trek madone 7 2015

Trek Madone 7-Series Project One - long-term review

Latest madone flagship walks a fine line between aerodynamics, stiffness and comfort.

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.

This article originally published on BikeRadar

Gallery: Trek Factory Racing reveal new kit design

We shared our first impressions of Trek's revamped 2014 Madone 7-Series Project One road racing flagship back in July and were generally quite happy with the experience. As always, the handling manners were impeccable, it was fairly comfortable and suitably quick under power – all while supposedly offering greatly improved aerodynamic performance over a round-tubed bike.

Several months later, our initial opinions haven't changed - if anything, they've only been reinforced. The latest Madone is Trek's best in many ways but the controversial rear brake placement hasn't won us over.

Ride and handling: telepathic handling, unflappably predictable

Our Madone reviews are starting to sound like broken records when it comes to describing the handling but given that it's so perennially exceptional, that's hardly a bad thing. When it comes to neutral handing, this really is the quintessential sweet spot between stability and agility. Calm high-speed manners inspire supreme confidence when bombing descents and yet the Madone is still amply quick to turn in when the corners start coming fast and furious. Simply lean it over, set an edge and rail through – often with no need to hit the brakes either.

Fit and rider positioning is still spot-on as well. We went with the more aggressive H1 geometry here with its lower front end and longer top tube, and found it just right when going hard. We've sampled the slightly more relaxed H2 version too, and found it provided a noticeably more upright ride but without compromising the superb handling.

As claimed, ride quality has improved over last year's version. It's a subtle change that many might not even notice, however, and we still wouldn't characterize the latest Madone's feel as pillowy smooth. It's exceptionally well damped and glides across good road surfaces without feeling overly isolating but neither end gives much on bumps of any size.

That being said, it rides quite well for a top-end machine whose primary intent is racing, particularly compared to other aero road machines that can sometimes be downright harsh. At least on the generally good roads we used during testing, the Madone is an easy machine to ride all day.

Overall stiffness is what we've come to expect from the Madone. Excellent front triangle rigidity lends extra precision and confidence to the handling traits, plus it makes for a solid feel when muscling the bars during out-of-the-saddle sprints and climbs. Rear end stiffness can't quite keep up with the front end but it's very good nonetheless and contributes to a generally sprightly and eager feel overall.

And have we mentioned yet that the new Madone is also light? Our complete test sample came with a custom Project One spec that includes a Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 mechanical group, Bontrager Aeolus 3 D3 carbon clinchers, and carbon fibre Bontrager finishing kit. The total weight for a 52cm size without pedals is a wispy 6.32kg (13.93lb). Actual weight of our 52cm frame is similarly svelte at 840g (with rear derailleur hanger and bolt-on housing stops) and the matching fork adds just 340g (195mm steerer, no plug).

Trek even claims some impressive aerodynamic savings over the previous round-tubed Madone: 25 watts at 40km/h, or about two minutes per hour.

So the latest Madone is stout under power, handles supremely well, reasonably comfortable, very light, more aerodynamic than before and puts its rider in a perfect position. What's not to like?

Unfortunately, it's that pesky rear brake.

Trek believes putting the rear brake caliper under the chainstays has multiple benefits. We're not convinced

Trek says the relocation of the rear caliper beneath the chainstays provides several benefits. For one, the chainstays are far bigger and stiffer than the seatstays so in theory, they should make for a more solid foundation and increased braking power. Moving the brake down below also frees up designers to slim down the seatstays for improved ride comfort, plus it cleans up the shape for supposedly reduced aerodynamic drag.

Despite the bridgeless seat stay design and their relatively slim profile, the Madone isn't appreciably more comfortable than other top competitors. The down-below location is also prone to road spray and debris kicked off of the front wheel, plus it's a very awkward location for maintenance. And while we didn't notice any unusual brake rub during our first few rides during the summer, we ultimately got several different wheelsets (including the stock Bontrager ones) to consistently contact the pads under hard efforts, even with relatively generous pad rim clearances.

The revamped brake location may very well over some measurable benefits but even so, we remain unconvinced that they outweigh the real-world drawbacks.

Frame: lightweight with proven OCLV construction

The Madone may not fit the mould of what many expect to see in a supposedly aerodynamic road bike but that's due to its Kamm tail design. Instead of complete airfoil sections, the Madone instead uses clipped profiles that are said to offer similar aerodynamic benefits while still maintaining more traditional aspect ratios for good stiffness and ride qualities – both of which the Madone has in good quantities.

As is the trend with most modern carbon road frames these days, there are no abrupt profile changes, overly sharp edges or wacky shapes built into the design. Instead, Trek has maintained a more engineering-centric philosophy with gentle transitions throughout. Also present are the company's long-standing Madone frame features, such as the extra-wide BB90 bottom bracket shell with drop-in bearings, correspondingly wide down tube and chain stay spacing, a tapered 1 1/8 to 1 1/2in head tube (again, with bearing seats moulded directly into the structure to save weight), and an integrated no-cut seatmast topped by a Bontrager moulded carbon fibre head.

Other niceties include a built-in chain catcher, the Duotrap integrated optional wireless speed and cadence sensor, carbon fork tips and rear dropouts, and internal cable routing that's convertible for mechanical or electronic drivetrains. None of the internal paths are fully guided but even so, we found servicing to be a pretty straightforward process as long as you're careful to first run a section of housing through before pulling out the old inner wires. More importantly, the paths are straight and direct so there's no penalty in friction as compared to an external setup.

The built-in chain catcher is a nice touch

We did encounter one unfortunate manufacturing related hiccup during our time with the Madone: a fork tip that was a touch too long, which kicked the front wheel off-axis if we pulled the axle completely in – not a lot, mind you, but enough that we noticed. We ended up having to ship our test bike back to Trek, where 0.5mm was ground off of one dropout to correct the misalignment. All was good afterward but this is not exactly what you want to see on a bike costing upward of US$10,000.

Equipment: flawless Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 group and fantastic Bontrager bits

Whatever gripes we can air on the rear brake position and fork tip alignment, we have nothing but positive things to say in regards to the new Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 group . It's utterly brilliant in every way that matters and corrects every mis-step of the previous 7900 package.

Shift quality is superb, with smooth and dependable changes under full power – especially up front, which is still best in class. Lever action is light, enviably precise, and silky smooth, plus Shimano has given back the ability to downshift three rear gears in a sweep. Lever ergonomics are also fantastic, with a smooth shape that falls naturally in your hands and a reach adjustment that's usable without detracting from the keen aesthetics.

Despite the unusual rear caliper placement and uncommon direct mount fitment, brake performance is excellent with ample power, a solid-feeling lever, and good control – provided you take the time to resurface the stock carbon-specific Bontrager cork pads. The rear quick-release that's built into the head tube stop is a little awkward to use during a wheel change but thankfully, we never really had to since the Bontrager Aeolus 3 D3 rims are roughly the same width as the 25mm tyres we used primarily during testing.

We had excellent luck overall with Bontrager's latest 35mm-deep carbon clinchers, which are admirably rigid, lightweight, reasonably stable in crosswinds, and seemingly durable thanks in part to well proven DT Swiss star ratchet rear hub internals. Tubeless compatibility would be the icing on the cake but in fairness, it's still a rarity in the road world.

We have plenty of praise for the rest of Bontrager finishing kit too. The Race X Lite IsoZone carbon handlebar does a fantastic job of sucking of road buzz and the matching carbon stem is impressively solid. Despite the minimal padding, the Paradigm XXX Carbon saddle is nevertheless comfortable and supportive for long days on the road too, thanks to its smart shape and generous central cutout.

Price: £10,311 BikeRadar says: "Overall, the latest Madone faithfully carries forward the range's hallmarks of brilliant handling, spot-on rider positioning, very good stiffness and good ride quality. Aero shaping and continuing weight losses only further improve the stock. However, the unusual rear brake position and the associated inconveniences mar what is otherwise a great bike." BikeRadar verdict: 3 1/2 stars More information: www.trekbikes.com

Complete bike specifications

Frame: Trek Madone 7-Series Project One (52cm tested) Fork: Trek Madone KVF full carbon Headset: Cane Creek IS8, 1 1/8-to-1 1/2in tapered Stem: Bontrager Race XXX Lite Handlebars: Bontrager Race X Lite IsoZone Tape/grips: Bontrager Gel Grip Front brake: Shimano Dura-Ace BR-9000 w/ Bontrager carbon-specific cork pads Rear brake: Shimano Dura-Ace BR-9000 w/ Bontrager carbon-specific cork pads Brake levers: Shimano Dura-Ace STI Dual Control ST-9000 Front derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace FD-9000 Rear derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace RD-9000 Shift levers: Shimano Dura-Ace STI Dual Control ST-9000 Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace CS-9000 Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace CN-9000 Crankset: Shimano Dura-Ace FC-9000 Bottom bracket: Trek BB90 integrated Pedals: n/a Wheelset: Bontrager Aeolus 53 D3 clincher Front tyre: Bontrager R4, 700x25c Rear tyre: Bontrager R4, 700x25c Saddle: Bontrager Paradigm RXXXL Seatpost: Bontrager Ride Tuned Carbon seatmast Weight: 6.32kg (13.93 lbs) w/o pedals

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

New disc brake-equipped Giant Trinity TT bike spotted at Tour de Romandie

POC Aspire cycling glasses review: A sturdy and stylish modern classic

Mark Cavendish continues Tour de France build-up in Hungary as Lutsenko leads Astana at Giro d'Italia

Most Popular

• Rider Notes

2015 Trek Madone 7.7 H1 Double

A carbon frame aero bike with ultra high-end components and rim brakes. Compare the full range

For This Bike

View more similar bikes →

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Madone 7.7 H1 Double

Similar Bikes

(descending)

Add custom gearing

5'1" – 5'5"

5'3" – 5'7"

5'5" – 5'9"

5'7" – 6'0"

5'10" – 6'2"

6'0" – 6'4"

6'2" – 6'5"

🐐 Estimated

Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes. Report your fit

Jul 2016 · Andre Cheuk

Canadian Cycling Magazine takes a look at the custom Trek Madone of Fabian Cancellara, at the 2016 Tour de France.

Read Review

Apr 2016 · Robin Schmitt

In a country where awesome is standard vocabulary, how could you describe an extraordinary bike? It’s time to look at the hard facts of the Trek Madone 9.9

Feb 2016 · Dan Cavallari

We take a close look at how these two speedsters perform to see which one is the best aero setup.

Aug 2015 · Mat Brett

Stunningly good bike that offers a fabulous mix of speed and comfort, although, as usual, the top-end tech comes at a price

Jul 2015 · Dan Cavallari

A ground-up redesign yields a finished product with the stiffness of an aero bike but comfort that could fill the shoes of the all-rounder

Jul 2015 · R BA

Updated Madone targets aerodynamics and comfort

Jun 2015 · Matt Phillips

Trek shoots for the moon with its new aero road bike

Jan 2015 · Tom Ballard

1 uses Trek’s top-grade Alpha 200-series aluminium, which thanks to hydroforming techniques has allowed for the flattened top tube and KVF down tube shapes, the latter of which being essentially an aerofoil shape that’s had the back cut off, increasing stiffness and decreasing weight while aiding aerodynamics.. .

Last updated June 29 Not listed for 2,495 days

• 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, trek madone 7 series project one road bike - 2015, 58cm, item #brd14724, condition: pre-owned used condition with signs of use but functions as intended. backed by tpc's risk-free return policy., fit range: 5'10"-6'2" sizing guide.

Our RideFast shipping means this bike gets to you quickly and securely. Domestic US ground rates are a flat $135 for regular bikes or $150 for e-bikes.

Quick Assembly

• Bikes arrive tuned and mostly pre-assembled
• Torque tool & video guide included
• Get riding in 15 minutes

Canadian Customers

Please note that any duties, taxes, or surcharges as required by Canadian customs and provincial authorities will be the buyer's responsibility. Shipping to Canadian addresses may take longer than expected due to customs.

30-Day Returns

If this bike isn't perfect for you, our Ride Guides will help you find the right one.

Added to Cart

Changing the way cyclists buy bikes.

Who is tpc.

We’re fellow bike nerds. We're cyclists who want to find the right bike, components, and accessories for you. That’s why we created our innovative Certified Pre-Owned bike process and why we’re committed to finding the best products you need for your adventures.

Bikes are meant to be used.

Ask a Ride Guide about this

Sizing guide.

The chart below provides a general suggested range of heights and is not exact. Sizing may vary across brands.

The tailoring of any bike is an important step in the long term enjoyment of riding and it can take time to adjust to the fit of a new bike. All contact points (pedals, shoes, and saddle) can be changed and altered for personal preference, performance, and comfort.

Contact our Ride Guides if you have any questions about the fit of your new bike.

866.401.9636 - Contact the Ride Guides

Purchase your next bike with the same confidence you would when buying new. We scrutinize age, condition, and quality. If a bike meets the standard, our pro tune and service will guarantee that your ride will be in pristine condition when it arrives at your door.

• 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 Madone SLR 7 Gen 7 review

Goodbye IsoSpeed, hello IsoFlow

Simon von Bromley

Composed yet fast; innovative design; front end can run both integrated and non-integrated handlebar setups; wide range of frame sizes

Expensive; no power meter; mid-range tyres and cheap inner tubes don’t belong on this bike

Now in its seventh generation, the latest Trek Madone SLR is claimed to be both faster and lighter than ever.

Yet while this latest version retains a typically Madone-esque silhouette, it’s impossible to miss the bike’s unique selling point – the big hole in the seat tube, or IsoFlow, as Trek calls it.

IsoFlow might seem like the main story here, but it isn’t the only thing worth paying attention to.

Overall, the Trek Madone SLR 7 builds on the highly refined Madone platform.

Trek has brought the bike up to date and taken into account the latest aero trends. That's one of the reasons it earns a place in our 2023 Aero Road Bike of the Year category.

While the results are thoroughly impressive on the road, there's no ignoring the high cost of entry, especially on a build with some nominally mid-range parts.

Trek Madone SLR 7 Gen 7 frameset

Unsurprisingly, pro-rider feedback about the previous Madone SLR was simply that those who rode it wanted the new one to be “faster and lighter”.

Starting with the subtler changes, Trek has updated its signature Kammtail Virtual Foil tube shapes (or truncated aerofoils, as everyone else calls them) and overhauled the front end, adding a lighter, fully integrated aero cockpit with flared drops.

Trek also says the handlebar’s narrow hood position plays a significant role in making the bike and rider more aerodynamic.

More noticeably, though, Trek has replaced the comfort-enhancing IsoSpeed system at the junction of the seat tube and top tube with a kite-shaped hole it calls ‘IsoFlow’.

Given most riders, pro or otherwise, apparently didn’t make frequent use of IsoSpeed’s adjustability, Trek opted to replace it with a simpler and lighter solution.

According to Trek, IsoFlow is both lighter and more aerodynamic than IsoSpeed.

Rear-end compliance is claimed to hit the same level as before (with the adjustable IsoSpeed set to its stiffest setting), because the seatpost is essentially cantilevered over the rear of the bike.

Overall, IsoFlow is a win-win solution, Trek says.

The sum of these changes is a bike that’s claimed to be 300g lighter for a complete bike. It’s not a night-and-day difference, but a nice saving nonetheless.

My size-56cm Madone SLR 7 weighs 7.69kg. While that’s slightly lighter than some similarly specced competitors, such as the Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0 AXS and Cervélo S5 , there are lighter aero bikes available for similar money.

The top-spec Canyon Aeroad CFR we tested in 2020, for example, weighed just 7.3kg (size medium). At the time of writing, the 2023 version costs £8,799, yet is specced with a Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset.

In terms of speed, the new Madone is claimed to be 19 watts more aerodynamically efficient at 45kph than the previous one, with a rider on board.

This, Trek says, translates to a time saving of around “60 seconds per hour”, meaning a ride that would take an hour on the old Madone should only take 59 minutes on the new one. That’s an impressive saving for a racer, if the claims are to be believed.

Trek Madone SLR 7 Gen 7 geometry

In terms of fit, the Madone SLR uses Trek’s H1.5 geometry (as seen on the latest Emonda SLR ) – a halfway house between the aggressive H1 and more relaxed H2 geometries it offered previously.

Helpfully, there are eight frame sizes in total, from 49cm to 62cm, meaning a wide range of riders should be able to find a well-fitting bike, too.

Overall, though, the measurements and angles are still very race-focused.

Stack and reach sit at 563 and 391mm respectively, almost identical to key competitors such as the latest Giant Propel and the Cervélo S5.

The head tube and seat tube angles (on my size-56cm test bike) are both relatively steep, at 73.5 and 73.3 degrees, respectively. It also has a short, 58mm trail and a tight wheelbase of just 983mm.

All of which points towards nimble, reactive handling and a riding position designed to encourage you into an aerodynamic riding position .

Trek Madone SLR 7 Gen 7 build

Despite the five-figure price tag, the build encompasses a suite of parts that are nominally mid-range (or would have been before the great bike industry price hikes of recent years).

You get Shimano’s Ultegra Di2 8100 groupset, instead of Dura-Ace Di2, for example. The wheelset is the mid-range carbon Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51, instead of the top-tier Aeolus RSL.

Trek has specced Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite clincher tyres (in a size 700x25c), instead of the pricier tubeless-ready versions or the beautiful (and even more expensive) R4 320 Handmade cotton clinchers.

A Bontrager Aeolus Elite saddle, with ‘Austenite’ (a type of steel alloyed with nickel) rails is chosen, rather than the Pro or RSL models with carbon rails.

You don’t get a power meter with Shimano builds, either. SRAM builds come with Quarq power meters as standard, though are a little more expensive as a result.

This ‘mid-range’ kit mostly performs excellently, though, and one could argue upgrading these parts to the fancier, lighter versions is only going to offer marginal gains at even greater expense (that’s what the £13,500 Madone SLR 9 offers).

However, when you consider some of the best aero bikes are available with equivalent specs for significantly less money, it’s a tough pill to swallow.

Still, Trek is far from the only brand making expensive bikes these days.

Whether it’s the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 , Pinarello Dogma F or Colnago V4Rs , to name three, there are certain bikes that aren’t focused on value first and foremost, and that’s okay.

Though an important factor in any purchasing decision, value won’t be the only consideration for everyone, after all.

Trek isn’t cutting any corners with the most important aspect of the bike, either – the SLR frameset and integrated handlebar are exactly the same as those used to compete at the highest level.

Like my colleague, Ashley Quinlan , who reviewed the Madone SLR 9 eTap last year, I came away impressed by the Madone’s front-end.

As already noted, the new handlebar features a slightly narrower, 39cm (centre to centre) hoods position, while it flares out to 42cm wide at the drops.

This gives you the aerodynamic gain of a narrower handlebar at the hoods, with the wider drops providing additional control and leverage for descending and sprinting.

It’s nowhere near as extreme as the 33/37cm handlebar featured on the Ribble Ultra SL R I tested just prior to the Madone, which inevitably means the gain isn’t as obvious. However, it’s certainly a less intimidating change for those not used to riding with narrow handlebars .

All things considered, it’s a positive change, with no notable compromises to comfort or handling.

There are 11 different stem-length and handlebar-width combinations available, and Trek says a dealer can swap a handlebar size at the point of purchase for no extra cost.

Alternatively, it’s also possible to run a standard, 1 1/8in stem and any handlebar you like, giving you near-limitless options for front-end customisation.

My only real disappointment was my test bike’s drab matt black paintjob .

Trek is renowned for producing some of the peloton’s best paintjobs in recent years, yet, save for the cool reflective down tube logo, this one is about as dull as they come.

Of course, others might feel differently and, either way, there are other choices available, plus the option for a custom paintjob through Trek’s Project One programme (at additional expense).

Trek Madone SLR 7 Gen 7 ride impressions

The Madone’s greatest strength is that it manages to feel like a non-aero bike, but faster.

It barrels along on flat or rolling roads, yet feels snappy and energising when you start climbing or rise out of the saddle to sprint over a brow.

I can’t say whether IsoFlow makes the Madone any faster, but it certainly makes for a comfortable rear end when paired with the excellent Bontrager Aeolus saddle (a firm favourite among many testers at BikeRadar).

It's obvious enough to make the handlebar feel fairly stiff in contrast, in fact.

As expected, Shimano’s latest Ultegra Di2 groupset (here with suitably sporty, 52/36-tooth chainrings and an 11-30-tooth cassette) offers near-faultless performance, albeit at a slightly heavier overall weight than Dura-Ace.

The latest Shimano hydraulic brakes, with burly 160mm rotors front and rear, make the Madone a great partner on descents, too.

Despite the quick handling and short wheelbase, there’s no hint of instability at high speeds.

The Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 wheels also impress. At a claimed 1,590g for the pair, they don’t feel cumbersome when climbing steep pitches, yet the 51mm-deep rims provide a noticeable performance benefit on the flats.

A 23mm internal rim width also helps provoke extra volume out of the 25c tyres, which inflate to 28.5mm wide at 65psi/4.5 bar.

With an external rim width of 30mm, Trek likely opted for 25c tyres (rather than 28c or larger tyres as many brands now do) to optimise the aerodynamic performance of the combination.

On good-quality roads, this combination doesn’t pose any issues, but I did find myself wanting for greater tyre volume whenever my test rides took a turn down a broken lane.

Fortunately, there’s plenty of scope to size up, if you want more cushioning or grip.

Frame and fork clearance is rated for up to 28c tyres (which would likely measure around 30mm wide on the Bontrager rims), but the space around both front and rear tyres suggests that’s a conservative estimate.

My main issue in this area, though, is the stock Bontrager tyres offer only average performance.

Grip levels are good, but rolling speed isn’t competitive with the best road bike tyres , and the ride feel is disappointingly wooden too.

The latter two points can be attributed partly to the basic butyl inner tubes supplied as stock.

Upgrading to latex or TPU inner tubes would doubtless go some way to improving both, but it’s also fair to say these tyres won’t ever get the most out of this bike no matter what you put in them.

That Trek is charging £10,200, yet skimping on something as critical as tyres, is disappointing.

Replacing them would be relatively easy and inexpensive, of course (and you could go tubeless too, with the addition of tubeless rim tape, valves and sealant for the wheels), but you shouldn’t have to when you’ve spent this much money.

Trek Madone SLR 7 Gen 7 bottom line

The Trek Madone SLR 7 manages to combine the fun and engaging ride quality of a normal race bike with the speed of an aero bike.

It would be a fantastic companion for racing or fast group rides, yet is comfortable enough for big days in the saddle, too.

Though technically mid-range, the parts and components offer excellent all-round performance (tyres and inner tubes aside). Even so, it’s still hard to ignore the fact there are many similarly specced competitors available that cost far less.

However, if you want a super-fast road bike that pushes the boundaries of aerodynamic design and says ‘Trek’ on the down tube, the Madone SLR doesn’t disappoint.

Aero Road Bike of the Year 2023 | How we tested

If you’re trying to ride faster, then aerodynamic drag is usually your biggest problem.

Previously, though, picking a dedicated aero road bike meant compromising on things such as comfort and practicality. Fortunately, such issues are (largely) problems of the past.

Today’s aero bikes are fast on the flats and no slouches up hills either. Most now include clearance for wide tyres and the best have front ends that don’t require a degree in mechanical engineering to work on.

With that in mind, we put the contenders to the test on the twisty, technical and rolling hills of south Bristol.

As with all road bikes, we considered how easy each bike is to live with, and how easily the stock setup can be adjusted to suit your personal needs and riding style.

Many of the bikes featured in this year’s Aero Road Bike of the Year test are at the upper end of the pricing scale, with premium groupsets and parts showcasing the best contemporary equipment. However, most are also available in cheaper specs if your budget doesn’t stretch as far.

Our Aero Road Bike of the Year contenders

• 3T Strada ICR Force eTap AXS
• Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0 AXS
• Ribble Ultra SL R Enthusiast
• Trek Madone SLR 7

Thanks to our sponsors, Lazer , FACOM tools and Band Of Climbers for their support in making Bike of the Year happen.

Share this article

Senior technical writer

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

• Trek Madone 7.7 H1 Double 2015

157cm - 164cm

161cm - 169cm

166cm - 175cm

172cm - 181cm

178cm - 186cm

183cm - 191cm

188cm - 195cm

Bike summary

Bike components.

700 Series OCLV Carbon, KVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shape, E2, BB90, internal cable routing, 3S chain keeper, DuoTrap compatible, Ride Tuned seatmast

Suspension Fork

Madone KVF full carbon, E2 asymmetric steerer, carbon dropouts

Rear Derailleur

Shimano Dura-Ace

Front Derailleur

Shimano Dura-Ace, braze-on

Shift Levers

Shimano Dura-Ace, 11 speed

Shimano Dura-Ace, 11-28, 11 speed

Shimano Dura-Ace, 53/39 (double)

Bottom Bracket

BB90, 90.5mm, press-fit

Bontrager Race X Lite Tubeless Ready

Bontrager R4 Hard-Case Lite, 700x23c

Bontrager Speed Limit integrated

Bontrager Race X Lite, 31.8mm, 7 degree

Bontrager XXX Aero, OCLV Carbon, VR-CF, 31.8mm

Cane Creek IS-8, integrated, cartridge bearings, sealed, carbon, 1-1/8 top, 1.5" bottom

Bontrager Paradigm RL, hollow titanium rails

Bontrager Ride Tuned Carbon seatmast cap, 20mm offset

Bike geometry

About this model.

Madone 7.7 H1 Double is part of the Trek Madone model. Trek released 360 bikes variations of this model so far. Take a sneak peek at all Trek Madone bikes models from 2015 , by clicking here .

Make sure you wear a helmet on every ride, and that your bike performs well. In short, this means checking the tires, brakes, and chain to make sure everything is in good working order.

Average price for Aero bikes

According to our math, the average price for a trustworthy Aero bike is 4211 $ . However, this doesn’t mean that if you spend less money on an Aero bike, you couldn’t get a decent one. In short, before purchasing your ideal bike do some research about its components, and also check for reviews online.

Internal Cable Routing

Moreover, this bike comes with internal cable routing allowing you to keep the cables in a good condition. It also makes it look more professional.

Madone 7.7 H1 Double components

Fork material.

When it comes to the fork, this bike has a carbon one, so, it is super light and stiff. In conclusion, a carbon fork gives you great control when steering, and is also more forgiving.

Wheels size

As for the wheels, Trek Madone 7.7 H1 Double 2015, has a 700c aluminum model. There is no doubt, that 700c wheels are very popular on all road bike models. However, while they give you great speed and control, these wheels are not so bump-friendly.

We ride faster and faster, so a good braking system is essential on a bike nowadays. The Madone 7.7 H1 Double comes with Rim brakes. Rim brakes are cheaper than hydraulic brakes, and also easier to maintain. However, you could spend a little extra and get a bike that has hydraulic brakes.

Trek Madone 7.7 H1 Double bike has 7 sizes , in the range of 157 cm – 195 cm (5.15 ft – 6.4 ft) . In conclusion, finding one for you shouldn’t be a problem.

Trek Madone models from 2024

Trek madone models from 2023, trek madone models from 2022, trek madone models from 2021, trek madone models from 2020, trek madone models from 2019, trek madone models from 2018, trek madone models from 2017, trek madone models from 2016, trek madone models from 2015, trek madone models from 2014, trek madone models from 2013, trek madone models from 2012, trek madone models from 2011, trek madone models from 2010, trek madone models from 2009, trek madone models from 2008, trek madone models from 2007, trek madone models from 2006, trek madone models from 2005, trek madone models from 2004.

Not sure what's your riding style?

Find your ideal bike in seconds!

Take our 30 seconds quizz and find out which bikes suit you the best.

Handy tools

Tools to help you even more.

Steven Sitler Archive

The truth about moscow, blog & mablog: “the high mountain air of public calumny”, blog and mablog | september 7, 2015.

The High Mountain Air of Public Calumny Those who believe themselves to be hep to my tricksy ways might have surmised that I orchestrated this entire recent flap about Steven Sitler because Randy Booth and I recently put out a book entitled A Justice Primer . But whether you are disposed to believe me or not, that was a total coincidence. In this book we address biblical principles for evaluating charges that are brought against someone, anyone. The book is, I believe, quite a necessary resource for good-hearted Christians everywhere — who regularly see defamatory information scrolling by in their Facebook feed. There is even a chapter entitled “Trial by Internet,” which concludes with this sage advice: “Never get into a braying contest with donkeys” (p. 160). Coincidence? Or a masterpiece of publishing guile and cunning? You decide. Nancy and I have been quite blessed by all the believers who have checked in with us to see if we are doing okay, and who have let us know they are praying for us. We really appreciate it, and are doing quite well, thank you. This is not our first rodeo, and we have previously had numerous occasions to see how God uses this kind of situation for blessing in our lives.I thought I would put together a short list of seven ways this kind of thing can be used for good. Of course, the real list is much bigger than seven, but this is what I thought of this morning. Here are a few ways we see blessing, and look for more blessing to follow. These points come in no particular order. This kind of controversy gives me opportunity to hold up A Justice Primer and say, “Did you know that we have this new book out?” Have I already mentioned the book? I forget. Either one of my girls could have had a big country hit if they had wanted — Colporter’s Daughter . This kind of controversy has a winnowing effect. “For there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized” (1 Cor. 11:19, ESV). When something like this happens, it really is revelatory. People come out of the woodwork in very interesting ways, and often they don’t seem to be aware that they are doing so. They “like” articles and posts they shouldn’t, and don’t seem to be aware that what they are doing is quite visible and consequential. Perhaps you knew someone was bitter, but not that bitter, or ungrateful, but not that Or perhaps you had no idea. But uproars like this give people an opportunity to declare themselves, which they then do. When you run your little flag up the flag pole, it turns out other people can see it. This kind of controversy reveals those who have true wisdom also. In line with that winnowing effect, it is a joy to see parishioners and friends who “get it,” and who articulate the truth with grace and verve. They know, for example, the difference between assertions and demonstrations, between yelling and proof. As one of our more astute parishioners illustrated for us, they know when there is a real problem and when the Internet is just throwing poo into the ceiling fan. I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am for the community of saints we have here. This kind of controversy reveals to young men who are preparing for ministry the true nature of gospel ministry. From a distance, certain kinds of “mercy ministry” look wonderful, appealing, and, if you are a hipster, sexy. Everybody likes mercy ministry, and everybody detests those white bread churches that won’t do mercy ministry. Everybody is all about mercy ministry until the meth heads and sex offenders start showing up at church.  “Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:12–14).

These people Jesus was thinking of . . . I wonder what they smelled like. I wonder what their sexual histories were like. I wonder if any of them would be invited to fill out a golf foursome that a well-connected minister had arranged with some Chamber of Commerce leaders. No, this passage is talking about low-lifes, and you can’t minister to them without risking being lumped in with them. You glutton. You drunkard. You protector of pedophiles.

• This kind of controversy gives me an opportunity to extend an unacknowledged good to certain of my adversaries. Jesus says to bless them, and this is one way to do it. In this last round of poo-throwing, quite a sinister construction was placed on a comment I made a number of years ago — “I am a pastor. I cover up sin for a living.” But some of the disgruntled people who are out there yelling about this are some of the very people I would refuse to tell stories on. And despite their current animus, they don’t need to worry about it; this is not a veiled threat. I would rather die than use information gleaned in the course of pastoral ministry against them in the course of a public fight (1 Cor. 9:15). But I can go so far as to say that among those who are going after me for “protecting” Steven Sitler are some people who are receiving far more protection from me than he is. In the nature of the case, his sins were criminal and therefore public, and have to be discussed publicly. But when certain folks join forces with those who hate the fact that I “cover up sins for a living,” I do want to catch their eye, nod slightly, and enjoy with them a moment of shared irony.

“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matt. 5:11–12).

And Jesus doesn’t say we are to be a little bit glad. He says exceeding glad. He says that we are to go around the corner, get out of their sight, and do a little jig. In this case, Nancy — a Puritan jewel — celebrated by buying me a nice bottle of Laphroaig.

Spurgeon once put it this way: “The more prominent you are in Christ’s service, the more certain are you to be the butt of calumny. I have long ago said farewell to my character. I lost it in the early days of my ministry by being a little more zealous than suited a slumbering age. And I have never been able to regain it except in the sight of Him who judges all the earth, and in the hearts of those who love me for my work’s sake.”

• This kind of controversy gives us an opportunity to anticipate the next wave of blessing in store for us. As mentioned above, this kind of thing has happened before, and every time it has happened, it was right on the threshold of great blessings for our church and community. This is how God gives His gifts to us. This is the kind of gift wrap He uses, and we recognize it by now. We know the shape of the box and know what’s coming. In one of our previous uproars, a package full of scurrilous charges against me was delivered to our front door, hundreds of pages, and these charges were every bit as energetic as they were erratic. As Nancy and I were talking about it, I said to her, “This is my big promotion.” And it was.

The High Mountain Air of Public Calumny

Monday, September 7, 2015 By Douglas Wilson 276 Comments

Those who believe themselves to be hep to my tricksy ways might have surmised that I orchestrated this entire recent flap about Steven Sitler because Randy Booth and I recently put out a book entitled A Justice Primer . But whether you are disposed to believe me or not, that was a total coincidence. In this book we address biblical principles for evaluating charges that are brought against someone, anyone. The book is, I believe, quite a necessary resource for good-hearted Christians everywhere — who regularly see defamatory information scrolling by in their Facebook feed. There is even a chapter entitled “Trial by Internet,” which concludes with this sage advice: “Never get into a braying contest with donkeys” (p. 160).

Nancy and I have been quite blessed by all the believers who have checked in with us to see if we are doing okay, and who have let us know they are praying for us. We really appreciate it, and are doing quite well, thank you. This is not our first rodeo, and we have previously had numerous occasions to see how God uses this kind of situation for blessing in our lives.

I thought I would put together a short list of seven ways this kind of thing can be used for good. Of course, the real list is much bigger than seven, but this is what I thought of this morning. Here are a few ways we see blessing, and look for more blessing to follow. These points come in no particular order.

1. This kind of controversy gives me opportunity to hold up A Justice Primer and say, “Did you know that we have this new book out?” Have I already mentioned the book? I forget. Either one of my girls could have had a big country hit if they had wanted — Colporter’s Daughter .

3. This kind of controversy reveals those who have true wisdom also. In line with that winnowing effect, it is a joy to see parishioners and friends who “get it,” and who articulate the truth with grace and verve. They know, for example, the difference between assertions and demonstrations, between yelling and proof. As one of our more astute parishioners illustrated for us, they know when there is a real problem and when the Internet is just throwing poo into the ceiling fan. I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am for the community of saints we have here.

4. This kind of controversy reveals to young men who are preparing for ministry the true nature of gospel ministry. From a distance, certain kinds of “mercy ministry” look wonderful, appealing, and, if you are a hipster, sexy. Everybody likes mercy ministry, and everybody detests those white bread churches that won’t do mercy ministry. Everybody is all about mercy ministry until the meth heads and sex offenders start showing up at church.

6. This kind of controversy gives fuller meaning to the communion of opprobrium that faithful ministers of every age share. Jesus says that we are to rejoice when people revile us, in part because of the company it puts us in.

And as another Puritan once put it, he had learned the art of living in the high mountain air of public calumny.

7. This kind of controversy gives us an opportunity to anticipate the next wave of blessing in store for us. As mentioned above, this kind of thing has happened before, and every time it has happened, it was right on the threshold of great blessings for our church and community. This is how God gives His gifts to us. This is the kind of gift wrap He uses, and we recognize it by now. We know the shape of the box and know what’s coming. In one of our previous uproars, a package full of scurrilous charges against me was delivered to our front door, hundreds of pages, and these charges were every bit as energetic as they were erratic. As Nancy and I were talking about it, I said to her, “This is my big promotion.” And it was.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

• Madone 4.7 H2 (Compact)