Trek's Top of the Line Road Bike: The Trek Madone 6.5 SSL

The 2012 Trek Madone 6.5 SSL Road Bike

It might be easier to call the Trek Madone 6.5 SSL Road Bike the best road bike in existence, rather than try to remember its tongue-twister of a name. The fact is that the Madone SSL comes in five different flavors, depending on your personal taste and just how full your wallet is, and being one of the best road bikes in existence, it is infinitely customizable to your specifications. There are three special editions that all retail for in the neighborhood of $10,000, a standard edition that will set you back "just" $8,299, and a WSD (women's specific design) model of the Trek Madone 6.5 SSL that costs about $8,719. Needless to say, these rides aren't for the feint of heart.

Why does the 2012 Trek Madone 6.5 SSL Road Bike cost so much?

Part of the reason that the Trek Madone 6.5 is premium-price road bike is because of how it's built. Utilizing Trek's HexSL carbon fiber, a military-grade carbon fiber only available in NATO countries, the frame is among the lightest and strongest road bike frames in the industry. Properly outfitted, the Trek Madone can, indeed, run with road bikes that cost twice as much. In case you're unfamiliar with them, yes, there are $20,000 custom road bikes out there. It's important to keep in mind, though, that what you're paying for with the Trek Madone isn't just the frame, but the components. You can, if you wish, think of it as an Elvis on velvet in the Mona Lisa's frame. Sure, you can put the Mona Lisa in the frame, but Elvis is going to save you some significant coin. You can pick up the frame by itself for just $3899. Good deal, huh?

2012 Trek Madone 6.5 SSL Road Bike Components

The Trek Madone 6.5 SSL road bike is expensive, sure, but what you get in return is a nice, compliant ride, extensive fit options, and even a number of optional paint and graphics schemes. Essentially, the Madone can be just about as inexpensive or as engrossing as you want it to be. The basic components on the basic Trek Madone 6.5 SSL include Bontrager and Shimano Dura-Ace components, so you know you're getting quality goods for your coin, regardless of just how much you have to spend to get there.

The Trek Madone 6.5 SSL is a bike of two personalities. If you want, it can be a good solid racer. On the other hand, it can also be a quick luxury weekend ride. Basically, if you're ready to invest in a top-of-the-line ride, and you're at a point in your life where this is an option, the Trek Madone 6.5 SSL is one of the best road bikes out there for your money.

Sources:
Trek: 2012 Trek Madone 6.5 SSL: www.trekbikes.com