| The Trek Madone bike comes with the highest | | | | record-breaking time only to find my actual average |
| possible recommendation - both Lance Armstrong | | | | speed really wasn't so great, and it was simply the |
| and Alberto Contador rode the bike in 2009, and | | | | 'sportiness' of the bike that felt fast. |
| both are happy to promote the bike for Trek. | | | | But no matter. If you are trying to get over the top |
| Perhaps in reality they would promote the bike of | | | | of a hill before your cycling colleagues the Madone is |
| whichever company sponsored them, but | | | | perfect for you - last minute bursts seem to come |
| nonetheless it suggests that the bike really does | | | | out of nowhere where some other bikes become a |
| have something very special to recommend it. | | | | lead weight towards the top of a hill. If you like short |
| We have had a Madone Series 5 for the last two | | | | steep hills where you need to stand out of the |
| months and, despite the rather cold weather, we | | | | saddle for a moment, the Trek again will reward you |
| have had many opportunities to get out on the bike | | | | with speed and finesse. |
| during the winter and see whether it deserves the | | | | One slight word of caution - the lightness and rigidity |
| fine accolades. | | | | of the bike mean it has little natural momentum and |
| Short answer: yes! It is a very fine bike to ride and | | | | can require quite an effort to keep it moving fast. |
| has everything you look for in a bike. It is fast - | | | | You pedal hard and you go fast but if you don't |
| whether coming down hills or going up them - | | | | make an effort you slow down! Recommended for |
| comfortable, rigid and responsive, and above all a | | | | enthusiasts but I doubt if it will be the ideal first bike |
| constant pleasure to ride. | | | | for someone new to cycling. |
| On poor quality roads the bumps don't hurt too much | | | | Technically of course the bike is of very high quality, |
| and it is easy to spend a few hours in the saddle | | | | with all the resources that such a large company can |
| without discomfort. Indeed, your biggest challenge is | | | | afford to invest. But often throwing money at a |
| more likely to be keeping the grin off your face as | | | | problem isn't the best solution. You will be pleased to |
| you hurtle along. | | | | know that in the case of the Trek Madone, a mix of |
| To some extent I think the performance is slightly | | | | large investment and a touch of inspiration seems to |
| deceptive. The bike sometimes perhaps feels faster | | | | have paid off perfectly and the bike is very |
| than it really is, and often I have thought I have | | | | recommended. |
| completed one of my regular circuits in | | | | |