NEW Trek Madone SL 7: details, comparisons and ride impressions

[@MrPedalfeet]

Nothing like a car passing on a double yellow in a blind corner

[@wilburleft]

Just my thinking about the aero claim of saving 1 minute at 45 kph (28 mph) for 1 hour, you have to think of airspeed. I can barely do 20 mph for 1 hour. But, if your speed over ground is 15 mph into a 20 mph head wind, your airspeed is 35 mph. So us average riders should get the full aero benefit in those circumstances. Thanks for the review Ben. I appreciate your down to earth thoughtful style.

[@davekashuba4730]

Your impression of loud freehubs is spot-on! For a second there I thought someone else was riding my bike.

[@stylgen]

I'm really diggin' the semi-integrate bar and stem.

[@cokebottles6919]

I don't want this bike because it will make me a fraction of a kilometer faster than my current bike, I want it because of how it looks. Maybe it comes from my Lance fandom as a young child, but Trek has a special, completely irrational place in my heart.

[@SNS1212]

I wasn't sure what to think about the new Madone when it came out but I have to admit in that colorway it is a sweet looking machine.

[@davidwarner6755]

Thank you for this interesting and comprehensive review. Also, I have to say that your tonal qualities and speaking style make for easy listening.

[@5irefly]

Thank you for pointing out the toe overlap issue - its one of my boondoggles. Years ago I bought one of the first Trek Boone’s cross bike and had to get rid of it because of the toe overlap. It can be a serious safety issue in an urban setting.

[@Millicente]

I’ve always wanted this new madone but couldn’t get around the slr price. My wait for an sl version paid off

[@joelv4495]

Regarding narrowing the bars: Not even considering aero gains, most new bikes ship with bars that are too wide anyway! I ride 42cm bars on a 60cm top tube bike. New bikes in that size almost always come with 46.

[@universe-juice]

Yeah, trek make good bikes. Been riding trek bikes since the early 80s. They did have a period in the 2010s that quality was an issue (frame alignment) but i think they got called out and are back on track. You are definitely a lucky boy to get the opportunity to ride these amazing machines 👍 Im currently riding a Felt AR advance. Is an awesome bike!!

[@davidvonslingshot]

if you can’t be good - look good. 🎉

[@seanmccuen6970]

I've heard that's a killer bike that's simply fun to ride even everyday, let alone the fact it's a true race weapon. I liked it the first time I saw it, the frame design ain't just a silly gimmick.

[@NoahStephens]

I think it’s absolutely beautiful

[@JamesVanD]

When's that Veyo video coming? Not a lot out there on that and the Vitus Venon. Good video and thoughts as always. Thanks!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Soon, hopefully. I've got SBT/Ridley Kanzo Fast, Ritte Espirit and Mosaic GT-1 in line ahead of it.

[@JamesVanD]

Awesome. Enjoy those rides!

[@DaemonGeek]

I purchased the new Trek Madone SL7 and upgraded the groupset to Dura-Ace. Swapped out the tires to 30mm. It is otherwise stock, and I can attest that it is fast, much faster than the bike from which I switched (Time Skylon circa 2016). At equivalent Watts for a 31 mile ride, I am around 0.5 MPH faster on the Madone. The 30mm tires make the ride comfy imo and obviously don't seem to affect the overall speed much. The toe overlap is something which the Skylon also suffers, so I am used to it. That being said, I've crashed/toppled several times on the Skylon due to the overlap, and I've come close to toppling on the Madone as well.

[@garyeanes4747]

Dangit!! Wasn't going to buy another bike. But, a Madone SL7 would go nicely with my '22 Emonda SL5 and '22 Checkpoint SL6. The colorways look really nice.

[@AceMBP]

If it was sold without branding or really subtle graphic then interesting. I am tired of riding billboards. Riding a newer specialized with barely any logo's and enjoying the understated look.

[@NoahStephens]

“Logo’s”

[@kentao4]

I know it sounds crazy but it’s exactly why I won’t buy trek. It’s so overstated on the bike in my mind.

[@Millicente]

The tarmac has a giant logo all over the down tube. What are you comparing this to exactly

[@kentao4]

@@Millicente look at the sl8 pro model in blue onyx. You can barely see the logo. Point is I have the option to not be a billboard. All the trek models have that huge trek up and down the side. Nothing wrong if you like it. Just not my preference. I also like more muted looks. Matte, grays etc and trek tend to make the lettering even more bold on those colors.

[@Millicente]

@@kentao4 No, not all trek models have the huge logo. I know what you meant, and my point was to say that depending on the paint scheme both brands like to plaster their name on their tubes or have more stealthy looks

[@marcosav5442]

thanks Ben, hope you can do a video about the tarmac sl8

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I can ask them. They just sent the press materials, but no bike, a day or two ahead of launch, and I didn't have time to do anything with that.

[@rg807]

Based on this bike and the new SL8, it looks like aero gains are mostly coming down to handlebar improvements at this point. It's going to get harder and harder to justify a new top end bike.

[@NoahStephens]

It’s definitely a mature technology!

[@Millicente]

It’s been coming to a peak for a while since bikes are looking more and more similar depending on whether it’s a lightweight, all rounder, or aero bike. At this point it’s all down to carbon techniques and components unless UCI changes rules again.

[@rg807]

It's time for the UCI to drop the minimum weight to something like 6.2K

[@richb8709]

Love it! My dream concert is seeing NR & The Night Sweats at Red Rocks. Have seen them 3x here in STL. No better band to see live…Oh, and great bike review as usual. Hope to say hi at Big Sugar in 2 months. Chickened out last year

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Love it! We've seen them here a bunch. During the show Rocky, the Denver Nuggets mascot, came out and danced with the NBA trophy. They know how to play to the home crowd...

[@garysladek9110]

Yes to Sprint stand, love mine. Cheers

[@88Grey]

I dig a quiet freehub too.

[@duncancycles]

Excellent review. Hey I appreciate the way you analyze bikes. Would love to see your take on the Ventum bikes.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thanks. I've done a couple videos on their gravel bikes.

[@AVoiceCryingInTheWildern-vt6ed]

Excellent review? What? This was a terrible review. He gave zero info about how this bike performs.

[@chippunkcsgo1104]

I would love a video about your Feedback Sports Sprint with its Pro's and Con's

[@FLG8r]

a better price point with the 500 series OCLV with only a 1.1 lb increase in bike weight over the SLR equivalent (size 56)

[@UltimateTuner10]

This new SL weighs the same as the outgoing SLR, that’s wild

[@bodoknudsen5450]

Nice overview Ben. As I start to look to replace my Emonda that has served me really well for quite a few years, it's pretty interesting going through Trek's road line up of the Emonda, Madone and Domane and trying to figure out which one best meets my needs. The Madone is no doubt the spiciest of the lineup, but the new Domane SLR seems by far the most versatile. With the Domane you could put on some aerowheels and 25 or 28s for fast road riding, but then have the option to pop on a 32 or 35 for mixed surface and even 38s for lighter gravel. The Emonda, limited to 28s, seems like the odd bike out now in the current lineup.

[@cmarnold78]

Yep, Have a Domane SL5 upgraded with the same wheels on the SL7 in the video - Its the do everything bike. Original wheel set is set up for gravel with 38mm tires. It comes with very relaxed geometry but there is a massive amount of room for adjustment with the stack height and flipping the stem. With the latest generation they have shaved a lot of weight with the removal of front Isospeed. I have been looking at the next additional bike too.... Agree, unsure about the why on the Emonda. At the SL6/7 level there is only 100g difference between the Emonda and Madone. The geometry is of course identical so the only real difference is the Emonda will be a harder ride (for climbing) due to no Isospeed/Isoflow. I don't have mountains round here so not sure I wouldn't just get the Madone.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Quick releases went away for a reason. They are fine for rim brake bikes, but are dangerous on disc bikes.

[@demetriusvianasilva3811]

Trek is Trek ❤

[@fredrichards3998]

Hey Ben great fair assessment of the new Madone. We’ve just got a SL 6 at the shop I fit for. Looks nice and such a great price point. So sweet I’ve ordered one. Speaking of comfort I Understand it can accommodate 32mm tyres. Wow which I intend to fit mine with to smooth out my local roads without compromising performance to much I think. What’s your thoughts having ridden it?

[@MrTradarcher50]

Looks like you're cruising down Flagstaff Mtn

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Yep! That's just up the way from my house.

[@brandonclark8736]

Watching you guys ride together... ugh... I would hate that....

[@Kingloui10]

When are those meet ups? Would be cool to join a group.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Google Wednesday morning Velo. 👍

[@Kingloui10]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney appreciate it!

[@ivanteo1973]

All bike manufacturer claims 1980: lighter and faster . . 2024: lighter and faster . . 5000 years later: lighter and faster

[@buschice]

Great Video Ben! How tall are you? You mentioned the test bike is a 56. Does it fit you well? Using Trek's sizing chart and size calculator puts me on a 58. Not sure about this because I currently ride a TCR medium/large and it fits like a glove. BTW, I'm 6ft with approx 32.5in inseam. Thanks!!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I'm 6ft and ride M/L Giants. Fit calculators often put me on 58s, too, but I've got relatively short legs and I like the narrower bars and shorter cranks that often come on 56s - and then I just put a 120 stem on. Same deal here.

[@jaymsf4503]

Where did you mount the cadence sensor? I have a hard time attaching it.

[@AntonioDiaz]

Does anyone have a preference between the Domane SL 7 Gen 4 and Madone SL 6 Gen 7? I want to get pretty serious into biking but I also want to be comfortable and suggestions or insight would be great! 👍

[@dengar1313]

I have a Domane SL7 Gen 4 and am looking at purchasing a Madone SL7 Gen 8. The Domane is comfortable, smooth, and relaxed. The isospeed works wonderfully. Rarely do I experience rear-end fatigue on longer rides (50 miles +); long rides are the Domane's domain. It's not necessarily a fast bike. With 32 mm tires, don't expect to average speeds much over 18 mph. It's a bit spongey on climbs, too. I don't have regrets buying my Domane; however, I do miss the speed that comes with a more nimble bike. And, the way it sounds now, the new Madones are nearly as comfortable as Domane.

[@AntonioDiaz]

@@dengar1313 awesome thanks for the inputttt!!

[@jaymsf4503]

Rented this bike from a local bike shop for a day before committing to buy one. Problem is I can’t my wahoo sensors on the thing. Speed sensor doesn’t house flat on the rear hub because of its narrower width. I had to attach cadence sensor to the outside of the crank arm as it will literally rub against the chain stay. Now it will rub against my shoe! Can mount my computer because the handle so I have to carry the computer in my back pocket. So far not very impressed but will see what happens tomorrow.

[@hordboy]

That Isoflow setup would worry me long-term.

[@markreams3192]

I have Roval Terra bars on my bike. They have a bit of a flair and a very shallow drop. I’m narrower on the hoods than the drops. Normally I see a pickup in speed with going to the drops. On these bars I don’t get that. I attribute it to the narrower position on the hoods. I really think there’s something to narrow bars.

[@mitchelltyus8104]

Does it ride smoother than the previous mechanical iso-ride Madone versions.

[@thatguy9051]

Excellent Review Mr Delaney!!!! Can you please Review the New Trek Domane SLR ?? The all road / Gravel bike which will now take up to 40mm tires........thank you.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thanks. I can ask. I haven't been on a Domane since they launched front and rear IsoSpeed in Belgium ahead of the classics.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Trek's are great bikes but lagging Canyon in value. The Aeroad comes out of the box with everything you want, except for the butyl inner tubes. Canyon tires are GP5000, seats are Selle Italia, rims are DTSwiss, power meter is 4iii... all premium gear and for $1500 to $2000 cheaper than competitors like this Madone. Oddly, though, my Aeroad came with clipped pedals. Not the modern "clipless" pedals but the old style toe strap clips.

[@elviracatherinetalaoc2070]

Man I thought he’s Lance Armstrong 😂

[@redauwg911]

please ReviewTrek Domane

[@Midnight5544]

Which power meter (clips?) did you go with?

[@Midnight5544]

Also which sunglasses are you rocking?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I don't know what you mean by clips, but I have a couple Stages left-arm meters that I often put on test bikes. (Code THERIDE saves you 20% at www.stagescycling.com) Sunglasses are KOO Demos: alnk.to/74t1BiU

[@teqai]

Why compromise your default riding position if you can put on actual aero bars?

[@chaostravel7169]

Nice bike

[@proffate]

New Cannondale super6 ui2 is listed at $5500 (but not available till December)

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Cool, thanks.

[@scotthorkey2171]

Had you ridden/tested the previous generation? I have a gen 6 SLR and don't really see a need to change it, just wondering what the real world differences are.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I've ridden a few earlier versions, and no, I wouldn't say you need to change if you have your fit dialed! Small differences you can measure in a lab or wind tunnel? Sure. Out on the road? Pretty darn to discern such small improvements. Perhaps a skootch more flex in the seatmast structure. Maaaaybe.

[@2UpDuc]

Ben: Another great real mans view of this new bike. What would you change on this bike to make this a better ride? Toe Overlap/Comfort (Carbon change)/angles/parts/tires? Is there another bike you have ridden that is close to this as a 1 to 1 comparison?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

My only reel beef with it is toe overlap. It feels like the last Venge to me - but with discs.

[@travispyle2905]

Well after a month or so, any updates? Or is all going as expected?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

All as expected. I have ~15 bikes in the garage, so I seldom get to put a whole lot of miles on one bike in a month. Still humming along quietly and smoothly.

[@jammaggay498]

wow I wish I had bike like that😂😅

[@bludog4657]

Did this ride take place in NM?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Boulder, CO. But my wife and I are Burqueños.

[@willywonkz3092]

What is the exact weight of this SL bike? Verry curious to see real life weight vs the claimed. Does it go sub 8kg ? Would be much appriciated if u weighd it xd

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I'll take off the pedals and weight it here in a bit.

[@willywonkz3092]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Super !! Much appreciated!

[@UltimateTuner10]

Also curious on yours. My 56cm SL7 with pedals is coming in close to 19lbs, granted I don’t have a bike scale and am simply getting on my digital scale with the bike in hand and then without and subtracting to figure it out.

[@UltimateTuner10]

Just an update I weighed mine with pedals And a big Garmin at 18.8lbs or 8530g. Take away 300g for assioma pedals, 30g for cages, 130g for Garmin and mounts, and 120g for added tubeless conversion and it actually comes in under 8kg in a size 56 and the gray paint.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Okay, so this 56cm with a 120stem weighs 18.12lbs/8.2kg - but that's with metal cages and plastic computer/GoPro mount still on. Pedals off. Still has tubes in the 25mm tires.

[@ianb9245]

What brand is that saddle bag?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Bontrager. It snaps onto the saddle, as does the light. Pretty slick, really.

[@dorianjones7824]

You kind of look like Jeremy Wade from River Monsters

[@roadracer1584]

Forget about an expensive bike to make you go faster. EPO, steroids, and other PED's are way more effective to make you faster on a bike and cost considerably less than a Trek Madone.

[@alessiob8700]

Are you sure? EPO and nandrolone are very expensive, and don't really give you the edge you think they do. Plus, if you take PEDs, you are a loser and a fucking pussy. So there's that.

[@brentcollins9727]

Love it!! I want the new Domane + SLR electric.

[@RidingBikes07]

Why?

[@brentcollins9727]

@@RidingBikes07, I love my electric Trek mountain bike but want to go faster. Lol

[@nationsnumber1chump]

I like it but I'm waiting for Giant to drop prices more. I can't see myself buying a Trek even though it has a cult following with the boomers.

[@김현빈-d9r]

SLR9 스램레드 이탭 타보면 신세계임

[@tjohnson200]

Isoflow is a better name for that feature than butthole. It probably tested better with audiences. Sweet bike though.

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

I said it last year...that cantilever seat post is a recipe for failure once that carbon begins to fatigues. It reminds me of when Cannondale got a little radical with their head tubes and got massive failures. Manufacturers need to build 2 lines of bikes. Rigs for dentists with all the techno jazz and rigs for riders with traditional double triangle frames, time tested designs and simple tech (rim brakes, standard BB's, non-proprietary seat post tubes, etc...) and add some good tire clearance while they're at it and two paint options; standard & crazy. Package them under $3K with a full 105 group and they won't be able to keep them in stock and they'll still make money. There's almost no bike for the middle of the road enthusiast like Cannondale, Specialized & Trek used to make. Having said all that...That Madone S7 is smokin' hot and I wouldn't kit it out of my bed! 😂 Still, my '16 SuperSix EVO is just as hot and I can fix mine at home with basic tools. 6.9kg, carbon everywhere (3T/Fizik, cockpit, 50mm wheelset, pedals, etc...) + full mechanical Dura-Ace 9100 all in murdered out black with Berserker Green accents. The guys on the $10K+ super-rigs always give it a double take and start asking questions.

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

And you deserve WAY more subs Ben. Still one of the best down to earth & realistic channels out there.

[@waterdeptworker]

0:17 Not only is it hard to ride 27.96 mph (45 Kmh) for 5 mins never mind an hour, haha

[@seanlee7670]

2:40 Talk to the local dealer? and get angry.......

[@terrillford7784]

Ben, I didn't know you were a roadie lol

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Heck yeah! For 25+ years. :-) I used to ride MTB quite a bit too when I lived in New Mexico, but Boulder's trail situation is pretty lame so I'm out of that habit.

[@terrillford7784]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney you the man

[@luisgarcia22]

At 0:34 did you mute that tap on the frame? Why?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I did because it was super loud and distracting. Good eyes.

[@kubackjeee]

Treks marketing and image successfully makes me not able to like those bikes no matter how nice they look. I just feel trek thinks customers are stupid and will eat every bullshit they give em... But not gonna lie this red/black paintjob looks stunning

[@woolfel]

not a fan of Trek road bikes. When I started cycling 10 yrs back I tried Madone and it was super uncomfortable. my underside was like "hell no, that's like getting punched". Specialized and giant bikes are much more comfy for a non-racer.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

This bike isn't designed for compliance. Want plush? Nothing from Giant will come close to the ride of a Domane. The Specialized Diverge STR is the only thing that comes close to a Domane but it's not a road bike. The first Madone with a carbon seatcap rode extremely well. When they turned it until an aero bike, they stopped with that and made the Domane their plush bike. If you were looking for compliance, you picked the exact wrong bike to ride to judge an entire company off of😅

[@noelclaremont]

I wonder if the Madone is now a different bike after several redesigns in the last decade… 😂 By the way If you haven’t noticed this is a flagship race bike.

[@mikedee6316]

I'm looking at the Man in the Mirror.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

You know that is where that came from.

[@BikeLife154]

It's funny how Trek predominantly focus attention on the rear of the bike in the form of isoflow, whereas Specialized focused mostly on the front of the new SL8 paying less attention to the rear because the air is messy and affected by the rotation of the riders legs anyway. Two companies thinking completely differently while insisting their bikes are the fastest.🤔 edit. Looks like a bike for clowns!

[@budlacombe]

Endless solutions to problems that don’t exist ¯\_(ツ)_/¯… well done on the vids BD 👊

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Most cyclists consider aerodynamics to be a problem and want as little drag possible.

[@timdixo]

@@veganpotterthevegan Yet ironically are slower because many of these proprietary cockpits make dialling in a wind cheating position impractical.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

@@timdixo this bike doesn't have a proprietary cockpit...

[@timdixo]

@@veganpotterthevegan It was a more general statement of current bike offerings. Even so,this Trek with it's proprietary stem has limited stack height adjustment vs a traditional setup.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

@timdixo this isn't a bike that requires a proprietary stem🤦 Deda, FSA, Specialized, Bontrager, ENVE, Syncros and more make stems that work with this system

[@Grunge_Cycling]

Funny how Mads Pederson barely won anything on the faster new bike.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Trek Women have done quite well on it.

[@김현빈-d9r]

Sl7은 프레임이 무거움

[@ricardoubo8947]

More Marketing B.S. ISO Flow. ISO Speed. ISO Flow makes the Bike look ugly! Tarmac SL8 Speed Sniffer ! Cash Grab ! The Bike industry is a Big Scam US$15,000 for a Bike?

[@TD05SSLegacy]

They lied for Lance. So will never own Trek.

[@bubby372]

"They lied for Lance" LOL, never heard that one.

[@mikelogan2684]

Iso flow saving etc what a load of crap

[@AVoiceCryingInTheWildern-vt6ed]

This was a terrible review. You gave absolute zero info about how this bike performs, and how it compares to other similar bikes. 99% of bike reviewers do a horrible job with their reviews.

[@UltimateTuner10]

I guess you didn’t watch the video

[@AVoiceCryingInTheWildern-vt6ed]

@@UltimateTuner10 ,...Actually, sadly, I did!

[@UltimateTuner10]

@@AVoiceCryingInTheWildern-vt6edI guess you didn’t pay attantion. Gotta say I love the amazing reviews you are doing though

[@johntrussell7228]

Over a full pound heavier than an SL8 with less tire clearance 🤡🤡🤡

[@avav30311]

And the conclusion is missing, so what?

[@Millicente]

Imagine focusing on 2 aspects and cleaning something because of it. I also feel superior to everyone who is shorter or heavier than I am regardless of every other aspect of the person

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

FUGLY The only way to make it worse - equip it with SRAM!