Trek Madone SLR 9 Disc Review
The Trek Madone SLR 9, a successor that retains the familiar grace and prowess of its predecessors, continues to turn heads with its blend of aesthetics and performance. It stands out in the sea of modern aero bikes by maintaining a more traditional silhouette, avoiding the more common design trends such as dropped stays and frame cutouts. This choice not only preserves its sleek, classic lines but also emphasizes its distinctiveness in a competitive field.
Design and Build
The Madone SLR 9 holds onto the subtle arch of the top tube and integrates deep aero sections with an aggressive stance. This design not only contributes to its striking appearance but enhances its aerodynamic efficiency as well. Its classic design cues are coupled with advanced materials and construction techniques, which ensure that it remains one of the most visually appealing and performance-driven bikes on the market.
Performance on the Pedals
From the first pedal stroke, the Madone SLR 9 makes its pedigree known. The bike’s responsiveness is instantaneous, with acceleration that meets and surpasses expectations for a superbike of this caliber. It’s a bike that begs to be pushed, and it rewards the rider with exhilarating speed and precise control.
Wheelset Excellence
Equipped with Trek’s own Aeolus XXX 6 wheels, the Madone SLR 9 sees a perfect match in technology and intent. These wheels, at 60mm deep and 28mm wide, are optimized for performance rather than everyday utility. However, they are surprisingly light given their dimensions, and the quality DT Swiss internals ensure they operate smoothly and reliably.
In challenging conditions, the Aeolus XXX 6 wheels demonstrate commendable handling abilities. Even in stiff crosswinds, the bike remains manageable, requiring only minor adjustments from the rider to maintain course. This stability is a testament to the thoughtful engineering behind these wheels, making them suitable for a variety of riding conditions.
Tyre Compatibility and Performance
The wheels come fitted with Bontrager’s R4 tyres, which boast a 320 TPI cotton casing known for its suppleness. The combination of these tyres with the Aeolus XXX 6 wheels provides a ride quality that is both responsive and forgiving. While the wheels are compatible with tubeless tyres, the provided clinchers offer a ride quality that challenges the best tubeless setups, maintaining comfort without sacrificing performance.
Trek’s Madone SLR 9 Disc continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of high-performance road bikes. This machine doesn’t just move; it flies, all while delivering a level of comfort that belies its aggressive, race-ready pedigree. Here’s a detailed breakdown of my ride impressions, examining everything from the precision engineering of its components to the refined comfort and adaptability of its design.
Drivetrain and Braking Excellence
Equipped with Shimano’s top-tier Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, the Madone SLR 9 offers a riding experience that is as responsive as it is intuitive. The gear shifts are slick and immediate, allowing for seamless transitions that keep you perfectly in rhythm. Coupled with a disc braking system that is both powerful and meticulously precise, the bike provides confidence-inspiring control. This braking prowess enables you to brake later and less frequently on descents, pushing the limits of speed while ensuring safety and stability.
Ergonomics and Adjustability
The integration of Trek’s new VR-CF bar/stem is a standout feature, offering significant adjustability without compromising on aerodynamics or aesthetics. This setup allows for easy customization to match your preferred riding position, enhancing overall comfort and efficiency. The bar design includes a slight back-sweep and an angled transition towards the hoods, which not only offers ample clearance in the drops but also makes the flat tops an ideal resting spot for an aerodynamic tuck.
Geometry and Comfort
The Madone’s geometry is unapologetically oriented towards racing, with an aggressive setup that favors speed and responsiveness. However, thanks to Trek’s adjustable IsoSpeed technology, this bike can also deliver a smooth and compliant ride. This feature lets you fine-tune the bike’s compliance based on the riding terrain, from smooth asphalt to the punishing pavé of Belgian cobbles. Adjustments are straightforward, requiring only a simple tweak of two bolts, and once dialed in, the settings generally remain set without need for frequent changes.
Handling Quirks
While the bike handles impeccably for the most part, there are nuances to its performance. For instance, when pushing hard through corners, there’s a slight sensation from the back-end, reminiscent of a tire squirm. Although initially disconcerting, this feeling becomes manageable and eventually characteristic of the Madone’s handling as you adapt to the bike’s feedback
