Trek Madone SLR 9 Gen 7: at the pinnacle of speed and aerodynamics
The long-awaited seventh generation of the Trek Madone is here, and it brings with it a host of outstanding new features that confirm it as one of the most iconic aero bikes on the market. The Madone SLR 9, new generation, is designed to offer an extraordinary combination of lightness, comfort and aerodynamics, making it the ideal companion for riders looking for high performance. Let's explore its main features.
Madone SRL 9 Gen 7: an off-level configuration
Overall, the master's touch on the Madone SRL 9 was the use of OCLV 800 carbon, with Trek's patented carbon fiber process, which made it possible to reduce the overall weight of the bike by using less material in some areas and more in others, whilst being able to maintain rigidity due to the high quality of the fibers.
In this special configuration, four distinctive elements warrant our attention:
Lightweight Obermayer Evo Schwarz Edition wheels: for those seeking maximum lightness and aerodynamic performance, the Lightweight Obermayer Evo Schwarz Edition wheels are a perfect addition to the Madone SLR. These high-quality carbon wheels offer a significant reduction in air resistance and minimal weight, ensuring a faster and more responsive ride. Every watt of power translates into more efficient movement;
CeramicSpeed pulley and bottom bracket: to further improve drivetrain efficiency, you can choose to install CeramicSpeed pulley and a bottom bracket. These high-precision components reduce friction, improving drivetrain smoothness and ensuring precise and fast gear changes, an investment that can make an important difference in bike performance;
THM Clavicula Carbon SE crankset and Carbon Ti chainrings: to further reduce the overall weight of the bike and improve reactivity, the THM Clavicula SE carbon crankset is an excellent choice. This crankset offers an exceptional weight-to-rigidity ratio, allowing more efficient power transmission. Combined with Carbon Ti sprockets, it provides a combination that takes performance to the highest level.
Trek Madone Gen 7: a new level of lightness
One of the key design points of the seventh-generation Madone is the reduction of its overall weight, and in this respect Trek's engineers have achieved a true masterpiece. The 2023 version is 300 grams lighter than its predecessor, making it even more poised to hit the road. The Madone now weighs 7.1 kg in size 54, and between 7.4 and 8.0 kg in size 56, depending on the groupset. This weight reduction was achieved thanks to various techniques and the innovative IsoFlow system, which replaced the historical IsoSpeed.
IsoFlow: revolutionary technology
The IsoFlow system is the true soul of the Madone SLR 9. This seat tube technology, positioned in the saddle joint area, represents a significant step forward compared to IsoSpeed. With a “strategic slot” in the frame, IsoFlow manages to significantly improve comfort, aerodynamics and reduce overall weight. The special frame structure and carbon fiber lamination allow the seatpost to flex vertically, absorbing road imperfections, without compromising torsional rigidity. Although not adjustable, the frame material adapts to the size of the bike, providing a customised response according to the rider's build.
Trek said that thanks to IsoFlow, the bike is now 15% more comfortable than the previous model and is remarkably well balanced.
Trek Madone SRL 9: Superior aerodynamics
The Madone SRL 9 is a bike geared towards speed and performance. It was developed through CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations and wind tunnel tests: techniques and methods that made the Madone Gen 7 the fastest ever. This was also made possible by the IsoFlow that we mentioned previously, which offers significant aerodynamic advantages as it is applied in an area of the frame where a lot of turbulence is produced and, in short, it can accelerate the air coming from the head tube at the front. But that's not all: the new tube shapes and the new cockpit also contribute to the reduction of aerodynamic drag.
To put the data in perspective, we are talking about a saving of 19 watts at 45 km/h compared to the previous version. This means that in one hour of pedalling, a good 60 precious seconds are saved. But the improvements already start at 35 km/h, where 59 seconds are saved, and at 25 km/h, where 58 seconds are saved.
Trek Madone SRL 9: new integrated cockpit
The seventh-generation Madone’s carbon cockpit is a crucial part of its new design. This new, optimised handlebar/attachment features hoods with a width reduced by 3 cm compared to the drops, offering not only a more comfortable riding position, but also a significant increase in speed, optimised aerodynamics and improved overall rider ergonomics, with superior control.
In summary, the Trek Madone SLR 9 Gen 7 represents excellence in aerodynamics and speed in the world of racing bikes. The result of years of research and development, rigorously tested by professionals, this model will delight aero enthusiasts and professional teams cyclists alike.
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