2012 Trek Madone 5.2 Carbon
The Madone 5.2 gets you onto a tubed & lugged carbon frame at an absolutely cracking price. Forget about the parts for a second because we can't stress this enough. All of the best frames in the World are built using tubed & lugged construction, though the main difference between those high end options from brands such as Parlee, Colnago or Time and the Trek 5 series is of course $$$, and lots of $$$. We challenge anyone to ride any other bike at this price point, then the Madone 5.2 and feel the difference this type of frame makes. It will be a simple choice! Rather than using a monocoque construction that is used on cheaper carbon bikes, Trek use a precision tube-to-tube method on the 5 and 6 series Madone in order to achieve the exact ride qualities they desire by sculpting every possible angle. Combined with the E2 Tapered headtube, BB90 bottom bracket and the recently redesigned Ride Tuned seatmast, the Madone 5.2 packs in strength and rigidity in the critical areas, while tuning in vertical compliance through the rider contact points. The Trek Madone series has always had a reputation for being silky smooth, but with the latest 5 Series you're also getting all of the efficiency and pedal response you would expect from a Pro level race bike. The big improvement in the 5 Series bikes for 2012 is in the fork, which is upgraded to a full carbon construction over the alloy steerer used on last years bike. This upgrade drops a few grams while also improving vertical compliance through the front column, and the end result is a stiff, responsive, and extremely smooth ride. 

Equipped with the latest Shimano Ultegra groupset that follows the more expensive Dura-Ace very closely in performance, shifting gears will be silky smooth and almost silent. In fact, the only real difference between Dura Ace & Ultegra is the use of some exotic materials to shave off some grams, so if your main concern is performance and you're looking for the most bang for buck in a road group you really can't go past Ultegra. Bontrager takes care of the wheelset with the lightweight Race model keeping things stiff and responsive and the new R3 tyres feature a high quality construction for grip, low rolling resistance and a mid level of puncture protection. The redesigned carbon Ride Tuned seatmast offers more vertical compliance than a standard seatpost arrangement and is also considerably lighter too. Rounding off the comfort theme is an InForm Bontrager Affinity saddle with hollow rails to keep weight low and ergonomics high.
Compared to other bikes at this price the spec on the Madone 5.2 is great value for money. But when you factor in the high tech tubed & lugged carbon frame into the equation, there is nothing else available that rides this well at this pricepoint. Period.

 

Our favourite features of the Madone 5.2
 

	High-mod carbon The high-modulus carbon fiber used Trek’s 5 and 6 Series bikes increases frame stiffness for extraordinary response and acceleration.  Trek also cut out exact shapes with precise fibre directions for every part of the frame giving each frame the exact lay-up necessary for the best possible performance.
	Optimal routing Trek’s integrated cable management is highly engineered for sleek styling and  real-world performance that comes from better compatibility with current drivetrains. Optimal cable routing offers flawless shifting, better braking, and easier assembly and maintenance.
	DuoTrap DuoTrap seamlessly integrates the computer sensor into the frame to measure speed, distance, and cadence with no added aerodynamic drag and no ugly cable ties or tape. It also works with all the major ANT+ wireless technology players, including Bontrager, Garmin, Powertap, and SRM.