Disc Bike That Can Climb! The 2020 Trek Emonda SL6 Disc Road Bike Weight and Feature Review

[@davemazur2062]

Just bought this used for $2100. Excellent condition, veryyyyyy excited to start riding!

[@michaelorr181]

If it's not broken dont fix it , it is now 2021 November, just purchased this bike over the 2022 model ! 2020 emonda sl6 fits me great better saddle and bars plus lighter, bb90 bottom bracket not a deal breaker at all , lighter = faster Enjoyed your video it had a lot to do with my purchase today ++ a thousand dollars cheaper than a 2022.. 2020 was the last of the king 👑 Of Endurance bikes and I got me one ✌

[@dawolff4815]

I have had this exact bike since 2020, and it's still amazing.

[@key4duty]

I have this bike for almost a year now, very comfortable, quiet and fast! A great allround bike that can do it all.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Very nice!

[@Breakers-y8i]

This is by far the best bike, at moment you can buy without going broke or getting a pay day loan. It rides like a champ, feels great, light weight, great Components, Trek hit a home run on this one.

[@Agent-vj3ns]

My pinarello f12 frame was $700 w bar, fork and custom paint job. Unlce Ali got the hookup 😑🙏

[@pufferz6788]

@@Agent-vj3ns you got pics?

[@vika0194]

@@dafsd4831 not cheap

[@sharky442]

James the bike guy, That's an AWESOME looking bike. I love watching your presentations on KZbin....Keep em coming,

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Will do, thanks!

[@JogBird]

Emonda is easily Trek's best road bike (i have 2016 slr8 :-)) put 28mm tyres on and its almost as compliant as the domane the geometry is the same as the madone except for slightly higher headtube

[@claudiomendes1028]

Vou colocar pneus 28mm tb

[@brianrudolph8435]

I prefer yellow. First, because motorists can see you better and second, because it's my favorite color. :o)

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Good reasons

[@jeffstotts5743]

One other thing I noticed in this video. For 2020 it looks like Trek finally ran the front brake line inside the front fork. Previous models the line is run outside the fork. 2020 looks cleaner.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

They did, looks good.

[@chrisbeard7026]

Great video man. This is one of the bikes I’m very interested in purchasing next. You did a great job of covering everything I wanted to know about the bike. Would love to know how you think it rides on the road.

[@k-mac5511]

Chris Beard this is the one I have my eye on too.

[@jakewelding4172]

@@k-mac5511 just bought one!

[@k-mac5511]

Jake Welding Which one? Did you stay with the sl6? What color? Is it a dream ride? I’m excited. I want the stealth black one. Buying it next week.

[@jakewelding4172]

@@k-mac5511 I got the red one like the video. Not the pro, couldn't justify spending a extra grand for myself.. but I should get it in on Monday my bike shop ordered. I'm so excited. I definitely caught the biking bug haha

[@jakewelding4172]

@@k-mac5511 I have a domane but thats currently on my Saris trainer!

[@Desertduleler_88]

I have the 2015-16 model, still looks great in Viper red 700 grams lighter.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Cool!

[@jeffstotts5743]

I have the 2019 SL6 and I’m very pleased with the bike. I have changed out the wheel set to Reynolds AR41X and put 28mm Continental 5000 TL tires and went tubeless. I love everything about this bike...met all the specs I was looking for at a decent price (bought from my LBS during one of the Trek sales). The stock paradigm wheels are OK just a tad heavy but they rode fine for about a year till I bought the Reynolds. But the Reynolds just added a little flair and tad bit more performance. Road disc and tubeless set up for road just take it to the next level. I was initially a bit hesitant about running 28mm tires (came stock on the bike), but now I’m sold this is the way to go. I can’t tell that 28s are slower or heavier than 25s especially since I went tubeless. 28s are said to be more aero on wider rims (Reynolds are 21mm internal width) and you can run lower pressures so theoretically they are faster and smoother.

[@k-mac5511]

Jeff Stotts why go tubeless? It’s a new concept to me. I’m afraid of being stranded out on the rough roads where I live. Thanks for your post and feedback. I’m looking to buy this bike so hearing from someone with tried experiences on the bike is helpful.

[@jeffstotts5743]

K-Mac Hey K-Mac, I went Tubeless because I have a gravel bike and MTB that are both Tubeless and I’ve had fewer flats than on tubes. Of course I carry a tube in my saddle bag in case I do have a flat. I had one sidewall gash from something sharp I hit on a ride recently that neither tubeless or tubed tires would have survived...ended up trying a tube but the hole was too big and it popped the tube. Had to call the wife for a ride home. But for pin-hole or minor punctures the tubeless sealant will fill the holes and at least get you back home. Less flats in general. Also you can lower the pressure in the tire a little more than a tubed tire to make the bike ride smoother and give you better compliance on rough roads without risk of pinch flats. Most newer wheel sets are coming tubeless ready with tubeless tape already installed...makes it a lot easier to convert to tubeless. The Reynold I bought were very easy to mount tubeless.

[@k-mac5511]

Jeff Stotts thank you so much for sharing. Very informative, very helpful, and very much appreciated!

[@Mububban23]

$4000 (where I live) for an 8.2kg "lightweight climbing" bike in size 54 - no thanks. I paid $1500 for a 9.4kg alloy road bike with discs and 105 in size 56, spent another $900 on lighter wheels that dropped ~550g, so I'm within 700g of the Emonda for $1600 less. The new wheels have been such a great upgrade that any new bike (with discs) would need to be on or under 8kg to tempt me away from what I've already got.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Mmk

[@jessedavis1489]

Mububban23 hey bro I got a few questions about what you said . I’m new to cycling can you please give me a call brother I have a few questions 470 -276-0653 my name is jesse

[@davemazur2062]

Hahahaha

[@jessedavis1489]

This bike or the tarmac disc comp. what’s your choice. The disc comp is like $500 more from what I see. 3,100 for the emonda and 3,500 for the tarmac. Thanks

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Tough call. I'd go with the one that fits better for me.

[@daf105xf9]

Nice ! I'm loven it

[@hdoan7167]

Thanks for the info! I think you meant that it had 28mm tyres instead of 25mm. In which case, do you reckon this will be one of the more comfortable light weight road bikes without going trick dampening systems as seen in the Domane, Roubaix etc? Where I live this is priced slightly cheaper than the Roubaix sport, what would be your pick? Regards,

[@jiminy2731]

Hi H Doan, have you made the purchase? I'm undecided at this stage between Emonda SL5 vs Domane SL 5. I'm leaning towards the Domane with the larger tyre clearance so i can use it for gravel, as well as having a wider casette to help with the climbs (even though the Emonda is around 1kg slightly lighter)

[@hdoan7167]

Random DIY end up getting an Emonda Sl6 disc pro 2019 for a good price. On 25mm tyres I feel it is comfortable for me, but the saddle was a poor fit so had to switch it out. I also intend to change the front cranks to a subcompact for more easy climbing. I am happy with my purchase as I wanted a light weight climbing bike, Domane is a chunk heavier but more versatile with the tyre options.

[@jiminy2731]

@@hdoan7167 Had a look. 7.3kg, damn that's light! I think anythinf circa 8kg is decent, especially if disc version. But noticing a lot of bikes are reaching that 9kg, even 10kg mark like the domane

[@adamcharles9090]

@@jiminy2731 Sure it is an old post. But a Domane is an aero bike. They add extra carbon in places to make it go down a hill faster. An Emonda is a lightweight race bike. They remove that extra carbon to make it go faster up a hill. Geometry on an uphill bike is usually more comfortable too. For most people I'd suggest the lightweight bike, lets be fair, we spend more time going up hills than going down them! My point ultimately is the Domain and the Emonda are not build for the same purpose, direct comparisons are fruitless, and working out what your needs are will help you choose the best bike purpose built for those needs.

[@jiminy2731]

@@adamcharles9090 Thanks for that information. Sadly I haven't gotten a road bike yet but will most likely get an endurance bike for the extra comfort and wider tire clearance. I do mainly commute and long distance riding. Prices of bike went up a lot due to low supply, high demand and in crease cost of import due to bad exchange rate :(

[@TheVbchaos]

Any idea when this bike will hit the market? Not even on their site currently

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

I borrowed this one from my local bike shop so they are out in the market already

[@TheVbchaos]

@@Jamesthebikeguy which is funny because i cannot find anything about a 2020 issue on the web. I visit my local bike shop tomorrow to pick up some stuff, maybe they know more

[@TheVbchaos]

found it on the US site - appears to be not available in europe at the moment. Nice inner routing of the front brake cable. And it does come in black

[@shamrock4840]

Can this be used as a gravel bike ? Can you add wider tires ?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Tire width is limited.

[@ErwinHeiser]

One thing I don't get with the Emonda is why it doesn't come with an 11-32 or even 11-34 cassette... it's supposed to be their climbing bike right? What's the deal here?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Cause it is a performance bike. So no need for big jumps, you can use the bikes performance and the tighter cluster to go faster.

[@k-mac5511]

Jamesthebikeguy which bike do you recommend for climbing with the breakaway speed too.

[@mikechivy]

Do you prefer this or the domane? WOuld this be that much faster than the domane?

[@alexandrews6391]

Emonda shoyld be noticeably faster. But domane would be much more comfortable if you ride long distances.

[@mikechivy]

@@alexandrews6391 I'm usually sticking to 30 miles or less. I feel like I'm leaning towards the Emonda, but so torn

[@jiminy2731]

@@mikechivy what did you end up buying? I can't decide but I'm leaning towards the Domane with the larger tyre clearance so i can use it for gravel, as well as having a wider casette to help with the climbs (even though the Emonda is around 1kg slightly lighter)

[@mikechivy]

@@jiminy2731 I'm waiting until the end of the year. I know someone who has connections at Trek and will be able to get me a discount after the first. I am probably going with the Madone. Unfortunately their cheapest model is like $800 more than the comparable Domane. Still not 100% set on my decision though. With the way I ride it would probably make more sense to get the Domane, but I also really want the extra speed of the Madone. Its hard to believe the Domane is that much faster, but everyone I've asked says it is. At least acceleration wise. I've read the Domane holds its speed really comparably.

[@jiminy2731]

@@mikechivy Yea i'll be waiting until next year as well. Might wait out for the 2021 model to come out. Really hope they can shave off 1kg off the Domane SL5. 10kg is heavy for an endurance bike. " Its hard to believe the Domane is that much faster, " - You mean the Madone is? I'm not too fuss on speed because I'll be riding mainly in Charity rides, and long distance so the Domane is fine, although the Emonda being low 8kg sounds nice. I haven't riden a lot of bikes but what makes for an easier ride and climb: a larger casette range, or a lighter bike?

[@Dogmeat26]

Worth it to go up to the elite for the pro 3 wheels?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

If you can swing it, yes. The Pro 3 wheels are great, and the only thing holding this one back is the (relatively) basic wheelset.

[@Dogmeat26]

Decided to go for the upgrade. My LBS gave me credit on the wheels that came stock and a discount. Now I’m debating if I want to try to go tubeless on them when the bike gets in.

[@DolleHengst]

@@Dogmeat26 You should definitely go tubeless. I've ridden my Aeolus Pro 5 wheels with Conti 5000TL 28mm for around 1000 miles, and i'm not looking back. Plush ride, great grip, low rolling resistance.

[@DolleHengst]

For €2499,- (msrp) i can buy a 2020 Scott Addict 10 Disc with a complete Ultegra groupset and 30mm Schwalbe One tires. It weighs 18.19 lbs, due to the wheels, which are solid but relatively basic (Syncros set with DT hubs). A good carbon wheelset and some light weight parts, and you have a comfortable 17lbs marathon bike for the price of this Émonda

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Sounds like a nice bike too

[@donraahul]

What is the wheel hub sound racket like..

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Speed

[@BicycleGuy]

Do they do a rim brake version?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Not anymore, disc to the future

[@swanauto47]

Yes in the SL5 version. There are also some 2019 models of SL6 and SL7 in rim I believe

[@bengt_axle]

BB90, (2:30) no thanks. They should just be done with that and put T47 in, just like on the Domane and so many other models from Spec., Cervelo and others. I suppose they are not putting in T47 to save weight (and cost), but once those bearings come lose, there's nothing short of glueing them in, you can do. No room for an adapter.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Marc, you might be off base here. This bike came out before T47 was a supported BB. I'm sure just like their other bikes we will see that in the next ideration. Can't and don't want the bike companies changing frames every year

[@migueltovar9702]

Will the bontrager aelous comp 5 wheels fit on these beauty?

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Very nice, in-depth review. Sexy bike. But that color is horrid. I would never choose that for myself. To each, their own. Price?

[@jayaybe1]

In depth review? He didn't even ride it!

[@bhupeshpatel3006]

Anyone know what the max tire width this 2020 model can fit?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

28c tire.

[@lordpueckler]

Ist der vorbau umgedreht?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Sie können es positiv oder negativ ausführen

[@vv5179]

Damm!

[@Desertduleler_88]

I have a 2015 58cm frame, it weighs much less.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Non disc

[@Desertduleler_88]

@@Jamesthebikeguy Correct.

[@Stefanosinf]

I have the emonda ALR and i use the duotrap sensor paired with the Garmin 130. I have a speed fluctuation of +- 10klm/h at the garmin screen while riding, no matter the speed, it just goes up and down all the time. I am unable to pinpoint the cause of it. Is it the Garmin fault or the Duotrap sending false data? If there is someone out there having a similar issue of a solution/proposition, i'm all ears! Thanks!

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Likely has to do with either the magnet placement on your wheel, or that you have the Garmin still in GPS mode for speed. If the Garmin is trying to use GPS and seeing the sensor they act weird

[@Stefanosinf]

@@Jamesthebikeguy ok, i will check it out, thanks

[@Agent-vj3ns]

Buy a decent power meter

[@Stefanosinf]

@@Agent-vj3ns I'm an amateur riding for fun, I would not justify a power meter...

[@Stefanosinf]

@@Jamesthebikeguy finally figured out. It was the cadence magnet. It was way too strong and it would also trigger the wheel sensor. I run 165mm cranks on a 47cm frame, so it was also closer than it normally would...

[@dh7314]

I thought Emondas were supposed to be light? 8.2kg is surprisingly heavy. Disc brakes need to lighten up a bit.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

For the price it's decent. The wheels are the main thing weighing this spec down. Now higher level SLR versions are much lighter. The frame alone drops 400g not to mention better quality parts.

[@aliguerrero7991]

The top end emonda weights just 6.3 kg for the disc brake version

[@dh7314]

@@aliguerrero7991I know and it's amazing but that isn't what's being reviewed. The spec reviewed isn't hugely competitive against other bikes at that price point, I just expected a little more. It's still on my short list though.

[@alexandrews6391]

David Harper full groupsets for trek though

[@dh7314]

@@alexandrews6391 ?

[@Desertduleler_88]

The bike is heavier than my SL6 2015 model...

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Also has disc, wider wheels/tires ect.

[@Desertduleler_88]

@@Jamesthebikeguy They can keep it.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

No one is forcing you to consume. Beauty of the free market!

[@Desertduleler_88]

@@Jamesthebikeguy You got that right.

[@lsent3338]

@@Jamesthebikeguy i know disc is all the rage and i do have disc brake bikes as well but if you gonna make it light it has to be rim brakes man... disc will always be heavier than rim

[@BikeLife154]

8kg is heavy!

[@ljanmi187]

Its heavy. I have it

[@ljanmi187]

At least 1kg more than it should be

[@jessedavis1489]

Petar Miljanovic hey bro I got a few questions about this bike can you please give me a call. I was planning on buytthis bike . Just have a few questions. My name is jesse 4702760653

[@k-mac5511]

Jesse Davis dude call you LBS.

[@ilgour]

Heavy AF

[@rudyelizondo1935]

That’s heavy!!!! Hell no!!!

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Lol have you weighed a bike recently, this is pretty reasonable