The new Trek Madone SLR is now available for purchase (as is the SL version) with serious arguments as heirs to two emblematic figures of the American brand: the Émonda and the 7th generation Madone. As light as the first, as aerodynamic as the second, these are the first strong points put forward for what is presented as the ultimate bike without compromise. What are the first sensations on the road on different profiles? Our two tests provide initial answers before an upcoming Supertest.
Find all our other tests here.
CONTEXT OF THE FIRST EXCLUSIVE TESTS OF THE NEW TREK MADONE SLR
A panel of hand-picked journalists were invited to a three-day Press Camp in the second half of May in Madrid to prepare for the launch of the brand new 8th generation Trek Madone, Gen 8 for Anglophiles. A major turning point in the history of Trek, certainly one of the biggest launches since 1976, we were told feverishly.
On the program for these three days, visit of the premises of Trek South Europea conference-style presentation of the new bike and then two days of group and solo testing. And finally, an interview with three engineers from the brand was conducted (to read again here).
THE TREK SPIRIT IN THE NEW 8TH GENERATION MADONNA
We first discovered the magnificent, very functional and modern premises of Trek South Europe. Like a dynamic Silicon Valley start-up: large open spaces, glass offices, common workspaces or the possibility of isolation for video conferences, mechanical workshop, cafeteria, table football and ping-pong table. Warm handshakes, smiles radiating well-being and hospitality, an atmosphere like we would like to see everywhere in the world. And not just in the cycling world.
And also bikes from Trek’s history here and there. From Contador’s on the 2015 Vuelta to those of the employees, Treks were scattered everywhere. For a big cycling fan, this can only make you want to work there!
So even before presenting us with this new revolutionary bike in the history of the brand, the message was this: Trek is a family, men, women, cyclists, determined to forge their common destiny with optimism, positivity, commitment. And even if Trek is a global company, there is humanity, proximity and commendable values transferred to their brand new standard-bearer!
THE FIRST ROAD TESTS OF THE 8TH GENERATION TREK MADONE
It was an hour from Madrid, in a hotel-winery that we were able to discover the bikes in preparation upon our arrival. From the first glance we understand what was kept secret until then: a new platform synthesis between the Émonda and the 7th generation Madone released in 2022. It is a sharpened bike that presents itself before us with its obvious aerodynamics with thinner frame tubes and complex shapes. The IsoFlow is present but different, newly sculpted for greater lightness and now offering up to almost twice as much vertical flexibility.
Bikes in the colors of the partner, the Lidl distribution chain, were the most numerous, other more uniform and Premium colors gave another, much more magnetic image. Hypnosis guaranteed! Note that only the SLR versions are eligible for the Project One Program.
The first details that strike you about this hybridization of genres is the balance of the whole. Clean lines and a racy attitude. Even for the aerodynamic bottles, TREK dared not to hold back anything so that every watt, so precious at the highest level of competition, is used to win!
Before setting off on the road, it was time to pick up your nicely badged bike. We had sent our usual frame sizes and measurements ahead of this meeting. Trek carefully studied the needs of its customers to realize that so many frame sizes were not necessary. Thus a different range reducing overlaps was defined which allows at the same time to rationalize the offer, the production chain and the logistics chain. Savings of all kinds are thus made, a virtue in today’s era of simplification.
The six sizes offered are S, MM/LL and XL. Based on the two factors of size and inseam, a guide is available on the Trek website to help you make the right choice. The possibility of being put in touch with an expert is also offered. This is beneficial when you know how fundamental this parameter is for comfort or performance, and a normal service for an exceptional purchase.
My test bike is a Trek Madone SLR, the top of the range with the brand new OCLV (Optimum Compaction Low Void) 900 carbon fiber. Just from the estimated weight, it is noticeable when you are used to handling bikes (my size M/L model is given at 7.0 kg). Remember that this is a disc version placed slightly above the UCI homologation limit at 6.8 kg. We tend to forget that in another era the mass of the braking system was a very thorny issue!
The Aero RSL cockpit equips this model with the finest carbon fiber offered by Trek for a lightness consistent with the frame and all the other peripherals of the very high end. More aerodynamic, more ergonomic, with a flare 3 cm to favor engagement whether for rolling with power or attack.
The power sensor is obviously integrated into the SRAM RED AXS crankset at this level for intelligent training and controlled competitions.
For the wheelset, Bontrager AEOLUS RSL 51 in-house and guaranteed for two years via the loyalty program Carbon Care Wheel with Pirelli P Zero Race TLR tires complete the system of a bike identical to that of the pros.
The brand new bottles and bottle cages are bound to be the subject of much debate. The search for performance has certainly taken precedence over a certain aesthetic, perhaps a matter of personal taste. The angular bottles contravene the logic of ergonomics in handling and they do not stand up if you try to put them down to fill them. This is shocking at first, but the narrow mind can never change… to be explored further with use. The bottle cages accommodate cylindrical bottles without any problem, a positive point and ultimately a simple modification if desired.
In the parking lot, the first laps in civilian clothes were immediately very promising. An exceptional bike is quickly identified even if of course hundreds of kilometers on all profiles in many test conditions are necessary.
58 km for 1000 m of positive elevation gain in two hours were on the program for the first group outing. Uphill course up to the 35th kilometer, this new 8th generation Trek Madone was already tested in a supported manner but at the train. Very good first feelings on the rigidity and efficiency on this type of course. In the highest percentages, two observations are to be noted: the Aero RSL cockpit is not adjustable on the one hand if you prefer to raise the hoods for another position of the wrists on a long stage or a simple outing with very high positive elevation gain. In addition to restarting in dancer the front does not really invite you to continue in this position, after a few turns of the pedals you sit down on the saddle quite quickly. Although we always progress efficiently, there seems to be a limit that could not suit everyone. So the option of the handlebar plus stem system initially planned for the SL version of the Madone Gen 8 could well come into its own for climbers wanting a more “classic” hand position.
On returning to the hotel, a unanimity of our corporation crystallizes, we find the two DNAs of the Madonna and Émonda in this new iteration, amazing!
To the brand’s engineers with whom we shared the road with great pleasure and sympathy, I had to make a reservation. I only take the full measure of bikes after numerous tests on my own test benches. But above all, I need to be alone with the machine to take the full measure of my sensations, to let the bike express itself in the face of my requests not framed or limited by the group. The one-on-one was planned for the next morning.
42 km in 1h35 for 840 m of positive elevation gain. This magnificent descent in switchbacks from the day before was to become a very beautiful and committed climb! Without any distraction, restriction or other constraints, I could really feel this 8th generation Trek Madone and that was truly happiness.
The summit reached with my heart beating and my muscles warm, I started a new descent on a more granular surface than the climb. I focused on my feelings about the superior flex provided by the new version of the IsoFlow. On this most granular and potentially very unpleasant portion, the filtration is remarkable whether at the level of the buttocks or the forearms. Comfortable, this Madone Gen 8 SLR is resolutely!
Regarding the new aerodynamic bottles, I must admit my reservations about this new feature. I had to think more in advance about my handling, ensure and secure the handling until I put the bottle back in its notch.
In the end, as for the general behavior of the new Madone SLR, it was flawless whatever the terrain. All that remains is the need to confirm this and give you more details as soon as we receive the bike at our editorial office, with the ascent of Mont Ventoux in our sights!
Price of the 8th generation Madone SLR from the test: 13999 euros
Frame kit price (lifetime warranty): 5059 euros
To find out more, visit the brand’s website.
