what is a trek emonda

• off.road.cc
• Dealclincher
• Fantasy Cycling

Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

• Sportive and endurance bikes
• Gravel and adventure bikes
• Urban and hybrid bikes
• Touring bikes
• Cyclocross bikes
• Electric bikes
• Folding bikes
• Fixed & singlespeed bikes
• Children's bikes
• Time trial bikes
• Accessories - misc
• Computer mounts
• Bike bags & cases
• Bottle cages
• Child seats
• Lights - front
• Lights - rear
• Lights - sets
• Pumps & CO2 inflators
• Puncture kits
• Reflectives
• Smart watches
• Stands and racks
• Arm & leg warmers
• Base layers
• Gloves - full finger
• Gloves - mitts
• Jerseys - casual
• Jerseys - long sleeve
• Jerseys - short sleeve
• Shorts & 3/4s
• Tights & longs
• Bar tape & grips
• Bottom brackets
• Brake & gear cables
• Brake & STI levers
• Brake pads & spares
• Cassettes & freewheels
• Chainsets & chainrings
• Derailleurs - front
• Derailleurs - rear
• Gear levers & shifters
• Handlebars & extensions
• Inner tubes
• Quick releases & skewers
• Energy & recovery bars
• Energy & recovery drinks
• Energy & recovery gels
• Heart rate monitors
• Hydration products
• Hydration systems
• Indoor trainers
• Power measurement
• Skincare & embrocation
• Training - misc
• Cleaning products
• Lubrication
• Tools - multitools
• Tools - Portable
• Tools - workshop
• Books, Maps & DVDs
• Camping and outdoor equipment
• Gifts & misc

Trek likes to keep it simple, stupid when it comes to navigating its road bike range. Madone: that's the aero one. Domane: that's the comfort one. Emonda: that's the lightweight one. Easy-peasy.

The Emondas are then divided up into the aluminium ALR and the S, SL and SLR carbon fibre frame platforms, getting progressively lighter and – because this is the way things generally work – more expensive.

Coming in at 8.55kg (18.8lb), the Emonda SL 5 is light but it doesn't feel like Trek has filled the tubes with helium (the frame weight is a claimed 1,091g, size 56cm). The Merlin Nitro SL (£200 more expensive at £1,999.99) that we reviewed back in the summer hit the scales at 7.7kg (17.0lb), for instance, while the Boardman SLR Endurance Disc 9.0 (also £1,999.99) we tested was 8.2kg (18.2lb).

Don't get too hung up on weight, though. I only really bring it up because Trek makes such a big deal of it when talking about the Emonda. Climb aboard the SL 5 and it immediately feels alive, responding keenly as soon as you turn the pedals. Put a serious amount of power through the cranks and it springs forward as if it was just waiting for the flag to drop. Both the head tube and the down tube are enormous, holding the frame firmly in shape when you're recruiting every muscle fibre on an out-of-the saddle sprint or climb.

Relaxed but performance-orientated

Speaking of climbing, the Emonda SL 5 is fitted with a Shimano 105 compact chainset (50/34-tooth chainrings) which, matched to an 11-28 11-speed cassette, provides enough low gears to get you up the steep stuff in relative comfort. All of the other Emonda SLs are fitted with compact chainsets too, by the way, and they all come with frames built to Trek's H2 fit. That requires an explanation and, as luck would have it, there's one coming along right now... While Trek's H1 fit puts you into a low, flat-backed, aggressive riding position, H2 is a little more relaxed, although it's still performance orientated.

I have the 58cm Emonda SL 5 here with a 57.3cm effective top tube, a 55.3cm seat tube and a 19cm head tube. The stack height is 596mm and the reach is 391mm.

With an H1 fit (the Emonda SLR Race Shop Limited frameset is available in H1) the reach is a little longer (400mm) and the stack is quite a lot lower (567mm). You all know what reach and stack are... (no? stack is the vertical and reach the horizontal measurements from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube).

Don't get the impression that the Emonda SL 5's H2 fit will have you sitting bolt upright in the saddle because it's a long, long way from that. For comparison, a 58cm Domane SL 5 has a stack height that's 15mm higher and a reach that's 11mm shorter. In other words, the H2 fit sits somewhere in the middle, an Aristotelian golden mean. Or Goldilocks' favourite porridge, if that's a cultural reference that works better for you. Put simply, a lot of people will get on well with the fit because it requires less flex in the back and neck than a traditional race fit without binning off the idea of efficiency.

One aspect of the Emonda SL 5's ride that surprised me is the level of comfort on offer here, particularly for a performance bike with 25mm-wide tyres. Okay, you don't get a clever IsoSpeed decoupler like you'll find on a Madone or a Domane to cushion the ride, but there's a decent amount of give in the seatmast and cap that Trek provides instead of a more traditional seatpost, and in the flattened, ultra-skinny seatstays.

As we all know, saddles always come down to personal preference – what feels like an armchair to one person can feel like a razor blade to another – but the steel-railed Bontrager Montrose Comp specced here has a pressure-relief channel/hole in the centre and loads of flex in the shell so I imagine it'll make more friends than enemies.

Great groupset

The Emonda SL 5 descends with assurance, giving you the confidence to lay off the brakes when others are nervously feathering theirs. When you do need to slow down the Shimano 105 brakes work on the alloy rims to provide plenty of predictable power. Shimano does make very good brakes. These are of the direct mount variety and they can be relied upon to hold tight when you need them. They even put in a decent performance in damp conditions although, like any rim brakes, they're outperformed by disc brakes when it's properly wet. If that bothers you and you can stretch to £2,650, the Emonda SL 6 is available in a disc version – with 12mm thru-axles front and rear, a Shimano Ultegra groupset including flat mount hydraulic discs, and an 11-32t cassette.

As well as the brakes, the SL5's shifters, derailleurs, chainset, cassette and chain are all Shimano 105. We've covered this groupset a million times on road.cc and it really is difficult to fault for the money.

I particularly like the light action shifters. They're slim, comfortable and easy to operate from either the hoods or the drops. There's not a massive difference between these and more expensive Ultegra, or even top of the pile Dura-Ace mechanical shifters. Sure, you can tell them apart but in use... puh! I'd happily use 105 on every ride. It's amazingly popular and rightly so. Although a couple of others run it close, 105 is still arguably the best value groupset out there.

> Head to head: Shimano 105 vs Shimano Ultegra

> And: Shimano Tiagra vs Shimano 105

This has all been a bit of a lovefest so far, but my one tiff with the Emonda SL 5 was right at the start of our relationship. I picked up the bike and was riding home from the office on it – five miles in, whistling a happy tune, thinking about what I'd have for tea, you know the sort of thing – and the front end started to feel... odd. I got out of the saddle on a climb and it felt decidedly spongy. Weird!

I stopped to check everything and it turned out that several spokes had loosened – about eight of them, I think. And I mean that they'd really loosened to the point that the nipples were just about holding on by their fingertips (shut up! Of course they do). My multi-tool has a spoke wrench on it so I tightened them up at the side of the road, then did a proper job when I got home. Since then the wheel has been fine.

I've reviewed loads of Treks before and this hasn't been an issue in the past, so I'm happy to put it down to bad luck. To be honest, if you know which way up to hold a spoke wrench it's not a massive problem, but it would be a pain if you had to book your bike in to a shop and have a mechanic do the fettling for you. Anyway, I've forgiven the Emonda SL 5 for that now and we've both moved on.

Spoilt for choice

The Emonda range is large, kicking off with the Shimano Tiagra-equipped ALR 4 at £1,000 and going right up to the SLR 9, with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 components, at £8,500 (a customisable Project One version of the Emonda SLR 9 is also available).

There are four SL models ranging in price from £1,500 (SL 4, Shimano Tiagra) up to £4,300 (SL 7, Shimano Ultegra Di2). At £2,000, the Emonda ALR 6, with an aluminium frame, is actually more expensive than the SL 5 courtesy of a next-level-up Shimano Ultegra groupset. The SL 5 is also available as a women's model.

Oh, and you can buy an Emonda SL frameset for £1,350 – but why would you do that when you can get a complete Emonda SL 4 for £1,500?

> Check out our guide to Trek's 2018 road bike range here

As well as the Emonda SL 6 Disc mentioned earlier, there's an Emonda SL 7 Disc, equipped with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset and Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3 Tubeless Ready wheels, for £4,400.

You can certainly get complete bikes with carbon fibre frames and Shimano 105 components considerably cheaper than the Emonda SL. The Focus Izalco Race Carbon 105, for example, is £1,399 and Giant's TCR Advanced 2 is £1,449. Those two are killer value. Equally, there are plenty of carbon/105 bikes out there that are more expensive. Cervelo's R2 105 is £2,199, for example, and BMC's Teammachine SLR02 Two is £2,250.

I would say that you're getting an extraordinarily good frame with the Trek Emonda SL 5 – one that'll handle considerable upgrading if you fancy doing that gradually as and when individual components wear out. It's that which makes this bike such impressive value for money.

Overall, the Trek Emonda SL 5 is excellent. I had an early issue with one of the wheels but that doesn't detract from the fact that this is a fast and nimble road bike that reacts like something considerably more expensive. Also comfortable and well behaved, it makes you question whether it's worth spending any more money than this.

A fast and nimble road bike that puts in an exceptional performance for its price

road.cc test report

Make and model: Trek Emonda SL 5

Size tested: 58cm

About the bike

State the frame and fork material and method of construction. List the components used to build up the bike.

Frame Ultralight 500 Series OCLV Carbon, ride-tuned performance tube optimisation, E2 tapered head tube, BB90, direct mount brakes, internal cable routing, DuoTrap S compatible, Ride Tuned seatmast

Fork Emonda carbon, E2 steerer, direct mount brakes

Wheels Bontrager Tubeless Ready

Tyres Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite, 700x 25c

Shifters Shimano 105, 11-speed

Front derailleur Shimano 105, braze-on

Rear derailleur Shimano 105

Chainset Shimano 105, 50/34 (compact)

Bottom bracket BB90

Cassette Shimano 105, 11-28, 11-speed

Chain Shimano 105

Brakeset Shimano 105, direct mount

Saddle Bontrager Montrose Comp, chromoly rails

Seatpost Bontrager Ride Tuned alloy seatmast cap, 10mm offset

Handlebar Bontrager Race VR-C, 31.8 mm

Handlebar tape Bontrager

Stem Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, 7-degree, w/computer and light mounts

Headset Integrated, cartridge bearing, sealed, 1 1/8in top, 1 1/2in bottom

Tell us what the bike is for

It's a road bike designed for racers and other performance-type riders who are interested in speed and fitness.

Frame and fork

Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?

The quality is exceptionally good throughout.

Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?

The frame is made from Trek's 500 Series OCLV carbon fibre. The fork is carbon too.

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

Like all the Emonda SL frames, this bike is built to Trek's H2 geometry which sits somewhere between a low and stretched H1 fit and a more upright endurance setup. H2 is certainly performance-focused, it's just not as aggressive as H1.

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

It's about what you'd expect.

Riding the bike

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

It's surprisingly comfortable for a bike of this type. You only get so much cushioning from 25mm tyres but the seatmast certainly helps to damp vibration and soften the blows.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

The super-wide down tube holds the bottom bracket firmly in place and the tapered (1 1/8in to 1 1/2in) head tube keeps the front end in order.

How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?

It felt efficient, without a doubt.

Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so

Some. It's only ever an issue for tight manoeuvres at walking pace.

How would you describe the steering? Was it lively Lively.

Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?

It offers a great ride whether you're going uphill, downhill or on the flat. It's a well-balanced bike that feels like it can cope with pretty much anything.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?

The seatmast and seatmast cap take some of the credit here, along with Bontrager's saddle.

You can swap to 28mm wide tyres if you want to run lower pressures for more comfort.

The drivetrain

Wheels and tyres

I have to take into account that several spokes came loose almost immediately. The rims are tubeless ready, if you want to go down that route.

After an initial scare they were fine.

Anything else you want to say about the componentry? Comment on any other components (good or bad)

The Shimano 105 groupset put in an excellent performance.

Your summary

Did you enjoy riding the bike? Yes

Would you consider buying the bike? Yes

Would you recommend the bike to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

The Trek Emonda SL 5 puts in a really strong performance. You'd be hard-pressed to tell from riding it alone that this wasn't a considerably more expensive bike. You're getting an exceptionally good bike for the money, and that equates to a 9.

Overall rating: 9 /10

About the tester

Age: 43   Height: 190cm   Weight: 75kg

I've been riding for: Over 20 years   I ride: Most days   I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding

Help us to fund our site

We’ve noticed you’re using an ad blocker. If you like road.cc, but you don’t like ads, please consider subscribing to the site to support us directly. As a subscriber you can read road.cc ad-free, from as little as £1.99. 

If you don’t want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off. The revenue from adverts helps to fund our site.

Help us to bring you the best cycling content

If you’ve enjoyed this article, then please consider subscribing to road.cc from as little as £1.99. Our mission is to bring you all the news that’s relevant to you as a cyclist, independent reviews, impartial buying advice and more. Your subscription will help us to do more.

Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. We send him off around the world to get all the news from launches and shows too. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

Add new comment

16 comments.

I share similar thoughts on Emonda SL 5. Bought new in 2019 as 2018 model for only 1.200 € and it seemed like a great deal. But wheels almost fell appart after 30 km, most of the spokes were totaly loosened. I was lucky to find that out just before the fast descent. Both wheels, front and rear! I took it to dealer and they said I was just unlucky, one in a million. Then I waited more than 2 months for new pair of wheels, replaced under guarantee. Got Bontrager Affinity TLR wheels. They were fine but bearings seem to be totaly destroyed after about 7000 km. So I did upgrade to Mavic Cosmic.

What do I think about the bike now? It is a great bike, with perfect geometry for me, very responsive and good for climbing. Not super light but good enough. Not aero at all but new wheels are doing the job much much better. It's a climber not a TT bike. Would I recommend the bike to anybody? Probably not, due to the serious issue with wheels that could affect safety. 

I still cannot understand how can a company like Trek put so awfull wheels on a nice carbon bike like Emonda 5. In my eyes this was a recall situation and obviously not a one in a million case. 

• Log in or register to post comments

I might be corrected but up to last year or perhaps this, the model was fitted with lighter 'Race' wheels.  They kept the price at £1800 and put cheaper wheels on it.  It's a shame as the frame and groupset is excellent, in my opinion.

  "Coming in at 8.55kg (18.8lb), the Emonda SL 5 is light...

   Don't get too hung up on weight, though. I only really bring it up because Trek makes such a big         deal of it when talking about the Emonda".

How does a carbon bike which sells for £1800 and weighs over eight and a half kilos get described as LIGHT ?

For comparison at £1800:  the Canyon Endurace CF8.0 is size Medium is 7.2 kilos.

The £1800 Rose GF Team 4 Ultegra is 7.1 kilos.

Both bikes have a complete Ultegra groupset - no sneaky substitutions, both have excellent DT Swiss wheels and are well equipped right down to Conti's top tyres.

What they seem to lack (apart from a kilo and a half) is the word Trek written down the side.

macbob wrote:   "Coming in at 8.55kg (18.8lb), the Emonda SL 5 is light...    Don't get too hung up on weight, though. I only really bring it up because Trek makes such a big         deal of it when talking about the Emonda". How does a carbon bike which sells for £1800 and weighs over eight and a half kilos get described as LIGHT ?

If the original article was from 2014 when the SL5 was launched, then 8.55 Kg would have been viewed as somewhat light for a fast endurance bike back then.

"If the original article was from 2014 when the SL5 was launched, then 8.55 Kg would have been viewed as somewhat light for a fast endurance bike back then".

     All true, although the article is bylined:

                   by Mat Brett May 25 2018  

    and a quick check of the Evans website suggests the bike is still nearly eight and a half kilos.

macbob wrote:   "If the original article was from 2014 when the SL5 was launched, then 8.55 Kg would have been viewed as somewhat light for a fast endurance bike back then".      All true, although the article is bylined:                    by Mat Brett May 25 2018       and a quick check of the Evans website suggests the bike is still nearly eight and a half kilos.

Unlike the German bikes this bike does come with boat anchors for wheels and wire bead tyres. Along with the 105 groupset that would explain most of the weight difference.

The review suggests though that the frame is fantatsic so a wheel + tyre upgrade would leave you wth a fantastic bike. Sure it would cost more than the German bikes but there's more to a bike than just it's weight.

Joe Totale wrote: macbob wrote:   "If the original article was from 2014 when the SL5 was launched, then 8.55 Kg would have been viewed as somewhat light for a fast endurance bike back then".      All true, although the article is bylined:                    by Mat Brett May 25 2018       and a quick check of the Evans website suggests the bike is still nearly eight and a half kilos.

European reviews of the Rose & UK and European reviews of the Canyon suggest the frames on both those bikes are excellent too. So the question is: do you want a lightweight bike with an excellent frame, a complete Ultegra groupset, highly regarded DT Swiss wheels and top drawer finishing kit... or do you want the Trek.

Or you could take the view that a bike is more than just a frame, a groupset, wheels, tyres and finishing kit in which case the big American brands with their overweight, under specced and overpriced offerings are for you.

"Updated May 25th  2018". It was a recycled article, hence my comment......

Why is this bike being compared to the  Boardman SLR Endurance Disc 9.0? The calliper version comes in at 7.6kg and gives you an almost complete Dura-Ace groupset and a better wheelset for only £99 more.  https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/products/242-slr-9.2-endurance.html

Did a few hundred KMs on a rented SL5 in Mallorca earlier this year.

Nice machine, although the most impressive element was the 105 groupset (especially the brakes), which is easy to find on other makes/models.

It was definitely comfortable, and reasonably light - although I couldn't say I noticed a huge improvement on my 725-framed Equilibrium. May be my own frame which means a couple of KG off the bike doesn't make much obvious difference, of course...

So certainly not a bad option but I'd be tempted to look around a bit more before splashing that sort of cash.

Decent / good frame with full 105, own brand everything else (bars, stem, seatpost, wheels, tyres, may be ok stuff) inc wheels which look very spokey. 

giant tcr advanced pro 2 would be a potentially better bike

in a sale at £1800 it has giant tcr frame (one of stiffest on market) giant slr carbon wheels and 105.

beaut bike would reccomend. Its weight is also 7kg

spinner98 wrote: giant tcr advanced pro 2...has giant tcr frame

Well that's very reassuring.

Incredibly generous considering the wheel supplied was in a dangerous condition.

An ordinary person may not have noticed the odd feeling and ridden it until it collapsed under them, throwing them under a car. It’s pretty serious. 

Prosper0 wrote: Incredibly generous considering the wheel supplied was in a dangerous condition. An ordinary person may not have noticed the odd feeling and ridden it until it collapsed under them, throwing them under a car. It’s pretty serious. 

Well that really depends, for most people that would have been picked up by the shop you purchased the bike from. For everyone who orders it direct I would expect them to check the wheel before riding it

Really? They'd notice the wheel not fitting between the brake pads a long time before collapsing.

Latest Comments

It should be noted that socialism doesn't prevent folk from starting or running their own succesful busineses. It's about making sure no-one get...

London does seem to exist, making it REAL, and also seems to be part of the WORLD, it is not a figment of someone's imagination, so by being there,...

How exactly do they measure congestion? Is it average speed, density of cars, or some other value?

Look at London and the way that better infrastructure has encouraged cycle use. On some stretches the bicycle is the most numerous vehicle type....

Meanwhile the police throw significant resource at the Angela Rayner tax issue that should/could  be handled by HMRC....

Precisely, they pick and choose when it suits them. And yet people still vote for them, which is where they absolutely rely on the levels of...

It's when I noticed that even the motorways are riddled with potholes that I realised just how bad it's got.

And a seat/saddle bag is supposedly in an optimum aero position. Tri riders very often keep their water bottles behind the saddle. Could save you...

Why is no one talking about how windy it is up there and what that does to cycling. In my time on Orkney I think the wind dropped below 40mph a...

Which bike is faster .......

Related Reviews

Boardman SLR 8.6

Comfortable, lively ride, an excellent gear range and well-chosen components – one of the best entry-level bikes you can buy

Fara F/Road

Quick, nimble, fun, an impressive ride quality and excellent comfort – and I think it looks stunning

Factor O2 VAM

A master of climbing – but a bike that's also incredible fun and extremely capable everywhere else

Orro Venturi STC SRAM Force eTap Tailor Made 2024

Real world aerodynamics and well-designed geometry create an excellent bike that is fast and easy to ride

2-FOR-1 GA TICKETS WITH OUTSIDE+

Don’t miss Thundercat, Fleet Foxes, and more at the Outside Festival.

GET TICKETS

BEST WEEK EVER

Try out unlimited access with 7 days of Outside+ for free.

Start Your Free Trial

Powered by Outside

2021 Trek Emonda review: the semi-aero, ‘faster everywhere’ climbing bike

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

First introduced in 2014 , the Emonda has always been Trek’s premier climbing bike, with a keen focus on low weight and high stiffness. However, we now have a much better understanding of the role aerodynamics play when it comes to going fast — even when climbing — and, as expected, the brand-new Emonda SLR and Emonda SL bikes have undergone an aero makeover. The Emonda is still light, and it’s still stiff, but now there’s an extra dose of free speed included, too.

Story Highlights

What it is: The latest iteration of Trek’s premier climbing-specific road bike. || Frame features: Mild aero tube shaping, OCLV 800 carbon fiber construction, internal cable routing, T47 threaded bottom bracket. || Weight: 698 g (claimed, unpainted 56 cm frame only); 365 g (claimed, unpainted fork only); 6.81 kg (15.01lb), complete 52 cm Emonda SLR 9 eTap model as tested, without pedals.|| Price (as tested): US$12,000 / AU$15,800 / £9,700 / €11,000 || Highs: Low frame weight, excellent chassis stiffness, superb handling, intelligently designed internal routing system, traditional shape, no more BB90. || Lows: Somewhat chattery ride quality, no rim-brake option, long-term headset hassles.

The three-legged stool of performance

It has long been the prevailing mainstream sentiment that aerodynamic efficiency is only important when you’re moving fast — and given the non-linear way aerodynamic drag holds a rider back with increasing speed, there’s some truth to that. However, even moderately fit riders are still often going fast enough on most climbs that aerodynamic efficiency can play a measurable role, and given the “free speed” that the existing Emonda left on the table, Trek saw fit to make use of that potential with the latest redesign.

As Giant recently did with its TCR range of light-and-stiff road racing bikes, and Scott before them with the latest Addict RC , the new 2021 Emonda now sports truncated-airfoil tube profiles on the down tube, head tube, seat tube, seatstays, and fork blades. The no-cut integrated seatmast remains round, as does the telescoping seatmast head.

Upper-end Emonda SLR models also get a new Bontrager Aeolus RSL integrated carbon fiber stem and handlebar, the latter with notably flattened tops. Unlike the integrated setup on the full-aero Madone SLR , this is a true one-piece design with no angle adjustment so as to save weight.

Just like that Madone cockpit, though, the previous Emonda’s once-exposed cabling up front has been replaced with a fully hidden setup in the interest of more cleanly slicing through the air, with derailleur and brake lines now entering the frame at the head tube, immediately in front of the stem. Several new Emonda models will come with revamped Bontrager Aeolus aero carbon clincher wheels, too (and you can read about those in more detail here ).

So, just how aero is this thing?

According to Trek, if you were to take two identical riders, each putting out 350 watts, and put one on an old Emonda and the other on the new one, the one on the new Emonda would have a minute lead after an hour — on flat ground, that is. But the Emonda is supposed to be a climbing bike, no? Well, if you took those same two riders and sent them up L’Alpe d’Huez (a 13.85 km-long climb with an average gradient of 8.1% and maximum gradient of 13%), the rider on the new Emonda would finish 15 seconds ahead. On the Stelvio? Twenty-one seconds. And on something as long as the Taiwan KOM Challenge, Trek says the rider on the new Emonda would have 80 seconds to kick their heels up before the other rider showed up.

“We expect the vast majority of riders are going to choose Emonda,” said Trek’s director of road and Project One, Jordan Roessingh. “Madone is still significantly faster, but you’ll see a lot of Emondas under riders.”

Trek says the engineers behind the shape of the new Emonda obviously had to tread a very fine line between making the new bike more aerodynamic and sacrificing the traits that make the bike what it is, supposedly going through hundreds of CFD (computational fluid dynamics) and CAD (computer-aided design) models of various individual tube and frame shapes before arriving on the final form.

In the end, the new Emonda SLR is still primarily a light-and-stiff machine in the classic sense, and claimed weight for an unpainted 56 cm frame is just 698 grams, with the matching fork adding 365 g (the Emonda SL is 1,142 g and 380 g). In either case, paint adds another 25-100 g, depending on design. Overall, the figures are hardly heavy, but still slightly heavier than the previous model nonetheless. Likewise, stiffness figures have fallen off a bit as well, although supposedly not enough to make any difference.

“The key stiffness numbers – Trek Full Frame, Tour BB, and Vertical Compliance — are all within 5% of the old frame,” Roessingh said.

Potential buyers shouldn’t expect any improvement in ride quality, either, which is perhaps a touch surprising given how much Trek has emphasized rider comfort on other performance-minded platforms — including the Madone.

“The [ride quality] goal was to match the vertical compliance of the old bike,” said Trek road product manager Anders Ahlberg. “We were really close, within 7%, so most people shouldn’t notice a difference.”

One nice surprise is an apparent boost in frame durability. For the Emonda redesign, Trek developed a new carbon blend for the higher-end SLR models, dubbed OCLV 800. As expected, it’s lighter than the OCLV 700 mix that was used last year, with Roessingh saying the new frame shape would have been about 60 g heavier otherwise given the increase in surface area. However, OCLV 800 is also said to be 30% stronger than OCLV 700 and absorbs more energy, thus offsetting the brittleness that usually accompanies increases in fiber modulus.

Fewer geometry options, no more rim brakes

Trek has resisted temptations to follow other industry trends like dropping the seatstays (doing so apparently would have added 50 g of weight), and the Emonda retains its semi-classic double-diamond configuration with just a modest slope to the top tube. Although it’s a very different machine than the one it replaced, it still sports a traditional aesthetic, which plenty of potential buyers will appreciate.

More controversial will be Trek’s decision to only offer the new Emonda with disc brakes ; there is no rim-brake option, even for Trek-Segafredo team riders. According to Trek, its mainstream customers haven’t expressed any interest in “investing in old technologies”, and with an increasing number of pro teams and riders already making the switch, there was seemingly less motivation than ever to develop parallel models.

That said, it’s worth mentioning that the vast majority of Emonda buyers will never see a race (and, thus, will never be subject to UCI minimum weight rules), so the loss of a true ultralight climbing bike from a major brand is kind of a bummer. It wasn’t long ago, after all, that Trek offered the ultra-premium rim-brake Emonda SLR 10, with a claimed weight of just 4.6 kg (10.25 lb). Weight-weenies looking to save every possible gram will, of course, be able to build for themselves a custom bike that’s lighter than the stock Emonda SLR 9 flagship model, but being locked into disc brakes will obviously limit potential on the scale.

Somewhat expectedly, Trek has also decided to merge the existing H2 and H1 frame geometries into a middle-of-the-road H1.5 variant across the entire Emonda family, just as it did with the Madone a couple of years ago. As the name suggests, H1.5 is not as long or low as the H1 variant (which was only offered with Project One custom builds and bare framesets), but it’s more aggressive than the H2 geometry that graced every complete stock Emonda previously.

“None of our pro riders needed anything lower than [H1.5],” said Roessingh. “If they can get aggressive enough, the vast majority of consumers should also be able to achieve their fit.”

Trek has also done away with women-specific models for the Emonda range entirely, which is an especially intriguing move given how much time, energy, and money Trek has invested in its Women Specific Design project in years past.

Just as Specialized (and others) have changed tack in recent years on the same subject, Trek’s position now is that the Emonda’s H1.5 geometry is sufficiently accommodating so as to work for nearly everyone, regardless of sex or gender. To Trek’s credit, each Emonda is offered in a generous eight-size range — from 47 cm up to 62 cm — and there are a decent number of stock color options, too. Perhaps more to Trek’s point, the revised geometry supposedly hasn’t been an issue for the Trek-Segafredo women’s road team, either.

Smaller sizes nevertheless get some slightly adjusted spec, and Trek says it has programs in place with its dealer network that allow customers to swap various fit-related components (such as saddles) at little-to-no cost.

Here’s to the mechanics

There are several other updates on the new Emonda, a few of which will warm the hearts of home and professional mechanics alike.

First and foremost, Trek is continuing to transition away from its problematic BB90 press-fit bottom bracket design, opting to equip the Emonda with the same slightly modified T47 threaded shell that already graces the Domane endurance road bike and Crockett cyclocross bike. This should not only reduce the incidence of creaking, but will also make regular maintenance much less of a headache. The move to T47 will also finally allow the use of oversized spindles in a high-end Trek road bike, whereas BB90 would only work with 24 mm-diameter setups like Shimano Hollowtech and SRAM GXP.

According to Trek, the move to T47 did increase the frame weight by about 30 g relative to what it would have been with BB90 given the metal sleeve required. However, the convenience factor more than outweighed that nominal gain — pun intended — and when you consider that most cranksets with oversized spindles are actually lighter than their non-oversized counterparts, the total system often actually ends up lighter, anyway.

Trek’s interpretation of T47 is admittedly a millimetre narrower than the wide-format T47 system that was already on the books so as to provide better tool purchase, but it nevertheless doesn’t present any real compatibility headaches since existing T47 bottom brackets will still work just fine here.

It’s also worth mentioning that while the Emonda has moved to a fully concealed cable system, the way Trek has accomplished this is far easier to live with than most. Instead of routing the lines internally through the handlebar and stem, the Bontrager Aeolus RSL cockpit on the Emonda SLR tucks the brake hoses and derailleur housings (or wires) into channels molded on the underside of the bar and stem. Bar tape holds everything in place further out on the tops, while a single profiled clamp secures the whole lot underneath the stem. Combined with the conveniently split headset spacers, there’s no need at all to disconnect the brake or derailleur lines if you need to swap a stem length or bar width, therefore keeping a 15-minute job from turning into one that potentially takes a few hours.

Those lines do still run down through the middle of the upper headset bearing, however, and the front brake hose also takes a detour into the inside of the steerer tube just above the lower headset bearing. As a result, swapping either headset bearing will be anything but a quick job. The front brake hose also needs to be cut quite precisely for a proper fit as there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room inside the front end for excess length.

“[There’s] not as much as we would like — maybe about 2 cm?” admitted Ahlberg. “That’s the one downside to the serviceability of an externally grooved system.”

Models and availability

Trek will offer five models each of the Emonda SLR and Emonda SL (specifics vary based on region). The former will feature the top-end OCLV 800 carbon fiber blend and Bontrager Aeolus RSL integrated cockpit, while the latter will use the same frame shape — but a lesser OCLV 500 carbon fiber mix — and a more conventional handlebar and stem combo. According to Trek, the weight difference between Emonda SLR and Emonda SL models with comparable build kits is about half a kilogram or so (1 lb).

Not pictured are the following models:

– Emonda SL 6 Pro, built with a Shimano Ultegra mechanical groupset and Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35 wheels; 8.06 kg / 17.78 lb; US$3,800 / AU$5,500 / £3,350 / €3,880-4,000

– Emonda SLR 6, built with a Shimano Ultegra mechanical groupset and Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 wheels; 7.26 kg / 16.0 lb; US$6,700 / AU$9,300 / £5,450 / €6,200

– Emonda SLR 7 eTap, built with SRAM Force eTap AXS and Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 wheels; 7.35 kg / 16.2 lb; US$8,800 / AU$11,850 / £6,850 / €7,800

– Emonda SLR 9, built with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 wheels; 6.78 kg / 14.95 lb; US$12,000 / AU$15,800 / £9,700 / €11,000

Trek will also make the Emonda SLR (but not the Emonda SL) available for purchase through its Project One program, which will allow buyers to customize the build kit and paint to better suit their taste (and budget). Going along with the addition of the Emonda SLR model to the Project One ecosystem are several new Icon-level paint jobs, as well as new KOM variants with more minimal finishes to save precious grams. Both of these come at a more premium price than the more standard finish options, but they’re also quite stunning to behold.

The Emonda SL and Emonda SLR will also be offered as bare framesets, with pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Forget about all the tech talk — what’s it like to ride?

Trek may only just be officially launching the new Emonda range today, but the company was actually able to provide me with an early sample of the top-end Emonda SLR 9 eTap model several weeks ago — which I’ve been riding since then. Actual weight for my 52 cm sample without pedals or accessories was a feathery 6.81 kg (15.01 lb), complete with a SRAM Red eTap AXS wireless electronic groupset, Bontrager’s new Aeolus RSL 37 lightweight carbon clincher wheels, the new Bontrager Aeolus RSL one-piece carbon fiber handlebar-and-stem, a carbon-railed Bontrager Aeolus Pro saddle, and 25 mm-wide Bontrager R4 320 tires.

Just as you’d expect, the bike is a superb climbing companion. The low weight is certainly noticeable, as is the impressive chassis rigidity. It’s more of a hot-air balloon on the climbs rather than an anchor — especially on steeper pitches — and there’s a tangible sense of efficiency when you push on the pedals. Gaining altitude just feels easier relative to something heavier and/or less rigid than what Trek has produced here.

I know, I know. A light and stiff bike is good for climbing? Big surprise. And while the Emonda SLR 9 eTap is light, it’s not exceptionally so, so a more exotic setup would obviously feel even better in this respect.

What goes up must come down, of course, and what was far more impressive to me is how the Emonda SLR 9 eTap behaves at high speeds. Some lightweight bikes I’ve ridden — especially ones with lightweight wheels — can feel nervous or jittery when charging down descents, but that’s certainly not the case here. In fact, I found the bike to feel just as calm and composed at 80 km/h (50 mph) as it does at 18 km/h (11 mph). With a 58 mm trail figure, the front end is still appropriately quick and darty, and just as I’ve enjoyed on the Madone, the Emonda is a joy to snake down twisty canyon downhills. However, there’s also a reassuring sense of stability and solidity when all you want to do is hold your line.

The ride quality is a little on the chattery side, but that’s to be expected, not only given the genre, but also the bike’s emphasis on structural efficiency. It’s not unusually rough, however I still found myself wishing for a bit more tire clearance here. The stock 25 mm tires work well on well-maintained asphalt, but riders regularly finding themselves on rough tarmac (or even dirt) would be advised to max out the Emonda’s tire clearance.

Speaking of which, Trek’s track record of being conservative in terms of what will fit and what won’t seems to be holding up here. Although Trek officially only approves the Emonda for 28 mm-wide treads, there’s still more than 42 mm of space in between the pinch point at the chainstays. As for what will actually squeeze in between there … well, that’ll depend on how much leeway you want to leave for yourself.

But is the bike really more aerodynamic than the old Emonda? Unfortunately, I can’t really say since I didn’t have an identical previous-generation model to compare against. However, if you take Trek’s claims at face value, what I like is that they’ve managed to infuse a fair bit of aerodynamic efficiency into the equation without taking away what people really like about the Emonda family — including the traditional appearance, which is much easier said than done.

As a result, the aero bit will be more of a nice bonus to most buyers with no significant downsides that I can see, and I mean that in quite the literal sense as this is a really good-looking machine with refreshingly traditional lines and proportions. I personally could do without the giant Trek logo on this particular paint job, but so be it. Thankfully, Trek’s Project One program gives you more than a few options for choosing something more subtle, and according to Trek’s figures, a shocking percentage of high-end customers go the custom route.

Kudos to Trek, too, for investing some time and energy into making the new bike easier to live with over the long haul.

I didn’t experience any bottom bracket creaking issues on my test sample, but then again, it’s only been a few weeks, and the bike hasn’t seen any water, either. However, if it does occur — let me remind you that even threaded bottom brackets are prone to creaking — it’s a far more straightforward process to take the assembly apart for a quick cleaning, greasing, and reinstallation. There are also heaps more aftermarket options available here as compared to what you could do with the old BB90 setup. Good riddance, I say. Trek can’t introduce T47 on to the rest of the road range soon enough.

As someone who regularly takes things apart for a living, the channeled external routing setup on the integrated handlebar-and-stem combo is not only a huge sigh of relief, but a solution that’s so obvious in hindsight that it’s a wonder why more brands don’t do something similar (for the record, Canyon has long used this approach for its integrated cockpits). Yes, it’s visually perhaps not quite as clean as fully internal setups, and yes, you can feel the housing a bit when you wrap your fingers around the bar tops (which, on my sample, were only partially wrapped, although I’d personally opt to wrap the bars the usual way for a surer grip and improved comfort). However, both of those compromises are exceedingly minor relative to the massive headache that internally routed handlebars can often bring on.

Conversely, though, the fact that the control lines are routed through the headset bearings will eventually be a pretty big pain in the rear end for riders that regularly head out in the wet. At minimum, replacing the lower bearing will require you to disconnect the front brake hose (in addition to removing the fork as usual). If you need to replace the upper bearing, you’ll also need to undo all of the cables completely. In either case, there’s a decent chance you’ll need to rebleed the brake(s) after you’ve got everything back together, too.

It doesn’t exactly help, either, that there’s no supplemental rubber seal between the fork crown and lower head tube, meaning the lower bearing is perilously exposed — a scenario that’s become very common since bike brands started molding crown races directly into the fork crown.

Such is the cost of progress, I suppose.

That said, I’m a big fan of the somewhat unusual dimensions of this integrated setup even with the non-adjustable tilt. Most companies these days have committed to a compact bend, which is nice in the sense that it makes the drops more accessible for more riders, but somewhat silly in the sense that your posture actually changes very little when you move your hands back and forth between the various hand positions.

The drop dimension on the Bontrager Aeolus RSL is pretty average at 123 mm, but the reach is quite long at 93 mm (80 mm or so is far more typical), and Bontrager’s trademark Variable Radius bend lets you utilize every bit of that length instead of forcing your hands further rearward. As a result, there’s ample room to really stretch out your back when you need or want to, and there’s far more real-world position variation than what you usually find on most modern setups. How much do I like it? I’m actually considering using one of these on my personal Seven road bike.

Overall, Trek has done a solid job here of updating the Emonda, infusing meaningful improvements in several key areas, but without breaking the basic formula that has made the bike so popular. I could obviously do without the long-term headaches associated with the headset bearing situation, but aside from that, there’s not much to complain about here, and an awful lot to like.

Just don’t be shy with the grease down there, eh?

www.trekbikes.com

Popular on Velo

\n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/kona-bikes-bails-on-sea-otter-classic-with-no-explanation\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"kona bikes bails on sea otter classic with no explanation\"}}\u0027>\n kona bikes bails on sea otter classic with no explanation\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"cane creek launches \u2018invert\u2019 upside down gravel fork","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/cane-creek-invert-gravel-fork-news\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/cane-creek-invert-gravel-fork-news\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"cane creek launches \u2018invert\u2019 upside down gravel fork\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/cane-creek-invert-gravel-fork-news\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"cane creek launches \u2018invert\u2019 upside down gravel fork\"}}\u0027>\n cane creek launches \u2018invert\u2019 upside down gravel fork\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"the 6 best bikepacking routes in the us","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/6-best-bikepacking-routes-usa\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/6-best-bikepacking-routes-usa\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the 6 best bikepacking routes in the us\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/6-best-bikepacking-routes-usa\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the 6 best bikepacking routes in the us\"}}\u0027>\n the 6 best bikepacking routes in the us\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"aero bikes, ambushes, and stacks of snacks: how the classics peloton shattered speed records all spring","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/aero-bikes-ambushes-and-stacks-of-snacks-how-the-classics-peloton-shattered-speed-records-all-spring\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/aero-bikes-ambushes-and-stacks-of-snacks-how-the-classics-peloton-shattered-speed-records-all-spring\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"aero bikes, ambushes, and stacks of snacks: how the classics peloton shattered speed records all spring\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/aero-bikes-ambushes-and-stacks-of-snacks-how-the-classics-peloton-shattered-speed-records-all-spring\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"aero bikes, ambushes, and stacks of snacks: how the classics peloton shattered speed records all spring\"}}\u0027>\n aero bikes, ambushes, and stacks of snacks: how the classics peloton shattered speed records all spring\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"breaking: ncl pulling plug on 2024 season \u2018effective immediately\u2019","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/breaking-ncl-shutting-down-immediately\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/breaking-ncl-shutting-down-immediately\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"breaking: ncl pulling plug on 2024 season \u2018effective immediately\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/breaking-ncl-shutting-down-immediately\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"breaking: ncl pulling plug on 2024 season \u2018effective immediately\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n breaking: ncl pulling plug on 2024 season \u2018effective immediately\u2019\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"emergency operation for eddy merckx, cycling\u2019s greatest ever rider","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/emergency-operation-for-eddy-merckx-cyclings-greatest-ever-rider\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/emergency-operation-for-eddy-merckx-cyclings-greatest-ever-rider\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"emergency operation for eddy merckx, cycling\u2019s greatest ever rider\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/emergency-operation-for-eddy-merckx-cyclings-greatest-ever-rider\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"emergency operation for eddy merckx, cycling\u2019s greatest ever rider\"}}\u0027>\n emergency operation for eddy merckx, cycling\u2019s greatest ever rider\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"poga\u010dar vs. van der poel: li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge set for epic showdown","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/liege-bastogne-liege-showdown-can-van-der-poel-answer-when-pogacar-attacks\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/liege-bastogne-liege-showdown-can-van-der-poel-answer-when-pogacar-attacks\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"poga\u010dar vs. van der poel: li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge set for epic showdown\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/liege-bastogne-liege-showdown-can-van-der-poel-answer-when-pogacar-attacks\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"poga\u010dar vs. van der poel: li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge set for epic showdown\"}}\u0027>\n poga\u010dar vs. van der poel: li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge set for epic showdown\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"what is ftp everything you need to know about power-based training","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-training\/ftp-cycling-training-guide\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-training\/ftp-cycling-training-guide\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"what is ftp everything you need to know about power-based training\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-training\/ftp-cycling-training-guide\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"what is ftp everything you need to know about power-based training\"}}\u0027>\n what is ftp everything you need to know about power-based training\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"us races culled from uci cyclocross world cup calendar for 2024-25","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/cyclocross\/us-races-culled-from-uci-cyclocross-world-cup-calendar-for-2024-25\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/cyclocross\/us-races-culled-from-uci-cyclocross-world-cup-calendar-for-2024-25\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"us races culled from uci cyclocross world cup calendar for 2024-25\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/cyclocross\/us-races-culled-from-uci-cyclocross-world-cup-calendar-for-2024-25\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"us races culled from uci cyclocross world cup calendar for 2024-25\"}}\u0027>\n us races culled from uci cyclocross world cup calendar for 2024-25\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"chris froome \u2018comes to reality\u2019 that winning a fifth tour de france is \u2018very, very difficult\u2019","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/pogacar-vs-froome-in-his-prime-who-would-have-won-it-would-have-been-interesting\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/pogacar-vs-froome-in-his-prime-who-would-have-won-it-would-have-been-interesting\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"chris froome \u2018comes to reality\u2019 that winning a fifth tour de france is \u2018very, very difficult\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/pogacar-vs-froome-in-his-prime-who-would-have-won-it-would-have-been-interesting\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"chris froome \u2018comes to reality\u2019 that winning a fifth tour de france is \u2018very, very difficult\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n chris froome \u2018comes to reality\u2019 that winning a fifth tour de france is \u2018very, very difficult\u2019\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"review: the bontrager girona rsl gravel tire is an excellent all-rounder","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/review-bontrager-girona-rsl-gravel-tire\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/review-bontrager-girona-rsl-gravel-tire\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"review: the bontrager girona rsl gravel tire is an excellent all-rounder\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/review-bontrager-girona-rsl-gravel-tire\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"review: the bontrager girona rsl gravel tire is an excellent all-rounder\"}}\u0027>\n review: the bontrager girona rsl gravel tire is an excellent all-rounder\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"cycling and civil rights icon major taylor finally gets the documentary he deserves","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-culture\/cycling-civil-rights-icon-major-taylor-finally-gets-documentary-he-deserves\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-culture\/cycling-civil-rights-icon-major-taylor-finally-gets-documentary-he-deserves\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"cycling and civil rights icon major taylor finally gets the documentary he deserves\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-culture\/cycling-civil-rights-icon-major-taylor-finally-gets-documentary-he-deserves\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"cycling and civil rights icon major taylor finally gets the documentary he deserves\"}}\u0027>\n cycling and civil rights icon major taylor finally gets the documentary he deserves\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"van aert back on bike after devastating crash, evenepoel confirmed to be on track for tour de france","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/van-aert-back-on-bike-after-devastating-crash-evenepoel-confirmed-to-be-on-track-for-tour-de-france\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/van-aert-back-on-bike-after-devastating-crash-evenepoel-confirmed-to-be-on-track-for-tour-de-france\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"van aert back on bike after devastating crash, evenepoel confirmed to be on track for tour de france\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/van-aert-back-on-bike-after-devastating-crash-evenepoel-confirmed-to-be-on-track-for-tour-de-france\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"van aert back on bike after devastating crash, evenepoel confirmed to be on track for tour de france\"}}\u0027>\n van aert back on bike after devastating crash, evenepoel confirmed to be on track for tour de france\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"geraint thomas \u2018better than last year\u2019 and bullish for giro-tour double at tour of the alps tune-up","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/geraint-thomas-better-than-last-year-and-bullish-for-giro-tour-double-at-tour-of-the-alps-tune-up\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/geraint-thomas-better-than-last-year-and-bullish-for-giro-tour-double-at-tour-of-the-alps-tune-up\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"geraint thomas \u2018better than last year\u2019 and bullish for giro-tour double at tour of the alps tune-up\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/geraint-thomas-better-than-last-year-and-bullish-for-giro-tour-double-at-tour-of-the-alps-tune-up\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"geraint thomas \u2018better than last year\u2019 and bullish for giro-tour double at tour of the alps tune-up\"}}\u0027>\n geraint thomas \u2018better than last year\u2019 and bullish for giro-tour double at tour of the alps tune-up\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"\u2018the races that are best for me are over\u2019: mathieu van der poel on underwhelming amstel gold performance","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/the-races-that-are-best-for-me-are-over-mathieu-van-der-poel-on-underwhelming-amstel-gold-performance\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/the-races-that-are-best-for-me-are-over-mathieu-van-der-poel-on-underwhelming-amstel-gold-performance\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018the races that are best for me are over\u2019: mathieu van der poel on underwhelming amstel gold performance\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/the-races-that-are-best-for-me-are-over-mathieu-van-der-poel-on-underwhelming-amstel-gold-performance\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018the races that are best for me are over\u2019: mathieu van der poel on underwhelming amstel gold performance\"}}\u0027>\n \u2018the races that are best for me are over\u2019: mathieu van der poel on underwhelming amstel gold performance\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"results: lauren de crescenzo and keegan swenson win the growler at levi\u2019s gran fondo","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/results-lauren-de-crescenzo-and-keegan-swenson-win-the-growler-at-levis-gran-fondo\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/results-lauren-de-crescenzo-and-keegan-swenson-win-the-growler-at-levis-gran-fondo\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"results: lauren de crescenzo and keegan swenson win the growler at levi\u2019s gran fondo\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/results-lauren-de-crescenzo-and-keegan-swenson-win-the-growler-at-levis-gran-fondo\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"results: lauren de crescenzo and keegan swenson win the growler at levi\u2019s gran fondo\"}}\u0027>\n results: lauren de crescenzo and keegan swenson win the growler at levi\u2019s gran fondo\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"the sea otter classic finally has a proper gravel race","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/the-sea-otter-classic-finally-has-a-proper-gravel-race\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/the-sea-otter-classic-finally-has-a-proper-gravel-race\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the sea otter classic finally has a proper gravel race\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/the-sea-otter-classic-finally-has-a-proper-gravel-race\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the sea otter classic finally has a proper gravel race\"}}\u0027>\n the sea otter classic finally has a proper gravel race\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"tom pidcock grabs dramatic amstel gold race in four-man sprint","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tom-pidcock-grabs-dramatic-amstel-gold-race-in-four-man-sprint\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tom-pidcock-grabs-dramatic-amstel-gold-race-in-four-man-sprint\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tom pidcock grabs dramatic amstel gold race in four-man sprint\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tom-pidcock-grabs-dramatic-amstel-gold-race-in-four-man-sprint\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tom pidcock grabs dramatic amstel gold race in four-man sprint\"}}\u0027>\n tom pidcock grabs dramatic amstel gold race in four-man sprint\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"amstel gold notebook: pidcock\u2019s redemption, vos\u2019 old-school lesson, and van der poel\u2019s mia mystery","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/amstel-gold-notebook-pidcocks-redemption-vos-old-school-lesson-and-van-der-poels-mystery\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/amstel-gold-notebook-pidcocks-redemption-vos-old-school-lesson-and-van-der-poels-mystery\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"amstel gold notebook: pidcock\u2019s redemption, vos\u2019 old-school lesson, and van der poel\u2019s mia mystery\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/amstel-gold-notebook-pidcocks-redemption-vos-old-school-lesson-and-van-der-poels-mystery\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"amstel gold notebook: pidcock\u2019s redemption, vos\u2019 old-school lesson, and van der poel\u2019s mia mystery\"}}\u0027>\n amstel gold notebook: pidcock\u2019s redemption, vos\u2019 old-school lesson, and van der poel\u2019s mia mystery\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"garmin gravel worlds announces $30k pro prize purse and dfl party for the last finisher","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/garmin-gravel-worlds\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/garmin-gravel-worlds\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"garmin gravel worlds announces $30k pro prize purse and dfl party for the last finisher\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/garmin-gravel-worlds\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"garmin gravel worlds announces $30k pro prize purse and dfl party for the last finisher\"}}\u0027>\n garmin gravel worlds announces $30k pro prize purse and dfl party for the last finisher\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "}]' > >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>advertise >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>privacy policy >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>contact >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>careers >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>terms of use >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>site map >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>my newsletters manage cookie preferences privacy request healthy living.

• Clean Eating
• Vegetarian Times
• Yoga Journal
• Fly Fishing Film Tour
• National Park Trips
• Warren Miller
• Fastest Known Time
• Trail Runner
• Women's Running
• Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
• FinisherPix
• Outside Events Cycling Series
• Outside Shop

© 2024 Outside Interactive, Inc

Trek Emonda SLR 9 Project One - First look gallery

We take a closer look at trek's all-new lightweight emonda slr.

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Fresh out of the big red barn in Waterloo, Wisconsin, we’ve just unboxed Trek’s brand new Emonda . Slotting in as the brand's lightweight race bike, the Emonda was first launched in 2015, and since then has only received minor updates — the new bike has been redesigned from the ground up.

When it comes to race bikes, whether the consumer likes it or not they are still largely handcuffed to the UCI’s 6.8kg weight limit, so brands don’t have a whole lot of incentive to keep making frames lighter. But, as Trek’s Industrial Design Manager Hans Ekholm told me some time ago, the UCI rules influence the direction of the race bikes, but his team don’t see them as a limitation, it simply means they need to get a bit more creative to keep improving the bikes they produce.  

Best lightweight bikes Best carbon road bikes Best road bikes Trek launches new Emonda Giant TCR Advanced SL 0 review Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod review

With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that Trek focused on improving the aerodynamics of the new Emonda. Trek is not alone in this with Giant, Scott, Specialized and Focus (among others) also going this route, addressing the fact that aerodynamics come into play, even when you’re not travelling 40kph on flat ground. The new frame sees truncated aerofoils on the fork legs, downtube, seat tube and seat stays which the brand says saves 183g of drag over the previous model. Interestingly the no-cut integrated seat mast is round, and so is the cap, which Trek says helps to retain compliance. 

While 183g of drag is probably an abstract figure to anyone doesn’t have an aerodynamicist within arms reach, Trek has modelled how much time a rider would save up various famous climbs around the world riding at 350-watts on the 2018 Emonda vs the 2021 Emonda. The new bike saves 15-seconds on Alpe D'Huez, 11-seconds on the Angliru, 21-seconds up the Stelvio, 80-seconds up the Taiwan KOM Challenge and 4-seconds up Willunga Hill. 

While the aero shaped tubing will have played a significant role in the aero gains, the new Aeolus RSL bar-stem combo also shoulders some of the burden. The new integrated bar and stem hide the cables from the wind while routing them entirely on the outside of the bar, thanks to a deep groove on the bottom, and a removable plate. For anyone who had to try and route a cable through the previous version of this bar, it marks a colossal improvement, and far fewer hours trying to finagle cables and housing through what felt to be a black hole.

All that said, they still suffer from the shortcomings of all similar one-piece systems in that if you want a longer stem, or don’t like the shape of the bar, you have to replace the whole thing. Example ‘A#1,’ Bontrager has gone with an extremely compact bend for the drops which are a smidge too tight for my hands. 

Trek has also employed split headset spacers, so there is no need to disconnect and re-bleed anything should you want to raise or lower your bar a few mm. That said, they are a little bit fiddly to work with, but are still a better option than the alternative. 

However, when it comes time to replace a headset bearing you’re in for a big job. Both brake hoses run inside the top bearing, and the front brake line is routed through the lower bearing too. With all the bends the hoses take, it's a bit more challenging to coax air bubbles in the lines out of the system. 

The top-end SLR models are made from a new OCLV 800 carbon. According to Trek, this new carbon fibre was in development for two years. The result is claimed to be 30 per cent stronger than the OCLV 700 it usurped for the top spot, and saves about 60g of weight in an equivalent frame.

However, the 2021 Emonda actually gained about 30g in weight over the 2018 version, with an unpainted 56cm frame said to weigh 698g and the unpainted fork with a 220mm steerer comes in at 365g. You won’t hear us complaining about these additional grams, because they are the result of a threaded T47 bottom bracket — well actually a slightly narrower version (1mm) to allow for a better connection with your BB tool. Even still, this 54cm Emonda SLR 9 Project One tips our scales at a feathery 6.86kg. 

One of the things that immediately caught my eye when I unboxed the Emonda was the traditional seat stays that come all the way up to the seat cluster to form the conventional double diamond. According to Jordan Roessingh, Trek’s Director of Road Product, Trek did evaluate a design concept of the Emonda with dropped stays, but decided the potential aero benefit didn’t outweigh the costs to torsional stiffness, at their targets for frame weight. 

For the latest edition of the Emonda, Trek as added a few new colour schemes to its Project One program ICON, KOM and Ultimate. Our test sample is the latter, which allows you full creative license over Trek’s colour palates as well as tailoring every component. The yellow to pink fade is definitely Trek flexing its proverbial painting muscles, and the bike is anything but subtle.

Being that this bike, in particular, is the top flagship Emonda, it should come as no surprise that it is shod with SRAM’s Red eTap AXS drivetrain , complete with a Quarq power meter, 48/35t chainrings and a 10-30T 12-speed cassette. 

Bolted between the stays and fork are the new Aeolus RSL 37 carbon clinchers . These feature a new rim profile and layup that’s said to be lighter than the Aeolus XXX 2, and nearly as fast as the XXX 4, which are 10mm deeper. At 37mm deep, they tip our scales at 1360g sans rotors and cassette. The wheels are compatible with tubeless tyres , though the rim strips needed to make the swap were not included with our test sample. 

Sitting atop the no-cut seatmast is Bontrager's Aeolus Pro saddle . The perch is Bontrager's take on the wide snub nose seat, and initially, my derriere seems to get along with it quite well — for reference I have a Fizik Vento Argo R3 on my personal bike. 

With every bell and whistle currently available, it should come as no surprise that the Emonda SLR 9 is less affordable than a used car, coming in at an eye-watering US$11,999 / €10,999 / £9,700 / AU$15,799.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Based on the Gold Coast of Australia, Colin has written tech content for cycling publication for a decade. With hundreds of buyer's guides, reviews and how-tos published in Bike Radar, Cyclingnews, Bike Perfect and Cycling Weekly, as well as in numerous publications dedicated to his other passion, skiing. 

Colin was a key contributor to Cyclingnews between 2019 and 2021, during which time he helped build the site's tech coverage from the ground up. Nowadays he works full-time as the news and content editor of Flow MTB magazine. 

What is a hands on review?

'Hands on reviews' are a journalist's first impressions of a piece of kit based on spending some time with it. It may be just a few moments, or a few hours. The important thing is we have been able to play with it ourselves and can give you some sense of what it's like to use, even if it's only an embryonic view.

New Time XPro SL becomes the priciest pedal ever as brand overhauls range

Trek takes the fight to Garmin with new CarBack Radar rear light

UCI MTB World Cup Araxá - Haley Batten, Victor Koretzky victorious in short track openers

Most Popular

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

Trek’s Latest Émonda ALR Is as Good as Aluminum Road Bikes Get

Dialed geometry, smooth welds, and an excellent ride feel add up to make the latest aluminum Émonda ALR a great alternative to pricier carbon bikes.

The Takeaway: The updated Trek Émonda ALR is thoroughly modern, yet simple and fully upgradable. Just the way an aluminum road bike should be.

Trek Émonda ALR 5

The Émonda ALR borrows its geometry (down to the millimeter) from its much pricier (and lighter weight) carbon fiber version of the Émonda. This means riders get the same, proven, race-winning geometry of the much pricier carbon model for around one thousand dollars less.

While the cost savings might be the most enticing feature of the ALR for many riders, the updated aluminum frame is the showstopper here. Much like its carbon version, the Émonda ALR features a mix of aerofoil (Kammtail) shaped tubes along with more traditional round profiles. Trek uses its 300 Series Alpha aluminum for the frame, which weighs in at 1,257 grams (claimed), for a painted size 56cm. It’s combined with a full carbon fork that adds 406g to the total package. This is impressive—weighing a mere 34g more than Trek’s carbon Émonda SL variant of the frame (which sells for $1,000 more than the ALR).

The Émonda ALR frame is also refreshingly free from proprietary standards. The bike uses a T47 threaded bottom bracket, a round 27.2mm diameter seatpost, and a completely normal handlebar and stem combination using a 31.8 bar clamp and 1-⅛ steer tube. All of these things make the Émonda ALR an easy-to-live-with bike that can be upgraded and customized as riders see fit.

Alloy-frame aficionados have divided opinions about the appearance of welds. Some prefer to see the handy work of the welder and how tidy they can make the welds, while others prefer not to see the welds at all. Fans of chunky welds will be disappointed as Trek employed its Invisible Weld Technology on the Émonda ALR. This technique creates an incredibly seamless look to the frame. At arm's length (and particularly with the black frame), riders can easily mistake the Émonda ALR for a pricier carbon bike.

Another big change is at the Émonda’s front end. Trek implemented an integrated cable routing setup that’s very similar to the style used on the Allez Sprint. This setup sees the cable housing and brake hoses run externally along the bar and stem and then enter the frame through the top headset bearing. This kind of integration has the advantage of allowing riders to easily swap stem lengths or handlebars while still achieving a rather clean-looking cockpit. While Trek avoids the major headaches of cockpit customization with this cable routing solution, like many other recent road and gravel bikes, it suffers the added complexity and expense of routine service (such as replacing cables and housing or servicing headset bearings).

Unlike high-end bikes with electronic shifting—since the Émonda ALR is only sold with mechanical shifting—there are double the cables routing through the headset. Bikes with similar routing often face more rapid deterioration in shift performance (compared to bikes where things are routed externally) due to the tight bends the derailleur housing must make to fit into the space. It makes replacing cables and housing a major headache and costly if you’re not doing it yourself.

According to Cadence Cycling Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, replacing a single-shift cable on a bike with through the headset routing can cost as much as $200 in labor. This is because shops tend to charge for this work by the hour and the time it takes to complete this service varies based on how complicated fishing the housing and cable is through the frame. To perform the same repair on a bike with externally routed cables, I was quoted a flat $25 labor charge.

Fit and Geometry

The Émonda ALR features the same H1.5 geometry that Trek uses on its Émonda and Madone carbon models. This geometry splits the difference between the aggressive H1 fit and the more relaxed H2 version. Meaning that a majority of riders should be able to find a good riding position regardless of whether they want to be long and low or more upright.

Additionally, Trek offers the Émonda ALR in a whopping eight sizes. The smallest size 47cm frame should be good for riders as short as 5’0”, and the largest size 62cm fits riders up to 6’5”, according to Trek.

The ALR Build

Trek currently offers only one complete bike Émonda ALR build. It features Shimano’s excellent 105 11-speed mechanical groupset, along with a Bontrager alloy bar, stem, and seatpost. Rounding things out is a pair of Bontrager alloy Paradigm SL wheels, which are very traditional with round J-bend spokes laced 2x but feature a 21mm internal width and are tubeless-ready. However, riders need to purchase the necessary items to turn them into tubeless wheels (including tubeless-specific tires, valves, and sealant).

Trek prices the Émonda ALR at $2,300 for the complete bike and $1,200 for the frameset.

Trek confirmed that the Émonda ALR will receive an update to 12-speed 105 in the near future. Unfortunately, Trek representatives have not told us how much it will cost or the complete specification list. (But for reference, a 12-speed 105-equipped Domane AL 5 sells for $2,000)

Ride Impressions

Aluminum road bikes often have a reputation for being overly stiff, harsh, and cheap (in a bad way). However, these traits are generally not found on modern and well-engineered aluminum frames. (And it’s such a pervasive stereotype that my colleague Matt Phillips wrote a whole column about it .)

While some bikes lean into aspects of that reputation (the Allez Sprint is an unapologetically stiff-as-hell criterium racing machine), the Émonda ALR takes a slightly different approach. Since it’s modeled after the carbon Émonda (a bike largely intended to win mountain stages in Grand Tour races), the ALR is designed with all-day comfort in mind. This makes the overall ride more relaxed and comfortable compared to the Allez Sprint and should be a plus for many riders.

Even if some might consider 11-speed 105 outdated (due to the recent launch of the 12-speed 105 R7100 components ), Shimano’s 105 R7000-series drivetrain is an excellent and well-proven groupset. The 11-speed group has precise and crisp shifting front and rear and also impresses with powerful braking at the wheels and excellent control of the levers.

In contrast, the most disappointing part of the Émonda ALR’s build kit is its tires. Which would be the absolute first thing I upgrade. The Bontrager R1 wire-bead road tires weigh 360g per tire and are very much included to help meet the Émonda’s price point. They make the bike feel sluggish in a straight line while also not helping to foster any cornering confidence. A swap to even a mid-range tire from any of the major tire brands will probably drop around 30-40g of rotating weight per wheel and dramatically improve the ride quality of the bike.

I found the rest of the ALR’s Bontrager finishing kit perfectly serviceable. The seatpost, stem, and saddle were nothing flashy but did the job. The handlebar has a rather classic feeling bend, drop, and reach. Best of all, if any of these stock items don’t work for you, it’s simple to swap any of them out for a preferred version.

Out of the box, I found the Émonda’s ride quality quite good but perhaps a bit on the firm side. Lowering the tire pressure to around 68-72 psi range greatly improved the comfort. And once I swapped to a set of Continental GP5000 tires, the Émonda ALR really began to shine on the road.

There’s nothing gimmicky about the Émonda ALR. It’s a classic road bike in the simplest sense of the term. Riding it for the first time felt familiar and reassuring. The geometry didn’t require me to adjust to the bike—I could just get on and go. Even on that first ride, I felt like I could dive into corners with the assurance of knowing what the Émonda ALR would do when I leaned in. The geometry was a perfect mix of stability and responsiveness with a dash of that springiness that good metal bikes have.

On flat and rolling terrain, the Émonda ALR is right up there with almost any non-aero road bike of the last few years. Its dialed geometry makes it a pleasure to descend on, and the frame has the right snap to be a truly wonderful climber.

What holds the ALR back on the uphills, though, are the stock wheels. At 1,800 grams, they’re not as heavy as some wheels on bikes in this price range, but they just feel soft and unresponsive. After upgrading the tires, a new set of wheels would be my next purchase for the Émonda ALR.

One aspect of the Émonda ALR that feels a bit dated for a road bike made in 2023: Trek caps the bike’s maximum tire clearance at 28mm. In practice, there is enough room to comfortably run 30 or even 32mm tires (depending on the tire and rim combination). Still, I would feel better with a bit more official wiggle room, especially as it’s gotten harder to predict the measured width of various tire and rim combinations.

Overall, the Émonda ALR gets way more things right than it does wrong. While it's easy to nitpick things like its tires and wheels, Trek uses these parts to get the Émonda ALR to its modest price. And the ALR is up there with some of the best aluminum race bikes. It’s an impeccably finished and thoroughly well-designed aluminum bike that’s only a few grams heavier than its mid-tier carbon version. Plus, the Émonda ALR shares geometry with its pricier siblings and uses no proprietary standards or parts. With the ALR, Trek made a bike that nails all the things that have always made me love aluminum race bikes.

Test Editor Dan Chabanov got his start in cycling as a New York City bike messenger but quickly found his way into road and cyclocross racing, competing in professional cyclocross races from 2009 to 2019 and winning a Master’s National Championship title in 2018. Prior to joining Bicycling in 2021, Dan worked as part of the race organization for the Red Hook Crit, as a coach with EnduranceWERX, as well as a freelance writer and photographer. 

.css-1t6om3g:before{width:1.75rem;height:1.75rem;margin:0 0.625rem -0.125rem 0;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-background-size:1.25rem;background-size:1.25rem;background-color:#F8D811;color:#000;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-position:center;background-position:center;}.loaded .css-1t6om3g:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/bicycling/static/images/chevron-design-element.c42d609.svg);} Member Exclusive

20-Minute Exercise Ball Workout

How to Calculate Your Power-To-Weight Ratio

The Best Exercises to Increase Mitochondria

How This Crit Racer Fuels Her Performances

2024’s Best Road Bikes

2024‘s Best Mountain Bikes

2024’s Best Gravel Bikes

2024‘s Best Commuter and Urban Bikes

How Often Should You Ride?

6-Week Beginner Cycling Training Plan

How to Avoid Bonking on Rides

The ultimate featherweight The Émonda is the lightest road bike in our line-up and the first up every climb. We scrutinised every inch of this legendary race bike to offer ultimate ride quality and balanced handling without compromising weight. Complete with fast and light aerodynamic tube shaping, the Émonda helps riders go faster than ever on flats and climbs alike.

Our fastest Émonda, by the numbers The newest Émonda SLR is faster than its predecessor (and its competition) on almost any climb. And the steeper the grade, the bigger the benefit. Here’s how it stacks up to the previous Émonda SLR:

60 seconds per hour faster on flats

18 seconds per hour faster at 8% grade, 182 grams of drag saved.

Trek’s fastest climbing bike The newest generation Émonda SLR frame still weighs less than 700 g, but all-new aero tube shaping adds even more speed.

Our best carbon yet

It takes more material to make aero shapes, but we refused to compromise on weight – so we developed all-new 800 Series OCLV Carbon for Émonda SLR.

Speedy design details

The latest Émonda models have hidden cable routing, most come with aero wheels and the Émonda SLR comes with an aerodynamic Aeolus RSL bar/stem.

Incredible performance, unbeatable price The Émonda SL delivers the same legendary performance and aerodynamic tube shaping as Émonda SLR, but it’s built with 500 Series OCLV Carbon that’s still lightweight without weighing heavy on your wallet.

Explore the Émonda family

Enjoy balanced ride quality, superior handling and the added benefit of free speed thanks to new aero tube shaping wrought from our ultralight 500 Series OCLV Carbon.

Our lightest and fastest Émonda – this bike delivers incredible ride quality and aerodynamic advantage. Its frame is made of all-new 800 Series OCLV Carbon and weighs less than 700 grams.

Our lightest aluminium road bike handles like its pricier carbon cousins, with a strikingly light and aerodynamic aluminium frame that’s fast, fun and affordable.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content

Cycling Road

Trek Emonda, Madone, and Domane: Which Road Bike is Right for You

Have you decided on Trek for your next road bike but are not sure which one to get? This article can help. There are 3 categories of road bikes that Trek makes: the Emonda, the Madone, and the Domane. The difference between these three bikes is in their geometry, tube profiles, and weight. You might be wondering why this matters so much – it’s because a bike will feel and perform very differently depending on those three things. So if you want to know which one is right for you then keep reading!

The short answer

– The Emonda is a lightweight race bike for cyclists who like to go fast and ride aggressively. The lightness of Emonda is perfect for climbing because lighter bikes require less effort to get your bike up hills.

– The Madone is a bit heavier than the Emonda but has an aerodynamic design that makes this bike great for flat terrains. The IsoFlow below the Madone’s seatpost absorbs shocks while allowing air to flow better, which makes this bike more comfortable and aero than the Emonda.

– The Domane’s geometry is more upright than Emonda and Madone, making it a great touring bike for long distances. The Domane can fit wider tires and has the IsoSpeed Decoupler on the seat post that allows small deflection which absorbs road vibration, making it perfect if you plan on doing a lot of off-road riding or going over rough terrain.

Domane is also the only road bike in Trek’s range available at a sub $2000 price point, which makes it the best option for beginners. Although, the alloy Domane AL doesn’t have the same IsoSpeed technology.

Okay, so maybe that was too quick. Let’s talk about each Trek road bike in more detail.

Emonda: The Lightweight, Semi-Aero Race Bike

This is Trek’s lightest bike and it is meant for cyclists who like to go fast. The 2021 and later model has a semi-aero design which means that the tubing of this bike has been shaped in order to decrease its aerodynamic drag, making you faster on flat terrain (and on the climb too, if you’re fast enough).

Emonda is great for climbing because it is lightweight so it requires less effort to get your bike up hills.

Why you should choose the Emonda:

– If you like to go fast and ride aggressively, the Emonda is a great choice for you.

– The light weight of this bike will make climbing easier. If you live in an area with lots of hills and long climbs, the Emonda will be perfect for you.

– You want an agile bike with quick handling that makes you feel fast

Why you should not choose the Emonda:

– If comfort is what matters most to you then this bike might not be your first choice. The Emonda’s lightweight carbon layup is so harsh that you will feel every road imperfection. That said, the harshness is not always a bad thing for experienced riders. Plus, you can use 28mm tires or tubeless setup to make it more comfortable.

– The semi-aero design means that while it is lighter, it’s not as fast compared to other aero bikes, including the Madone in flat road. So if you live in a very flat area or hate climbing, you might want to choose the Madone instead because the weight penalty won’t matter to you.

– You are looking for a bike that can handle rough terrain since the Emonda is not built for this. Go for Domane or Trek’s gravel bike, Checkpoint.

Madone: The Fast, Aerodynamic Race Bike

The Madone is Trek’s most popular road bike model and it has an aerodynamic design which makes this bike great for flat terrains. It has the IsoFlow technology which helps absorbs road vibration and allows a better airflow to reduce drag.

The geometry of the Madone is the exact same as the Emonda. This bike has a bit more weight but this will be unnoticeable when you’re not going uphill, making this bike great if speed matters to you and you live in an area with lots of flats.

Why you should choose the Madone:

– You ride in flat or rolling terrains and want a fast bike that is comfortable

– You are looking for an aerodynamic advantage, especially on flat roads

– You are looking for a stiff bike for sprints

Why you should not choose the Madone:

– If you ride long climbs. Yes, descending with a Madone is a blast because of the aero benefits and stability when slicing through the wind, but the climb won’t be as much fun compared to an Emonda. (Not that it’s not doable.)

– You’re looking for an all-around bike that is quick on the climb and still relatively fast on the flat. The Emonda with its semi-aero profile is built exactly for this. Road Bike.

– You want a bike that can handle rough terrain, then the Madone might not be right for you because even with the IsoSpeed it is still a stiff bike. The Domane is for you.

Domane: The Long Distance Endurance Bike That Can Handle Rough Terrain

The Domane’s geometry is more upright than the Emonda and Madone making this bike perfect if you want to ride long distances. Unlike Emonda and Madone, the geometry of Domane focuses on stability.

The IsoSpeed Decoupler combined with large tire clearances means that you can even use Domane as a gravel bike if you want.

Why you should choose the Domane:

– You ride long distances . Though, keep in mind that you can still use Emonda and Madone for long-distance rides as most people do. Domane is just on a different level in terms of comfort.

– You want a bike that is comfortable and can handle rough terrain like gravel roads or even trails.

– You are looking for an upright geometry that will make your back less tired after many hours of riding.

– You want bikes with an integrated storage compartment. Useful for mini-tools, tubes, and snacks for long rides.

Why you should not choose the Domane:

– If speed is what matters most to you, then this bike might slow you down compared to Emonda and Madone. That said, it might be worth sacrificing a bit in terms of pure speed because the advantages are much more noticeable on long rides.

– You want light bikes. Domane is rather heavy, even heavier than the Madone.

– You want an agile bike. As an endurance bike, Domane’s geometry makes it a stable bike, but stability and agility is on the opposite side of the scale. It’s great for long-distance riding, but not what people prefer in racing bikes.

What kind of rider are you?

If you’re a beginner and not sure yet, I suggest that you choose the Emonda because it’s more versatile and offers better overall performance. The lightweight and agility of Emonda can be very addictive. Madone is a fast bike, but you probably won’t be able to appreciate its aero benefits just yet because most beginners ride at a speed where air resistance is not the significant force.

If you’re an experienced rider and are trying to get into the top 10 or even “KOM” on Strava flat segments, maybe Madone is for you. If you race in criteriums, then Madone might give you an advantage.

Normally, the comfort or stiffness of the bike is another factor for people when choosing between lightweight or aero bikes, because most aero bikes are harsh to ride. But Madone actually feels comfortable and smooth for an aero bike thanks to its IsoFlow technology. In fact, Madone might feel more comfortable than the Emonda.

Finally, choose Domane if you want an all-terrain bike or if your back really can’t handle the more aggressive Emonda and Madone.

Reader Interactions

October 4, 2022 at 2:36 am

this is great information! Unfortunately, about a year late, however ha ha. I bought my Emonda about a year ago and finding that perhaps a domane would be better suited for my taste and physical preference (50+ :-). I have a question, however… Is it possible to make the Emonda more “upright“ to favor the domane upright position? Perhaps with a different stem?

October 5, 2022 at 2:42 am

The Domane has about 10-20 mm shorter reach and 30-40 mm higher stack than an Emonda, maybe more in some different sizes. You can use a 20 mm shorter stem and flip it to a positive degree angle to get about the same stack and reach as the Domane. If you already use a short stem (90 mm or shorter), try changing the handlebar to one that has a shorter reach like the Zipp Service Course 70 with has a 70 mm reach compared to the Bontrager handlebars that your Emonda might come equipped with, which has a 100 mm reach.

October 16, 2022 at 7:54 am

Thanks for very helpful article – I am just in the middle of exactly this decision. I am leaning towards the Émonda as my new road bike. I have a slight hesitation on the comfort side. I ride mostly between 60 and 120 km, but will sometimes be doing longer rides up to 200 km. I am 55 years old but very active. I have a lot of hills around me and want to get better uphill so that’s a big attraction, and I am also pushed to keep up with the club I ride with. Do you think those kinds of distances would be ok. For info I have previously been riding a Lapierre Sensium, so the wider tyre on the sensium will certainly help to some degree. Also, I have a checkpoint as well which I love and would continue for gravel and bike packing etc.

November 10, 2022 at 1:27 pm

Thank you for this article. Came right on time. I saw a Domane that I really liked and I was about to purchase it however it did seem kind of heavy. Based on this article I think the Emonda would be the best for triathlon training.

July 8, 2023 at 12:05 am

I would love a madone. But at 55, I’m not sure it would make much difference in my riding. I have a Domane and slammed the stem, made changes to the angle of the bars, got continental tires and try to ride more Aero. It helped and I’m faster but I doubt that the cost difference between domaine and madone could be justified.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for video reviews.

Trek Road Bikes Guide: Domane vs. Émonda vs. Madone

CyclistsHub is supported by its readers. We may receive a commission if you buy products using our links.

Trek’s road bike lineup consists of Domane, Émonda, and Madone . Below, I will explain their differences and advise you on which one to buy.

The short answer is as follows:

• Domane has the most relaxed geometry . It’s a versatile endurance road bike for the masses, suitable for beginners and intermediate riders.
• Émonda is a performance-oriented lightweight road bike for more serious cyclists or pros.
• Madone is a pure-blood aero racing bike for demanding riders and racers.

Continue reading for more details, the differences between ALR, SL, and SLR, and much more.

Domane vs. Émonda vs. Madone

Here’s a closer look at these 3 models and their main features.

Trek Domane: All About Comfort

Domane could be classified as an endurance road bike. This means a relaxed geometry that doesn’t push you into as aggressive a position as Émonda or Madone.

Domane sits somewhere between those two. It’s reasonably aero and lightweight but doesn’t excel in any of these categories.

On the other hand, it has a wide tire clearance , so you can equip it with wide tires (up to 38mm), which are more comfortable. This means we can also classify it as a gravel bike and compare it with Trek Checkpoint .

It features an IsoSpeed decoupler , which absorbs shock and vibrations, making the ride smoother and more comfortable.

You can see I mentioned comfort several times. That’s because Domane is all about comfort .

Price-wise, it is Trek’s most affordable road bike line.

Trek Émonda: Lightweight Yet Aero Racing Bike

Émonda is a lightweight road bike designed for racing. It has more performance geometry than Domane.

It’s not as aero as Madone, but more aero than Domane. It’s also lighter, making it ideal for climbing and riders who want an agile bike.

Since the 2021 redesign, it can be classified as a hybrid road bike (lightweight yet aero), following this industry trend.

It doesn’t have fancy features like the decoupler to keep things simple. So together with its more aggressive geometry, it means it is less comfortable than Domane.

Trek Madone: Aero Is Everything

Madone is a pure-blood aero road bike with racing geometry suitable for flats and rolling terrain.

It’s stiff to transfer the power you put into pedals efficiently. It’s so stiff that it requires getting used to. One of my friends couldn’t get used to it because of its stiffness.

Since the 2022 redesign, it doesn’t have an IsoSpeed decoupler anymore (Gen 6), but Trek introduced IsoFlow , radically changing how this frame looks (Gen 7).

Madone is a go-to choice for sprinters and people who know what to expect from their bikes.

On the other hand, it’s probably the least comfortable road bike from Trek’s lineup.

Trek Road Bikes Range Explained

You already know the differences between Domane, Émonda, and Madone. But what do the abbreviations and numbers in their names mean (e.g., Trek Madone SLR 7)?

The abbreviation refers to the frame material. The key is as follows:

• ALR are aluminum frame bikes.
• SL are bikes with 500 series OCLV*  carbon (mid-range).
• SLR are bikes with 800 series OCLV carbon (high-end).

*OCLV carbon is Trek’s patented carbon fiber process ( learn more ).

And the numbers mean the groupset:

• Models ending with 2 use Shimano Claris (R2000) groupset.
• Models ending with 3 use Shimano Sora (R3000) groupset.
• Models ending with 4 use Shimano Tiagra (R4700) groupset.
• Models ending with 5 use Shimano 105 (R7000) groupset.
• Models ending with 6 use Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) or SRAM Rival AXS groupsets.
• Models ending with 7 use Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) or SRAM Force AXS groupsets.
• Models ending with 9 use Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) or SRAM Red AXS groupsets.

When comparing Trek road bike models and their specs, I found that bikes with SRAM are heavier and more expensive than those with Shimano groupsets, even though SRAM groupsets are usually cheaper than Shimano on their own.

So, I recommend buying a Trek road bike with a Shimano groupset unless you want to try SRAM or prefer it.

The AL models are aluminum and good for beginners because they are affordable. The SL models are made of 500 OCLV carbon and are suitable for most people , while the SLR models, made of 800 OCLV carbon, are perfect for more demanding riders .

The Domane AL line is versatile and comfortable , thanks to wider tires and relaxed geometry. The AL 4 with the Tiagra groupset (2x10spd) offers the best value, in my opinion.

The Émonda line is for racers and those who like slimmer tubes. Its racing geometry pushes you into a more aerodynamic position than Domane, and its lower weight allows for better responsiveness and handling. I believe the Émonda SL 6 with Shimano 105 Di2 is the best option and much cheaper than higher-end models.

Finally, Madone is for those who want aero properties and aggressive racing geometry . The 7th generation offers beautiful bikes that stand out thanks to the IsoFlow. The previous generation was pretty heavy and “old school.” Choose a model that fits your budget. I suggest the Madone SL 7 with Shimano Ultegra Di2 because of its hidden buttons.

Trek Road Bikes FAQ

Trek road bike frames are made in Asia (mainly in Taiwan and China). Then they are shipped to Wisconsin, where they are painted and assembled. However, the design and R&D center is still in Wisconsin, US. ( Source )

Project One is Trek’s program for customizing road bikes (Domane, Émonda, Domane, Speed Concept). You can choose specific color options and some components to match your liking and preference.

Some models have women-specific options. However, in recent years, Trek has addressed women’s sizing by listing more bike sizes (e.g., size 44), with the smaller sizes being more suitable for women.

Trek sponsors only the team Trek-Segafredo. It belongs to the less successful teams based on the World Tour wins. See more details in my bicycle brands article .

Trek offers a lifetime frame warranty. However, it’s only valid for the first owner. The second (and subsequent) owners have a shorter, 3-year warranty. You can read the Trek warranty page for more info.

IsoSpeed is Trek’s technology for absorbing vibrations from the frame and seatpost that would otherwise be transferred to your body. Learn more about IsoSpeed .

IsoFlow is Trek’s frame feature that makes Madone aero road bikes (according to Trek) faster and lighter than those with IsoSpeed. This technology should also improve riding comfort. Learn more about IsoFlow .

About The Author

Petr Minarik

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Start typing and press enter to search

• Help Center
• Chat with a Ride Guide
• 1-866-401-9636
• Retail Store
• Bike Services

Reset Password

We will send you an email to reset your password.

Don't have an account? Create an account

Create Account

Already have an account? Sign In

• Favorite your products & save them to your account
• Save a search & get notified when new products drop
• Be first to know about the latest events & promotions

Bike Finder

Results have arrived, used bike buyers guide & model overview: trek émonda.

The Trek Emonda is a built to conquer climbs. It's lightweight, stiff, and now pretty aerodynamic too. Learn about the evolution of this all-rounder road racing bike.

Written by: Micah Ling

Published on: Jul 2, 2021

Posted in: Guides

What Trek Émonda is Right for You?

The Trek Émonda has always been a climbing bike — if you love epic hauls up huge hills, this lightweight, stiff road bike was made for you. The Émonda was created with the steepest grades in mind. Over the years, Trek evolved its patented Optimum Compaction Low Void (OCLV) carbon fiber to combine low weight and high strength.

The carbon  Émonda is  available in the superlight SLR build or SL, which is more affordable. The difference is the quality of the carbon, and thus overall weight. The Émonda also comes in an aluminum version (ALR). Finally, you can choose between two geometry options, H1 — an aggressive race fit — and H2, which is a more upright relaxed fit.

The Émonda is known for its neat and tidy look. Models with Trek’s Blendr Integration components allow riders to mount a cycling computer and bike lights directly to the handlebars. On the SLR version, shifter and brake cables are entirely housed inside the frame. SHOP TREK ROAD BIKES

History of the Trek Émonda

Émonder, in French, means “to prune,” which is fitting. Introduced in 2014, the Émonda was Trek’s pure climbing bike. Trek trimmed off as much as possible to create an incredibly lightweight racing machine. Newer versions have been designed to better handle mixed terrain, with clearance for wider tires and aero features. When it launched, this road bike was only available with rim brakes. But soon after, disc brakes were added for better control on descents.

As the bike evolved, we saw fewer exposed cables, more integration, and better aerodynamics. Despite the fact that this is a climbing bike, Trek spent a lot of time optimizing the shape of the head tube, down tube and bar/stem. Émonda timeline: 2015-2017:  From the beginning, Trek's focus was on creating a light, stiff road bike that excelled in the mountains. Its engineers spent years developing the  Émonda to be the lightest production race frame on the market. In 2016, Trek introduced internal cables and Di2 shifting on the  Émonda . It also unveiled the affordable aluminum ALR model using Ultralight 300 Series Alpha Aluminum.

2018-2020:  The second generation  Émonda  was introduced for the 2018 model year. Trek announced a new disc brake version alongside a revamped rim-brake model.   Claimed weight for the new disc-specific frame was 25g lighter than the previous-generation rim-brake  Émonda . The new rim-brake version was even lighter still, dropping another 25g. Tire clearance increased to 28mm. 

2021+: Instead of making the Émonda even lighter, Trek focused on making the third generation faster on any terrain. Trek integrated several aerodynamic features to help this bike perform as an all-rounder. It also added a T47 bottom bracket, which is threaded instead of press fit, generally a more reliable standard. The new  Émonda  is disc brake only. 

SHOP TREK ROAD BIKES

Different builds

Trek émonda slr 8 road bike - 2016.

Trek Émonda SLR 9 road bike - 2018

In keeping with tradition, Trek released the SLR 9 just days before the Tour de France. And as always, it was a little lighter than before. This time, the 700 Series OCLV Carbon frame came with Bontrager Aeolus 3 D3 tubeless ready carbon wheels, and a full Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic drivetrain.

Trek Émonda SLR Race Shop Limited road bike - 2018

For this model, Trek used its Ultralight 700 Series OCLV Carbon, ride-tuned performance tube optimization, E2 tapered head tube, direct mount brakes, and internal cable routing. This model comes with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 shifting, Bontrager Aeolus 3 TLR carbon clinchers, a Bontrager cockpit and Montrose PRO saddle.

Trek Émonda SLR Disc Project One road bike - 2019

Project One allowed riders to customize several details. You picked your paint and parts, making each one of these bikes unique. There were options for Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, Ultegra Di2, SRAM Red eTap AXS, Force eTap AXS, and Rival eTap AXS. And about 20 different color schemes.

Trek Émonda ALR 4 H2 road bike - 2021

The ALR is Trek’s budget-friendly high-performance model — its lightest aluminum road bike that handles and climbs very much like its carbon counterparts. With the H2 geometry, it’s perfect for a more upright, less aggressive fit. It comes with tubeless compatible wheels, and a lifetime warranty.

The newest Émonda SLR frame weighs less than 700g, and with all-new aero tube shaping adds even more speed. But with ALR and SL models, H1 and H2 geometry, and a huge variety of specifications to choose from, there’s an Émonda out there for absolutely anyone who loves to climb up hills and then fly back down.

Our Ride Guides love helping people find the right bike and gear. If you have any questions, give us a call at  1-866-401-9636  and we'll help you out!

More Guides

Features, Guides, Latest Apr 16, 2024

How I Fuel for Performance in LONG Bike Races

Features, Gravel, Guides, Latest Apr 10, 2024

The Best Gravel Bike Comfort Upgrades for Unbound (and Beyond)

FAQs, Guides, Latest, MTB Apr 3, 2024

FAQ: Top 5 Mountain Bikes That Hold Their Value

Features, Gravel, Guides, Latest Apr 1, 2024

Waxing Your Chain vs. Using Wet Lube for Dust, Mud, & Unbound Gravel

Guides Mar 26, 2024

Shimano vs. SRAM: Guide to Groupsets, Drivetrains, Brakes, and More

Features, Gravel, Guides, Latest Mar 25, 2024

1x vs. 2x: What Drivetrain Should You Race at Unbound Gravel?

Features, Gravel, Guides, Latest Mar 21, 2024

Choosing The Best Tire Setup for Racing Unbound Gravel

FAQs, Guides Mar 18, 2024

The Best Used Bike Marketplaces Online (& Offline Too) in 2024

FAQs, Guides, Latest, Road Mar 14, 2024

FAQ: The Roval Alpinist CL II vs. Roval Rapide CL II

Guides, Latest, Road, Tech Feb 23, 2024

The Best Affordable Carbon Road Wheels for Budget Racers

Features, Guides, Latest Feb 20, 2024

QUOC Shoe Review & Guide: Simple, Stylish, & Refined Cycling Shoes

Guides, Latest Jan 29, 2024

The Ultimate New & Used E-Bike Buyer’s Guide

New arrivals.

Certified Pre-Owned

Santa Cruz Bronson CC MX Mountain Bike - 2022, X-Large

3T Exploro Speed TEAM Gravel Bike - 2020, X-Large

Trek Verve+ 2 Low-Step Commuter E-Bike - 2021, Small

Revel Rascal GX Eagle Mountain Bike - 2020, Large

BMC Alpenchallenge AMP CITY LTD Commuter E-Bike - 2020, Medium

Specialized Diverge Carbon Gravel Bike - 2021, 49cm

Cervélo Caledonia-5 Rival eTap AXS Road Bike - 2022, 56cm

Cannondale Synapse Hi-MOD Disc Red eTap Road Bike - 2018, 54cm

Specialized Allez Sprint Comp Road Bike - 2023, 49cm

Pinarello Gan Disk 105 Road Bike - 2018, 54cm

Trek Fuel EX X01 AXS Mountain Bike - 2021, Medium

Cannondale Topstone Aluminum Gravel Bike - 2019, Large

Trek bikes range: which model is right for you?

• Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

The humble beginning of Trek bicycles took place in the "red barn" - once a carpet warehouse - in Waterloo, USA. The first bikes were steel touring frames , but within three years the brand had expanded substantially.

Eventually outgrowing the barn, Trek moved into a much larger headquarters - still in Waterloo - in the year 1980. From there it began to manufacture road racing bikes, then in 1983 created its first mountain bike before moving into accessories come 1984.

Having started out in steel, Trek moved into developing aluminium bikes in 1985. The first Trek branded full carbon frame came in 1989 - the Trek 5000 had a frame weight of 1.5kg. It was built by an outside manufacturer and discontinued after a year. Trek made its own efforts at carbon, with an in-house production, in 1992 to much greater success.

>>> Trek mountain bikes: which model is right for you?

Now, Trek offers the Madone (aero bike), Domane (endurance bike), Emonda (lightweight race bike) and Checkpoint (gravel bike) as well as the Boone cyclocross and Speed Concept time trial machine.

Trek's OCLV Carbon

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Trek's carbon bikes have always used their own patented 'OCLV carbon' - this stands for Optimum Compaction Low Void. It believes this carbon creates the best compromise between low weight and high strength and stiffness.

Optimum Compaction refers to the way sheets of carbon are layered into the mould, and optimised via heat and pressure - in Trek's opinion the two treatments are administered to the perfect ratio. Low Void refers to the minimisation of space between the layers of carbon, which might otherwise reduce strength and durability.

In 1995, Trek opened an independent facility inWhitewater, Wisconsin. The idea being that the Waterloo factory would work in frame development only. For those who want to customise their ride, the'Project One' custom paint programme arrived in 2001.

Trek's pro cycling support

Trek supported now disgraced American cyclist, Lance Armstrong, through his peak years. In 1997, it helped him sign with their sponsored team, US Postal Service Pro Cycling. He won his seven editions of the Tour de Frances on bikes bearing the brand name, but all of said wins were later taken from him following doping violations.

In 2014, the brand sponsored the Trek Factory Racing Team, now calledTrek–Segafredo. In that role, it provided bikes for high profile winners such as Fabian Cancellara and Alberto Contador,as well as Jens Voigt, and notably his Hour Record in September 2014.

In 2020, Trek continued to support the Trek-Segafredo men's and women's race outfits, two highly successful teams.

Trek's acquisitions

Over the years, Trek has made a number of high profile acquisitions. The most famous, perhaps, Gary Fisher bicycles - the mountain bike brand which it took over in 1993.

Later came Bontrager Cycles in 1995 and Electra Bicycle Company in 2014. Bontrager, now Trek's component and apparel brand, maintains the same name as does Electra, the creator of leisure bikes and accessories.

Useful links for road bike shoppers…

Trek's road bike models

Trek is able to offer a wide range of different bikes, each tuned to a slightly different purpose. Some model families are available in a selection of standards (SLR premium carbon, SL carbon, ALR premium aluminium and AL aluminium), and then these come with assorted levels of componentry to suit your price bracket.

To add even more depth to the range, Trek offers many models in two different 'fits'. The Madone and Émonda come as standard in an H2 (traditional) fit, but there are versions in what it calls 'H1' fit. This is more aggressive, shaving off about 30mm on the head tube to create a longer, lower ride. The Domane comes in an H2 'Endurance' fit, with a few models in 'Pro Endurance', again with a longer and lower stance on offer.

Here's a look at the key model families...

With each product is a ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Best Deal’ link. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item. This doesn’t affect the amount you pay.

Trek Domane

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

The Trek Domane was introduced in 2012. It was created to offer a comfortable ride, the key feature being an IsoSpeed decoupler which separated the seat tube from the top tube, thus reducing vibrations and fatigue.

In 2016 it gained theFront IsoSpeed, which helps to reduce vibrations at the front end without impacting handling. This came alongside a new slider, which alters the level of dampening offered by the rear.

In its most recent update , the Domane took notes from the Madone with an aero fork profile, whilst becoming more versatile thanks to clearance for 38mm tyres (without mudguards, 35mm with). It also gained a downtube compartment for stashing tools (or snacks!).

Though comfort is important to the Trek Domane, it's still a racing frame, and its prowess has been demonstrated by UCI WorldTour riders at major one-day Classics, such as Strade Bianche and the Tour of Flanders. The top Domane bikes come with an H1.5 fit, which was developed with the Trek-Segafredo teams to offer the optimal balance between aerodynamics and endurance.

The Trek Domane - available as a men's build or with women's specific componentry - is a fast selling model, which comes in a range of frame materials.

The Domane SLR uses the lightest carbon Trek offers, the SL is one step down, whilst the AL uses aluminium and is the cheapest of the range.

Trek Madone

The Trek Madone is quite another beast, and the bikes come built for men and women; the latter's models with women's saddles and narrower handlebars . With an aggressive geometry and stiffness to boot, it's a road race hero, and aerodynamics have become part of its lifeblood. When we tested five aero bikes , head to head, the Trek Madone came out fastest.

Modern Trek Madone's feature a high level of integration, with the cables tucked away yet reachable via an access point at the top of the down tube.Wind tunnel testing has helped Trek to create theirKVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shapes, used on the frame and fork. These unconventional tube shapes are designed to further reduce drag, helping the rider/bike unit to slice through the air efficiently.

Because being bumped around doesn't make you faster, the Madone also features an IsoSpeed decoupler at the seat tube and more recently an adjustable one at the head tube, which offers greater compliance whilst still being integrated to prevent adding drag.

The newest model, according to Trek, can offer 17 per cent more compliance through to 21 per cent more stiffness, depending upon your chosen setting. A damper at the seatpost is also said to cut rebound by 13 per cent. All of these stats add up to a bike that can be comfortable and stiff at the same time - and one that earned a place in our 2018 Editor's Choice awards.

The majority of the bikes come in a more relaxed 'H2' geometry, save for the Madone SLR, which is in an 'H1.5' fit - this is designed to allow riders to achieve an H1 fit or an H2, depending upon their set up.

Trek Émonda

Adding more depth to the Trek family is the Trek Émonda, launched in 2014. Designed to be a climbing bike, newer adaptations are capable of negotiating mixed terrains - with disc brakes available and tyre clearance to 28mm.

>>> Trek Émonda range explained

Trek continues to work on developing the Émonda, dropping the weight of the top end Trek Émonda SLR to 640g in a size 56cm (665g with discs) and 1091g for the Trek Émonda SL (1149g with discs). The weight difference is largely achieved by the use of700 Series OCLV carbon on the SLR, as opposed to 500 series on the SL.

The aluminium model has seen some major work and the result earned it a place in the Editor's Choice 2019 awards. The key characteristic we loved was the way it simply didn't look, or ride, like aluminium. A lot of this is down to Trek's 'Invisible Weld Technology' which increases the surface area of the frame, adding to strength and reducing weight. The ALR model's frame weight comes in at a competitive 1112g, or 1131g with discs, and it uses the brand's 300 Series Alpha Aluminium.

The carbon models are available in 'SLR' build or 'SL', the former being the lightest and the latter more affordable. The majority of Trek Émonda bikes cone in an 'H2' fit, but they can be purchased in an 'H1' geometry, if you choose the top end 'Race Shop' version.

There are a few nods to neatness and integration around, such as the use of 'Blendr Integration' which seamlessly mounts Bontrager’s cycling computer, Ionbike lights or even Garmin computers directly to the handlebars. On SLR versions there's ‘Control Freak Cable Management’ which allows for shifter and brake cables to be housed through the frame.

Trek Checkpoint

With gravel and adventure bikes a fast growing category, the Checkpoint is Trek's offering to fill that sector. The crucial element here is that both the SL and ALR frame options come fitted out with 35c gravel tyres, and can accommodate rubber up to 45c. They've all got internal cable routing, to ensure much stays out, whilst the higher end models use 'Control Freak' routing which is neater.

>>> Best gravel bikes: the top models reviewed

If you opt for the carbon SL model, you get vibration dampening from an IsoSpeed decoupler at the rear, too.  To provide stability and confidence on light trails as well as comfort on all-day adventures, the geometry is not as aggressive as the road bikes elsewhere in the range. Such all-day rides warrant plenty of kit, so there's mounts for racks and mounts. Similar to elsewhere in the range, there's AL, ALR and SL models.

Trek Speed Concept

Trek's Speed Concept time trial bike has been raced by the pros yet is still seen on the amateur race scene as a popular option.

>>> Check out Fabian Cancellara's 2016 Speed Concept

The frames use 500 Series OCLV Carbon, boasting the KVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shapes described in the Madone, plus a carbon fork with integrated brake and stem - the key goal being cutting through the air quickly.There's space to fit Trek's SC Draft Box and SC Sped Box, largely used by triathletes carrying snacks.

Trek Boone 5

Trek's got plenty of experience in the muddy realm of off-road cycling - and they've got a selection of cyclocross bikes. The Trek Boone 7 model comes with hydraulic disc brakes, a one-by crank and 12-speed cassette and they've all got Bontrager's own 33c cyclocross tyres.

The frame material is Trek's 600 series OCLV carbon, and there's front and rear IsoSpeed decouplers to help riders negotiate the mud without excess transfer of vibration. Combining the mud ready tyres, disc brakes, 'cross focused cable routing and geo into an aluminium package is the Trek Crockett family.

They key differentiation is the frame material, which is300 Series Alpha Aluminium, and there's no decoupler. However, it's still a performance bike that's ready to race.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Get The Leadout Newsletter

The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!

Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.

'I suspect that you can divide cyclists into personality types around coffee', muses columnist Dr Hutch

By Michael Hutchinson Published 21 April 24

State Bicycle Co. announced today a Bob Marley collaboration that features Marley-themed bikes, frame bags, top caps and apparel.

By Kristin Jenny Published 20 April 24

Useful links

• Tour de France
• Giro d'Italia
• Vuelta a España

Buyer's Guides

• Best road bikes
• Best gravel bikes
• Best smart turbo trainers
• Best cycling computers
• Editor's Choice
• Bike Reviews
• Component Reviews
• Clothing Reviews
• Contact Future's experts
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Cookies policy
• Advertise with us

Cycling Weekly is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Trek Domane Vs Emonda Road Bikes ?

Trek Domane and Trek Emonda are two of Trek’s most dominant road bikes. But even though these bikes resemble each other in various ways, they are very different. So, how does Trek Domane vs Emonda compare?

Trek Domane is an endurance road bike that focuses on comfort and better ride quality. In contrast, Trek Emonda is a race road bike that focuses on speed and agility. So, Domane is best for road tours, while Emonda is ideal for on-road racing.

This post shall look at the differences between the two Trek road bikes . I’ll even pick one of their hottest models and compare them. But first, let’s look at an overview of these two Trek road bikes.

Trek Domane Overview: Who Should Get a Trek Domane?

Trek Domane is a high-end endurance road bike by Trek with more upright geometry, thus perfect for road tours.  

Its endurance geometry also focuses more on stability than speed, making it also best for gravel surfaces. 

The fact that it has an upright geometry means the bike is suitable for riders with back issues, and the fact that you can ride it on gravel, mainly because of large tire clearance, means it’s a perfect all-terrain choice.

Though this road bike is fast, it’s not very fast, and neither is it very agile. So, don’t get it for competitive racing as you won’t catch a rider riding Emonda.

But if what matters to you most is comfort and better ride quality, then you can get a Trek Domane .

Trek Emonda Overview: Who Should Get a Trek Emonda?

Trek Emonda is Trek’s most lightweight road bike, best for road racing. The race bike enjoys a semi-aero design that decreases aerodynamic drag, making it lightning fast.

Its lighter weight not only makes it a better racer but also a better climber since it’s easy-going uphill with a more lightweight bike than a heavier one.

Emonda focuses on speed and agility more than stability and ride comfort. So, it’s not the best for those with back issues, owing to its race geometry but is generally suitable for beginners who want an easy-to-maneuver, lightweight and quick bike.

Overall, it has a smaller tire clearance, allowing you to fit a maximum tire size of 28c. So, you cannot fit gravel tires, which means you cannot ride it off-road but on-road.

Trek Domane vs Emonda Compared!

Before we can compare the two road bikes in detail, here’s is a table summary of their fundamental differences:

Trek Domane Compared to Emonda in Detail

Let’s break down the above table below:

1. Bike Type

Trek Domane is an endurance road bike, while Trek Emonda is a race bike. The difference is that an endurance road bike is for riding further on different road surfaces, while a race bike is designed for racing on-road.

2. Geometry 

Trek Domane is generally an endurance road bike because it enjoys an endurance or sportive geometry, while Emonda is a race bike because it features race geometry.

An endurance or sportive geometry offers you a more upright posture, thus more comfortable, making Domane a good choice for tours or long rides.

A race geometry, in contrast, is more aggressive and focuses more on improved aerodynamics, making Trek Emonda suitable for racing.

3. Bike Weight (Trek Domane Weight Vs Trek Emonda Weight)

The Trek Emonda is Trek’s most lightweight bike as the bike line is ideal for racing. That doesn’t mean the Domane is very heavy, but you are more likely to save some pounds riding an Emonda than a Domane.

Let’s compare Domane SLR9 and Emonda SLR9 (I’ll talk about the two later), for example. Trek Emonda SLR9 weighs only 14.82 pounds, while Trek Domane SLR9 weighs 17.2 pounds.

So, that’s a difference of more than 2 pounds.

4. Bike Focus 

Trek Emonda’s aggressive race geometry makes it more agile, while its aerodynamic design and low weight make it speedy. 

So, the bike generally focuses on agility and speed. In contrast, Trek Domane’s relaxed endurance geometry makes it more stable. It focuses more on stability than speed or agility.

5. Terrain Choice 

We all know that a road bike is intended for on-road (paved surface use). While that’s the case of the Trek Emonda, Trek Domane is exceptional.

Domane enjoys extra tire clearance, allowing you to fit tires as wide as 38c. Simply put, you can fit gravel tires on Trek Domane. As a result, you can ride Domane on any terrain even though its preference is on-road.

6. Preferred User 

Domane’s relaxed geometry makes it ideal for riders with back issues. That’s because you will not have to bend a lot, as the geometry allows you to ride more upright.

Also, the bike’s massive tire clearance coupled with its upright riding position makes it an excellent touring choice.

On the other hand, Emonda’s aggressive geometry makes it best for racers and, to an extent, road climbers.

Remember, this bike is also lightweight, and so its lighter frame makes it beginner-friendly since it’s easy to maneuver.

7. Domane Vs Emonda Speed 

These two road bikes are undeniably fast. However, Emonda’s race geometry and low weight make it speedier than Domane.

It’s worth noting that the overall speed of both road bikes depends on where you ride and the riding experience.

If you ride both bikes on smooth roads, the Emonda will be fast, but if you ride them off-road, you may have difficulty maneuvering the Emonda. 

And in terms of experience, the more experienced you are, the faster you are likely to ride an Emonda than a Domane on a perfect road.

8. Stability 

An endurance geometry enjoys a broader wheelbase, making a bike more stable. So, the Trek Domane is more stable than the Trek Emonda.

Besides, since Domane puts you in a more upright position, you are likely to ride with more stability than someone riding in an aerodynamic position, as is the case of the Emonda.

9. Trek Domane Vs Trek Emonda Cost 

Overall, Trek Emonda costs slightly more than Trek Domane. Here’s a table comparing their various 2022 models in terms of price.

Trek Emonda Vs Domane Similarities 

Here are the similarities that Emonda and Domane have:

a. Frame Grade

Both Domane and Emonda come in four in four frame grades which are as follows:

• AL : AL represents the most budget-friendly entry-level aluminum bikes. They are the perfect blend between value and performance.
• ALR : ALR represents advanced aluminum frames. These frames are more high-end than their AL siblings, thus costlier. They are lighter and race-oriented, making up the most high-end aluminum road bikes.
• SL : SL represents advanced carbon frames. They are more high-end than AL and ALR, thus costlier than the two. You’ll get the frame on Trek high-end Domane and Emonda bikes.
• SLR : SLR represents the pinnacle of carbon technology. Bikes with an SLR frame are the most high-end. They are the most lightweight and generally suit top-level racers.

b. Bike Size

Trek employs the same sizing guide for both bikes to ensure they cover riders in all heights. Here is the road bike size chart that Trek uses on Domane and Emonda.

c. Bike Design and Technology

Trek employs similar designs on both bike brands, making them almost identical in appearance. Both models are customizable via Project One, making them suitable for top-level cyclists.

They employ internal cable routing that makes them sleeker and aerodynamic. They are also compatible with DuoTrap S technology which allows you to pair them with your smartphone and track vital cycling stats like speed, pulse, and distance.

Best Trek Domane vs Best Trek Emonda – Domane SLR9 Vs Emonda SLR9

There’s no more straightforward way to compare Domane and Emonda than comparing their most high-end models (SLR9). Here’s how they compare:

• Bike Type and Geometry – Domane SLR9 is an endurance road bike, thanks to its endurance/sportive geometry, while Emonda SLR9 is a race bike, owing to its race geometry.
• Bike Use – Emonda SLR9s race geometry makes it a better racer, while Domane SLR9S endurance geometry makes it a better road touring bike.
• Tire Clearance – Domane SLR9 has a larger tire clearance than Emonda SLR9. Domane SLR’s larger tire clearance makes it an all-terrain choice, while Emonda is only suitable for on-road use.
• Frame  – While both bikes have an OCLV carbon frame, their series differ. Domane features a 700 series OCLV carbon, whereas Emonda features an 800 series OCLV carbon frame.
• Drivetrain – Both bikes feature a 12-speed Shimano Dura-Ace drivetrain which promises smooth and efficient shifting and quick acceleration.
• Bike Weight and Load Limit – Interestingly, both bikes have the same load limit (275 pounds), but their weights are different. Domane SLR9 weighs 17.2 pounds, while Emonda SLR9 weighs 14.82 pounds.
• Bike Price – Emonda SLR9 costs slightly more ($12,549.99) than Domane SLR9 ($12,249.99). Primarily, that’s because Emonda SLR9s frame enjoys a higher series (800 series OCLV carbon) than a Domane 700 series. 

Below is a table comparing the two SLR9 bike models:

People Also Ask

1. what is the difference between trek emonda and trek domane.

Trek Emonda is a race road bike with a lightweight frame and aggressive geometry, while Domane is an endurance road bike with a slightly heavier frame but a more relaxed geometry.

Purpose-wise, Trek Emonda is best for racing, while Trek Domane is best for touring.

2. Is Trek Domane Fast?

Owing to its sleeker look, internal routing, and lightweight frame, Trek Domane is pretty fast. It is, however, not as fast as Emonda has; it enjoys endurance geometry, which promotes a more upright posture.

3. Is The Emonda Comfortable?

The Trek Emonda has a race geometry, which is more aggressive, forcing you to take an aerodynamic position.

That means it’s less comfortable long distance. The bike, however, is more about speed than comfort.

Closing Thoughts on Trek Domane vs Emonda!

While Trek Domane and Trek Emonda have so much in common, they differ primarily in geometry and purpose.

Overall, Domane’s endurance geometry makes it a better tour bike, while Emonda’s aggressive geometry makes it a better on-road racer. 

• Trek Domane AL2 Review
• Trek Madone Vs Domane

• MAGAZINE OFFERS
• BIKE INSURANCE
• Best Products
• Maintenance
• Accessories
• Long-Term Reviews
• BikeRadar Podcast
• First Look Friday
• Bike of the Week
• Tech Features
• Routes and Rides
• Bike Galleries
• BikeRadar Bargains
• Buyer's Guides
• Fitness & Training
• Sizing & Fit
• Mountain Biking UK
• Cycling Plus

Trek Émonda ALR 5 review

The new alloy Émonda remains a great alternative to carbon

Simon von Bromley / Our Media

Simon von Bromley

Smooth ride quality; confident handling; easily customisable; Shimano 105 groupset continues to impress; wide range of sizes

Low-end tyres slow the bike down; uninspiring wheels

The Trek Émonda ALR is the American brand’s take on the premium aluminium race bike.

Now in its third generation, the Émonda ALR takes the recipe of the 2021 Trek Émonda but substitutes carbon fibre for aluminium.

This helps cut cost significantly, but (as we’ll come to later) doesn’t noticeably impact performance much.

The Trek Émonda ALR 5 (£2,325/$2,300) is the base model in the 2023 Trek Émonda ALR range, offering a suite of relatively affordable components alongside a frameset and groupset worthy of future upgrades.

As with most bikes at this price point, not every stock part sparkles, but the Émonda ALR 5 nevertheless impresses as an alternative to identikit carbon race bikes .

Trek Émonda ALR 5 frameset

As with the latest Specialized Allez Sprint , the updated aluminium frameset is the headline act on the Émonda ALR.

Like its carbon sibling, it features a mix of round tubing and truncated aerofoil – or ' Kammtail' – shapes.

The frame is constructed from Trek’s 'ultra-light' 300 Series Alpha aluminium, while the fork is made from carbon fibre.

Trek says a painted, size-56cm Émonda ALR frame weighs 1,257g, while the fork is said to weigh 406g.

That’s just 34g heavier than Trek’s Émonda SL carbon frameset (£2,950), which uses Trek’s second-tier carbon layup (Ultralight 500 Series OCLV Carbon) and has a claimed weight of 1,245g and 384g for the fork.

If you wanted to drop any serious weight from the frame, you’d need to step up to the Émonda SLR frameset (£4,900), which features a 760g frame and 381g fork.

The Émonda ALR frame is built using Trek’s ‘Invisible Weld Technology’, which (as the name suggests) helps hide the tube joints for a more seamless look.

Those at the rear dropouts aside, the resulting welds are certainly less prominent than those on the Allez Sprint or Cannondale CAAD13 .

The new Émonda ALR frameset also uses a T47 threaded bottom bracket .

Improved aerodynamics

At the front end of the frameset, Trek has adopted an integrated cable-routing solution similar to that on the Allez Sprint and Cervélo Soloist .

This sees the gear cables and brake hoses route externally of the handlebar and stem, and enter the frame through a slotted headset top cap.

This and the aero tubing are claimed to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the Émonda ALR compared to its predecessor, although Trek doesn’t offer any specific figures to quantify this.

Though I’d prefer Trek to be up-front about the magnitude (or otherwise) of any potential performance boost, I suspect most prospective buyers won’t be overly fussed.

The Émonda ALR isn’t attempting to compete with the best aero road bikes , and the cables and hoses have likely been hidden for aesthetic reasons as much as performance ones.

As I’ve explored before, the performance gains from fully internal cable routing are fairly small and the downsides (such as more complex headset servicing ) can be irritating.

This style of solution does at least allow for a wide range of easy adjustments for bike fit purposes, though, and there’s no denying it lends the bike a premium, modern look.

In fact, it was notable how many admiring comments the Émonda ALR 5 attracted during testing, from cyclists and non-cyclists alike.

While the ‘Azure to Living Coral Fade’ paintjob wouldn’t be my first choice, if you like getting attention for having a 'cool bike', it would seem this is a solid option.

What about mudguards?

One notable omission from the Émonda ALR is mounting points for mudguards or fenders .

While dry-bottom obsessed riders, such as my friend and colleague Jack Luke , have cried foul and made their misgivings on this subject clear, I’m not sure it’s a huge loss.

It’s true that tastefully hidden mounts, such as those on the Trek Domane SLR , don’t add much weight or detract from a bike’s looks when not in use.

However, it’s also fair to say the Émonda ALR (like the Allez Sprint) is intended to be a race bike and – for better or worse – most road racing bikes don’t have mudguard mounts these days.

In any case, if you want an aluminium road bike for year-round riding, Trek also offers the Domane AL , which has a plethora of mounts available for mudguards, extra bottles and more.

Trek Émonda ALR 5 geometry and handling

The Trek Émonda ALR 5 adopts the same H1.5 geometry featured on the latest carbon Émonda and Trek Madone SLR .

This sits in the middle of Trek’s previous pro-style H1 and more relaxed H2 fit geometries. It means most riders should be able to customise the front end to get their preferred fit – whether that’s long and slammed or shorter and more upright.

In terms of its overall aggressiveness, the Émonda ALR sits between the Allez Sprint and CAAD13.

With 391mm of reach and 563mm of stack on my size-56cm test bike, it’s a little higher and shorter than an equivalently sized Allez Sprint.

While the head tube angle is shared with the Allez Sprint at 73.5 degrees, the Émonda ALR has 3mm more fork trail, which slows down the handling slightly.

Overall, the Émonda ALR’s handling still feels light and nimble, though just a touch more mellow than the Allez Sprint’s.

It’s also notable that the Émonda ALR frameset is available in eight sizes, from 47 to 62cm, compared to six sizes (from 49 to 61cm) for the Allez Sprint.

Trek Émonda ALR 5 build

As with most bikes at this price, the Émonda ALR 5’s build is somewhat of a mixed bag.

Trek has wisely specced Shimano 105 R7000 , the Japanese brand’s highly rated 11-speed workhorse groupset.

You get climbing-friendly 50/34-tooth chainrings up front, paired with a short-cage rear derailleur and an 11-30 tooth cassette.

Finishing kit is by Bontrager (Trek’s in-house wheel and component brand), in the form of a basic aluminium seatpost, stem and set of round handlebars.

While it lacks a posh carbon seatpost, the use of a round, 27.2mm post means aftermarket upgrade options are plentiful.

It’s the same story up front – no surprises or odd standards, just a 1-1/8in steerer and a 31.8mm handlebar clamp.

In an era when the use of proprietary parts on road bikes seems to be ever increasing, such simplicity and wide-ranging compatibility feels like a breath of fresh air.

In terms of wheels and tyres, Trek has specced a set of basic Bontrager alloy wheels paired with 700x25c Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite clincher tyres.

While the alloy Bontrager hubs and round spokes are fairly run of the mill, the Bontrager Paradigm SL rims are at least tubeless-ready and have a healthily wide, 21mm internal rim width . This helps plump the tyres up to around 28.5mm at 70psi/4.8 bar.

Trek Émonda ALR 5 ride impressions

Out on the road, the Émonda ALR 5 is an easy bike to get along with.

It has a marginally more relaxed personality than the Allez Sprint, but for many this will be a plus (the Allez Sprint is very racy).

Like that bike, though, the Émonda ALR belies its 9.04kg weight, feeling quick to respond to inputs and generally easy to manoeuvre.

Shimano’s 105 R7000 groupset remains as impressive as ever. Shifts are slick and fast at both ends, with excellent braking.

Unsurprisingly, the low-end Bontrager tyres disappoint compared to the best road bike tyres currently available, and make the bike feel sluggish when trying to ride fast. Upgrading these alone would likely do wonders for the whole package.

The Bontrager finishing kit is nothing flashy, but it all does the job and can be replaced easily if you have particular tastes or bike fit requirements.

The only part I didn’t get on with was the Bontrager Verse Comp saddle. It has a lot more padding than I’m used to and I quickly swapped it out for something firmer and shorter (a Giant Fleet SL).

It’s a shame Trek didn’t spec the excellent Bontrager Aeolus saddle, versions of which come with higher-end Émonda and Madone builds, but that’s a minor gripe.

The ride quality is also impressive, especially at the rear end.

While dropped seatstays and carbon seatposts are often lauded for their comfort-enhancing properties, the Émonda ALR manages to achieve a smooth ride without either.

The front end, with its stiff carbon fork and basic alloy bars, is firmer. Careful adjustment of the tyre pressures went a long way to mitigating this, though.

The Émonda ALRs tyre clearance is officially capped at 28mm, as on the previous version , but in practice there’s ample room for more.

Trek Émonda ALR 5 bottom line

The Trek Émonda ALR 5 joins an increasing number of high-quality aluminium road bikes.

Despite its alloy construction, it’s only marginally heavier than the mid-tier carbon Émonda and offers an appealing mix of classic looks and modern tech.

Likewise, if you want a road racing bike with Trek on the down tube, then the Émonda ALR is one of the cheapest entry points and it doesn’t disappoint in terms of performance.

Hitting this price inevitably means compromises in the build, but (tyres aside) everything does a respectable job, and – best of all – can be easily customised to suit your personal tastes.

Share this article

Senior technical writer

• Terms & Conditions
• Subscribe to our magazines
• Manage preferences