I got my new Trek Madone 5.2 on Thursday. My team sponsor, Trek Bicycle Store Boulder, hooked me up. I’ll post few pics and describe it in a new post shortly. This post is about its maiden voyage.
I haven’t had a new road bike since 1992 or 93, when I was sponsored by Specialized, thought my local bike shop. I got a steal Aliez. It was a great bike and fit me well.
After I stopped riding for a while, it was all about the mountain bike when I did ride, so I sold my Aliez to a good friend, who still has it by the way. When I started racing again, I picked up a used Cannondale from a family member. I have no idea what year it is, but I’m guessing late 1990’s (97-99) probably. After a few good rides I realized it didn’t fit me well, but I made it work for the last 4 years. It’s been beat down pretty hard, with endless hours of winter trainer rides, and wet mountain dirt roads.
I’ll post a pic of the old bike later.
Now about the ride. I didn’t have a lot of time, so I decided to do a common route, to Nederland and back. Once I hit the asphalt, I could feel the difference. I’ve been riding a size 60, but the new Madone is a 58, so I was already more comfortable. Before I get a chance to warm up, I have a short .5mile hill, but today we have a little headwind. I felt that bike slice through the wind and move easily up the hill. I wasn’t having to work hard, as I was spinning in an easy gear.
After the short climb, I have a fast decent before I hit the first incline. I did notice that my downhill speed was reduced because of the compact gears were not enough and I spun them out. I’m OK with that, I think. we’ll see as I get more used to them. I wanted the compact gears to help with the big climbs around here.
As the ride went on I still felt very comfortable. I was able to ride fast in the corkscrew sections of the hilly road with easy and confidence.
I wasn’t working super hard, hitting the hills in zone 4 (lower range) and had a headwind. At the 11 mile mark of the ride, a location where I check my tiime if I’m trying a PR, I was already 3.5min faster then my best. I was surprised because I wasn’t trying to beat my time. I contribute the speed to the lightness of the bike, the direct power put into the pedals transfer right to the road.
When I got to Ned I was almost 5 min faster then my fastest time. Very encouraging. I turned around to make my way back home. It’s mostly up hill, going from 8200ft to 9300ft over 15 miles. There are 4 descent climbs which I usually hit hard when I’m in my build phases.
I continued to be comfortable,and enjoyed the feel of the ride. The last climb is always the toughest part, usually a strong head wind coming over the summit (the highest point of the peak to peak hwy) and a good grade. I got to the top in 1:36hr, 7 min faster then my fastest time. Amazing. Needless to say, I think this machine was a great investment.
I can’t wait for the next ride.