Trek Madone 3.1 vs. 4.5

[Kloosty]

I'm looking to purchase either a Madone 3.1 or 4.5. Does anyone have experience with both and could tell me if the 4.5 is worth the extra few hundred dollars?

[JohnV]

I don't have any experience with Trek, but they are just like any other bikes. If you are dead set on choosing between those two, ride them both and see which one feels the best and go with it.

If you compared them on their web site, it appears that the main difference is in the carbon fiber as the technique in which they make the frame may be slightly different. The 4.5 is most likely a lighter weight bike than the 3.1, by how much, I don't know. Also, it appears that the forks are different as well. Both bikes have the 105 group. After riding the two, the difference in price would have to be your call, but if the 4.5 fits and rides better for you, it is worth the difference if you can afford it.

[Marvin8]

(07-26-2011, 09:43 PM)JohnV Wrote:  I don't have any experience with Trek, but they are just like any other bikes. If you are dead set on choosing between those two, ride them both and see which one feels the best and go with it.

If you compared them on their web site, it appears that the main difference is in the carbon fiber as the technique in which they make the frame may be slightly different. The 4.5 is most likely a lighter weight bike than the 3.1, by how much, I don't know. Also, it appears that the forks are different as well. Both bikes have the 105 group. After riding the two, the difference in price would have to be your call, but if the 4.5 fits and rides better for you, it is worth the difference if you can afford it.

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I just noticed on the Trek website that the Madone 3.1 takes a rear bike rack. Yes, it's got a little bolt just above the rear derailleur hanger, but for the life of me, I can't figure out how you'd mount the struts to the carbon stays...unless you jerry-rigged some kind of clamping attachment. I'd LOVE to be able to mount my tank rack (JandD Expedition) to one of these carbon frames and use the bike everywhere.