More than a year ago, at the start of the Tour de France in Copenhagen, Trek caused a stir with the Introducing the latest Trek Madone SLR caused quite a stir. The frame design of the aero racer once again broke with classic conventions. Its silhouette: unmistakable even from a distance. The design element known as "IsoFlow" - a kind of oversized air outlet at the top of the seat tube - was a particular talking point. This was intended to improve aerodynamics and comfort, compared to the predecessor the bike should also be significantly lighter as a result. However, the work equipment of former world champion Mads Pedersen and his team colleagues always had one disadvantage: dizzying prices. Even the basic version starts at almost 9,000 euros, while the purchase price can easily shoot up to over 17,000 euros with top equipment and a customised paint finish.
Trek Madone SL: Cheaper carbon quality, simpler handlebars
Because this limits the customer base to very solvent athletes, Trek is now offering a cheaper version of the Madone SLR, which goes by the name of Madone SL. Until now, those interested in a more affordable aero racer from Trek still have to make do with the sixth generation of the Madone. The SL version of the seventh generation does not differ formally from the expensive SLR; the geometry and therefore the seating position is also identical. However, a cheaper carbon fibre grade (500 Series OCLV) is used for the construction, which makes the frame somewhat heavier. In addition, the SLR's one-piece, aerodynamic handlebar combi is not available as standard, but can theoretically be retrofitted to the SL.
The standard, classically clamped handlebars are easier to replace and adjust, but cost a few watts of aerodynamic potential. This is probably why Trek claims a time saving of 54 seconds on a one-hour ride at 45 km/h compared to the previous Madone SL, while the current SLR was 60 seconds faster than the generation six Madone SLR. After all, all variants are fitted with fast carbon wheels from Bontrager, making subsequent aero tuning unnecessary. The weights are stated as 8.0 or 8.4 kilograms for the complete bike, depending on the equipment.
Trek Madone SL: Versions, equipment, colours, prices
The Madone SL will initially be available in two versions, the SL6 and SL7. The main difference is the groupsets fitted. The SL6 comes with a Shimano 105 Di2 groupset, the SL7 with the Shimano Ultegra Di2. There is also a difference in the quality of the wheels, with different gear ratios (SL6: 50/34, SL7: 52/36) aimed at different ambitious target groups. The SL6 costs 5999 euros, the SL7 is expected to cost 7999 euros. Both variants will be available in two paint finishes. A frameset is also on offer, but at a price of 3999 euros, it doesn't look very attractive - especially as the seatpost and stem/handlebars are not included. All frames use a threaded bottom bracket (T47) and are only compatible with electronic gears - a build with mechanical gears is no longer planned.
Trek Madone SL6
- Shift group: Shimano 105 R7170 Di2
- Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus Elite 50
- Tyres: Bontrager R3 HardCase Lite
- Weight: 8.4 kilogrammes
- Price: 5999 Euro
Trek Madone SL7
- Shift group: Shimano Ultegra R8170 Di2
- Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51
- Tyres: Bontrager R3 HardCase Lite
- Weight: 8.0 kilogrammes
- Price: 7999 Euro
Jens Klötzer
Editor
