Trek Madone SL 6 Review
- Price: $4,729.99
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 700c
- Gears: 2 × 11
What we like about it: Advanced aerodynamic performance and all-around riding quality make it the ultimate bike.
What we didn’t like about it: It comes with a high price tag, making it unsuitable for novice riders and those on a budget.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The Trek Madone SL 6 offers advanced aerodynamic performance and all-around riding quality that represents great value. Equipped with excellent components, it enhances speed, maximizes aerodynamic advantages, and provides an exceptional riding experience.
Below, we’ll analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications of the Trek Madone SL 6. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it to several other bikes. If you want to explore more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Trek Madone SL 6 impresses with its powerful aerodynamics and appropriate components. I found it to be a sufficiently robust road bike, offering top-notch speed and riding experience.
For a test, I packed up the Trek Madone SL 6 and rode from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, with a pre-booked hotel at IHG as my destination. The ride spans approximately 140 kilometers, taking me through varied terrains and offering a mix of climbs and descents.
Road Cruising
As I mounted the Trek Madone SL 6, I was struck by its striking and aggressive riding posture. Combined with top-tier aerodynamics, I approached my upcoming ride with confidence.
During fast-paced road riding, the carbon fiber frame exhibits remarkable rigidity. I experienced no sluggishness when pedaling, allowing me to quickly keep up with my pedaling efforts. My pedaling power effectively converted into forward momentum.
When I wanted to increase my riding speed, the Shimano Ultegra drivetrain, with its 2×11-speed setup, allowed for rapid and precise gear shifts. Shifting to the desired gear and increasing my cadence, the bike accelerated impressively. The exceptional aerodynamics allowed me to maintain my speed effectively.
Finally, the carbon fiber frame and fork make the riding experience on the Trek Madone SL 6 remarkably comfortable. Carbon fiber’s characteristics absorb road vibrations, ensuring a comfortable ride.
Climbing and Descending
On uphill roads, the Trek Madone SL 6 is an extremely aerodynamic road bike. Therefore, it may not excel as well in climbing as endurance-focused climbing bikes. However, the carbon fiber frame and improved integration ensure high-quality power transfer during climbs, allowing for swift ascents.
On steeper sections, the Shimano Ultegra kit offers ample gearing options. By selecting the right gear, my climb became more manageable, conserving energy during uphill rides.
During downhill rides, the Trek Madone SL 6’s excellent aerodynamics help minimize wind resistance. Even without the need for pedaling, I maintained an impressive descent speed.
Furthermore, the Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes deliver powerful braking. During extended downhill stretches, I could frequently use the brakes while maintaining high braking efficiency.
Specifications
The Trek Madone SL 6 utilizes a lightweight and aerodynamically optimized 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame and fork. This results in a lighter overall weight and enhances riding speed.
The frame comes in eight different sizes, catering to riders with heights ranging from 5’0″ to 6’5″. This provides broad applicability, suitable for riders of nearly all heights.
The design features full internal cable routing, giving the frame a clean and tidy appearance. It simplifies daily cleaning and reduces resistance during rides. The addition of a quiet line pipe minimizes noise generation while riding.
Finally, the Shimano Ultegra 2×11 groupset provides smooth gear shifts and precise shifting experiences. The powerful hydraulic disc brakes offer reliable braking performance, even in adverse conditions.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Adjustable top tube IsoSpeed allows riders to customize compliance according to their preferences, using elastomer damping for smooth, controlled, and stable rebound motion.
- All the aerodynamic advantages of Madone make high-speed riding even faster.
- Disc brakes provide improved braking performance and additional tire clearance for added stability.
- Madone seatpost features an integrated mount for the Bontrager Flare RT tail light.
- Shimano Ultegra 2×11 drivetrain components offer smooth gear shifts and an efficient drivetrain.
- Internal cable routing design for a cleaner appearance, reduced resistance, and easier daily cleaning.
What don’t we like about it?
- The high price makes it unsuitable for novice riders and those on a tight budget.
FAQ
- Which is faster, Trek Madone or Emonda?
In terms of performance, this depends on the type of riding you’re doing. Madone bikes may be faster in flat riding or faster in time trials and circuit races. Emonda performs better in climbing and long-distance group rides.
- What type of road surfaces is this bike suitable for?
It is suitable for riding on flat, open, paved roads, where higher speeds are achievable.
- 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 take a test ride.
| 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
Frameset
| Frame | 500 Series OCLV Carbon, KVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shape, adjustable top tube IsoSpeed, invisible cable routing, 3S aero chain keeper, T47 BB, flat mount disc, Duo Trap S compatible, 142x12mm thru axle |
Weight
| Weight | 56 – 8.74 kg / 19.27 lbs |
| Weight limit | This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 275 pounds (125 kg). |
Drivetrain
| Shifter | Shimano Ultegra R8020, 11 speed |
| Front derailleur | Shimano Ultegra R8000, braze-on |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Ultegra R8000, short cage, 30T max cog |
| *Crank | Size: 47Shimano Ultegra R8000, 50/34 (compact), 165mm length Size: 54, 56Shimano Ultegra R8000, 50/34 (compact), 172.5mm length Size: 58, 60, 62Shimano Ultegra R8000, 50/34 (compact), 175mm length |
| Bottom bracket | Praxis, T47 threaded, internal bearing |
| Cassette | Shimano Ultegra R8000, 11-30, 11 speed |
| Chain | Shimano Ultegra HG701, 11 speed |
Wheels
| Wheel front | Bontrager Aeolus Comp, Tubeless Ready, 18mm rim width, 100x12mm thru axle |
| Wheel rear | Bontrager Aeolus Comp Disc, Tubeless Ready, 18mm rim width, 142x12mm thru axle |
| Skewer front | Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable lever |
| Skewer rear | Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable lever |
| Tire | Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 700x25mm |
| Max tire size | 28mm |
Components
| Saddle | Bontrager Aeolus Comp, steel rails, 145mm width |
| *Seatpost | Size: 47, 50, 52, 54, 56Madone aero carbon internal seatmast cap, integrated light mount, 5mm offset, short length Size: 58, 60, 62Madone aero carbon internal seatmast cap, integrated light mount, 5mm offset, tall length |
| *Handlebar | Size: 47Bontrager Elite Aero VR-CF, alloy, 31.8 mm, invisible cable routing, 93 mm reach, 123 mm drop, 40 cm width Size: 50, 52Bontrager Elite Aero VR-CF, alloy, 31.8mm, invisible cable routing, 93mm reach, 123mm drop, 40cm width Size: 54, 56Bontrager Elite Aero VR-CF, alloy, 31.8mm, invisible cable routing, 93mm reach, 123mm drop, 42cm width Size: 58, 60, 62Bontrager Elite Aero VR-CF, alloy, 31.8mm, invisible cable routing, 93mm reach, 123mm drop, 44cm width |
| Handlebar tape | Bontrager Supertack Perf tape |
| *Stem | Size: 47Bontrager Pro, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 70mm length Size: 50Bontrager Pro, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 80mm length Size: 52, 54Bontrager Pro, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 90mm length Size: 52, 54Bontrager Pro, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 90mm length Size: 56, 58Bontrager Pro, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 100mm length Size: 60, 62Bontrager Pro, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 110mm length |
| Brake rotor | Shimano MT800, centerlock, 160mm |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Wheelset | Frame Material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp -Shimano 105 Di2 | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Carbon | Shimano 105 R7170 | 2 × 12 Electronic |
| Merida SCULTURA 8000 | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra | 2 × 12 Electronic |
| Cervelo Soloist Ultegra | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra | 2 × 11 |
| Wilier CENTO10 SL CAMPAGNOLO CENTAUR 2X11 | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Carbon | CAMPAGNOLO DIRECT MOUNT BR17-DIDM | 2 × 11 |
Trek Madone SL 6 vs. Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp -Shimano 105 Di2
They are both high-quality road bikes. However, the latter bike is lighter, making uphill riding easier. The frame of the latter conforms better to aerodynamics, resulting in a faster riding speed.
Regarding the drivetrain components, the former is equipped with Shimano Ultegra, which is one level higher than the Shimano 105 Di2 on the latter. This gives the former’s components a lighter weight. However, the latter is a more recent electronic version of the gear shifting, making adjustments simpler, more convenient, and with a wider range of speeds.
In terms of braking components, both have reliable hydraulic disc brakes with powerful braking capabilities.
So, between these two bikes, the Trek Madone SL 6 excels in flat road riding with higher speeds, while the Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp makes uphill riding easier, allowing you to choose according to your preferences.
Trek Madone SL 6 vs. Merida SCULTURA 8000
Both of them feature carbon fiber frames and forks. They are lightweight and highly rigid, but the former’s IsoSpeed design adds an extra layer of comfort to the ride.
Moving on to the drivetrain components, although both are Shimano Ultegra level, the latter utilizes the electronic version of the gear shifting, making adjustments more convenient and offering a wider range of speeds. In terms of braking components, both of these bikes have ample braking power.
In conclusion, I would prefer the frame of the former, while the latter boasts higher-quality components. If you have plans for future upgrades, then the Trek Madone SL 6 is a worthy choice.
Learn More: Is Merida SCULTURA TEAM Worth Buying? – [Merida SCULTURA TEAM Review]
Trek Madone SL 6 vs. Cervelo Soloist Ultegra
They are both high-end road bikes, featuring equally high-quality carbon fiber frames. However, the latter is lighter in weight, while the former incorporates more design elements aimed at reducing wind resistance.
When it comes to components, both of these bikes use Shimano Ultegra-level components for the drivetrain and braking systems. They offer a 2×11-speed drivetrain, with smooth and lightweight gear shifting that is highly responsive. The hydraulic disc brakes at this level provide powerful braking performance, remaining reliable in all environmental conditions.
So, these two bikes are quite similar, both having excellent frames and components with nearly identical capabilities. They are both solid choices.
Trek Madone SL 6 vs. Wilier CENTO10 SL CAMPAGNOLO CENTAUR 2X11
These two bikes are both excellent choices.
Firstly, both of these bikes excel in aerodynamics, ensuring faster speeds during high-speed rides. The former’s frame incorporates some designs for added riding comfort but may slightly increase the overall weight.
Regarding the drivetrain, both the Shimano components on the former and the CAMPAGNOLO components on the latter are renowned in the world of cycling components. Their gear shifting is smooth, lightweight, and highly efficient.
Equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, these bikes maintain efficient braking capabilities at all times, providing strong stopping power.
In conclusion, choosing either of these bikes is a decision you won’t regret.
Summary
The above is my review of the Trek Madone SL 6. In our view, it’s a bike that offers riders a fast and enjoyable riding experience with high-quality components. That’s why we’ve given it a rating of 4.8.
Of course, if you’re interested in other racing bikes, we regularly review a wide range of bikes at various price points, all of which are equally fascinating. Feel free to explore our other reviews.
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