The Trek Emonda is the featherweight, all rounder in the brand's stable and the recently released 2018 models are the lightest yet.
The carbon bikes within the Trek Emonda range come in two standards: the SL and SLR – the latter being the lighter of the two. Both frame standards now come with the option of disc brakes.
The range also contains lightweight aluminium bikes in the Emonda ALR collection, though the only 2018 version currently available is the Shimano Ultegra equipped Trek Emonda ALR6.
2018 Trek Emonda: lightest ever and disc brake equipped
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The newest Trek Emonda SLR frame comes in at 650g, in a size 56cm, with the disc version tipping the scales at 665g. The slightly heavier SL versions are still hardly hefty, at 1091g and 1146g with disc brakes.
For 2018, Trek also increased the tyre clearance of the Emonda SL and SLR models to 28mm – going as far as to say that this addition, along with disc brakes, made the bikes fully capable of gravel and adventure riding duties. This is quite a claim on a bike that’s been tried and tested for pro racing by Trek Segafredo riders.
To cater for racers after adequate power transfer, developers of the lightweight frame have ensured that it continues to remain stiff.
Indeed, the newest 2018 model is said to be stiffer than previous versions across the frame, head tube, bottom bracket thanks to the use of the OCLV carbon layup which has been tested extensively by pro riders.
The disc models use a flat mount system. The non-disc brake models come with Trek’s own rim brakes: Bontrager Speed Pro Brakes.
They say these direct mount, tuneable rim brakes are lighter than other options. At 95g thanks to their hollow arms and titanium components, this is hard to argue with.
In terms of computer technology, Trek has centralised it all into its cockpit. Accordingly to the company, "Blendr Integration" seamlessly mounts Bontrager's cycling computer, Ion bike lights or even Garmin computers directly to the handlebars.
All of the bikes in the Emonda range also boast a ‘ride tuned seatmast’ which is created to be light whilst promoting comfort, dampening out rough roads.
The SLR models are lighter than the SL bikes, and use 700 Series OCLV carbon as opposed to 500 Series OCLV. They also feature ‘Control Freak Cable Management’ which allows for shifter and brake cables to be housed through the frame and they’re available with a Project One custom pain job.
Whilst the Emonda is race tested, most built bikes come in the H2 fit, which is the slightly more relaxed geometry when compared to more aggressive H1. However, SLR frames are available with H1 fit if you choose the 'Race Shop Limited' version.
Trek Émonda SLR weights and technical specs:
Émonda SLR frame = 640g
Émonda SLR disc frame = 665g
Émonda SLR fork = 313g
Émonda SLR disc for = 350g
28c tyre clearance
H1 and H2 fit possible
Specs from Emonda SLR6 with Shimano Ultegra at £4,400 to Emonda SLR9 in Shimano Dura Ace Di2 for £8,500
Trek Émonda SL weights and technical specs:
500 series OCLV carbon
Trek SL frame = 1019g
Trek SL disc frame = 1149g
Trek SL fork =313g
Trek SL disc fork = 350g
Émonda SL 5 (women's model) fork = 436g
28c tyre clearance
H2 fit
Women's model available as Émonda SL 5
Specs from Emonda SL4 with Shimano Tiagra at £1,500 to Emonda SL7 with Shimano Dura Ace Di2 at for £4,400
TrekÉmonda ALR:
300 Series Alpha aluminium
Specced with Shimano Ultegra on the ALR6 for £2,000
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