Trek Madone 5.9 and 5.2 Road Bikes

Trek Madone 5.9 and 5.2 Road Bike Reviews

The 2014 Trek Madone 5-Series road bikes are part of an established range of race-oriented cycles intended to sate the needs of professional riders and eager amateurs alike. Aerodynamically sympathetic carbon frames, complete with integrated components for decreased drag, make these models quick and light.

Trek Madone 5.2

OCLV carbon makes up the 500 Series frame featured on this bike and its costlier sibling. The seatmast has been tuned to make sure that it is able to soak up the tremors of the road surface without compromising stiffness and is also adjustable to meet your needs.

The Bontrager Speed Limit integrated brakes add convenience and means there is little exterior cabling to worry about. Weight is kept low thanks to the use of the Bontrager Race Lite Aero handlebar, while the Race X Lite stem allows for a further lightening of the load you will have to lug around with you.

Shimano Ultegra components are used for the drivetrain and it is clear that the 2014 Madone 5.2 is just as carefully constructed as its predecessors. The Ultegra equipment is in fact the primary difference between the Madone 5.2 and the more expensive 5.9 bike. At the time of writing, the 5.2 is priced at £2,800 with the 5.9 bike costing £700 more.

Trek Madone 5.9

The setup of the Madone 5.9 is similar in some respects to its stable mate, with the carbon frame, race tuned seatmast and integrated brakeset all making an appearance.

The differences come in the drivetrain and the wheelset. The former harnesses Shimano Dura Ace equipment, while the latter consists of Bontrager Race Lite TRL wheels and R3 Hard-Case Lite tyres.

With an extra wide carbon bottom bracket, the Madone 5.9 is not only light but also very stiff, which allows you to accelerate quickly and achieve a good level of momentum without over exerting yourself. Compatibility with electronic drivetrain equipment and DuoTrap sensors means that there is room for upgrading further down the line if this is the route you want to take.

The true discussion on choice is not necessarily between the 5.9 and 5.2 but rather the more expensive Trek Madone 7.7 which has a price tag of £6,000 for a very similar setup.