2021 Trek Emonda SL Pro 6 road bike review: for the climb lovers

When first released, the Emonda was a climber’s dream that Trek claimed to be the world’s lightest production offering. Dealer events would have the ultra premium 4.6 kg (10.25 lb) SLR 10 hanging from large helium balloons, and the Americna company made a big deal of it providing a benchmark stiffness to weight ratio.
In many ways the Emonda back-filled the void left by the once round-tubed and low weight Madone that was then becoming more aero in its ways. And as the Madone further trended to becoming Trek’s full aero racer (with an obvious element of comfort, too), the Emonda kept to its round tubes and stiff hill attacking personality.
That changed for 2021 with Trek overhauling the Emonda in a similar way to how almost every other brand has overhauled their respective lightweight race machines. The Emonda, now disc-only, gained a little weight by moving to slippery truncated airfoil tubes and a wholly new approach to cable routing in an effort to make it sleeker all-around. Additionally it should run quieter with a new threaded bottom bracket format, too.
All of those techy details (and more) were covered in James Huang’s review of the top tier Emonda SLR. And while James went pretty in-depth with that review, it left a few unanswered questions in relation to the more affordable 2021 Emonda SL. And so it’s exactly this more affordable second-tier version, specifically the Shimano Ultegra-equipped Emonda SL 6 Pro, that we took to our Field Test in Victoria’s High Country.
For the full article please visit:
cyclingtips.com/2021/01/2021-...
Thanks to Ringer Reef Winery (ringerreef.com.au/) for hosting us during our conversation.
Music by Epidemic Sound
Our second Field Test was done in partnership with Ride High Country, the tourism and advocacy group responsible for cycling within Victoria’s North East region. We thank them for their support in being able to produce this series.

[@conorverbruggen5133]

"Half a bidon" is a great way to contextualise the very very significant price difference. Great review, really top class

[@peoples733]

I have watched several reviews on the SL6 Pro and yours gave the best detail on exactly what to expect as far as feel and performance. You mentioned all I was looking for such as tires, wheels, bars, frame, cable routing etc. The only thing I was hoping you would mention in the video but didn't discuss was how you liked the new style threaded bottom bracket. Maybe that was a good thing because you had no issues with it. Just read through the printed review and you did mention it there though. Nice job.

[@frankmoran167]

I have this in grey in a 47. Just put conti ultra sport 28mm tires on for South Coast nsw roads and felt amazing. Did 6000m vertical for F500, the bike just rolls doesn't feel slow at all. Overall, it's done 6000km since purchasing, no issues at all. Bike is 100% stock, nothing needed changing, would have needed new bars and cranks on every other brand. Will be getting gp5000 next month before l'etape.

[@clobber66]

I have this bike and have been waiting for a review that basically followed my own thoughts. Excellent review guys. I’ve gone 28mm tubeless and upgraded saddle to elite.

[@ayowser01]

I just got this bike and your guy's assessment is spot on. I came from a Specialized Allez Sprint, so I was afraid of losing that razor sharp feel, but welcomed the compliance of a carbon frame. This bike somehow combines both those aspects. The handling remains sharp and responsive, while slightly damping out some of the sharp vibrations. I can really feel what's going on at the tire without feeling beat-up, like I did on my Allez (aluminum framed bike). The bike is quite heavy. There's no getting around that. I swapped all the components out for their carbon counterparts and changed over to the Aeolus Pro 37 wheels and it still weighs 16.5lbs. For me, it's worth the sacrifice for the disc brakes and amazing handling. Trek really made a banger with this one.

[@JC-pt2tw]

Which components exactly did you swap out?

[@Jacob99174]

@@JC-pt2tw I bought the SL5, because I wanted custom carbon bits. Upgraded wheels + tires + lite tubes (this alone shaved over 2.5 lbs), bar and stem, seat post, XTR rotors. I believe it’s high 16 lbs now

[@ayowser01]

@J C Zipp speed SL stem, Bontrager XXX OCLV handlebar, Bontrager SL seat mast, Fizik anteres adaptive evo 00 saddle, 105 pedals, Aeolus Pro 37 wheels, Nova ride OSPW, gold chain and [aluminum] bottle cages for bling, Schwalbe Pro One TLE tires. Edit: As it turns out, I grossly over estimated the weight of my bike. It's actually 15.6lbs with pedals, bottle cages, K-edge garmin mount and plastic/carbon Garmin Varia tail light mount. The reason I over estimated its weight is because my previous Allez Sprint with all the bits and bobbins felt the same, when picked up.

[@diegoeleazar9154]

Comfort wise is it the same as a fully upgraded carbon parts Allez Sprint with 28c tires?

[@overbikedrandonneuring]

Great review! Way to bring out the qualitative characteristics of this bike that wouldn't be so easy to evaluate on paper. Extra detail on the written review is helpful too. Looks like a fun ride!

[@deanos1993]

As an owner of this bike (albeit with Pro 37 wheels) I can definitely say that the bike is an amazing climber, despite complaints about the weight.

[@EMC2Scotia]

True, and goes downhill like a rocket.

[@norcalchrismeister]

I pick up my Emonda SL6 Pro tomorrow and have Pro 37 wheels (from my Domane) that I'll be using instead of the Elite 35s. Can't wait to ride it!

[@ayowser01]

@@norcalchrismeister don't forget to do the ratchet upgrade on the wheels!

[@golfplaat2]

@@EMC2Scotia Descending is absolutely terrific. Feels stable, makes me feel secure. What is it you appreciate?

[@supermitendo9654]

Absolutely. I upgraded from a 2019 Emonda SL to the 2021.The 2021 frame is heavier on the scale but it feels more agile.

[@paulexits]

I have this bike and your review is spot on. The saddle is fab. The bike is super responsive. I managed to get free lifetime service as part of the deal which helps on the servicing of cables. It’s a dream machine to climb and descend- but yeah you feel the bumps. Using 28 continental gatorskins

[@luismandujano8216]

Great video and review chaps. It's is definitely a great bike to ride on the hills.

[@jermz123able]

I have been looking for a new bike for this new year, I think this one will be the one!

[@anthonyychapa]

I went with the Emonda SL 5 in blue. It reminds me a lot of my older TCR Advanced - stiff, agile, but not harsh. A fun bike to ride for sure. I’m thinking of upgrading to the Aeolus Pro 37 wheel set.

[@graydonbardwell4637]

In the summer I upgraded to XXX 4 with 30mm Cont Grand Prix 5000TLs - amazing

[@luiscolon921]

Picked up the SL5 model and agree with Andy 100% about the handlebar drop ergo and overall handling. Palm just doesn't sit flush in the drops. Replaced it and upgraded the seat to an Aelous Elite as well. You can definitely feel the road even when running GP5000 28s but responds nicely when you get out of the saddle. I just ordered the recently released Pro 51s carbon rims and will pair them with GP5000 25c in the front and keep the 28c in the rear. Overall very happy with the bike and looking forward to the wheelset upgrade.

[@paulj8803]

Thats exactly wht i'm thinking of getting. Currently i have the SL5 and am thinking of adding the Aeolus pro 51's. How did it come out?

[@luiscolon921]

@@paulj8803 the rims look great and add some aero gains for sure. You can really see the gains as you pick up speed especially on descents.

[@lo-pan]

Be cautious in which one you buy, possibly even getting the lower spec wheeled version as you’ll be changing them out anyway. Seemed to me all of the bontrager wheels came on the heavy side. Shed a few pounds off mine and love it

[@whizkid235]

Lol @ everyone complaining this bike is 2-3Kg heavier than other bikes when they themselves weigh 220+ lbs and are shaped like a double scoop ice cream cone. Never understood this gram by gram comparison when most are overweight middle aged men... This bike is literally amazing and I wouldn’t ask for anything much from it until I’m a pro racer racing for thousands of dollars.

[@alanhill7965]

Great review I have an SL7 I had the all in one SLR Carbon bars fitted and 28mm Micherlin power road tyres and I'm very pleased with it , so good to get Australian cyclingtips input

[@Stevenafoe]

I am looking at that one too; any idea how heavy your sl7 is? Should be better dan this sl6? What size?

[@gainsucker]

Have the sl5 and i can say it is a stiff and a very reactive bike! Loving every ride!

[@climberevan]

I'll stick with my rim brake Emonda SLR, thanks. 6.4kg with no special tricks. This new one is a nice all-rounder but gaining over 1kg is unforgivable for a new"lightweight" model.

[@sevegarza]

I know right? I bought a carbon fiber frame Dura-Ace 7800 group set aluminum rim bike for $750 off craigslist last month (2008 Jamis Xenith SL frame/fork/seat post). Great condition late model Ultegra cranks, chainrings, and cassette on the bike. I swapped saddle with a supper comfortable (and heavy) Selle SMP TRK saddle that I had. Whole bike weighs 7.94 kilograms. And that's with a heavy seat (454 grams) and aluminum rims!

[@fmar.8311]

@@sevegarza I have a 2011 Trek Madone 6.7ssl with carbon wheels, full sram red, carbon handle bars etc. 14lbs. with pedals. I have no clue why these bikes are getting heavier and heavier (at it's accepted) and so much more expensive. I'll stick to my old bike.

[@animatorbrent]

These are getting heavier because weight is not as important as aerodynamics. I went up 1.5 kph average - for the same watts- when I went from bontrager xx4 wheels to the Aeolus pro 5s. Tube shapes make a difference. More than weight.

[@fmar.8311]

@@animatorbrent I agree with you that aerodynamics are important, but at the same time that weight can be felt when climbing a hill or a speeds where the impact of aero is negligable. I don't know about you but I'm not Mark Cavendish. Also when you mention weight of wheels are way different than frame weight, because wheels are rotational mass. Carbon wheels offer a huge advantage over normal wheels not because of the tube but because of it's lighter weight regardless of the tube that's on there.

[@Aureas133]

@@fmar.8311 However when descending the hill, the impact of aero comes back into play. But not as much as the impact of good disc brakes. The confidence you feel when you have that much control in fast descents is in a different league.

[@504yaj]

the wheelset is bringing down this otherwise neat super bike, you can get 1.3kg wheelsets over those hefty 1.8kg ones... plus get a full carbon cockpit which will save you another 200-250 grams and youll have yourself a 7.2kg disc brake super bike that competes with other ultegra equiped disc bikes in weight

[@marcoceconi2734]

Would really enjoy seeing a review of the Bianchi Oltre XR3 or Infinito CV eTap!

[@kamranengineer8357]

What bottle cages are those? Bontrager? Or another manufacturer? Great review! Thanks for the video.

[@camallan1]

Heavier than my 2015 Émonda S5 with 105...£2,000 more, 6 years later

[@Raptors0524]

So true!

[@lances25]

Please do a review on the etap! 💯👍🏾

[@lodvaessen]

I would really like to see a review of the new Merida Reacto's

[@saracen888]

Great review. I note your point about the handlebars...what handlebars do you guys suggest for a little further drop without extending reach? Thanks

[@prestonharris8106]

The part they left out about the handlebars is the 95mm reach, hence the wrists hitting the tops, a similar drop with a more typical 75mm reach would not have this issue

[@morrisizing]

Surely they could have got the frame 100-200g heaver than the SLR without increasing manufacturing costs by much? Seems a fair amount heaver than the rival frames for bikes at this price point. This is a shame as they look lovely and I am sure they well.

[@fpanucci0303]

Great Review!! Just wondering if an ALR with top notch wheels and components would not be a better option! Save on the frame and improve the rest. What is your opinion?

[@graydonbardwell4637]

The Aeolus RSL 37V wheels would be brilliant on the ALR frame

[@foxtrottv6425]

Nice bike .. change seat post carbon from trek .. stock are so heavy specially the rim, seat post and aero bar..

[@ilgour]

Nice & heavy

[@euroswilliams7303]

you call the wheels lardy and keep saying lightweight but are you sure? At nearly 50% heavier than the SLR, the SL frame is not lightweight or a climbers dream.

[@teamsally3343]

First awesome bicycle

[@xtra9996]

SL Pro, considered to be a climbing bike, weight: 8 kg? Interesting how definitions shift over time ... :)

[@amarmangaonkar7682]

If u decided to put 2, 1 litre bottles and carry phone with you on a 6kg bike it will weight the same.

[@xtra9996]

@@amarmangaonkar7682 That's what I call a strange, logical conclusion. Because if you put 2 one litre bottles on your SL Pro it'll weight 10 kg. Oh, I forgot the phone, so it's even more than 10 kg. :)

[@canaljkt]

@@amarmangaonkar7682 kkk my decatlon 1k euro 105 is 8.8kg. this trek is kinda heavy

[@mynewcolour]

@@amarmangaonkar7682 Not unless you ride the light bike without and phone and a drink 😂

[@ntglf467]

i rather get the heavier but stiffer bike than a light sluggish one

[@samwheelhouse9769]

Would you recommend this bike for criterium races?

[@pedroandrade2398]

8kgs for a lightweight climbing bike? right.. plus: the disc brakes should enhance climbing abilities and stiffness also, right? right... rim brakes old tech? right... The ALR FRAME seems the wisest choice. this is just shenanigans...

[@animatorbrent]

Just picked one of these up brand new, got it home and noticed the finish was all messed up under the clear coat. It’s back at Trek at the moment and I have to decide if I’m still going to go ahead with it. There are no others in my size. Not sure what I’m going to do but there are definitely some quality issues at the factory as they try to meet demand.

[@animatorbrent]

Update- they found another one and are shipping it asap. Happy about that given the bike shortages

[@johnknox4293]

thanks

[@paulwhitehead1190]

What would you recommend for a more comfortable bike for longer rides?

[@edwardsmith6468]

Lots of people saying it’s heavy. By 1 or 2kgs. So I’m 94kgs and looking to loose a few from exercise. Does that offset that weight? It’s still the best looking bike out there with great features. All the drop seat stay bikes are ugly and don’t look like real road bikes.

[@750aero05]

I was wondering the same thing

[@graydonbardwell4637]

People get way to hung up on weight... people count grams but ignore the extra 10-20lbs they’re carrying around. Comfort, fit, handling all matter more. I have a 2020 Domane SL5 with XXX4 wheels - love it

[@PaddleDogC5]

Rotating weight is the most important. So things like rims and tires rotate not the frame. They're the most important weights. In a race car rotating things like rims and tires are worth 4 X static weight.

[@TheoreticallyNo]

Bike companies really need to figure out how to get such builds down to 7 kg. This bike retails for $5.3k in Canada. That works out to $6k after tax. Ludicrous.

[@georgefarrowgreen01]

That thing literally weighs more than my cross bike with pedals 🤣

[@spdaltid]

Integrated seatpost. Integrated headset cables... [paired with a round section bar?]. Unfortunately show stoppers for me. I'm sure it's a lovely bike though.

[@jackyl1209]

Man, I really wish I can afford a bike like this. Sucks being a highschool student with a tight budget!

[@user-uh5nb8js8w]

Get 2 summer jobs save up and purchase the aluminum to get started!

[@deanos1993]

Hey bud, I was in your shoes once - Bought a brand new trek alpha 2.3 (2010) in 2011 when I finished school. ($990 aud on clearance) Rode it hard for 10 years and just bought an Sl6 pro and upgraded the wheels. Keep building your fitness and working hard, cool bike will come later.

[@dn6008]

Just start with a cheap bike and build your fitness like what deanos1993 said. Its about your fitness not bike. A lot of people out there buying expensive race bikes, but don't have the fitness to match the bike. I started with a 15kg hybrid bike costing £180. Did a lot of hill climbing, sprints and that really increased my fitness to a next level. Saved up for a year and going to pick up the emonda next week.

[@fx1411]

What bottle cage do you use on that bike?

[@josejojiebartolome5190]

I like trek emonda roadbike

[@gietube]

Hi there. I am not sure if I should go for a 60 or a 58 frame size. Could you advice me? I am 185,5 cm tall. Inner-leg=87,5cm. Thanks in advance!!

[@HarishChouhan]

What is your height and what size bike were you riding? I don't have the option to test. Trek suggests frame size 56 for my height which is 5'10" or 177cms. I have a frame that size available but can't test a frame :(

[@brenthinkle3352]

I’m your height and own multiple Treks (road, gravel, and mtb). They run slightly small IMO. The 56 is probably best unless you have really odd proportions like an extremely long or short reach. A 54 will give you a fair amount of toe overlap you probably won’t like.

[@HarishChouhan]

@@brenthinkle3352 Hey Brent, I tried the Emonda ALR and went with the size 54. I have long legs but I assume shorter torso :). The shop person first changed the stem to 100mm but then after a bike fit got the original stem 90mm back and seems to be more comfortable than my old GT Grade size 56 which has a 120mm stem :). I have not ridden the new bike much after I bought it last month due to health issues so don't have my experience riding it.

[@brenthinkle3352]

@@HarishChouhan i have a 54 madone and checkpoint. In hindsight, I’d probably go with the 56 but both sizes can work. The thing is I’m pretty much maxed out on the seat masts and would have more wiggle room on the 56. Hope you get to ride more going forward Harish!

[@skylightdown1]

looks great but isnt its a bit too heavy for the price my emonda 2018 full alloy 105 except for the frame is way ligther than this

[@monicapinto3225]

Perfect.

[@ariffau]

1522 g for a 'climbing' frame? what has the industry gotten into, a joke?

[@don-hc8se]

Bet you dont even have those kind of bikes lmaoo

[@YounanPhoto]

I hope he means inclusive of the fork

[@lucase9498]

@@YounanPhoto he does

[@ardbane]

I purchased a Trek Emonda SL6 Pro back in October 2020 from my local bike shop, I was told it would be dispatched in March 2021. Since then the date has moved several times, the date is now March 2022 & likely to move again, I have spoke to custoners services & they recomend shopping around to find the bike in store, before I cancel the order with my local bike shop anyone any ideas I could investagate, as the price now 20% more expensive

[@JFomo]

Would my slightly lighter, non aero bike be faster?

[@naskofilms4077]

You guys are full of hot air if you think that’s a climbing bike lol

[@FunMushizzle]

Nope too heavy... the Giant TCR with similar spec is lighter and cheaper.

[@zahidrohmat__]

My Ridley Noah Fast aero bike is 7.2kg... And it's not marketed as a climbing bike like this

[@myself6745]

Hol up does the emonda series has iso speed?

[@yonglingng5640]

No it doesn't.

[@mitchellsteindler]

My CAAD12 with 105 groupset and 60 mm deep section carbon clinchers and pedals weighs less than this bike.

[@harrymurphey2634]

... I have purchased my last bike, I think ... it was/is a TREK Domani 5.2 (2013/Red&White) , wieght !7.0 lbs even ... Love it ... now I can get another +200g out of it w/ new R3 Tubeless Tires and a carbon saddle. But here is the "kicker" ... a Shimano Ultegra 3x10 close ratio gear set ... My legs HATE compact doubles!!!!! NEVER EVER !!!! Oh, I have a Mechanical Engineering Degree ... soooo??? Please explain to me how (22) or (24) gears is as good as (30) gears ... and then there is "CROSS CHAINING !!!!" and thinner chains that need to be replaced more often (higher Maintenance Costs !!! ) ... these bike manufactures are trying to sell us "a bill of goods" , people ...

[@bonbonflippers4298]

I wish the triple crankset comes back for bikes as it allows so much more versatile climbing gears. No need for gravel ratio groupsets.

[@srddrs9285]

Wromg. Carbon fiber has a limited life, far shorter than quality steel or titanium frames. Most quoted expected carbon fiber frame lifetimes range 7-10 years. Use past this invites catastrophic failure. Silly people think carbon fiber lasts forever.

[@stacybean1]

My 10 year old madone 5.5 is way lighter than this bike- what’s going on , how can you call this bike light?

[@ab0ude818]

why did he say that 25 mm are not 2020's anymore ?

[@TransforDerek]

Well, it seems like someone released the wrong video :P Very frustrating btw that you talk about how short the stem is but don't tell us it's length! Great review otherwise!

[@zkjellberg]

From their website review: "Trek balances that longer reach by fitting a shorter-than-usual stem (90 mm on the 54 cm)" Yet the 58cm model uses the standard sized 110cm length stem.

[@VeloVeloVeloTV]

Ooops! It's 90 mm. If there are ever questions remaining from our video reviews then you'll probably find the answers in the full written review on CyclingTips.com. Our written reviews almost always go a level deeper on the details. Cheers, Dave Rome.

[@bet609]

@@VeloVeloVeloTV what bars were you using? stock bars have 100mm reach. is 100mm bar reach considered shorter?

[@tunguyenminh9755]

It's even heavier than my Trek Emonda Alr4 with Tiagra groupset and carbon wheels.

[@rbabusrisaisakthi2893]

Great bike for a low price!

[@Gianniz27]

Nice gravel bike.

[@naskofilms4077]

If you don’t care about the weight might as well go with 200mm rotors

[@naskofilms4077]

Let’s talk a bit more about the weight there. 8 kilos what? Usi should make a cap of how much these bikes can weight. I seen mountain bikes that weight less

[@nguyennguyenthuy995]

Bạn vui lòng thông tin giá bán gửi về Việt Nam được không?

[@occyman]

It’s heavy as shit...my 10yr old Colnago, rim brake, mechanical Dura Ace weighs 6.95kg with pedals, bottle cages etc and it’s easy to work on. The bike industry just makes up BS to get people to spend money and IMO are conning customers about heavy bikes, wide tyres and disc brakes.

[@heroldlissaint4426]

Hy i love your in bicycle

[@ProMachineRider]

The SLR 6 Disc is a better buy than the Pro, then upgrade the alloy wheels to what you want. Those wheels aren't great. Although the reports of being overly rigid is a deal breaker but would be interested what PSI they are running. With 28s at 65 PSI will it still bee too harsh???

[@justinmiller7083]

Why not just buy the madone for an 8 kilo bike?

[@lucase9498]

because its a different bike and its more expensive

[@Captinfun101]

Aren’t Emonda Domane,and Madone just all the same name rearranged ? Not some crazy story behind it.

[@EXHICyclist]

i think emonda sl 2021 semi aero, not climbing bike

[@DARKFURY51]

How many pounds

[@NewPolishScientist]

What accent is that?

[@willspower3]

So, a climbers dream... that adds half a pound in the frame compared to mid range competition and you should probably change tires, alloy weight shallow carbon wheels, and handlebars... Not sure how you stayed so positive on this one.

[@jhref]

"contains paid promotion"

[@VeloVeloVeloTV]

@@jhref The paid promotion is from Victoria's High Country (the location we filmed at). When it comes to reviews our opinions will always be independent. As from the video description: "Our second Field Test was done in partnership with Ride High Country, the tourism and advocacy group responsible for cycling within Victoria’s North East region. We thank them for their support in being able to produce this series."

[@VeloVeloVeloTV]

The written review goes into more detail about this, but the bike feels and handles like a top-end racing machine and that's why we remained positive about it. Yes, it's heavier than we expected, but there's still plenty that impressed us here. Dave Rome.

[@willspower3]

@@VeloVeloVeloTV That's a lovely partnership!

[@jhref]

@@VeloVeloVeloTV I figured. Just having a bit of a laugh and being a dick. You all know way more about bikes than I do, I trust your reviews. Cheers.

[@wyattjardine2333]

Clean up the front end, and use the proprietary headset spacers. Jesus Christ with cable management.

[@molfar9049]

emonda sounds too nice for this bike. this bike is a “megera”

[@augustojimenez6042]

nice bike..but aesthetic is gone, due to disc brake

[@SurpriseMeJT]

I won't buy a bike that has such loud graphics. It's a look that will feel dated rather quickly. Then there's all that integration, proprietary parts and disc brakes that will all point to me being a retro grouch because I dislike all of those things.

[@jeffcoulter7181]

“Lightweight climbing bike” I think someone is having a laugh. Kerb weight will be about 8.5 kg with peddles, computer and bottle cages. Low speed aero frame, (who needs aerodynamics at 12kph up a steep climb) but non aero bars, stem and seat post. Narrow wheels that weigh 1.7 kg. This bike is an ...............🐘🐘🐘🐘😏

[@edwardsmith6468]

What do you weigh and does that 1 or 2kg make a difference to performance?

[@NewPolishScientist]

My alloy caad12 is so much lighter

[@aaronpopstar]

I agree, as a Trek Bike rider and an owner of the previous Emonda SLR running rim brakes and XXX2 wheels, that’s the bike you want for climbing. Yes It’s more money but if you can find a used one, then that’s the bike you want. I’m disappointed with the new Emonda not been rim brakes as a climber. And you can’t say the last model was slow. I have hit 88kph on a decent and it always felt planted and controlled.

[@jeffcoulter7181]

@@edwardsmith6468 I weigh 72kg and 1.85 tall, yes aerodynamics is a big thing for the time trialler and the pros, but even then the pros are protected by the peloton and a time trialler won’t be using this type of bike. Yep I know lot of middle aged men who obsess about the weight of their bikes, but are overweight themselves.

[@LRF49]

I bought the heavier version with eTap. I use to own a lighter TCR by a kilo. Let me tell you, I'm faster on the heavier Trek on the flats, hilly, descents and on the twisties. On the climbs, it's about the same which blew me away. Sorry to say, but for vast majority of riders. The weight thing is all in people's heads. After all, most riders are riding entry level carbon builds or mid range and are not exactly in tip top shape like the pros.

[@martind5596]

8kg is not really a climbing bike. Add in the pedals and bottle cages and you’re probably 1.5kg above a decent climbing bike weight. I’m sure it’s a nice bike but it’s no SLR and probably should be reviewed as a decent endurance bike.

[@CarbonRider1]

according to other reviews, while it is slightly heavier than Trek’s previous model, it is faster going up hill because it is more aero. I wouldn’t consider a bike with race geometry that is responsive an endurance bike, very different set ups and feel between the bikes

[@armadillito]

8kg is plenty light enough for most mortal climbers with mortal wallets! Anyway, if it's fun to climb on then that's most of what an amateur cares about.

[@AlwaysWildCS]

@@armadillito just change the unbreakable wheels to something light and instead of 8kg you're goin 7.6kg. Next step tires and tubes and you're easy 7.5kg.

[@blaablaa1718]

hill climb bike... they are literally trolling us

[@josephalbanese1393]

1522 GRAMS??!!! WHAT A JOKE!

[@paljasvonpinguin]

1142 for the frame, 380 for the fork unpainted Mind you; frame is with ISP. It is not far from competitive.

[@sbsb4995]

Disc brakes ruined the look and the aerodynamic of this bicycle. 😞

[@DankGuy]

I disagree

[@Vlad-fj8fz]

It’s actually 4,299$ usd not 3,799$

[@genekehoe4265]

Bikes have gone backwards

[@jony7779]

what the fuck is a bidon

[@yonglingng5640]

A bottle for use in cycling.

[@ayowser01]

A male Biden.

[@josephalbanese1393]

TYPICAL OVERPRICED TREK

[@911Sound]

The seatpost is catastrophically processed and does not work....