Aero bike vs climbing bike: Bauke Mollema tells us which he prefers

Do you chose an aero bike or a climbing bike? Riding for Trek-Segafredo, Dutch rider Bauke Mollema has both the Trek Madone aero bike and Trek Emonda climbing bike at his disposal. Mollema explains which he prefers and when

trek madone bauke mollema

Many pro cyclists like to ride the same bike in the mountains as they do on flat stages. Examples include Chris Froome on his Pinarello Dogma F8 and Alberto Contador on his Specialized S-Works Tarmac. Bauke Mollema is different in that he regularly switches between Trek's aerodynamic, but slightly heavier Madone and the Wisconsin-based company's featherweight Emonda SLR climbing bike.

Mollema loves the speed of the Madone on descents

Mollema loves the speed of the Madone on descents

Speaking exclusively to Cycling Weekly, Mollema explained that he has the exact same riding position set up on both frames. "Its easy to switch between bikes because the position is the same."

>>> How much faster is an aero bike? (video)

Mollema's Trek Madone aero bike in a full race build weighs 7.2kg, while the Emonda is 6.8kg, right on the UCI weight limit. Mollema explained "for the mountains I switch to the Emonda, because on the climbs weight is so important and you feel the bike accelerates really easily uphill."

Mollema rides the Emonda most of the time

Mollema rides the Emonda most of the time

>>> Aero bike vs lightweight bike uphill (video)

"The 400g difference between the two bikes is really important to me," Mollema continues. "I'm a climber and when you're on an uphill finish it can make the difference. They are both stiff bikes, but they react differently. When you sprint or accelerate uphill I really like the Emonda."

>>> How much speed can you buy? (video)

The Madone is not just ridden for its aerodynamic prowess – for Strade Bianche type terrain Mollema prefers the compliance of the Madone, with it's Iso Speed Decoupler technology.

Cancellara's Madone with its Iso Speed decoupled seat post for added comfort

Cancellara's Madone aerobike with its Iso Speed decoupled seat post for added comfort

>>> Review of the Trek Madone 9.9

Regarding wheel choice, Mollema prefers the 50mm deep Bontrager Aeolus 5, but explained that "the 30mm wheels are used uphill finishes and tough climbing days."

Trek-Segafredo use Veloflex tyres this season and Mollema explained that "last year we used 23mm tyres, but this year we are using 25mm which give a bit more grip in the corners on the descents."

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Oliver Bridgewood - no, Doctor Oliver Bridgewood - is a PhD Chemist who discovered a love of cycling. He enjoys racing time trials, hill climbs, road races and criteriums. During his time at Cycling Weekly, he worked predominantly within the tech team, also utilising his science background to produce insightful fitness articles, before moving to an entirely video-focused role heading up the Cycling Weekly YouTube channel, where his feature-length documentary 'Project 49' was his crowning glory.