Click for larger photo...I hope to have pictures of the actual bikes this week - these are from projectone.trekbikes.com
So the long awaited arrival of the new batch of custom and semi-custom Madones from Trek are now rolling in. We have several on order at the store (both for stock and for clients); and we've received two at the Beaverton store already which are excellent examples of what is possible through the program. And, in the case of the bikes pictured - the choices shown are at no additional charge!
Not too long ago, the drawback to owning the best selling carbon fiber bicycle in the industry was the fact that it seemed everyone else had one too! While we cyclists are not all self absorbed attention sponges - if you just dropped several thousand dollars on your new dream bike - it would be nice if your bike was somewhat unique at the next club ride. Enter: Trek's ProjectOne.
The early generations of the program provided custom paint colors and schemes and some limited component upgrades or exchanges. However, there was a minimal "buy-in" fee to the program, and you were still confined to the crank length, cassette size, stem length and rise, handlebar width, and seatpost dimensions that came stock with the size of bike you were ordering. If your riding style, fitting requirements, or personal preferences demanded otherwise, it was the job of the store you were working with to work that out with you - usually at another upcharge. Many individuals ended up with extra cranks, stems, and handlebars that they'd never use (or stores ended up with a bin of used parts in odd sizes they would never be able to sell...).
In Trek's continuing quest for moreloyal and satisfied riders and more successful dealers; they tweaked their new ProjectOne program to offer more options, faster turnaround, and lower costs. (For other details on the program, see my post on Road Bikes - Trek World '09.) Now we can determine the correct size frame from three stock geometries; the correct mix of stem, handlebar, seatpost, and cranklength; customize the gearing to your preferences and riding style, and offer component upgrades and exchanges between several different groups from Shimano, Campagnolo, and Sram's newest componetry options and Bontrager's extensive wheel line-up. All while offering multiple paint schemes - so your bike is not just another "Me-Too" high-end custom hot rod. Most of those options are at no additional fee! Just pay the retail difference in the price of the chosen parts versus the original specifications.
This orange ProjectOne Madone 5.2 has gotten a lot of attention at the store. Only the drivetrain was left stock. The custom options shown are a long list: Paint scheme and color; wheel color, tire type and color, stem type and color, seatpost length and offset, saddle type and color, cable housing color, and handlebar tape type and color.
Three or four "basic" color schemes are available on any 5- or 6-series Madone (three unique schemes for WSD models, four for standard models). Then, for an additional cost other hand painted custom paint schemes are offered which often allow custom color choices and name personalization. If you choose to upgrade to Bontrager Aeolus-series wheels on your bike, you'll even have the option to select wheel decals that complement your paint scheme! I must admit that this is very tempting to me - as I love those wheels and I can't resist a fully color coordinated bike!
So, head on over to projectone.trekbikes.com and start building! If nothing else, it's a fun tool to play with - even if you're not looking for a new bike. Better yet, head over there and build something to use as a goal to aim for in this new year! Reach your goal: lose weight, ride a century, complete a half-ironman, get a new job, spend more time with your family, or whatever it may be - and get a new custom Madone!
In the mean time; here's a photo from the ProjectOne website of my current dream bike: Madone Pro, 60cm, Dura Ace 7900, green Aeolus 5.0 PowerTap wheels, Race X Lite handlebar, stem, and saddle. Retail: $10,195.15!
Questions or thoughts? Leave a comment and I'll post a follow-up comment.
Thanks for reading!
Not too long ago, the drawback to owning the best selling carbon fiber bicycle in the industry was the fact that it seemed everyone else had one too! While we cyclists are not all self absorbed attention sponges - if you just dropped several thousand dollars on your new dream bike - it would be nice if your bike was somewhat unique at the next club ride. Enter: Trek's ProjectOne.
The early generations of the program provided custom paint colors and schemes and some limited component upgrades or exchanges. However, there was a minimal "buy-in" fee to the program, and you were still confined to the crank length, cassette size, stem length and rise, handlebar width, and seatpost dimensions that came stock with the size of bike you were ordering. If your riding style, fitting requirements, or personal preferences demanded otherwise, it was the job of the store you were working with to work that out with you - usually at another upcharge. Many individuals ended up with extra cranks, stems, and handlebars that they'd never use (or stores ended up with a bin of used parts in odd sizes they would never be able to sell...).
In Trek's continuing quest for moreloyal and satisfied riders and more successful dealers; they tweaked their new ProjectOne program to offer more options, faster turnaround, and lower costs. (For other details on the program, see my post on Road Bikes - Trek World '09.) Now we can determine the correct size frame from three stock geometries; the correct mix of stem, handlebar, seatpost, and cranklength; customize the gearing to your preferences and riding style, and offer component upgrades and exchanges between several different groups from Shimano, Campagnolo, and Sram's newest componetry options and Bontrager's extensive wheel line-up. All while offering multiple paint schemes - so your bike is not just another "Me-Too" high-end custom hot rod. Most of those options are at no additional fee! Just pay the retail difference in the price of the chosen parts versus the original specifications.
This orange ProjectOne Madone 5.2 has gotten a lot of attention at the store. Only the drivetrain was left stock. The custom options shown are a long list: Paint scheme and color; wheel color, tire type and color, stem type and color, seatpost length and offset, saddle type and color, cable housing color, and handlebar tape type and color.Three or four "basic" color schemes are available on any 5- or 6-series Madone (three unique schemes for WSD models, four for standard models). Then, for an additional cost other hand painted custom paint schemes are offered which often allow custom color choices and name personalization. If you choose to upgrade to Bontrager Aeolus-series wheels on your bike, you'll even have the option to select wheel decals that complement your paint scheme! I must admit that this is very tempting to me - as I love those wheels and I can't resist a fully color coordinated bike!
So, head on over to projectone.trekbikes.com and start building! If nothing else, it's a fun tool to play with - even if you're not looking for a new bike. Better yet, head over there and build something to use as a goal to aim for in this new year! Reach your goal: lose weight, ride a century, complete a half-ironman, get a new job, spend more time with your family, or whatever it may be - and get a new custom Madone!
In the mean time; here's a photo from the ProjectOne website of my current dream bike: Madone Pro, 60cm, Dura Ace 7900, green Aeolus 5.0 PowerTap wheels, Race X Lite handlebar, stem, and saddle. Retail: $10,195.15!
Questions or thoughts? Leave a comment and I'll post a follow-up comment.Thanks for reading!
To not offer a different choice of drivetrain, at savings of more then $100, and a roll of quarters lighter is a sad statement about the lockstep type of buying that is done in most bike shops. With Lance making the leap, you'd think that some people might be interested in other equipment. I'll call the shop, and offer you a chance to leave the constrictions of Shimanoland.
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ReplyDeleteActually, the groups you see on the bikes I have pictured were simply the choosing of managers and purchasing and it's a coincidence that both the ones at my store are Ultegra SL. There are other groups available through ProjectOne (from all three major producers) and those options are reflected in our company-wide inventory of the Madones.
I'm a big believer in options and giving the client what they want when it's available. The Trek program offers custom flexibility which has previously only been seen in smaller, boutique brands. The only area where I feel my hands are tied with the current program is in being able to mix-n-match the drivetrain elements. For example: putting an Ultegra chain, cassette, and f. derailleur on for reduced cost with nearly the same performance or trading out the Sram Red cassette for a "Force" level for someone who might want a slightly quieter bike. (That Red cassette is awesome - but is just a large resonating body - I can't imagine how loud it must be on a solid disc wheel!)
Thanks for the comment!
The trek project one bikes are more or less still stock parts, but I really think it is more the fitting that makes it worth it. Plus project one bikes don't cost more then a normal madone! I just got one this year (more or less a 5.9) and I love it!
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