What happens when you take two of Trek’s most iconic road bikes and blend them together into a brand new platform? You get the stunning Trek Madone Gen 8.
Taking design cues from both the Gen 7 Madone and current Émonda, the Madone Gen 8 promises to be Trek’s fastest, most lightweight road race bike yet.
Keep scrolling to the bottom to read some thoughts from Lee, who got a taste of Trek’s newest tech pre-launch. Or check out the video below!
Madone Gen 8 is light as Émonda
Madone Gen 8 SLR is as light as the current Émonda SLR, and 320g lighter than the previous Madone! This is thanks to Trek’s new 900 Series OCLV carbon and new tube design. It’s a race bike, yes – but it also an outstanding climber. So those of you devoted to your Émonda’s won’t be disappointed.
Madone Gen 8 is as fast as Madone Gen 7
The latest Madone is a whopping 77 sec/hr faster than Émonda and as fast as the previous Madone Gen 7 (at 200W as a rider system – so bike, rider, bottles/cages and components).
The SLR models of the Madone Gen 8 come with the new RSL Aero Bottle & Cage system that further your aerodynamic capacity (available to purchase separately for the SL models – stock coming soon).
Madone Gen 8 is the most compliant Madone yet
Trek have updated their IsoFlow technology to make it even lighter, and up to 80% more vertically compliant than before. This allows the bike to soak up way more road chatter so you can ride stronger, for longer.
Lee from our team was lucky enough to get some miles in on the new Madone pre-launch, and he couldn’t believe just how compliant/comfortable it was.
Madone Gen 8 SLR features updated Aero RSL Road Integrated Bar/Stem
Trek’s updated RSL bar/stem puts riders into a race winning aero position with ultra-fast aero shapes plus hoods that are 3cm narrower than the drops.
The SL model offers a 2 piece combo.
Madone Gen 8 SL is race winning tech at the ultimate price
The SL model of the new Madone keeps costs down by using their more economical 500 Series OCLV Carbon and 2 piece bar/stem combo. Unlike it’s SLR sibling, Madone Gen 8 SL models are also compatible with mechanical groupsets.
Lee from our Support Team was lucky enough to get to ride the bike pre-launch. Read his thoughts below:
From Formula 1 drivers at Monte Carlo to the Lidl Trek race team on a mystery new steed, there’s been a buzz recently among the eagle-eyed who’ve been scoping out unannounced race bikes. But those examples are bound to be spotted, how come its never just a normal guy riding around Sussex? Well, in this case it is!
Thanks to Balfe’s & Trek I’ve been lucky enough to be riding a brand new Generation 8 Madone weeks before any formal announcement. Just flying low under the radar, no doubt down to those awesome Stealth Bomber design cues (IsoFlow im looking at through you). Make no mistake though, the performance is pure fighter jet. IsoFlow aside, appearance wise the bike has a closer resemblance to the outgoing Emonda with svelte new tube shapes replacing the deep kammtail sections deployed on the Gen 7 Madone.
Whilst the headlines will be talking about the lightweight capabilities of Emonda blended with the speed of Madone, the real party piece for me was just how comfortable the ride feels. The state of my local lanes are more Domane territory at times, but the Madone soaks these up better than any other race bike I’ve ridden. It really does feel like floating along on a magic carpet. That also brings great confidence to the handling characteristics as the ride is so smooth and supple. Jumping back onto my usual bike only reaffirms the amazing ride quality the new Madone posses.
The SL7 version on test here is probably the sweet spot in the range for most, coming equipped with Shimano Ultegra Di2 and deep section carbon wheels featuring a factory tubeless setup. There is really nothing else the bike needs out of the box. Spec’ing this for myself though, I know I would have a hard time resisting adding on the RSL Aero Bottles and Cages that come with the SLR models. And whilst I’m there, maybe the new one piece RSL Bars. OK who am I kidding, keep me away from that Project One configurator…
With the new Gen 8 Trek Madone, you no longer have to choose between a fast bike or a light bike. Its aerodynamic features will let you ride at pace, but you also get an ultra-light, comfortable bike that will enable you to PB even the nastiest climbs.
Check it out online now.
