Trek Madone 5 series $3,800 to $5,200

Theprinciple of aero road bikes are all borrowed from TT and Tri bikes so it’s no surprise that Trek’s pro- level performance road bike uses features of the Speed Concept including Kammtail Virtual Foil ( kvf) tube profiles incorporated into a road bike design. Despite cutting off the tail, air hitting the tube behaves as if the tail was still there, but without it the frame is lighter and handling is improved, plus it keeps the Madone uci compliant. Integrated front and rear brakes (right into the frame and fork) also shave weight and reduce drag. Trek’s proprietary Ride Tuned Seatmast streamlines material needed at the junction, also reducing weight while maintaining just the right ratio of firmness to f lexibility.

The Madone is highly responsive on the flats, but it’s also a superior climber. Given its lightness and agility, triathletes will welcome headwinds and hilly courses on the Madone. Trek’s H2 fit ensures front- end comfort. With a longer head tube there’s no need for spacers and minimal strain on your neck and back.

Options to upgrade are plentiful including moving to an electronic drivetrain if that’s in your budget. The Madone’s clean cable routing is streamlined whether you’re running electronic or mechanical brakes. The seamless integration even extends to the seat tube and bottom bracket battery mount, as well as the option for Bontrager’s DuoTrap Wireless Sensor. With the same aero frame shape from the Madone 4 to 7, a range of build-up options are possible. Any way you take it, the Madone is a fast, race-ready ride. Once you get on it, you won’t want to get off.