What is the difference in the ride between a Trek 1500 and Trek Pilot 5.0?

Question

I currently have a 2005 Trek 1500 with an aluminum frame with Shimano 105 and Ultegra components which was my first road bike. I am thinking about upgrading to a carbon frame bike now as I have been riding more now. I am thinking about getting a Trek Pilot 5.0 or Trek Madone 4.5.

Before I decide to upgrade however, I wanted to know what the advantages would be for the carbon frames over the aluminum. Will the ride be more comfortable with less road vibrations compared to the aluminum frame? Will the carbon be lighter as well? Will the ability to climb the hills be about the same or better with the carbon frame? Keep in mind that I know that the carbon frames (especially the high end Madones) are leaps and bounds better than my Trek 1500. But I am wondering if the Trek Pilot 5.0 or Trek Madone 4.5 which are the ones in my price range will be noticeably different. I have not gone and test ridden either bike yet as I don’t want to tempt myself to much yet.

Thanks for any input.

Answer 1

The frame will be lighter and will provide you with a much more forgiving ride compared to Alu.

Climbing and acceleration will be better, but IMO it's more down to the engine.

Answer 2

Realize that there are different types of carbon fiber (with different properties) and different methods of construction.  The Madone 4.5 uses Trek's basic grade carbon and with no leap in design technology.  That being said, I don't know how much of an "upgrade" that would be for you; your current bike is still recent and has good drivetrain components.

Since you seem primarily concerned with killing road vibration, with lighter weight a close second, have you considered new wheels?  You could have an expert wheelbuilder lace up a wonderful set of handbuilt wheels that will give your bike a new feel.  They will feel great from day one and stay that way.  Couple them with a great set of tires.  Maybe you haven't tried the Conti GP4000s that are the rage.  I know it's taboo to combine the two names, but the Roubaix Elite (or Pro??) tire by Specialized is quite comfortable.  It has the casing of a 25 with the tread of a 23 for a little extra cush.  You could set your current Bontrager wheelset aside until you want to sell the 1500 one day.  Then you'd still have your plush, handbuilt wheels to use on your next bike.  Get a new bike if that's what you want, but I bet those Bontrager wheels are taking some of the enjoyment out of your ride.  Find an experienced wheelbuilder (maybe in your area) and chat with him for a few minutes.

Answer 3

From what I can understand, Carbon Fiber is the new Aluminum. Back when Aluminum came out, it was the latest light thing for bikes. Apparently Carbon Fiber provides a smoother ride, more comfortable (though I'm not sure how a metal type makes a bike more comfortable to sit upon, that's more the seat and pedals/handlebars eh?), as well as being lighter.

Honestly, unless you've got the money to throw around, Id see more use in investing in upgrading parts of the bike you currently have, aluminum works just fine =D

Answer 4

Visit your local Trek dealer.