There is clearly a lot of this going around – the start of the 100th Tour de France seems like a good time to introduce a new bike while the world is watching. Trek has done just that with an early release of a new Madone. This particular model is clad in the new team colors – certainly an interesting choice. The new frame is lighter than any Madone before it, with the top level frame weighing in at 725g.
We’ll work on getting some more details, but in the mean time there are a few clear changes visible after the break!
The very teal bike will be seen under RadioShack Leopard at the tour for the team’s final hurrah (at least as Leopard).
Kammtail Virtual Foil design and integrated brakes carry through. The frame is hand crafted in Wisconsin from 700 series carbon with additional HexSL carbon.
Most of the 7 series Madones to this point have been equipped with Bontrager’s own aero brake, but the team runs the Dura Ace model. Bottom bracket is still BB90.
The chainstays see a massive change with a huge carbon section directly behind the crank which tapers just before the dropouts. It turns out that the change to the chainstays is an adaptation to the chainstay mounted brakes. The added material results in increased braking power – likely to keep the stays from flexing. It should also result in an improved ride feel according to Trek.
You can build almost the exact bike in Project One, it will just cost you $11,871.48.