By Alison Addy

Trek Madone 4.5 or Specialized Tarmac Comp Compact?

If you are currently in the market for a new bike you will want to read this article. If you are a beginner but do not want an entry level bike this article will help you. It may sound dumb for a beginning rider to want a more advanced bike but if you keep riding you will eventually have to upgrade from a an entry level bike anyways.

Two very good bikes that are both ridden by top professional race teams in the world are the Trek Madone 4.5 and the Specialized Tarmac Comp Compact. If you are debating between these two bikes or if you are considering either of these bikes then you have taken the first step toward buying a bike that will last you a long time. It may be tough to choose between these two bikes but this article will give you some helpful details.

• Madone
  First let us look at the Madone. This bike has a frame and carbon forks and aluminum constructed bars. It has a cartridge type bearing with an integrated headset. Most all of the rest of the equipment on this bike come from Bontrager too. The shifters, cranks, brakes, front derailleur and cassette all made by Shimano and the crank is available in either a double or triple model and rear derailleur from Ultegra. Thus is a good compilation of equipment to last you into the future at a great price. The best selling point for this bike is its frame.
• Tarmac
  Now let us discuss the Tarmac. This bike’s has a triple constructed frame. It has a compact design and the forks, legs and bars are of a full carbon design. This bike has mostly all the same equipment the Trek has but it has an Ultegra rear. The rest comes from Specialized. The Shimano R600 chain set is not as good as the 105. There is only a double option front derailleur with no other.

The Decision
This is a very difficult decision to make between these two bikes. If you want a triple the Trek is your only choice. If a double is what you are looking for the Specialized may be a better choice with the carbon bars. It does not matter which one of these bikes you decide to purchase, either one will be a great choice for anyone, but the Specialized Tarmac Comp Compact may be your best choice.

2010 Specialized Tarmac SL3

–About–

By Alison Addy – Alison Addy is the author of more resources published online. Gather more information
and resources on specialized tarmac at
http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/faq/Specialized_Tarmac_Elite_Felt_Z35.html.

Source: Cool Biking Zone – Your source for great cycling, sports and fitness articles!