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The New Trek Émonda Is Faster Than Ever

Already one of the fiercest climbing bikes available, the new Émonda is even faster thanks to a dose of aero.

The Takeaway: The Émonda SLR is a benchmark pro race bike—and it’s surprisingly rider friendly.

• It has 183 grams less drag than the previous generation, but the frame is only 33 grams heavier
• There are 10 models starting at $2,699
• SL models ($2,699 to $5,999) have the aerodynamic shaping and features but in a frame that’s about 400 grams heavier than the SLR
• SLR models ($6,699 and up) use a new carbon fiber composite that’s 30 percent stronger than Trek’s previous top-of-the-line carbon.

For Émonda SLR bicycles, Trek will provide an individual handlebar and stem until an updated handlebar/stem combo is available.

Additionally, all customers who bring in their handlebars for replacement will also receive a $100 in-store credit that can be used toward any Trek or Bontrager merchandise through December 31, 2022.

Remember professional road racing ? It’s that thing where super skinny people go unbelievably fast up and down hills and fly over flat roads for hours at a time. It’s been a while since the pros have beat up on each other for our entertainment, but there might, hopefully, be some races on the horizon. When the races do resume, Trek’s pro riders will be aboard its new third-generation Émonda climbing bike. The new Émonda isn’t lighter, but it is faster thanks to a dose of aerodynamic tuning.

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Now With Aero

The new Émonda gets a major drag reduction with a tiny weight gain.

Simple Seat Mast

The seat mast has lots of adjustment range, and an easy-to-use saddle clamp.

Light and Slippery

The new Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 wheels are light, sleek, and stable.

Wide and Threaded

The T47 bottom bracket has a wide stance, and user-friendly threads.

A built-in chain watcher prevents unwanted derailments.

Making the new Émonda frame more aerodynamic wasn’t exactly a tough hurdle as the previous Émonda had virtually zero aerodynamic optimization. But adding meaningful aerodynamic benefit while achieving the frame stiffness expected of a pro-caliber race bike, maintaining the well-regarded handling properties of the previous Émonda, and adding rider-friendly features like a threaded bottom bracket—all with adding only 33 grams (SLR frame, claimed)—is quite a feat.

Below you’ll find my review of the Émonda SLR—I’ve been on it since early March—followed by a dive into the technology and features of the new bike, and a brief model breakdown.

Ride Impressions: Émonda SLR 9 eTap

The Émonda SLR is a tool made to fulfill the needs of some of the world’s best road racers. This bike will never be as comfortable or versatile as a gravel bike. Going fast on pavement and climbing performance are its only goals. These are obvious facts, but that’s the lens through which it must be viewed. And through this lens, it is one of the very best.

The new Émonda was born out of a request from Trek’s pro racers and pitched as the company’s “fastest climbing bike ever.” So little surprise they set me up with the lightest model (the SLR 9 with SRAM Red eTap ), which also has a build kit almost identical to the team’s bikes. It’s also, excepting customized Project One builds, the most expensive model at a buck under 12 grand.

That massive pile of clams gets you an aerodynamic frame with disc brakes, power meter, and wireless electronic shifting that weighs less than 15 pounds (54cm). And that’s with a hefty T47 threaded bottom bracket unit, lustrous paint , clincher wheelset, a chain-watcher, standard butyl tubes, 37mm deep rims, 160mm disc rotors front and rear, and SRAM’s largest Red cassette (10-33). That’s “Holy shit!” impressive.

By cutting drag a ton without adding much weight, it’s hard to argue with Trek’s claim that the new Émonda is faster than the outgoing generation. But if you have any doubts, they’ll be erased when you ride it. This is an explosive bike: it feels as light as a feather and as solid as a steel girder at the same time.

Trek’s Émonda has always been a raw and rowdy bike that feels a little wild and a bit dangerous in precisely the ways you want a race bike to feel: That’s not lost with the added aerodynamics. If anything, the new Émonda is even crisper and punchier than before, which is saying something.

A small downside to all this fury is the Émonda’s smoothness. Light and stiff race bikes aren’t a smooth-riding lot to begin with, but even measured against a stiffer riding genre, the new Émonda is on the firmer end of the scale. Still, it escapes harsh or punishing labels—I did a six-hour ride on the Émonda on the stock 25 tires and didn’t feel worn down by its ride. Swapping to 28s helped a lot (no surprise) and were on the Émonda for the bulk of my testing. I’d suggest reserving the lighter and more aerodynamic stock 25s for racing or PR attempts—assuming good roads—and use 28s as daily drivers.

The Émonda’s handling is excellent. Well, let me caveat that: Road racing geometry is pretty uniform, so whether I’m on a current race bike from Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Cervélo, Canyon, Colnago, Wilier, Pinarello, BMC, Giant (etc., etc.), I find the broad strokes of their handling feel and performance quite similar. There wasn’t anything about the Émonda’s handling or cornering performance that set any new benchmarks for me, but there wasn’t anything to dislike either.

It was quick and accurate, diving into corners with a light touch. It offered great feedback, so I always knew where I was relative to its and my limits, and I could count on it to be consistent and predictable. It was maybe a touch less settled in bumpy corners than the Specialized Tarmac, but the Émonda never broke traction or skipped. Overall, for such a light bike, the Émonda is remarkably solid and drama free. I’d have no qualms barreling down a technical alpine descent on the Émonda.

I received this test bike in early March, giving me plenty of time to ride it back to back with its primary competition—a Specialized S-Works Tarmac , what I consider the benchmark for aero-ized lightweight bikes. The Tarmac is smoother over the bumps and has a silkier feel overall, but the new Émonda feels more efficient, like it can go faster more easily.

I’ve also ridden a good slice of the Émonda’s competition, including the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX , Colnago V3Rs, Cannondale SuperSix Evo , Cervélo R5, Wilier Zero SLR , Pinarello Dogma F12 . These are all superb bikes, but I feel the Émonda is the class leader. It feels sharper and more explosive than all of them. It feels faster, and that’s what matters most in a race bike. But I also like that the Émonda is pretty straightforward and rider-friendly.

For example, I swapped the stock one-piece bar/stem for a standard stem and round bar. One, I could run a standard bar and stem on this bike, which you can’t say about every modern race bike. And two, I didn’t have to pull any cables, wires, or hoses to make the swap: Again, something you can’t say about all race bikes. For the record, the shape of the one-piece Aeolus bar/stem is great, and the tops are the most comfortable to grab of all the aero-topped bars I've used. The only reason I swapped is my preferred length and width combination (110x40) wasn't available yet.

The BB is threaded, which makes it easier to service and replace than a press-fit (however, I was getting some noise out of the BB area, which I never resolved). The wheels employ standard offset, and it uses regular thru-axles. It’s compatible with pod-style power meters and mechanical shifting. Its signature seat mast is pretty much the only non-standard thing about this frame, and even then, it’s pretty user-friendly. There’s no cutting necessary, height adjustment is ample, the saddle clamp is easy to use, and it’s travel-case friendly.

I expect so much from a modern high-end pro-level road racing bike that it’s hard to exceed those expectations. It’s rare when a bike does: The Émonda SLR is one of those rare bikes.

Team Request

The new Émonda is partially a result of a request from the Trek-Segafredo race team. “They are one of our primary customers,” said Jordan Roessingh, Trek’s director of road product. “And they started to realize that it’s not just weight, it’s not just stiffness and responsiveness, there’s this other thing—aerodynamics and speed—that’s also really important to be competitive and be faster on the bike. They had been one of the loudest voices saying, ‘We need the lightest-weight, stiffest bike possible.’ And now they started coming back saying ‘We need those things, but we also need the bike to be faster in order for us to be really competitive.’ ”

It is (comparatively) easy to make a light frame, it is easy to make a stiff frame, it is easy to make an aerodynamic frame. Making a frame that’s two of those three things is more challenging: Making a bike more aerodynamic usually makes it heavier, making a bike lighter typically makes it less stiff, etc. Making a frame that is light AND stiff AND aerodynamic enough to satisfy the demands of a top-level professional race team is extremely difficult.

But not impossible. Many brands already make a light, stiff, and aero bike. The Specialized Tarmac is one, as are the Canyon Ultimate, the Cannondale SuperSix Evo, the Cervélo R5, the Wilier Zero SLR, the Pinarello F12, the Scott Addict, and the new Giant TCR . All of them seek to balance the three qualities—light, stiff, and aero—in the pursuit of the ideal race bike, and they all manage the balance differently. The common thread between these bikes: They’re all used by teams that compete against Trek-Segafredo.

Still Light, Now With Aero

The previous generation Émonda SLR Disc , launched in 2017, was an extremely light frame at 665 grams (claimed). But when a frame is already that light, it is much harder to make it even lighter. At least lighter enough to make a meaningful difference.

So, Trek took a different approach to making its climbing bike faster—instead of lighter, it made it more aerodynamic. The new Émonda frame is a touch heavier—yet still extremely light at 698 grams—but the bike has 183 grams less drag than the previous generation.

The important thing to note here is that, though the frame is more aerodynamic, the 183 gram drag reduction is not from the frame only. New wheels and a new aero bar (more info on both below) play a role. The specific setups Trek used to get that 183 gram number are: 2018 Émonda with 28mm-deep Bontrager XXX 2 wheels, and Bontrager XXX Bar/Stem Combo compared to the 2021 Émonda with 37mm deep Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 Wheels and Bontrager Aeolus RSL Bar/Stem Combo.

Another drag saving upgrade: the housing, hoses and wires for the controls are almost fully inside the frame. They dive into the frame at the head tube passing through the upper headset bearing. The front brake hose runs into the fork steerer and down the left leg before popping out just above the brake caliper. The fork steerer’s flattened sides provide room for the rear brake hose and derailleur control lines to travel down and into the frame. Though it has flattened sides, the fork steerer is still compatible with standard 1 1/8” stems.

The overall drag reduction results in a bike that is 18 seconds per hour faster when climbing an 8.1 percent grade (the average grade of Alpe d’Huez ), and 60 seconds per hour faster on flat roads than the previous Émonda. Trek also claims the new Émonda is 13 seconds per hour faster than a Specialized Tarmac when climbing an 8.1 percent grade (all assuming the rider maintains a constant 350 watts).

Eight Point One Percent

With three qualities—aero, stiffness, weight—that work in opposition to each other, how do you decide how much to optimize one quality when you know it will negatively affect the other two? How aero is aero enough? At what point is improved aerodynamics offset by the weight added to get there?

The team behind the Émonda used a legendary climb to help them decide: Alpe d’Huez. “It represents an extreme example of what most people see on a regular basis when they’re doing a big climbing ride,” said Roessingh, “It’s around an 8 percent grade, and it’s about an hour-long climb for the pros—amateurs might go a little slower. It gives us a good understanding of what the benefit of a drag savings is relative to a weight savings.”

By optimizing the weight and aerodynamic balance around this climb, Roessingh claims the Émonda is faster on Alpe d’Huez and also faster on everything shallower than the famous climb, “which is the vast majority of the environments that most riders are going to ride in, including the team,” said Roessingh. “So if we can say it’s faster up Alpe d’Huez, it’s going to be significantly faster everywhere because the flatter it is, the more aerodynamics benefit you.”

Computer-Aided Optimization

Achieving the weight to the aerodynamic balance of the new Émonda required careful design of each tube shape. Aiding the Émonda’s team was supercomputing horsepower. The abridged and simplified version of the process goes like this: into the computer was fed a rough draft of the shape based on Trek’s aerodynamic experience and other information like UCI regulations. The program then varies the tube’s parameters within a predefined range and spit back several iterations of the shape, each with a different weight to aerodynamic balance. The Émonda’s team evaluated the alternatives and picked the one most suited to its location in the frame and best able to help the frame achieve its overarching goal.

Roessingh says that Trek cannot afford to buy the computing hardware necessary to run the CFD and FEA optimizations (in a timely manner) that helped shape the new Émonda’s tubes. The processing happens in the cloud where Trek rents time on Google, Microsoft, or Amazon’s supercomputers. It’s more affordable than buying a supercomputer. Even so, it is not cheap, “Cloud computing is becoming a relatively significant budget line item for us because we’re doing so many of these optimizations in CFD and FEA and all that processing happens in the cloud.”

The new Émonda’s fork legs, head tube, down tube, seat tube, and seat stays all use a variation of a truncated airfoil. The top tube and chainstays, which have virtually no effect on drag, are optimized almost entirely for stiffness to weight.

In Trek’s line, the new Émonda’s aerodynamic performance is equal to the third generation Domane ; the Madone is still significantly more aero. But while the more aerodynamic Madone is faster in flatter terrain, once the climb hits about 5.5 percent, the lighter Émonda becomes the faster bike. And for many of the Trek-Segafredo team riders—and many amateurs—that means the Émonda is fastest when it matters most: the hardest part of a race or ride, which is almost always on a steep climb.

OCLV 800 Carbon

Getting the new Émonda SLR to be as light as it is while adding aerodynamic shaping would not be possible without employing a new carbon-fiber composite, said Roessingh. The new OCLV 800 composite is 30 percent stronger than Trek’s previous top-of-the-line composite (OCLV 700). Because it is stronger, they can use less: By using OCLV 800, Trek’s team was able to make the Émonda SLR frame 60 grams lighter than if they used OCLV 700.

The Émonda SLR is very cool, but it’s also very expensive (bike prices start at $6,699). For the 99 percenters, there’s the Émonda SL (models start at $2,699).

The SL uses OCLV 500 composite, and the frame is quite a bit heavier than the SLR’s. The SL’s frame comes in at 1,142 grams, with a 380-gram fork (SLR fork weight: 365 grams).

But material (and weight) are the only difference between the SL and SLR.

Aeolus Bar Stem

While a ton of work made the Émonda’s frame tubes faster, a big chunk of the new bike’s drag savings comes from the one-piece Aeolus bar stem. It alone is responsible for 70 grams of the Émonda’s 183-gram drag reduction. This means that if a traditional stem and round bar are installed on the new Émonda, its drag advantage over the previous-generation bike drops to 113 grams. And it means that you can make any bike with a round bar and traditional stem significantly more aerodynamic by merely installing the Aeolus. Retail price is $650.

The integrated Aeolus is made of carbon-fiber composite, of course, with a claimed weight of 297 grams (42x120). It’s offered in 14 length and width combinations, from 44x120 to 38x80. Hoses, housing, and wires run externally for easier service and repairs, but in a groove that keeps them out of the wind. A bolt-on plate keeps the control lines tucked and organized where they turn off the bar tops to run in line with the stem.

The Aeolus employs a mount that works with Bontrager’s line of Blendr accessories for mounting computers and lights.

Aeolus 37 Wheels

Another new Bontrager product rolling out with the Émonda is the Aeolus 37 wheelset. It comes in two models: the Aeolus RSL 37 (1,325 grams/pair, $2,400) and the Aeolus Pro 37 (1,505 grams/pair, $1,300).

The RSL 37 is claimed to be lighter than Zipp’s 32mm-deep 202, yet more aerodynamic and more stable than Zipp’s 45mm-deep 303. Both wheels are disc brake only (only Center Lock interface), tubeless compatible, use DT-Swiss internals, have no rider weight limit, and come with a lifetime warranty.

Surprisingly Rider Friendly

Though the new Émonda is clean and integrated looking and uses high-performance standards, it is also remarkably rider-friendly. Cables, hoses, and housing run externally on the one-piece Aeolus bar/stem for easier repair and service (with one exception: wiring for a Shimano Di2 or Campagnolo EPS bar-end junction box runs partially inside the bar). If you prefer a more traditional cockpit, it can be run with a standard bar and stem with 1⅛-inch steerer clamp.

The bottom bracket uses the threaded T47 standard , which is compatible with almost all common crank-axle standards.

Front and rear thru-axles are standard 12x100 and 12x142mm, and the wheels employ a standard dish. The standard flat mounts for the brake calipers are compatible with 140, 160, or 180mm rotors.

Tire clearance is officially 28mm, but that’s with a ton of extra space. I fit 32mm tires in the Émonda with ease.

And though all models do use a seat mast, it’s a no-cut variety with lots of adjustment range.

H1.5 Geometry

Trek did offer its top-of-the-line race bikes in the aggressive H1 geometry for riders seeking an ultra-long and low geometry, or H2 which was an endurance fit. The new Émonda is offered only in H1.5, which splits the difference between H1 and H2. The result is pretty typical dimensions for a modern race bike—a 54cm Émonda H1’s geometry is remarkably similar to a 54cm Specialized Tarmac.

There are eight sizes starting at 47cm and topping out at 62cm.

There are 10 models of the new Émonda. SL models start at $2,699 and are priced up to $5,999. SLR models start at $6,699 and go up to $11,999.

Only SLR models come with the Aeolus integrated bar/stem stock; and only the Émonda SL 7 ($5,499) and up come with the Aeolus 37 wheelset.

The new Émonda is a disc brake-only platform.

Project One

The new Émonda is in Trek’s Project One paint and parts personalization program. If that’s not luxe enough for you, Trek’s Project One Ultimate program allows you to work with a designer to come up with a one-of-a-kind finish, and Trek will source any parts you want for your new bike.

Trek Émonda SLR 9 eTap

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

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Trek Emonda SLR 9 eTap Long-Term Review: Light for Climbing, Slippery for Speed

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Trek has touted the Emonda as its climbing bike since introducing it in 2014. But the 2021 revision threw aerodynamics into the light-is-right alchemy, producing a road race bike that blurs category lines.

Editor’s note:  Trek issued a recall on this bike and is replacing the integrated stem and handlebar free of charge to the customer. Learn more in our full article .

The claimed aerodynamic gains over the prior model are huge. Trek states that the current Emonda is 60 seconds faster per hour at 350 watts of output on the flats. The claimed gain on an 8% grade is 18 seconds.

And the bike is still substantially lighter than Trek’s aero road race bike, the Madone. The current equivalent Madone has a claimed weight of over 1.3 pounds heavier than the Emonda SLR 9 eTap.

I used the Trek Emonda SLR 9 eTap as a long-term review bike, putting it on the roads for 18 months. The bike rolled across super smooth, new tarmac and neglected country blacktop. I tested other parts on the bike and took it on several trips to ride terrain different from my home in the Hill Country of Central Texas. It has been in my testing rotation longer than any bike.

In short: The Trek Emonda SLR 9 eTap is a pure race bike at the highest end. Although it may be called a climbing bike, the new aerodynamics vault it into a well-rounded road racing machine of the highest caliber. And it still satisfies the weight weenies.

How Aero Is the Emonda?

Aerodynamics on a bicycle frame is mainly dependent on tubing shapes. And often, going “full aero” means losing vertical compliance, which hinders comfort. Super aero tubing also often adds weight.

Trek had to walk fine lines to keep the weight and compliance advantages and maintain lateral and torsional stiffness. But engineers wanted substantial free speed offered by improved aerodynamics.

Modern bike designers use CFD (computational fluid dynamics) and CAD (computer-aided design) to help them in their quest for the ultimate alchemy of shapes to produce the intended results. And Trek claims they scrutinized every inch over hundreds of CFD and CAD models.

The result is truncated-airfoil profiles other than the seat tube, which is still round. Trek also went integrated, with a one-piece bar and stem that hides the cables from the wind.

The claimed reduction in drag is 182 g, with the claimed frame weight for an unpainted 56 cm size being 698 g.

Somewhat surprisingly, Trek kept the non-dropped seat stays. This greatly pleased my antiquated tastes in bicycle aesthetics.

Other Significant Frame Changes

Trek didn’t stop at the truncated airfoil. The brand incorporated several other significant changes.

Trek used to offer aggressive (H1) and more upright (H2) geometries but split the difference on the new Emonda SLR with the middle-of-the-road H1.5. This singular geometry follows the lead of the full aero Madone.

Surprisingly, Trek omitted women’s-specific Emonda frames. But it does offer a full spread of sizes, from 47 cm to 62 cm.

T47 Bottom Bracket

Gone is the BB90 press-fit bottom bracket. A T47 threaded bottom bracket takes its place, pleasing home mechanics everywhere. The BB90 was reportedly problematic, although I never experienced issues with any Trek BB90 bottom brackets.

Not only does this follow the current trend to a homologated bottom bracket standard, but T47 also allows oversized crank spindles where BB90 did not.

800 Series OCLV Carbon

Trek’s longstanding OCLV (Optimum Compaction Low Void) carbon on the Emonda SLR frame moved from 700 series to 800 series, purportedly to allow aero profiles without a concomitant increase in weight.

The Waterloo, Wisconsin-based brand claims the new carbon contains fibers that are 30% stronger, with the same amount of stiffness as before, and with no gain in mass. This means less material is required to maintain the same positive characteristics, which translates to aero shapes without adding weight.

Trek also developed over 50 new carbon layups (how the carbon fibers are aligned) to create the new 800 Series OCLV. Real-world testing of the final layup choices was done by the professional Trek-Segagredo team. And the brand builds these frames in Waterloo.

Trek Emonda SLR 9 Ride Experience

Testing high-end road bicycles these days is an act of trying to split hairs that have already been split. All these bikes are sublime. Any differences in performance are minuscule, and much of it is subjective. But here’s my best attempt after 18 months of solid use.

Damn, It’s Light

There is no getting around how light the bike is (our 56 cm tester weighs a verified 14 pounds, 5 ounces with tubed tires). That attribute alone brought me joy when accelerating or climbing. The Emonda SLR 9 eTap floated like a butterfly. No need for more explanation. Remember when race bikes were 21 pounds?

The H1.5 geometry fits me exceptionally well. I have had custom-built titanium road race frames, and if I ever ordered one again, I would replicate the Emonda SLR geometry.

I am 6 feet tall, but my inseam is only 32 inches, making my torso long. My lower back is accustomed to road racing positioning, but my hips and hamstrings are not exceptionally flexible. I found the reach and stack spot on, and the stock-integrated 100mm stem, without spacers, was also perfect.

The 42cm-wide bars of the Bontrager RSL felt correct, but I had to move the SRAM Red brake hoods a touch higher up the bar’s primary curve to feel comfortable. Moving the hoods up the bar created slack in the brake hoses that was hard to manage. The stiff hoses run straight from the underside of the bars through the head tube.

A tiny range of brake hose lengths will provide a clean run. So this is a concern to anyone that wants to change the dimensions of the front cockpit. But lines are not threaded through the bar, simplifying at least that part of the process.

Stiffness vs. Compliance

Climbing out of the saddle and sprinting revealed that the Trek Emonda SLR chassis is plenty stiff laterally and torsionally about the head tube. The bottom bracket felt equally rigid, and I never felt like the frame was squandering energy.

Riding a stiff, efficient bike typically means trading off some vertical compliance and comfort. And I felt the Emonda SLR chassis sat on the efficient side more than the comfortable side. But it wasn’t overly so, as it tends to be with super light bikes. Much of how the bike felt regarding compliance came down to wheels and tires.

The Emonda SLR 9 eTap came with tubeless-ready Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 wheels, which felt like a great all-around road wheel. But the Bontrager R4 320 tires (with tubes) were 25c. I felt wider tires on hookless rims with lower air pressures would drastically improve the comfort. Trek states that the frame can accept 28c tires.

It was ridden with various wheels and tires over 18 months as a long-term review bike. Using hookless wheels, 28c tires, and lower pressures improved comfort drastically.

I felt like just swapping the tires to 28c on the RSL 37 stock wheels would be such a welcome change. But going to a wheel like a Zipp 404 Firecrest or Zipp 353 NSW with the ability to use lower pressures (for me, on those wheels, I ran under 72 psi) was an absolute game changer.

It gave me the best of both worlds. A light, super efficient bike that kept me comfortable over long hauls on rough chip seal blacktop.

As expected, the Trek Emonda SLR 9 eTap was a snappy, quick-turning bike. On twisty tarmac, it felt like it wanted to turn about the head tube axis, with the rest of the bike to follow — more of a “turn and flick” instead of the other way around. It was one of the quicker-steering road bikes I’ve tested over the last few years.

Yes, the bike required attention on the straights and in groups, but I never thought it was twitchy or nervous. It reacted to small inputs without delay, but that’s what I expect in a WorldTour race bike. The bike wasn’t a lazy café cruiser, and it shouldn’t be.

On wider radius turns on smooth pavement at high speeds, the Emonda was pure joy. I felt the chassis was reading my mind, putting the tire contact patches precisely where I desired, and fed me the tactile information I needed to predict how it would respond to any slight irregularities in the road.

How Fast Is the Trek Emonda SLR 9 eTap?

The bike came with a SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset with a power meter. And I’m familiar with the power output versus speed on my regular routes. I’m not a human strain gauge, but subjective feelings mated with the power output did convince me that for a “non-aero” bike on moderately aero wheels, the Emonda SLR 9 eTap was a rocket.

On calm days on smooth, flat pavement, the feeling of speed while churning a tall gear was palpable and brought a big grin to my face. Trek’s data points to an aero gain while climbing, but I felt the bike’s super light weight and stiffness contributed more to my feeling of speed on ascents.

With either the Bontrager RSL 37 wheels or the mentioned Zipp wheels, I didn’t feel any buffeting or other negatives of aero profiles except in extremely windy conditions. Only once did the buffeting cause an unstable feeling to the point where I tensed up.

I had exited the cover of trees on a speedy descent, and the sudden, super-gusty, 90-degree crosswind got me pretty good. I cannot say that about other “full aero” setups, which I’ve found somewhat puckering when large trucks pass me.

So, in the end, I felt like the aero gains of the new tube shapes delivered free speed without much downside.

Final Thoughts

One trend in cycling that I don’t necessarily like is the continued segmentation of products. The number of mountain bikes one could “need” is astounding. And coming from road racing in the ’80s, the “need” for a climbing bike and an “aero” bike seems superfluous. Now throw in gravel rigs, and you could have a garage full of bikes.

I can somewhat understand having multiple mountain bikes, as different terrains’ travel and handling requirements dictate wholly differing chassis. But road bikes? Most of us will never see the level of competition that demands different chassis and a slew of wheels. But plenty of serious recreational cyclists buy high-end road bikes, and it’s the category that splits choices into “aero” and “climbing.”

Although Trek labels the Emonda SLR 9 eTap as a “climbing” bike, with the aero gains, it makes a perfect all-around high-end road bike. It’s under the minimum legal weight for the WorldTour, satisfying the weight-obsessed.

It has enough aero shaping for legitimate free speed gains, yet it doesn’t ride like a brick (especially with wider tires and lower pressures). And it’s super efficient.

The MSRP of the Trek Emonda SLR 9 eTap is an astonishing $13,000 . It sits at the top of the Emonda SLR lineup. But the pricing is in line with other bikes of the same caliber. And for that money, to me, the bike should perform well in all areas. Which it absolutely did.

Trek does offer Emonda SL bikes with the same aero gains at a much lower price, using 500 Series OCLV carbon.

Trek Domane Gets Racier, Looks to Keep Reputation for Comfort

Trek cut up to 1.5 pounds of frame weight off the Domane, its all-around road bike that cyclists have long known for a comfy ride. Read more…

Seiji Ishii is Editor at Large at the AllGear network and the Climbing and Cycling editor at GearJunkie.

He has been writing about cycling, climbing, outdoor endeavors, motorsports, and the gear and training for those pursuits for 20+ years.

Before AllGear, Ishii was a freelance contributor to print and web publications related to his interests and professional experiences. He continues to pursue climbing and cycling objectives seriously.

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2021 Trek Emonda SLR 9 eTap review

Flyweight and aero combined

Russell Burton / Immediate Media

Warren Rossiter

Lightweight, lively handling, superbly equipped

Firm ride suffers when combined with poor road surfaces and 25mm tyres

Trek has launched the third iteration of its Emonda climbing bike – and now the lightweight machine adds aerodynamics to the mix. Early impressions out on the ride suggest the flagship Emonda SLR combines the flighty ride befitting of the featherweight frame, with lively but confident handling and a superb spec. Comfort could be improved with a change of tyres, however.

You can read our launch story on the new Emonda for the full tech details ; here I’ll focus on the performance of Trek’s flagship machine, the Emonda SLR 9 eTap.

More on the new 2021 Trek Emonda

• Trek's new Emonda is a lightweight and aero climbing bike
• 2021 Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro review

Emonda gets an aero update

The Trek Emonda has always been one of the best climbing bikes out there but the new frame is designed from the ground up to be both incredibly lightweight and also more aerodynamic than previous versions of the Emonda.

That means a whole new frame shape for aerodynamics, as well as a new suite of carbon fibres and ‘secret’ processes in the manufacture of the OCLV 800-series carbon used on the SLR frame.

The 2021 Emonda is available in SLR and SL versions at launch (we've reviewed the £3,350 Emonda SL 6 with Shimano Ultegra here ). The more affordable SL frame is made from OCLV 500 carbon fibre and weighs a claimed 1,142g, while the top-end frame comes in at just 698g, according to Trek. That’s for an unpainted, 56cm frame.

The fork is similarly svelte at 365g (unpainted with 220mm of steerer) and, on this SLR 9 eTap model, is combined with a SRAM Red AXS 12-speed groupset , Bontrager’s new Aeolus RSL 37 wheels (claimed weight 1,325g) and a swathe of lightweight Bontrager components. With all that kit, you’d expect a seriously lightweight bike.

That’s exactly what we’ve got here on our 58cm test bike. Finished in luxury Project One livery, our SLR 9 eTap tips the scales at an impressive 6.92kg. That’s within the weight of your sunglasses of the UCI’s 6.8kg lower limit for race bikes.

Earlier iterations of the Emonda SLR have been lighter, though. The previous generation disc frame had a stated frame weight of 665g, but that version had no such considerations towards aerodynamics, as the 2021 model does.

Trek Emonda SLR geometry

The Emonda SLR’s geometry is based around Trek’s H1.5 fit; an evolution of the brand’s old H1 and H2 numbers.

H1 gave you the full pro experience – a slammed and ready-to-race position – while H2 is more representative of a position the rest of us non-pros are likely to adopt.

H1.5, however, offers a great balance between race and recreation, but make no mistake this is still an aggressive machine, with a 73-degree seat angle and a steep 73.8-degree head angle.

The wheelbase is short at 992mm and the reach of 396mm isn’t overly long, however the 581mm stack is low and racy (all figures quoted are for a 58cm bike).

Compared to the other flyweight race machine launched recently, Giant’s TCR , it shares the same stack height for a comparable size and a reach just 6mm shy of the TCR’s 402mm.

Out on the road

On the road, the Emonda is the epitome of flighty and the sharp steering is absolutely in keeping with the bike’s all-round nimble feel, thanks to its short wheelbase and lack of mass.

As you’d expect, it’s a bike that accelerates very rapidly and covers ground with impressive ease.

Trek’s aerodynamic testing, which included research on the influence of aerodynamics when climbing, show significant gains as a result of the frame’s new profile.

That modelling showed the SLR to be 15 seconds faster up Alpe d’Huez than the previous bike (with a 70kg rider at a constant 350w).

Of course, those numbers are hard to quantify when it’s just you riding the bike. However, while the SLR won’t turn you into Alberto Contador overnight, you will feel an advantage on the ups.

Putting aside Trek’s numbers, the feeling through the pedals is a bike that’s rapid; seriously rapid.

Crucially, however, it also feels controlled. Quite often in the past I’ve been impressed by a bike’s lightweight stats and promise uphill, only to be underwhelmed by either an unforgivingly stiff chassis, or worse a bike so light that it has all of the solidity of cold noodles.

The Emonda SLR isn’t the most comfortable bike I’ve ridden in the setup tested here, for reasons I’ll come on to, but it avoids both of these pitfalls. The chassis is responsive without being overly rigid and the lightness translates into a balance between responsive handling and a confidence-inspiring ride.

Top-end spec and a top-end price

SRAM’s superb Red AXS groupset does its part with quick, smooth electronic shifts across the 48/35t double chainset and 10-33t cassette.

That pairing is comparable to a more conventional 52/36t with an 11-28t cassette, though you have an extra gear to choose from at each end with SRAM’s 12-speed setup.

The SLR 9 is Trek’s absolute premium offering and the £9,700 price tag ($11,999 / €10,999) will cause a sharp intake of breath, but there are no compromises here. (You could still bulk up the price with more customisation through Project One.)

The Red AXS groupset is mated to a Red AXS Quarq D-Zero power meter chainset (with a list price of £1,070 on its own). The SLR 9 is also running Bontrager’s latest, lightest (and priciest) wheels, and the clever new RSL bar adds aero integration with proper practicality.

The cable routing runs in a channel on the underside of the bar for the aerodynamic advantages without the pain of internal routing when it comes to packing your bike for travel (not that many of us are doing much of that at the minute).

Old-school 25s

The Emonda has always been Trek’s firmest road bike in terms of comfort, compared to the luxuriant ride of the Domane , with its dual IsoSpeed decouplers, and the Madone, with the genre-blurring combination of fully-fledged aero and impressive comfort that resulted in it being crowned our Superbike of the Year for 2020 .

That continues to be the case here. With no IsoSpeed in place, and Trek relying on the frame’s carbon fibre make-up to cover aerodynamics, low weight and ride quality, the Emonda certainly communicates a lot more of the road surface than its anagram-derived cousins.

In fact, compared to the previous-generation Emonda, which Trek specced with 28mm tyres on SLR models, this new one, with its cotton-rich 25mm tyres, does feel firmer.

Those 25s zip along on smooth surfaces with impressive speed but get onto anything less premium, like the chip-stone/tarmac mix common on my home roads, and the SLR can start to feel somewhat choppy and chattery.

That said, the wonderfully-ergonomic Aeolus RSL handlebar does a good job of easing high-frequency vibrations whether you’re in the drops, on the hoods or using the tactile tops. Quality Bontrager bar tape also deserves praise for keeping your hands free from numbness.

At the back of the bike, Bontrager’s take on the short-saddle design with the Aeolus Pro has also proved pleasingly comfortable for me, and is smartly padded in all the right places.

Still, even with these superb contact points in place, my first instinct would be to sacrifice a few extra grams for plenty of extra comfort by trading in the 25s for 28s, sooner rather than later.

Bontrager’s excellent R4 Classic tyres , for example, would make a perfect substitute and would only add 55g grams at each end of the SLR.

Trek Emonda SLR 9 eTap early verdict

I’ve logged just over 11 hours on the SLR 9 so need a little extra time in the saddle to make a full test judgement, but first impressions are very good.

This SLR is everything a modern, fully-fledged race bike should be: stiff, responsive and extremely light, while still factoring in aerodynamics and offering confident handling. You do give up some of the comfort of the Domane and Madone in pursuit of that low weight but switching to 28mm tyres would help.

When you roll up all of the advantages of modern tech – aerodynamic performance, low weight, finely-tuned handling and the superior control afforded by disc brakes – then the future of race bikes looks very bright (and very light).

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Hands On – Trek’s New Emonda SLR 8 Plus Actual Weights!

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It may be a while until we see the insanely light Émonda SLR 10 in the flesh carbon, but head to your local Trek dealer and there are probably a number of more affordable models already on the floor. Joining in with a few other brands, Trek is continuing to wait until the new bikes are actually available before unveiling them to the public. In our case it also means that an Émonda SLR 8 just showed up for review. Other than the Carbon Vapor Coat paint job and SLR Ride Tuned Seat Mast Cap, the SLR 8 boasts the same frame as the bike at the top. It’s also less than half the price – which is crazy to say about a $7,500 bike.

Trim away the details after the break, including actual weight for the SLR 8 plus a few other models…

Built with fully internal cable routing, each port has a replaceable cable stop that is bolted in place. Émonda frames are Di2 ready, with plugs available for unused cable ports.

In the name of saving grams, the front derailleur braze on mount is molded into the carbon.

Wondering where some of that money is being saved? Instead of the pricey one piece carbon bar/stem combo on the 10, the 8 sticks with an RXL aluminum stem and XXX VR-C carbon handlebar. Wheels are also a huge source of savings with the SLR 8 opting for Bontrager RXL tubeless ready aluminum wheels and R4 Hard-Case Lite tires. Considering the beating we’ve put a pair of RXL TLR wheels through , they seem to be a perfect classics wheelset and are pretty light at 1440g. The wheels ship with tubes, but can easily be converted to tubeless with a Road TLR Conversion kit. Our advice? Wear out the stock tires that come with the Émonda and then upgrade to tubeless. You’ll be glad you did.

Equipped with a full Dura Ace group including the brakes, Trek opts for the mechanical group to save every gram possible. Stock bikes include a semi-compact 52/36 crank and an 11-28 cassette which offers a fairly wide range of gearing. Instead of the Bontrager Speed Stop brakes, the SLR 8 uses Dura Ace Integrated brakes that are still the two post design.

In addition to the weight savings, the new Bontrager Duotrap S is an interesting change. The integrated speed and cadence sensor gets an even cleaner appearance, no longer showing on the outside of the chainstay. Since the system still uses a crank arm mounted magnet, we can only assume that the magnet is strong enough for the sensor to pick up the signal through the wall of the carbon. Not only is the design cleaner, but only making one hole in the chainstay instead of two surely makes the design lighter and stronger with less carbon.

The use of trek’s Ride Tuned Seat Mast Cap makes the frame’s 690g weight even more impressive since half of the seat post is technically included in the weight. As usual, 5 and 20mm offset seat mast caps are offered though 20mm comes standard. On top sits the Bontrager Paradigm RXL Carbon railed saddle. The seat mast is also sporting a very prominent Hand Built in the United States sticker in case you were wondering. Happy 4th of July!

The Émonda fork is a simple, slender design. Just carbon legs, carbon dropouts, and a full carbon E2 asymmetric steerer rolling on a Cane Creek IS-8 headset.

How close are Trek’s claimed weights? Our 54cm test bike came in at 13.67 lbs (6.2 kg), just over the claimed weight of 13.56 lbs for a 56 cm. We’re pretty sure we could remove some excess cable housing and get it pretty close.

Thanks to Jacob at the Trek Store Cincinnati , we got a few other Émondas on the scale as well. There would have been a bigger sample size, but one of the Émondas was sold almost as soon as it was built. Boasting an impressive full Dura Ace build for $4,519, the 56cm Émonda SL 8 weighed in at 15.52 lbs which is under the 15.56 lbs claimed weight. A 58cm Émonda S 6 below measured 19.11 lbs which is a bit more than the 18.47 lb claimed weight, though Trek is using a 56cm for their claimed weights. So again, pretty close. Again a pretty good deal on paper, the S 6 offers a full Shimano Ultegra group for $2,629.

Zach Overholt is the Editor in Chief of Bikerumor . He has been writing about what’s new in the bicycle world for 12+ years. Prior to that, Zach spent many years in the back of a bicycle shop building and repairing nearly every type of bike, while figuring out how to (occasionally) ride them.

Based in Ohio, Zach is now slowly introducing a new generation to cycling and still trying to figure out how to fit the most rides into a busy schedule as a new dad.

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Great to see one of the big brands making honest weight claims on complete bikes. I’d say the gauntlet has been thrown down to the big S, G, C, and others.

“Boasting an impressive full Dura Ace build for $4,519”

Tubeless and DA for 4.5? Kudos to Trek for bringing their new machine into an affordable price range right out of the gate.

Is that a woman’s bike or just a super small size?

nailed it with this bike! but how does it ride??

Is it just me or does a bike weighing 19lbs without pedals or bottle cages not seem that light?

Heyo! Another Trek Store Cincinnati guy here… 🙂 To answer the question about how the cadence magnet is picked up with the new DuoTrap S, you’ll have to look closely at the outside of the chain stay. It doesn’t pick up the magnet through the carbon wall, as you’ve speculated here; rather, there is a very small, very fine strip of wire running flat against the outside of the stay. There’s your cadence sensor! Trek’s new 2015 FX and Dual Sport hybrids, which are all DuoTrap S compatible, have the same thing.

In the name of saving grams, the front derailleur braze on mount is molded into the carbon. ^^^silly sounding^^^

It’s 6.2kg without pedals or bottle cages? For 7.5k???

You can build a 6.5kg bike – with pedals, 25mm tires and 50mm tall aero wheels and 11 speed – for a third of the price. I know because I did. What a ripoff.

anonymous – there are 3 different Emonda frames. The S models uses the heaviest frame made of 300 OCLV carbon at 1220g (vs 690 for SLR w/ 700 OCLV), with a heavier fork as well at 518g (vs 280g for SLR). It also uses a standard seatpost, so there’s added weight there, as well as the rest of the components.

I have a 2012 model Madone before they went to KVF. From the pictures, it looks identical to the Emonda. Anyone else see the similarity?

its weighs less with sram red not dura ace !!

“Equipped with a full Dura Ace group including the brakes, Trek opts for the mechanical group to save every gram possible.” except di2 is (very slightly) lighter 9000 vs 9070.

19lbs? A Cannondale CAAD10 with SRAM Rival is lighter.

I just looked at an Émonda, and I stand corrected about the cadence sensor wire. I can’t see it at all on there, unlike on the new FX and DS. Perhaps it’s embedded into the paint.

So explain what the difference is for the Emonda vs the Madonnes? I don’t know much about either, but are the Madonnes really that much heavier than the weights posted here for the Emonda’s. If so, those Madonnes must be really heavy tipping scales at well over 20pds. I don’t get it.

@Matt – The Madone is Trek’s aero road bike utilizing Kammtail Virtual Foil tube shapes and a bottom chainstay mounted rear brake to increase aerodynamic profile. The Emonda does not feature any aerodynamic specific features or tube shapes, and is instead built to be as light as possible.

“as light as possible”

19lbs without pedals. I know, I know, there’s multiple grades of frame, but clearly the bottom tier frame is meant to be Trek’s entry level carbon frame and has little to do with the light top tier frame.

15 pounds. 19. Ha! My Gunnar gravel grinder/tourer with steel frame Brooks saddle & all tips the scale at 31 with racks & fenders, but without front bag & bottles. Steel is real. fWIW.

@ HERBERT, how about sharing the specifications of the bike you mentioned and built, I’m intrigued. Thanks.

Drat… It seems that I’m 0 for 2 on the cadence thing. It was just confirmed to me that the sensor DOES pick up the magnet through the frame material! What I’d thought was a wire on the FX and DS stays is actually just an alignment mark. Serves me right for airing my assumptions on the internet. 😛 My apologies!

Old technology.

I’ve just placed an order for an SL8 to replace my Roubaix 2011, I like to do sportives. I wonder if this is a good choice or whether I should get a Madone instead? Anyone ridden one yet?

Wai, Any real differences between the frames you mention are miniscule. Personally, the rear brake mounting on current Madones is a negative and I think it will go away soon. The Emonda is virtually the same bike as 2011 and 2012 Madones.

If I were you I’d keep the Roubaix. If you’ve got some $ burning a hole in your pocket, consider something like a power meter. Very cool toys.

@Mark A, Oh so you’ve ridden a Roubaix, current Madone, 2011/2012 Madone, and an Emonda?

@wai, Go ride all of the bikes and talk to your shops about the differences. They will be the most knowledgeable, not the internet.

Does anyone know the weights for the cheaper SL frameset withthe 500 series carbon that they are offering for $1429.

@Fett Frame weight comparison http://www.probikeswap.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/trek-emonda-comparison.png

Trek still behind Scott on this.

Is there enough clearance on the non-drive side crank arm for Stages power meter? From your review of the Domane 6.2, that bike doesn’t seem to have room for it.

If you like riding this Emonda be sure to also ride the 2014 BMC Team Machine SLR01. It rides very nicely and is comfortable and compliant yet quick, and has a lot more Dura Ace and 3T (incl C24’s) for just a *little* more money than the Emonda SLR8. It’s great for long rides. Haven’t ridden the Emonda SLR8 yet but will post when I do…within a couple months my LBS said they will have one and I’ll decide which bike I’ll buy then. BTW if you buy a Trek, Red Shield is a great idea as my current Trek Madone had 3 sets of broken Race wheels and 2 sets of broken RXL wheels, 1 RXL replaced for poorly machined bearing seats, 2 wheel bearings and 1 crankset and chainring and a minor frame crack in 14,000 miles (Ultegra). It also buys you numerous chains (9), derailleurs (2), etc. for a very reasonable price – Won’t say I’m easy on equipment cause I’m not, but I do excellent maintenance every ride. If you ride less than 8000 miles a year, buy Ultegra, if more buy Dura Ace. BMC does not have an equivalent to Red Shield, but *may* not need as much maintenance (all DA). Nuff Said…

Max, Yes, it looks like an evolution of the old Trek Pro frame, with a more stout downtube. I have a 2013 Madone 4.5, which I bought because of the similarity to the old Pro frame (“for the money”) in configuration, performance, and looks. Go look at a 2013 Madone and you will see it looks very similar. Trek probably hogged out the old Pro frame molds or 3-D scanned the frame into CAD/CAM and reworked and adapted it to the Emonda. This is not necessarily bad as the Pro was a great bike primarily limited by the materials and structural analysis of the time, which I’m sure have been radically improved, as there’s probably nothing badly wrong with the old shape from a stiffness/wieght point-of-view. Biggest differences in appearance appear to be thicker downtube and no web above the back brake. Here’s a pic of Lance’s old Pro Frame. Notice any similarity? Also note that the Emonda corrects the disastrous “under the stays” brake design that got the new Madones 3 of 5 stars from BikeRadar reviews due to dirt accumulation and wheel rub due to flex. Note also all that aero on the Madone frame probably only gains the 45 claimed watts at 30 mph in a unidirectional wind in a wind tunnel and without a peloton or other riders. So its still a small advantage, especially on the flats, but much less at lower climbing speeds in the alps with variable winds in a peloton with a crowd all around you??? Pretty hard to measure I’d say.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=G9CrUxll2rlyXM&tbnid=YAchTWj2cVZZ6M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fautobus.cyclingnews.com%2Ftech%2F2009%2Fprobikes%2F%3Fid%3Dlance_armstrong_trek_livestrong09&ei=Bs_ZU6C7BdjdoASXzoHQBA&bvm=bv.72185853,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNFc3e2KwpeCl7T3zDT-UP0oXRU4FQ&ust=1406869636139334

I have a 2013 Madone 6 series (Aero) I am a racer and ride daily and thus far I am still not convinced that it is better than my Madone 7 XXL (2012) that I had before, in fact my 2012 seemed faster. Note – both had same components – new frame was a crash replacement because I was hit by a car. I would love to hear feedback from a Trek rep as to why this might be as well as whether the Madone or Emonda is faster not just saying one is Aero and one is not.

Seems like there is a lot of confusion here. anonymous – yes, 19 lbs isn’t that light for a bike without pedals or cages anymore. But that’s just one of about 16 Emonda models. The lightest is 10.25 lbs. That’s light by anyone’s standards.

Wai – the Emonda is more equivalent to the Tarmac. The Emonda will be a much lighter bike than your Roubaix, but if you want a bike with endurance geometry and a more forgiving ride, take a look at the Domane.

To anyone comparing the Madone frames to the Emonda frame – The Emonda was designed from a clean slate. Appearances can be deceiving and many bikes look similar. The Emonda is lighter, stiffer, and quicker than the old Madones. The tube diameters, shapes, and wall thickness are all unique. This is a completely new frame. Choose your weapon: Emonda (priority on light weight), Madone (Priority on aerodynamics), Domane (Priority on endurance riding).

“Wai – the Emonda is more equivalent to the Tarmac. The Emonda will be a much lighter bike than your Roubaix, but if you want a bike with endurance geometry and a more forgiving ride, take a look at the Domane.”

Actually a number of early reviews from people who test rode the bike (including myself) say the Emonda is as good if not better at a forgiving and vibration removing ride than the Damone. The 500 series Emonda is – in my opinion taking them for test rides, a more comfortable and forgiving bike than the equivalent Damone which I also rode.

Regarding the comments in this article on tubeless tires, I found less hassle and cost by using Vittoria Open Corsa tires and latex tubes which can be patched, and the ride IMHO is waaaay better. Look at the rolling resistance numbers, you’ll find tubeless far exceed the Vitts with latex. I’d rather keep the latex off my hands and in the tire, thank you… Ever cut a tubeless tire? Even if you carry a tube you have to deal with the mess. Why bother? Just be careful putting the latex tube in the tire not to pinch it. Punctures? Several times the tubeless didn’t seal and leaked, including sometimes when a new tire was mounted. Save your money for other stuff that’s more important.

Just rode the Emonda SLR frame today. Ride is indeed stiff like a Tarmac, not real compliant but not quite as stiff as the Tarmac. Definitely a great bike for climbs and crits. Handling is pretty twitchy, and takes getting used to and vibration is significant but not intolerable for short distances (50 mi or so). Handles a bit like a Dogma 65.1 but with more chatter. Gotta stay on top of it all the time. Climbing is fast but it does not spring forward. However when you put the power down it does respond much faster than a Madone. I like the BMC TeamMachine frame better for long rides because it’s much more compliant and rides itself but this one may be just a smidgen faster climbing. Bottom line: a great bike you should consider and ride. My favorites so far are the BMC Team Machine, Emonda SLR, Domane 6 in that order. Dogma Was too aggressive for my riding style, and BMC GF01 didn’t compare in any way to the SLR. Domane freaked me out in the mountains when my butt couldn’t feel what my hands did. Couldn’t get used to it but some may like it. Hate the Madone brakes on so many levels, esp the Bontrager ones.

Can anybody tell me what weight is the trek emonda s6 50cm.

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Trek Emonda SLR Disc first ride review

New emonda is fast, brilliantly agile and a joy to ride.

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

This article originally appeared on BikeRadar

Contador to debut custom Trek Emonda at Ruta del Sol

Gallery: Alberto Contador's Trek Emonda SLR Team Issue

New Trek Emonda breaks the 650g barrier

The new Emonda 's continuation of weight obsession doesn't end with the featherweight 644g-rim brake model. The disc version also leaves very little impression on the scales at 665g (that's a full 25g lighter than the old rim brake model). Add in a thru' axle equipped flat mount disc fork at 350g and that's a complete chassis at 1015g. Most of its disc-equipped competition is closer to that for the frame alone.

Trek Emonda SLR Disc specifications (NOT standard build):

• Weight: TBC
• Frame: 700 OCLV series carbon 12mm thru' axle, flat mount disc (665g 56cm H1 fit)
• Fork: 700 OCLV carbon 12mm thru' axle, flat mount disc (350g)
• Gears: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9170 disc
• Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace R9170 disc
• Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3 TLR disc wheels
• Tyres: Bontrager R4 28c
• Stem: Bontrager Blendr
• Bars: Bontrager XXX carbon
• Saddle: Bontrager Montrose
• Seatmast: Trek carbon

The SLR disc I got to ride over a few days in Wisconsin isn't part of the SLR range; it's a product of Trek's custom Project One department.

Unlike Trek's other top-level carbon bikes (the Madone and Domane) this one isn't constructed in Waterloo Wisconsin. It's the first top-OCLV grade carbon frame it has produced overseas, but the frames arrive in Wisconsin and are prepped and painted in the Trek custom paint shop, and prepared in the adjoining Race shop.

My 58cm test bike came equipped with a carbon railed Montrose saddle, XXX carbon bars, Blendr stem, and the new Aeolus Pro 3 TLR carbon clincher wheels. The drivetrain duties are handled by Shimano's latest Di2 incarnation 9170 with its debuting Dura-Ace disc calipers and radical new cooling rotors.

The frameset will look familiar to fans of the old Emonda. Aside of course from the addition of discs, it's certainly a case of evolution rather than revolution here.

For weight saving measures the front brake hose is routed through slots and zip ties rather than internally as most disc road bikes do. We can see how the weight can be trimmed this way, but I can also see some of the roadie community seeing it as just a bit unfinished or - dare we say it - a bit mountain bike.

The front disc brake hose is fixed to the fork leg via slots and zip ties, rather than a heavier internally routed system

As part of the Project One experience you get to be fitted for the bike, with Trek's unique saddle pressure mapping playing an important part of the process.

Through the fitting we did make some tweaks to my standard setup, with the saddle coming forward a little on the rails (5mm), and dropping down by 8mm. Up front a few spacers were removed to bring the stack height down and my stem length upped from a 110 to a 120mm.

The effect this had on my saddle pressure readings was marked, completely removing any hot spots. It's a fascinating process, and I'll certainly be implementing the same changes on my own bikes. That the fitting service comes as part of the Project One buying experience is impressive and something I'd certainly recommend (if you can afford the cost of entry).

The new Emonda SLR is available in both H1 and H2 fit

Riding the Trek Emonda SLR Disc

Out on the road the Emonda feels light, with an acceleration pick-up that's oh-so-impressive, and a smooth, firm ride that's helped by big volume 28mm tyres. The fact that Trek has managed to keep the exact same geometry as the rim brake model (itself the same as the previous generation Emonda) means the bike feels familiar and familiarly confident.

With a frame at 665g and a fork at 350g the Emonda SLR9 Disc is a seriously light bike

I always liked the previous Emonda, though I did find that the front end could feel a little firm and unforgiving especially over poorer road surfaces pushing plenty of buzz into your hands which led to a bit of finger tingling numbness.

This new disc model, however, is a big improvement. Yes, the front end still feels firm, and resolutely flex-free when honking on the hoods on the climbs or sprinting and descending whilst down in the drops.

The big difference is the lack of buzz, - a big part of that is going to be down to the increased volume in the tyres, but Trek's claim that the new fork's construction allows for more fore-and-aft flex certainlyseems to be bearing fruit.

Out back the Montrose saddle is a nice place to spend your time, well shaped, with minimal yet ample padding. it looks very understated, but that hides a well-thought-out perch.

With temperatures hitting the mid 30s we were glad to have 11-28 cassettes when it came to the climbs

Like the front, the back also feels firm. It's certainly stiff as no amount of mishandling could get the rear disc rotor to do anything but go about its job without any rubs, ticks or errant noise.

The Emonda does, however, get choppy through the seat when rolling quickly over rutted road surfaces, but if you were looking for a bike that cosseted your hindquarters from the Trek stable then you're more of a Domane customer than an Emonda one.

The latest Dura-AceDi2 impresses. Its shifting can now be automated to shift the front mech, or set to semi-auto (shifting two at the back when you shift the front to keep the jumps small), and the new brakes feel like a big step forward, too.

We only had one issue with the front brake ticking after a heavy braking stop on a damp road, but that disappeared after a couple of miles, and didn't return through the rest of the days ride (or the whole of the following days riding).

The Dura-Ace disc rotors had some initial ticking noises after an unseasonal downpour, but soon settled down to quiet noise free operation

Trek Emonda SLR Disc early verdict

As always it's hard to judge a bike like the Emonda on unfamiliar territory (though the roads we rode weren't what you'd call glass smooth). It feels very much like Cervelo's new R5 I tried recently in the way it handles and the ride dynamics. Its fast, brilliantly agile, has a balanced lightness that makes it a joy to descend on, and it'll be your new best friend on the climbs. too. 

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Trek Émonda SLR 9 Review

Are you in the market for a new road bike? If so, you may want to consider the Trek Émonda SLR 9.

This high-performance bike has been turning heads in the cycling world, but is it worth the hype?

When it comes to road bikes, there are countless options to choose from.

It can be overwhelming trying to find the perfect bike that meets all of your needs.

The Trek Émonda SLR 9 is a top-of-the-line road bike that promises to deliver speed, comfort, and performance.

With its lightweight frame and cutting-edge technology, it’s no wonder cyclists are raving about this bike.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the features and performance of the Trek Émonda SLR 9 to help you determine if it’s the right bike for you.

– Lightweight carbon frame: The Émonda SLR 9 features a Ultralight 800 Series OCLV Carbon frame that is not only incredibly light but also stiff and responsive, allowing for quick acceleration and precise handling.

– Top-of-the-line components: Equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic shifting and Bontrager Aeolus RSSL 37 carbon wheels, this bike offers smooth and precise gear changes and excellent power transfer for maximum speed.

– Aerodynamic design: The Émonda SLR 9 features a sleek and aerodynamic design that reduces drag and allows you to cut through the wind with ease, giving you a competitive edge on the road.

– Comfortable ride: Despite its focus on speed, the Émonda SLR 9 doesn’t compromise on comfort. It features a H1.5 geometry that provides a more aggressive riding position while still maintaining a comfortable posture for long rides.

– Precision handling: With its responsive and precise handling, the Émonda SLR 9 allows you to navigate tight corners and descents with confidence, giving you full control over the bike.

– Versatile performance: Whether you’re racing, climbing mountains, or going for long endurance rides, the Émonda SLR 9 is designed to excel in all types of road cycling disciplines, making it a versatile choice for riders of all levels.

– Sleek and stylish design: With its clean lines, modern color schemes, and attention to detail, the Émonda SLR 9 is not only a high-performance machine but also a bike that looks great on the road.

One of the standout features of the Émonda SLR 9 is its frame.

Made from Trek’s Ultralight 800 Series OCLV Carbon, the frame is incredibly light yet still maintains excellent stiffness and strength.

This allows for efficient power transfer and ensures that every pedal stroke propels you forward with minimal energy loss.

The frame also features Trek’s H1.5 geometry, which strikes a balance between aggressive racing positioning and all-day comfort.

The components on the Émonda SLR 9 are nothing short of impressive.

It comes equipped with a full Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic groupset, providing precise and lightning-fast shifting.

The Dura-Ace brakes offer exceptional stopping power, allowing you to confidently navigate descents and corners.

The bike also comes with Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 carbon wheels, which are lightweight and aerodynamic, further enhancing the bike’s speed capabilities.

Performance

In terms of ride quality, the Émonda SLR 9 delivers a smooth and responsive experience.

The combination of the lightweight frame, high-quality components, and aerodynamic design make it feel incredibly agile and nimble on the road.

Whether you’re sprinting on flats or climbing steep hills, this bike accelerates effortlessly and handles with precision.

Comfort is also a priority on the Émonda SLR 9.

The carbon frame helps to absorb road vibrations from the Ride Tuned performance tube optimization, reducing fatigue on longer rides.

The H1.5 geometry ensures a more upright riding position, which can be more comfortable for those who prefer a less aggressive stance.

Additionally, the Bontrager saddle provides adequate support and cushioning, allowing for hours of comfortable riding.

Overall, the Trek Émonda SLR 9 is a top-of-the-line road bike that delivers exceptional performance and ride quality.

Whether you’re a competitive racer or a recreational cyclist looking to push your limits, this bike is sure to impress.

With its lightweight frame, high-quality components, and comfortable design, the Émonda SLR 9 is a worthy investment for any cyclist seeking the ultimate ride experience.

Order yours online today and pick it up at your local Trek store, or have it shipped to your home!

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Trek Émonda Bikes Compared: Which One to Choose?

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In this article, I’ll help you navigate the Trek Émonda aero road bikes by comparing the Émonda SL 6 to SLR 9 .

You will also learn:

• Who are they best suited for?
• Why I think you shouldn’t buy Trek Émonda with SRAM groupset.
• And which model gives you the best value for your money?

KEY TAKEAWAY

Trek Émonda bikes are ideal for climbing and hilly terrain. They are the lightest bike family of all Trek road bikes . The models differ in components (e.g., electronic shifting) and frames. The more expensive ones are usually lighter and have a higher-grade carbon frame, but usually diminishing returns.

Let’s dive deeper to help make your decision easier.

This article compares Trek Émonda Gen 6 and 7. The main difference between Émonda Gen 6 and Gen 7 is that Gen 6 has IsoSpeed decoupler, while Gen 7 has IsoFlow.

Trek Émonda ALR 5 to SLR 9

The following table summarizes the main differences between all Émonda road bikes.

Émonda Pros & Cons Summary

I summarized the pros & cons of the Émonda series below.

Émonda Pros

• Lighter than Madone road bikes
• Aluminum and carbon models are available
• Relaxed geometry
• Availability in multiple sizes and colors
• Integrated cable routing
• Lifetime warranty

Émonda Cons

• Slower than Madone road bikes
• Narrow tire clearance (28mm)

Émonda Main Features

Let me now explain the most important features of the Trek Émonda aero bikes.

Frame and Geometry

The Émonda bikes are part of Trek’s road bike lineup . They’re made of aluminum or carbon .

The names of the bikes have abbreviations that refer to the type of material used for the frame:

• ALR  are  aluminum  frame bikes.
• SL are bikes with 500 series OCLV*  carbon (mid-range).
• SLR are bikes with 800 series OCLV carbon (high-end).

*OCLV carbon is Trek’s patented carbon fiber process ( learn more ).

ALR Émondas are great entry-level road bikes , thanks to their affordability. However, they are still a bit more expensive than less-known competitors.

SLs are the best mid-range option. They are slightly heavier than SLRs but about 25% cheaper.

And SLRs are ideal for people who have more money to spend and don’t want to compromise.

Most Émondas are available in 47-62 sizes and multiple colors giving you a wide range of options.

Their geometry is more relaxed than on other racing bikes, so you won’t experience as much strain on your lower back and neck. The following picture shows the comparison with Specialized Tarmac SL 7.

Weight & Aerodynamics

Trek Émonda frame weighs 760g in size 56. The highest-end Émonda even weighs below the UCI 6.8 kg limit. However, low weight is not everything. Stiffness and aerodynamics are also important.

Trek claims Émonda frames are also relatively stiff and aero (of course, less aero than Madone). They are 18 seconds per hour faster at 8% gradients. ( Source ) However, more information on the methodology is not available.

Émondas are so lightweight also due to the absence of an IsoSpeed decoupler that adds weight.

Wheels and Tires

On some Émonda models, the wheels may be different, but typically, they come with Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 wheels.

Of course, the low-end models have cheaper aluminum wheels . Fortunately, all Émondas come with tubeless-ready wheels. But remember, the tires are clinchers. So, if you want tubeless tires, you have to buy them separately.

One of the things that surprised me is that the lower-end Émondas have 28mm tires, while the higher-end only have 25mm. Most road bikes these days (except for some aero bikes) have 28mm or 30mm tires.

Unfortunately, Émondas only have tire clearance for 28mm tires.

Unsurprisingly, the Émonda bikes have a 2X drivetrain, as is customary for road bikes.

Trek fits them with Shimano and SRAM groupsets, and the number in the bike name indicates the groupset.

• Models ending with 5 use Shimano  105  (R7000) groupset.
• Models ending with 6 use Shimano Ultegra , 105 Di2 (R7100) or SRAM Rival AXS groupsets.
• Models ending with 7 use Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) or SRAM Force AXS groupsets.
• Models ending with 9 use Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) or SRAM Red AXS groupsets.

Interestingly, the Émondas with SRAM are heavier than the Émondas of the same series with the Shimano groupset. In addition, those with Shimano are also cheaper.

This is somewhat strange because Shimano retail prices are higher than SRAM. That’s why I recommend choosing Trek bikes with Shimano groupsets unless you prefer SRAM.

TIP : You might also be interested in this comparison of Shimano vs. SRAM .

So, which Trek Émonda bike is the best?

If you’re considering buying an Émonda, I suggest a model with a Shimano groupset. They are lighter and less expensive than the equivalent SRAM models.

For better value, consider the Émonda SL. It’s around 30% cheaper than the SLR but offers almost the same performance. From all models, I believe the Émonda SL 6 Pro with the Shimano 105 Di2 is the best deal.

However, if you don’t want to compromise, go for the SLR, which is more expensive but lighter.

Trek Émonda FAQ

Trek Émonda bikes are for pro cyclists, competitive roadies, and enthusiast cyclists who want a lightweight road bike. They are ideal for hilly, mountainous terrain and short, medium, and long-distance rides.

The main difference between Émonda and Madone is that Émonda is a lightweight road bike, while Émonda is an aero road bike. For more detailed info, please check out my comparison of Émonda vs. Madone .

The main difference between Émonda and Domane is that Émonda is a lightweight aero road bike. Domane is an endurance road bike with wider tire clearance, also suitable for off-road adventures. Domane is somewhere between Émonda and Madone. Learn more in my Émonda vs. Domane comparison.

About The Author

Petr Minarik

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• Émonda SLR 6 AXS

"One of the fiercest climbing bikes available, the new Émonda is even faster thanks to a dose of aero"

"I expect so much from a modern high-end pro-level road racing bike that it’s hard to exceed those expectations. It’s rare when a bike does: The Émonda SLR is one of those rare bikes."

"It's an incredible update from Trek"

"The updated Emonda packs one helluva punch, and Trek has a winner on its hands. The integrated cockpit is nice and all, but the real win is the H1.5 fit, which makes the Emonda feel more stable while maintaining the aggression and responsiveness of previous Emondas. That, coupled with a lightweight construction, comfortable ride, and aerodynamic shaping, brings Trek's top of the line climber from a very good bike to an excellent one."

"The Emonda is still light, and it’s still stiff, but now there’s an extra dose of free speed"

"Overall, Trek has done a solid job here of updating the Emonda, infusing meaningful improvements in several key areas, but without breaking the basic formula that has made the bike so popular."

Service manual

Time to bust out the repair stand for some maintenance? Find a detailed breakdown of your bike with part numbers, torque values, and platform-specific tech instructions below.

Lizzie Deignan takes monumental win at Liège-Bastogne-Liège

A decisive solo victory for the Briton as teammate Ellen van Dijk takes third.

How to be seen

Using lights and wearing hi-vis apparel on every ride can help you stand out to drivers.

Responsibility

There's a lot more to Trek than making the world's best bikes and cycling gear. Learn more about everything Trek is doing to make the cycling space safer, more inclusive, plus a whole lot more fun.

How do Bontrager WaveCel helmets work?

Learn more about a major advancement in the protection against cycling-related head injuries.

Product features

All-new aero design.

Faster on climbs, faster on the flats. The aero tube shapes on the all-new Émonda give you an advantage wherever you’re riding. Plus, Émonda SLR is equipped with a sleek new Aeolus RSL bar/stem for front-end aero performance.

Lightest carbon ever

It takes more material to make aero shapes, but we refused to compromise on weight—so we developed the all-new 800 Series OCLV Carbon for Émonda SLR.

Awesome bikes for everyone

Every rider—regardless of gender, body type, riding style, or ability—deserves a great bike. The all-new Émonda is equipped with size-specific components that deliver a great fit to competitive riders of all genders.

Integrated power meter

This bike helps you get the most out of every ride with a SRAM power meter that measures your input and provides accurate data, allowing you to track your progress and tailor your training to crush your goals.

Don’t forget your pedals

This bike doesn’t come with pedals because you’ll have a better time on your new bike if you choose your own. See the pedal guide to find the best pedals for your riding style. We recommend clipless road pedals for control and efficiency.

Project One

Don't settle for anyone else's bike. Create your very own with Project One, Trek's custom bike program.

H1.5 geometry, developed with Trek-Segafredo pro cycling teams, puts the rider in the optimal aero race position. It’s the sweet spot for what our racers want.

Ride Tuned seatmast

Our no-cut Ride Tuned seatmast is designed for the rigors of pro racing. It's the lightest, most comfortable solution for day-in, day-out performance and comfort, however rough the roads or hard the riding.

Flat Mount disc brakes

All-new Flat Mount disc brakes are more elegant, lighter, smaller, and cleaner than traditional disc brakes, providing superior performance and stopping power under harsh conditions.

12mm thru axle

Our robust and confidence-inspiring rear thru axle is about 35% stiffer than an open dropout design. And now, a thru axle wheel change is actually quick and easy, thanks to a tabbed guide in the frame's dropout.

DuoTrap S compatible

DuoTrap S (sold separately) integrates a Bluetooth®/ANT+ sensor into the frame. Log routes and track fitness progress on your computer or smart phone with no external sensor. Works with all major ANT+ wireless players, including Bontrager, Garmin, PowerTap, and SRM.

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Trek Émonda comparison review: SL6 versus SLR6

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In developing the Émonda, Trek devoted considerable resources to designing a lightweight race bike and trumped the industry with a 690g frame. CTech editor Matt Wikstrom takes a close look at the new bike and assesses the influence of different grades of carbon fibre by comparing the mid-level Émonda SL6 with the upper-level SLR6.

Trek is well known for its Madone and Domane road bikes but neither was ever designed as a lightweight race bike. So in 2012, the company set out to see what it could achieve and came up with the Émonda. The development process required over 30 months but the result is currently the world’s lightest production road bike. At 4.65kg for a size 56cm bike, the Émonda SLR10 trumps the previous title-holder by almost 1kg, but at a significant cost: $17,999.

There are, of course, more affordable versions of the bike yet Trek believes that the Émonda range is the world’s lightest production road line . There are over a dozen models in the Émonda range including women’s-specific versions and custom builds via Trek’s Project One portal . Variations in parts specifications account for some of the differences between each model, but there are also three different versions of the frameset (designated S, SL, and SLR) that differ in carbon fibre grade, country of manufacture, and ultimately, final weight.

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Trek uses five different grades of carbon fibre for frame construction that vary in weight, strength, stiffness and cost. At one end of the spectrum there is 300 series carbon, a cost-effective blend, and at the other there is 700 series carbon, a high-cost, low-weight, military-grade blend.

As the base model in the range, the Émonda S is made in Taiwan from 300 series carbon with a simplified design (e.g. a standard seatpost is used rather than semi-integrated design) to reduce production costs.

In contrast, the Émonda SL and SLR share many of the same design features (such as a semi-integrated seatpost) however the SL is manufactured in Taiwan from 500 series carbon while the SLR is manufactured from 700 series carbon in the U.S.A. The use of the highest-grade carbon affords the SLR a weight saving of over 300g when compared to the SL but almost triples the price of the frameset.

While weight was an important design imperative for the Émonda, Trek spent a considerable period road testing the new bike to refine its handling characteristics while paying attention to its stiffness. Riders from Trek’s professional team were instrumental in determining the value of each refinement but engineers were also guided by data collected from strain gauges and accelerometers fitted to prototypes.

CT’s roving reporter Dave Everett attended the launch of the Émonda last year and was able to take one ride on the SLR8 . While his report served as a good introduction to the Émonda, the new bike deserved a longer look. In this review, I spend a lot more time on the Émonda, and thanks to Trek Australia , compare two models — SL6 and SLR6 — to learn more about how different grades of carbon fibre affect the performance of the bike.

Before the ride

In developing the Émonda, Trek’s engineers pared away at the frame and forks until they arrived at the minimum structure that satisfied all of their performance and safety criteria. The result is a frameset that is noticeably skinnier than the Madone and Domane .

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Like the Madone and Domane, the Émonda SL and SLR framesets utilise a BB90 bottom bracket and E2 headtube. At 90mm wide, the BB90 bottom bracket provides a broad footing for the downtube and chainstays to help the stiffness of the frame. The E2 headtube also helps the stiffness of the frame with an oversized lower headset bearing and tapered fork steerer.

Trek further refines the design of the SLR with an asymmetric steerer that is wider from side-to-side and skinnier from front-to-back. The difference provides extra stiffness for cornering while affording some compliance to soak up road shock.

The Émonda SL and SLR also inherit the semi-integrated seatpost design that was introduced with the Madone. A seatpost cap fits over an extended seat tube and offers a range of 10cm for saddle height adjustment. Trek offers a choice of two lengths for the seatpost cap (135mm and 175mm) along with two offsets (5mm and 20mm) to help with refining the fit of the bike.

| Related : First-look review: 2016 Trek Madone

Both framesets provide internal routing for the gear and rear brake cables, with interchangeable cable stops and ports to suit mechanical and electronic transmissions. There is also an adjustable chain keeper that is integrated into the seat tube while the left chainstay is ready to accept Trek’s DuoTrap S speed/cadence sensor .

Aside from the difference in carbon fibre blend and country of origin, the SLR frameset is further distinguished from the SL in a number of small ways. I’ve already mentioned the asymmetrical fork steerer above. Another difference lies with the brake caliper mounts: the SLR frameset uses direct mount calipers front and rear, while the SL uses conventional calipers.

The front derailleur mount also differs: the SL frameset has an alloy fitting that is riveted to the seat tube while the SLR has a carbon mount that is molded into the frame. Finally, the SLR frameset is offered with a choice of Trek’s H1 or F2 fit, while the SL is only available with a H2 fit. The difference between the two is in the length of the head tube, which is 30-35mm taller for the H2 fit at every frame size (see chart below).

There is a choice of up to nine frame sizes for the Émonda, as shown in the table below:

The range of frame sizes varies, depending on the model and fit of the frame. The SL6 is offered in sizes 47-62cm with a H2 fit only while the SLR6 is available in sizes 50-62cm with a H1 fit and 47-64cm with a H2 fit. Trek’s H1 fit can be considered very aggressive and race-oriented, affording plenty of handlebar drop. In contrast, the H2 fit is more moderate but riders looking for a more upright position will be better served by the geometry of Trek’s Domane. Visit Trek for detailed geometry charts for the SL6 and SLR6 .

The styling of the Émonda is very clean and simple with inviting lines that flow from one point to the next. The seat tube junction in particular is elegant and I like the way the seat stays seem to sprout with energy for the dropouts.

Trek keeps the paintwork simple with a minimum of decoration though the gloss paint adds some luxury to the final result. The Émonda SL6 is currently available in a choice of two colours (Matte Trek Black with Gloss Trek Black logos, or, Viper Red with Trek Black logos) compared to one for the SLR6 (Crystal White with Argent Silver logos and Trek Cyan details). However, there are many more paint finishes available for the SLR via Project One .

The SL6 and SLR6 are both dressed with Shimano’s mechanical 11-speed Ultegra groupset and a suite of Bontrager components but there are some distinct differences between the two bikes. For example, the SL6 uses Bontrager’s entry-level Race wheelset while the SLR6 gets an upgrade with a Race Lite wheelset that is lighter.

Similarly, the SL6 is supplied with a Bontrager Paradigm Race saddle with chromoly rails while the SLR6 gets a Paradigm RL saddle that has hollow titanium rails. There is also a difference in brake calipers, where the SL6 has standard Ultegra calipers while the SLR6 uses Bontrager Speed Stop calipers.

All of these differences, from the grade of carbon fibre to individual parts, provide significant weight savings for the SLR6 when compared to the SL6. The SL6 sent for review (size 54cm, H2 fit) weighed 7.42kg sans pedals and cages while the SLR6 (size 54cm, H1 fit) weighed 6.68kg. The savings (740g) can be attributed largely to the SLR frameset (~300g) and the Race Lite wheelset (300g), with smaller weight savings provided by the shorter head tube and a lighter saddle.

Unsurprisingly, the weight savings come at a significant cost: the Émonda SL6 has a recommended retail price of $3,699 while the SLR6 retails for $8,499. In both instances, the frames come with a lifetime warranty while the forks and all Bontrager parts are covered by a two-year warranty. For more information on the Émonda range, visit Trek .

After the ride

After spending the day riding an Émonda SLR8 last year , Dave Everett found that “the first noticeable thing for me was not so much the weight but how planted the bike felt on the road.” Later though, once he found himself in hillier terrain, Dave was “definitely using the big chainring a lot more” than he normally would thanks to the low weight (6.15kg) of the bike.

Like Dave, I wasn’t wowed by the weight of the SL6 or SLR6. Instead, the Émonda was surprisingly ordinary, even mundane, compared to its marketing hype. Of course, there was more to discover, but after my early rides on the SL6 and SLR6, all I could say was that both bikes offered a very smooth and refined kind of ride that I’ve long associated with Trek’s bikes.

A “refined kind of ride” is not necessarily a compliment though. For those riders that like the bike to disappear beneath them so that they remain unaffected by road feedback, the Émonda should have plenty of appeal, regardless of whether it is the SL or SLR. However, I found myself wanting more from the bike, and while I could criticise the Émonda as being “dead” or “unlively”, that wouldn’t be fair. Instead, I’ll say this: riding an Émonda is like visiting a library to enjoy the quiet.

The steering and handling of the Émonda was very stable and predictable. As such, the bike is incredibly easy to ride. The bike obeyed my every instruction and while the steering tended towards slow, I didn’t find it required any extra effort to hold a line through sharp corners. I wouldn’t recommend the bike for criterium racing but then there isn’t much about the Émonda’s styling or marketing that would likely attract a dedicated criterium racer.

Neither the SL6 nor SLR6 felt like a particularly light or responsive climbing rig. Capable, yes, but still some distance from ever being explosive. What seemed to be missing was any great sense of the bike’s stiffness. It’s not that the bike was too compliant, but rather, I wasn’t getting any feedback from the bike in order to judge its performance. Thus it seems the Émonda is defined more by the absence of any sensation rather than what can be felt by the rider.

The Émonda was well suited to long rides. The bike doesn’t rattle or chatter, even on rough roads, and I found the hours passed by with ease as the bike continued with steadfast assurance. I found myself re-evaluating the subdued ride quality as a comfort, like the support and encouragement from a devoted friend. After all, there’s no need for showmanship on a long ride, just steady commitment from the rider and the bike, and the Émonda was prepared to keep going for as long as I wanted.

By taking turns on the SL6 and SLR6, and then swapping the wheelsets between each bike, I found that the SLR6 was a stiffer bike. It was only a mild difference, but it could be felt when rising out of the saddle on a climb, traversing rough roads, and as a little feedback from the road. Overall, it provided the SLR6 with a racier feel than the SL6, but I must stress, it was very mild. Switching to stiffer mid-profile carbon wheels ( Curve 38mm clinchers ) enhanced this sense a little more but the wheels weren’t able to transform the Émonda into an aggressive race bike.

The Domane has a strong reputation for its comfort but the Émonda shouldn’t be overlooked, especially the SL series. I found myself marvelling at how well the SL6 was able to soak up every crack, bump and rut. Furthermore, there was a good balance of compliance between the front and rear of the bike. Adventurous riders that enjoy demanding terrain may find the Émonda lacking, otherwise the bike is well suited to a wide variety of terrain.

The SL6 had a lot in common with the SLR6. The overall ride quality was very similar while the steering and handling were identical. I’ve already mentioned that the SLR6 was marginally stiffer; it was also marginally more agile, but that was due largely to the lighter wheelset. Indeed, swapping wheelsets between the two bikes improved the SL6, however it made no difference to the stiffness of the bike.

Finally, I’m pleased to report that Bontrager’s new direct mount Speed Stop calipers are a significant improvement over the previous iteration supplied with the Madone . The calipers were smooth and effective with plenty of bite but they didn’t suffer any of the heavy effort that defined the last version. Indeed, I couldn’t find anything to separate the performance of Speed Stop calipers from the standard Ultegra brakes fitted to the SL6.

My only complaint is with the way the inner cable is routed: it ends up between the tyre and the brake arm to rest upon the brake pad. Cutting the cable short removes any risk of it getting caught against the rim but then is too fiddly to hold when re-adjusting the cable.

Summary and final thoughts

The Émonda has been positioned by Trek as an ultralight bike, purpose-built for climbing, with a strong emphasis on race performance. I don’t have a quarrel with their claims or strategy but the bike is much more versatile than a dedicated climbing rig. The ride quality is easy to like and the steering and handling ensure its reliability in essentially any situation, so while it won’t satisfy buyers looking for extremes in performance, it’s hard to see how it will disappoint anybody else.

The differences between the SL6 and SLR6 were modest at best. Some were a matter of the parts specified for each bike, but fundamentally, the SLR frameset is lighter, stiffer and more race-oriented that the SL.

It is interesting to note that most of the weight savings offered by the SLR6 can be obtained for an Émonda SL by upgrading from the SL6 to an SL8 (RRP $4,999) and substituting the stock Race wheelset for the Race Lite version without spending any more than $6,000. I’m not criticising the price of the SLR though, just highlighting what is perhaps the Émonda’s greatest strength, which is Trek’s range of models and options for the bike.

Trek Émonda SL6 Gallery

Trek Émonda SLR6 Gallery

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Nizhniy Novgorod

Nizhniy Novgorod was founded in 1221 on the place of the ancient Slavonic settlement, on the junction of the Volga and the Oka Rivers. It was intended to be one of the main centers of the Suzdal principality. Nowadays Nizhniy Novgorod is the third-largest city in Russia with a population of more than 1,4 million. 

The old part of Nizhniy Novgorod is of great historical and architectural value. Nizhniy Novgorod is included in the list of cities, which were recognized by UNESCO as the most valuable cultural monuments in the world. The most attractive sights of Nizhniy Novgorod are the Kremlin, the Rozhdestvensky cathedral, and other orthodox churches and temples.

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The Top 12 Things to Do in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

Take a first-rate trip to Russia's fifth city

Ershov_Maks/Getty Images

Although it's Russia's fifth-largest city, you could be forgiven for never having heard of Nizhny Novgorod. Notwithstanding that another Russian city is simply called " Novgorod ," the current name of the city just doesn't have a memorable ring to it. (By contrast, its name during the Soviet years — Gorky, like the famous author — was much more iconic.) At any rate, this city of just over a million around six hours east of Moscow is more than worth a visit. These are just 12 reasons why!

Tour the Kremlin's 13 Towers

Like most every other city in Russia, Nizhny Novgorod is home to a Kremlin. (The word "kremlin" means "citadel" in Russian, and has nothing to do with the modern Russian government) One thing that elevated the Kremlin of Nizhny Novgorod above others in Russia (with the possible exception of the Moscow Kremlin and one or two others), however, is the fact that its wall has 13 towers. During the summer months, at least one free walking tour per day operates from the main entrance of Nizhny Novgorod's Kremlin.

Climb Russia's Longest Staircase

Named for one of the most famous Russian pilots of the early aviation age (Valery Chkalov), the Chkalov Stairs connect two of Nizhny Novgorod's public squares, which sit on the upper and lower embankments of the Volga River, respectively. Built in 1943 (during the period when Nizhny Novgorod was known as Gorky), the Chkalov Stairs currently have the distinction of being the longest staircase in Russia.

Go Wild at Limpopo Zoo

One thing that surprises many travelers to Nizhny Novgorod is how amazing its zoo, colloquially known as Limpopo is. In addition to being home to a tropical botanical garden (which, not surprisingly, is indoors), the zoo hosts a variety of reptiles, mammals and birds. There's also a small sculpture park on the grounds of Nizhny Novgorod's zoo, including both original and replica pieces.

Shop (or Just Stroll) Along a Storied High Street

Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street has been the de-facto "Main Street" of Nizhny Novgorod for more than 200 years. Well, minus the Soviet Union period, during which the cafes that once (and now) lined it became somewhat worthless, since intellectual conversations were basically forbidden. These days, you can come here for a cup of Russian tea then shop at the dozens of boutiques you'll find on either side of the street.

Sun Yourself at the Spit

Nizhny Novgorod sits at the confluence of the Oka and Volga Rivers, with the triangle of land at the point they meet being known as the Nizhny Novgorod Spit. Ignoring the unfortunate double-meaning of its name for a moment, this is actually a wonderful place to get a tan, if it's summer in the city and the sun happens to be shining. Even if not, photographers will enjoy a trip here for a view of the Kremlin and city center across the Volga.

Marvel at the Open-Air Museum of Rozhdestvenskaya Street

Like Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street, Rozhdestvenskaya Street has long been one of the most important streets in Nizhny Novgorod. However, while the former has become a primarily commercial artery in recent decades, the charm of the latter is in its well-maintained buildings, which hearken back to the mid-18th century. In fact, some locals go so far as to consider Rozhdestvenskaya Street an "open-air museum."

Ride Russia's Newest Cable Car

Russian investment in infrastructure isn't quite as dramatic as that of, say, China, but the Federation has nonetheless built a selection of interesting and modern transportation systems since the fall of the USSR. Among them is the just-opened cable car, which travels from the center of Nizhny Novgorod over the Volga River to suburban Bor. At any rate, a ride over the river and back is definitely worth inclusion on your list of things to do in Nizhny Novgorod.

Taste Traditional Shchi Soup

Shchi is one of Nizhy Novgorod's most delicious local specialties, available in most every local restaurant that serves Russian food. From above, a bowl of shchi seems incredibly complicated, with a colorful palette that suggests the inclusion of dozens of diverse ingredients. In fact, the magic of shchi is in its simplicity. Building on the traditional pan-Russian recipe of cabbage, pork fat and salt (yes, just three ingredients), locals in Nizhny Novgorod sometimes add minced meat or egg whites as bonus items, then top the tangy soup with a dollop of sour cream.

Survey Amazing Russian Orthodox Architecture

Think the only amazing Russian Orthodox churches are in Moscow and St. Petersburg? Think again. Nizhny Novgorod boasts several amazing examples of Russian Orthodox architecture. From the brilliant golde domes John the Baptist Cathedral near the Volga River, to the expansive grounds of 14th-century Pechersky Ascension Monastery, Nizhny Novgorod is an architecture buff's dream!

Take a Look Back in Time

Nizhny Novgorod's historical center is relatively large and well-preserved, but a stroll (or 10) through it isn't the only way to get a feel for the city's centuries-long past. Head to the Russian Museum of Photography, which not only showcases a variety of images of Nizhny Novgorod that date back a century or even longer, but also spotlights the equipment Russian photographers have used throughout the years, and notable figures in Russia's photography history as well.

Visit the Convent from the Movie "Salt"

You'd be forgiven if you've entirely forgotten the 2010 film "Salt." However, if you remember any destination from this spy thriller, it's likely the facade of Makaryev Convent, which is located within day-trip distance of Nizhny Novgorod. Having served as a monastery from its consecration in the early 15th century up until the beginning of the Russian Revolution, Makaryev became a convent after the fall of the Soviet Union , and is now home to 22 nuns.

Take an Excursion to a 12th-Century Tea Town

Another worthwhile day trip from Nizhny Novgorod is to the town of Gorodets, which sits about an hour to its northwest. With a history dating back to the 12th century, Gorodets boasts an interesting array of architecture and museums, including one dedicated to samovars. 

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