NEW ROAD BIKE! *2020 MADONE SL 7 DISC*

A quick overview of my new road bike, disc brakes for the win!
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[@Sator810]

Im not so sure about how much faster a bike is compared to another. But one thing that is certain and that is if you love the bike and want to ride it regardless of the conditions outside by just looking at it. That will for certain make you faster in the long run.

[@ChristieBrinker]

So true!!! 🥰

[@katsuhiroyamagishi1788]

I have been watching your videos for a long time and I always appreciate your inspirational messages. Your new bike is way cool!!!

[@ChristieBrinker]

Thanks so much!! 👍

[@MarufoVega]

I'm riding a 2015 Giant Defy Advance SL1 - Ultegra components with carbon bars, rims, frame et. plus disc brakes. Like the brakes. Seems easier overall dealing with these brakes versus caliper when changing pads. Wet performance is good. People like to knock disc saying rub is a problem but on this bike, my gravel and mtb, no issues with me other than maybe needing to center and seat the brakes on a new bike.

[@ChristieBrinker]

Yeah I think if you've never had disc brakes before I could see people being annoyed by having to center the pads, but it doesn't really need to be done that often and is a super easy thing to do. I've had no issues and have had the front wheel off a couple times. The disc brakes are awesome!

[@user-wg8vn8fy8z]

I ride Trek too. Trek doesn't need a lot of explanation. be the best in a word

[@greenophotography]

C'mon, admit it... You just WANTED that bike! No explanation necessary. You're among friends :)

[@ChristieBrinker]

I mean LOOK AT IT! haha

[@billytscherne4643]

Trek has a winner that's really nice..

[@ChristieBrinker]

It's so pretty 🥰

[@reliableenergysolutionsmir6813]

I had the Same problem mounting my Garmin radar unit. I ended up taking the integrated bontrager light mount and affixing a garmin base to it so it fits under the seat nice and flush. It came out sweet looking but seat packs are out of the question now.

[@ChristieBrinker]

Cool! That's really what I wanted to do but I've added a very small seat pack so now it's out of the question.

[@brucealzona]

Hi Christie I hope you Dont mind can you make a video on how and what components are needed to change the cockpit from the SL7 to the SLR?? I think you're the only one in the internet with this resource video

[@Jon-114]

Wow! That is an awesome bike! Love the paint job.

[@ChristieBrinker]

Yeah the colors are really nice, thanks!

[@DeanJohnson67]

Nice looking bike! And to be clear! It's ALWAYS a good time to get a new bike! ;) we work hard so we can have cool new bikes :) --- at least that's what I claim !

[@ChristieBrinker]

You're so right!! Haha thanks!

[@ChasingAlpha300]

I've got an SLR with the Pro saddle from Trek, there's two holes on the back of the saddle which allows for light fittings. I modified a Garmin mount and got the Varia fitted to that.

[@ChristieBrinker]

Yeah basically the 3D printed mount I ordered it going to attach to the reflector mount that goes into those holes. I'm just not crafty enough to rig one up on my own 🤪

[@ChasingAlpha300]

Great stuff 👍 Love your new bike too BTW

[@ssmytheYT]

Drool. Such a sweet ride! Very nice! So happy for you! The climb vs aero is a good question. Time will tell, eh? :-D Can't wait to hear how it all works out!

[@ChristieBrinker]

I mean it's heavier so I already feel slower climbing haha

[@ssmytheYT]

@@ChristieBrinker Yeah, but the cool factor... Am I right? Haha. Everyone'll be "whaaa, that bike is sooo cool!" You'll stun 'em with it! I'm sure overall, the aero factor will outweigh (ha!) the climbing factor in longer events. Unless... you're... a.... climbing maNIAC! Which we all know how much you love climbs! Nothing but hills! Ahh so much fun. Tuck into that aero crunch position on the new ride, up hill, and blast away on the climbs. That'll be a fun experiment. In a seated position no less. So much to look forward to!

[@eecak1973]

Do the crit, but maybe not with a shiny new bike. Use your brakes less in turns and carry the speed out to force a pass on the rider ahead.

[@ChristieBrinker]

The crit timing didn't work out, but I've actually been practicing the turns like that, it's definitely a weakness of mine. I'm not sure if I'll get any road races in this season, but will definitely hit some next year if not!

[@earthquakemagoon2505]

Ah come on Christie, you don't need no stink n' water bottles! Just put a couple cans of 'BIG-GIRL BEANS' in those cages! Very nice bike though. I hope you have fun riding it. I wanted to go out and buy a new bike but went and bought a toilet repair kit instead. Oh well. LOL! Have fun!!

[@ChristieBrinker]

Hahaha. Toliet repair kit vs new bike?! That's a real adult decision there 😂

[@mikechivy]

I've been eyeing up the new Domane. Looks like the perfect blend of speed and comfort.

[@ChristieBrinker]

Yeah I totally agree! I think they made it a really sweet bike!

[@davidblary3323]

Christie, great review. I am testing this model tomorrow to possibly purchase it. How did your 3D printed mount for your radar work and if it worked well, do you have the link?

[@k3v1n7g]

Great review! The SLR bars are not carbon though, right? The main difference is that they’re integrated with the stem.

[@ChristieBrinker]

They are 100% OCLV carbon!

[@JogBird]

Great choice 😁😃 The emonda and madone have exactly the same geometry except a slightly higher headtube on the emonda

[@ChristieBrinker]

I really think they are both amazing bikes!

[@salsalawyer]

Trek has side loaded bottle cages now. Perhaps that would be helpful

[@ChristieBrinker]

I've not liked side loading in the past but might be worth it for at least the seat post bottle

[@Alils350]

I found Madone SL 6 disc 2020, in good deal ,, do you recommend it ? it will arrive in 2 weeks

[@ChristieBrinker]

It all depends on your riding style and preference! Overall they are very solid bikes!!

[@dunedin3976]

Hi Christie. Congratulations, that’s a very, very nice bike! Make good use of it, but most of all, enjoy it. Cheers, Andy

[@ChristieBrinker]

Thanks Andy! It's been great so far!!

[@Infamous69691]

Beautiful bike. That is my next bike when I shift out of my Domane

[@ChristieBrinker]

I actually went Domane to Emonda to Madone, haha. All great bikes. The new Domane is pretty sweet too!

[@Infamous69691]

Christie Brinker that integrated tool compartment on it is sweet. But I have wanted a madone since they had fins that came out when you turned.. haha

[@mikechivy]

How much faster is a road bike compared to a mountain bike on flats? Not sure if you’ve used more slick style tires on a mountain bike. Debating if I should stick with my slicks or get a dedicated road bike. Probably on keep one, but I never ride my mountain bike like it’s intended to be

[@ChristieBrinker]

I would say it depends on your goals, I know people who train on their mountain bike on the road because they may have a big mountain bike race to train for. A road bike would have better gearing than a typical mountain bike on flats on the road though. if you're only riding on the road I would definitely get a road bike. If you do both and your budget is limited then I would keep doing what you're doing.

[@AW-wy3xv]

wow the bike is so beautiful, dream bike too here

[@iamjithin246]

Super cool bike.. what do you think about the price ? Are you satisfied ??

[@BeardonaBike]

Congratulations 😍 the bike looks amazing

[@ChristieBrinker]

Thanks so much! 👍

[@abeapes]

Is this the H1.5 geometry? The top tube seems to come down towards the back just a bit more than most of the SL7s I've seen. Or is it perhaps that smaller sized SL7s look like this? Thanks for sharing!

[@ChristieBrinker]

Yup it's the 1.5, I'll have to peak at a bigger one sometime to check that top tube to see if it's the size

[@michaelviner5661]

I liked your video. Just wanted to give you heads up. I noticed you use the Garmin 1000 series with the blender mount. I noticed all the vibration and bounce to your computer. I had a garmin fiber mount like that and after several months of vibration, the mount snapped and the computer went flying. $500 down the drain. Im looking into shorter alloy mount as a solution. Just wanted to share with others and get thoughts.

[@ChristieBrinker]

I actually didn't have it tightened in that video, haha. It's super stiff now and doesn't move at all but I'll keep an eye on it! I've always used k-edge mounts in the past. Thanks!

[@pointinline]

Love your videos! How did you get the SLR bar and stem? Are they available online somewhere? or did you have to order them directly from Trek? I’m in exactly the same situation as you wanting upgrade the SL7 bar and stem with the SLR integrated bar and stem. Could you detail what parts were required? I assume since you talked about having to get a new piece that needed to be painted, you needed that small crown piece under the spacers? How long did it take you to get all the parts from Trek? Thanks! and keep making videos!

[@hesh2death1]

Sweet ride! I love my Madone too! Also glad to hear your taking care of that top cap! Weird that trek didn't include it. Mine did

[@ChristieBrinker]

It came with the top cap to work with the standard bars and stem that come with the SL 7, but I purchased the integrated stem and bars that are found on the SLR. In order to make that work, you need the top cap the SLR uses, as it's different on the SL. So that's where my issue was, but not too big of a deal.

[@hesh2death1]

@@ChristieBrinker sweet!! Awesome colour too I like that blue! I opted for the Trek Segafrado colour scheme

[@ChristieBrinker]

@@hesh2death1 probably my 2nd choice in color!

[@kirklawrence620]

@@ChristieBrinker Excuse my ignorance, but how does that work? I mean, are you able to swap out for the aero bars and stem at the dealer and pay the difference in price?

[@ChristieBrinker]

No, I bought the stem and bars as extra. So I still have the stem and bars that come with the SL7

[@chandervishnu]

Just picked up a SL-7, and love it! In the process of getting the integrated carbon handlebars from the SLR. Ran into trouble with the top-cap. Were you able to get yours painted blue from Trek?

[@ChristieBrinker]

Honestly I never requested it because I didn't want to deal with unhook the brake lines and redoing all of that to put them on

[@1400hb]

@@ChristieBrinker when swapping , fid u just disconnect the lines from the hoods? Or did you have to take all the lines out from the bike ?

[@ChristieBrinker]

@@1400hb disconnected lines from hoods and took them out of handles bars

[@GrayFox-xd9ww]

New bike day the best day

[@ChristieBrinker]

So true, thanks!

[@alsayers]

I got an SLR 7 Disc two months ago. Great bike! Enjoy.

[@ChristieBrinker]

Awesome! I was originally going to get the SLR 7 but decided to save a bit of money with the SL instead.

[@Velo757]

What is the price difference between the two?

[@alsayers]

@@Velo757 I'm not sure what the price difference is. I was fortunate to get mine as a part of a team discount.

[@Velo757]

Okay cool well I guess I can just Google it.... hahaha. Thanks

[@ChristieBrinker]

@@Velo757 Just to compare the two I was looking at, the SL 7 retails at $6499 and the SLR 7 retails at $8299. The difference between those bikes is that the SLR is 700 series carbon (100 grams lighter than 500 series on SL 7) and comes with the integrated Madone handle bars and stem (SL 7 comes with standard bar and stem). Groupsets and wheels are the same though.

[@LightningBolt700]

Guys I’m new to road bikes, I’m not a cyclist but I’m interested on buying the Madone. My question is, what’s the difference between the SL 6, SL 7, SLR 7 and SLR 9? The higher the price, the more speed you get? Is there anything the high end model (SLR 9) can do that the other models can’t do? I notice the wheels on the SLR 9 are more advanced, does that make a difference? Please help, thank you!

[@recyclespinning9839]

Sharp bike, I ride a Casati Ellise. It is Columbus EL-OS tubing. Smooth and fast . I have not made the jump to carbon fiber. Heard they are so comfortable and fast.. the ones with the iso on them I have heard are great on rough roads. Can any one comment who has ridden both and compare if they are that much better?? The 3000 price tag and liking the steel bike.. well we will see.?? I am older also so I am not going to win the tour de France. Also the seat I have is very comfortable,

[@ChristieBrinker]

That sounds like a great bike for you! I have not ridden a steel bike before, but people seem to love them!

[@palpatine1975]

Hi I've just subbed to your channel and I'm enjoying the contents that you put out. Speaking of trek , I see that your choice for bike brand has been Trek. I do mostly xc and I have tried many brands such as specialized , cannondale, giant and canyon. I'm very interested in trek and I think they are much better than specialized overall in terms of technology and ride quality. I know you currently own the project one trek top fuel, and also you have tried out the new wavecel helmet. So for 2020, trek is coming out with the new xc supercaliber. That is one sick bike!...It will be great if you get that bike and do a review. I'm certainly saving up my pennies for the supercaliber and the specter wavecel .. take care and cheers!

[@ChristieBrinker]

I'm too scared to buy it prior to a test ride. I've never ridden anything with less than 100mm of travel but can't wait to try one. I know someone locally has ordered a 9.7 so maybe I can ask to try it 😁

[@palpatine1975]

@@ChristieBrinker ah, ok then pls do a review on it once u get your hands on one.

[@noelquintero5720]

great review, did not know you can fit the integrated bars into the SL models.

[@ChristieBrinker]

Trek just recently made that a thing, but it seems like it's not that easy to do

[@megazine]

Nice color! Why do some of the new madones have a larger Trek font, while yours has the word Trek to be smaller?

[@ChristieBrinker]

Thanks! From what I can tell it appears to be a design/coloring choice. All the ones with the big Trek logo have a solid color on the down tube, where as the ones that are two colors like mine have the smaller logo so it fits within the same coloring and doesn't cross over the other color.

[@Eric-si3iu]

Love the new bike!!!

[@ChristieBrinker]

Thank you!!! 🤘

[@bp30656]

You have amazing eyebrows.

[@ChristieBrinker]

Wow, thank you! Nobody has ever told me that before and I don't do anything to them, lol

[@bp30656]

Well, ya have to complement on all features of a beautiful woman like yourself, glad ya liked that.

[@cyclejockey4397]

Damn... That Trek is sweet !

[@ChristieBrinker]

Thanks! Loving these brakes!!!

[@cyclejockey4397]

@@ChristieBrinker I'm sure !

[@salsalawyer]

Sweet bike, congrats! Does the SL come with the Isospeed adjustable Seatpost?

[@ChristieBrinker]

Yes! I have not played with it yet though. It's actually in the top tube now instead of the seat post, but still has the same end goal

[@chrisdahms9682]

Which crit are you considering? And which ever one it is, go for it 👍

[@ChristieBrinker]

I was considering the Cookeville TN crit, then realized it was weekend and only 30 minutes but 3 hours away. So I won't be doing that one. I may miss out on road racing this year since the season should be wrapping up soon, but will try to plan for some next year!

[@karsten4689]

Amazing bike - very good choice!

[@ChristieBrinker]

Thank you! 😄

[@rommelvalmores6943]

Did you change the seat mast to a tall one or is that the stock?

[@NYourWill]

I love the Madone. I want to purchase one in the next couple of months but if I can put my Garmin 1030 Plus and light/radar on it, I may not get the bike.

[@iffy110newt487]

Do you have an idea how light it is?

[@jimjimtiger]

Sweet ride!

[@ChristieBrinker]

Thanks! ✌️

[@melrooney9462]

Can I ask what size you went for and how aggressive is the position? I'm looking at an Aero bike especially this one : 0 )

[@MrAlexanderHwang]

Hey! Would the SLR stem and bar fit the SL without a problem if I don't have any spacers?

[@mikechivy]

What’s the Comfort like compared to your emonda? Would wider tires improve it quite a bit?

[@ChristieBrinker]

I'm riding the exact same tires and size that I had on the Emonda. The comfort is really good, the biggest difference between the two is that the Madone has a slightly longer reach, so it does make me sit a bit more aggressively. I've been feeling fine with the position for the most part though, but I don't notice small changes and adjust pretty quickly to them if I do. I think it's a great race bike, but if you're more into group riding or just riding for fun I would probably lean more towards the Emonda or Domane.

[@mikechivy]

@@ChristieBrinker So torn. Would riding a century be reasonable on this thing? I would probably ride 20-30 miles typically, but want to know if you'd ever consider this if you haven't already done it. I'm not much of a distance rider, so I'm not sure I need the extra comfort the other bikes offer.

[@ChristieBrinker]

I rode a century on it the first week I had it, with no issues. I've done another since then and quite a few 50 milers as well. It's totally reasonable. I think where it becomes less reasonable is if you suffer with any flexibility issues or maybe even back issues. I also have all the included headset spacers in except for 1, so I could bring it up just a tad bit more if I felt the need. Doing shorter distances would definitely make me lean more towards the Madone. Unless you're doing a lot of hills.

[@mikepate8152]

I would like to add the same bars to my 2020 Madone SL 7. I have been in contact with Trek, but they are to general on the parts required. Can you tell me specifically what parts are needed? I have a parts list breakdown of the SLR stem, but not sure the exact parts needed. Thanks

[@dennis2559]

hey i have a question about the handlebar, i'm from indonesia and it is hard to contact trek from my country. i'm going to purchase madone sl 7 too and considering to replace the stem and the handlebar to the SLR model. but as what you said in the video, the top cap is different and we need to contact trek for replacement. is there any way to fit the SLR handlebar and stem to SL model without needing to contact trek? i hope u response, thankyou so much🙏

[@fucktheworld1207]

Very nice bike.....damn it's small compared to my 62cm Kuota and Cube.....calliper breaks for me, each to their own.....

[@ChristieBrinker]

The bike looks tiny in person! Why do you prefer the callipers? I figured with all my MTB background it made it easier for me to adopt the discs on road.

[@fucktheworld1207]

@@ChristieBrinker I hear you, with you being a Mountain biker, its makes perfect sense to go disc on the road bike.....I'm just old school, and callipers are a lot easier to maintain for this none mechanic scouse road rider.....

[@pokie0622]

Congrats on the “Adulting” decisions. The two highlighted in this video are great.

[@ChristieBrinker]

Thanks!!!

[@benjirem2651]

Great video thank you...do you know the stack height for head tube spacers ?

[@colinellsworth7671]

Nice bike!! What 3D printed mount did you order for the Varia?

[@ChristieBrinker]

This is it: www.shapeways.com/product/Q4GJKJRJ4/trek-madone-slr-varia-adapter It came yesterday, haven't tested it out on the road yet but seems to fit nicely. The Varia seems to be a bit lower than I would have wanted it but I'm expecting the radar to still work okay.

[@rajeshkannan_s]

@@ChristieBrinker I've the same mount for my madone SLR/Garmin Varia, it works like a charm.

[@vojtechpisar4976]

I own a madone sl6 2020 bike and I would like to use a combo handlebar and stem like you. I don't like the space under the stem..can I buy special pads for this stem for clear look?

[@ChristieBrinker]

If you're buying the Trek Madone SLR integrated handlebars and stem you have to get the SLR spacers and top cap. Not sure if you were planning to go with a different brand on the bar and stem. If so it would really depend on that combo.

[@vojtechpisar4976]

Christie Brinker Ok, thanks.. and is the problem to buy the SLR spacers and top cap?I love the clear look as on the SLR :( I’m from Europe, Czech Republic..

[@ChristieBrinker]

@@vojtechpisar4976 the spacers are easy to order, the top cap might be trickier. As I mentioned in the video, to get the SLR top cap painted in Alpine blue, I have to do a warranty claim and Trek will paint one and send it. It can't just be ordered like the spacers, but your bike shop should be able to handle it.

[@user-xg2dk7ff2k]

The new emonda does have disk breaks

[@ChristieBrinker]

Yup, so does the new Domane, it only comes in disc brakes.

[@CHRISTIANZEGARRA2018]

How well does this bike climb?

[@6295607]

Looking back I am not sure if this purchase was smart. Rim brakes to disc brakes is an industry propaganda move to sell more stuff.

[@ChristieBrinker]

Might be but I'm a MTBer so I'm a huge fan of disc brakes anyways so I love it. I also ride I'm the rain quite a bit (when it's warmer)

[@murcielago188]

Nice bike but pretty hefty at 18.11 lbs. Mine 6 years old bike with standard brakes is under 15 lbs.

[@pe3117]

Nice bike! 👊

[@dafred9898]

Very cool!

[@ChristieBrinker]

Thanks! 👍

[@Ghost12561]

how much was the integrated handlebar?

[@pelemlangka]

Pretty bike 😍Are there any colors other than blue?

[@MaxAlexand]

Why did you build, instead of having your LBS build?

[@ChristieBrinker]

I like doing that type of stuff! I actually work at my LBS when they need help and love learning 👍 I built the bike there.

[@henzbikertv916]

Did u get the wireless unit for garmin?

[@seanchin]

Wow beautiful! How did it take from ordering to getting it home?

[@ChristieBrinker]

I ordered it and got it at the shop within 2 days. Built it the same day it arrived and finished tweaking the following day. It was a slightly more complicated build but it wasn't bad!

[@ChristieBrinker]

I ordered it and got it at the shop within 2 days. Built it the same day it arrived and finished tweaking the following day. It was a slightly more complicated build but it wasn't bad!

[@seanchin]

@@ChristieBrinker Nice! What bottle cages do you use?

[@ChristieBrinker]

@@seanchin they are Bontrager RL so could save some weight with lighter cages ;)

[@yardlee3819]

Water bottle?

[@exj1599]

what size is that?

[@1968keithh]

Love new toys 😎

[@dsonyay]

Madone, Emonda, Domane…: all these bike names by Trek share the same letters. Is just me that noticed this? Must be some sort of marketing thing.

[@schuey999]

The Trek Madone SL 7, which lists at $6500, ships with allow stem, alloy bars and a lowgrade saddle with steal rails. Absolutely pathetic.

[@Bikes-guitars]

How tall are you please? I have much the same dilemma, I’m between the 50 and 52cm, if I go for a 52 I could run the bar stem slammed which I like the look of, but the saddle would al OST be on its lowest, plus I need the top tube length of the 52, if I go for a 50 I will be able to pull the seat post out but will then have to run spacers under the bar stem, and would most likely have to change the 8cm stem for a 9 or even 10cm stem, as things stand the 52 is sounding a better option.

[@ChristieBrinker]

I'm 5'2" but have a 30ish inseam. So my issue with the 50cm is I'm running out of saddle. From what you described 52 does sound better!

[@Bikes-guitars]

Christie Brinker thank you for responding so quickly, we have the same inseam but I’m 5’5” so the 52 is sounding the right option for me to go for, thank you for posting the video 👍

[@ramonsanabria1472]

Can u say how much this thing cost you ?

[@ChristieBrinker]

MSRP is $6499.99. I can't say what I paid though 🤫

[@xenonware]

Hi, frame size, your height and leg length pls:)

[@ChristieBrinker]

50cm, 5'2" and 30 inch inseam

[@xenonware]

Christie Brinker thank you. i am 171 cm and my inseam 79,5 cm. I think my frame size is 54cm.

[@zakymaa]

Hüseyin Subaşı 52 is better and more aggressive.

[@Sills71]

You traded a nice light bike for a PIG. I bet that Madone is 2lbs heavier.

[@ChristieBrinker]

Yup went from 16 lbs to 18

[@user-wg8vn8fy8z]

It's noisy. There's a lot of talk.

[@ChristieBrinker]

Mine is quiet so far 👌

[@user-wg8vn8fy8z]

@@ChristieBrinker I ride Trek too. Trek doesn't need a lot of explanation. be the best in a word

[@messiasbarreto8931]

Quero uma de presente 🎁!

[@sachin_rider]

Bro I'm also a cyclist I always wanted this dream bike can you give me one 😭❤️