Trek Emonda SLR 10

cal_stewart

My LBS has one of the new Trek Emonda SLR 10 in hanging off a set of scales. Priced at a whopping 12000 euro.

Its a engineering marvel however at the same time its not a viable bike for me based on me being over 90kg.

From the tune saddle at 90kg rider max, to the low spoke count tune hubs with shallow ax lightness rims with 22mm TT tubs. It rules out the most of the MAMIL that can afford to buy it.

However for me the two things that stand out on the bike are everyday useable parts and that is the Bontrager Combo bars and the Bontrager direct mount brakes.

Trek are trying to push Bontrager as stand alone brand and I can honestly say I think they're getting it right. The bar is not my cup of tea as it could not take a garmin out front mount however as combo bars go they look good and are heavily reinforced around the join and look fairly aero. There is a bung in the centre of the bars which I don't know what for but I'm hoping is for a screw in mount.

The direct mount brakes are a thing of beauty the best looking i've seen (I'm looking at direct mount more and more as I'm looking at rebuilding a Canyon Aeroad SLX to Campagnolo and don't want a Movistar Campag-Shimano Monster).

For me this bike for me show's Trek as a brand has turned a corner and is starting to move forward again, even if it is a pure marketing exercise and for the first time I'd really thinking about using Bontrager parts on a non-Trek bike.

ddraver

I don't think Trek ever made bad bikes, they just became so popular that they were no longer desirable. Plus then you have the Armstrong links (not helped by the continuing Madone anagrams) which hardly helped.

I got rescued by Velosport in Putney (a super boutique sort of bike porn shop) and they have some Treks in there. I can't help but just glance over them at the Italian branded (but no doubt Taiwan made) bike next to them. Shame really...

cal_stewart

Think they make very good bikes maybe just not great bikes. You're right they don't make bad bikes

rane

I've a Emonda SL6 and I would say that is it the best bike i've ever riden!

Theres lots of things that has become better since the Modone/Domane last version.
And this is only the SL version with a full Ultegra group (6800)

marin_maniac

rane wrote:

I've a Emonda SL6 and I would say that is it the best bike i've ever riden!

Theres lots of things that has become better since the Modone/Domane last version.
And this is only the SL version with a full Ultegra group (6800)

Would you care to elaborate?

I have a Madone 5.2 2011 and that rides very well.

rane

Marin Maniac wrote:

rane wrote:

I've a Emonda SL6 and I would say that is it the best bike i've ever riden!

Theres lots of things that has become better since the Modone/Domane last version.
And this is only the SL version with a full Ultegra group (6800)

Would you care to elaborate?

I have a Madone 5.2 2011 and that rides very well.

Sure

Well first of all the brakes. Hmm im not sure that the version you own has the brakes placed "all wrong" (the lower part of the frame)...?

The stiffness has become better yet still very shock absorbing. The frame is lighter and have got a great response.

But the Emonda is by my definition an all rounder, maybe a hybrid of the two Modane/Domane.

I wrote this in another post:
Pros:
- i'm very impressed how it handles a bumpy road. It absorbs like no other :-)
- It reacts immediately while being pushed.
- It has an amazing handling in tight and long corners
- it's a very comfortable geometry for long rides. ( My height is 194cm ~6.36ft and frame size 60cm)
- Great gear group and brakes ( Ultegra 6800 ) works like a charm!
- Cool and neat integration of the new Duotrap S Sensor
- A very light bike

Cons:
- I would have loved if it was delivered with some slighty better wheels... (Bontrager Race)

Added by me: :P
- Dura Ace PD-9000 Pedals
- Bryton Rider 20 GPS Computer
- Duotrap S Sensor

Things i will consider upgrading to in the future: :idea:
- Shimano Dura Ace 9000 C24 Clincher Wheelset 2014
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-dura-ac ... lset-2014/
- Specialized Romin Evo Pro Saddle
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/cate ... -13-46957/

MY RATING:
4.8/5 STARS

type:epyt

Never understood why anyone would stick bike manufacturer A's product on bike manufacturer B's bike. Given the myriad of options it seems bit naff to mix Spesh/Trek/'dale/a-n-other on the same bike. If it's a sub £300 knockabout fine, but otherwise it's just messy.

il_principe

Had a play with the Emonda at the Cycle Show yesterday. Yeah, it's very light, good looking bike as well. Seems like an odd call from Trek though, certainly bucks the Aero trend. I see they are now trying to pass the Madone off as Aero when it clearly isn't.

ddraver

type:epyt wrote:

Never understood why anyone would stick bike manufacturer A's product on bike manufacturer B's bike. Given the myriad of options it seems bit naff to mix Spesh/Trek/'dale/a-n-other on the same bike. If it's a sub £300 knockabout fine, but otherwise it's just messy.

Because he likes Specilized Saddles..?

gozzy

type:epyt wrote:

Never understood why anyone would stick bike manufacturer A's product on bike manufacturer B's bike. Given the myriad of options it seems bit naff to mix Spesh/Trek/'dale/a-n-other on the same bike. If it's a sub £300 knockabout fine, but otherwise it's just messy.

They're all just parts, consistency doesn't actually matter. Ride what works for you and what you can afford.
Also as above, some manufacturers make really good components, why not buy them? I don't own a specialized bike but I love the two specialized saddles I do own.