The aero race Trek Madone has been upgraded to benefit from Trek's latest OCLV 800 wünder-carbon developed for the newly launched ultra-lightweight Émonda.
It wasn't going to be long before we started seeing further updates to Trek's existing line-ups. However owing to where most of the models are in terms of product lifecycle, barring the Émonda, it was always likely to be tweaks rather than overhauls.
Case in point is the 'new' Madone. As the pictures imply, there has been minimal surface changes to the existing aerodynamic speed machine - but this year it's all about what lies beneath. Trek has changed up the existing carbon layup for its latest OCLV 800 as showcased on the new Émonda SLR. This new carbon layup is, according to Trek, its lightest and highest-performing carbon layup to date. Reportedly 30 per cent stronger than the existing flagship OCLV 700 but with no loss of stiffness, this new carbon has allowed Trek's engineers to create frames utilising far less material with no apparent loss in performance.
How light are we talking? Well the new Madone SLR frame built out of OCLV 800 carbon is reportedly 80 grams lighter than its predecessor, with no change to the shaping therefore maintaining its aerodynamic properties.
The other change to the Madone is a wholesale changeover to the T47 bottom bracket standard. Effectively a larger diameter threaded bottom bracket T47 maintains the low profile properties and wider compatibility of a press-fit system and some say could be the solution to the annoying creaky BB.
The new Madone SLR will be released in five standard variants, a frameset as well as being available in Trek's Project One custom bike programme. According to Trek all models are available immediately through dealers and through Trek's own website.
Trek Madone SLR 9 Disc eTap £11,950
OCLV 800 carbon frame and fork, SRAM Red eTap AXS, Bontrager Aeolus XXX6 wheelset.
OCLV 800 carbon frame and fork, SRAM Force eTap AXS, Bontrager Aeolus Pro 5 wheelset.
(Image credit: Trek)
Trek Madone SLR 7 Disc £7,500
OCLV 800 carbon frame and fork, Shimano Ultegra Di2, Bontrager Aeolus Pro 5 wheelset.
Trek Madone SLR 6 Disc £6,250
OCLV 800 carbon frame and fork, Shimano Ultegra mechanical, Bontrager Aeolus Pro 5 wheelset.
(Image credit: Trek)
Trek Madone SLR Disc Project One £varies
OCLV 800 carbon frame and fork. Rest of spec varies up to you.
(Image credit: Trek)
Trek-Segafredo will be racing the new Madone SLR 9 variant and when combined with a new ultra-light component spec (that any rider can choose via Project One) the bike is reportedly 450 grams lighter than its predecessor.
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James Bracey's career has seen him move from geography teacher, to MBR writer, to Cycling Weekly's senior tech writer and video presenter. He possesses an in-depth knowledge of bicycle mechanics, as well as bike fit and coaching qualifications. Bracey enjoys all manner of cycling, from road to gravel and mountain biking.
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