• off.road.cc
  • Dealclincher
  • Fantasy Cycling

Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

  • Sportive and endurance bikes
  • Gravel and adventure bikes
  • Urban and hybrid bikes
  • Touring bikes
  • Cyclocross bikes
  • Electric bikes
  • Folding bikes
  • Fixed & singlespeed bikes
  • Children's bikes
  • Time trial bikes
  • Accessories - misc
  • Computer mounts
  • Bike bags & cases
  • Bottle cages
  • Child seats
  • Lights - front
  • Lights - rear
  • Lights - sets
  • Pumps & CO2 inflators
  • Puncture kits
  • Reflectives
  • Smart watches
  • Stands and racks
  • Arm & leg warmers
  • Base layers
  • Gloves - full finger
  • Gloves - mitts
  • Jerseys - casual
  • Jerseys - long sleeve
  • Jerseys - short sleeve
  • Shorts & 3/4s
  • Tights & longs
  • Bar tape & grips
  • Bottom brackets
  • Brake & gear cables
  • Brake & STI levers
  • Brake pads & spares
  • Cassettes & freewheels
  • Chainsets & chainrings
  • Derailleurs - front
  • Derailleurs - rear
  • Gear levers & shifters
  • Handlebars & extensions
  • Inner tubes
  • Quick releases & skewers
  • Energy & recovery bars
  • Energy & recovery drinks
  • Energy & recovery gels
  • Heart rate monitors
  • Hydration products
  • Hydration systems
  • Indoor trainers
  • Power measurement
  • Skincare & embrocation
  • Training - misc
  • Cleaning products
  • Lubrication
  • Tools - multitools
  • Tools - Portable
  • Tools - workshop
  • Books, Maps & DVDs
  • Camping and outdoor equipment
  • Gifts & misc

Trek Emonda SL 5

Trek likes to keep it simple, stupid when it comes to navigating its road bike range. Madone: that's the aero one. Domane: that's the comfort one. Emonda: that's the lightweight one. Easy-peasy.

The Emondas are then divided up into the aluminium ALR and the S, SL and SLR carbon fibre frame platforms, getting progressively lighter and – because this is the way things generally work – more expensive.

Coming in at 8.55kg (18.8lb), the Emonda SL 5 is light but it doesn't feel like Trek has filled the tubes with helium (the frame weight is a claimed 1,091g, size 56cm). The Merlin Nitro SL (£200 more expensive at £1,999.99) that we reviewed back in the summer hit the scales at 7.7kg (17.0lb), for instance, while the Boardman SLR Endurance Disc 9.0 (also £1,999.99) we tested was 8.2kg (18.2lb).

Trek Emonda SL 5 - head tube badge.jpg

Don't get too hung up on weight, though. I only really bring it up because Trek makes such a big deal of it when talking about the Emonda. Climb aboard the SL 5 and it immediately feels alive, responding keenly as soon as you turn the pedals. Put a serious amount of power through the cranks and it springs forward as if it was just waiting for the flag to drop. Both the head tube and the down tube are enormous, holding the frame firmly in shape when you're recruiting every muscle fibre on an out-of-the saddle sprint or climb.

Relaxed but performance-orientated

Speaking of climbing, the Emonda SL 5 is fitted with a Shimano 105 compact chainset (50/34-tooth chainrings) which, matched to an 11-28 11-speed cassette, provides enough low gears to get you up the steep stuff in relative comfort. All of the other Emonda SLs are fitted with compact chainsets too, by the way, and they all come with frames built to Trek's H2 fit. That requires an explanation and, as luck would have it, there's one coming along right now... While Trek's H1 fit puts you into a low, flat-backed, aggressive riding position, H2 is a little more relaxed, although it's still performance orientated.

Trek Emonda SL 5.jpg

I have the 58cm Emonda SL 5 here with a 57.3cm effective top tube, a 55.3cm seat tube and a 19cm head tube. The stack height is 596mm and the reach is 391mm.

With an H1 fit (the Emonda SLR Race Shop Limited frameset is available in H1) the reach is a little longer (400mm) and the stack is quite a lot lower (567mm). You all know what reach and stack are... (no? stack is the vertical and reach the horizontal measurements from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube).

Don't get the impression that the Emonda SL 5's H2 fit will have you sitting bolt upright in the saddle because it's a long, long way from that. For comparison, a 58cm Domane SL 5 has a stack height that's 15mm higher and a reach that's 11mm shorter. In other words, the H2 fit sits somewhere in the middle, an Aristotelian golden mean. Or Goldilocks' favourite porridge, if that's a cultural reference that works better for you. Put simply, a lot of people will get on well with the fit because it requires less flex in the back and neck than a traditional race fit without binning off the idea of efficiency.

Trek Emonda SL 5 - riding 3.jpg

One aspect of the Emonda SL 5's ride that surprised me is the level of comfort on offer here, particularly for a performance bike with 25mm-wide tyres. Okay, you don't get a clever IsoSpeed decoupler like you'll find on a Madone or a Domane to cushion the ride, but there's a decent amount of give in the seatmast and cap that Trek provides instead of a more traditional seatpost, and in the flattened, ultra-skinny seatstays.

As we all know, saddles always come down to personal preference – what feels like an armchair to one person can feel like a razor blade to another – but the steel-railed Bontrager Montrose Comp specced here has a pressure-relief channel/hole in the centre and loads of flex in the shell so I imagine it'll make more friends than enemies.

Great groupset

The Emonda SL 5 descends with assurance, giving you the confidence to lay off the brakes when others are nervously feathering theirs. When you do need to slow down the Shimano 105 brakes work on the alloy rims to provide plenty of predictable power. Shimano does make very good brakes. These are of the direct mount variety and they can be relied upon to hold tight when you need them. They even put in a decent performance in damp conditions although, like any rim brakes, they're outperformed by disc brakes when it's properly wet. If that bothers you and you can stretch to £2,650, the Emonda SL 6 is available in a disc version – with 12mm thru-axles front and rear, a Shimano Ultegra groupset including flat mount hydraulic discs, and an 11-32t cassette.

Trek Emonda SL 5 - front brake.jpg

As well as the brakes, the SL5's shifters, derailleurs, chainset, cassette and chain are all Shimano 105. We've covered this groupset a million times on road.cc and it really is difficult to fault for the money.

Trek Emonda SL 5 - drivetrain.jpg

I particularly like the light action shifters. They're slim, comfortable and easy to operate from either the hoods or the drops. There's not a massive difference between these and more expensive Ultegra, or even top of the pile Dura-Ace mechanical shifters. Sure, you can tell them apart but in use... puh! I'd happily use 105 on every ride. It's amazingly popular and rightly so. Although a couple of others run it close, 105 is still arguably the best value groupset out there.

Trek Emonda SL 5 - bars.jpg

> Head to head: Shimano 105 vs Shimano Ultegra

> And: Shimano Tiagra vs Shimano 105

This has all been a bit of a lovefest so far, but my one tiff with the Emonda SL 5 was right at the start of our relationship. I picked up the bike and was riding home from the office on it – five miles in, whistling a happy tune, thinking about what I'd have for tea, you know the sort of thing – and the front end started to feel... odd. I got out of the saddle on a climb and it felt decidedly spongy. Weird!

Trek Emonda SL 5 - riding 4.jpg

I stopped to check everything and it turned out that several spokes had loosened – about eight of them, I think. And I mean that they'd really loosened to the point that the nipples were just about holding on by their fingertips (shut up! Of course they do). My multi-tool has a spoke wrench on it so I tightened them up at the side of the road, then did a proper job when I got home. Since then the wheel has been fine.

Trek Emonda SL 5 - rim.jpg

I've reviewed loads of Treks before and this hasn't been an issue in the past, so I'm happy to put it down to bad luck. To be honest, if you know which way up to hold a spoke wrench it's not a massive problem, but it would be a pain if you had to book your bike in to a shop and have a mechanic do the fettling for you. Anyway, I've forgiven the Emonda SL 5 for that now and we've both moved on.

Spoilt for choice

The Emonda range is large, kicking off with the Shimano Tiagra-equipped ALR 4 at £1,000 and going right up to the SLR 9, with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 components, at £8,500 (a customisable Project One version of the Emonda SLR 9 is also available).

There are four SL models ranging in price from £1,500 (SL 4, Shimano Tiagra) up to £4,300 (SL 7, Shimano Ultegra Di2). At £2,000, the Emonda ALR 6, with an aluminium frame, is actually more expensive than the SL 5 courtesy of a next-level-up Shimano Ultegra groupset. The SL 5 is also available as a women's model.

Oh, and you can buy an Emonda SL frameset for £1,350 – but why would you do that when you can get a complete Emonda SL 4 for £1,500?

> Check out our guide to Trek's 2018 road bike range here

As well as the Emonda SL 6 Disc mentioned earlier, there's an Emonda SL 7 Disc, equipped with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset and Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3 Tubeless Ready wheels, for £4,400.

You can certainly get complete bikes with carbon fibre frames and Shimano 105 components considerably cheaper than the Emonda SL. The Focus Izalco Race Carbon 105, for example, is £1,399 and Giant's TCR Advanced 2 is £1,449. Those two are killer value. Equally, there are plenty of carbon/105 bikes out there that are more expensive. Cervelo's R2 105 is £2,199, for example, and BMC's Teammachine SLR02 Two is £2,250.

I would say that you're getting an extraordinarily good frame with the Trek Emonda SL 5 – one that'll handle considerable upgrading if you fancy doing that gradually as and when individual components wear out. It's that which makes this bike such impressive value for money.

Trek Emonda SL 5 - rear.jpg

Overall, the Trek Emonda SL 5 is excellent. I had an early issue with one of the wheels but that doesn't detract from the fact that this is a fast and nimble road bike that reacts like something considerably more expensive. Also comfortable and well behaved, it makes you question whether it's worth spending any more money than this.

A fast and nimble road bike that puts in an exceptional performance for its price

road.cc test report

Make and model: Trek Emonda SL 5

Size tested: 58cm

About the bike

State the frame and fork material and method of construction. List the components used to build up the bike.

Frame Ultralight 500 Series OCLV Carbon, ride-tuned performance tube optimisation, E2 tapered head tube, BB90, direct mount brakes, internal cable routing, DuoTrap S compatible, Ride Tuned seatmast

Fork Emonda carbon, E2 steerer, direct mount brakes

Wheels Bontrager Tubeless Ready

Tyres Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite, 700x 25c

Shifters Shimano 105, 11-speed

Front derailleur Shimano 105, braze-on

Rear derailleur Shimano 105

Chainset Shimano 105, 50/34 (compact)

Bottom bracket BB90

Cassette Shimano 105, 11-28, 11-speed

Chain Shimano 105

Brakeset Shimano 105, direct mount

Saddle Bontrager Montrose Comp, chromoly rails

Seatpost Bontrager Ride Tuned alloy seatmast cap, 10mm offset

Handlebar Bontrager Race VR-C, 31.8 mm

Handlebar tape Bontrager

Stem Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, 7-degree, w/computer and light mounts

Headset Integrated, cartridge bearing, sealed, 1 1/8in top, 1 1/2in bottom

Tell us what the bike is for

It's a road bike designed for racers and other performance-type riders who are interested in speed and fitness.

Frame and fork

Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?

The quality is exceptionally good throughout.

Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?

The frame is made from Trek's 500 Series OCLV carbon fibre. The fork is carbon too.

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

Like all the Emonda SL frames, this bike is built to Trek's H2 geometry which sits somewhere between a low and stretched H1 fit and a more upright endurance setup. H2 is certainly performance-focused, it's just not as aggressive as H1.

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

It's about what you'd expect.

Riding the bike

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

It's surprisingly comfortable for a bike of this type. You only get so much cushioning from 25mm tyres but the seatmast certainly helps to damp vibration and soften the blows.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

The super-wide down tube holds the bottom bracket firmly in place and the tapered (1 1/8in to 1 1/2in) head tube keeps the front end in order.

How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?

It felt efficient, without a doubt.

Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so

Some. It's only ever an issue for tight manoeuvres at walking pace.

How would you describe the steering? Was it lively Lively.

Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?

It offers a great ride whether you're going uphill, downhill or on the flat. It's a well-balanced bike that feels like it can cope with pretty much anything.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?

The seatmast and seatmast cap take some of the credit here, along with Bontrager's saddle.

You can swap to 28mm wide tyres if you want to run lower pressures for more comfort.

The drivetrain

Wheels and tyres

I have to take into account that several spokes came loose almost immediately. The rims are tubeless ready, if you want to go down that route.

After an initial scare they were fine.

Anything else you want to say about the componentry? Comment on any other components (good or bad)

The Shimano 105 groupset put in an excellent performance.

Your summary

Did you enjoy riding the bike? Yes

Would you consider buying the bike? Yes

Would you recommend the bike to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

The Trek Emonda SL 5 puts in a really strong performance. You'd be hard-pressed to tell from riding it alone that this wasn't a considerably more expensive bike. You're getting an exceptionally good bike for the money, and that equates to a 9.

Overall rating: 9 /10

About the tester

Age: 43   Height: 190cm   Weight: 75kg

I've been riding for: Over 20 years   I ride: Most days   I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding

Help us to fund our site

We’ve noticed you’re using an ad blocker. If you like road.cc, but you don’t like ads, please consider subscribing to the site to support us directly. As a subscriber you can read road.cc ad-free, from as little as £1.99. 

If you don’t want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off. The revenue from adverts helps to fund our site.

Help us to bring you the best cycling content

If you’ve enjoyed this article, then please consider subscribing to road.cc from as little as £1.99. Our mission is to bring you all the news that’s relevant to you as a cyclist, independent reviews, impartial buying advice and more. Your subscription will help us to do more.

trek emonda sl 5 disc test

Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

Add new comment

16 comments.

Avatar

I share similar thoughts on Emonda SL 5. Bought new in 2019 as 2018 model for only 1.200 € and it seemed like a great deal. But wheels almost fell appart after 30 km, most of the spokes were totaly loosened. I was lucky to find that out just before the fast descent. Both wheels, front and rear! I took it to dealer and they said I was just unlucky, one in a million. Then I waited more than 2 months for new pair of wheels, replaced under guarantee. Got Bontrager Affinity TLR wheels. They were fine but bearings seem to be totaly destroyed after about 7000 km. So I did upgrade to Mavic Cosmic.

What do I think about the bike now? It is a great bike, with perfect geometry for me, very responsive and good for climbing. Not super light but good enough. Not aero at all but new wheels are doing the job much much better. It's a climber not a TT bike. Would I recommend the bike to anybody? Probably not, due to the serious issue with wheels that could affect safety. 

I still cannot understand how can a company like Trek put so awfull wheels on a nice carbon bike like Emonda 5. In my eyes this was a recall situation and obviously not a one in a million case. 

  • Log in or register to post comments

I might be corrected but up to last year or perhaps this, the model was fitted with lighter 'Race' wheels.  They kept the price at £1800 and put cheaper wheels on it.  It's a shame as the frame and groupset is excellent, in my opinion.

  "Coming in at 8.55kg (18.8lb), the Emonda SL 5 is light...

   Don't get too hung up on weight, though. I only really bring it up because Trek makes such a big         deal of it when talking about the Emonda".

How does a carbon bike which sells for £1800 and weighs over eight and a half kilos get described as LIGHT ?

For comparison at £1800:  the Canyon Endurace CF8.0 is size Medium is 7.2 kilos.

The £1800 Rose GF Team 4 Ultegra is 7.1 kilos.

Both bikes have a complete Ultegra groupset - no sneaky substitutions, both have excellent DT Swiss wheels and are well equipped right down to Conti's top tyres.

What they seem to lack (apart from a kilo and a half) is the word Trek written down the side.

macbob wrote:   "Coming in at 8.55kg (18.8lb), the Emonda SL 5 is light...    Don't get too hung up on weight, though. I only really bring it up because Trek makes such a big         deal of it when talking about the Emonda". How does a carbon bike which sells for £1800 and weighs over eight and a half kilos get described as LIGHT ?

If the original article was from 2014 when the SL5 was launched, then 8.55 Kg would have been viewed as somewhat light for a fast endurance bike back then.

"If the original article was from 2014 when the SL5 was launched, then 8.55 Kg would have been viewed as somewhat light for a fast endurance bike back then".

     All true, although the article is bylined:

                   by Mat Brett May 25 2018  

    and a quick check of the Evans website suggests the bike is still nearly eight and a half kilos.

macbob wrote:   "If the original article was from 2014 when the SL5 was launched, then 8.55 Kg would have been viewed as somewhat light for a fast endurance bike back then".      All true, although the article is bylined:                    by Mat Brett May 25 2018       and a quick check of the Evans website suggests the bike is still nearly eight and a half kilos.

Unlike the German bikes this bike does come with boat anchors for wheels and wire bead tyres. Along with the 105 groupset that would explain most of the weight difference.

The review suggests though that the frame is fantatsic so a wheel + tyre upgrade would leave you wth a fantastic bike. Sure it would cost more than the German bikes but there's more to a bike than just it's weight.

Joe Totale wrote: macbob wrote:   "If the original article was from 2014 when the SL5 was launched, then 8.55 Kg would have been viewed as somewhat light for a fast endurance bike back then".      All true, although the article is bylined:                    by Mat Brett May 25 2018       and a quick check of the Evans website suggests the bike is still nearly eight and a half kilos.

European reviews of the Rose & UK and European reviews of the Canyon suggest the frames on both those bikes are excellent too. So the question is: do you want a lightweight bike with an excellent frame, a complete Ultegra groupset, highly regarded DT Swiss wheels and top drawer finishing kit... or do you want the Trek.

Or you could take the view that a bike is more than just a frame, a groupset, wheels, tyres and finishing kit in which case the big American brands with their overweight, under specced and overpriced offerings are for you.

"Updated May 25th  2018". It was a recycled article, hence my comment......

Why is this bike being compared to the  Boardman SLR Endurance Disc 9.0? The calliper version comes in at 7.6kg and gives you an almost complete Dura-Ace groupset and a better wheelset for only £99 more.  https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/products/242-slr-9.2-endurance.html

Did a few hundred KMs on a rented SL5 in Mallorca earlier this year.

Nice machine, although the most impressive element was the 105 groupset (especially the brakes), which is easy to find on other makes/models.

It was definitely comfortable, and reasonably light - although I couldn't say I noticed a huge improvement on my 725-framed Equilibrium. May be my own frame which means a couple of KG off the bike doesn't make much obvious difference, of course...

So certainly not a bad option but I'd be tempted to look around a bit more before splashing that sort of cash.

Decent / good frame with full 105, own brand everything else (bars, stem, seatpost, wheels, tyres, may be ok stuff) inc wheels which look very spokey. 

giant tcr advanced pro 2 would be a potentially better bike

in a sale at £1800 it has giant tcr frame (one of stiffest on market) giant slr carbon wheels and 105.

beaut bike would reccomend. Its weight is also 7kg

spinner98 wrote: giant tcr advanced pro 2...has giant tcr frame

Well that's very reassuring.

Incredibly generous considering the wheel supplied was in a dangerous condition.

An ordinary person may not have noticed the odd feeling and ridden it until it collapsed under them, throwing them under a car. It’s pretty serious. 

Prosper0 wrote: Incredibly generous considering the wheel supplied was in a dangerous condition. An ordinary person may not have noticed the odd feeling and ridden it until it collapsed under them, throwing them under a car. It’s pretty serious. 

Well that really depends, for most people that would have been picked up by the shop you purchased the bike from. For everyone who orders it direct I would expect them to check the wheel before riding it

Really? They'd notice the wheel not fitting between the brake pads a long time before collapsing.

Latest Comments

Surprise, surprise!...

If a jewellers left thousands of pounds in diamonds and gold on display in a shop window you'd call them insane. If a car dealer left all the keys...

I don't think I'd feel very comfortable with my bars up there. An upright position is great on an omafiets, if you want to have a good look around...

I luckily got an estate car from Wick, so transporting the bike has been super easy! ...

I assumed it would be a large number and its prime factors.

Yeah I've found that with my bike on Vittoria Rubino Pros. The bike feels much faster and livelier with a new set on.

I guess they'll paint double yellows, but that would kind of undermine the logic that you park (only) in a parking bay. ...

I'm surprised that there's no mention of the Engo 2 AR glasses: https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/09/the-engo-2-ar-sunglasses-put-your-workout-data...

So we have a story here about police partiality and you're talking about snitches? ...

Where do you put your lights?

Related Reviews

Specialized Roubaix SL8 Expert 2024

Specialized Roubaix SL8 Expert 2024

Sublimely smooth bike that is capable, versatile and comfortable without compromising performance

Merida Scultura 4000 2024

Merida Scultura 4000 2024

Fun, fast and comfortable race bike at an affordable price

Canyon Aeroad CFR AXS 2024

Canyon Aeroad CFR AXS 2024

Stunning performance right across the board from this versatile aero machine

Canyon Ultimate CFR AXS 2024

Canyon Ultimate CFR AXS 2024

Stunning performance thanks to excellent stiffness, a very low weight and a sublime ride quality

Trek Émonda 2018 range: lightweight all-rounders now disc equipped

  • Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

trek emonda sl 5 disc test

The Trek Emonda is the featherweight, all rounder in the brand's stable and the recently released 2018 models are the lightest yet.

The carbon bikes within the Trek Emonda range come in two standards: the SL and SLR – the latter being the lighter of the two. Both frame standards now come with the option of disc brakes.

>>> Trek bikes: which model is right for you?

The range also contains lightweight aluminium bikes in the Emonda ALR collection, though the only 2018 version currently available is the Shimano Ultegra equipped Trek Emonda ALR6.

2018 Trek Emonda: lightest ever and disc brake equipped

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.

The newest Trek Emonda SLR frame comes in at 650g, in a size 56cm, with the disc version tipping the scales at 665g. The slightly heavier SL versions are still hardly hefty, at 1091g and 1146g with disc brakes.

>>> Trek Emonda SL6 review

Trek Emonda

For 2018, Trek also increased the tyre clearance of the Emonda SL and SLR models to 28mm – going as far as to say that this addition, along with disc brakes, made the bikes fully capable of gravel and adventure riding duties. This is quite a claim on a bike that’s been tried and tested for pro racing by Trek Segafredo riders.

To cater for racers after adequate power transfer, developers of the lightweight frame have ensured that it continues to remain stiff.

Indeed, the newest 2018 model is said to be stiffer than previous versions across the frame, head tube, bottom bracket thanks to the use of the OCLV carbon layup which has been tested extensively by pro riders.

Trek Emonda Reviews

  • Trek Emonda SL5
  • Trek Emonda ALR 6
  • Trek Emonda SL6 2018

Alberto Contador's Trek Emonda SLR

Special features of the Trek Emonda SL and SLR

The disc models use a flat mount system. The non-disc brake models come with Trek’s own rim brakes: Bontrager Speed Pro Brakes.

They say these direct mount, tuneable rim brakes are lighter than other options. At 95g thanks to their hollow arms and titanium components, this is hard to argue with.

In terms of computer technology, Trek has centralised it all into its cockpit. Accordingly to the company, "Blendr Integration" seamlessly mounts Bontrager's cycling computer, Ion bike lights or even Garmin computers directly to the handlebars.

All of the bikes in the Emonda range also boast a ‘ride tuned seatmast’ which is created to be light whilst promoting comfort, dampening out rough roads.

The SLR models are lighter than the SL bikes, and use 700 Series OCLV carbon as opposed to 500 Series OCLV. They also feature ‘Control Freak Cable Management’ which allows for shifter and brake cables to be housed through the frame and they’re available with a Project One custom pain job.

Whilst the Emonda is race tested, most built bikes come in the H2 fit, which is the slightly more relaxed geometry when compared to more aggressive H1. However, SLR frames are available with H1 fit if you choose the 'Race Shop Limited' version.

Trek Émonda SLR weights and technical specs:

  • Émonda SLR frame = 640g
  • Émonda SLR disc frame = 665g
  • Émonda SLR fork = 313g
  • Émonda SLR disc for = 350g
  • 28c tyre clearance
  • H1 and H2 fit possible
  • Specs from Emonda SLR6 with Shimano Ultegra at £4,400 to Emonda SLR9 in Shimano Dura Ace Di2 for £8,500

Trek Émonda SL weights and technical specs:

  • 500 series OCLV carbon
  • Trek SL frame = 1019g
  • Trek SL disc frame = 1149g
  • Trek SL fork =313g
  • Trek SL disc fork = 350g
  • Émonda SL 5 (women's model) fork = 436g
  • Women's model available as Émonda SL 5
  • Specs from Emonda SL4 with Shimano Tiagra at £1,500 to Emonda SL7 with Shimano Dura Ace Di2 at for £4,400

TrekÉmonda ALR:

  • 300 Series Alpha aluminium
  • Specced with Shimano Ultegra on the ALR6 for £2,000

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Get The Leadout Newsletter

The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!

Hutch signs on at a time trial

By Michael Hutchinson Published 15 September 24

Michael Woods

Woods buoyed by recent Vuelta a España stage win as he gets set to race back on home turf

By Tom Thewlis Published 15 September 24

Useful links

  • Tour de France
  • Giro d'Italia
  • Vuelta a España

buyers-guides

  • Best road bikes
  • Best gravel bikes
  • Best smart turbo trainers
  • Best cycling computers
  • Editor's Choice
  • Bike Reviews
  • Component Reviews
  • Clothing Reviews
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us

Cycling Weekly is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

trek emonda slr 9 etap

The New Trek Émonda Is Faster Than Ever

Already one of the fiercest climbing bikes available, the new Émonda is even faster thanks to a dose of aero.

The Takeaway: The Émonda SLR is a benchmark pro race bike—and it’s surprisingly rider friendly.

  • It has 183 grams less drag than the previous generation, but the frame is only 33 grams heavier
  • There are 10 models starting at $2,699
  • SL models ($2,699 to $5,999) have the aerodynamic shaping and features but in a frame that’s about 400 grams heavier than the SLR
  • SLR models ($6,699 and up) use a new carbon fiber composite that’s 30 percent stronger than Trek’s previous top-of-the-line carbon.

Price: $11,999 as tested (Émonda SLR 9 eTap) Weight: 14.75 lb. (54cm) View Gallery

Update: On August 25, 2022, Trek Bicycles and the CPSC announced a recall of this Émonda SLR model to address an issue with the Bontrager Aeolus RSL VR-C handlebar and stem. The bike's carbon handlebar/stem can crack if overloaded, causing the rider to lose control of the bike. Customers are asked to stop using the bike and to contact their local Trek dealer.

For Émonda SLR bicycles, Trek will provide an individual handlebar and stem until an updated handlebar/stem combo is available.

Additionally, all customers who bring in their handlebars for replacement will also receive a $100 in-store credit that can be used toward any Trek or Bontrager merchandise through December 31, 2022.

Remember professional road racing ? It’s that thing where super skinny people go unbelievably fast up and down hills and fly over flat roads for hours at a time. It’s been a while since the pros have beat up on each other for our entertainment, but there might, hopefully, be some races on the horizon. When the races do resume, Trek’s pro riders will be aboard its new third-generation Émonda climbing bike. The new Émonda isn’t lighter, but it is faster thanks to a dose of aerodynamic tuning.

—Five Cool Details—

trek emonda slr 9 etap

Now With Aero

The new Émonda gets a major drag reduction with a tiny weight gain.

trek emonda slr 9 etap

Simple Seat Mast

The seat mast has lots of adjustment range, and an easy-to-use saddle clamp.

trek emonda slr 9 etap

Light and Slippery

The new Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 wheels are light, sleek, and stable.

trek emonda slr 9 etap

Wide and Threaded

The T47 bottom bracket has a wide stance, and user-friendly threads.

trek emonda slr 9 etap

A built-in chain watcher prevents unwanted derailments.

Making the new Émonda frame more aerodynamic wasn’t exactly a tough hurdle as the previous Émonda had virtually zero aerodynamic optimization. But adding meaningful aerodynamic benefit while achieving the frame stiffness expected of a pro-caliber race bike, maintaining the well-regarded handling properties of the previous Émonda, and adding rider-friendly features like a threaded bottom bracket—all with adding only 33 grams (SLR frame, claimed)—is quite a feat.

Below you’ll find my review of the Émonda SLR—I’ve been on it since early March—followed by a dive into the technology and features of the new bike, and a brief model breakdown.

Ride Impressions: Émonda SLR 9 eTap

trek emonda slr 9 etap

The Émonda SLR is a tool made to fulfill the needs of some of the world’s best road racers. This bike will never be as comfortable or versatile as a gravel bike. Going fast on pavement and climbing performance are its only goals. These are obvious facts, but that’s the lens through which it must be viewed. And through this lens, it is one of the very best.

The new Émonda was born out of a request from Trek’s pro racers and pitched as the company’s “fastest climbing bike ever.” So little surprise they set me up with the lightest model (the SLR 9 with SRAM Red eTap ), which also has a build kit almost identical to the team’s bikes. It’s also, excepting customized Project One builds, the most expensive model at a buck under 12 grand.

That massive pile of clams gets you an aerodynamic frame with disc brakes, power meter, and wireless electronic shifting that weighs less than 15 pounds (54cm). And that’s with a hefty T47 threaded bottom bracket unit, lustrous paint , clincher wheelset, a chain-watcher, standard butyl tubes, 37mm deep rims, 160mm disc rotors front and rear, and SRAM’s largest Red cassette (10-33). That’s “Holy shit!” impressive.

By cutting drag a ton without adding much weight, it’s hard to argue with Trek’s claim that the new Émonda is faster than the outgoing generation. But if you have any doubts, they’ll be erased when you ride it. This is an explosive bike: it feels as light as a feather and as solid as a steel girder at the same time.

trek emonda slr 9 etap

Trek’s Émonda has always been a raw and rowdy bike that feels a little wild and a bit dangerous in precisely the ways you want a race bike to feel: That’s not lost with the added aerodynamics. If anything, the new Émonda is even crisper and punchier than before, which is saying something.

preview for Tested

A small downside to all this fury is the Émonda’s smoothness. Light and stiff race bikes aren’t a smooth-riding lot to begin with, but even measured against a stiffer riding genre, the new Émonda is on the firmer end of the scale. Still, it escapes harsh or punishing labels—I did a six-hour ride on the Émonda on the stock 25 tires and didn’t feel worn down by its ride. Swapping to 28s helped a lot (no surprise) and were on the Émonda for the bulk of my testing. I’d suggest reserving the lighter and more aerodynamic stock 25s for racing or PR attempts—assuming good roads—and use 28s as daily drivers.

The Émonda’s handling is excellent. Well, let me caveat that: Road racing geometry is pretty uniform, so whether I’m on a current race bike from Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Cervélo, Canyon, Colnago, Wilier, Pinarello, BMC, Giant (etc., etc.), I find the broad strokes of their handling feel and performance quite similar. There wasn’t anything about the Émonda’s handling or cornering performance that set any new benchmarks for me, but there wasn’t anything to dislike either.

trek emonda slr 9 etap

It was quick and accurate, diving into corners with a light touch. It offered great feedback, so I always knew where I was relative to its and my limits, and I could count on it to be consistent and predictable. It was maybe a touch less settled in bumpy corners than the Specialized Tarmac, but the Émonda never broke traction or skipped. Overall, for such a light bike, the Émonda is remarkably solid and drama free. I’d have no qualms barreling down a technical alpine descent on the Émonda.

I received this test bike in early March, giving me plenty of time to ride it back to back with its primary competition—a Specialized S-Works Tarmac , what I consider the benchmark for aero-ized lightweight bikes. The Tarmac is smoother over the bumps and has a silkier feel overall, but the new Émonda feels more efficient, like it can go faster more easily.

I’ve also ridden a good slice of the Émonda’s competition, including the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX , Colnago V3Rs, Cannondale SuperSix Evo , Cervélo R5, Wilier Zero SLR , Pinarello Dogma F12 . These are all superb bikes, but I feel the Émonda is the class leader. It feels sharper and more explosive than all of them. It feels faster, and that’s what matters most in a race bike. But I also like that the Émonda is pretty straightforward and rider-friendly.

trek emonda slr 9 etap

For example, I swapped the stock one-piece bar/stem for a standard stem and round bar. One, I could run a standard bar and stem on this bike, which you can’t say about every modern race bike. And two, I didn’t have to pull any cables, wires, or hoses to make the swap: Again, something you can’t say about all race bikes. For the record, the shape of the one-piece Aeolus bar/stem is great, and the tops are the most comfortable to grab of all the aero-topped bars I've used. The only reason I swapped is my preferred length and width combination (110x40) wasn't available yet.

The BB is threaded, which makes it easier to service and replace than a press-fit (however, I was getting some noise out of the BB area, which I never resolved). The wheels employ standard offset, and it uses regular thru-axles. It’s compatible with pod-style power meters and mechanical shifting. Its signature seat mast is pretty much the only non-standard thing about this frame, and even then, it’s pretty user-friendly. There’s no cutting necessary, height adjustment is ample, the saddle clamp is easy to use, and it’s travel-case friendly.

trek emonda slr 9 etap

I expect so much from a modern high-end pro-level road racing bike that it’s hard to exceed those expectations. It’s rare when a bike does: The Émonda SLR is one of those rare bikes.

Team Request

The new Émonda is partially a result of a request from the Trek-Segafredo race team. “They are one of our primary customers,” said Jordan Roessingh, Trek’s director of road product. “And they started to realize that it’s not just weight, it’s not just stiffness and responsiveness, there’s this other thing—aerodynamics and speed—that’s also really important to be competitive and be faster on the bike. They had been one of the loudest voices saying, ‘We need the lightest-weight, stiffest bike possible.’ And now they started coming back saying ‘We need those things, but we also need the bike to be faster in order for us to be really competitive.’ ”

It is (comparatively) easy to make a light frame, it is easy to make a stiff frame, it is easy to make an aerodynamic frame. Making a frame that’s two of those three things is more challenging: Making a bike more aerodynamic usually makes it heavier, making a bike lighter typically makes it less stiff, etc. Making a frame that is light AND stiff AND aerodynamic enough to satisfy the demands of a top-level professional race team is extremely difficult.

trek emonda slr 9 etap

But not impossible. Many brands already make a light, stiff, and aero bike. The Specialized Tarmac is one, as are the Canyon Ultimate, the Cannondale SuperSix Evo, the Cervélo R5, the Wilier Zero SLR, the Pinarello F12, the Scott Addict, and the new Giant TCR . All of them seek to balance the three qualities—light, stiff, and aero—in the pursuit of the ideal race bike, and they all manage the balance differently. The common thread between these bikes: They’re all used by teams that compete against Trek-Segafredo.

Still Light, Now With Aero

The previous generation Émonda SLR Disc , launched in 2017, was an extremely light frame at 665 grams (claimed). But when a frame is already that light, it is much harder to make it even lighter. At least lighter enough to make a meaningful difference.

emonda drag chart

So, Trek took a different approach to making its climbing bike faster—instead of lighter, it made it more aerodynamic. The new Émonda frame is a touch heavier—yet still extremely light at 698 grams—but the bike has 183 grams less drag than the previous generation.

The important thing to note here is that, though the frame is more aerodynamic, the 183 gram drag reduction is not from the frame only. New wheels and a new aero bar (more info on both below) play a role. The specific setups Trek used to get that 183 gram number are: 2018 Émonda with 28mm-deep Bontrager XXX 2 wheels, and Bontrager XXX Bar/Stem Combo compared to the 2021 Émonda with 37mm deep Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 Wheels and Bontrager Aeolus RSL Bar/Stem Combo.

trek emonda slr 9 etap

Another drag saving upgrade: the housing, hoses and wires for the controls are almost fully inside the frame. They dive into the frame at the head tube passing through the upper headset bearing. The front brake hose runs into the fork steerer and down the left leg before popping out just above the brake caliper. The fork steerer’s flattened sides provide room for the rear brake hose and derailleur control lines to travel down and into the frame. Though it has flattened sides, the fork steerer is still compatible with standard 1 1/8” stems.

The overall drag reduction results in a bike that is 18 seconds per hour faster when climbing an 8.1 percent grade (the average grade of Alpe d’Huez ), and 60 seconds per hour faster on flat roads than the previous Émonda. Trek also claims the new Émonda is 13 seconds per hour faster than a Specialized Tarmac when climbing an 8.1 percent grade (all assuming the rider maintains a constant 350 watts).

Eight Point One Percent

With three qualities—aero, stiffness, weight—that work in opposition to each other, how do you decide how much to optimize one quality when you know it will negatively affect the other two? How aero is aero enough? At what point is improved aerodynamics offset by the weight added to get there?

The team behind the Émonda used a legendary climb to help them decide: Alpe d’Huez. “It represents an extreme example of what most people see on a regular basis when they’re doing a big climbing ride,” said Roessingh, “It’s around an 8 percent grade, and it’s about an hour-long climb for the pros—amateurs might go a little slower. It gives us a good understanding of what the benefit of a drag savings is relative to a weight savings.”

trek emonda slr 9 etap

By optimizing the weight and aerodynamic balance around this climb, Roessingh claims the Émonda is faster on Alpe d’Huez and also faster on everything shallower than the famous climb, “which is the vast majority of the environments that most riders are going to ride in, including the team,” said Roessingh. “So if we can say it’s faster up Alpe d’Huez, it’s going to be significantly faster everywhere because the flatter it is, the more aerodynamics benefit you.”

Computer-Aided Optimization

Achieving the weight to the aerodynamic balance of the new Émonda required careful design of each tube shape. Aiding the Émonda’s team was supercomputing horsepower. The abridged and simplified version of the process goes like this: into the computer was fed a rough draft of the shape based on Trek’s aerodynamic experience and other information like UCI regulations. The program then varies the tube’s parameters within a predefined range and spit back several iterations of the shape, each with a different weight to aerodynamic balance. The Émonda’s team evaluated the alternatives and picked the one most suited to its location in the frame and best able to help the frame achieve its overarching goal.

Roessingh says that Trek cannot afford to buy the computing hardware necessary to run the CFD and FEA optimizations (in a timely manner) that helped shape the new Émonda’s tubes. The processing happens in the cloud where Trek rents time on Google, Microsoft, or Amazon’s supercomputers. It’s more affordable than buying a supercomputer. Even so, it is not cheap, “Cloud computing is becoming a relatively significant budget line item for us because we’re doing so many of these optimizations in CFD and FEA and all that processing happens in the cloud.”

tube shape comparison of the generation two and three emonda

The new Émonda’s fork legs, head tube, down tube, seat tube, and seat stays all use a variation of a truncated airfoil. The top tube and chainstays, which have virtually no effect on drag, are optimized almost entirely for stiffness to weight.

In Trek’s line, the new Émonda’s aerodynamic performance is equal to the third generation Domane ; the Madone is still significantly more aero. But while the more aerodynamic Madone is faster in flatter terrain, once the climb hits about 5.5 percent, the lighter Émonda becomes the faster bike. And for many of the Trek-Segafredo team riders—and many amateurs—that means the Émonda is fastest when it matters most: the hardest part of a race or ride, which is almost always on a steep climb.

trek emonda slr 9 etap

OCLV 800 Carbon

Getting the new Émonda SLR to be as light as it is while adding aerodynamic shaping would not be possible without employing a new carbon-fiber composite, said Roessingh. The new OCLV 800 composite is 30 percent stronger than Trek’s previous top-of-the-line composite (OCLV 700). Because it is stronger, they can use less: By using OCLV 800, Trek’s team was able to make the Émonda SLR frame 60 grams lighter than if they used OCLV 700.

trek emonda sl 5

The Émonda SLR is very cool, but it’s also very expensive (bike prices start at $6,699). For the 99 percenters, there’s the Émonda SL (models start at $2,699).

The SL uses OCLV 500 composite, and the frame is quite a bit heavier than the SLR’s. The SL’s frame comes in at 1,142 grams, with a 380-gram fork (SLR fork weight: 365 grams).

But material (and weight) are the only difference between the SL and SLR.

Aeolus Bar Stem

While a ton of work made the Émonda’s frame tubes faster, a big chunk of the new bike’s drag savings comes from the one-piece Aeolus bar stem. It alone is responsible for 70 grams of the Émonda’s 183-gram drag reduction. This means that if a traditional stem and round bar are installed on the new Émonda, its drag advantage over the previous-generation bike drops to 113 grams. And it means that you can make any bike with a round bar and traditional stem significantly more aerodynamic by merely installing the Aeolus. Retail price is $650.

trek emonda slr 9 etap

The integrated Aeolus is made of carbon-fiber composite, of course, with a claimed weight of 297 grams (42x120). It’s offered in 14 length and width combinations, from 44x120 to 38x80. Hoses, housing, and wires run externally for easier service and repairs, but in a groove that keeps them out of the wind. A bolt-on plate keeps the control lines tucked and organized where they turn off the bar tops to run in line with the stem.

The Aeolus employs a mount that works with Bontrager’s line of Blendr accessories for mounting computers and lights.

Aeolus 37 Wheels

Another new Bontrager product rolling out with the Émonda is the Aeolus 37 wheelset. It comes in two models: the Aeolus RSL 37 (1,325 grams/pair, $2,400) and the Aeolus Pro 37 (1,505 grams/pair, $1,300).

trek emonda slr 9 etap

The RSL 37 is claimed to be lighter than Zipp’s 32mm-deep 202, yet more aerodynamic and more stable than Zipp’s 45mm-deep 303. Both wheels are disc brake only (only Center Lock interface), tubeless compatible, use DT-Swiss internals, have no rider weight limit, and come with a lifetime warranty.

Surprisingly Rider Friendly

Though the new Émonda is clean and integrated looking and uses high-performance standards, it is also remarkably rider-friendly. Cables, hoses, and housing run externally on the one-piece Aeolus bar/stem for easier repair and service (with one exception: wiring for a Shimano Di2 or Campagnolo EPS bar-end junction box runs partially inside the bar). If you prefer a more traditional cockpit, it can be run with a standard bar and stem with 1⅛-inch steerer clamp.

The bottom bracket uses the threaded T47 standard , which is compatible with almost all common crank-axle standards.

trek emonda slr 9 etap

Front and rear thru-axles are standard 12x100 and 12x142mm, and the wheels employ a standard dish. The standard flat mounts for the brake calipers are compatible with 140, 160, or 180mm rotors.

Tire clearance is officially 28mm, but that’s with a ton of extra space. I fit 32mm tires in the Émonda with ease.

And though all models do use a seat mast, it’s a no-cut variety with lots of adjustment range.

H1.5 Geometry

Trek did offer its top-of-the-line race bikes in the aggressive H1 geometry for riders seeking an ultra-long and low geometry, or H2 which was an endurance fit. The new Émonda is offered only in H1.5, which splits the difference between H1 and H2. The result is pretty typical dimensions for a modern race bike—a 54cm Émonda H1’s geometry is remarkably similar to a 54cm Specialized Tarmac.

There are eight sizes starting at 47cm and topping out at 62cm.

emonda sl 7 etap

There are 10 models of the new Émonda. SL models start at $2,699 and are priced up to $5,999. SLR models start at $6,699 and go up to $11,999.

Only SLR models come with the Aeolus integrated bar/stem stock; and only the Émonda SL 7 ($5,499) and up come with the Aeolus 37 wheelset.

The new Émonda is a disc brake-only platform.

Project One

The new Émonda is in Trek’s Project One paint and parts personalization program. If that’s not luxe enough for you, Trek’s Project One Ultimate program allows you to work with a designer to come up with a one-of-a-kind finish, and Trek will source any parts you want for your new bike.

emonda project one gold flake

Trek Émonda SLR 9 eTap

Émonda SLR 9 eTap

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

Bike Reviews

spot mayhem 140

The Spot Mayhem 140 is Brilliantly Unconventional

cervelo s5

The 13 Best Road Bikes of 2024

a woman riding a road bike

Firefly’s Custom Gravel Bike is Cycling Artwork

a person riding a bicycle

The 14 Best Electric Bikes, Tested by Our Editors

trek checkmate slr 9

Trek Checkpoint & Checkmate Gravel Bikes Reviewed

specialized allez sprint

This Bike Made Me Laugh, Cry, and Puke—Buy It!

crux dsw

The Specialized Crux DSW Is Simple and Brilliant

a person riding a bicycle

Best Hybrid Bikes You Can Buy Right Now

a person riding a bike on a trail in the woods

The 10 Best Mountain Bikes You Can Buy Right Now

giant tcr

Giant TCR Advanced Improves on Its Legacy

trek top fuel v4

Speed, Balance, Refinement: Trek's Gen 4 Top Fuel

trek madone 8

Tested: Trek’s Eighth-Generation Madone

Cyclonline.com

  • Bicycles news review test
  • Cycling Food Supplement Tips
  • Cycling tips
  • GDPR if you browse you accept it
  • Cookie if you browse you accept it

Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc 2024 road test ride review pros cons problems all you need to know

trek emonda sl 5 disc test

Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc 2024 road test ride review, all you need to know about Trek Emonda SL 5 2024, Trek Emonda SL5 2024 test, Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc 2024 weight, Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc 2024 opinions, Trek Emonda SL 5 problems, Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc defects.

  

Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc 2024 Road test review Build quality

We are at an entry level, a little further, but with a good value for money.

All well done and cared for, even if the bike is not light at all.

In fact, the total weight of the bike is about 8.8Kg, not a little, but not so far from the other models, which already cost twice as much.

In fact, direct competitors do no better.  

   

Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc 2024 Road Test Review Frame

The frame is well made, a heavier carbon is used in this version.

Having said this, the good availability of size and the excellent general construction quality should be noted.  

Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc 2024 Road Test Assemblies Review

The assembly is valid, basic but reliable.

Nothing to report except an overall weight not very suitable for an uphill bike, but it is almost impossible to do better starting from this price and with these components.  

Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc 2024 Road test Comfort review

It's not an endurance bike, like the Domane, but the ride comfort is more than good, almost a good alternative to the Domane.

Long bike rides are easily doable.

Among racing bikes it is one of the best ever.  

Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc 2024 Road Test Review Guide

The handling of all Trek Emonda racing bikes is similar, but not the same.

The more the weight of the bicycle increases, the more its stability and safety at high speeds increase.

The Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc 2024 therefore follows the driving skills of the SLR range, but with greater ease of driving and greater safety.

Fast and safe on descents, it is decidedly easier than the SLR versions and also the SL6 to drive at high speeds, safer, more stable and sincere in reactions.

Slightly less quick to enter corners, slightly less manageable, but much more stable.

Good braking.

Less scary at speed, better controlled, very little affected by crosswinds, very stable on bumpy roads; ultimately it is much less tiring than all the other Trek Emonda 2024 versions.  

Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc 2024 Road test review Performance

The weak point of this Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc is clearly the weight, competitive in its price range, but high in absolute terms.

Performance, therefore, is competitive with its direct competitors in terms of list price, but sufficient in absolute terms.

Clearly the high weight is discounted, especially uphill, where the differences with the other lighter Trel Emonda 2024 versions are more marked.

All in all, one version is as good as another on the plain, at least at an amateur level.

On the other hand, downhill, the performances are valid, except perhaps for braking, where the 105 group does not have that "bite" of Dura Ace or Ultegra.

It is however a balanced racing bike at ease on any route.

Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc 2024 Road test review Pros and cons

The Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc 2024 is a valid racing bike, with decent performance and good value for money.

Weight is its real limit.

This penalizes climbing performance.

On the plain, hills and downhill, however, its performance is good.

Downhill it can keep up with much more expensive racing bikes.

Maintenance isn't cheap or simple, but this is the fault of the market, which demands needlessly complex racing bikes.

The high weight is its fault, but there are no cheaper and lighter alternatives.

For more information write to: salvatelliluca @ hotmail.com

NDR: the photo does not refer to the specific bike being tested

Cyclonline.com

  • All 2025 bicycles bikes news info photo rumors review preview
  • Yeti Cycles SB 135 2024 off road test review pros and cons everything you need to know (really)
  • Bianchi e-Oltre 2024 price technical data sheet full review
  • MAHLE X30 eBike engine versions power performance autonomy characteristics problems and defects everything you need to know
  • Giant XTC Advanced SL 29 2024 off road test ride review all you need to know (really)

Food Supplements News

Integratorinews.it.

  • Integratori per Migliorare la Concentrazione: Una Guida Completa
  • Ricette vegane anti-stress
  • L'importanza dell'idratazione
  • Ricette vegane per la colazione
  • Ricette vegane per la cena
  • Ebikenews.it
  • Le migliori e-bike per la città: una guida completa
  • Le Migliori Marche di E-bike: Una Guida Completa
  • Come prendersi cura della tua e-bike: una guida completa
  • Le ultime novità nel mondo delle e-bike
  • Motore eBike MAHLE problemi e difetti segnalati dai suoi possessori

MotorBike News

Crazywheels.it.

  • Aprilia Tuareg 660 prova su strada e off road test pregi difetti prestazioni velocità massima tutto quello che devi sapere
  • In viaggio off-road con l'Aprilia Tuareg 660 gioie e dolori di una scelta
  • Offerte Promozioni moto e scooter SETTEMBRE 2024 elenco completo prezzi sconti migliori
  • Aprilia Tuareg 660 velocità massima top speed raggiunta
  • Aprilia Tuareg 660 problemi e difetti rilevati dai suoi possessori
  • Ciclonline.com
  • Calendario GranFondo Strada MTB Gravel E-Bike 2025 elenco completo
  • Nuova Titici Relli Pro Gravel 2024 2025 prezzo peso recensione scheda tecnica
  • E-MTB Light: Cosa Sono e Perché Costano Tanto? Vantaggi e Svantaggi Rispetto a una MTB Muscolare e una E-MTB Tradizionale
  • Assumere MALTODESTRINE nel ciclismo: quando prenderle, dosi, effetti, controindicazioni, pericoli, migliori marche, la guida completa che devi conoscere
  • Assumere aminoacidi ramificati nel ciclismo: quando prenderli, dosi, effetti, controindicazioni, pericoli, migliori marche, la guida completa che devi conoscere
  • Autopromonews.it
  • Auto invendute quasi regalate elenco completo offerte
  • offerte e promozioni auto nuove SETTEMBRE 2024 tutte le offerte migliori sempre aggiornate
  • Meglio Hyundai Tucson o Kia Sportage comparativa pregi difetti problemi costi di gestione prestazioni su strada consumi, quale SUV MEDIO scegliere
  • Meglio Audi Q2 o BMW X1 comparativa pregi difetti problemi costi di gestione prestazioni su strada consumi, quale SUV MEDIO scegliere
  • VOLVO XC40 guida all'acquisto dell'auto usata cosa controllare difetti conosciuti e meno conosciuti quotazioni quali sono le annate migliori e su quali modelli puntare

Our Magazines!

  • Crazywheels.it
  • Integratorinews.it
  • www.cyclonline.com

what are the qualities of a good oral presentation

what are the qualities of a good oral presentation

  • business plan
  • course work
  • research paper
  • Complete Bikes
  • Triathlon & TT
  • Specialized

It's time for an upgrade!

Explore our Components section and level up your cycling experience

  • BMC AG2R Citroën
  • DSM-Fiermenich PostNL
  • Pinarello Ineos Grenadiers Team 2023
  • Bianchi Arkéa-Samsic Pro Cycling Team
  • Specialized Dream Team
  • Cervélo Jumbo Visma Team
  • De Rosa Cofidis Team
  • Cannondale EF Pro Cycling Team
  • Colnago UAE Emirates Team
  • Giant Jayco Alula Team
  • Guerciotti Bardiani Team
  • Merida Bahrain Victorious Team
  • Pinarello Ineos Grenadiers Team 2021
  • Scott DSM Team 2021
  • Wilier Astana Qazaqstan Team
  • Computer GPS
  • Power Meter
  • Bottle Cage

Trek Emonda SL 5 2023 - Shimano 105 Disc - Bontrager Paradigm TLR

  • Is this bike new or used? What color is it?

The condition is written in gray above the title, and the color is indicated in the specs.

  • Can I see real images of this bike?

New products are not in stock at the moment, but will be ordered to our provider the moment your payment is complete. For this reason, we don’t have any pictures of it.

  • The description and the pictures don’t match, which one is correct?

If you are looking at a new product, please refer to the description.

At Bikeroom, we ensure your bike arrives ready for adventure. With expert packaging, trusted carriers, and real-time tracking, we deliver your ride safely to your doorstep. If you want to know more about our shipping methods check out our shipping page .

Is your bike not as you expected? No worries: you can return it within 14 days.

Enjoy our one-year warranty on all second-hand products and the two to five-year manufacturer’s warranty on all new ones.

Size calculator

  • Position yourself barefoot and upright against a wall, ensuring your heels, back, shoulders, and head are touching it. Keep your gaze forward and chin slightly down.
  • Gently set a book on top of your head, then align it gently against the wall to ensure it's level with the ground.
  • Take the measurement from the base of the book straight down to the floor to determine your height.
  • Dress in cycling bibs, tights, or snug-fitting underwear and stand without shoes, your back against a wall.
  • Place a book between your legs, mimicking the position of a bike saddle, and snugly raise it up to your crotch.
  • Measure the distance from the top of the book straight down to the floor to find your inner leg length.

trek emonda sl 5 disc test

Your new partner

Embrace the journey ahead with a bike that's more than just a ride — it's a companion. Together, create memories, conquer challenges, and savor the freedom of every pedal. Your new partner awaits, ready to share the road with you.

Emonda SL 5

Shimano 105 Disc

Bontrager Paradigm TLR

trek emonda sl 5 disc test

Checkout services for new bikes

Elevate your riding experience with our selection of services. From advanced performance upgrades to bespoke customizations, tailor your new bike to fit your style and ambition. Make it more than new — make it uniquely yours.

Shipping resistant

How we ship your bike

Rest assured, your bike's safety is our priority. Discover how our secure packaging ensures your ride arrives in perfect condition. Trust in our commitment to deliver excellence.

Bikeroom verified

Rigorous inspection for every item, every time. Our Bikeroom verification process ensures that each product meets our high standards for quality and performance.

Secure payments

Your security is paramount. Experience safe and seamless transactions with our robust, secure payment system, protecting your information at every step.

Warranty and returns

We offer you a 1-year guarantee on all your orders (2 for new products). Does your order no longer convince you? No problem, we guarantee 14 days to return your item.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please visit our Help Hub if you need more help.

If you are located anywhere in the EU, the displayed price already includes VAT and no other charges apply to your order, as we ship all our bikes from Milan, Italy.

If you are located outside the EU, import fees and/or VAT or GST apply. Those are not included in the price and will be collected by the courier before or after the delivery takes place.

Currently, this payment method is only available for Italian residents. You will be able to select it along with credit card payment, PayPal or bank wire.

Unfortunately, this won’t be possible. However, you can add your preferences in the order notes: should we have the chance to get you the desired configuration, we will be happy to provide it.

If you purchase a brand-new product, you will be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. This applies worldwide.

As per the European Consumers’ Law, you are entitled to a 14-day return period.

Please notify Bikeroom in a timely manner if you wish to send your bike back. Your refund will be issued as soon as your bike arrives at our deposit and our mechanics confirm that it’s in the same condition it was before leaving our premises.

Bikeroom is currently unable to ship e-bikes via air. For this reason, we cannot sell this product category outside of Europe.

Furthermore, some brands cannot be sold to specific countries. Please contact your local retailer of that brand to get their best offer.

Bikeroom is constantly looking to offer as many products as possible. Because our listed items mainly depend on our distributors net, our offer depends on their availability.

The shipping time is indicated on the product ad.

Discover the ultimate in cycling excellence with the Trek Emonda SL 5 high-end bicycle, available now at Bikeroom. The Trek Emonda SL 5 is equipped with an advanced Shimano 105 Disc groupset for smooth and efficient gear shifting, paired with top-of-the-line undefined brakes to ensure maximum control and safety on all terrains. Its expertly crafted Bontrager Paradigm TLR wheels enhance aerodynamics and reduce rolling resistance, allowing for higher speeds with less effort. Whether you're tackling steep climbs or cruising through city streets, the Trek Emonda SL 5 delivers exceptional performance and stability. This brand-new high-end bicycle also comes with the assurance of the manufacturer's warranty, so you can ride with confidence. Key Features: Groupset: Shimano 105 Disc Brakes: undefined Wheels: Bontrager Paradigm TLR Warranty: Manufacturer's warranty included Upgrade your cycling experience with the Trek Emonda SL 5, available at bike-room.com . Embrace innovation, reliability, and unparalleled performance. Visit us today and ride into the future of cycling with a bike that sets new standards in the industry.

Join the club

Exclusive offers, news and contents feeding your passion. No spam, just BIKES!

Your next bike, one click away.

  • Verification process
  • How we ship
  • Work with us
  • Pro ambassadors
  • Terms of Service
  • Bike finder
  • Do not sell or share my personal information
  • Cervélo Jumbo Visma
  • Colnago UAE Emirates
  • De Rosa Cofidis
  • Entry Level
  • Budget Friendly

© 2024 Bikeroom, All rights reserved. VAT number: 041 116 109 88 - Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 1, Brescia (BS) Italy. Powered by Shopify

Your cart is currently empty.

All-new Trek Emonda ALR takes lightweight frame tech to alloy models

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

2016 Trek Emonda ALR 6 lightweight alloy race road bike with Ultegra

When Trek announced their Emonda carbon road bike line , they backed up their “world’s lightest” claims with an impressive frame and fork and an even more impressive 10.25lb (4.6kg) complete bike. Now, they’re adding an alloy Emonda ALR option that’s also lightweight yet far more affordable.

To earn the Emonda badge, the frame uses their top-level 300-series Alpha Aluminum that’s been hydroformed into size specific tubes, then welded together using a no-see technique that produces smooth joints that use less material to save weight.

The process is called Invisible Weld Technology, which they say produces stronger, stiffer welds despite using less material. Video, pics and more details below…

2016 Trek Emonda ALR 6 lightweight alloy race road bike with Ultegra

Trek told us the unpainted frame is 1050g (56), and a painted fork is 358g w/240mm steerer.

Like the ultralight Emonda carbon models, the ALR uses their H2 race geometry, E2 tapered headtube (standard 1-1/8″ to 1-1/2″) and wide Pressfit BB 86.5, meaning this bike is made to go fast. Other frame details include a braze-on front derailleur mount (no need to add a clamp if you’re getting the frameset) and external cable routing.

2016 Trek Emonda ALR 6 lightweight alloy race road bike with Ultegra

We’ve requested a more technical description of the welding process (update as we get it), but the frame is only part of the story. The complete bikes come equipped with built-in extras like the a Blendr stem with integrated light/computer mount, and it has Duotrap S compatibility (their ANT+/Bluetooth 4.0 speed/cadence sensor, sold separately for about $60).

You also get a complete group, so the Emonda ALR 6 with Ultregra gets a full Ultegra group from chain to brakes to cassette and everything else. There are no mis-matched parts or down spec’d bits to cut costs. A full carbon fiber tapered fork completes the package.

2016 Trek Emonda ALR 6 lightweight alloy race road bike with Ultegra

The Emonda ALR will initially come in two builds, the “6” with full Ultegra, Bontrager Race tubeless ready wheels with R2 tires, and a Bontrager cockpit with alloy short reach/drop bar and carbon seatpost for $2,249.99. Our local Trek Bike Store says complete bike weight is claimed at 17.25lb (7.82kg).

2016-Trek-Emonda-ALR-alloy-lightweight-race-road-bike-6

The Emonda ALR 5 drops down to a full Shimano 105 group with non-series Bontrager tubeless ready alloy wheels, R1 tires and a full alloy Bontrager cockpit for $1,759.99. Claimed weight is 18.77lb (8.51kg), colors will be the gloss black/hi-viz yellow and blue shown here, plus a racing red coming soon.

2016 Trek Emonda ALR lightweight alloy race road bike frameset with carbon fiber fork

The frameset shares the same paint scheme as the “6” and comes with an FSA sealed cartridge bearing headset for $989.99. The frames have a lifetime warranty carrying a 275lb rider weight limit.

Just for fun, here’s the companion lifestyle video.

All three models shown here are available now and should hit stores soon. Our sources tell us there’ll also be an Emonda ALR 5 with Tiagra, an ALR 8 with Dura-Ace mechanical and ALR 9 with Dura-Ace Di2 coming soon. That last model suggests they’ll have an electronic-only frame, too, since these first models only have external cable routing. At the very top, in terms of light weight anyway, will be the ALR 10 with a full SRAM Red group.

TrekBikes.com

' src data-src=

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com , where he’s been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel and ride in new places.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler also loves the Vanlife & family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part and off-grid adventure.

guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Scoobie

looks like a rebadged Allez

pfs

The invisible welding looks a lot like what pretty much every other company calls smooth welding. And has been using for years. You weld the tube normally then go back over it without filler material and “reweld” it. The process smooths out the weld and helps it wet out. REVOLUTIONARY TREK!!!

Robert W

Interesting that they are using hydroformed tubes but didn’t choose the aero tube shapes of the Madone design.

ElPablo

@Robert W – my sources say the Madone is on the way out. & if the story is about weight vs. areo it would make sense to mimick the emonda shapes. Also, the 2 series aluminum frames are already Madone-esqe.

JBikes

I always find it funny that companies state how they’ve extensively optimized tube shapes for their flagship carbon fiber bikes, but then seemingly can successfully apply those shapes to materials with very different properties. There is a little marketing lie in their somewhere.

Anyway. Glad to see these Al bikes. CF has been getting too pricey fort me.

Ck

I like how they quote an unpainted frame weight, then only offer it in a painted variety. But lets also make sure we pair that unpainted weight with a painted fork weight.

Durianrider

Looks legit. Seeing they are coming out of the Giant factory why not put on the overdrive 2 fork and stem and really take it next level?

Greg

Aluminum, how quaint.

Roy

Why not sell them unpainted if they weight them unpainted? JBikes if I read you right what your saying is the shapes have far mo9re to do with design than engineering.all thes tube shapes are probaly coming from kitchen appliance design firm and they bs riders who rarely go over 20mph that aero is worth buying a new bike for

Colin M

That Bontrager cycling kit is pretty damn nice. “Understated” as the hipsters like to say.

Colin

How about US made aluminum, with giant tubes, some internal routing, and some really funky paint jobs. Oh wait…

JB4605

Hasn”t specialized already been doing this for like 3 years now? And better welded joints? Revolutionary-nothing is more like it, just another slightly modified copy frame.

Roy – no I was just commenting on the fact it’s stated how non aero tube shapes are optimized for carbon fiber for whatever properties (stiffness, weight, ride) but then a vastly different material can achieve the same with the same tube shapes? I’m sure they vary material thickness and such, but given the vast difference in CF and Al, I’d think tube shapes would vary more between the two materials, unless the CF and Al frames ride completely different.

Andrew

Jesus, tough crowd. Lightweight aluminum, full component groups and small price tags… Sounds good to me.

MikeC

Full Ultegra! Well… except the wheels. Of which, the Bontrager Race spec is a few notches below Ultegra…

djbutcher13

y’all are haters. you can pick on the marketing and on random bits and pieces but in the end this is the bike you’re going to start seeing at all the local crits and races. So they have weird marketing, worry about the bike and what it can do for you.

JC

Aluminum is the new carbon.

josh

Yeah a bunch of haters here, Go buy a Specialized because they are not owned by the big man, Oh wait, Specialized is own by a conglomerate, and Trek is family owned. Seems like most people don’t understand the definition of “the man” Don’t hate on them just because you don’t like it that more people ride Trek than any other brand in the US.

Ronin

@Durianrider, you’re killing me! Lol

Ventruck

When you think about it, it’s a bike people actually look for: Workhorse, and the no-nonsense but clean aesthetic.

Considering the Propel SLR might not come stateside, as well as the update TCR SLR before it, it’s nice to have another potential alloy option on the market that isn’t an Allez or CAAD.

Andy

I really like where Trek is going with their new paint schemes. Very minimal branding and no stupid racing stripes and decals. Keep it premium!

JasonK

Jbikes: I understand why you’re asking about why two frames with different materials have the same tube shapes, but in fact they probably should have the same shapes.

In the bike industry (and many others), it’s common practice to design using isotropic material properties (e.g., with aluminum) for a first pass. The resulting stiffness (quantified through FEA) ensures you’re getting the most sectional modulus you can out of a given tube shape. Only then do you go back and design a laminate schedule with anisotropic materials (e.g., carbon fiber).

This allows the designer to clearly separate the modulus (stiffness) due to tube shape and the modulus due to the laminate schedule. That way, each can be optimized as a discrete step.

Except for a few corner cases, optimal frame tube shape is material-independent. Surprising but true!

Matt

Looks like a great bike at a good price. I love nice aluminum race bikes. But why no H1 geometry option? It irks me that companies (not just Trek) spec the really race oriented stuff at the high-end of the price scale. I know a short head tube doesn’t work for everyone but why not give us the option? What does the size of your wallet have to do with your flexibility?

Neilthemeal

I’m wondering if some of the frames are anodized, so unpainted weight would be pretty relevant.

JasonK – thanks! Great info. Never really thought of it that way but it makes sense.

jaxgtr

I like the emonda and the CrossRip frame for my commuter. I would seriously consider if I was in the market and carbon was not an option.

Craig

Man that’s a light frame. Nice to see they are using full groupset specs.

I wonder if the welding is a form of aluminium brazing using a lower melting temperature brazing rod. I think this is what Shimano do with the external reinforcing tabs on the aluminium rims. This is supposed to be lower strength than welding but coming up with some newer technology is not beyond Trek’s resources. Or maybe they have come up with a way to modify the pulse action of a TIG welder with a certain filler wire application. Either way, the old double pass method for aluminium is old hat now.

Most companies claim unpainted frame weights. Use this general guide: If a company says “…painted frame weight is…” then it’s including paint. If they don’t specifically say painted then you can guarantee it’s an unpainted frame weight.

The only reason I wouldn’t buy one of these is the head tube is too tall…

BeeJay

I applaud Trek for coming out with a ‘light’ and ‘inexpensive’ aluminum frameset but I’m still not sold on the H2 geometry.

Sincerely, Worlds longest head tube.

Patrick

I like the option of a high end aluminum frame as well….but this one misses the mark for me because trek refuses to make any bike with its “racer” H1 geometry that doesn’t cost at least 4,500 for a frameset. If they only would make H1 options of their emonda sl frame or this new all I’d buy one in a second. Trek already makes a million bike models….why not better fit options? Ever since they did away with the 6 series madone the options for the budget conscious racer have gone to zero. Bleh. And more seatmast length options trek!

Adam

Nearly the same weight as a Cannondale frame that was first manufactured out of the same material about 6 years ago

Gummee!

I think this will make a GREAT race frame.

Certainly beats trying to replace a carbon frame someone broke for you in that ‘last corner of the criterium’ crash.

If I see one more I’m-so-flexible-I-can-stick-my-head-up-my-ass comment about the lack of H1 geometry, I might give up trolling comments on bike rumor all together. Seriously, 5 years at a Trek dealer and we sold maybe 3 H1 bikes (all as special order). We ordered dozens more project 1 bikes in the ‘normal’ H2. Working now at a Cervelo dealer I have very few people balk at the head tube height, and MOST are running a positive angle on the stem anyways. At 6’3″ I run 14cm of bar drop. I have had zero issue getting a proper fit on stock bikes, including Trek. Currently on the newly updated (i.e. market norm) stack of the 2015 Cervelo S5 I still have 15mm of spacers under my stem. If H2 geo just doesn’t do it for you, grab a Cannonade with a low profile headset cap and go ride. They are making a bike for the largest market, obviously the budget racers this bike is designed for are too busy riding their bikes to complain on Bike Rumor…..

AJ

Looks like a great bike for the money and your avg rider. Nothing wrong with that. Kudos too for specing a complete group build, awesome!

mark

Waiting for my ALR 5 to arrive!! Last bike I bought was in 1986, a Myata One Ten. Hopefully this one will last another 29 years.

mike

uhhh… the allez actually looks good

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/road/allez/allez-comp-race

the only thing actually missing from these frames are some colorway options like the tarmacs

internet stoke

i had a domane and the headtube was too tall.

i might get one of these. its pretty affordable all things considered.

Psi Squared

There doesn’t seem too much, if anything at all, to complain about here. The Emonda ALR frame MSRP is right in line with a CAAD10 frame MSRP ($10 cheaper actually). It looks good, and it’s certainly not a heavyweight bike. If it rides as good as it looks, it will be a great deal.

pilf

@MikeC – Are you kidding? I haven’t seen anyone refer to a full groupset as including the wheel since like 1999. Some people are just desperate to find something to bitch about. The Bontrager Race wheels are great. They only weigh 200g more than the Ultegras, and unlike every Shimano wheel, they are specced completely with off-the-shelf parts that are easily purchasable in any bike shop.

@Adam – Yes, because Cannondale were the first company with an aluminum racing bike. You forget the Trek, via Klein, were making awesome lightweight aluminum race bikes when Cannondale was still welding together soda cans.

@H1 Lovers – You’re all on crack. A quarter of the Trek pros don’t even ride the H1, and I promise you that you are not that fast. I can also tick off a list of local heroes, Cat 1 and PRO dudes, who get by just fine on the H2, usually preferring it to the H1.

@Psi – And the Trek is clearly much better specced than the Cannondale, with an Ultegra crank and Bontrager Race wheels, not to mention a cockpit that won’t require immediate replacement.

Jdog

Wait to you see the next gen cannondale frame before you jump on this..

badbikemechanic

I am happy this exists. Buyers beware if you crash this thing it’s probably going to dent up like tinfoil.

@badbikemechanic – What makes you say that? There is a generation of high end aluminum out there that holds up just fine to the rigors of daily life. I personally have an aluminum Allez that I regularly leave locked up outside of bars, the grocery store, as well as race, and it hasn’t even scratched the anodized finish yet.

As always, opinions abound….and everyone is “right.” The H1 vs. H2 debate is clearly a hotter topic than I thought. What it boils down to though is “choice.”

Trek offers the option, meaning there are people that prefer it. I rode a 60 cm H1 Madone 6 series last year, and absolutely loved it. Sadly it was a team bike and I had to give it back at the end of the year. In looking for a replacement I want a bike with similar geometry, but don’t want to spend 4,500 to have the OPTION to get the geometry I like. The head tube on the H1 is 18 cm…compared with 21 cm on the H2. That is a LARGE difference. I don’t think anyone is right or wrong to ride whatever geometry they like. All I’m saying is that for me…the H1 geometry is perfect, and I don’t need to run a -17 stem to get my preferred position of the bike. Being a pro, being fast or slow, is irrelevant. I would just like to see the option available at a reasonable price point.

Tom

These bikes are epic. And yes, they blow the competition out of the water.

dG

About time Trek offers something for the Joe-Racers out there. Yes, carbon is super nice but you guess what: so is aluminum. I have a locally-made Aluminum bike and it rides *amazing*. So did my old Caad7 and I bet Specialized’s aluminum bike is also fantastic. We need more people in the sport, and to do that we need a much lower entry-level bar. if for $2,200 you get a nice Al Trek with good geometry, good wheels (i own the bontis tlr and they’re indestructible and readily serviceable), good parts and cockpit that are either race-ready or hammer-ready, then god bless Trek. For the record i own a cannondale six and it’s a phenomenal bike. but my aluminum rig is my favorite. way to go, Trek – kudos indeed.

SoClose

Arguing that “some pros ride H2, therefore nobody needs H1” is well, just a poor excuse for an argument. An H1 aluminum Emonda would be a hit, and I would purchase one as soon as it were available. I’ve owned and ridden both H1/H2 models, and greatly prefer the H1. As an aside, direct mount breaks on this beast would be the icing on the cake. Think about it Trek.

zanetti

This bike compared with the new caad 12 is nothing …

Eric Hansen

I’ve got a current model year Allez smartweld frame built up with full 105 and tubeless Shimano wheels. I certainly didn’t do it for $1760 retail, but then some parts on my bike (bars, saddle, tires) are from a very much higher trim level. I’ve also got all the accessories (cages, tools, &c) in my price, and I was unable to use the economy of scale a manufacturer can.

ANYWAY. The ride quality of my Allez is nothing short of amazing considering. It is *as smooth* as my steel 3-speed with 38mm tires over brick roads. I have no problems riding the Allez a hundred miles, though I run out of water. The Allez smartweld is making me completely re-think aluminum as a frame material, especially for amateur racer types.

These Treks seem to DIRECTLY compete with the Allez smartweld introduced last year, which is great, since it engenders competitive designs. When you get an Allez Comp (with 105), you pay less, but you miss out on the excellent 5800 brakes and crankset, and get bog standard training wheels. Moving up to an Allez Expert (with Ultegra), gets you a full groupset with carbon SL-K crank and ‘Fulcrum’ wheels at a competitive price.

I’d love to ride these Treks back to back with my Allez.

JoeD

I am happy to see Trek jump into the “high end” aluminum market. I have owned & loved several iterations of CAAD’s. I have also read good things about Specialized redesigned Allez frames. I am now hearing of a redesigned CAAD12(?) to be released later this Summer…(anyone else hearing any details?) I would have liked to have seen a disc version from Trek… (Spec as well.) I believe that road disc offerings from every manufacturer will increase exponentially once the pro’s are riding them. I wanted my next road bike purchase to have discs so that I can look for second set of wheels that will be future proof…(thru-axles coming next?) I had my eye this year’s CAAD10 Rival disc, hoping the boys at Cannondale offer an Ultegra disc spec on the CAAD12 later this year. 🙂

sfields

Just ordered my alr 6 today! I work at a trek dealer, and I have to say H2 is usually great for 99% of our customers, and they usually have the stem flipped up. For the 1% of people that actually want that huge bar drop, you can always size down and make it look super pro with a longer stem! Nothing wrong with that!

Follow Us On

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive BikeRumor content direct to your inbox.

trek emonda alr 6 test

trek emonda alr 6 test

  • Émonda SL 5

We’ll make this a great experience

It’s our mission to provide you with world-class hospitality every time you visit us online or in-store. We’ll always take care of you. It’s the Trek way.

Delivered the way you want

Get your bike delivered to your local shop, directly to your home, or fully assembled and brought to your doorstep. Whatever’s best for you, we’ve got you covered.

30-day Unconditional Guarantee

If for any reason you’re not 100% happy with your online order from trekbikes.com, you can return it in like-new condition within 30 days. No questions asked.

No image available

"One of the fiercest climbing bikes available, the new Émonda is even faster thanks to a dose of aero"

"I expect so much from a modern high-end pro-level road racing bike that it’s hard to exceed those expectations. It’s rare when a bike does: The Émonda SLR is one of those rare bikes."

No image available

"It's an incredible update from Trek"

"The updated Emonda packs one helluva punch, and Trek has a winner on its hands. The integrated cockpit is nice and all, but the real win is the H1.5 fit, which makes the Emonda feel more stable while maintaining the aggression and responsiveness of previous Emondas. That, coupled with a lightweight construction, comfortable ride, and aerodynamic shaping, brings Trek's top of the line climber from a very good bike to an excellent one."

No image available

"The Emonda is still light, and it’s still stiff, but now there’s an extra dose of free speed"

"Overall, Trek has done a solid job here of updating the Emonda, infusing meaningful improvements in several key areas, but without breaking the basic formula that has made the bike so popular."

More options

Posted 2024-08-04 20:29

Contact Information:

Trek Emonda SL6 56cm - $2,000

Trek Emonda SL6 56cm 1

QR Code Link to This Post

post id: 7772494771

posted: 2024-08-04 20:29

updated: 2024-09-09 18:37

♥ best of [ ? ]

refresh the page.

Trek Emonda SL6 56cm - bicycles - by owner - bike sale - craigslist

I have a 2020 Trek Emonda SL6. It is a carbon frame, carbon fork, carbon seat post with Shimano Ultegra components. It comes with hydraulic disc brakes, an Arione stiff seat with Speedplay Pedals....

IMAGES

  1. Review: Trek Émonda SL 5 Disc

    trek emonda sl 5 disc test

  2. Review: Trek Émonda SL 5 Disc

    trek emonda sl 5 disc test

  3. Review: Trek Émonda SL 5 Disc

    trek emonda sl 5 disc test

  4. Trek Émonda 2021 Test: Endlich aero

    trek emonda sl 5 disc test

  5. Trek Émonda SL 5 Disc

    trek emonda sl 5 disc test

  6. Review: Trek Émonda SL 5 Disc

    trek emonda sl 5 disc test

VIDEO

  1. 2018 Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc (6 month review)

  2. Trek's Most Exciting NEW BIKE of 2023

  3. 7.17kg All Rounder road bike

  4. 価格帯別おすすめロードバイクを1台だけ選んでみた

  5. NEW 2023 Trek Emonda ALR vs Specialized Allez Sprint

  6. 2022 Trek Emonda SL 6 eTap Test Ride!

COMMENTS

  1. Review: Trek Émonda SL 5 Disc

    Trek's Émonda SL 5 Disc is a solid all-round race bike offering great handling, a stiff platform for performance and a comfortable riding position, plus it's all wrapped up in a minimalistic, clean-looking package. ... As an experiment I switched the SL 5's wheels for a pair of 1,400g Scribe Élan Wide+ 42-D wheels I had on test, and that ...

  2. Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc review

    How does the Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc compare to other road bikes in terms of performance, comfort and value? Read our review to find out.

  3. Review: Trek Emonda SL 5

    Take a look at the Trek Emonda SL 5. It's a fast and nimble road bike that puts in an exceptional performance for its price. ... As well as the Emonda SL 6 Disc mentioned earlier, there's an Emonda SL 7 Disc, equipped with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset and Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3 Tubeless Ready wheels, for £4,400. ... road.cc test report. Make ...

  4. Trek Émonda 2018 range: lightweight all-rounders now disc equipped

    The newest Trek Emonda SLR frame comes in at 650g, in a size 56cm, with the disc version tipping the scales at 665g. The slightly heavier SL versions are still hardly hefty, at 1091g and 1146g ...

  5. 2020 Trek Émonda SL 5 Disc

    Apr 2018 · Manuel Buck, Robin Schmitt, Benjamin Topf. With a weight of just 6.89 kg and the slightly more relaxed H2 geometry, the Trek Émonda SLR 8 Disc Project One is in line to take over the endurance throne. With its "Radioactive Yellow" finish it definitely stands out in our test field - the ultimate Safety-First look.

  6. The Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc: The most well-rounded bike on the road

    Good day everyone. Today's episode of "Bicycle Showcase" will feature the Emonda SL 5 Disc. Émonda SL 5 Disc is a lightweight carbon road bike with a balance...

  7. Trek Émonda Review

    SLR models ($6,699 and up) use a new carbon fiber composite that's 30 percent stronger than Trek's previous top-of-the-line carbon. Price: $11,999 as tested (Émonda SLR 9 eTap) Weight: 14.75 ...

  8. 2023 Trek Émonda SL 5

    Trek's Latest Émonda ALR Is as Good as Aluminum Road Bikes Get. Sep 2023. Dialed geometry, smooth welds, and an excellent ride feel add up to make the latest aluminum Émonda ALR a great alternative to pricier carbon bikes. Highs. A great riding aluminum frame with dialed fit and geometry. Mostly easy to service, adjust, and upgrade.

  9. 2021 Trek Émonda SL 5 Disc

    Trek Émonda SL 5 Disc. Apr 2022 · Stu Kerton. The Émonda is a classic all-rounder, fun, fast and stiff, although this model isn't the lightest. Highs. ... Emonda SL full carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axle. Bottom Bracket:

  10. Émonda SL 5 Disc

    Émonda SL 5 Disc is lightweight carbon road bike with a balanced ride quality, superior handling characteristics, and the added benefit of hydraulic disc brakes for all-weather stopping power. It's a great choice for century rides on hilly terrain, big climbs, and speedy descents. Compare. Color / Matte Trek Black/Gloss Viper Red. Select a color.

  11. Émonda SL 5 Disc

    Émonda SL 5 Disc is a lightweight carbon road bike with a balanced ride quality, superior handling characteristics, and the added benefit of free speed thanks to aero tube shaping. It's a great choice for century rides on hilly terrain, windy flats, and speedy descents. Compare. Color / Carbon Blue Smoke/Metallic Blue.

  12. Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc 2023 road test ride review all you need to know

    The Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc 2023 is a valid racing bike, with decent performance and good value for money. Weight is its real limit. This penalizes climbing performance. On the plain, hills and downhill, however, its performance is good. Downhill it can keep up with much more expensive racing bikes.

  13. Emonda SL5

    Upgrading wheels on the SL5 makes it a totally different bike going from alloy w/ tubes and steel beads to carbon w/ tubeless and folding beads. No professional fit will change the wheels. I have a 2020 Domane SL5 and had no idea how freaking garbage the stock wheels are, at least from a weight perspective.

  14. Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc 2024 road test ride review pros cons problems all

    Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc 2024 Road test review Build quality. We are at an entry level, a little further, but with a good value for money. All well done and cared for, even if the bike is not light at all. In fact, the total weight of the bike is about 8.8Kg, not a little, but not so far from the other models, which already cost twice as much.

  15. Émonda SL 5

    The final price will be shown in your cart. Émonda SL 5 Disc is a lightweight carbon road bike with a balanced ride quality, superior handling characteristics, a Shimano 105 drivetrain, and the added benefit of free speed thanks to aero tube shaping. It's a great choice for century rides on hilly terrain, windy flats, and speedy descents. Compare.

  16. trek emonda sl 2022 review

    Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear. The New Trek Émonda Is Faster Than Ever. Already one of the

  17. Émonda SL 5

    Émonda SL 5 is a lightweight carbon road bike with a balanced ride quality, superior handling characteristics, and a parts group that's dependable over the long haul. It's a great choice for century rides on hilly terrain, big climbs, and speedy descents. Compare. Color / Matte Trek Black/Gloss Viper Red.

  18. Trek Emonda SL 5 2023

    Discover the ultimate in cycling excellence with the Trek Emonda SL 5 high-end bicycle, available now at Bikeroom. The Trek Emonda SL 5 is equipped with an advanced Shimano 105 Disc groupset for smooth and efficient gear shifting, paired with top-of-the-line undefined brakes to ensure maximum control and safety on all terrains.

  19. All-new Trek Emonda ALR takes lightweight frame tech to ...

    The Emonda ALR will initially come in two builds, the "6" with full Ultegra, Bontrager Race tubeless ready wheels with R2 tires, and a Bontrager cockpit with alloy short reach/drop bar and carbon seatpost for $2,249.99. Our local Trek Bike Store says complete bike weight is claimed at 17.25lb (7.82kg). The Emonda ALR 5 drops down to a full ...

  20. trek emonda alr 6 test

    Trek Emonda ALR. Trek Émonda ALR 6. 8. by Mat Brett. UPDATED Thu, Feb 08, 2018 00:03. First Published Feb 7, 2018. ... The Trek Émonda ALR 6 is a lively aluminium road bike with

  21. Émonda SL 5

    Émonda SL 5. 65 Reviews / Write a Review. $2,499.93 $3,349.99. Model 5277646. Retailer prices may vary depending on location and delivery method. The final price will be shown in your cart. Émonda SL 5 is a lightweight carbon road bike with a balanced ride quality, superior handling characteristics, and the added benefit of free speed thanks ...

  22. 2020 Trek Émonda SL 5 Disc

    Apr 2018 · Manuel Buck, Robin Schmitt, Benjamin Topf. With a weight of just 6.89 kg and the slightly more relaxed H2 geometry, the Trek Émonda SLR 8 Disc Project One is in line to take over the endurance throne. With its "Radioactive Yellow" finish it definitely stands out in our test field - the ultimate Safety-First look.

  23. Trek Emonda SL6 56cm

    It is a carbon frame, carbon fork, carbon seat post with Shimano Ultegra components. It comes with hydraulic disc brakes, an Arione stiff seat with Speedplay Pedals.... CL. pullman-moscow > for sale by owner > bicycles. post; account; favorites. hidden. CL. pullman-moscow > bicycles - by owner ... Trek Emonda SL6 56cm - $2,000