2019 trek emonda h2 geometry

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Trek H2 vs H1 geometry on the Emonda

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• Émonda SLR H2 Frameset

Trek Emonda SLR Disc Review

In 2014, Trek introduced the 690-gram Emonda SLR to the world as the lightest production road frame at the time. Then, for 2018, Trek upped the ante by dropping weight even further while adding a full suite of disc brake options. The Emonda SLR Disc frameset tips the scales at a mere 665 grams and it turns out that it’s not only a lightweight climber, but a great all-day bike with responsive handling and instant acceleration.

2019 Trek Emonda SLR Disc H2 Features:

• 700 Series OCLV Carbon layup
• H2 fit puts the majority of riders in the perfect position
• Stated 28mm tire clearance (tested to 30mm actual widths)
• Flat mount disc brakes
• Internally-routed cables in frame, external at fork
• Full, lifetime warranty
• Weight: 15.5 – 16 lbs. (depended on spec)
• Frame weight: 665 grams (stated, vapor coat)
• MSRP: $3299 (SLR frame) or $5799 – $11,999 SLR complete bikes

Sometimes, our test builds are off-the-shelf affairs, but not this time. I started with the 2019 Emonda SLR Disc H2 frameset as the foundation with SRAM’s 11-speed Red eTap HRD , but swapped out just about everything else during the 10-month testing period. Emonda SLR Disc was outfitted with four different wheelsets ( Zipp 454 NSW Disc , Zipp 303 Firecrest Disc , Bontrager Aeolus XXX 4 and Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3), a few saddles ( Fabric Scoop Shallow , Ergon SR Comp Men and Bontrager Aeolus Elite ) and a couple of different bars ( ENVE Compact Road Bar and Schmolke Evo TLR ). So, yeah, you could say it was put through the test mule process.

Should you choose to get a 700 Series OCLV SLR model, going with SRAM Red eTap AXS will set you back a mint, but the sweet spot would be the 600-series  2020 Emonda SL eTap build at $5299 . You get 12-speed Force eTap AXS, a great set of carbon clinchers and a few hundred extra grams (plus a wad of cash in your pocket).

Another alternative would be to go with a standard or Project One frameset, if you want something truly unique or want the more aggressive H1 fit. Complete bikes are always going to be your best value, but it’s ultimately your choice depending on your preferred setup.

Oh yes, the Emonda climbs

Grand Tour bikes, like the Emonda, are always a blast to ride. Their snappiness out of the saddle puts them in rarified company as the vert ticks off and the mountains get steeper. While disc brakes do still have a weight penalty over rim brakes, the 665 gram Trek Emonda SLR Disc frame pretty much obliterates that argument. You’ll never know the wiser as you accelerate up any climb around.

My first ride was a classic mountain ascent from my home to Tibble Fork Reservoir. It’s not a demanding climb, but it’s a steady one that, at the right cadence, allows you to push yourself to the limit. Though I was working out some minor fit issues, I still remember how impressive the bike felt. It climbed with ease, and, it rode smoother than expected when outfitted with 28-30mm fast-rolling tires. With true 25mm tires, like the new Bontrager R3’s, the ride is firm, but not harsh. Trek’s max stated tire width is 28mm with an actual frame clearance of just over 38mm. In my experience, 30mm actual tires cleared sufficiently for me.

The Emonda never let me down on any climb. I was actually able to take a few longstanding PR’s, like the following “Narrows to Redwood” segment that had stood for 15 additional attempts since 2014. Was this entirely the Emonda SLR’s doing? Well, likely not, but it certainly had a part in it and never held me back on any other climbs, long or short.

You can sit and pound out the vert or stand and push yourself to the limit. Either method is rewarded with zippy power and cable routing is such that it doesn’t interfere with your pedal strokes. Power transfer is as good as it gets.

All climbs turn downhill at some point, so how does the Emonda handle Utah’s mountainous descents? It is certainly calm and collected with the extra stopping power of discs. I prefer 44cm bars for fit, comfort and control. That extra width provides additional leverage while cornering — something I always appreciate. With the ENVE Compact Road Bars, I felt as if the handling was a little sluggish, but a switch to the Schmolke Evo TLR’s turned the Emonda into a very different machine. The ride became noticeably more responsive and the bike’s handling came into its own. Even at the highest speeds, I felt calm and collected. When needed, the slightest movements translated into precise cornering without feeling one bit twitchy. This bike rails on descents.

That said, I’ll admit that it still doesn’t quite have the Italian, swan-like handling of the Pinarello Dogma F10 , but it’s not too far off. As an all-day ride, the Emonda SLR Disc is a hard one to beat and great builds will set you back half as much as a Pinarello. Indeed, climbing and descending are where the Emonda shines. When it comes to flat or rolling terrain, it holds its own — particularly if you can catch a wheel or slap some deep-section wheels on it ( case in point here ).  But. a Madone would be a much better choice for crushing your friends in the flats, or even something like the BMC Roadmachine 01 . The Emonda’s killer instinct shines in the mountains.

Make it your Emonda

As mentioned, I’ve changed the Emonda’s wheels, bars, tires and saddles quite a bit throughout the test and every change has been noticeable, but natural. So, what can I take away from that? I’d say that this bike is adaptable and capable to suit your performance or fit needs. Take some time to make it your own and you’ll continue to be impressed by how it responds.

In a world of total integration, it may seem surprising that the front brake cable is externally-routed. But, there’s genius in that decision as both Trek’s race teams and home mechanics alike will rejoice in the easy access. I did wish for some cleaner frame plugs for use with SRAM’s wireless eTap drivetrains, but out of sight, out of mind, I guess. The integrated seatpost mast with topcap is all part of the bike’s performance story, but adjusting the saddle angle is a tedious affair. Getting it just right requires an exercise in patience. Additionally, the large diameter of the top cap made the velcro straps of the EVOC Saddle Bag touch my inner thigh.

• This Grand Tour racer has a journeyman H2 fit
• Beautiful aesthetics with clean lines
• Obliterates the disc brake weight penalty
• Externally-routed front brake cable (easy maintenance)
• A fun bike to rail
• Maintains stability on fast descents
• An excellent climber with excellent power transfer
• Saddle angle is difficult to adjust
• Seat mast diameter causes some saddle bags to touch my inner thigh
• Toss those aluminum bottle cage bolts (they strip just looking at them)
• Would love eTap-specific port covers
• Watch that toe overlap

The Bottom Line: 2019 Trek Emonda SLR Disc

The race to the bottom isn’t always a good thing. But, with the latest Emonda SLR Disc, the 665 gram frame is everything I expected. It’s light, responsive and still comfortable, thanks to the added tire clearance afforded by disc brakes. I also love that Trek employs their H2 fit that will allow most riders to achieve a great fit without gobs of spacers.

Buy Now: Visit TrekBikes.com or Your Local Dealer

Pure, lightweight climbing bikes are still a bit of a rarity these days. Getting one that features the confidence of disc brakes is even more rare. The Trek Emonda SLR Disc is wicked-light and features instant power transfer on short, punchy climbs and long, drawn-out affairs. It's a confident descender that handles with grace. Just a couple of niggles, but this is a great all-day bike for those who listen for the call of the mountains to come and ride.

• Ride Quality 8
• Climbing 10
• Descending 9
• Pedaling Efficiency 10

• X (Twitter)

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. With extreme attention to detail, he has been a technical product manager for top 10 web properties, eCommerce businesses and SaaS companies for 20+ years. The combination of outdoor experience and technical savvy gives him a unique perspective that is channeled into every gear review. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground. He rigorously tests every product and usually uses them beyond their intended purpose -- just for the sake of testing. (Note: Jason receives sample products in exchange for authentic reviews. He is not paid, nor influenced to share anything other than his honest opinions.)

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I would like to comment that maybe the tyre clearance is declared from Trek that it is for 28mm tyres but this is not true in the real world. I had an issue with the front tyre 28mm that by the time it got larger (continental) when the tyre is new it has 4mm gap from the fork when the tyre has some km on it the gap from the fork is 1mm… so maybe trek didn’t make the calculations right.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ePsS89eVH2sog9OnuvvmizyunqD68aIv

This is on the latest model Emonda Disc? I didn’t have any clearance issues with 28c tires on the Emonda with either the Zipp 454 NSW or Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3 wheels. The Pro 3’s are 19.5mm inner width.

I’m sure you’re aware that Continental tires are notoriously wider than their stated widths. What are they measuring out to on your rims now?

Hi Jason, thanks for your review of the Emonda SLR disc. I’ve just bought an SLR 8 disc with Dura Ace mechanical and it’s for sure very lively on the hills. I find it a bit harsh on rough roads with 25mm tyres with tubes but I’m coming from a Cannondale Synapse which is very forgiving on similar roads. I’ll try running the Emonda with 28 tubeless tyres to see if it leaves it a bit more comfortable. I’ve a question on what you thought of the Bontrager Aeolus XXX 4 wheels you tried out on this Emonda and if you found it much of an upgrade compared to the Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3 that came originally on the bike? I’m thinking of getting the XXX 4 wheels but I’m a bit torn between these and a set of Zipp 303 NSW (which are more expensive) and Roval CLX 50 (or even the cheaper Roval SL 50). I’m 70kg, I don’t race so most of my riding is a mix of 100km-150km spins on rolling flats and hills on not so good tarmac with some long days in the hills training for Alps/Pyrenees trip once per year. Was wondering if you have any advice on these wheel options ? Thanks

Kieran… thanks for your comment and questions. Yes, as you found out, the Emonda SLR is certainly a firm ride — especially compared to a smooth Synapse. I would definitely recommend some 28c tubeless tires or even bigger, if you can fit them.

And, the Aeolus Pro 3’s are really awesome wheels and are hard to beat. They roll smooth and can be run tubeless. But, if you are looking for an upgrade, the XXX 4’s are definitely nice. You’ll get a little more aero benefit while still remaining lightweight. The CL 50’s are also a great option for the money.

Truthfully, you’ll be splitting hairs with the commendable Pro 3’s. They really are great wheels. But, a deeper-section wheel would certainly improve aero performance. The 303 NSW’s are flat-out awesome, but really expensive. If you want the best wheel period, that’s your choice. But, you really have to ask yourself if the extra $1000-$1500 is worth it. They are sweet wheels though. Good luck in your choices and enjoy that Emonda! Once you get a little wider tires on there, you’ll discover that it can be comfortable and remain a rocket of a climber.

Jason this is a 2019 disc brake slr model. I measure 3,5mm gap from the top of the tire to the fork.

Hmmm… as you know, tires vary between manufacturers and even between production runs, but I didn’t have any issues running even 30mm width tires on my Emonda SLR Disc. That was a measured width, but the actual tires were Zipp RT28’s on Zipp 303’s.

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Trek Emonda SLR Disc first ride review

New emonda is fast, brilliantly agile and a joy to ride.

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

This article originally appeared on BikeRadar

Contador to debut custom Trek Emonda at Ruta del Sol

Gallery: Alberto Contador's Trek Emonda SLR Team Issue

New Trek Emonda breaks the 650g barrier

The new Emonda 's continuation of weight obsession doesn't end with the featherweight 644g-rim brake model. The disc version also leaves very little impression on the scales at 665g (that's a full 25g lighter than the old rim brake model). Add in a thru' axle equipped flat mount disc fork at 350g and that's a complete chassis at 1015g. Most of its disc-equipped competition is closer to that for the frame alone.

Trek Emonda SLR Disc specifications (NOT standard build):

• Weight: TBC
• Frame: 700 OCLV series carbon 12mm thru' axle, flat mount disc (665g 56cm H1 fit)
• Fork: 700 OCLV carbon 12mm thru' axle, flat mount disc (350g)
• Gears: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9170 disc
• Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace R9170 disc
• Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3 TLR disc wheels
• Tyres: Bontrager R4 28c
• Stem: Bontrager Blendr
• Bars: Bontrager XXX carbon
• Saddle: Bontrager Montrose
• Seatmast: Trek carbon

The SLR disc I got to ride over a few days in Wisconsin isn't part of the SLR range; it's a product of Trek's custom Project One department.

Unlike Trek's other top-level carbon bikes (the Madone and Domane) this one isn't constructed in Waterloo Wisconsin. It's the first top-OCLV grade carbon frame it has produced overseas, but the frames arrive in Wisconsin and are prepped and painted in the Trek custom paint shop, and prepared in the adjoining Race shop.

My 58cm test bike came equipped with a carbon railed Montrose saddle, XXX carbon bars, Blendr stem, and the new Aeolus Pro 3 TLR carbon clincher wheels. The drivetrain duties are handled by Shimano's latest Di2 incarnation 9170 with its debuting Dura-Ace disc calipers and radical new cooling rotors.

The frameset will look familiar to fans of the old Emonda. Aside of course from the addition of discs, it's certainly a case of evolution rather than revolution here.

For weight saving measures the front brake hose is routed through slots and zip ties rather than internally as most disc road bikes do. We can see how the weight can be trimmed this way, but I can also see some of the roadie community seeing it as just a bit unfinished or - dare we say it - a bit mountain bike.

The front disc brake hose is fixed to the fork leg via slots and zip ties, rather than a heavier internally routed system

As part of the Project One experience you get to be fitted for the bike, with Trek's unique saddle pressure mapping playing an important part of the process.

Through the fitting we did make some tweaks to my standard setup, with the saddle coming forward a little on the rails (5mm), and dropping down by 8mm. Up front a few spacers were removed to bring the stack height down and my stem length upped from a 110 to a 120mm.

The effect this had on my saddle pressure readings was marked, completely removing any hot spots. It's a fascinating process, and I'll certainly be implementing the same changes on my own bikes. That the fitting service comes as part of the Project One buying experience is impressive and something I'd certainly recommend (if you can afford the cost of entry).

The new Emonda SLR is available in both H1 and H2 fit

Riding the Trek Emonda SLR Disc

Out on the road the Emonda feels light, with an acceleration pick-up that's oh-so-impressive, and a smooth, firm ride that's helped by big volume 28mm tyres. The fact that Trek has managed to keep the exact same geometry as the rim brake model (itself the same as the previous generation Emonda) means the bike feels familiar and familiarly confident.

With a frame at 665g and a fork at 350g the Emonda SLR9 Disc is a seriously light bike

I always liked the previous Emonda, though I did find that the front end could feel a little firm and unforgiving especially over poorer road surfaces pushing plenty of buzz into your hands which led to a bit of finger tingling numbness.

This new disc model, however, is a big improvement. Yes, the front end still feels firm, and resolutely flex-free when honking on the hoods on the climbs or sprinting and descending whilst down in the drops.

The big difference is the lack of buzz, - a big part of that is going to be down to the increased volume in the tyres, but Trek's claim that the new fork's construction allows for more fore-and-aft flex certainlyseems to be bearing fruit.

Out back the Montrose saddle is a nice place to spend your time, well shaped, with minimal yet ample padding. it looks very understated, but that hides a well-thought-out perch.

With temperatures hitting the mid 30s we were glad to have 11-28 cassettes when it came to the climbs

Like the front, the back also feels firm. It's certainly stiff as no amount of mishandling could get the rear disc rotor to do anything but go about its job without any rubs, ticks or errant noise.

The Emonda does, however, get choppy through the seat when rolling quickly over rutted road surfaces, but if you were looking for a bike that cosseted your hindquarters from the Trek stable then you're more of a Domane customer than an Emonda one.

The latest Dura-AceDi2 impresses. Its shifting can now be automated to shift the front mech, or set to semi-auto (shifting two at the back when you shift the front to keep the jumps small), and the new brakes feel like a big step forward, too.

We only had one issue with the front brake ticking after a heavy braking stop on a damp road, but that disappeared after a couple of miles, and didn't return through the rest of the days ride (or the whole of the following days riding).

The Dura-Ace disc rotors had some initial ticking noises after an unseasonal downpour, but soon settled down to quiet noise free operation

Trek Emonda SLR Disc early verdict

As always it's hard to judge a bike like the Emonda on unfamiliar territory (though the roads we rode weren't what you'd call glass smooth). It feels very much like Cervelo's new R5 I tried recently in the way it handles and the ride dynamics. Its fast, brilliantly agile, has a balanced lightness that makes it a joy to descend on, and it'll be your new best friend on the climbs. too. 

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Iron Mike Musing

Gender neutral cycling and cycle racing blog based in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

Product Review: Trek Emonda SLR

I’ve never done a bike review before so don’t expect anything witty, prolific or particularly insightful. If you’re still reading great! Lets take a look.

I’ve ridden a half dozen bikes, for at least a couple of hundred kilometres each and I wanted to weigh in on the Trek Emonda SLR .

The Trek lineup comes in a couple of different frame options and I picked the Trek Emonda SLR 9 with the H1 fit using rim brakes and ProjectOne customisation.

I got this through our friends at Treknology3 . If you looking at a Trek (and I think you should) mention my name or the blog and secure a discount off the full purchase price of a new bike.

Trek Emonda SLR – The Frame

First of all the frame is light, very light. Switching from the endurance style Canyon SLX 8.0 bike to this pure race machine meant dropping over a kilogram of final weight. With the H1 fit it also meant moving to a more aggressive geometry, which was a welcome change.

Final Weight (without pedals) circa 6.45 kg.

The H1 frameset is made using Trek’s lightest 700 Series OCLV carbon. 

With the drop in weight I half expected the bike to be a bit noodly and awkward to ride but after 1,000 odd kilometres of riding I have only positive things to say.  More on that later.

The finish on the ProjectOne is hand painted in Waterloo, Wisconsin and you have the option of having the artist autograph the frame, making the frame even more bespoke.

• Ultralight 700 Series OCLV Carbon
• Ride-tuned performance tube optimization
• Tapered head tube
• BB90 Bottom Bracket
• Internal cable routing
• Direct mount rim brakes
• DuoTrap S compatible
• Ride Tuned seatmast

The build quality is excellent as one expects from a top of the line product.

Trek Emonda SLR – The Build

For this build I went for the following:

• Shimano 9100 Groupset
• VerveCycling InfoCrank
• Bontrager Speed Stop Pro Brakes
• ENVE SES 4.5 on DT Swiss 240 hubs
• ENVE SES Aero Road Handlebar and Stem
• PRO Stealth Saddle

Some asked why I didn’t go electric shifting, the truth is I like the mechanical feel. Having the direct feedback of the chain moving to the next gear is something I got used to, and quite like.

It can be frustrating when you’re going full gas and you don’t get the next gear immediately but to me there in lays the fun in cycling. 

Trek Emonda SLR – The Ride

After 1,000 kilometres the bike feels as amazing as it did on day one. Granted the first few weeks of a new bike are always a honeymoon period however I don’t feel like this honeymoon will end any time soon.

The H1 fit is the more aggressive ‘race’ geometry in the Trek lineup, with the change in stack and reach from the Canyon I was previously riding I opted for a 10mm spacer on the steerer.

Previously owning a SwiftCarbon Ultravox TI which had very direct ride characteristic and similar geometry to the Trek Emonda SLR. I was a little concerned this frame would have the same characteristic however the tapered head tube helps by giving the Trek Emonda SLR a balanced feeling.

The bike has good responsiveness, direct steering and is compliant over a variety of surfaces. Granted Singapore roads are particularly well surfaced so I’ll have to weigh in again after riding in Malaysia or Australia.

[edit] The comfort level is updated below.

Being a lightweight bike, well suited to climbing, taking it for a loop of Faber was a on the cards. As a testiment to the stability and handling of the Trek Emonda SLR I set a PR on the descent without the thought of going fast on the downhill.

To say I was happy with how the Trek Emonda SLR handled both up and down Faber is pretty accurate.

The lack of climbing parcour in Singapore means this section will stay open for review after visiting some mountains!

[edit] We rode from George Town to Kuala Lumpur. The route took us over Cameron Highlands and Frasers Hill. After completing this journey I can comfortably say this bike handles the hills like no bike I’ve ridden before.

Climbing on the Trek Emonda SLR is a delight. I felt great in the saddle, out of the saddle, power climbing and easy spinning. Everything happening in the mountains felt natural and comfortable which is to be expected for a bike of this quality.

The descents were carefree and free flowing. The bike did not miss a beat. I felt nothing but comfort, agility and confidence when rolling through the twisting descents.

Everyone loves having a dig for the town sign sprints. I feel I was lacking fluidity throughout the year and this flowed through to the sprints. The first few rides on the Trek that fluidity came back, I can attribute some of that to new bike day, however the feelings have persisted.

The OCLV 700 carbon layup provides a solid platform for sprinting and you can feel the power being transferred into the drive train.

The bike is an all rounder and not specifically built to slice through the air like the slippery  Madone SLR and for that fact alone I cannot say this is a pure 5 star sprinter (although it performs like a 5 star sprinter).

Choosing the incorrect frame size can lead to any bike being uncomfortable. It’s important to know what to expect from a frame size and geometry when purchasing it, especially as race geometry can become unforgiving and uncomfortable for longer rides, if you lack flexibility.

The fit and geometry for the Trek Emonda SLR is perfect for me. The bike feels natural, direct and comfortable. I feel engaged and fast.

There is no feeling of fighting the pedals, cramped riding or overreaching for the bars. This is a testament to the careful thought and design the team at Trek have done.

[edit] On Saturday I joined the Singapore Audax group for a  ride through Kulai, Malaysia , via a slightly different route ( strava ). The roads range from brand new to absolutely terrible. After the 6 hour journey I feel comfortable saying the bike handles the range of surfaces well. However not quite as well as an enduro style bike.

The stiffness of the frame means the feeling of the road surface is transfered directly to your body. The trade off between stiffness and compliance is always a balancing act. Trek have done a good job of getting the balance right here.

Reviews of the Bontrager Speed Stop Pro Brakes suggest the performance is not quite that of Shimano Direct Mount brakes however I have not noticed any difference. 

The lever modulation is smooth and progressive. The ability to adjust the attack angle of the caliper is also nice. The lever feel can be adjusted for either a longer progressive travel, or shorter direct travel.

The also look badass.

Trek Emonda SLR – The Warp

If you are in the market for an all rounder you cannot go past the Trek Emonda SLR.

The lightweight construction coupled with comfortable, direct and compliant riding make the Trek Emonda SLR a top choice for any rider. If you are a climber, a crit racer, road racer, weekend warrior or simply a bike enthusiast this bike is sure to please.

The bike definitely turns heads at the coffee shop and for some that is the most important part of riding, the coffee.

As mentioned if you are in the market for a Trek go checkout the ProjectOne options at Treknology3 and remember to mention the blog for a discount.

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One thought on “ Product Review: Trek Emonda SLR ”

Enjoyed your review of this awesome trek emonda slr bike. I want to buy the frameset, rim version but could I ask you what size this frame is? I’m 166cm and based on the trek size guide I assume size 50 should be fine? My inseam is 29.9inches too. my saddle height is just under 68, like 67.8

Im just a bit concerned about the reach seems quite long compared to other bikes. But I’m thinking a zero offset seat post would help and a 90stem.

I just like to have some ideas on this myself before going in store as i find opinions in different stores vary. Some say I should be on the 47 purely for the reach. Another one said the 52, based on the height recommendation. Any thoughts yourself would be greatly appreciated. Maybe you could share your saddle height, stem length and body height??

Cheers David

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Trek's Émonda ALR Disc Is a Sleek, Affordable Race Rocket

A smooth and stylee aluminum road bike that hauls ass at a great price

Price: $960 (frameset), $1,890 (complete with 105 build) Weight: 16.4 lbs (as tested) Style: Road race Drivetrain: Shimano Ultegra R8020 (as tested) Frame Material: Aluminum Tire clearance: 28mm The right bike for: Rider looking for a fast, and fast looking, road bike but doesn't want to pay carbon prices.

You’d be forgiven for mistaking the new Émonda ALR for a full-carbon race bike at first glance. But it's not carbon: This is Trek’s newest aluminum road racing bike. With other brands producing popular race-ready aluminum frames–such as Cannondale's CAAD12 and Specialized's Allez Sprint DSW–it’s no surprise Trek updated its ALR frames for 2019 .

The Émonda ALR's aggressive geometry and reasonable price (five models priced $1,360 to $1,890) are certainly targeted at the budget minded who still want a performance race ready bicycle and the option to purchase the frameset ($960) opens the door for budget-friendly dream builds.

Years of experience shaping and tuning aluminum, along with new alloys and manufacturing techniques, are allowing bike brands to offer aluminum frames that ride smoother than some carbon frames and cost less as well. With the new Émonda ALR, Trek hydroforms the size-specific tubes into complex shapes, which fit together so precisely that fabricators need less weld material to join them, which produces a sleek looking frames. The welds are so minimal, the Émonda ALR frame almost looks made of carbon.

On the pavement the ALR is no slouch. Overall, it's a smooth ride for an aluminum bike. The road buzz is damped, but on rough roads and longer rides it’s still apparent that this is an aluminum frame (the fork is carbon). Luckily Trek's engineers endowed the Émonda ALR Disc with room for wider tires (officially 25mm, but some 30mm tires should fit), allowing riders the option to smooth the ride with the addition of fatter rubber.

The minimalist welds make the Émonda ALR's headtube look almost like carbon.

Sensor Ready

The non-drive seatstay is provisioned for a Bontrager DuoTrap S sensor.

Magic Paint

The Purple Flip paint takes on different colors depending on the light.

Hidden From View

Housings and brake hose run inside the front triangle and out of sight.

Modern Standards

The Émonda ALR disc uses the flat mount caliper standard and 12mm thru axles.

The Émonda Family

The Émonda ALR is offered in two models (ALR 4 and ALR 5), and two brake options (disc or rim).

The ALR 4 ($1,680 disc, $1,360 rim) features a Shimano Tiagra 10-speed drivetrain, while the ALR 5 ($1,890 disc, $1,590 rim) comes with a Shimano 105 11-speed drivetrain. All other components are identical, which makes the decision-making process simple: Save 210 or 230 bucks, or spend the extra money to upgrade to an 11-speed drivetrain.

Trek also offers the Émonda ALR 5 Disc in a women's version . This bike features the same geometry as the unisex ALR 5 Disc (though the women's is offered in a 47cm and the unisex is not), but is equipped with a women's saddle, shorter stem, and narrower handlebar.

Trek also sells the Emonda ALR frameset in both disc ($960) and rim ($960) versions. The bike Bicycling received for testing was not a stock complete bike, but a flashy bike built up by Trek to celebrate the Émonda ALR's debut. The frame is shown in the Purple Flip colorway ( there's also a black option) and built with Shimano Ultegra mechanical shift/hydraulic brake groups, with high-end carbon Bontrager parts consisting of Aeolus XXX carbon wheels, XXX carbon seatpost, XXX carbon handlebar, and carbon-railed saddle.

A Lot of Bike for the Money

The real selling point of this bike is its performance-to-price ratio. The ALR frame looks an awful lot like carbon, rides great, and costs less. For $419 dollars less than the most comparable carbon Émonda SL model, the ALR 5 comes out swinging with a race-ready package for someone looking for a quality ride without the intimidating price.

The Émonda ALR frames are quite light also. The disc frame weighs 1,131 grams, while the rim frame weighs 1,112 grams. This appears to compare very well with the carbon Émonda SL frame (disc 1,149 grams, rim 1,091), however the Émonda SL frame weight includes part of the seat mast system.

The Emonda ALR frame features internal cable routing through the front triangle, provisioning for the Bontrager DuoTrap S speed and cadence sensor in the non-drive chainstay, press-fit BB86.5 bottom bracket, 27.2mm seat post, and tapered headtube. Disc models use 12mm thru axles front and rear, and flat-mount brake calipers.

Émonda Geometry

The geometry of the ALR is the same as most of the Émonda carbon line. Trek uses its H2 fit, which is geared toward the everyday rider. This geometry falls between the race geometry you'd find on a bike like the Specialized Tarmac, and the shorter, more upright geometry of an endurance bike.

I found the fit to strike the balance between comfort and race quite nicely. Trek's materials say the H2 geometry is a balance of stable-yet-responsive handling and as much as I get annoyed with marketing jargon, I would certainly have to agree with that.

I do wish Trek would also offer its most aggressive race geometry (it's called H1) in the ALR range (the H1 option is offered in Trek's Émonda carbon frames) for riders, like me, who prefer the lower, longer position it offers.

Émonda ALR Disc Ride Impressions

I can learn a lot about a bike by doing what I call the “up, over, and back” test. I take a bike on a ride that's very familiar to me: up the side of the mountain that's just out my door, down the other, and back again. Put to this test I discovered that, yes, climbing on the Émonda ALR still hurts the same as any other bike, so don’t expect any miracles in that regard. But the bike climbs quite well, while I wasn’t able to break any personal records, the bike still feels plenty at home when the grade pitches skyward. Our bike weighed in at 16.4 pounds, quite impressive for a aluminum bike with disc brakes.

After making my way over the top, the less painful/fun part of the test started. Next up, a high speed slightly twisty descent with fresh pavement. Here, the bike reacts predictably at high speeds without feeling terribly unstable even at speeds over 50mph; test passed. The bike is at home on twisty technical descents as well as wide open high speed rippers. While some riders still aren't sold on disc brakes, I’m a convert. Having the Ultegra stoppers affixed to the Émonda ALR was a welcome addition when it came time to not only stop but control speed into and out of corners, and the Émonda ALR feels solid under braking forces.

On the road it is immediately apparent that this bike wants to accelerate. Once out of the saddle, the Émonda ALR reacts quickly and feels well connected to the pavement. This feeling of snappy acceleration can be at least partially credited to the 1,380-gram Aeolus XXX 2 Disc wheels that came on our test rig. With that said, the ALR feels solid under load. During all out sprints the frame feels just as a race bike should and responds with every pedal stroke. On the flip side, this Émonda ALR test bike rode a bit stiffly, even with the high-end carbon wheels.

Still, the Émonda ALR has all the ingredients of a good bike—sleek looks, solid performance, and a easier to swallow price.

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Trevor Raab is the staff photographer for Runner’s World and Bicycling , a CAT 1 cyclocross racer, and, occasionally, a product reviewer for the Test Team. He fits the typical “how I got in to bikes” story: his dad introduced him to mountain bikes when he was a kid, then he had a  stint as a skateboarder in high school, and since 2011 he’s been riding every sort of bike he can find.

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2019 Trek Emonda SLR 8 Frameset / DISC BRAKE /BARE FRAME ONLY/ H2 Geometry /62cm

Frame Ultralight 700 Series OCLV Carbon, ride-tuned performance tube optimization, tapered head tube, BB90, flat mount disc brakes, internal cable routing, DuoTrap S compatible, Ride Tuned seatmast

Fork Émonda full carbon disc, carbon tapered steerer, flat mount disc brakes

Wheels Max tire size 25c Bontrager tires (with at least 4mm of clearance to frame)

Components Headset Integrated, cartridge bearing, sealed, 1-1/8˝ top, 1.5˝ bottom

Weight Weight 56cm - 1.37 kg / 3.03 lbs

Weight limit This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 275 pounds (125 kg).

This frameset is exactly as pictured and does not include any additional parts needed to complete a bike build. It does NOT include any hardware or grommets/cable stops. Please contact your local Trek dealer to source these parts.

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2019 Trek Émonda SLR H2 Frameset

Manufacturer Price

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ago 2020 · James Bracey

Trek's latest GC/climbing bike has undergone an aero transformation, but has it helped?

Efficient power transfer

Excellent handling prowess

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New SL frame has lost some of the excitement of the existing Émonda

Heavy for a 'climbing' bike

Leer reseña

mar 2019 · Philippe Tremblay

Sleek looking and smart riding sparkling purple frame makes a strong case to build a dream machine with an aluminium frameset

oct 2018 · Warren Rossiter

Wonderful in every respect and the price ensures exclusivity. Buy if you want the lightest disc chassis around and you’ve got deep pockets or a lottery win

Beautifully balanced handling, low, low weight

A technical marvel

It’s hard to wrap your head around a 10-grand-plus price tag

A smooth and stylee aluminum road bike that hauls ass at a great price

may 2018 · Matt Wikstrom

Trek recently updated its lightweight racing chassis, the Émonda, with a variety of refinements for 2018, including the addition of a disc-brake version. We had a look at the Émonda SLR Disc when it was launched last year, so for this review, we follow that up with a closer look at the more affordable mid-range […]

abr 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. But will it still shine at […]

feb 2018 · Mat Brett

Quick and lively aluminium road bike with a good ride quality and excellent Shimano Ultegra components

Trek pares down its Émonda SLR race bike, resulting in a super-light frame that still handles wonderfully. Plus, it now is available with disc brakes.

Last updated 16 de septiembre Not listed for 1,722 days

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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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

> 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!

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.

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.

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

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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.

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16 comments.

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. 

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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.

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Trek Emonda SLR H2 Frameset 2018

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The Emonda is the lightest frame Trek has ever produced, being constructed from super-light 700 series OCLV carbon, and the Trek Emonda SLR H2 Frameset 2018 weighs in at a mere 640g (claimed).

The H2 geometry suits the majority of riders and puts you in a position optimised for power and performance. Ride Tuned tubing ensures that all sizes are optimised for performance and stiffness.

The Trek Emonda SLR H2 Frameset 2018 is ultra-responsive, with no compromise on comfort, and is part of Trek's lightest range ever produced, coming in at 640g. The 700 series OCLV carbon fibre layup has increased frame, head tube, bottom bracket and torsional stiffness over the previous model, and has undergone considerable testing by pro riders.

The direct mount brake system ensures powerful, yet progressive braking, increasing overall performance, whilst having extra clearance to accommodate wider tyres of up to 28c. Internal cable routing gives the frame a clean look and the H2 geometry is optimised for power and performance, suiting most riders, with the geometry being ideal for all but the most aggressive riding positions.

Ride-Tuned tubing further contributes to optimal stiffness and weight, with the geometry and tube shapes designed to be both strong and aerodynamic, consistently across the range of sizes.

• Redefines what's possible for weight and ride performance
• 700 Series OCLV Carbon makes the ultimate lightweight bike possible
• Perfectly balanced, ultra-responsive ride feel

Please note: The Trek Round Seat Cap with 20mm offset is required, and purchased separately.

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