For those that live for speed, dependable bottom bracket performance, and love a good racing red color scheme — boy, do we have news for you. Trek announced a few updates to its world-class race machine, the Madone SL. Though the geometry, tube shapes, and general frame remain the same, one key feature receives a much-appreciated update.
Trek seems to be swapping its long-held BB90 standard to a more widely appreciated BB-T47 bottom bracket. The update has already happened for the Domane, Boone, Crocket, Emonda, even the Madone SLR. Trek seems to be keeping with the Pressfit 92 MTB for its off-road line and have had success with less creaking and overall bearing issues.
Why the change?
The BB90 standard is a bottom bracket standard that the company has used for quite some time and, at its introduction, was quite inventive. The BB90 utilized every millimeter of the bottom bracket width and it sculpted directly into the frame. The idea was for a stiffer and more responsive bike overall.
The problem was the BB90 bearings that went into the frame weren’t a press-fit, more of a “push-in by hand.” The bearings are easy to install, and if they stay silent, it’s a fantastic design. Unfortunately, these bearings would get a tiny bit of wiggle room, and the creaking would set in. The only remedy was/is a bit of Loctite and some patience. The BB90 standard is also somewhat limiting for crank spindles, not allowing for the use of 30mm spindles.
The BB-T47 (introduced in 2015 by Chris King) is similar in size but offers better compatibility with larger spindle cranks and utilizes a threaded system for loading. The idea is a super-sized version of the standard BSA threaded bottom bracket that is user-friendly and easily serviceable. Most importantly, the frame and cup interface is far less susceptible to creaking.
What models receive the update?
The Trek Madone SLs that will come with the new BB-T47 bottom brackets are the SL6 – with mechanical Ultegera and the SL7, which arrives with SRAM Force eTap AXS.
The Trek Madone SL6 and SL7 models come in Treks 500 Series OCLV carbon, same as the 2021 models — saving the OCLV 800 for the Madone SLR.
2022 Trek Madone SL models and pricing
Madone SL6
The updated Madone SL6 comes with a full Shimano Ultegra groupset and Bontrager Carbon Aeolus Comp tubeless wheels. It features the same geometry and IsoSpeed controls of the 2021 model, adding the new BB-T47 and Trek’s new Viper Red color scheme.
- Price: $4700
- Sizes: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62
Madone SL7
The Madone SL7 comes eTap ready with a full SRAM Force eTap groupset — power meter included. The Deep Dark Blue bike spins on Bontrager’s new Aeolus Pro 51 tubeless wheels and Bontrager R3 tires. Like the SL6, the Madone SL7 comes with the same IsoSpeed trappings and Kammtail Virtual Foil tech as the 2021 models.
- Price: $7000
- Sizes: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62
Availability
The updated Trek Madone models are set to ship ASAP. We suggest checking the Trek Bikes website for real-time availability or contact your local Trek shop for updates.
