Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc Pro Review
- Price: $4,429.99
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 700c Carbon
- Gear: 2 x 11
What we like about it: The outstanding lightweight carbon fiber frame, paired with high-quality components eliminates the need for any later upgrades.
What we don’t like about it: The handlebars being made of aluminum alloy might not be to the liking of certain riders.
Rating: (4.9/5)
The Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc Pro boasts a lightweight and aerodynamically designed 500 Series OCLV carbon fiber frame and fork, carbon fiber wheels, Shimano Ultegra 2×11-speed drivetrain, and powerful Ultegra disc brakes. It’s a road bike that caters to a diverse range of riders.
In the sections below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc Pro. Additionally, in the latter part of this article, we’ll compare several top bike models. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, be sure to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc Pro combines a highly aerodynamic frame, top-tier drivetrain, and elegant carbon fiber wheels. Whether cruising on flat roads or facing uphill climbs, I found the bike’s speed to be impressively fast.
With plans to ride the Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc Pro from San Francisco, California to Fallon, Nevada, I booked a hotel at the destination through IHG in advance. The route offers open and flat road surfaces, though the latter half presents more uphill and downhill sections.
Cruising on Roads
As I started riding the Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc Pro, I was immediately struck by its lightweight carbon fiber frame and responsive pedaling capabilities. The aerodynamically designed 500 Series OCLV carbon fiber frame is not only light but also sturdy, allowing for direct power transfer through pedaling.
Additionally, the Shimano Ultegra R8000 drivetrain offers an impressively smooth shifting experience. Its excellent transmission efficiency, combined with the 700C large wheel diameter and 25C tires, allowed me to gain speed rapidly during flat road segments. I reached a point where I could feel the wind hitting my face consistently.
Moreover, the Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc Pro features endurance-focused geometry, ensuring a comfortable riding posture. The carbon fiber’s characteristics absorb road vibrations, making my ride more stable. Even during extended rides, I didn’t experience discomfort.
Climbing and Descending
The Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc Pro performs admirably during steep uphill climbs. The lightweight and robust carbon fiber frame ensures an efficient climb, allowing me to conquer every ascent effectively.
The Shimano Ultegra R8000 provides a rich range of gears, enabling me to adjust for a lighter pedal stroke on steeper climbs. This efficient gear shifting saved energy during uphill rides.
On longer downhill stretches, the aerodynamic design also shines. I noticed that I could maintain an aerodynamic posture even when descending without pedaling, reaching impressive speeds.
Furthermore, the Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes, coupled with Shimano RT800 center-lock 160mm rotors, deliver reliable braking performance. Even during continuous braking, heat dissipation remains efficient, ensuring consistent and effective braking power.
Specifications
The Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc Pro features a fully internal cable routed carbon fiber frame with two distinct paint schemes that enhance its visual appeal.
Moreover, it comes in 8 frame sizes (47-62) suitable for riders with heights ranging from 5’0″ to 6’5″. This wide range accommodates nearly all riders.
The internal cable routing design not only reduces aerodynamic drag but also contributes to a cleaner appearance, making maintenance easier. The presence of silent cable routing enhances the quietness of the ride.
There are two mounting points on the downtube and seat tube, both supporting water bottle installations, enhancing the bike’s endurance for long-distance rides.
Finally, the endurance geometry makes the bike easier to ride and extends the riding time, maximizing rider comfort.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Aerodynamic tube shaping makes it the fastest Émonda SL platform, whether on flat terrain or uphill.
- The fully internal cable routing design enhances the clean appearance and simplifies cleaning.
- Like every Émonda model, it’s lightweight, swift, and comes with our lifetime warranty.
- Hydraulic disc brakes offer reliable performance regardless of challenging riding conditions.
- The thru-axle wheel attachment method provides reliable riding and minimizes the risk of rotor rub during wheel removal.
- Shimano Ultegra R8000 components offer precise and swift shifting, delivering lightning-fast gear changes for riders.
What don’t we like about it?
- The handlebars are made of aluminum alloy, which might not be favored by some riders.
FAQ
- Is this bike a climbing bike?
Yes, it’s an ultra-lightweight, aerodynamic carbon fiber road bike designed and built to be the fastest climbing bike.
- What kind of terrain is this bike suitable for?
It’s best suited for riding on well-paved roads and surfaces with good road conditions.
- How do I choose the right size?
Here we have a sizing chart for you. Of course, it doesn’t always have to be followed, and the best way to find the perfect size is to try it out.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’0″ – 5’2″ | 47 |
| 5’2″ – 5’4″ | 50 |
| 5’4″ – 5’6″ | 52 |
| 5’6″ – 5’9″ | 54 |
| 5’9″ – 5’11” | 56 |
| 5’11” – 6’1″ | 58 |
| 6’1″ – 6’3″ | 60 |
| 6’3″ – 6’5″ | 62 |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Ultralight 500 Series OCLV Carbon, Ride Tuned performance tube optimization, tapered head tube, internal routing, DuoTrap S compatible, flat mount disc, 142x12mm thru axle BB Standard: T47, Threaded Tire Clearance: 28c Colors: Lithium Grey / Brushed Chrome; Trek Black / Radioactive Red |
| Fork | Émonda SL full carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axle |
| Bottom Bracket | Praxis, T47 threaded, internal bearing |
| Stem | Size: 47, Bontrager Pro, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 70mm length; Size: 50, Bontrager Pro, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 80mm length; Size: 52, 54, Bontrager Pro, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 90mm length; Size: 56, Bontrager Pro, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 100mm Length; Size: 58, 60, 62, Bontrager Pro, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 110mm length |
| Handlebar | Size: 47, 50, Bontrager Elite VR-C, alloy, 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 38cm width; Size: 52, Bontrager Elite VR-C, alloy, 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 40cm width; Size: 54, 56, 58, Bontrager Elite VR-C, alloy, 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 40cm width; Size: 54, 56, 58, Bontrager Elite VR-C, alloy, 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 42cm width; Size: 60, 62, Bontrager Elite VR-C, alloy. 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 44cm width |
| Saddle | Bontrager Aeolus Comp, steel rails, 145mm width |
| Seatpost | Size: 47, 50, 52, 54, Bontrager carbon seatmast cap, 20mm offset, short length; Size: 56, 58, 60, 62, Bontrager carbon seatmast cap, 20mm offset, tall Size: 56, 58, 60, 62, Bontrager carbon seatmast cap, 20mm offset |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Ultegra R8000, short cage, 30T max cog |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Ultegra R8000, braze-on |
| Crank | Size: 47, Shimano Ultegra R8000, 52/36, 165mm length; Size: 50, 52, Shimano Ultegra R8000, 52/36, 170mm length; Size: 54, 56, 58, Shimano Ultegra R8000. 52/36, 172.5mm length; Size: 60, 62, Shimano Ultegra R8000, 52/36, 175mm length |
| Shifters | Size: 47, 50, 52, Shimano Ultegra R8025, short-reach lever, 11 speed; Size: 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, Shimano Ultegra R8020, 11 speed |
| Cassette | Shimano Ultegra R8000, 11-30, 11 speed |
| Chain | Shimano Ultegra HG701, 11 speed |
| Brakes | Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc, flat mount |
Wheels
| Rims | Front: Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 35mm rim depth, 100x12mm thru axle, Rear: Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 35mm rim depth, Shimano 11/12-speed freehub, 142x12mm thru axle Tubeless Ready, 35mm rim depth, Shimano 11/12-speed freehub, 142x12mm thru axle |
| Tires | Bontrager R2 Hard-Case Lite, aramid bead, 60 tpi, 700x25c |
| Disk Rotors | Shimano RT800, centerlock, 160mm |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Wheelset | Frame Material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Cannondale SuperSix EVO Carbon Disc 105 Di2 | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 7170 | 2 × 12 Electronic |
| Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 | Click View | 650B/700c Carbon | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra R8020 | 2 × 11 |
| Giant TCR Advanced Disc 1 | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 | 2 × 12 Electronic |
Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc Pro vs. Cannondale SuperSix EVO Carbon Disc 105 Di2
When comparing these two bikes, in terms of drivetrain components, the former’s Shimano Ultegra R8000 drivetrain level is higher than the Shimano 105 Di2 drivetrain level used in the latter. However, the latter is an electronic version, which makes tuning more convenient and offers more gear options. Additionally, the braking performance of the former is slightly better.
Moving on, the Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc Pro is equipped with 700C carbon fiber wheels, which are lighter than the 700C aluminum alloy wheels on the Cannondale SuperSix EVO Carbon Disc 105 Di2. This leads to a more comfortable ride experience.
In the end, between these two bikes, I would prefer the Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc Pro. Apart from brand considerations, I appreciate its overall package and the fact that it requires minimal upgrades.
Learn More: Is Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE Worth Buying? [2022 Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE Review]
Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc Pro vs. Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8
When comparing these two bikes, both feature carbon fiber frame designs. However, I prefer the former’s fully internal cable routing design, which gives it a cleaner and neater appearance while also maximizing aerodynamic efficiency.
In terms of drivetrain and braking components, both bikes utilize components of the same Shimano Ultegra level, offering excellent transmission efficiency, smooth gear shifting, and reliable braking performance.
However, I find myself leaning more towards the carbon fiber wheels of the former over the aluminum alloy wheels of the latter. The carbon wheels are lighter and contribute to a more comfortable ride.
As a result, between these two bicycles, I would lean towards the Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc Pro. It boasts stronger capabilities and is currently available at a discounted price, similar to the latter.
Learn More: Is Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 Aero Worth Buying? [Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 Aero Review]
Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc Pro vs. Giant TCR Advanced Disc 1
They are both classic endurance road bikes with a strong following among cycling enthusiasts.
However, the former’s frame with fully internal cable routing has a cleaner and neater appearance, offering better aerodynamics. On the other hand, the latter’s frame is lighter.
In terms of drivetrain components, they both use Shimano components. The former has a higher-level component group, but the latter features a newer version with electronic shifting. As for braking components, both bikes possess powerful and reliable braking capabilities that can be trusted.
In conclusion, I would lean towards the Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc Pro. The fact that it also comes with carbon fiber wheels is particularly appealing to me.
Learn More: Is Giant TCR Advanced Worth Buying？ -Giant TCR Advanced Review
Summary
Above is my assessment of the Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc Pro’s riding experience. In our view, this is an outstanding road bike with its lightweight carbon fiber frame and robust, reliable components that often require little to no upgrades to deliver peak performance. This is why we’ve given it a rating of 4.9.
Of course, if you’re interested in exploring other road bikes, we also review a variety of bikes across different price ranges, all of which are engaging and interesting. Likewise, feel free to check out our other reviews.
Lastly, if you enjoy our content, please consider sharing it with your friends. If our content has been helpful to you, you can also click on the email subscription button below. Thank you for your support!
