2024 Trek Emonda SL 7 Review
- Price: $6,199
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 700c Carbon
- Gear: 2 × 12 Electronic
What we like about it: A high-end brand-level carbon fiber endurance road bike with strong riding performance.
What we didn’t like about it: Expensive, not suitable for novice riders and those on a budget.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The 2024 Trek Emonda SL 7 is a lightweight carbon fiber bike with an aerodynamic design, providing excellent speed and performance on flat roads as well as during climbs.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the 2024 Trek Emonda SL 7. In the latter part of this article, we will also compare it to several top bike models. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, you can follow us.
Riding Experience
The Trek Emonda SL 7 features an aerodynamic carbon fiber frame, electronic shifting, carbon wheels, and hydraulic disc brakes, making it a formidable performer for both steep climbs and descents compared to other bikes.
For this, I packed up the Trek Emonda SL 7 and headed to the Vermont Gran Fondo, booking a nearby hotel through IHG. The route stretched approximately 160 kilometers, with wide and well-maintained surfaces, along with various climbs and descents, making it well-suited for this bike.
Cruising on the Road
As I started riding, I was immediately impressed by the Trek Emonda SL 7’s lightness! The incredibly lightweight carbon fiber frame makes the whole bike feel lighter and more rigid, responding vigorously to every pedal stroke and propelling me forward relentlessly.
The Shimano Ultegra R8150 Di2 drivetrain provided me with a silky-smooth shifting experience, and the 2×12-speed setup supported faster riding. As I increased my cadence, my speed picked up quickly. The aerodynamic design minimized wind resistance, allowing me to reach a sufficiently high speed.
Lastly, the carbon frame, fork, and wheelset, along with the excellent geometry, ensured that the Trek Emonda SL 7 offered a comfortable riding experience. Thanks to the carbon fiber’s controlled deformation properties, it absorbed nearly all road vibrations, resulting in a smooth ride. The adjusted geometry prevented me from feeling overly fatigued during long rides, supporting me on extended journeys.
Climbing and Descending
On uphill roads, the Trek Emonda SL 7’s lightweight carbon fiber frame reduced the overall weight, making climbing much easier. The excellent geometry kept my center of gravity stable, making climbing more manageable.
Then, on steeper sections of the climb, the Shimano Ultegra R8150 Di2 kit offered a sufficient range of speeds. Simply using the small chainring with a larger freewheel combination made my climbing feel effortless, ensuring that I didn’t expend too much energy on ascents.
While descending on the Trek Emonda SL 7, its excellent aerodynamic frame design and fully integrated internal cable routing reduced some of the air resistance. Even without pedaling, the 700C large wheelset provided faster downhill speeds and increased stability.
Furthermore, the Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes delivered powerful braking capabilities. During extended downhill sections with frequent braking, they quickly dissipated heat while maintaining efficient braking performance.
Specifications
The 2024 Trek Emonda SL 7 features a lightweight and aerodynamically designed 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame paired with a carbon fiber fork that has controlled deformation properties. This allows it to absorb some vibrations during rides, ensuring a more comfortable cycling experience.
There are 7 frame sizes to choose from, suitable for riders ranging from 5’1″ to 6’4″ in height, making it highly versatile and accommodating for riders of nearly all heights.
The fully internal cable routing design not only gives the frame a cleaner and neater appearance but also makes daily cleaning easier and more convenient. The addition of silent line tubing reduces noise during rides, providing a quieter experience.
Lastly, the full Shimano Ultegra Di2 2×12-speed electronic drivetrain system, Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 carbon fiber wheels, and Shimano Ultegra hydraulic flat-mount disc brakes ensure powerful performance during rides.
Video
What do we like about it?
- The all-new wireless Shimano Ultegra Di2 delivers faster, smoother, and more responsive shifting than ever.
- The aerodynamic tube shapes make it one of the fastest bikes in the Émonda SL series, both on flat and hilly terrain.
- Like every Émonda, it’s lightweight, fast, and backed by TREK’s lifetime warranty.
- Hydraulic disc brakes provide braking power and control in various weather conditions and road surfaces.
- A versatile bike capable of climbing steep peaks, navigating deep canyons, handling sharp turns, and sprinting fast.
- The internal cable routing design offers a cleaner appearance and easier daily cleaning.
What don’t we like about it?
- Expensive, and not suitable for novice riders and those on a budget.
FAQ
- Which is faster, Trek Madone or Emonda?
In terms of performance, it depends on the type of riding you’re doing. Madone bikes may be faster on flat rides or faster-paced time trials and crits. Emonda excels in climbing and long-distance group rides.
- Is this bike suitable for long-distance riding?
With its comfortable geometry and lightweight carbon fiber frame, the Pinarello Gan 105 is well-suited for long-distance riding and can handle it with ease.
- How do I choose the right size?
These sizes are general guidelines, and the most effective way to find your size is to try it out
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’1″ – 5’3″ | 47 |
| 5’3″ – 5’5″ | 50 |
| 5’5″ – 5’8″ | 52 |
| 5’8″ – 5’10” | 54 |
| 5’10” – 6’0″ | 56 |
| 6’0″ – 6’2″ | 58 |
| 6’2″ – 6’4″ | 60 |
Trek Emonda SL 7 Specs
Frameset
| Frame | 500 Series OCLV Carbon, Fazua Evation integrated drive system, tapered head tube, rear IsoSpeed, internal routing, flat mount disc, fender mounts,… 148x12mm thru axle |
| Fork | Domane SL carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, fender mounts, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axle |
| Frame fit | Endurance |
Wheels
| Wheel front | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 25mm rim width, 100x12mm thru axle |
| Wheel rear | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 25mm rim width, Shimano 11/12-speed freehub, 148x12mm thru axle |
| Skewer front | Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable lever |
| Skewer rear | Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable lever |
| Rim | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 25mm rim width |
| Tire | Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite, Tubeless Ready, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 700x32mm |
| Tire part | Bontrager TLR Sealant, 6oz |
| Rim strip | Bontrager TLR |
| Max tire size | 38mm |
Drivetrain
| Shifter | Shimano Dura-Ace R9270 Di2, 12 speed |
| Front derailleur | Shimano Dura-Ace R9250 Di2, braze-on, down swing |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Dura-Ace R9250 Di2, 34T max cog |
| *Crank | Size: 50, 52 Fazua Carbon, 50/34, 170mm length Size: 54, 56 Fazua Carbon, 50/34, 172.5mm length Size: 58, 60, 62 Fazua Carbon, 50/34, 175mm length |
| Cassette | Shimano Dura-Ace R9200, 11-34, 12 speed |
| Chain | Shimano Dura-Ace/XTR M9100, 12 speed |
Components
| *Saddle | Size: 50, 52 Bontrager Verse Pro, carbon rails, 155mm width Size: 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 Bontrager Verse Pro, carbon rails, 145mm width |
| *Seatpost | Size: 50, 52, 54, 56 Bontrager carbon internal seatmast cap, integrated light mount, 20mm offset, short length Size: 58, 60, 62 Bontrager carbon internal seatmast cap, integrated light mount, 20mm offset, tall length |
| *Handlebar | Size: 50, 52 Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF, 40cm Size: 54, 56 Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF, 42cm Size: 58, 60, 62 Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF, 44cm |
| Handlebar tape | Bontrager Supertack Perf tape |
| *Stem | Size: 50 Bontrager RSL Carbon, 31.8mm clamp, 7 degree, 80mm length Size: 52, 54 Bontrager RSL Carbon, 31.8mm clamp, 7 degree, 90mm length Size: 56, 58 Bontrager RSL Carbon, 31.8mm clamp, 7 degree, 100mm length Size: 60, 62 Bontrager RSL Carbon, 31.8mm clamp, 7 degree, 110mm length |
| Brake rotor | Shimano MT900, centerlock, 160mm |
Accessories
| E-bike system | Fazua Exo10 Drive Pack |
| Battery | Fazua Evation battery, 250Wh |
| Charger | Fazua Evation charger, 90-120V |
| Computer | Fazua Evation touch remote |
Weight
| Weight | 56 – 13.17 kg / 29.04 lbs, 10.27 kg / 22.6 lbs without drivepack (including storage cover, sold separately) |
| Weight limit | This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 275 pounds (125 kg). |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Wheelset | Frame Material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| 2024 – Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp -Shimano 105 Di2 | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Carbon | Shimano 105 R7170 | 2 × 12 Electronic |
| BMC Teammachine SLR THREE | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Carbon | SHIMANO Ultegra BR-R8170 | 2 × 12 Electronic |
| Wilier0 SL SRAM FORCE ETAP AXS D1 2×12 XDR | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Carbon | SRAM BRAKE SYSTEM ED-FRC-D1 | 2 × 12 Electronic |
| Factor O2 SRAM Force eTap AXS | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Carbon | SRAM Force | 2 × 12 Electronic |
Trek Emonda SL 7 vs. 2024 Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp -Shimano 105 Di2
They are both bikes from well-known brands with excellent quality control, making them highly reliable.
In terms of drivetrain components, the former comes equipped with Shimano Ultegra Di2, which is of a higher level than the latter’s Shimano 105 Di2. It offers better transmission efficiency and is lighter in weight.
Regarding the braking components, the former also features Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes, providing stronger braking power compared to the latter’s Shimano 105 hydraulic brakes.
So, between these two bikes, the Trek Emonda SL 7 has higher-level components and delivers superior performance. Therefore, I would recommend it more.
Trek Emonda SL 7 vs. BMC Teammachine SLR THREE
Between these two bikes, the former offers a stronger overall performance and is more deserving of recommendation.
In terms of drivetrain and braking components, they both utilize Shimano Ultegra electronic versions of drivetrain components and hydraulic disc brakes, so their transmission performance and braking capabilities are nearly identical.
However, the former employs carbon fiber wheels, which are lighter than the latter’s aluminum alloy wheels, and they can absorb road vibrations for a more comfortable ride.
In conclusion, both bikes are excellent choices, but the former provides a lighter and more agile riding experience, so I would recommend it more.
Learn More: Is BMC Teammachine SLR ONE Worth Buying? [2022 BMC Teammachine SLR ONE Review]
Trek Emonda SL 7 vs. Wilier 0 SL SRAM FORCE ETAP AXS D1 2×12 XDR
They both feature the same internally routed frame design. However, the former has an overall lighter weight, allowing for maximum energy savings during rides and enabling faster speeds.
Regarding the drivetrain components, the former equipped with Shimano components offers a smoother shifting experience. The latter, with SRAM components, provides more crisp and precise shifts.
Finally, both bikes use the same hydraulic disc brakes, offering reliable braking performance even in adverse conditions.
So, between these two bikes, I would prefer the lighter Trek Emonda SL 7.
Trek Emonda SL 7 vs. Factor O2 SRAM Force eTap AXS
These two bikes each have their advantages. The latter boasts a top-tier carbon fiber frame, but its components may be slightly inferior to the former.
Firstly, in terms of drivetrain components, both bikes feature powerful and reliable electronic shifting. However, the former equipped with Shimano drivetrain components is generally better suited for road cycling compared to the SRAM components on the latter.
When it comes to wheelsets, the former’s carbon fiber wheelset is more advanced and offers better riding comfort due to its lighter weight compared to the aluminum components on the latter.
In conclusion, between these two bikes, if you don’t have any immediate plans for upgrades, the Trek Emonda SL 7 currently offers superior performance. Meanwhile, the Factor O2 SRAM Force eTap AXS has a stronger foundation in terms of its frame.
Summary
Above is my riding review of the Trek Emonda SL 7. In our opinion, it is a high-end brand bike that offers strong climbing and descending performance, and it provides a lightweight and fast riding experience for competitive cycling. This is why we have given it a rating of 4.8.
Of course, if you want to explore other competitive bikes, we also evaluate many bikes at various price points, and they are equally interesting. Feel free to check out our other tests.
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