Trek Madone 4.5 WSD (2013)

A complete ride that is a capable racer as well.

Pros

- Frame dynamics
- Tubeless ready wheelset
- Shimano Ultegra

Cons

- More 'fondo' like gearing than racing

Review

The Trek Madone 4.5 is a mid range carbon road race bike with a quality frameset and good component choices. This model is the Women's Specific Design (WSD), and as such features some design modifications that make it a more suitable fit for the girls.

That said, this bike still retains the performance stance we associate with the Madone name tag. This is a model more attuned to getting low and racing than Trek's other offerings, like for example, the Domane. The carbon frame is certainly stiff enough to make a difference when power is applied to the pedals but, despite the semi-integrated seatpost, retains a fine measure of comfort.

Component wise this bike features a healthy mix of Shimano Ultegra and 105, with an easy to get along with compact crankset. Although this is the racier Madone, it is interesting that Trek has used a 28 tooth cassette with these cranks. That is a very low gearing option and not what you would expect on a race bike.

Another feature worth mentioning are the Bontrager wheels which are tubeless tire ready. This is becoming more common on road bikes and is a good addition to this bike.

Trek have sorted a road bike that is competent when raced at club level, but also has gearing options for a big training day in the hills. Or, if you prefer to just take it easy, you can cruise and really enjoy a very fine frame and the overall bike riding experience.