The top end Madone 9-Series Race Shop Limited ($13,650) comes with H1 geometry, 700-Series OCLV Carbon, Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9070 drivetrain, and Bontrager Aeolus 5 D3 TLR wheels.
Another bike launch, another über integrated, wind cheating aero road machine hitting the market. This time it's the gang from Trek who rolled out the latest iteration of its popular Madone. But this new bike shares little more than a name with its predecessor. Indeed, the steed that Trek is unabashedly calling the "Ultimate Race Bike" is a true aero roadster, something that was heretofore missing in the Waterloo, Wisconsin-based company's line-up.
With the project, Trek engineers set out to create a bike that surpassed previous achievements in aerodynamic design and ride quality, enhancing it through a host of creative integrated designs. Here's a part-by-part breakdown of the new Trek Madone, which will have its official WorldTour coming out party underneath members of the Trek Factory Racing team starting July 4 at the 2016 Tour de France.
Aero Tube Shapes
Trek continues to use Kammtail tube shapes, but says the new OCLV carbon Madone employs a revised KVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) where truncated airfoil profiles lower drag of both frame and fork. The idea is that the virtual tail of the airfoil bends to respond to the angle of crosswinds. Other frame highlights include a more robust fork for increased lateral stiffness and more precise handling, and molded carbon dropouts that reduce weight.
Trek designed a unique tube-in-tube IsoSpeed decoupler, which allows the inside tube to move independently of the outer aero tube shape.
IsoSpeed Added
Technology that debuted on the Spring Classics focused Domane endurance road bike, then was applied to the Boone cyclocross bike, has now made the leap to full on race machine. The new specially-tuned Madone IsoSpeed decoupler is fully integrated, maintaining efficient aerodynamics, while adding a measure of vertical compliance and smooth ride quality that you wouldn't normally expect from an aero road bike.
To achieve the desired level of aero integration, Trek designed a unique tube-in-tube IsoSpeed decoupler, which allows the inside tube to move independently of the outer aero tube shape. Trek says this design makes the new Madone a whopping 57.5 percent more vertically compliant than its nearest competitor.
Continue to page 2 to learn more about the new Madone and see pricing and spec »
Integrate or Die
Like the new Specialized Venge ViAS and Scott Foil, Trek's revamped Madone is chock full of integration. Up front is a proprietary one-piece aero bar/stem that Trek says has the sleekest, lowest-drag profile it's ever developed. This combo component houses all cables and housing, which are invisible, save for a small piece that connects to the rear derailleur.
The new Madone also utilizes direct-mount brakes that are neatly tucked into the frame and fork. This integration also necessitated the Madone's articulating Vector Wings, which enclose the leading cables and front brake caliper in a protective shell and open up during tight turns.
The new Madone also employs what it calls a Control Center, a frame-integrated electronic drivetrain battery port on the topside of the downtube. Non Di2 users will be able to access derailleur barrel adjusters here.
Up front is a proprietary one-piece aero bar/stem that Trek says has the sleekest, lowest-drag profile it's ever developed.
And There's More
Other highlights include optimized placement of water bottle bosses so the leading waterbottle offsets drag for the trailing waterbottle. The frame also utilizes a micro-adjust seatmast that's claimed to be light, strong, aerodynamic, and easy to use. Finally, designers added an aerodynamic 3S chain keeper for security on rough roads.
Choose Your Size
Like most Trek road offerings, the new Madone will come in both H1 and H2 sizes. H1 is Trek's lower, more aggressive, aerodynamic race fit, while H2 will likely suit most riders who can't contort themselves for hours on end. The new Madone will also be offered in women's specific geometry. Available Madone models include 9.2, 9.5, the flagship 9.9, 9.9 WSD, and Race Shop Limited. Madone Race Shop Limited will be available as a frameset in both H1 and H2 fits, as well as a complete bike. Bike buyers will also be able to customize the new Madone through Project One.
The new Trek Madone will have its official WorldTour coming out party underneath members of the Trek Factory Racing team starting July 4 at the 2016 Tour de France.
Spec and Pricing
Madone 9-Series Race Shop Limited ($13,650): H1 geometry, 700-Series OCLV Carbon, Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9070 drivetrain, Bontrager Aeolus 5 D3 TLR wheels
Madone 9.9 ($12,600): H2 geometry, 600-Series OCLV Carbon, Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9070 drivetrain, Bontrager Aeolus 5 D3 TLR wheels
Madone 9.9 Women's ($12,600): WSD geometry, 600-Series OCLV Carbon, Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9070 drivetrain, Bontrager Aeolus 5 D3 TLR wheels
Madone 9.5 ($8,400): H2 geometry, 600-Series OCLV Carbon, Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 drivetrain, Bontrager Aura 5 TLR wheels
Madone 9.2 ($6,300): H2 geometry, 600-Series OCLV Carbon, Shimano Ultegra 6800 drivetrain, Bontrager Paradigm Elite TLR wheels
Madone 9-Series H1 frameset ($5,780): 700-Series OCLV Carbon
Madone 9-Series H2 frameset ($4,730): 600-Series OCLV Carbon
For more information visit www.trekbikes.com