Tires - I have been getting flats more often that I would like. About 1 per every 5 rides and always on the rear. Due to my awesomeness (weighing 280 lbs) it appears that not only do I wear a set of tires more quickly but ... I am prone to sharp objects puncturing through the soft rubber of my race tires and into my tube. After 1,000 miles I did replace the tires with the original tire (Bontrager R2) and after 400 miles and a bunch of flats I finally noticed a few holes in my tire. Obviously at my weight I need a more robust tire.
While visiting my LBS I happened to inquire about tire choices. After some conversation I settled on a hardcase tire. I was told that Bontrager had recently released a new version of it's hard case tire and I might want to consider that offering. The tire is a Bontrager AW1 Hard Case 700x25 tire and Bontrager states the advantages of their technology.
From the Bontrager Site:
- Aramid breaker belt protects against tread punctures
- Anti-cut, bead-to-bead casing resists cuts from glass and sharp objects
- Anti-pinch sidewall support prevents pinch flats, or "snake bites," from obstacles, potholes, etc."
I decided to purchase a single tire for the rear and try it out. After 300 miles not a single flat. Also there is no noticeable speed or traction difference. I have not had a chance to ride nearly as much in the rain on these tire yet. A soon as my front tire wears sufficiently I will replace it with the Bontrager AW1 Hard Case. Same tire as the rear.
FYI the bike originally came with 23mm tires. I switched to 25mm to just try it. At my weight and riding ability the 25mm tires are the right choice. In short my body does not get "beat up" while riding. I was surprised to find how much more comfortable 2mm makes and at no noticeable performance loss!
Saddle - I would experience some pain in my knees and feet from time to time especially after climbing hills. Apparently my seat was about an inch too low. I marked off my seat post with tape first for reference then began the process of moving my seat up and down to find the sweet spot for me. basically I raised it till my hips started to rock then lowered so my hips stayed even while pedaling. This ended up being about 1 inch higher. FYI I never adjusted the saddle height. Silly huh?
I still have not gotten a proper fit on my bike. I will one day.
Wheels - I will say what I can without incriminating anyone. Long story short my rear wheel was creaking so my LBS tightened the spokes. On the next ride I pop my first spoke on this bike and inspect the wheel and find that a nipple has torn the aluminum wheel. Obviously not safe to ride especially since the wheel only has 24 spokes. Sorry no pics. The wheel was replaced and a few hundred mile later no issues.
Bar Tape - is getting nasty looking. The tape itself is holding up good and still has good grip and feel. It just looks like crap. I will change it but must first decide on what color if not white to change it to ... maybe black?
Maintenance - I wash the bike every 2 weeks and keep the drivetrain clean. After the cleaning I tune the bike up as much as I can and inspect the wheels and tires.
Summary - I purchased this bike new in April 2013 and after 1,700 miles I am still very happy with my 2013 Madone 4.5. At my riding level there is no reason to upgrade anything. Besides the wheels and tires I have had no issues. My LBS performs tune-ups for life for free so I usually take it n every few hundred miles or 2-3 weeks. If I had to do it again I would still purchase this bike.
Related Posts:
1,000 Mile Review of 2013 Trek Madone 4.5
Photos of My 2013 Trek Madone 4.5
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