Cycling News (CN) recently put the Trek’s Madone SSL 6.5 through its paces - not surprisingly, the 6.5 met just about all their expectations. But what did surprise CN was that the 6.5 performed about as well as it far pricier sibling…the Madone 6.9. At just 893 grams, the frame was light…just 220g over the UCI minimum, and as would be expected, it performed well while climbing. About the only thing CN could find to complain about was some road vibration which they chalked up to a combination of 150psi tires, and low spoke-count wheels. Overall it sound like the 6.5 is worth a look, especially when you consider that its about $2,500 less than the 6.9, and really does not sacrifice much according to CN.

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Posted by David at 9:51 AM | Permalink

In today’s Outside Online Q&A section, a reader asks for several road-bike recommendations, in the $1,500 price range, which are light enough to comfortably tackle a century ride or longer. This is an interesting question to us since the $1,500 price level begins to offer buyers some decent choices both in frames and components. Included in the list are the Fuji Roubaix Pro, Giant TCR A1, and Bianchi Veloce. All bikes got decent marks but the reviewer seemed to like the Bianchi a bit more, solely because it was Italian. While not exactly the criteria we would base a bike purchase on, everyone is entitled to their opinion we guess. As for our two cents, we actual had a chance to ride a Giant TCR A1 several weeks ago, and while it’s not going to wow the carbon crowd, we found it to be a decent ride for the money. Shimano has come a long way with the 105 group, which now has a look that is closer to Dura Ace, and a feel is roughly on par with Ultegra 9’s. As for as durability of the 105 component group, only Shimano really knows at this point…

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Posted by David at 1:58 PM | Permalink