Have the same bike which I use primarily as a climbing bike. To that end put on a SRAm AXS force wide groupset which gives me a 43/30 in the front and 10-36 in the rear. Have two piece stem/handlebar from ENVE which allows customization. Have a Kogel bottom bracket which I am not in love with since it requires a lot of maintenance. Considering getting Ceramic Speed. Still using the xxx lightweight Bontrager wheels which have held up well just changed the ball bearings after 4 years. Use 28mm Continental STR Tires set up tubeless which gives great road handling and feel.
I have an SL6 eTap in the same color and I love it. The color looks amazing in photos and videos but it's even cooler in person. I feel like the big Trek logo suits the bike, and I feel like having a smaller one would make it look like it was an afterthought sticker. I think the logo works cohesively with the design. Such a beautiful bike!
Great build and a great bike, congratulations!!! These are they type of 'new bike' videos that I really appreciate, someone who took the time to research the situation, make intelligent choices where the bike and choices mean something to you. While being able to drop 15-20k on the latest high-end machine might be nice, these types of bikes/builds have so much more meaning! Well done!
Thank you mate, appreciate the kind comments. I was definitely very fortunate to get the frameset free, but I didn’t want to break the bank so tried to make some more thoughtful smaller additions. Overtime I can always upgrade the older stuff :)
Re, seatpost slippage; Once you have set height and tightened hit the saddle quite firmly back and forth and side to side. Then retighten, you will find easily turns another quarter of a turn, voila end of slippage. I assume bashing it around a bit removes any minor misallignment. Obviouly dont go overboard with the hitting on a carbon frame but Ive found it solved this problem completely problem
I don’t mind it much either, but people who like more traditional style bikes are turned off by the sloping top tube. You’re right though, the curves on it are a distinct design feature.
I’ve been riding an Emonda SLR since 2016, currently own a 2018 Emonda SLR 9 and have had Project One Madone SLR as well. It’s a very versatile bike that hold its own in a bunch sprint or just a chill ride. It’s not the best looking bike but it’s my go to bike for long epic rides or just Sunday coffee ride👌
That's a great upgrade for $2k! 3 years is a long time in the bike industry - you don't say! I recently test-rode my cousin's 2022 Specialized Roubaix Expert and wow, it's soooo much more comfortable and smoother-shifting than my 2012 TCR Advanced! The 12-speed Di2 is so much quieter than the 11-speed too. p.s. that bar tape is so satisfying to watch! Ahhhhh.
Whilst there’s been plenty of upgrades, the bike industry hasn’t lost an opportunity to make money. Everything these days costs so much it’s just crazy! Haha, it’s even more enjoyable to rest your hands on. Need to make sure I keep my eyes on the road 🤣
Slick setup! I always wonder, I crossed to your channel because of the Cannondale Supersix setup you post. Now with bike the you have. I guess, you lean more on what Trek's can offer.
Don’t get my wrong, I love the Cannondale Supersix and if I wasn’t in trek I would probably ride that. My first road bike was a Cannondale synapse so I have a lot of fondness for the brand
@@joshkwan is this will be my bike path also hahahaha. My first Road bike is CAAD12. Right now, I'm having thoughts with Supersix 2022. But after I saw this video, totally Emonda SLR is waving to me. Anyway, continue posting man, nice videos!
Got loads of info in this video. Thank you for putting this out. I am in the market for the Emonda ALR5. Just like to ask if you’ve ridden one and how does it compare to your SLR.
Thanks mate! I haven’t ridden the ALR before but the geometry should be the same. I’m not sure where you are based but all the Trek stores here in Sydney would be happy to let you test ride the bike. All the best
Hi Josh Could I please ask why do you choose the Edmonda over the Madone? Considering your rides are so fast! I’m a weak rider who’s always trying to find upgrades or bikes that will make me faster. But I enjoy the ride quality of the all rounder bikes mode than the aero bikes. I’m assuming why you chose the Edmonda is because it’s more fun to ride
Hey mate, thanks for commenting! To give a bit of a breakdown of why I picked the Emonda: 1. I had ridden the Madone for 3 years and I wanted to try something different. 2. Im a lighter rider so I feel like climbing is more of my strong suit, so wanted a bike which was more aligned with that. 3. I prefer the look of the Emonda over the new Madone. In the end the best bike is the one which makes you want to ride more! All the best James
Thankyou! I had no issues going down a size, in fact I like the fit of it. If you're considering doing this it is well worth consulting geometry geeks to see what other geometry changes between your current bike and the new frame.
TBH, they perform the same as ultegra and DA ones. I guess only reason to buy them is aesthetics and also they're similar in weight to DA. Other people I know who have used them have anecdotally said they warp a bit easier. Personally I havent experienced this, but I am alot lighter than most people.
Hey Josh, regarding the Madone SLR stem, did you have any issues fitting that to the Emonda at all? I can see that your stem has no spacers, is that by choice? or do the stock emonda spacers not work/fit with the stem? I'm a tallker bloke, and contempating getting this stem for my emonda. I just want to know if it will work with 2 spacers, or if i need to get Madone specific spacers
Hey mate, no issues with the spacers. If you check out my build video I left all the spacers in during the time of the build. What you will need is the interface spacer which connects the stem to the top tube.
A good bike is a good bike, no matter the age. I have considered 'upgrading' to something newer than my Sworks SL6 Ultra Light but tbh I just haven't found a suitable substitute. You'd be surprised how cheap I got it for- people dont want 'old' bikes these days 😁🤣 I swapped the front small chainring to a 34t, so 52x34t + 30x11 out back, 11sp.
The SL6 is an epic bike. Doubt you’d find anything today which is as light or value for money. I like your gearing choice, can tackle everything from hills to fast false flat downhill.
i got an emonda myself but im not fully happy. i have it in 54 and my bikeshop (very experienced) convinced me that its fine regarding the size. i am 1.74cm with 81.5cm leg inseam (?). i have to adjust my saddle to the max front position and even then i would hope to have 1-2cm more. so imo a trek emonda in 54 is not the right size for me. otherwise the bike is imo a good one. what is your size with your 50 emonda?
The suggested sizing is sometimes wrong. For example I am 170cm tall with 770mm inseam. If you put those measurements into the trek website it suggests a size 54. Then again sizing also depends on your riding style. For myself since I do some racing I wanted the most aggressive set up I could achieve on the bike. Size 50 feels pretty comfortable, if I recall main difference between that and the 52 is the stack is 13mm lower. I rode a size 52 for a few years and found it fit well.
It is quite variable, for example you need to consider reach, stack, handlebar width as well. With that being said given your height and inseam I think 52 would be more appropriate. You should be able to replicate a size 52 relatively easy though. Look at geometry geeks, there is not too much difference.@@99cya
Just subscribed! Cheers to you from America. Great content and beautiful build! What is your saddle height? I see you have a long seat mast. My saddle height is 69cm and I’m afraid with my saddle which is a low profile one, the saddle height may not be tall enough. Also what is your stem length? I’m your height, but proportionally shorter arms.
Hey mate, thanks for subscribing. I have shortish legs so I run it at 680mm from the BB. Plenty of room on the mast to go higher. Stem length is 90mm. I tried out 110mm which felt a bit too stretched out.
Galfer rotors. Tbh there was no performance incentive there, I reckon they just look heaps cool. I can't wait for the connex links, I've been careful with my quicklink for now, but it won't last forever
I find it super comfy, but you are correct, I’m very dialed with my setup of saddle and tire width. Also I run super low pressure, usually around 60PSI
Love your videos, recently stumbled uponn your channel! Thanks for sharing your wisdom. I've been riding a while and am looking to invest into my first proper (sub $5k) road bike. Do you have any recommendations or resources for me to visit, to get a better understanding of what level of performance is available at this price point, without paying for unecessary 'fancy gimmicks'? Any widsom around this question would be highly appreciated!
Hey mate! The cycling world can be a bit convoluted filled with lots of marketing and ways to extract your hard earned dollars. Sorry don’t really have any advice around websites or resources. If you budget is $5k AUD then the most bang for your buck would be - Shimano 105 Groupset - Carbon frame (but not the SLR versions) - Endurance geometry (lightweight or Aero are viable too but usually have a premium) - Stock wheels which can be upgraded easily in the future All the best with your search, check out geometry geeks to compare measurements of bikes!
Thank you for this information@@joshkwan - by giving this criteria, are you suggesting I build my own, and purchase these components? Or look for a bike that contains this criteria? Thanks again.
I’d look for this criteria in already built bikes. It’s quite hard these days to get the same value building yourself unless you manage to snag all the individual parts on discount.
Tiny bike frames me wonder what that whole experience must be like. It must be cool to feel like you're that low between the wheels compared to us on the opposite end of the spectrum being so on top of them.
Commenting on the part the bike frame looking "weird" in your size 50. I think the frame looks very well proportioned, the slopping is not bad at all, gives it a racy look. I am like 190-191 cm tall, I need a size 60 for Madone or Emonda, you have no clue how ugly those look like. The big phat Trek logo indeed is terible ugly, sorry :)
Hahaha there is an option to remove the logo if you get a custom project one paint job. Paying another $2000 was not in my budget, but maybe in the future I wouldn’t mind doing a custom paint job.
@@joshkwan Do not even bother at thinking of repainting the frame, is not worth it. Besides the inital cost which is rather high, 2000 AUD (i guess you talk in AUD), you will cry at every scratch on the paint. Scratches on bike frames are inherent, crashes, storage, bad mechanics, etc. Also, you mentioned changing wheels, do not bother with ZIPP or Enve no matter how light they might be.ZIPP uses terible cheap hubs, Enve is overpriced. Your wheels look like Aeolus XXX 4, the 47 mm one, right? Those are already light enough and decently wide at 21mm internal. Maybe Bontragel 51 RSL but no real advantage.
I'm 170cm. Trek website says I should be 54, but thats way too big. I rode size 52 for a few years and felt like I could do down a size to get the front end lower.
Have the same bike which I use primarily as a climbing bike. To that end put on a SRAm AXS force wide groupset which gives me a 43/30 in the front and 10-36 in the rear. Have two piece stem/handlebar from ENVE which allows customization. Have a Kogel bottom bracket which I am not in love with since it requires a lot of maintenance. Considering getting Ceramic Speed. Still using the xxx lightweight Bontrager wheels which have held up well just changed the ball bearings after 4 years. Use 28mm Continental STR Tires set up tubeless which gives great road handling and feel.
I have an SL6 eTap in the same color and I love it. The color looks amazing in photos and videos but it's even cooler in person. I feel like the big Trek logo suits the bike, and I feel like having a smaller one would make it look like it was an afterthought sticker. I think the logo works cohesively with the design. Such a beautiful bike!
Awesome stuff mate! Thanks for the comment
Great build and a great bike, congratulations!!! These are they type of 'new bike' videos that I really appreciate, someone who took the time to research the situation, make intelligent choices where the bike and choices mean something to you. While being able to drop 15-20k on the latest high-end machine might be nice, these types of bikes/builds have so much more meaning! Well done!
Thank you mate, appreciate the kind comments. I was definitely very fortunate to get the frameset free, but I didn’t want to break the bank so tried to make some more thoughtful smaller additions. Overtime I can always upgrade the older stuff :)
Re, seatpost slippage; Once you have set height and tightened hit the saddle quite firmly back and forth and side to side. Then retighten, you will find easily turns another quarter of a turn, voila end of slippage. I assume bashing it around a bit removes any minor misallignment. Obviouly dont go overboard with the hitting on a carbon frame but Ive found it solved this problem completely problem
Thanks Greg, I’ll give it a go!
Looking good brother as well. Good on you.
I actually really love the look of the top tube - that might be the first and main thing I like about the look of the frame haha
I don’t mind it much either, but people who like more traditional style bikes are turned off by the sloping top tube.
You’re right though, the curves on it are a distinct design feature.
@@joshkwan amen!
Love the review :) Not a rider of Trek, but can appreciate the stuff on your Emonda! ENjoy and keep riding!!
I love your BMC and how the handlebars integrate seamlessly into the bike frame. Looks hella sexy
@@joshkwan aww thanks man! Made me blush 🥰 hahaha
U mentioned a 34 rear. I was actually thinking go that myself… but that is MASSIVE mate 😅
The 36-34 ratio will be awesome for those steep climbs@@VeloGrapher
@@joshkwan might do it. Hmm. Gg for shimano or an aftermarket one
Josh has a new bike and Thewinsty has a new bike - Match made in heaven I say!!
Haha make it happen
No bs marketing catch phrases 😍 good work Joshy
Challenge (impossible level) - no marketing phrases
I’ve been riding an Emonda SLR since 2016, currently own a 2018 Emonda SLR 9 and have had Project One Madone SLR as well. It’s a very versatile bike that hold its own in a bunch sprint or just a chill ride. It’s not the best looking bike but it’s my go to bike for long epic rides or just Sunday coffee ride👌
Banger bike, banger vid. 4k video quality got me real moist
Thank u senpai 🙏 dubbvegas review coming yo
Nice bike
That's a great upgrade for $2k! 3 years is a long time in the bike industry - you don't say! I recently test-rode my cousin's 2022 Specialized Roubaix Expert and wow, it's soooo much more comfortable and smoother-shifting than my 2012 TCR Advanced! The 12-speed Di2 is so much quieter than the 11-speed too.
p.s. that bar tape is so satisfying to watch! Ahhhhh.
Whilst there’s been plenty of upgrades, the bike industry hasn’t lost an opportunity to make money. Everything these days costs so much it’s just crazy!
Haha, it’s even more enjoyable to rest your hands on. Need to make sure I keep my eyes on the road 🤣
The handle bar tape is wrapped thoughtfully
Someone spent alot of time on that...hahaha
Great vid as always mate! Keep them videos coming pls! Love the new steed
Thanks brother, appreciate you watching the vids
Slick setup!
I always wonder, I crossed to your channel because of the Cannondale Supersix setup you post. Now with bike the you have. I guess, you lean more on what Trek's can offer.
Don’t get my wrong, I love the Cannondale Supersix and if I wasn’t in trek I would probably ride that. My first road bike was a Cannondale synapse so I have a lot of fondness for the brand
@@joshkwan is this will be my bike path also hahahaha. My first Road bike is CAAD12. Right now, I'm having thoughts with Supersix 2022.
But after I saw this video, totally Emonda SLR is waving to me. Anyway, continue posting man, nice videos!
Sounds like a plan! Thanks for supporting the channel@@michaelpineda1814
2k net for this awesome build!!! Well done, looks amazing mate.
Thanks mate!
Got loads of info in this video. Thank you for putting this out. I am in the market for the Emonda ALR5. Just like to ask if you’ve ridden one and how does it compare to your SLR.
Thanks mate! I haven’t ridden the ALR before but the geometry should be the same.
I’m not sure where you are based but all the Trek stores here in Sydney would be happy to let you test ride the bike. All the best
Hi Josh
Could I please ask why do you choose the Edmonda over the Madone? Considering your rides are so fast!
I’m a weak rider who’s always trying to find upgrades or bikes that will make me faster. But I enjoy the ride quality of the all rounder bikes mode than the aero bikes.
I’m assuming why you chose the Edmonda is because it’s more fun to ride
Hey mate, thanks for commenting! To give a bit of a breakdown of why I picked the Emonda:
1. I had ridden the Madone for 3 years and I wanted to try something different.
2. Im a lighter rider so I feel like climbing is more of my strong suit, so wanted a bike which was more aligned with that.
3. I prefer the look of the Emonda over the new Madone.
In the end the best bike is the one which makes you want to ride more! All the best James
@@joshkwanthank you for your insight Josh!! Last tip you mentioned makes so much sense !!!
Nice bike bro,i also own 2021 emonda slr7 matte black ,Where did you buy the RD hanger?
CCACHE
Great video, very informative. May I know your feedback with going a size down, any problems with your knees hitting the handle bars?
Thankyou! I had no issues going down a size, in fact I like the fit of it.
If you're considering doing this it is well worth consulting geometry geeks to see what other geometry changes between your current bike and the new frame.
Nice video! What do you think about the brake rotors? I was thinking about the galfer ones :D
TBH, they perform the same as ultegra and DA ones. I guess only reason to buy them is aesthetics and also they're similar in weight to DA. Other people I know who have used them have anecdotally said they warp a bit easier. Personally I havent experienced this, but I am alot lighter than most people.
Nice build, brother!! I've also been wrestling whether to do a custom colour or not!!??, but also hesitant due to the cost!!.
Maybe it’s sticker time!
@joshkwan yeah I did a few of those... Me running my own sign shop is a huge benefit in regards to making my own custom decals for the bike... hehe
Hahaha I’m sure you do some good work 🤙🏻
@@joshkwan Indeed!!👌
Hey Josh, regarding the Madone SLR stem, did you have any issues fitting that to the Emonda at all? I can see that your stem has no spacers, is that by choice? or do the stock emonda spacers not work/fit with the stem?
I'm a tallker bloke, and contempating getting this stem for my emonda. I just want to know if it will work with 2 spacers, or if i need to get Madone specific spacers
Hey mate, no issues with the spacers. If you check out my build video I left all the spacers in during the time of the build.
What you will need is the interface spacer which connects the stem to the top tube.
@@joshkwan hey Josh, awesome. I did have a look at the video after I made the comment. So I will order that too
Thank you
All the best mate!
A good bike is a good bike, no matter the age. I have considered 'upgrading' to something newer than my Sworks SL6 Ultra Light but tbh I just haven't found a suitable substitute. You'd be surprised how cheap I got it for- people dont want 'old' bikes these days 😁🤣
I swapped the front small chainring to a 34t, so 52x34t + 30x11 out back, 11sp.
The SL6 is an epic bike. Doubt you’d find anything today which is as light or value for money. I like your gearing choice, can tackle everything from hills to fast false flat downhill.
@@joshkwan thanks, its a great bike.
I'm really enjoying your channel, keep up the great work 👍 🍻
Are you going to venture down south next fortnight to do the around the bay ride Josh?
That event is on my bucket list but sadly not this year!
i got an emonda myself but im not fully happy. i have it in 54 and my bikeshop (very experienced) convinced me that its fine regarding the size. i am 1.74cm with 81.5cm leg inseam (?). i have to adjust my saddle to the max front position and even then i would hope to have 1-2cm more. so imo a trek emonda in 54 is not the right size for me. otherwise the bike is imo a good one.
what is your size with your 50 emonda?
The suggested sizing is sometimes wrong. For example I am 170cm tall with 770mm inseam. If you put those measurements into the trek website it suggests a size 54. Then again sizing also depends on your riding style. For myself since I do some racing I wanted the most aggressive set up I could achieve on the bike.
Size 50 feels pretty comfortable, if I recall main difference between that and the 52 is the stack is 13mm lower. I rode a size 52 for a few years and found it fit well.
thanks for your feedback mate. so would you say for my measurements 52 should fit the most optimal? @@joshkwan
It is quite variable, for example you need to consider reach, stack, handlebar width as well. With that being said given your height and inseam I think 52 would be more appropriate. You should be able to replicate a size 52 relatively easy though. Look at geometry geeks, there is not too much difference.@@99cya
This should be it: geometrygeeks.bike/compare/trek-emonda-slr9-2022-52-cm,trek-emonda-slr9-2022-54-cm/ @@99cya
Just subscribed! Cheers to you from America. Great content and beautiful build! What is your saddle height? I see you have a long seat mast. My saddle height is 69cm and I’m afraid with my saddle which is a low profile one, the saddle height may not be tall enough. Also what is your stem length? I’m your height, but proportionally shorter arms.
Hey mate, thanks for subscribing. I have shortish legs so I run it at 680mm from the BB.
Plenty of room on the mast to go higher.
Stem length is 90mm. I tried out 110mm which felt a bit too stretched out.
Many thanks! Keep on making great content!
What Rotors are you running ? Hopefully some Connex 12 speed links coming soon.
Galfer rotors. Tbh there was no performance incentive there, I reckon they just look heaps cool. I can't wait for the connex links, I've been careful with my quicklink for now, but it won't last forever
bro how much the handlebar , i have same bike but with normal handle bar not integrated .. yours looks insane 😍
Thanks mate, the handlebars get the most compliments out of the whole bike haha. I really like them.
They were discontinued a while ago
i find the smaller sizes of this bike look odd too. at what size does it start looking normal, like in the marketing pics? 54?
Yea 54 or 56
How do you find the comfort? I’ve seen reviews saying the emonda is a bit harsh but I spose 28mm tyres would help
I find it super comfy, but you are correct, I’m very dialed with my setup of saddle and tire width.
Also I run super low pressure, usually around 60PSI
what's your frame size and your height/inseam, Im looking for buying new one, but don't know what size to pick
Size 50
170cm
770mm inseam
If you put those measurements into Trek website it says to get a size 54 🤣
Hey, what mount did you used for the rear light?
Exposure rail mount
Love your videos, recently stumbled uponn your channel! Thanks for sharing your wisdom. I've been riding a while and am looking to invest into my first proper (sub $5k) road bike. Do you have any recommendations or resources for me to visit, to get a better understanding of what level of performance is available at this price point, without paying for unecessary 'fancy gimmicks'? Any widsom around this question would be highly appreciated!
Hey mate! The cycling world can be a bit convoluted filled with lots of marketing and ways to extract your hard earned dollars. Sorry don’t really have any advice around websites or resources. If you budget is $5k AUD then the most bang for your buck would be
- Shimano 105 Groupset
- Carbon frame (but not the SLR versions)
- Endurance geometry (lightweight or Aero are viable too but usually have a premium)
- Stock wheels which can be upgraded easily in the future
All the best with your search, check out geometry geeks to compare measurements of bikes!
Thank you for this information@@joshkwan - by giving this criteria, are you suggesting I build my own, and purchase these components? Or look for a bike that contains this criteria? Thanks again.
I’d look for this criteria in already built bikes. It’s quite hard these days to get the same value building yourself unless you manage to snag all the individual parts on discount.
Legend, i'll keep an eye out! Happy long weekend!@@joshkwan
What's the 280g handlebar you would switch to?
EXS Aerover
I'm only here for the westie dogs
Thats the only reason why my sisters watch as well haha
@@joshkwan More westie videos 😆
They'd get more fans than me thats for sure haha@@JFomo
Tiny bike frames me wonder what that whole experience must be like. It must be cool to feel like you're that low between the wheels compared to us on the opposite end of the spectrum being so on top of them.
Riding a smaller bike makes the front end lower. I’d say centre of gravity feels lower which makes cornering nice.
Many a time have I seen the taillights of this bike pull away from me at sop 😨
You can see Ollies butthole winking you goodbye 🤭
Discount code please 😅
Haha maybe one day 🥲
Commenting on the part the bike frame looking "weird" in your size 50. I think the frame looks very well proportioned, the slopping is not bad at all, gives it a racy look. I am like 190-191 cm tall, I need a size 60 for Madone or Emonda, you have no clue how ugly those look like.
The big phat Trek logo indeed is terible ugly, sorry :)
Hahaha there is an option to remove the logo if you get a custom project one paint job. Paying another $2000 was not in my budget, but maybe in the future I wouldn’t mind doing a custom paint job.
@@joshkwan Do not even bother at thinking of repainting the frame, is not worth it. Besides the inital cost which is rather high, 2000 AUD (i guess you talk in AUD), you will cry at every scratch on the paint. Scratches on bike frames are inherent, crashes, storage, bad mechanics, etc. Also, you mentioned changing wheels, do not bother with ZIPP or Enve no matter how light they might be.ZIPP uses terible cheap hubs, Enve is overpriced. Your wheels look like Aeolus XXX 4, the 47 mm one, right? Those are already light enough and decently wide at 21mm internal. Maybe Bontragel 51 RSL but no real advantage.
Ai!
Size 50? Are you a shorty?
I'm 170cm. Trek website says I should be 54, but thats way too big. I rode size 52 for a few years and felt like I could do down a size to get the front end lower.
im prob shorter than him at 172.. i ride a 47 T_T
@@joshkwan Interesting. I'm slightly taller but ride a 54 in most brands.
End of the day theres no one size fits all. I would say another important factor is inseam.@@DanTuber
Need a cargo bike , take the dogs out in.
Too true! They'd love that. Cargo bike better come with a good motor too haha