Lighter, faster, better. That was Trek's goal in creating their best-of-the-best Madone 6.9. Brutally efficient and ultra light, it features ingenious new technology for a superior ride, such as a 90mm-wide bottom bracket for maximum efficiency, sealed headset and bottom bracket bearings that simply press into the frame saving weight and reducing maintenance, and a seat mast that saves even more weight, while also boosting compliance for supreme comfort. And, it's built of Trek's team-spec OCLV Red carbon, while the fork is equally impressive. It's Bontrager's Race XXX Lite Carbon with E2 steerer, which is oversize at the base for excellent efficiency and control. A frame of this level deserves only the best and you get it with top-of-the-line Bontrager Race XXX Lite carbon wheels and Shimano's Tour-winning Dura-Ace components for the ultimate in shifting and braking, while the Bontrager stem, bars and seat add the finishing touches of class.
Strengths: Handles great, very stiff and responsive
Weaknesses: rear end too stiff vertically. my old sciatica returned. rechecked measurements and that, unfortunately, was not the problem.
Bottom Line:
got this 2012 6 series as a warranty replacement of a 5.9 (loved the ride of that one). The 2012 6 series handles great, is light and very stiff. Too stiff for me. Rear end rides harsh- same as my super stiff aluminum back up bike. Took both bikes to a short circuit with some pavement cracks at a corner, and both handled the same.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Hager
a Recreational Rider
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2012
Strengths: I have a 6 series and its the best Bike I have ever owned.
Weaknesses: Don't buy it with the Std Trek Wheels, There crap.
Bottom Line:
Buy the Bike and make sure your don't buy the Trek brand wheels.
This is a true racing machine! As a current Cat3 & Masters racer, I need every bit out of a bike as I can.
For years I've raced Wilier Triestina(Sestriere, Izoard) and Look(585, 595, 695SR) and until now thought the technology/set up couldn't get much better. The Trek Madone 6.9 SSL Project 1 changed all that. For years, I resisted the Armstrong affect and subsequent market saturation, but now understand the errors of my ways. As a non-climber, this bike is nimble, quick and almost effortless. Surprisingly, with the tighter geometry and shorter wheel base, I expected compliance to be an issue in the descents, but I could carry higher speeds without any worry. Sprinting is a pure delight! The H1 & H2 option is great for those with flexibility concerns.
Overall, this is it! A bike with great looks, performance and versatility.
Bike Setup: Trek Madone 6.9SSL, Stealth Black
Zipp 303, Full Carbon Clinchers
Sram Red
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Marty Givens
a Recreational Rider
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2012
Strengths: Gorgeous to look at and beautiful to ride. Light and stiff yet still quite comfortable. Project One customization is awesome.
Weaknesses: Price - but you get what you pay for!
Bottom Line:
I started road racing in 1982 on an old Motobecane and bought my first Trek (a 170?) in 1984. I owned Treks for the next 10 years. I stopped riding altogether for 5 years until purchasing a LeMond Zurich (technically still a Trek - I think) in 1999. I loved that bike (although it didn't get ridden nearly enough when I moved to Chicago in 2003) until it flew off my roof (along with the entire rack) while driving through Nebraska to our new home in Oregon. Sad for the LeMond but good for me - as I was able to upgrade to a 2012 Project One Madone 6.9 SSL with the SRAM Red group.
The difference was astounding - I was actually afraid of the bike for a week because it felt so twitchy underneath me and I was scared I'd do something stupid and wreck the gorgeous paint job! I contemplated mounting it on the wall as a work of art and buying something I wouldn't be so emotionally invested in!
After a few weeks I became less of a spaz and the bike felt more and more stable. It is so quick to respond it's almost telepathic. It's ability to transfer energy into speed is really amazing. I would love to say that it climbs like a rocket but I'll have to lose another 40 lbs before I make that claim. I can say it WANTS to climb like a rocket but it has a 225 lb anchor.
It's not as stable on the descents as the LeMond was - I frequently hit the high 50's riding the hills around Eugene, OR on the LeMond and it was rock solid. The Madone is a bit more squirrely in the 50mph range although some of that may be the deep wheels catching air.
I'm going to put some RXL wheels on it and see if that makes any difference.
My only complaint is with the SRAM front derailleur - total piece of crap! The first one cracked, the second one flexed so much it came of the chain ring on both sides on numerous times. SRAM sent me a different version (steel/aluminum instead of titanium) and it appears to be fixed.
All in all it's a great bike that I would highly recommend (just go with a Force front derailleur) if you're getting the SRAM group.
Strengths: Light, Fast, Climbs Very Good, Comfortable, Good value.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I have had my P1 6.9 for almost a year now. Setup with Sram Red components and Bontrager carbon aero wheels. The bike has been great. I swapped out the Sram FD with a DA FD, but other than that the bike has been flawless. It is very light, fast and comfortable. I could not be happier with the bike.
