Looking through the blog, I noticed Lance riding a new Madone. I was wondering what particular model it was. A pro or performance fit.

J. Elliott - Lance is on a Pro fit 5.2 right now. -Scott Daubert

Hey, as long as we get, as Lance stated, a "Livestrong" paint scheme added to this bike in the Project One, I'll be happy!

The bottom bracket area photos I've seen seem to show the front DR cable routes internally thru the frame (from just behind the BB to the derailleur). Is that right? Why?

Also, I've always read that metal frames will often break not at tube welds but at places where mounts are welded on or holes drilled -- e.g. water bottle screw holes, or internal cable routing holes. Why the decision to go with an internal rear brake cable on the top tube? Is the issue with metal frames not an issue with carbon?

Shayana asked about front derailleur routing and stress points created by having holes in carbon frames. The front derailleur routing passes through the chainstay yolk because we're now molding both stays in one piece. The ideals of having more accurate alignment and a stiffer tail section took priority over cable routing. The hole the cable passes through is sealed so water can't get in and it doesn't affect the derailleur's function.

As for other holes in the frame, we plan for those holes by reinforcing the area with additional carbon or by placing the holes in a low stress area. This is one of the wonderful benefits of working with carbon; put material where you need it, omit it where you don't.

The 5.2 is awfully pretty with Ultegra SL, but it seems like Trek could've hit the USA theme a little harder with SRAM parts. Ultegra SL is more expensive AND heavier than Rival. Any chance of a Rival-equipped bike similar to the 5.2?

MarvinK asks about a SRAM-spec'd bike in the line. Perhpas not for 2008 but for sure in 2009. -Scott Daubert

People in charge of paint schemes should be fired. Get some Italians in there!!! These are UGLY!!!

Bob doesn't like our paint. But our paint guy is Italian and renowned world-wide for his masterpieces. Perhaps Bob needs to take another look.

Is it possible that a pro model gets a triple or a compact from ultegra? Would be nice and the compact is "hot" these days...

Marcel - We are not spec'ing any Pro models with T or C cranksets but you might get you local Trek dealer to make a deal with you. - Scott Daubert

The Madone Pro Red Fuselage weighs 1428g (56cm). What is the weight of the the Madone Pro Black Fuselage (56cm)?

Next, what does the Madone Pro Red Fuselage weigh in 60cm? Also, the Pro Black Fuselage in 60cm?

Thanks in advance!

Dave - On average the Black fuselages weigh 170g more than the Red. - Scott Daubert

I love the new Madone, but Orange on the 6.9? The bike does not even match with the wheels or the other colors on the bike. How about red or white?

Raymond - White it is. The orange has been dropped for 2008. -Scott Daubert

Can Trek add the complete bike weights (without pedals) of the different models to the website specifications?

Steve - We are working on getting our weights together for the entire line. So far the only bikes we have mass produced are the 5.2 and 5.5 bikes. Their weights are 16.25 lbs / 7.37 kg and 15.50 lbs / 7.03 kg respectively. -Scott Daubert

I rode 6 domestic bikes today ranging in price from below $3k to $10k. The new Madone will be my choice. I wish I could hold out for U.S. A. components but when that bike arrives, I'll trade up. You have a fantastic machine here. Of the dozen or so bikes I've tried, this is the one!

I must say, I like the Onyx Carbon scheme because it looks most discreet. The Carrera Blue on the 5.2 Pro, though, looks really sleek.

The 64 CM Madone is fantastic news for us big guys. Finally someone is making a top end carbon production bike that fits my BB to seat measurement of 89.2 cm. (the biggest available, according to your seat height chart). But it is only in White carbon. Is that for technical or market reasons? Are there plans to make the 64 CM frame in Black Carbon? I would be willing to wait.

I am with Jim. I am 6'6" and am anxiously awaiting Trek World to try a 64cm Madone. You guys better have one there for demo! I am very hopeful that with the right parts I can make this bike stretch out to at least fit me as well as my current bike. I have wondered about the OCLV carbon levels as well. And what about the Pro Fit for the big guys? Does that big size really sell so few bikes that it gets low design priority?

When are you guys going to put pictures of the WSD paint schemes on the website or the blog?

MarvinK - images will be up after our dealer show on August 16th. -Scott Daubert, Trek Road Bike Brand Manager

I rode a 2006 Trek 5.9sl and crashed it heavily. Trek and the dealer have offered a few great options to get me back on the road. However, I am considering purchasing a complete bike rather than new fame and replaced components due in part to the redesign of the Madone. Is the 2008 Madone 6.5 the closest comparison to a 2006 5.9sl Madone. Any news on when complete bikes with the red frames will be arriving at Canadian dealers, or available for order with confirmed delivery?

Look forward to the 5.1 Madone reaching Anchorage, AK. Do you know when they would get here, as local shop is somewhat uncertain? My other question is regarding the steering tube length on the 64 cm performance fit Madone 5.1 fork? As 6'4" older male need a somewhat higher position. A minimum of 300 mm steering tube length seems to be needed to provide for the 250 mm headtube, 30 to 40 mm of stem stack height, and a reasonable number of spacers (10 to 20 mm) for some adjustability. Thanks.

Steve - the steerer on the 64cm bike is 320mm. -Scott Daubert, Trek Road Bike Brand Manager

what happened to the orange and black one? it does not seem to still be on the list.

Fortino - We put that one into Project One. You will see it in January. -Scott Daubert, Trek Road Bike Brand Manager

Walked into the big local shop to get a look at the new Madone. I love it and can't wait to trade up from my 'old' 2007 5.5 SL P1. Just waiting for the Pro fit model to arrive.

I did notice that the graphics are VERY similar to the Specialized Tarmacs. They look fine - great even. But the resemblance to Specialized sucks.

Love the bikes though, so I'll take another P1.
Thanks

I have ordered a new 6.9 performance fit Madone, can hardly wait to ride it. I am wondering if the fuselage will suit the new type Zipp VumaQuad crank with a 30 mm spindle. I am wondering if there will be enough room to put a BB bearing in for this spindlesize?

Wijnard- the 2008 Madone will not accept the 30mm spindles. There will not be a kit to adapt this crank to our BB. We are offering kits for all major crank makers including Shimano, Truvative, Campy, SRAM and Bontrager. -Scott Daubert, Trek Road Bike Brand Manager

I'm looking to add a carbon bike to my small fleet,but will probably wait for the Project One availability. Since I'm a fanatic on fit / finish, here is my question, please! Is it possible for me to place clear mylar decals on the seat mast, in order to avoid any chance of the finish being marred? The kind
of item that we would use for a chainstay protector. Just wondering if there would be clearance to still be able to make adjustments? By the way, this would be my first Trek!
Thank you!

You say the fuselage weights 1428, what makes up the fuselage? Is it frame, forks seatpost and headset?

Tom - Frame, fork, headset and BB bearings and seat mast with seat rail clamp. -Scott Daubert, Trek Road Bikes Brand Manager

Dean posted a question about adding protective material to the seat mast to keep the seat cap from making marks. The fit tolerance between the mast and cap is similar to a traditional seat post and frame - its a slip-fit design. The part of the mast that would see any marring is going to be covered by the cap, just as an inserted section of seat post is hidden by the frame.

I will be receiving my 5.5 Madone soon and I wrench on my own bikes. Is the special seat mast clamp for bike repair stand use available and what is the price? Thanks!

Tim - the repair stand adapter is available at Trek dealers for $29.99. -Scott Daubert, Trek Road Bikes Brand Manager

I got the new Madone 5.2 a few weeks back, and it is by far the best bike I have ever ridden. I'm now selling my old bike, which cost twice as much!

One problem, and it's a big one. The brake cable that exits below the seat post rubs my leg while riding. It is horrible after a while, however looking at the design, I cannot envision a fix. What do I do? The continued rubbing on my skinny legs is driving me crazy! Otherwise, and amazing machine.

Hi, I'm thinking about picking up a 2007 Madone. What are the differences between that and the 2008? Is the 2008 really that much better?

Thanks,

Nick

The Equinox TTX 9.9 is spec'ed with SRAM Red. Given this, I am surprised that there is no Red-equipeed Madone. Of course, with a "fusilage", you can build whatever you want. Yet it appears there is no WSD fusilage-only option. Will there be a WSD Madone fusilage?

I'm still not sure if I'm going to by the Madone 5.1 The reason that I'm not sure is because they say the frame is stiff and I'm not a climber and I only weight 145 can you convince me other wise

The improvements in weight and stiffness on the new madone are impressive, but I haven't seen much about the aerodynamics. The shape of the downtube in particular looks as though drag may be an issue. How has the Madone performed in wind tunnel testing?

Terry wrote: "The shape of the downtube in particular looks as though drag may be an issue. How has the Madone performed in wind tunnel testing?"

The '08 Madone was never intended to be aerodynamic. The shapes of the tubes answer the needs of strength, stiffness and styling. However, we hear, and you can read about on this same blog, that owners of the new Madone feel it coasts downhill faster than their previous bikes. I tend to agree having ridden various prototypes for nearly a year now.

I read in a posting from a bike shop in California that the Madone 5.1 will be "discontinued" due to the demand for the 5.2 & above being far more than what can be produced. Any truth to that?

Bob - Yes, that is true but only in part. The 5.1 will be replaced by the 4.7. Same spec but using TCT carbon rather than the OCLV used on the 5.1. - Scott Daubert, Trek Road Bike Brand Manager

I just picked up my 5.1 this weekend and absolutely love it. Great smooth ride, climbs great. Now to bury my old bike in the backyard.:)

Hi
I noticed that the website use to list the performance fit 64cm 5.5 being built in the white carbon, but this no longer seems to be the case.Does this mean it is now built in the black carbon?
Also will the 5.2 performance fit be available in a 64cm?
Will Project One be available any earlier than Jan 2008 ?

Marco - Yes, the 64cm will be made with Black in the future. The 64 is available 5.1 and the 5.5. P-One for the new Madone is on-line January of 2008, no earlier. -Scott Daubert, Trek Road Bike Brand Manager

Scott's comment about anecdotal reports of coast-down being faster says little about the aerodynamics of the frame. Differences in aerodynamics due to the frame are approximately 1% between good and bad road frames. That's smaller than what can be perceived from poorly controlled tests. It's interesting to me the "white paper" on frame aerodynamics published by Trek uses the old Madone with the filled in seat tube, rather than the SL or the newest Madone. It's clear that Trek made a decision that an extra % or so of wind resistance power was worth it for the 150 grams or so of weight reduction (0.2% or so) neglecting aerodynamics allows.

On a different note: it's interesting Levi Leipheimer recently appeared at the Tour of California launch with a Red-equipped Madone, a component option Trek chose to not offer this year.

With a saddle height of 86 cm ,i would just be on the max height for a 62 cm performance fit madone with tall seat mast.I read that the 64cm will have a 320mm steerer,will the 62cm have the same length, allowing for a bit more adjustment with the use of spacers or will it be shorter.I would prefer to buy a 62cm and presume that if the steerer is the same length would be able to achieve the same head height with the use of spacers as a 64cm.

Marco - The 62 and 64cm fuselages both come with 320mm steer tubes so you can adjust your bar height with spacers on either size. -Scott Daubert, Trek Road Bikes Brand Manager

Scott,

On a previous post last summer you mentioned that the Madone would be produced in the 43cm WSD size w/ 700c wheels. Is this still the case?

Thanks, Flavia

Flavia - yes, that is the case. The 43cm was omitted from our web and catalog specs but there will be a 43 with 700c wheels available. -Scott Daubert, Trek Road Bikes Brand Manager

Hi
I am a little confused. The colar of Madone 6.9 Pro is Onyx Carbon/Orange ?? Not Pearl white ? TREK's 2008 catalogue claims that the colar is pearl white (only?), but all of my LBS says it is gonna be "Onyx Orange" I would rather have pearl white, like the 6.9 performance fit. Please let me know. Thanx !

ManabuM - The 6.9 Pro is now white, not orange. Orange will be an option in the P-One program. -Scott Daubert, Trek Road Bike Brand Manager

What is the availability of the pro variants? I have never seen one in the flesh. I do have a 60cm 5.2 on order but no one knows when it will be made or shipped. Any ideas?

David - They are shipping. Delivery depends on a huge number of variables. Thanks for your patience. -Scott Daubert, Trek Road Bikes Brand Manager

I saw the total bike weights for the 5.2 and 5.5 posted above and appreciated that info. What size frame are those weights for? And what would be the weight for the same size 5.1?
And could you compare that to the weight of a 2002 54cm 5200 (my current bike)?
thanks!

Peter - those weights are for the 56cm. The 5.1 is going to be slightly heavier than the 5.2 because it's made with OCLV White and has a Race Lite fork. Total difference is around .5lb taking the parts spec into consideration as well. The 5.1 will still be lighter than your 5200. -Scott Daubert, Trek Road Bikes Brand Manager

I echo the interest expressed by jim and Todd Lang above concerning a Madone in 64cm.

I was informed that it will not be forthcoming with in 5.1 trim as it still is advertised on trekbikes.com.

That will means no triple: apparently, 64s will appear, if at all, in 6-series Madones--e.g., no triple crank. Darn!

A couple of days ago I posted a question regarding the "oversize seat rail clamp" that Scott Daubert had previously made a post indicating would be in stores in December. Now it appears that the post has been deleted. Does this mean that you have abandoned the effort to make an alternative seat rail pinch? With the advent of carbon and oversize rails this significantly limits what high end saddles can be used on the Madone. Great concept, poor execution.

Hi Trek,

I am awaiting my new 2008 5.2 Perf. Madone. I was wondering if the bottom bracket bearings that are used in the new frame are standard-sized. I have some new Enduro ceramic bearings in my Shimano 7800 cups. Can I just press these out and place them into the Trek? Thanks!