Specialized or Trek? (Again)

Mario has given us a very difficult job, choosing between two great bikes that are so similar he is having difficulty deciding which the better bike is. We take a look at both bike and give him our thoughts and cut down his options and say which bike we would go for, it’s a tough job!

Question:

Hi,
I am currently in the market for a road bike. I am new to the sport, but I really do not want to start off with an entry level bike. I know that might sound dumb, but I know that I will eventually want to upgrade and it’s going to cost me more money. I am debating whether or not to get the 08 Trek Madone 4.5 or the Specialized Tarmac Comp Compact.

It is a tough choice. I can get the Madone for a lot less money and the money that I save pays for everything else that I need, but I rather have the best for my money.

Please help me. Thank you.

Hi Mario,

That is a tough choice, both bike are ridden by pro teams at the highest level of cycle sport, so they have been tested well. This is our views on these very tasty bikes.

Trek Madone 4.5

The Trek Madone 4.5 is based on the TCT carbon frame with Bontrager race lite carbon forks with an aluminum steerer, with a cartridge bearing integrated Aheadset. The wheels, tires, saddle, seat post, handlebars and stem are all from Bontrager, which is all good stuff. The shifters, front derailleur, brakes, cranks (double or triple) and cassette are Shimano 105, the rear derailleur is Ultegra. It has a good mix of equipment, not the best, but very good for the price and will work well for quite a long time. The best thing here is the frame, it may not have been made in the US, but that’s not a problem, how many bikes are these days? The geometry is sound and will give a responsive ride and the carbon will absorb a lot of road rumble, a good bike.

Trek

Specialized Tarmac Comp Compact

The Specialized Tarmac frame is triple monocoque constructed with a compact race design; the forks are full carbon, legs and steerer. The equipment is the same as the Trek, mostly Shimano 105, but with an Ultegra rear gear, the headset, stem, handlebars, tires, saddle and seat post are all by Specialized, the seat post also has a Zertz insert to help with comfort. The chain set is Shimano R600, not quite as good as 105 and there is only a double option. The wheels are Shimano RS-10, very nice wheels and the frames geometry is as lively as the Treks’.

Specialized

The Decision

Very difficult to make, if you are considering a triple then it has to be the Trek, if you want a double then we edge slightly towards the Specialized, because of the carbon steerer, the carbon seat pin with the Zertz inserts and the wheels. The frame of the Specialized is slightly better and you will be replacing the equipment as it wears out, so the frame is the most expensive part of the bike, so that is where you should be concentrating. Let us know which you go for in the end, Mario.