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2022 Trek Madone SL 7 eTap review: Speedy and comfy, but seriously heavy

Unusually good ride quality and the handling is brilliant, but it’s hard not to notice the heft when you point it uphill..

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Story Highlights

What it is: Trek’s second-tier aero road bike, built with a more affordable carbon blend and less integration than the flagship version.|| Frame features: OCLV 500 carbon fiber construction, truncated airfoil tube shaping, Adjustable Top Tube IsoSpeed “decoupler”, almost fully internal cable routing, T47 threaded bottom bracket, built-in chain watcher.|| Weight: 8.59 kg (18.94 lb), 52 cm, without pedals or accessories.|| Price: US$7,030 / AU$n/a / £6,900 / €7,400.|| Highs: Superb aerodynamics, comfy ride, excellent handling, accommodating cockpit design, threaded bottom bracket.|| Lows: So-so front-end ride, so heavy.

Aero above all else

Trek’s Madone SLR flagship aero road bike is undeniably fast and efficient when it comes to slicing through the air, but the significant amount of complication that goes into its design also results in a lot of cost. For riders that are chasing every last watt of drag — but are on more modest budgets — Trek introduced two years ago the Madone SL collection, which uses the exact same shaping, but with a less-fancy carbon fiber blend that shrinks the price tag at the expense of an additional 240 g or so of weight.

Indeed, if you were comparing on the design alone, the Madone SL is a literal carbon copy of the SLR. The deep-profile Kammtail truncated airfoil cross-sections are present and accounted for, there’s the same ultra-sleek seat cluster treatment with that no-cut integrated seatmast, an identical hourglass-profile head tube, and the same aggressively shaped fork blades. 

Up top is the same ace-in-the-hole found on the Madone SLR, too: Trek’s incredibly effective Adjustable Top Tube IsoSpeed “decoupler”. While clever surfacing suggests the seatmast is all molded together with the rest of the frame, it’s actually an L-shaped piece with the base extending underneath the top tube, and an aluminum axle and two cartridge bearings at the seat cluster. As a result, that seatmast can pivot rearward on rough roads far more than appearances would suggest, with the lower section of that “L” acting as a leaf spring. 

Even better, a hidden slider between the base of that “L” and the top tube also allows you to fine-tune the spring rate to your liking.

In addition to the different fiber blend, Trek reduces costs further by using a standard stem and headset on the Madone SL as compared to the more heavily integrated two-piece carbon fiber cockpit on the Madone SLR. Cable routing is still fully internal with lines entering the frame through a proprietary upper headset cover, though, and down below is a slightly tweaked version of the T47 oversized threaded bottom bracket standard. 

Whereas many disc-equipped aero road bikes have surprisingly generous tire clearance for narrower all-terrain tires, Trek is clear on what the Madone SL is meant to be, with room for 700×30 mm-wide rubber and not really much more. In terms of geometry, you get a notably aggressive rider position with a long reach and low stack, together with classic stage race handling and trail dimensions in the mid-to-high 50s.

Our Madone SL 7 eTap model comes outfitted with SRAM’s mid-level Force eTap AXS 2×12 wireless electronic disc-brake groupset — including a crank-based dual-sided power meter — and Bontrager’s 51 mm-deep Aeolus Pro 51 carbon clinchers wrapped with 25 mm-wide Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite clinchers. Finishing kit is sourced from the corporate parts bin, too, including a Bontrager Elite Aero VR-CF aluminum bar with flattened tops, a Bontrager Pro forged aluminum stem, and a Bontrager Aeolus Comp saddle.

Weight weenies will want to turn away for a moment as this next part will come across decidedly ugly. 

Actual weight for our 52 cm test sample is a rather hefty 8.59 kg (18.94 lb) without pedals or accessories, and yet despite that, retail price is a still-expensive US$7,000 / AU$NA / £6,900 / €7,400.

As well as other bike types can sometimes mimic the performance of a dedicated road bike, there’s simply no substitute for the sort of free speed you get out of a full-blown aero model. Despite being several years old at this point, the Madone is still one of the fastest bikes on the road. It’s a difference you can actually feel, and this second-tier Madone SL is no different.

It’s legitimately easier to hit higher speeds on the Madone SL as compared to bikes that are less aerodynamic, and easier to hold those speeds, too. It’s particularly obvious on descents, where both CyclingTips social media editor Mike Better and I noted we were going faster than usual on our everyday routes.

Further adding to that sense of speed is the frame’s superb stiffness, which perhaps should come as no surprise given all that carbon fiber and the massive tube cross-sections. The Madone SL is efficient through the air, but also efficient in terms of how the structure translates pedaling effort to the rear wheel. Even sprinting feels better than usual given the excellent front-end torsional stiffness. 

Basically, the Madone SL is all about going fast, and feels every bit of it.

Handling is also superb, and exactly what I’ve come to expect from Trek’s long-running Madone family. It’s quick to turn in and can readily change its line mid-corner, but it’s also confidently stable at very high speeds. Simply put, it just does exactly what you want it to do while on the road, all the time, every time. The traditional stage-race road geometry of course has plenty of toe overlap, but it’s not an issue in the vast majority of riding situations. 

Ride comfort is yet another high point for the Madone SL, at least out back. That Adjustable Top Tube IsoSpeed thingamajig may seem like a gimmick, but it absolutely works as advertised, which is especially amazing given the depth of the seatmast. There’s tangible movement when you hit bumps, and I’d argue there’s even a handling benefit since your weight isn’t getting bounced around as much as usual on less-than-perfect pavement when attacking corners and descents. 

The motion isn’t overly bouncy, either. In fact, I found it to be quite well damped and controlled, and it’s easy to firm things up if desired by moving the slider fore and aft under the top tube. It’s literally a three-minute job, and one you could do roadside with a multi-tool.

One downside of the Madone SL’s fantastic aero efficiency, however, is its susceptibility to crosswinds. Between the deep tube profiles used throughout and the 51 mm-deep front and rear rims, both Mike Better and I noted how it was sometimes a little unnerving to ride the Madone SL in blustery conditions. Predictable handling or not, all that surface area gives the wind plenty to push on, and lighter riders should particularly take note. 

Unfortunately, the excellent ride quality out back isn’t mimicked up front. Trek doesn’t bother to include its Front IsoSpeed mechanism here, and those deep-section fork blades and the massive head tube area aren’t exactly conducive to flex on bumps. The flattened tops of the standard carbon fiber handlebar are almost certainly more forgiving than the more aggressive integrated setup of the Madone SLR, but it still makes for a very firm, and somewhat disjointed, feel. 

The Madone SL 7 eTap’s biggest performance drawback by far, however, is its weight — essentially, that there’s an awful lot of it.

Even with last year’s weight loss, the Madone SLR has never been renowned as a particularly light frameset, and this Madone SL is only heavier yet. Adding to the heft is the SRAM Force eTap AXS groupset, which — as well as it works — is anything but light. The bare weight of 8.59 kg (18.94 lb) hurts enough as is, but once you add pedals and accessories, you’re looking at around 9.5 kg (19.5 lb) for a road bike that still costs an awful lot of money.

On flat roads or moderately rolling conditions, that mass honestly isn’t incredibly noticeable; here, the bike’s superb aerodynamics will play a bigger role. But once the road turns uphill in a more significant way, it’s a different story. Both Mike and I had a hard time not feeling like the bike was dropping anchor a bit when climbing. Try as you might, there’s just no fighting gravity.

SRAM’s Force eTap AXS wireless electronic groupset may be heavy, but it’s functionally hard to fault. Overall shift performance is excellent, with smooth and reliable chain movement at both ends, and more range than we’ve historically expected from traditional road transmissions (although Shimano’s new 2×12 Dura-Ace and Ultegra groupsets are now roughly on par). It’s still not quite as quiet as what you can get from Shimano or Campagnolo, but SRAM’s eTap shift button actuation is the best in the business — and certainly the most progressive-thinking — and while the lever aesthetics are polarizing, the ergonomics are hard to beat. 

The hydraulic disc brakes are also excellent with a gentler initial grab than Shimano calipers, and arguably more user-friendly modulation, too. And kudos to Trek for specifying 160 mm rotors front and rear given the higher speeds people are likely to be hitting on this thing, along with the stock dual-sided power meter.

Similarly, the array of house-brand Bontrager stuff that fills out the rest of the spec sheet is all solid kit as well. 

Topping the list are the Bontrager Aeolus Pro 5 carbon clinchers, which — much like the frameset — offer virtually identical aerodynamic performance as the higher-end Aeolus RSL versions , just with more weight (and, in this case, a less-fancy hubset). Our test bike arrived with Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite tubed clinchers, which aren’t necessarily our favorites in terms of outright performance, but are a good option nonetheless for everyday racing and training. Should you decide to ditch the tubes at some point, the rims are tubeless-ready and only require dedicated molded plastic rim strips and valve stems for the conversion.

Bontrager has done a particularly good job on the ancillary bits. 

The Aeolus Comp saddle is proving to be one of my favorites for its mix of all-day comfort and support, and I’m certainly a fan of the Elite Aero VR-CF bar with its semi-traditional drop bend and moderately flattened tops. Bonus points for the optional Blendr mounts that allow for clean integration of lights, computers, cameras, and other accessories on the stem and saddle. That said, despite what the name suggests, the bar is aluminum, and although the shape is excellent, it’s disappointing to not find a carbon fiber handlebar here for this kind of money.

Final thoughts

The debate over weight vs. aerodynamics has always been an interesting one when it comes to high-end road racing bikes, and one that has largely been settled. In almost all situations, aerodynamic efficiency is more meaningful than low weight when it comes to going fast. 

That said, it’s hard to ignore the emotional side of the equation when it comes to the Madone SL 7 eTap. It may very well be a super aero bike, and it may very well be faster than one that’s significantly lighter, but this is no modest increase we’re talking about here.

Whichever way you slice it, the Madone SL 7 eTap is an awfully heavy bike, particularly when you consider the price tag. It might get you where you need to go in less time, but it might not feel that swift in the process, and that’s something you’d just have to be OK with.

So when picking an aero road bike, do you shop with your head or your heart? And do some of those other Madone-specific benefits — that excellent ride quality, in particular — mean enough to you to overlook the weight? 

That’s unfortunately something you’ll have to answer for yourself.

More information can be found at www.trekbikes.com .

Our Field Test group bike tests are by no means paid events, but they’re still only possible with some outside support. CyclingTips would like to thank the following sponsors for this round of the Field Test:

• Rudy Project
• Pearl Izumi
• Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
• Lead Out Gear

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spotlight\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"mathieu van der poel realistic about quest for monument sweep: \u2018even with roubaix legs i cannot follow poga\u010dar\u2019","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/mathieu-van-der-poel-realistic-about-quest-for-fourth-monument-even-with-roubaix-legs-i-cannot-follow-pogacar-here\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/mathieu-van-der-poel-realistic-about-quest-for-fourth-monument-even-with-roubaix-legs-i-cannot-follow-pogacar-here\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"mathieu van der poel realistic about quest for monument sweep: \u2018even with roubaix legs i cannot follow poga\u010dar\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\/mathieu-van-der-poel-realistic-about-quest-for-fourth-monument-even-with-roubaix-legs-i-cannot-follow-pogacar-here\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"mathieu van der poel realistic about quest for monument sweep: \u2018even with roubaix legs i cannot follow poga\u010dar\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n mathieu van der poel realistic about quest for monument sweep: \u2018even with roubaix legs i cannot follow poga\u010dar\u2019\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"results: keegan swenson and sofia gomez villafa\u00f1e win the fuego xl at sea otter classic","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/fuego-xl-sea-otter-results\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/fuego-xl-sea-otter-results\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"results: keegan swenson and sofia gomez villafa\u00f1e win the fuego xl at sea otter classic\"}}\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\/fuego-xl-sea-otter-results\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"results: keegan swenson and sofia gomez villafa\u00f1e win the fuego xl at sea otter classic\"}}\u0027>\n results: keegan swenson and sofia gomez villafa\u00f1e win the fuego xl at sea otter classic\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"ride the rockies canceled for 2024, future uncertain","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/ride-the-rockies-canceled-due-to-low-registration-future-uncertain\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/ride-the-rockies-canceled-due-to-low-registration-future-uncertain\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"ride the rockies canceled for 2024, future uncertain\"}}\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\/ride-the-rockies-canceled-due-to-low-registration-future-uncertain\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"ride the rockies canceled for 2024, future uncertain\"}}\u0027>\n ride the rockies canceled for 2024, future uncertain\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"the cadex race integrated bar is as light as it is good looking","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/cadex-race-integrated-bar-first-look\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/cadex-race-integrated-bar-first-look\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the cadex race integrated bar is as light as it is good looking\"}}\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-gear\/cadex-race-integrated-bar-first-look\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the cadex race integrated bar is as light as it is good looking\"}}\u0027>\n the cadex race integrated bar is as light as it is good looking\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"time to plan your next trip: 5 companies with new bike bags at sea otter","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/new-bike-bags-at-this-years-sea-otter\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/new-bike-bags-at-this-years-sea-otter\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"time to plan your next trip: 5 companies with new bike bags at sea otter\"}}\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\/new-bike-bags-at-this-years-sea-otter\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"time to plan your next trip: 5 companies with new bike bags at sea otter\"}}\u0027>\n time to plan your next trip: 5 companies with new bike bags at sea otter\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"highbar wants to revolutionize your helmet straps","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/highbar-wants-to-revolutionize-your-helmet-straps\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/highbar-wants-to-revolutionize-your-helmet-straps\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"highbar wants to revolutionize your helmet straps\"}}\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\/highbar-wants-to-revolutionize-your-helmet-straps\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"highbar wants to revolutionize your helmet straps\"}}\u0027>\n highbar wants to revolutionize your helmet straps\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "}]' > >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": 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• Rider Notes

2023 Trek Madone SL 7 AXS

A carbon frame aero bike with high-end components and hydraulic disc brakes.

Manufacturer Price

For This Bike

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Based on frame geometry and build specs.

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 SL 7 AXS

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5'2" – 5'5"

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5'5" – 5'9"

5'8" – 6'0"

5'10" – 6'2"

6'0" – 6'4"

6'2" – 6'5"

• 5'11", size 56cm, Fits small
• 5'7", size 52cm, Just right

Nov 2023 · Mat Brett

It had its idiosyncrasies – including flip-out 'Vector Wings’ in the head tube – but we wish every new bike offered as many interesting features as the Trek Madone 9 Series did back in 2015

Read Review

Oct 2023 · James Huang

The same cutting-edge aerodynamic performance of Trek’s flagship Madone SLR, distilled into a much more affordable package.

Heaps lighter than before

Tangibly speedy

Surprisingly good ride quality

Superb handling

Lots of tire clearance

User-friendly two-piece cockpit

Sharp lines.

Polarizing IsoFlow aesthetics

Poor weathersealing

Narrow wheels and tires.

Sep 2023 · Sam Challis

If someone wanted to encapsulate the shifting trends of race bikes over the past 20 years, there is no better

Aug 2023 · Matt Hansen

Gen 7 model uses IsoFlow technology from SLR

Trek's new Madone SL Gen 7 is set to deliver SLR performance at a (much) lower price point. So — is the Madone SLR worth the extra money?

Aug 2023 · Troy Templin

The Trek Madone SL Gen 7 now completes the line matching the more expensive SLR and offers almost the same ride quality.

May 2023 · Simon von Bromley

The seventh-generation Madone is an excellent all-round performer, but it comes with a big price tag

Composed yet fast

Innovative design

Front end can run both integrated and non-integrated handlebar setups

Wide range of frame sizes

No power meter

Mid-range tyres and cheap inner tubes don’t belong on this bike

Dec 2022 · Julian Schwede

Does the new IsoFlow system of the 2023 Trek Madone SLR 9 eTap Gen 7 really rise the bar in terms of aeroynamics and comfort?

Very balanced handling at high speeds

Reduced complexity and improved aerodynamics of the IsoFlow system

Customisation options thanks to the Project One configurator

High-quality workmanship

The damping of the IsoFlow system isn’t adjustable

The Bontrager R4 tires lack grip

Last updated April 20

Trek Madone SLR 7 Gen 7 review - very fast and very expensive

The latest Madone may have a hole through the seat tube but we couldn't find any in its performance

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The Trek Madone is an absolute speed weapon. The deep-section tubes with the radical-looking cutout help, as does the newly designed handlebar, which is narrow and provides good wrist support for the ‘aero-hoods’ position. And then there are the 51mm deep Bontrager Aeolus Pro wheels. The handling is incredibly fast, responding to the smallest shift in weight and the tiniest tweaks of the bars, and ride quality is so impressive that it’s almost possible to overlook things like the narrow tires and ungenerous clearance - but you can’t ignore the price. If you have the budget and want a WorldTour-level race machine with exceptional handling and ride feel, this is the bike.

Super smooth ride

Light for an aero bike

Striking aesthetics

Limited adjustability

No power meter

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.

• Construction

Value and conclusion

For this latest Gen 7 version of the Madone, Trek’s aero bike, the US brand removed the IsoSpeed Decoupler of the previous Gen 6 model and left, in its place, a big hole.

OK, it’s not the crude, reductionist approach it sounds like.

The old bike’s micro-adjustable suspension system at the top tube/seat tube juncture added weight and was mostly redundant since Trek discovered most riders would ‘set and forget’.

And by radically reengineering the frame Trek claims to have saved 300g, and says the new bike is almost 20 watts faster than its predecessor, which equates to 60 seconds per hour when ridden at 45kph. It looks radical, too - always a good thing for a new bike.

In our 2023 Race Bike of the Year grouptest we awarded the Madone 'best aero bike' against competition that included the Cervélo S5, the Canyon Aeroad and the Giant Propel.

However, over $9K / £10K for an Ultegra bike has to be unchartered territory - so how does it compare overall to the best road bikes ?

Trek Madone 7 Gen 7: construction

Let’s peer a bit more closely into that hole or, to give it its real name, IsoFlow. The aerodynamic explanation for it is: “It’s a way to direct some high energy flow into a low energy region of the bike.” What that means is that the seat tube area creates a disproportionate amount of drag and the hole helps to dissipate this by adding what Trek calls a “jet of fast moving air.”

It turns out that only half of the claimed watt saving comes from the IsoFlow hole. Trek has entered the integrated cockpit wars (along with Colnago, Canyon, Cervélo et al) with a completely new and very slick-looking design but it’s neither adjustable nor V-shaped: according to Trek it saves watts by changing rider position rather than via the aerodynamic properties of the cockpit itself.

A standard 42cm bar becomes 39cm at the hoods and 42cm at the drops and there’s a backsweep so that a flat-forearms aero position on the hoods becomes very aero indeed.

There are 14 different combinations available and, since the backsweep gives the bar a shorter reach, it’s important to get the right one - if you’re like those of us who rode this bike, you’ll need a longer stem. You can change this at point of purchase at no extra cost, Trek told us, or the 1 1/8in steerer is compatible with a non-integrated stem and bar (though the frame is electronic groupset only).

The same goes for the seatmast. The cutout in the seat tube leaves less room for a long seatpost and less adjustability (around 6cm minimum to maximum) so if you are long-legged but prefer a smaller frame you may need the tall version that comes with the size 56 upwards (as I ideally would have done). There are also two offsets available.

Our size 54 with a standard short mast could only manage a maximum saddle height of 74cm and the reach felt very short with the 90mm stem cockpit it comes with.

The latest geometry is called H1.5 (halfway between the old H1 race and H2 endurance). The reduced reach combined with the shorter reach of the swept-back bar works very well for that super aero hoods position, but it does feel surprisingly short. The kamm-tailed rear of the stem is much closer to your knees than you’d expect.

The new SLR bikes are all made from Trek’s 800 OCLV carbon - from the 105-equipped SLR 6 up to the flagship SLR 9 - and are impressively light, especially compared with other aero bikes such as the Cervelo S5. Trek says this is its lightest ever disc Madone.

There’s clearance for 28mm tires max, which is tight by modern standards. This model comes with Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 tubeless-ready wheels, set up with Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite 25mm tires and inner tubes - again, surprisingly narrow.

Despite the fact that the fit wasn’t optimal - I could have done with the size up - the ride quality of the Madone is absolutely incredible. That’s the first thing that strikes you, or rather doesn’t strike you.

Aero bikes used to supply a harsher ride simply because deep, bladed tubing doesn’t flex like round tubing. This was undoubtedly the reason why Trek bolted the IsoSpeed decoupler onto the Madone two iterations ago. So you might expect that with its suspension system gone, the latest bike might have gone backwards in comfort. Not a bit of it.

It feels like a coiled carbon spring - full of potential energy and floating over bad road surfaces seemingly without any effect on its speed. And this is on 25mm tires that aren’t even the best (at this price they really ought to be).

The handling is also exactly right. The shortish 90mm stem section of the cockpit could have made it a little twitchy, but thanks to the sweeping shape I found my weight sufficiently over the front wheel in the hoods position, and steering was fast but balanced on descents and tight corners.

So it passes ‘comfortable’ and ‘fast’ with flying colors (actually Deep Smoke for this one).

At 7.5kg it’s light for an aero bike - or any disc brake bike - and it leaps up hills as if it weighs even less. I was so impressed with its performance that I kept forgetting Trek also has the Emonda climbing bike. The next Emonda has its work cut out (pun intended).

Finally, stability in crosswinds. There’s one particular gateway on my test loop where any bike not designed for big yaw angles will be gusted and the Trek was indeed blown sideways slightly - but not alarmingly considering the deep wheels and frame tubes.

This bike is incredibly good but it’s also incredibly expensive. It’s a full $1,000 / £1,000 more than the equivalent outgoing Gen 6 Madone SLR 7, and you’d have to look hard to find a more expensive Ultegra Di2-equipped bike from the other mainstream brands. 

The Canyon Aeroad CFR with Dura-Ace costs $8,999 / £8,799, while the Cervelo S5 with SRAM Force AXS costs $9,000 / £9,200. The Giant Propel Advanced SL1 also with SRAM Force costs $8,000 / £8,999.

You might also reasonably expect a power meter at this price - those three bikes all come with them - but it’s just the regular Ultegra crankset here.

So the price is stratospheric but compared with the current aero bikes I’ve ridden so far including the Colnago V4RS , Canyon Aeroad SLX , Cervelo S5, Tarmac SL7 and Pinarello Dogma F, the ride quality is superior.

• Frame: 800 Series OCLV carbon
• Fork: KVF carbon, tapered steerer
• Groupset: Shimano Ultegra Di2
• Wheels : Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51
• Tires : Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite 25mm
• Cockpit: Madone integrated
• Seatpost : Madone aero internal
• Saddle: Bontrager Aeolus Elite
• Weight: 7.5kg
• Contact: www.trekbikes.com

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Simon Smythe is a hugely experienced cycling tech writer, who has been writing for Cycling Weekly since 2003. Until recently he was our senior tech writer. In his cycling career Simon has mostly focused on time trialling with a national medal, a few open wins and his club's 30-mile record in his palmares. These days he spends most of his time testing road bikes, or on a tandem doing the school run with his younger son.

Giant filed a suit against Stages in February and four team members left the latter to join Giant

By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan Published 25 April 24

Cameron Wurf is both a member of Team Ineos Grenadiers and an accomplished professional long course triathlete who has racked up numerous World Tour and Ironman race finishes across his career.

By Kristin Jenny Published 24 April 24

Visma-Lease a Bike rider broke his collarbone, sternum and several ribs in a high speed crash at Dwars door Vlaanderen

By Tom Thewlis Published 24 April 24

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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.

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Trek Madone Bikes Compared: Which One to Choose?

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In this article, I’ll help you navigate the Trek Madone aero road bikes by comparing the Madone SL 6 to SLR 9 .

You will also learn:

• Who are they best suited for?
• About the differences between each model and Gen 6 vs. Gen 7.
• Why I think you shouldn’t buy Trek Madone with SRAM groupset.

Plus, I’ll tell you which model gives you the best value for your money to help make your decision easier.

KEY TAKEAWAY

Trek Madone bikes are ideal for flats and rolling terrains. They are the most aero bike family of all Trek road bikes . The models differ in components (e.g., electronic shifting or wheels) and frames. The more expensive ones are usually lighter and have a higher-grade carbon frame, but usually diminishing returns.

This article compares Trek Madone Gen 6 and 7. The main difference between Madone Gen 6 and Gen 7 is that Gen 6 has IsoSpeed decoupler, while Gen 7 has IsoFlow.

Trek Madone SL 6 vs. SL 7 vs. SLR 6 vs. SLR 7 vs. SLR 9

The following table summarizes the main differences between all Madone bikes.

Madone Pros & Cons Summary

I summarized the pros & cons of the Madone series below.

Madone Pros

• Faster than standard road bikes thanks to the aero frame
• Madone Gen 7 stands out from the crowd thanks to the IsoFlow
• Racing geometry
• Availability in multiple sizes and colors
• Integrated cable routing
• Lifetime warranty

Madone Cons

• Heavier than Émonda road bikes
• More expensive than non-aero road bikes
• No aluminum models are available
• Narrow tire clearance (28mm)

Madone Main Features

Let me now explain the most important features of the Trek Madone aero bikes.

Frame and Geometry

The Madone bikes are part of Trek’s road bike lineup . They’re made of carbon. No aluminum version of the Madone is available.

The names of the bikes have abbreviations that refer to the type of carbon used for the frame:

• 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 ).

SL (Gen 6) frames are heavier than SLR (Gen 7), mainly due to the IsoSpeed vs. IsoFlow ( learn more ).

The bikes are available in many sizes (47-62) and colors. They have a relatively relaxed geometry compared to the Cervelo S5 but are almost identical to the Cannondale SystemSix.

Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics evaluation is a challenging discipline because it requires a lot of resources. No extensive independent database is available that compares the speed of different aero wheels.

In Trek’s whitepaper , I learned that the Madone Gen 7 is 19W faster than Gen 6 at 45 km/h.

However, it’s hard to compare it with other bikes. But it’s rumored that Madone is among the fastest aero bikes.

For instance, in Cannondale’s whitepaper , there’s a comparison of Cannondale SystemSix (one of the fastest aero bikes) with Madone 9.9. Madone was only slightly worse.

Wheels and Tires

On some Madone models, the wheels may be different, but typically, they come with Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 wheels.

Surprisingly, the front and rear wheels have the same rim depth. Other aero bike manufacturers often use deeper wheels in the rear and shallower ones in the front.

The same goes for tires. Madones come with 25mm tires in both the front and rear, but it’s common for competitors’ bikes to have 25mm tires in the front and 28mm tires in the rear.

Remember, the wheels are tubeless-ready, but the tires are clinchers.

Unsurprisingly, the Madone bikes have a 2X drivetrain, as is customary for road bikes.

Trek fits them with Shimano and SRAM groupsets, and the number in the bike name indicates the groupset.

• Models ending with 6 use Shimano Ultegra , 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.

Interestingly, the Madones with SRAM are heavier than the Madones of the same series with the Shimano groupset. In addition, the Shimano bikes are also cheaper.

This is somewhat strange because Shimano retail prices are higher than SRAM. That’s why I recommend choosing Trek bikes with Shimano groupsets unless you prefer SRAM.

IsoSpeed vs. IsoFlow

Undoubtedly, IsoSpeed and IsoFlow have become unique features that make Madone stand out from the crowd.

The IsoSpeed decoupler aimed to improve riding comfort by absorbing road vibrations. Unfortunately, it added weight to the bike.

The 7th generation Madone took people’s breath away. IsoFlow is a significant design change from the traditional bike appearance, but it’s supposed to improve both riding comfort and aerodynamics.

On the other hand, some have expressed opinions that the change in shape from a classic triangle to a quadrilateral will inherently reduce the overall frame stiffness. Learn more in the following video.

So, which Trek Madone bike is the best?

If you’re considering buying a Madone, I suggest going for a model with a Shimano groupset. They tend to be lighter and less expensive than the equivalent SRAM models.

Consider the Madone SL 6 or 7 (Gen 7) for the best value for money. You will get an adjustable cockpit (which you won’t get with SLR Gen 7), Gen 7 frame (IsoFlow), and Shimano 105 Di2 or Ultegra Di2.

The only sacrifices you make are the lower-grade carbon, higher weight, and slightly worse aerodynamics and aesthetics due to the semi-integrated cockpit.

Trek Madone FAQ

Trek Madone bikes are for pro cyclists, competitive roadies, and enthusiast cyclists who want a unique-looking but fast road bike. They are ideal for flats, rolling terrain, and fast-paced rides (races, criteriums, etc.).

The main differences between Madone Gen 6 and Gen 7 are that Gen 6 has IsoSpeed decoupler, while Gen 7 has IsoFlow. Gen 7 frames are lighter and 19W faster at 45km/h ( source ). They also look different due to the significant design change. Trek introduced SL 6 and SL 7 Gen 7 with an adjustable cockpit in August 2023. These bikes are more affordable than the SLX versions.

The main difference between Madone and Émonda is that Madone is a pure aero road bike, while Émonda is a lightweight road bike for climbing. For more detailed info, please check out my comparison of Madone vs. Émonda .

The main difference between Madone and Domane is that Madone is a pure aero road bike, while Domane is an endurance road bike with wider tire clearance, also suitable for off-road adventures. Learn more in my Madone vs. Domane comparison.

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• Madone SLR 7 Disc eTap

Trek Madone SLR 7 Disc eTap

Madone SLR 7 Disc eTap is light, fast, and smooth. It's built with our top-end aero OCLV Carbon frame, and runs on SRAM's Force eTap AXS drivetrain—the first-ever wireless electronic groupset to use a 12-speed cassette. It's quick and precise for a super smooth shifting experience. It's right for you if... You're serious about speed, and you want our best aero frame for every advantage against the wind, along with the latest in wireless shifting tech: SRAM's 12-speed Force eTap AXS electronic drivetrain. The tech you get A lightweight 700 Series OCLV Carbon frame with Kammtail Virtual Foil aerodynamic tube shaping and road-smoothing Adjustable Top Tube IsoSpeed, KVF full carbon disc fork, an adjustable aero bar and stem, a 2x12 SRAM Force eTap AXS wireless electronic drivetrain, Tubeless Ready Bontrager Aeolus Pro 5 Disc wheels, a micro-adjust Madone seatmast, and SRAM Force flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes. The final word Madone SLR is the best aero frame we make, but it's the wireless electronic shifting that sets this model apart. SRAM's Force eTap AXS is quick, smooth, and smart for precise, reliable shifts every time—and that really matters when you're sprinting for the finish line. Why you'll love it - The 12-speed cassette lets you be more precise about your cadence - The SRAM Force eTap AXS drivetrain is smart, smooth, and completely wireless - Adjustable Top Tube IsoSpeed lets you adjust your frame's compliance, and it's damped with an elastomer so it rebounds in a smooth, controlled, stable motion - A separate bar and stem with an aero carbon faceplate gives you great adjustability without compromising on aerodynamics - Madone Project One ICON paint schemes make the ultimate race bike a true piece of artwork

Geometry chart

Electronic shifting

Electronic drivetrain systems deliver excellent shifting, easy set up, and solid battery life. Here are some benefits of electronic shifting that you don't want to miss.

Shifting Performance

Electronic shifting systems use powerful servo motors to rapidly shift the chain. Because microprocessors and sensors constantly monitor every aspect of the system, they shift with surgical precision and without chain rub.

Customization

Many major systems have customizable shifting. Some have the ability to add remote shifters for common riding positions, and some even allow you to change the functions of the shifting buttons.

Dependability

Electronic groupsets are responsive and consistent. There are no cables to stretch and wear out, so you get a flawless shift every time. The added bonus is you'll never have to replace a derailleur cable ever again.

Pedals sold separately

* Subject to change without notice.

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Trek Project One Madone SLR 7 Force eTap AXS Disc Road Bike 2020

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Trek’s Project One Madone SLR 7 Force eTap AXS Disc Road Bike mixes impressive aerodynamic credentials with SRAM’s 12-speed fully wireless Force eTap AXS groupset for a bike that just begs to be ridden hard.

The piece-de-resistance however, is the clever IsoSpeed decoupler which effectively allows the seat tube to move independently to the frame for added compliance without affecting efficiency.

Four great reasons to buy your bike from Sigma Sports

Sigma Sports has one objective - to help you find your perfect bike. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff ask you a series of questions to understand what type of rider you are and the type of riding you do. We can then identify the style of bike that best suits your needs.

Riding a bike that fits you perfectly will help keep you injury-free and ensure you enjoy riding further for longer in total comfort. We check your measurements on a jig to ensure your optimal set-up.

When you collect your new bike we'll double-check your position and make any micro-adjustments if required. We'll also discuss the controls on your bike as well as maintenance tips.

Cyclescheme can save you up to 39% on a bike and accessories. Visit our Cycle to Work Scheme page to learn more and claim.

The Project One Madone SLR 7 Force eTap AXS Disc Road Bike from Trek pairs aerodynamic speed and efficiency with long-distance comfort alongside an innovative wireless disc brake groupset.

The 700 Series OCLV Carbon frameset has Kammtail Virtual Foil tube shapes to lower drag as much as possible, with the hydraulic cables for the SRAM Force disc brakes running fully internally for further improved aerodynamics. The top tube neatly hides the IsoSpeed adjuster which uses an elastomer to control the rebound, so that the ride quality can be customised to suit the rider or the course.

The 12-speed SRAM Force eTap AXS drivetrain employs a cassette with a 10 tooth small sprocket and a chainset with 48/35 to give a wide range of gears that are also closer together so that it’s easier to find the optimum cadence. The very simple two paddle shift operation is easy to operate, even with long-fingered gloves on and the fluid-damped rear derailleur makes a great job of controlling the chain without using a clutch mechanism.

• Trek 700 Series OCLV Carbon frame with KVF tube shape, adjustable top tube IsoSpeed, invisible cable routing, control centre, micro-adjust seat mast
• SRAM Force eTap AXS 12-speed wireless electronic groupset
• SRAM Force eTap AXS hydraulic disc brakes
• Bontrager Aeolus Pro 5, OCLV Carbon Tubeless Ready wheelset, 50mm deep

Technical Specification

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Tested: Trek Émonda SLR 7 With SRAM Force AXS

Sydney riders may have seen the blue flash of Pete Maniaty zipping around on this blingy Trek recently! Let’s hear what he thinks of the ‘pimped’ Emonda SLR7.

This isn’t really a review. It’s a tease. For as drool-worthy as this sublime Trek Émonda SLR 7 AXS is, you can’t actually buy it. Not exactly like this anyway. You see, it’s a custom build, hand-spec’d by SRAM to launch its 2023 Force AXS 12-speed wireless groupset—reviewed separately in the previous edition of Bicycling Australia—and understandably SRAM was pretty keen to showcase its own stable of brands, rather than promote Trek’s.

From the carbon bars and stem to the wheelset, the normally-standard Bontrager components have been swapped out for ZIPP equivalents. 

Whilst perhaps no longer a purebred Trek Émonda, this ‘Frankenstein’ build certainly works. In fact, I actually found it quite a fascinating experience to ride because chopping and changing componentsover time is precisely how many of us actually set-up our bikes—with function, availability anddollars often holding far greater sway than any form of myopic brand loyalty.

While I can’t categorically say it makes the Émonda better, I can say that armed with its new high-end SRAM and ZIPP componentry this bike remains an absolute lightweight carbon weapon of the highest calibre.

The first thing you’ll notice about this particular Émonda build is almost certainly the same thing everyone does—the eye candy paint scheme. The lustrous Sapphire Chroma Project One finish is hard to miss and garners plenty of attention. Yes, this bike screams ‘look at moi’ at loud volume. But a small word of caution. Whilst brilliant to look at, it’s not the easiest to keep clean.

Beneath the ostentatious paintwork lurks a sleek and brooding race machine that Trek has been steadily refining since 2014 when the Émonda platform first appeared. 

“…a few kms into my first ride it was clear this is a hugely nimble bike that goes exactly where you point it…”

Given its origins as a lightweight col muncher, it’s interesting to note the latest generation Émonda now boasts more than its fair share of aero features including truncated airfoil tube profiles, shortened head tube, blade-shaped forks, internally-routed brake hoses and deeper section wheels. 

However, unlike its legendary aero stablemate, the Madone, there’s no hefty downtube and, perhaps most significantly in terms of the way it rides, no IsoSpeed decoupling system (or IsoFlow in the case of the most recent Madone).

The absence of IsoSpeed means the geometry and workings of the Émonda’s rear end are a little different to Trek’s other road platforms. As with both the Madone and Domane, the seat tube rises considerably higher than the top tube junction. However unlike the Madone and Domane, that junction is fixed solid.

Also, rather than having the seat post slide down into the seat tube, the Émonda instead features an adjustable seatmast system with a cap that slides over the seat tube and clamps into position. Trek’s website explains this allows more flex compared with a fully rigid seat mast for added comfort “however rough the roads”, but I still found the Émonda’s rear end very firmas we’ll get to shortly.

Whilst considerably slimmer to the eye, the 2023 Émonda features the same H1.5 geometry as the aero Madone with an identical stack that, on the 54cm frame reviewed, puts you a full 3.4cm closer to the road than the H2 geometry of the endurance-oriented Domane. The Émonda head tube is also 3cm shorter than the Domane as is the wheelbase, which all equates to a compact and relatively aggressive riding position. Like me, your lower back may well notice the difference, especially on longer days and harder rides with extended periods spent down in the drops.

Weight—or, more specifically, a lack of it—is what the Émonda has always been about and this shiny blue beast is no different. Whilst, yes, you can still find leaner ensembles out there (for a price), the Émonda SLR package remains a bona fide lightweight show-stopper with a claimed raw frame weight of just 698g. The shape and layup of virtually every millimetre of every tube has been optimised to deliver maximum performance with minimum girth. 

Coupled with Trek’s top-of-the-line OCLV 800 composite carbon first introduced in 2021, the result is a frame that’s roughly 1kg lighter than the Madone SLR. Even with its many non-standard components, the review build tipped my home scales at a very acceptable 7.55kg, ready to ride and/or race including bottle cages and pedals. 

Trek’s tech boffins in Wisconsin say their 800 Series OCLV is 30% stronger than the previous top-of-the-line composite (OCLV 700) and because it’s stronger they can use less of it, shaving around 60 grams in the process—around 8% of the entire frame weight. It’s worth noting the Émonda is also available in more affordable SL models. Featuring identical shaping and geometry, but with lower spec OCLV 500 carbon, SL builds are roughly 400 grams heavier than the SLR.

TECH & COMPONENTS

Beyond its mesmerising blue chrome Project One paintwork, the review Trek Émonda SLR 7 AXS was furnished with a host of goodies mostly from the SRAM stable. Highlights include the ZIPP 303 Firecrest 40mm tubeless wheelset, ZIPP Service Course SL 400mm carbon bars, ZIPP SL Speed 100mm carbon stem and, in one of the few non-SRAM or Trek components, an S-Works Power Arc saddle. 

This was also my first time testing the latest 2023 SRAM Force AXS 12-speed wireless groupset and I found it to be simply excellent, with a noticeably more refined form factor and performance that’s right up there with its main rivals from Japan and Italy. It’s also around 100gm lighter than its predecessor and comes with the considerable added bonus of a Quark power meterseamlessly integrated into the SRAM Force AXS DUB crankset. 

During the review the groupset performed intuitively and faultlessly which is exactly what you want: smooth and reliable shifting. The pairing of a 48/35 chainring and 10-33T cassette delivered an excellent range of gearing, suitable for pretty much any terrain.

One of the biggest deviations from the usual Émonda line-up is the addition of a ZIPP 303 Firecresttubeless wheelset with German-developed ZR1 DB hubs. Weighing in at 1355g, the 2023 version of these hugely versatile 40mm deep rims boast an expanded internal width of 25mm (external width remains steady at 30mm) and, being hookless, it’s tubeless all the way.

Officially, Émonda tyre clearance is 28mm, yet take that with a large pinch of salt as the review build came with 30mm Goodyear F1 tubeless rubber which fit very comfortably. It’s also worth mentioning that, in line with the latest ETRTO recommendations, the latest ZIPP 303 Firecrest rims are only suitable for selected brands of 28mm+ tubeless tyres. Continental tyres, for example, are not currently compatible.

ON THE ROAD

After a highly enlightening month of riding, I can report the Émonda SLR 7 ASX is very light, very stiff and, yes, very fast. For me, there was pretty much only one thing it wasn’t: very comfortable. The compact front end and rigid back end makes for a reasonably aggressive race-tuned ride that’s undeniably explosive under high power loads—yet also quite unforgiving at times with above-average levels of road feedback. 

Even fitted with carbon hoops and supple tubeless tyres, you certainly feel the bumps and on longer and/or sustained high-tempo rides this has the potential to be quite fatiguing, especially if, like me, your core strength isn’t what it used to be. The deeper I got into this review the clearer it became clear that tyre pressure is absolutely critical if you want to enjoy the Émonda SLR.

After starting w-a-y too high at around 85psi (and genuinely hating it) I progressively worked my way down to a touch under 60 psi, at which point it was like riding a completely different bike—still slick and responsive, but with just enough compliance to return a smile to my middle-aged face.

Tyre pressure experiments aside, the lightweight Émonda SLR climbed beautifully as you would fully expect, tackling rising gradients with absolute poise and aplomb. Perhaps less expected was the way it equally taps along very nicely on the flat, without ever quite matching the Madone or other fully-aero builds. 

The shortened reach and relatively steep head tube angle (73 degrees) also combine with minimal frame flex to deliver very direct and fast handling. Just a few kms into my first ride it was clear this is a hugely nimble bike that goes exactly where you point it.

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Kuznetski Most area in Moscow

Kuznetski Most is a small area between Tverskaya street, Kremlin, and Kitai Gorod (Lubyanka) and it's a downtown of Moscow. First of all, 'Kuznya' is a great place to walk: it is a real Moscow area, not a postcard at all, hectic busy streets neighbour tranquil lanes and courtyards with traditional architecture. There are also many very nice cafes, restaurants, clubs, and shops. If you want a cool place to meet people, go for a walk and to get the real feeling of the city, check out this area.

Long time ago there were only half-broken low wooden houses in Kuznetski Most area, and it was the place where poor blacksmithes lived. Blacksmith is 'Kuznets' in Russia, hence the name. In the beginning of the street (on top) there was a bridge over a small river, later this river was put underground, so there's no bridge anymore. About 200 years ago there was a rich Moscovitan noble buying this area. He immediately put away all the blacksmiths' houses and started to build a fancy new district. Just in few years he built up beautiful houses, with impressive ornaments, rich decoration, pools in the courtyards. Also, he opened some French boutiques in the area. That's when Kuznetski Most started to become fashionable. In a short time all the elite moved to this  area, and those who wasn't so fast were coming here to make some shopping and to sit in many of the restaurants and cafes around.  In the 20th century, when the communist times arrived, most of the buildings were given to government offices, some were given to soviet shops. The area became boring, the architecture was slowly deteriorating , but nobody seemed to care. In the beginning of the 90s  the area was revived again: the buildings were  restored , there was many new cafes being opened, boutiques, and shops. One important landmark of Kuznetsky Most is that it's home to FSB (Federal Security Bureau - former KGB) offices, and if you walk along Kuznetsky Most street you can get to the FSB reception, which is open 24 hours (in case you have something to report).  

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Latah County Human Rights Task Force

Strengthening the bonds of community to embrace diversity and reject bigotry..

Welcome to the Latah County Human Rights Task Force webpage!

Congratulations to the 2023-2024 MLK Art and Essay Contest winners!

This year’s theme was FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND OUR LIBRARIES

The winners for the Art Contest were Cece Rose Ristene (St. Mary’s), Eduarda Gurge (Moscow Charter), Quinten Rowley (Moscow Charter), Hayley Cohee (Moscow Charter),

The winners for the Essay Contest included Cordelia Haley (Lena Whitmore), Leo Johnson (St. Mary’s), Fern Newlan (St. Mary’s), Catherine Apt (McDonald), Amy Zhou (Moscow Charter School), Naya Lee (Lena Whitmore), Emily Scout Heward (Lena Whitmore), Nora Algarni (Moscow Middle School), Lillian Camin, (Moscow Middle School), and Morgan Apt (Moscow High School).

A little about us and ways to become involved!

Our 2023 Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on January 21st was a great success with an excellent presentation by Dr. Scott Finnie. A video of the Breakfast, including the Rosa Parks Awards and Dr. Finnie’s speech is now available here: 2023 Breakfast and Friends of Human Rights .

The Rosa Parks Award winners are available here: 2023 Rosa Parks Award Winners | Latah County Human Rights Task Force (humanrightslatah.org)

The Art and Essay Contest winners are available here: 2023 Art and Essay Contest Winners | Latah County Human Rights Task Force (humanrightslatah.org)

Dr. Scott Finnie’s Keynote address at the 2023 MLK Jr. Breakfast:

AREA RESPONSE TO ANTISEMITISM

Check out the recent Palouse Pride Day under Recent Events here: Palouse Pride Day 2021

Our mission:  To work for social justice for all people by supporting diversity, respect, and inclusiveness, while opposing bigotry, harassment, and discrimination.

Please click our Announcements tab for current or upcoming events. (For upcoming events visit: Upcoming Events )

These are annual events that the Task Force currently sponsors:

• Martin Luther King Art and Essay Contest – January
• Presentation of Rosa Parks Human Rights Achievement Awards – January
• Human Rights Day at the Moscow Farmer’s Market – September (Visit: HR Day )
• Great Moscow Food Drive – August
• Human Rights Education Programs for Area Schools – throughout the school year

and we encourage you to attend or support us in these events.

Meetings of the Latah County Human Rights Task Force are generally held the second Thursday of each month, and you are welcome to attend.

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Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building - One of the larger seven sisters.

Meet Each of the Seven Sisters

Just as each of Moscow’s Seven Sisters are slightly different and serve different purposes, each also has its own history. Below, we will briefly describe them.

The Stars of the Seven Sisters

The photos and text in this section originally appeared on The Village in Russian . The text has been translated by SRAS Home and Abroad Scholar Sophia Rehm.

There are stars on only six of the seven Stalinist high-rises, since the spire of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building was not strong enough to support a star. The stars are all different sizes and shapes, and are made of different materials.

There are perhaps only a few people (a couple technicians, FSB signalmen, and the welder Yevgeny Martynov) who have had the chance to see the spires and five-meter stars of the Stalinist skyscrapers up close. The guys behind  Birdseyeview.ru – Sergey Shumilov and Daniil Ananyev – decided this wasn’t fair, and photographed the stars using a professional octocopter (a type of drone), the DJI Spreading Wings S1000, with an attached Sony Nex-5R camera.

Daniil Ananyev, Pilot:

My passion for aerial photography started with a toy helicopter that I crashed on my first day. But I really wanted to look down on the city from above. I found a forum for radio-amateurs, where I discovered drones, spent a long time studying them, and finally bought a small hexacopter with a GoPro camera. I immediately realized that this was my calling. Soon the GoPro’s capabilities weren’t enough for me, and I ordered a copter with a Sony Nex-5 camera. This ended up being a fairly big copter, and it required a second person to control the camera. My photographer friend, Sergey, liked the idea, and we have devoted ourselves to shooting various subjects from a bird’s-eye view ever since. We created the site Birdseyeview.ru , but we can’t call it a business yet – it’s more like a hobby. Once, shooting the MSU building from the sky, we flew up close to its star, and it was such an interesting structure (huge, hollow inside, slightly broken-down). And that’s how our project was born.

Meeting All Seven Sisters in Moscow

By Gregory Tracey

Gregory Tracey studied abroad with SRAS in St. Petersburg . Most programs there include a trip to visit Moscow. This is a recount of his personal experience seeking out the Seven Sisters of Moscow.

Spread throughout the city of Moscow are seven imposing buildings, called variously “The Seven Sisters” or “Stalin’s Skyscrapers.” While visiting Moscow as part of my study abroad experience to St. Petersburg , I wound up setting off on an unexpected mission to see them all that also helped show me much more of this fascinating and historic city than I might have seen otherwise.

While I was aware that such a thing as “Stalinist” architecture existed and while I knew about the unique appearance of the main building of Moscow State University, I had no idea that this matching set of buildings existed. I found that out shortly after arriving to Moscow.

After our train got in, we transferred to our hostel, grabbed a quick lunch and set out for SRAS’ “Walking Seminar: The Origins of Modern Russia.” Our guide, SRAS Assistant Director Josh Wilson, told us about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Building, visible from a distance from a bridge we crossed as part of that tour. He described it as an imposing, almost scary building that rather embodies how Russia structures its foreign policy: to command respect or, if not respect, then at least awe and a fear of retribution. He recommended seeing the building as an option for spending our free time. This description piqued my interest. I am quite interested in international relations and foreign policy and seeing the building where Soviet and Russian foreign ministers from Vyacheslav Molotov to Sergey Lavrov have worked understandably appealed to me.

On Friday morning we continued exploring Moscow with a tour that included the historic Novodevichy Cemetery followed by a ride in newly-built cable cars up to Sparrow Hills. At this point I saw one of the Seven Sisters up close for the first time: the main building of Moscow State University, located at Sparrow Hills. It seemed quite impressive to me, and from the view from the hills, we could also see more of the sisters on the horizon. I remember thinking vaguely that it could be cool to see all of them, although time could be a factor.

We finished up our tour around 15:30 but I wanted to keep exploring the city (it is not everyday that one is in Moscow, after all). I decided to go ahead and take the metro to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Upon exiting the metro, I turned a corner and was confronted with an absolute monolith of a building. This was the approximate moment when I realized just how impressive these structures are. It is not that easy to take my breath away, but this did it. I stared up at the top floors and the hammer-and-sickle near the top, probably violating my own personal rule to blend in as much as possible and not look too much like a tourist. I could not help myself. I imagined generations of Soviet foreign policy leaders working within those walls on the international crises that I have read so often about in American textbooks.

I decided then that I would see all seven of the sisters. There was really no deep or inspirational motive to this. I just knew they were there, that they were impressive to see, and that I wanted to see them.

As it happened, I moved on toward my goal later that very night. I, along with my friends Morgan and Natasha, decided to go on walk to see Red Square at night. Incidentally, this is quite the experience in and of itself. After walking through the square, we decided to check out Zaradye Park. While there, seeing another of the Seven Sisters, the Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building again, I explained my “quest” to the others, and they agreed to walk the over to the bridge to see it up close. I was later informed that this could actually have been seen earlier on Thursday, but clearly I had missed it then!

I actually saw this particular skyscraper again, the next morning, during out group tour of the park and the floating bridge over the Moscow River that can be found there. I got some nicer pictures at this point, since I am not very good at getting good photographs at night.

I went into Sunday—the last day of the trip—having only made it to three out of seven. Therefore, I rose early at the hostel despite having been out late exploring the city the night before and found myself at the Red Gates Administrative Building by 07:30. It might have just been the time of day, but the area seemed really quiet and calm. Other buildings are built up quite close, so it also is a little less detached and “aloof.” I snapped some photographs and poked around the area before quickly moving onto the Leningradskaya Hotel, a short walk away. I realized once there that these two are actually right by the Leningradsky Train Station, and I could have seen them on the way back to St. Petersburg (our train arrived there and would depart from there), but no matter. Leningradskaya Hotel was actually probably my least favorite of the seven. It just didn’t look as impressive to me, and it was also hard to see head-on because of the placement of a bridge and some power lines.

I had some other things to accomplish on Sunday, namely a seminar on Russian politics and seeing some museums that I had also planned to take in during my free time. I visited the State Central Museum of Contemporary Political History, a great overview of Russian history from around 1860 to 1991. I also saw the War of 1812 Museum near Red Square, which was also interesting. I particularly found it intriguing how many uniforms and objects from the French Army they had. After leaving, I resumed my mission for the weekend.

Around 14:30 I reached another of the sisters, the Kudrinskaya Square Building. Due to location and appearance, this was probably the second-least impressive of the set from my point of view. I moved past it pretty quickly. On my way away from this one, however, I went past the famous White House, which was far more interesting to see. It is hard to imagine the turmoil of the 1990s, when that building was shelled during a conflict between it and the Yeltsin administration. Today, the grounds are beautifully landscaped and one is looking out at the calm, beautiful Moscow River.

I polished off number seven on the list with seven hours to spare for my time in Moscow. The Hotel Ukraina is located on a gorgeous stretch of the Moscow River. The river location made it probably my joint-third favorite, along with the Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building. I had some trouble getting to it, as I got a little lost in the pedestrian area of the bridge I needed to take to get there. Unfortunately, the front can only really be seen from the river, but I walked around the base and even noticed a children’s playground. After this visit, I walked along the Moscow River to a more modern set of skyscrapers, the noted Moscow City development. While these are also quite impressive and beautiful, there is still something about the Stalin-era Seven Sisters that feels like it has a bit more character, if that is the correct word for it, than a mass of glass and steel twisting into the sky.

When I went to Moscow, I did not even really know the Seven Sisters existed. But I was, for some reason, inspired to see them all before I left. I still managed to see everything else I wanted, and the experience allowed me to see a lot of more of Moscow then I probably otherwise would have. Plus, I learned a lot about Moscow’s architectural composition in the process. I would definitely recommended taking the adventure to seek them all out. Or, if one does not have the time or inclination to see all of them, I would definitely recommend at least Moscow State University’s Main Building  and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as must-sees.

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About the authors

Hannah Chapman

Hannah Chapman majored in Russian Studies at Stetson University. She spent spring semester, 2009 studying abroad with The School of Russian and Asian Studies in Moscow on the Translate Abroad Program. She hopes to eventually go into international business or government.

Program attended: Challenge Grants

View all posts by: Hannah Chapman

Gregory Tracey

Greg Tracey, at the time he wrote for this site, was a junior at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. He was studying economics and international relations, as well as minoring in mathematics and Russian. As a Home and Abroad Scholar, he is focusing on business and economic issues in Russia and surrounding countries. The related scholarship will help fund his participation in SRAS's  Russian as a Second Language  program at St. Petersburg State University of Economics during the Spring 2019 Semester. In his free time, he enjoyed reading and soccer.

Program attended: Home and Abroad Scholar

View all posts by: Gregory Tracey

Sophia Rehm

Sophia Rehm graduated from the University of Chicago in 2012 with a BA in Russian Language and Literature. She studied Russian as a Second Language in St. Petersburg in 2010 and is currently in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan as SRAS's Home and Abroad Scholar. At the time she wrote for this site, she hoped to pursue graduate studies in Slavic Languages and Literatures, as well as literary translation.

View all posts by: Sophia Rehm

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