trek!!! get a classy french or italian bike!!!

[sylv]

That's the problem, I have a thing against Treks/Giants/Specializeds

[sylv]

Not saying they're bad, just a bit "bland". Well that's my opinion.

[sylv]

Yep

Pic from a guy who's just come back:

http://fatelvisat.fotopic.net/p20245464.html

[sylv]

It's best viewed in wide-o-rama

No seriously I don't know how to reduce it (other than save it onto my own photo host).

So i've replaced it with a link ...

[Rob]

man, i see those pics...and it gets me even more excited for when i move over there!!! I CANT WAIT