Trek Madone SL 6 Disc

The current generation Madone has set a very high standard for aero road bikes. Now all that performance can be had for less...

Trek's current Madone has helped pro racers win some of the most prestigious victories in professional racing, including the 2019 world road championships in Yorkshire. Attaining that technological masterpiece is not quite as expensive as it used to be. Welcome to the Madone SL 6 Disc for 2020.

The Madone has been acclaimed as a brilliant aero bike, with very low drag to cheat the wind. The original Madone SLR Disc also boasts incredibly good ride quality -not just for an aero bike, but for road bikes in general- due to an adjustable IsoSpeed seat mast. This clever element of the Madone SL's frame uses a slider on the base of the L-shaped IsoSpeed structure under the top tube. By moving the slider forward or backward, the seatmast can be made stiffer or softer, depending on rider weight, expected riding surfaces or ride distance. Triathletes will appreciate this, knowing that a smooth ride will benefit them during the run. Century riders will also smile, knowing the bike will still be smooth on broken tarmac. Racers will like IsoSpeed since the freshest rider is most likely the fastest in the final sprint to the finish. 

Very light weight is still part of the Madone SL's attributes, thanks to Trek's exclusive 500 Series OCLV carbon fiber used throughout the frame. By using newer flat-mount disc brake installation and an H1.5 fit geometry, the frame of the Madone SL 6 Disc cuts weight in the right places. Like the current Madone SLR, Kammtail Virtual Foil (or KVF) tube shaping in used throughout the Madone SL's frame and fork, making the bike one of the slipperiest road bicycles today. The flattened trailing edge of the frame and fork tubes (the "Kammtails") make the bike far more resistant to gusty crosswinds compared to a classic teardrop shape, as well as cutting weight off the bike. An aperture in the left chainstay for a DuoTrap S speed/cadence sensor (sold separately) cuts aero drag by eliminated the need for clumsy zip-ties. Even the 3S chain keeper at the crankset has been given the low-drag treatment. A stout BB90 bottom bracket anchors the crankset for flex-free power delivery with every pedal stroke.

The Domane SL 6 disc uses Shimano's latest R8000 version of their venerable 11-speed Ultegra component group. This ensures precision functionality, long service life and light weight. Here are a few of the highlights:

• Redesigned dual-control levers and lever hoods that feature adjustable lever reach and a more comfortable textured grip




• A Shadow-style rear derailleur that improves shift quality and takes up to a 30T rear cog




• A Toggle-pivot front derailleur that requires less hand strength to shift to the large chainring




• A 50/34T compact crankset with a more flattened profile for better aerodynamics as well as stiffness for better power transfer




• Hydraulic disc brakes with improved heat dispersion and 160mm rotors for improved stopping power

An 11-28T Ultegra cassette and Ultegra chain add a wide gearing range for challenging courses, as well as precision shifting and low drivetrain friction.

Bontrager supplies the tubeless-ready Aeolus Comp 5 Disc wheelset and 700x25c R3 Hard-Case Lite tires, adding an extra aerodynamic weapon to the Madone SL 6's arsenal. A 50mm deep rim with a bullet-nosed profile not only slices the air in a wider range of wind angles, it handles better in gusty crosswinds. The Madone SL 6's Bontrager Aeolus Comp saddle is a new design that enhances comfort for riders in an aggressive aero position. A conventional alloy Bontrager Pro Blendr stem and alloy Elite Aero VR-CF road handlebar accept clip-on aero bars for triathletes seeking a better bike for technical courses.