I noticed the change in how you structure and format these reviews. You seem to tackle questions more directly and more objectively now--reserving judgment when needed. Much appreciated and refreshing compared to your old style of review.
100%. just a do it all bike. its going to be worse than either and the weight difference between the gen 7 madone and emonda is less than half a pound and data has shown no matter where your riding the aero gains even on climbs more than make up for the difference.
To be fair, Specialized and some others are getting close-ish to the UCI weight limits which means that at least for pros, there is literally zero benefit for additional weight savings. So they might as well try to make that 6.8kg system more and more aero. Trek is a fair bit off here though.
I'm glad I didn't drink the Coolaid and buy a heavy bike believing that weight didn't matter and only aerodynamics mattered (unless you're at a 9% incline). I guess now we're back to "weight matters" so I'll wait a year to buy this bike when they Trek can't sell any for $14,000 and it will be on sale for $7999.
I bought my canyon Endurace disc in 2018. It was the lowest tier with carbon frame and 105 Shimano. At 8,2 kg it was considered to be a bit heavy. How times have changed and people quickly forget. Guess we now are going back to anything over 8 kg is heavy again.
At Trek HQ: Boss: We need to increase the bottom line. The Madone is our highest margin model. We need to sell more Madones! Guy: Yeah.. how can we sell more Madones? Accountant1: A lot of people are buying Emondas rather than Madones Logistics guy: We are buried in different SKUs / sizes / paint colors. Logistics guy 2: If we simplify our SKU range, we can reduce inventory costs by 10% and also manufacturing and development costs even more Manufacturing manager: yeah the factory scheduler says we'd save money, and having less molds would save a ton.. Guy: oh guys I have an idea. If we eliminate the Emonda model then the people who would have bought and Emonda will buy a Madone! Logistics guys: yeah.. and like we said... Guy 2: We will sell more madones!!! Boss: Brilliant idea Guy 1 and 2. Let's do it. Hey engineers, make the Madone a bit lighter and say that we combined the models. Show them charts and stuff, Engineering mgr: but..... Marketing: Yeah they love charts! Let's do it.
Oh no! I ride an Emonda. Part of the attraction was that it is a simple frame design with no gimmicks. Perhaps my next bike will be a Cervelo Soloist or Giant TCR.
It's still relatively simple, no iso speed. Keep your emonda for now, they're still crazy fast. But there's no gimmick here it's just different from what you're used to seeing.
I just swapped my 2016 Emonda S5 for an Emonda SL6 pro - looked at the soloist, but couldn’t justify the price for the same spec (di2 - carbon wheels) … I’m not unrealistic that Trek carbon wheels and finishing kits are the best - but at the price point, they appear nicely finished, and good paint jobs (looked at Canyon and Orbea and they just look budget by comparison)
Top shelf content, thanks. Excellent ride footage and high level of detail. Great shots of the bikes. This is in contrast to so many others who focus on them talking instead of ride & bike footage.
This is a total and utter rip off. They are hoping that fools who part with their money will indeed part with their money as they are fools. Research and developement is frqeuntly quoted by peole who buy these expenisve bikes , as to why they are so expensive. This theory goes out the window when you compare how much car or motorcycle you can get for 22k. But the real crime is the fact that the bike is ugly and odd looking. It is filled with gimmicks that actually look dangerous and are not even arodynamic. Dont telll trek that.
"We've tried to break it". Not until you've given it to an overweight English rider like me to test ride it on our wonderful lanes! Paris Roubaix? Pah, Staffordshire lanes with fat old me on the bike will kill it dead.....lol. Seriously though, I do wonder how reliable it will be for heavier riders like me on our really terrible roads!
Staffs lanes! Luxury! the roads around Lichfield are like silk smooth, thus needs to try roads round York, like ploughed field wit soom stoney tarmac throwen ont top, and we r grateful for dem.
Was up over Huddersfield way at the weekend and those roads great inclines but by god the state was chronic truly bad potholes! I really believe I could snap those bike especially that (pathetic) dual seatpost
I’ll just buy the new bottles and bottle cage on my 2021 Emonda SL6 Pro and BAM! I got my somewhat a Gen 8 update! 😅 Cheapest way to deal with this. Emonda ❤ Forever!
Yes, it is about SKUs, but I've ridden the last few gens of emonda and Madone and the new one really is fast and just feels nice to ride. The balance of stiffness, compliance and speed is well done and the fact that they were able to reduce SKUs without too much compromise is still impressive
Thank you for the great information! The opening of the video is incredibly misleading (the Trek hype). I guess the Emonda wasn’t lightweight at all. My 2020 Venge with pedals, seat, and computer mount is 15.08 lbs. no special parts on the Venge: DA 12 speed, Roval team wheels, and standard one piece stem and it’s over 1.5 lbs lighter. My SL8 is 14.6 lbs. all standard parts like DA 12 and Roval wheels and bars. Both are 54 cm, have wider 42cm bars,and again, include pedals, seats and all parts necessary to function.
Fantastic review Dave. Thank you. I loved my Trek Emondas, one of which I sill ride today. I'm disappointed the new Madone is not as light as I was hoping and from the impressions I take from your review, the "Jury is still undecided" as to whether it's a big stride ahead of what existed 2 years previously. The fact you need to test it further on your home turf suggests to me that while it's a good bike it didn't knock your socks off, liked you'd expect to experience. Hanging out for your SL6 review
I like how frank you are and also detailed..I just wish that someone did a video on Trek FX Sport 6 .I just want to ride on paved trails and feel light, but I don't know if it's worth spending $2700 for a city bike ...Thanks for your videos
@@Andy_ATB well thats a matter of opinion, you can say there was nothing wrong with the emonda or the madone. Domane is like just about the heaviest in class and the isospeed while confortable - people have complained about it as the bike ages. Still it is a beautiful bike as is there is no denying that.
Trek should just include two top tube stickers with the bike, one that says "Madone" and the other "Emonda"... then you can choose which bike you want it to be. 🙂
La principal razón es que antes hubo un boom de ventas en bicicletas, y al cliente se le quería convencer de que necesitaba una escaladora (emonda) y una aero para el llano (madone). Lo que el cliente no se daba cuenta es que tenia la misma bici, misma geometria, una con tubos algo mas finos y otra mas rectos con una diferencia de peso a igualdad de componentes de unos 400 grs en el mejor de los casos (dependiendo de la marca, en mi caso son 200 grs), y que para nada es determinante en su rendimiento. Ahora que hay una crisis en ventas, quieren convencer al cliente que lo mejor es tener una bici (gen 8) que "tiene lo mejor de la escaladora y la Aero" cuando es la misma bici que las anteriores. La realidad es que se trata de reducir costes.
In the real world tested (I think it was bike station), the Madone Gen 7 was on a hill climb (average 6%) faster than a Tarmac SL8, although 2 pounds heavier. And the Madone is much more comfy. So I guess I'll get a Gen 7 for me, it even looks so much better.
To me the smallest and most insignificant changes are between the SL7 Gen 7&8. Pretty much the entire gen 8 bike is exactly the same and weighs only .28grams lighter. I prefer the more aggressive look of the gen 7. I would expect an immediate price drop of the gen 7 though given that both are currently the exact same price. Seat stays is a little thicker on Gen 7 but gen 8 does have a slightly more compliant stay (argumentative how much better it is). Aesthetically, the gen 8 color schemes are beautiful and imo, Trek has the best paint jobs in the industry.
If buyers keep paying savagely high prices for bikes, the manufacturers will keep on making them. Lets face it, the majority of those who can afford to buy them, will never realise the apparent tech advantages anywhere near in full. Remember, the pros don't pay for the bikes they ride in the grand tours. Cycling used to be a sport for the working class. Manufacturers have changed this to a sport/recreation for the upper class. Buy your next bike with your head, not with your ego.
Well yeah, there's that. But cycling is an industry, too. All of the R&D goes into the high-end bikes, and the tech eventually filters down to reasonably priced models over time. I'm okay with this. I would never pay thousands of dollars for one of these bikes, but they're fun to look at and see them reviewed. I'd be afraid to scratch the paint brushing past one in a bike shop! Still cool, though. I think that most of those buying these can afford them, and they can spend their money how they like. I feel for the guy (well, his wife) who can't afford it but buys it anyway!
Nice to hear all the info from the team. But I think I preferred the old Emonda. I’m not mad about that seat post “hole” thingy, still looks a bit odd. But I’m loving that paint job!😍 Very similar to the “Look” paint jobs of a few years ago. Would I buy one? Probably not, Trek is really not my “tasse de thè!” I’m still drooling over that “hulk Green” Wilier. 😍 Good info though David. And well done getting yourself in on all these new bike press releases. You’re one of the big boys out there now. 10/10 😎👍🏻 P.S. Still waiting on that Wahoo Roam V2 review, you know…the one that you’ve used in this review as well?? 😁🙏🏻👍🏻
Adam Bird from the design team on Aeroad tasks has said that the ALR (alloy) Emonda will be the only ongoing model for the forthcoming year in that series . The carbon higher - teir models will be in the platform merger .
Can't the wait be the difference between a Medium and a Medium-Large for example? I think combining the Madone/Emonda, with the current states of aero/lightweight bike, makes sense for most riders looking for very good all around road bike. For a regular people, I think putting $6000 on a bike that is ~300g heavier than a lightweight bike and still has good aero is a very good deal if we compare the alternative of having two bikes.
I can’t help but think that the seatpost set up is a real potential point of failure. Am sure it’s suitably reinforced but it just looks shonky. Aethos for me, thanks.
That's one fugly bike, gen 7 is gonna massively appreciate in value now. Lets cut the BS this is a cost-cutting move. Nobody asked for a skinnier/less aero Madone.
So I cracked my Emonda frame on my trainer, Trek sent a Madonna frame for a replacement so I was excited. Then watching videos on this frame I realized you have toe tap on this frame. So going into turns you must be aware of this to avoid crashing.
I still can't get behind the mechanically stupid seat tube junction. It's a gimmick that won't stand the test of time and makes the fitment more limited.
I’m cycling for 10 years and each year I hear, 5% lighter, faster, aero. But actually there not so much difference to buy new bike each year and even 5 years. Actually my 6 years old bike was 7.5 kilos, and very fast, cost me 4k usd , today same model from same company 9 kilos and cost 6k (so where is improvement?) . Actually, there is no reason to upgrade. And someone can say disk brakes better, but they are sucks, on dry conditions they stop exactly the same, they need much more maintenance, and I don’t cycle in rain. Electric shifting also has so many problems and cost a lot of money and already had issue in competition with that gear. So, all that marketing sucks, industry trying to get our money by selling stories. After bike upgrade, I don't find too many improvements even I have now aero, disk brakes , 12 speed electronic gear, my speed is not changed, my feelings on the bikes are the same my happiness level from cycling is the same on 1k bike and on 6k bike
@@davidarthur many thx. I know your full review is outstanding but I can't help feeling they have shot themselves in the foot with this bike. It's just not light enough
It is NOT DRAMATICALLY lighter - total BS marketing. Website states the SLR 7 in a medium is little over 16lbs- was in trek shop and that bike weighs over 17- roughly 17.3lbs
That sizing chart looks terrible for a 6' person like me. I've been riding a 58 Emonda with a 57.3 TT. It used to be easy to size a bike for myself. Now everything is jacked up. Don't even get me started on trying to fit a Checkpoint...Which means I wouldn't be able to ride a stock stem length - my guess - but how much is that one-piece cockpit to figure it out???
Like specialized. Low cost production and premium prices to costumers combined with bull shit marketing. It is a wonder that costumers keep buying these brands. All the claims with Venge and old Madone now seams hollow because of the one bike to rule them all concept. I don't belive all the claims and marketing + reviews any more. You simply have to do the test your self.
I like what they did here to compete with the Tarmac, but I think the Emonda could have been turned into an Aethos competitor, UCI illegal light weight beast.
[10:35] surely jt is more aero in race competitions. Because outdoor sometimes headwind are coming from sideways.. but if the frame tubes are like diamond the wind woul boost the accelerations like a yacht ⛵ free motor
$3500 for the entry level ready to ride SL but $3800 for the frameset without any assembly or equipment costs!? Is this a commonplace tactic with manufacturers and suppliers to shift their groupsets etc or is diverting a frameset before assembly somehow more costly? Makes no sense on the face of it.
Madone to rule them all... Not for me though. I know the seat mast is safe, but it always looks like it's about to snap off. I prefer your more old school, staid, and conservative seat tube design, thanks. I'm also skeptical about Isoflow, no matter what yer man says: just how much is airflow quantitatively improved in that section of the bike, behind the head tube and in the midst of the big, messy human stirring it up?
I have a Canyon Aeroad and I like it. It's fast and aggressive in Crits. However, when you go on a long ride, it's extremely uncomfortable after about 60 miles. Just beats me up. I wonder how much more comfortable a new Madone or SL8 would feel over the Canyon.
Wow….Trek guys seem super excited to talk about the bike (heavy sarcasm). Probably worried they’re about to get cut along with the retail employees and SKUs 😂
I own a SLR emonda frame with paint 56-58 cm 800-900 grams! Yes I did call trek on that, they admitted to me 700 grams is with out paint. But the model i have from 2 years ago rides really nice! Specialized frames do have thin paint compared to my trek. These companies what to charge this insane money show there frames with paint on a scale and and complete build with pedals weight!
8:58 According to Park Tools, that scale is only accurate to +-100 grams. So lets make that 7.25Kg. Then, the weight Trek claims is - as it should be - without bottlecages. Those are (bolted) on, so that's another 100g -> 7,15Kg. Then you have some Bledr accessories installed including a Garmin holder, so we need to deduct another 100g -> 7,05Kg. Say whoever set up that bike went a bit overboard with the tubeless sealent and there you have it: 7Kg. Did you calibrate that scale correctly? Was it windy, since you were measuring outside? Nobody knows, we'll give you the benefit of the doubt here. But I'd say the weight Trek claims is accurate. Given the fact that they are an american company and would be covered in lawsuits for all eternity if it weren't, it's pretty obvious that they wouldn't bertay their customers anyways. So I wonder, if you as a reviewer get to a point where you think "wait, that doesn't add up!" (haha), why don't you contact the manufacturer and ask them? They would have cleared that up for you in no time and you wouldn't be looking as if you wanted to sh*t in Treks parade for no reason...
I had an Emonda like yours. I bought a Madone SL6 Gen 8. I can tell you that the combining of the Emonda and the Madone was a good idea. It performs great and I love the comfort.
7.3kg does seem a tad heavy. By way of comparison, my current gen Emonda with Aeolus 51’s, Bontrager aero bars and matching stem, pedals, cages, Garmin and light mounts is 7.45 and it a size 60
obviously they tried to make a new emonda but came to the realization thatbthey can‘t make it light enough. Damage control was to market this as the do it all bike.
A guy in a bike shop gave me the best advice years ago. he said you want to go up hills faster ?? Lose 20 lbs. And he was right...
Or draft the guys on the Sl8s and new Madones, I'll keep my old Madone my old Venge 🔥
So he was calling you fat.
@@derekbiggerstaff Everybody's fat compared to the pros.
And with this bike…..
Cool story bro
The real reason...reduce the number of models in the range due to current state of bike industry
Just more cost effective regardless of the industry state, works for Specialized
And screw what the customer wants
No need for two races bikes....You don't see motorsport teams use two different models in one series. It's ridiculously expensive.
💯
Absolutely 💯 %⁰
The previous Madone being a lot more striking might become a collector's item.
Hope so. I just got (June 5th) a 2024 Madone SLR9 Mads Peterson ultra chromatic.
An old Madone and Venge is a sweet quiver, not into these Ozempic bikes at all
I love my green slr gen6.
Agree. Much prefer the gen 7. And it’s definitely more aero/faster on the flats than gen 8
its the fastest bike on the market and best looking no question.
I noticed the change in how you structure and format these reviews. You seem to tackle questions more directly and more objectively now--reserving judgment when needed. Much appreciated and refreshing compared to your old style of review.
I totally agree. Good format David🤗
Love how these companies present cost-cutting measures and less choice for customers as an improvement.
Truth
100%. just a do it all bike. its going to be worse than either and the weight difference between the gen 7 madone and emonda is less than half a pound and data has shown no matter where your riding the aero gains even on climbs more than make up for the difference.
Well, it *is* and improvement. For them.
To be fair, Specialized and some others are getting close-ish to the UCI weight limits which means that at least for pros, there is literally zero benefit for additional weight savings. So they might as well try to make that 6.8kg system more and more aero. Trek is a fair bit off here though.
"Spin" of the marketing type. "Spin", in my book, is to maintain a high cadence. They seem to get the two confused! To their benefit of course.
I hope this bike comes for sale to Lidl near me!
You can pick yours off from local USPS office near you!
In that bargain isle 😁
I'm glad I didn't drink the Coolaid and buy a heavy bike believing that weight didn't matter and only aerodynamics mattered (unless you're at a 9% incline). I guess now we're back to "weight matters" so I'll wait a year to buy this bike when they Trek can't sell any for $14,000 and it will be on sale for $7999.
I bought my canyon Endurace disc in 2018. It was the lowest tier with carbon frame and 105 Shimano. At 8,2 kg it was considered to be a bit heavy. How times have changed and people quickly forget. Guess we now are going back to anything over 8 kg is heavy again.
Spot on. The 180 is breath taking
At Trek HQ:
Boss: We need to increase the bottom line. The Madone is our highest margin model. We need to sell more Madones!
Guy: Yeah.. how can we sell more Madones?
Accountant1: A lot of people are buying Emondas rather than Madones
Logistics guy: We are buried in different SKUs / sizes / paint colors.
Logistics guy 2: If we simplify our SKU range, we can reduce inventory costs by 10% and also manufacturing and development costs even more
Manufacturing manager: yeah the factory scheduler says we'd save money, and having less molds would save a ton..
Guy: oh guys I have an idea. If we eliminate the Emonda model then the people who would have bought and Emonda will buy a Madone!
Logistics guys: yeah.. and like we said...
Guy 2: We will sell more madones!!!
Boss: Brilliant idea Guy 1 and 2. Let's do it. Hey engineers, make the Madone a bit lighter and say that we combined the models. Show them charts and stuff,
Engineering mgr: but.....
Marketing: Yeah they love charts! Let's do it.
The accountant need more lines 😂
@@MrJlopez88 nobody cares what an accountant says. His job is to... COUNT 🤣
@@FT__Bicycling_____-sc7yv it’s like you were at the meeting….
You are that Guy 1. Admit it!!! 😅
Brilliant…. How did you know we did it just like this?? (Current Trek employee)
Oh no! I ride an Emonda. Part of the attraction was that it is a simple frame design with no gimmicks. Perhaps my next bike will be a Cervelo Soloist or Giant TCR.
Why? Stick to your current emonda if you don't like this version
Keep the Emonda.
It's still relatively simple, no iso speed. Keep your emonda for now, they're still crazy fast. But there's no gimmick here it's just different from what you're used to seeing.
Giant TCR is wickedly underrated
I just swapped my 2016 Emonda S5 for an Emonda SL6 pro - looked at the soloist, but couldn’t justify the price for the same spec (di2 - carbon wheels) … I’m not unrealistic that Trek carbon wheels and finishing kits are the best - but at the price point, they appear nicely finished, and good paint jobs (looked at Canyon and Orbea and they just look budget by comparison)
If we can't believe the claimed weight, can we believe the claimed Aero?
The previous gen is much better looking.
This new model saves more drag from the new aero bottle design 😅
Top shelf content, thanks. Excellent ride footage and high level of detail. Great shots of the bikes. This is in contrast to so many others who focus on them talking instead of ride & bike footage.
Cant afford..but nice to watch progress. Nice video, David! Keep it up🎉
Thanks! 😃
This bike with the fancy paint job costs up to $22,000 CAD, that is ridiculous.
My £200 second hand Giant TCR 2 with full duraace from 17 years ago weighs about 0.5kg more than a new £22k bike? "Ridiculous!" Indeed.
It makes the S-Works SL8 Tarmac at $18,000 CAD look like an absolute deal! 😂😂😂
That's how much the last NEW car I bought cost.
Why go for the top tier version? the SL (105/Ultegra) version is far better choice IMO
This is a total and utter rip off. They are hoping that fools who part with their money will indeed part with their money as they are fools. Research and developement is frqeuntly quoted by peole who buy these expenisve bikes , as to why they are so expensive. This theory goes out the window when you compare how much car or motorcycle you can get for 22k.
But the real crime is the fact that the bike is ugly and odd looking. It is filled with gimmicks that actually look dangerous and are not even arodynamic. Dont telll trek that.
Well Trek did not disappoint. The new bike is still heavier and more expensive than the competition! Such a shame...
Outgoing aero Madone looks ages better
Yup,,this looks gayi 😅
"We've tried to break it".
Not until you've given it to an overweight English rider like me to test ride it on our wonderful lanes!
Paris Roubaix? Pah, Staffordshire lanes with fat old me on the bike will kill it dead.....lol.
Seriously though, I do wonder how reliable it will be for heavier riders like me on our really terrible roads!
He tried to break it...Meanwhile, he weighs 110 pounds.
I'm close to the bikes limit... So give it to me for a week.... Challenge accepted 😂
I think they don’t hire old fat people for test ride. See how fit they are. Even the big guy there is not fat.
Staffs lanes! Luxury! the roads around Lichfield are like silk smooth, thus needs to try roads round York, like ploughed field wit soom stoney tarmac throwen ont top, and we r grateful for dem.
Was up over Huddersfield way at the weekend and those roads great inclines but by god the state was chronic truly bad potholes! I really believe I could snap those bike especially that (pathetic) dual seatpost
I’ll just buy the new bottles and bottle cage on my 2021 Emonda SL6 Pro and BAM! I got my somewhat a Gen 8 update! 😅 Cheapest way to deal with this. Emonda ❤ Forever!
Can’t watch the trek guys boast about the bike while keeping a straight face knowing this is because of SKUs
Facts 100%
Yes, it is about SKUs, but I've ridden the last few gens of emonda and Madone and the new one really is fast and just feels nice to ride. The balance of stiffness, compliance and speed is well done and the fact that they were able to reduce SKUs without too much compromise is still impressive
7.3 kgs without pedals + having Sram Red is diabolical. Whack
When are you going to review the Madone sl6 version. That’s what we all been waiting for.
Waiting for trek to send me one 😀
For a minute there I thought I was watching Safa Brian. Great descending David.
Thanks! :)
Bike manufacturers hit the wall on improvements.
When you do the comparison review Dogma F vs SL8 vs new Madone, remember to compare them with the same tires and wheels 😉👍
I came here to say that! The new Madonna is noticeably lighter with the RSL 37 wheel set than it is with the RSL 51s.
Look at that brutal attack at 16:11!!!! Crushing dreams there David!
Haha 😂
True, some other bikes might be a bit lighter but I'd take aero and compliance (comfort) any day.
Keeping my emonda SL6 pro. Carbon frame, carbon wheels, mechanical ultegra and rim brakes. 16 pounds with tubes.
Thank you for the great information! The opening of the video is incredibly misleading (the Trek hype). I guess the Emonda wasn’t lightweight at all. My 2020 Venge with pedals, seat, and computer mount is 15.08 lbs. no special parts on the Venge: DA 12 speed, Roval team wheels, and standard one piece stem and it’s over 1.5 lbs lighter. My SL8 is 14.6 lbs. all standard parts like DA 12 and Roval wheels and bars. Both are 54 cm, have wider 42cm bars,and again, include pedals, seats and all parts necessary to function.
Fantastic review Dave. Thank you. I loved my Trek Emondas, one of which I sill ride today. I'm disappointed the new Madone is not as light as I was hoping and from the impressions I take from your review, the "Jury is still undecided" as to whether it's a big stride ahead of what existed 2 years previously. The fact you need to test it further on your home turf suggests to me that while it's a good bike it didn't knock your socks off, liked you'd expect to experience. Hanging out for your SL6 review
what an incredible ride in Spain. Beautiful riding!
I like how frank you are and also detailed..I just wish that someone did a video on Trek FX Sport 6 .I just want to ride on paved trails and feel light, but I don't know if it's worth spending $2700 for a city bike ...Thanks for your videos
The cool wall! Always a great comparison scale:)
It’s great knowing I can see a new bike release and that this channel will explain it right away
It’s about Reducing SKUs . It makes sense . But the geometry may be too extreme for most .
agreed
Yes, now they need to revamp the domane, lower the weight and get rid if the iso speed. Or bring back the h2 fit on this model.
@@scottf3456 Nothing wrong with the Domane; the perfect bike for the 'normal' rider......
Marlin, Roscoe and alloy Procaliber surely aren't all needed?
@@Andy_ATB well thats a matter of opinion, you can say there was nothing wrong with the emonda or the madone.
Domane is like just about the heaviest in class and the isospeed while confortable - people have complained about it as the bike ages.
Still it is a beautiful bike as is there is no denying that.
Trek should just include two top tube stickers with the bike, one that says "Madone" and the other "Emonda"... then you can choose which bike you want it to be. 🙂
@buster.keaton A wise man!
La principal razón es que antes hubo un boom de ventas en bicicletas, y al cliente se le quería convencer de que necesitaba una escaladora (emonda) y una aero para el llano (madone). Lo que el cliente no se daba cuenta es que tenia la misma bici, misma geometria, una con tubos algo mas finos y otra mas rectos con una diferencia de peso a igualdad de componentes de unos 400 grs en el mejor de los casos (dependiendo de la marca, en mi caso son 200 grs), y que para nada es determinante en su rendimiento. Ahora que hay una crisis en ventas, quieren convencer al cliente que lo mejor es tener una bici (gen 8) que "tiene lo mejor de la escaladora y la Aero" cuando es la misma bici que las anteriores. La realidad es que se trata de reducir costes.
17:15 Trek is definitely a cool bike, but still I prefer the view. The view and the speed.
Tbf if were testing a bike in that environment I'd love every bit of it I reckon...
Good review, it's very helpful for all. Thanks for your hardworking.
My pleasure!
Great review, youre the only journo who has actually weighed the thing
Looks like you’ve a layback seatmast, stock is inline on all models. Is this correct? Did you spec a 20mm layback for the test bike?
And as always it is 200 grams lighter, more aero, and rides faster. Just we are older and slower. Comedy gold.
In a blind testing, most wouldn't be able to distinguish a difference between the outgoing model and this one.
@@davidkennedy4845 You're right! Well, position will be bit different (different sizing brings slightly different angles here or there).
So it is not lighter than the old model and not more aero?
Correct.
In the real world tested (I think it was bike station), the Madone Gen 7 was on a hill climb (average 6%) faster than a Tarmac SL8, although 2 pounds heavier. And the Madone is much more comfy. So I guess I'll get a Gen 7 for me, it even looks so much better.
Gen 7 is a piece of art by comparison. Might try to get myself one used, now that this is out.
To me the smallest and most insignificant changes are between the SL7 Gen 7&8. Pretty much the entire gen 8 bike is exactly the same and weighs only .28grams lighter. I prefer the more aggressive look of the gen 7. I would expect an immediate price drop of the gen 7 though given that both are currently the exact same price. Seat stays is a little thicker on Gen 7 but gen 8 does have a slightly more compliant stay (argumentative how much better it is). Aesthetically, the gen 8 color schemes are beautiful and imo, Trek has the best paint jobs in the industry.
@davidarthur did you end up getting your hands on a SL 6 to review?
Not yet this year hopefully
How does compare to Specialized Tarmac ?
If buyers keep paying savagely high prices for bikes, the manufacturers will keep on making them. Lets face it, the majority of those who can afford to buy them, will never realise the apparent tech advantages anywhere near in full. Remember, the pros don't pay for the bikes they ride in the grand tours. Cycling used to be a sport for the working class. Manufacturers have changed this to a sport/recreation for the upper class. Buy your next bike with your head, not with your ego.
Well yeah, there's that. But cycling is an industry, too. All of the R&D goes into the high-end bikes, and the tech eventually filters down to reasonably priced models over time. I'm okay with this. I would never pay thousands of dollars for one of these bikes, but they're fun to look at and see them reviewed. I'd be afraid to scratch the paint brushing past one in a bike shop! Still cool, though. I think that most of those buying these can afford them, and they can spend their money how they like. I feel for the guy (well, his wife) who can't afford it but buys it anyway!
How does it compare to the LOOK 795 Blade RS??
Nice to hear all the info from the team. But I think I preferred the old Emonda. I’m not mad about that seat post “hole” thingy, still looks a bit odd. But I’m loving that paint job!😍 Very similar to the “Look” paint jobs of a few years ago. Would I buy one? Probably not, Trek is really not my “tasse de thè!” I’m still drooling over that “hulk Green” Wilier. 😍
Good info though David. And well done getting yourself in on all these new bike press releases. You’re one of the big boys out there now. 10/10 😎👍🏻
P.S. Still waiting on that Wahoo Roam V2 review, you know…the one that you’ve used in this review as well?? 😁🙏🏻👍🏻
This seems to make some more sense. They all just want one top of the line segment. That cut on the frame below the seatpost scares me a lot!
i am on the fence between the new tcr pro1 and the gen 8 madone sl6. which should i get? you rode both so it would be nice to share your opinion 😊
what a beautiful road,
Where is it? any links? 🙏
Hi David,
You mentioned in the video that you'll be testing the SL model. Do you know when that'll be?
Still waiting I’m afraid
What would you pick this or the new Canyon Aeroad?
Hello David,
Any chance of finding you on Strava, or have you hidden your profile?
How much weight did they save by making the TREK logo smaller?
56g 😆
Adam Bird from the design team on Aeroad tasks has said that the ALR (alloy) Emonda will be the only ongoing model for the forthcoming year in that series . The carbon higher - teir models will be in the platform merger .
new factor O2VAM, look 795 blade RS2, don't think you can say they are an other light weight aero bike ?
Can't the wait be the difference between a Medium and a Medium-Large for example? I think combining the Madone/Emonda, with the current states of aero/lightweight bike, makes sense for most riders looking for very good all around road bike. For a regular people, I think putting $6000 on a bike that is ~300g heavier than a lightweight bike and still has good aero is a very good deal if we compare the alternative of having two bikes.
looking forward for the sl6 review
Hello david love your content. Which bike do you prefer to ride. The new madone or the new dogma F?
how is the compliance vs TARMAC SL-8 s-works almost the same or better ?
I can’t help but think that the seatpost set up is a real potential point of failure. Am sure it’s suitably reinforced but it just looks shonky. Aethos for me, thanks.
That was the first thing that stood out to me, too.
Reminds me of the Look Mondrian paint job, love the look. It’s not worth the price however.
That's one fugly bike, gen 7 is gonna massively appreciate in value now. Lets cut the BS this is a cost-cutting move. Nobody asked for a skinnier/less aero Madone.
The bottle cages! :D
So I cracked my Emonda frame on my trainer, Trek sent a Madonna frame for a replacement so I was excited. Then watching videos on this frame I realized you have toe tap on this frame. So going into turns you must be aware of this to avoid crashing.
I still can't get behind the mechanically stupid seat tube junction. It's a gimmick that won't stand the test of time and makes the fitment more limited.
I’m cycling for 10 years and each year I hear, 5% lighter, faster, aero. But actually there not so much difference to buy new bike each year and even 5 years. Actually my 6 years old bike was 7.5 kilos, and very fast, cost me 4k usd , today same model from same company 9 kilos and cost 6k (so where is improvement?) . Actually, there is no reason to upgrade. And someone can say disk brakes better, but they are sucks, on dry conditions they stop exactly the same, they need much more maintenance, and I don’t cycle in rain. Electric shifting also has so many problems and cost a lot of money and already had issue in competition with that gear. So, all that marketing sucks, industry trying to get our money by selling stories. After bike upgrade, I don't find too many improvements even I have now aero, disk brakes , 12 speed electronic gear, my speed is not changed, my feelings on the bikes are the same my happiness level from cycling is the same on 1k bike and on 6k bike
Looking for the promised info about the locations you were riding but can't see it?
Oops sorry forgot about that, here it is www.komoot.com/tour/1673664251
@@davidarthur many thx.
I know your full review is outstanding but I can't help feeling they have shot themselves in the foot with this bike. It's just not light enough
"dramatically lighter".... Meh, I'm "dramatically lighter" if I have a number two before a ride, in that case 😂🚲
And only put half the amount of fluid in my bidden!
It is NOT DRAMATICALLY lighter - total BS marketing. Website states the SLR 7 in a medium is little over 16lbs- was in trek shop and that bike weighs over 17- roughly 17.3lbs
I have no regrets that I bought a gen7 last year, it's a great bike. However, that new one does look like great!
Why would you regret buying a better product?
@@davidspagnolo4870 So you've ridden both and can objectively say the 7 is better? Please share the details.
I think it looks horrendous around the seat tube area. Does not inspire confidence at all. Frankenstein monster of a bike.
But how does this bike compare to other high end bikes? (i.e. Cannondales lab 71, the tarmac, the dogma f).
How does it feel on the climbs-mountains vs the Emonda?
The bottles remind me of dishwashing detergent. Quite fitting for Lidl.
That sizing chart looks terrible for a 6' person like me. I've been riding a 58 Emonda with a 57.3 TT. It used to be easy to size a bike for myself. Now everything is jacked up. Don't even get me started on trying to fit a Checkpoint...Which means I wouldn't be able to ride a stock stem length - my guess - but how much is that one-piece cockpit to figure it out???
Trek, Pinarello, Cervello, Colnago….most of their prices in AUD are just ridiculous
Like specialized. Low cost production and premium prices to costumers combined with bull shit marketing. It is a wonder that costumers keep buying these brands. All the claims with Venge and old Madone now seams hollow because of the one bike to rule them all concept. I don't belive all the claims and marketing + reviews any more. You simply have to do the test your self.
I like what they did here to compete with the Tarmac, but I think the Emonda could have been turned into an Aethos competitor, UCI illegal light weight beast.
[10:35] surely jt is more aero in race competitions. Because outdoor sometimes headwind are coming from sideways.. but if the frame tubes are like diamond the wind woul boost the accelerations like a yacht ⛵ free motor
As an Emonda owner, I regret this decision was not run by me‼️🤦♂️🤷♂️😳🤪
$3500 for the entry level ready to ride SL but $3800 for the frameset without any assembly or equipment costs!? Is this a commonplace tactic with manufacturers and suppliers to shift their groupsets etc or is diverting a frameset before assembly somehow more costly?
Makes no sense on the face of it.
Madone to rule them all... Not for me though. I know the seat mast is safe, but it always looks like it's about to snap off. I prefer your more old school, staid, and conservative seat tube design, thanks. I'm also skeptical about Isoflow, no matter what yer man says: just how much is airflow quantitatively improved in that section of the bike, behind the head tube and in the midst of the big, messy human stirring it up?
I have a Canyon Aeroad and I like it. It's fast and aggressive in Crits. However, when you go on a long ride, it's extremely uncomfortable after about 60 miles. Just beats me up. I wonder how much more comfortable a new Madone or SL8 would feel over the Canyon.
Wow….Trek guys seem super excited to talk about the bike (heavy sarcasm). Probably worried they’re about to get cut along with the retail employees and SKUs 😂
I own a SLR emonda frame with paint 56-58 cm 800-900 grams! Yes I did call trek on that, they admitted to me 700 grams is with out paint. But the model i have from 2 years ago rides really nice!
Specialized frames do have thin paint compared to my trek.
These companies what to charge this insane money show there frames with paint on a scale and and complete build with pedals weight!
first thought was how much more aero this bike could be with the cervelo S5 star trek style stem
They should have gone with a new name: ADEMON same lettering new name
8:58 According to Park Tools, that scale is only accurate to +-100 grams. So lets make that 7.25Kg. Then, the weight Trek claims is - as it should be - without bottlecages. Those are (bolted) on, so that's another 100g -> 7,15Kg. Then you have some Bledr accessories installed including a Garmin holder, so we need to deduct another 100g -> 7,05Kg. Say whoever set up that bike went a bit overboard with the tubeless sealent and there you have it: 7Kg. Did you calibrate that scale correctly? Was it windy, since you were measuring outside? Nobody knows, we'll give you the benefit of the doubt here. But I'd say the weight Trek claims is accurate. Given the fact that they are an american company and would be covered in lawsuits for all eternity if it weren't, it's pretty obvious that they wouldn't bertay their customers anyways. So I wonder, if you as a reviewer get to a point where you think "wait, that doesn't add up!" (haha), why don't you contact the manufacturer and ask them? They would have cleared that up for you in no time and you wouldn't be looking as if you wanted to sh*t in Treks parade for no reason...
That's exactly I need to learn for selling my 2023 Emonda SL6. I ain't keeping an obsolete bike. I ain't loosing money hanging in my garage
I had an Emonda like yours. I bought a Madone SL6 Gen 8. I can tell you that the combining of the Emonda and the Madone was a good idea. It performs great and I love the comfort.
Comes with lifetime discount in Lidl if you take it in those colours
What a bike! It's light, it's aero, it's stiff, 900 OCLV Carbon (??).. it's everything I want in a bike.. wait, how much? Meh.
19:24 I bet you like the feeling of Tarmac Sl8 more than Madone8, but can’t say that yet😅
7.3kg does seem a tad heavy. By way of comparison, my current gen Emonda with Aeolus 51’s, Bontrager aero bars and matching stem, pedals, cages, Garmin and light mounts is 7.45 and it a size 60
So trek released the gen 7 knowing that in like 8 months they were going to release the gen 8. I wonder when the gen 9 is going to come out.
obviously they tried to make a new emonda but came to the realization thatbthey can‘t make it light enough. Damage control was to market this as the do it all bike.
Would love for you to review the new Seka Spear which has a unique rear end and is lighter than the new madone.
I know you mentioned the comparison to the Tarmac SL8. How about a comparison to the latest Cannondale Supersix Evo
Nice bike , but not best for me, maybe to little tyre clearance? And I dont think it can use a dropper post.