The same, but different

After digging through the new Trek product guide the day before Trek World began, I had one paint job I really wanted to see in person. The others were certainly nice, but this scheme stood out.

And when I saw it at the show, my mind was made up — easy. You know those old Ford GTs? This paint job reminded me of that. The blue may be a light blue, but it's a strong blue. The contrasting white, silver and red sections bring it all together.

Plus, after the orange bike (an exercise in excess) and the black bike (stealthy and subtle), this one seems just right. This one is ... well, pretty.

The details: Madone 6 Series SSL frame, SRAM Force componentry, Bontrager RXL carbon blade handlebar, Bontrager XXX-Lite carbon stem, Bontrager Affinity RXL saddle, Bontrager RXL carbon cages, Shimano Dura-Ace 7850 C24 carbon tubeless wheels.

The weight: 15 pounds, 12 ounces with pedals, cages and computer setup. That's a full pound lighter than my black Madone in race trim.

Essentially, it's a nicer version of the black bike. The SSL frame is stiffer and lighter, and the Dura-Ace wheels are hard to beat. (I really missed Dura-Ace wheels.) But the components, handlebar and fit are the same. I liked what I had going on the black bike.

Now everything is just lighter and shinier.