Trek Madone SL 7 eTap

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 7 eTap.

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 SLR is also found on the Madone SL's frame. It 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 7 eTap 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.

SRAM's Force AXS wireless electronic shifting isn't just about eliminating cables or wires. It delivers incredibly fast and precise gear changes. Every. Single. Time. Even under hard pedaling loads, the derailleurs snap from one cog or chainring to the next without hesitation. Each derailleur has an interchangeable battery with a charge life of about 500-600 miles. If one battery runs out before the other, they can be swapped to help finish a ride. A SRAM AXS smartphone app allows the user to determine battery charge, and even update the drivetrain's firmware. Cool, huh? A 48/35T SRAM Force carbon fiber crankset and a 10-33T SRAM XG-1270 cassette bring a wide gearing range to the Madone SL 7. Did we mention the integrated SRAM Force power meter in the crankset? With a Garmin or Wahoo handlebar computer (sold separately), you can get a better look at your training and meet your fitness and race goals.

Bontrager brings the tubeless-ready carbon fiber Aeolus Pro 5 wheelset to the Madone SL 7, adding a very aero profile for high speed performance. Bladed straight-pull spokes add and extra dash of aero to every mile. 700x25c Bontrager H3 Hard-Case Lite tires adds confidence during high speed turns and descents. SRAM Force hydraulic disc brakes help reign in speed in all conditions, wet or dry.

The Madone SL 7 eTap's "cockpit" consists of Bontrager's aero-bar friendly alloy Elite Aero VR-CF handlebar mounted on an accessory-ready alloy Bontrager Pro Blendr stem. A Bontrager Aeolus Comp saddle (shaped for riders who like an aggressive position on the bike) sits atop a micro-adjust Madone carbon fiber seatmast.

A SRAM AXS battery charger is included with the purchase of this bicycle.