The handlebars low, the saddle enthroned high above - the message is clear: "Ride. Me. Fast!" But also: "It could hurt ..." Because a flat, stretched seating position such as that demanded by the Madone H1 is something your back and neck have to be able to withstand. Racers can usually do that. And the H1 geometry is designed for them. The Madone H2 is completely different. The head tube is exactly three centimetres longer and the handlebars are positioned higher than on the H1 by the same amount. As the top tube is also shorter, the rider sits more upright and is easier on the back, even if it is not as aerodynamic. But what counts more: whether you get from A to B faster? Or whether you feel comfortable on your bike for as long as possible? Anyone with a penchant for long tours will probably answer this question differently to a racing cyclist.
Trek's idea is as simple as it is captivating: instead of offering different models for different types of riders, the new Madone is available in two technically closely related but fundamentally different geometries. The many parallels between the H1 and H2 show that the concept is actually two versions of one model. Firstly, the technical values: In size 58, both frames weigh just over 1,000 grams, which is not sensationally light, but in view of the many elaborate detail solutions, it's fine. The comfort values on the saddle are at the highest level on both - mainly thanks to the Ride-Tuned seatpost, which is placed on the seat tube instead of in it. The wheelbases, seat and steering angles are also identical.
The fact that both frames have the same genetic make-up is also evident in their design. So-called Kammtail profiles - in simple terms: wing profiles that lack the tapered rear section - on almost all tubes should make the Madone frames as aerodynamic as "real" aero models - at least that's what Trek claims; we'll check it out in the next wind tunnel test. More spectacular than the tube profiles, however, are the integrated side-pull brakes from Trek's own component brand Bontrager, which should also bring aerodynamic advantages and are being used in this form for the first time on a production bike. Trek has co-operated closely with the component manufacturer Shimano, who will soon be bringing a similar brake for the new Dura-Ace groupset. In the Bontrager version, the front brake calliper fits almost perfectly onto the Madone fork crown. The rear stopper sits behind the bottom bracket, which allows an unusual view of the tyre through the seat stays. Functionally, there is nothing to criticise about the Madone brakes. However, it remains to be seen whether placing the rear brake under the bottom bracket is the last word in wisdom; in any case, it's right in the water and dirt fountain of the front wheel.
In the practical test, the differences in riding behaviour were greater than expected. For reasons of comparison, we rode both bikes with the lowest possible handlebar setting and identical wheels; unlike our test bike, the H2 rolls on aluminium wheels from Bontrager. Small differences in the components - the H2 had a ten millimetre shorter stem and wider handlebars - reinforce the impression that the bikes are fundamentally different in character. Here is the H1, which constantly wants to be pushed to the limit with an irrepressible forward thrust. The enormous riding stability, coupled with the low centre of gravity and not least the combination with the fast Aeolus 5 carbon wheels on tyres with excellent grip, result in impressively confident handling in all situations. In contrast, the Madone H2 is more of an invitation to enjoy cruising. It lacks the hint of aggression that makes the H1 so appealing - which is not a criticism, but a logical consequence of the geometry concept. The bike is less agile and, due to the rider's higher centre of gravity, is not so extremely planted on the tarmac. The enjoyment of the ride is somewhat delayed - for example, when you realise that you've been riding for four hours and still feel like you've just set off.
So everything's fine with the Madone? Not quite: When Trek announced the prices - € 7,589 for the Madone 6.5 H1 and € 5,799 for the Madone 6.5 H2 - our blood pressure dropped briefly. Most of the difference is in the wheels. As mentioned, the H2 version is delivered ex works with aluminium wheels from Bontrager, to which the price also refers. Another difference: the H1 is only available as part of the Trek Project One modular system, while the H2 is only available as a standard bike. In contrast to the geometry concept, this part of Trek's model policy is not really comprehensible.
Reference/Info www.trekbikes.com
Frame/fork/steering bearing weight 1,003/386/62 grammes
Frame sizes** 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 cm
Seat/steering angle 73,5°/74°
Seat/top tube/head tube 650/580/159 mm plus 15 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 990/51 mm
Stack/Reach/STR*** 569/409 mm/1.39
EQUIPMENT
Steering bearing Cane Creek, top 1-1/8, bottom 1.5 inch
Brakes Bontrager integrated
Gearshift/bottom bracket Shimano Ultegra Di2 (50/34 t, BB90)
Wheels/tyres Bontrager Aeolus 5.0/Bontrager R3
Handlebar/stem Bontrager XXX/Bontrager RXL
Saddle/post Bontrager Team Issue/Trek Ride Tuned
Frame/fork/steering bearing weight 1,010/392/55 grammes
Frame sizes** 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64 cm
Seat/steering angle 73,5°/74°
Seat/top tube/head tube 650/575/190 mm plus 14 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 990/51 mm
Stack/Reach/STR*** 599/397 mm/1.51
EQUIPMENT
Steering bearing Cane Creek, top 1-1/8, bottom 1.5 inch
Brakes Bontrager integrated
Gearshift/bottom bracket Shimano Ultegra Di2 (50/34 t., BB90)
Wheels/tyres Bontrager Race X Lite/Bontrager R3
Handlebar/stem Bontrager RL/Bontrager RXL
Saddle/post Bontrager Affinity/Trek Ride Tuned
* The frame set accounts for 40 per cent of the overall score and the features for 60 per cent. These ratings include individual grades, which we have only printed in part for reasons of space. 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.
** Tested frame size greased.
*** Stack/reach: projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the headset; STR (stack to reach): Values between 1.45 and 1.55 indicate a sporty riding position, values below are race-like, above are comfortable.
**** Adjusted weight for frame size 57 cm and fork steerer length 225 mm.
