The eighth generation of the Trek Madone is finally revealed. Still as fast but even lighter

6.8 kg, that’s Trek’s promise for a complete bike. In any case, that was the demand of professional riders, to be able to benefit from an aerodynamic bike reaching the UCI limit.

The top of the range Madone SLR 9 with SRAM Red AXS transmission is almost there, with 7.15 kg on the scale without pedals and Aeolus RSL 51 wheels. By grabbing a few grams here and there, we won’t be far away and obviously, the Emonda no longer really has a reason to exist. Enough to simplify the choice for professional runners who will no longer have to choose at the start of a stage between one model or the other… or even have regrets in the event of poor performance.

Finally, like Specialized with its Tarmac SL7 which buried the Venge, Trek seems to be giving its Emonda a serious blow. Ultimately, the range is simplified and what is valid for professional riders is even more so for amateur cyclists whose finances only allow them to afford one single model.

Let’s face it, it’s also more economical for the brand which only has to produce one model. The same goes for bicycle riders!

On paper, Trek’s promise is almost too good to be true, with a Madone 8 that aims to be as fast as the old one, while being as light as the Emonda and proving comfortable.

Because if the Madone was certainly very fast, I was able to see it with my test of the SLR, in bumps, its rigidity could make climbs difficult. The observation was somewhat true with the Madone SL which certainly seemed a little heavier to me, but less rigid and therefore easier to take over the bumps.

A thoroughly revised bike

If at first glance, this Madone seems to retain its rear part including IsoFlow, while adopting a front part from the Emonda, the changes are in fact much deeper.

Most of the tube shapes have been revised, taking into account in particular the new UCI regulations which, on this point, offer a little more latitude. All the tubes have been optimized and even the down tube, which seems less profiled than on the old generation, benefits from a lot of work.

Work on the aero also made possible thanks to the use of the new OCLV 900 carbon fiber, 20% stronger than the OCLV 800 as well as a new manufacturing process with better compaction of the carbon and resin. This allows to have more aero tubes but also lighter in the end.

Above, we can clearly see the difference between the Emonda, the Madone 7 and this brand new Madone 8 on the cut of the down tube.

We thus arrive at a frame announced at 765 grams and a fork built in one piece at 370 grams. This is enough to satisfy the riders of the professional men’s and women’s teams who can benefit from an aero AND light bike, no need to make a choice for a race!

Tube dimensions are different depending on frame sizes. On sizes XS, S and M, the tubes are slightly more compact which allows for a slightly lighter frame, more adequate rigidity and nicer proportions.

But what about aero with a much less profiled downtube?

One area of ​​improvement is the adoption of new streamlined bottles and bottle cages, called RSL Aero Bottles. Supplied as standard with the SLR series (optional on Madone SL), they reduce turbulence between the legs with an announced gain of 3 watts.

Please note that the specific bottle cages are also compatible, fortunately, with traditional round bottles. But Trek doesn’t specify the loss of aero by using round bottles instead of their RSL Aero Bottles.

A new cockpit appears, lighter and more ergonomic. A handlebar that is 3 cm narrower on the upper part than on the lower part.

Compared to the Madone 7 and Emonda, Trek claims the following gains:

The improved IsoFlow concept

The IsoFlow which appeared on generation 7 of the Madone, which gives this bike this very particular style and gives the bike better filtration, has been revised.

More compact, it nevertheless provides 80% more vertical comfort compared to the Madone 7 and even 24% vertical filtration compared to an Emonda, while being more aerodynamic than an Emonda.

This more compact IsoFlow has allowed Trek to save a few precious grams while maintaining the originality of the Madone in the middle of road bike production and therefore further improving the comfort of this bike.

Geometry and other…

Still with the H1.5 geometry, this new Madone will now be offered in 6 sizes instead of 8.

Despite this reduction in choice, Trek assures that all cyclists will find a size corresponding to their body shape, since the new geometries offer less overlap between them. The MD size, for example, replaces the 52 and 54 frames. The XL size covers the needs of cyclists who previously needed a 60, 62 or even 64 frame.

To ensure that everyone can position themselves perfectly, the Madone is available with 4 different seat tubes, 2 different lengths and 2 specific types of setback.

This Madone accepts tires up to 33 mm in section. The bottom bracket is made of T47 and the Madone is compatible with the UDH derailleur hanger.

Madonna SLR and SL

Unlike previous years, Madone SLR and SL will be offered immediately. While the SLR benefits from a new OCLV 900 fiber, the SL remains on OCLV 500 fiber, which makes the latter weigh 250 grams than the SLR model.

The Madone SL is therefore 175 grams lighter than the Emonda SL and a little lighter than the 7th generation Madone SLR.

If the SLR will be delivered with the full cockpit and RSL Aero bottles + bottle cages, the Madone SL will be delivered with a two-part handlebar and stem and without bottle cages. It will be possible to purchase the RSL Aero bottle cages and bottles separately.

Only the Madone SLR will be eligible for the Project One program, with for example a specific paint like this Specialty!

Prices