Love the Trek Madone SLR but can’t stomach the price tag? Now there’s hope with the new Madone SL. Built from the very same molds as the SLR, the SL model includes the use of a slightly heavier grade of carbon fiber which adds some weight, but helps lower the price – making Madone tech accessible to more riders than ever.
The Madone SLR frame is a thing of beauty, and the SL is no different. After all, they literally come from the same molds. However, Trek builds the SL with OLCV 500 carbon fiber instead of the OCLV 700 found on the SLR. This is said to add about 100g to the weight of the frame, with a 56cm painted Madone SL frame said to weigh 1225g.
Because the frame is the same, you’ll find Trek-specific features like their Adjustable Top Tube IsoSpeed unit which allows you to fine tune the rear end compliance by moving the integrated slider. It also uses the same proprietary seat mast assembly as the SLR.
Up front, the SL uses the same fork as the SLR, but one huge difference is the use of a standard bar and stem rather than the integrated unit found on the SLR. This is done in part to keep the cost down, but it also makes it easier to better fit more riders, and also allows for the use of clamp on aero bars.
Like the SLR, you’ll find integrated lighting and computer mounts through the use of the Bontrager Blendr system.
Elsewhere, the frame uses the same specifications as the SLR with flat mount disc brakes, 12mm thru axles front and rear, internal cable routing, Duo Trap S compatibility, BB90 bottom bracket, and clearance for 28mm tires. Calling it their H1.5 fit, the bike is built with a performance geometry and KVF aero tube profile to be every bit as racy as the higher end versions.
Two different builds will be offered with the SL 7 running Shimano Ultegra Di2 with Bontrager Aeolus Pro 5 carbon wheels, and the SL 6 which runs Shimano Ultegra mechanical with hydraulic brakes and Bontrager Aeolus Comp 5 carbon wheels. While the Madone SL 7 is close to the price of the Madone SLR 6, you’ll find the SL gets you a Di2 drivetrain, while the lighter SLR frame is equipped with mechanical. There’s also a frameset available if you want to build it yourself.
All models are in stock and available now.
Pricing
- Madone SL 6 Disc $4,699.99
- Madone SL 7 Disc $6,499.99
- Madone SL Disc F/S $3,499.99
