If you exclude the seat post, the Émonda SLR is the first series-produced frameset to weigh less than 1,000 grams. Despite all the amazement, the question arises as to whether such lightweight construction taken to the extreme is conducive to riding enjoyment and safety. The fact is that the Émonda in this extreme version is not a bike for every type of rider and purpose. The filigree Tune wheels (1,462 grams including time trial tubular tyres, sprocket set and quick-releases) are the main limiting factor, as they allow the bike to charge uphill so impetuously that you could be forgiven for thinking there was an electric motor hidden in the bottom bracket. Downhill, however, the euphoria gives way to the realisation that a little more rotating mass has advantages in certain riding situations: If you let the Émonda run, a somewhat nervous riding behaviour sets in that takes some getting used to. The bike doesn't feel unsafe, but the Émonda is a far cry from the superior smoothness of the Cervélo RCA. On the other hand, the elegant direct mount brakes from Bontrager, which are not noticeably inferior to mass-produced stoppers, are a positive surprise. The comfortable carbon saddle from Tune emphasises the excellent comfort on the saddle. The Red shifting system from SRAM is precise and foolproof.
CONCLUSION Lightest production bike in the world. High suspension comfort, race-orientated riding position, small compromises in riding stability. The wheels are only suitable for mountain time trials.
Price 12,999 Euro
Weight 4.8 kilos
Available in specialised shops
Reference/Info www.trekbikes.com
Weight 4.8 kilos
Frame/fork/steering bearing weight 699/290/34 grammes
Frame sizes 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 cm
Seat/steering angle 73,5°/73,5°
Seat/top tube/head tube 630/560/141 mm plus 9 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 980/53 mm
Stack/Reach/STR 549/396 mm/1.38
Equipment
Steering bearing Cane Creek AER, top 1-1/8, bottom 1.5 inch
Brakes Bontrager Speed Stop Direct Mount
Gearshift/bottom bracket SRAM Red 22 (50/34 t., BB90)
Wheels/tyres Tune Skyline/Vittoria Crono CS 22C (tubular tyre)
Handlebar/stem Bontrager XXX Integrated Bar Stem
Saddle/post Tune Komm-Vor+/Bontrager XXX Lite Ride tuned (integrated)
* The frame set accounts for 40 per cent and the equipment for 60 per cent of the overall grade. The grades are calculated up to the final grade with all decimal places; however, for the sake of clarity, all grades are given with rounded decimal places.
** Weighed weights.
*** Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
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