New Madone is world-class aero AND crazy light. The catch? Trek leans on bottles for aero savings

[@MasteringGrappling]

Thank you for the honest review.

[@lukepowell1201]

So those RSL Cages with a bottle are $99 a piece if you buy them aftermarket, and the SL Madone does not include them with a new bike purchase. I think I could be at peace with it a little more if they at least made a more affordable plastic version. If you're gonna be gimmicky with the bottle, don't also gouge the price on them.

[@GravelRacer1]

Can't wait to see how it performs at your next gravel race.

[@jbiz3]

Of all the things I research and look for reviews on, this has to be one of the best I've ever seen for any product. Your delivery and info is great. Within the first minute I knew this would be a great review. Thanks!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thanks very much.

[@1speedbrian]

Ive never seen that Zip bar thats cool.

[@RyonBeachner]

I completely understand the concept of why they replaced the Enonda, and agree with it. However I have to say that reducing available sizes on a top end bike seems like a much larger compromise that simply hurts riders experience with the brand. In entry level models, okay, I get it, the tooling expense has to be covered somehow and buyers at that level are probably less likely to think about fit. However when you mention a 25k P1 build, that’s a lot of money for a bike available only in 6 sizes when Pinarello has like 11, and every handlebar and stem length/width under the sun.

[@bengt_axle]

Big bike is losing money. Have to cut costs.

[@RyonBeachner]

@@bengt_axle I understand that, and I understand the reduction of SKU’s and the massive price of the Project One bikes. What I don’t understand is how they think this offering will compete well against other alternatives that are lighter, more aero, less expensive, and available in a greater range of sizes. I suppose the market is small, and “Trek People” aren’t going to be looking around at options when it’s time for a new bike.

[@theotheroneb1548]

​@RyonBeachner all slr level bike are automatically P1 so you can pick from 5 paint schemes, any bar stem (even extremes like 130mm 35cm), and othe things like crank length. All at no extra cost. The super high price your quoting is top spec an custome paint which adds thousands to the price for expensive chrome colour's. Not trying to say it's cheap but to basically pick everything you want on the bike it's not insane.

[@seandarcy1114]

@@RyonBeachner Which models are lighter and more aero? I don't think you'd find a bike this light that's more aero, or this aero that's lighter... especially not at a cheaper price point

[@lewisfilms]

Im a bit disappointed honestly… The Madone SL 7 gen 8 with ultegra di2 and carbon wheels is $6500 and weighs 17.38lbs. That doesn’t seem very light to me. The Canyon ultimate SLX 8 is $5800-$6200 (depending on sale) with same groupo , deeper carbon wheels PLUS a power meter and only weighs 16lbs. 😮

[@josephreilman8527]

You bought the SL not the SLR that's why. Mine is 16.5 lbs with a SRAM force 1x.

[@christianwparker]

Heads up. The first batches of bikes had too much thread locker on the water bottle bolts. Check those bolts before purchasing your bike! The heads may strip causing a huge headache.

[@kevindolan2194]

I have never seen any brand use thread locker on water bottle bolts. Have been in the industry 35 years.

[@zeuszuki6698]

​@@kevindolan2194well ALL my Specialized bikes from 2015 use blue thread retainer on the bottle cage bolts so 🤷‍♂️

[@christianwparker]

@@kevindolan219428 years for me and I’ve assembled 8 of these new bikes this week. Mistake at the factory for sure. Expect a technical service bulletin.

[@kevindolan2194]

@@zeuszuki6698 I have worked with Trek, Cannonade, Scott, Giant and Willier, Cervelo, Felt and Kona, I haven't sold Specialized since the late 1990's.

[@harleypurcell7766]

When filling the bottle with powder stand the aero bottle in a mug. Saves powder mess & holds it straight… Simples 😂

[@jmurphy3350]

Why the hell is it so expensive. In Ireland one with sram red is 14k euro. 10k for ultegra. Shocking

[@trentonscism]

It’s only $6500 for ultegra

[@tonyg3091]

Shocking? Is SWorks Tarmac less expensive?

[@Midnight5544]

Well dayum as I’ve owned the previous gen for less then a year.

[@FT__Bicycling_____-sc7yv]

Just buy the new water bottles and you've got the new model bike.

[@maxjohnson0703]

Your bike is more aero think you have the better version

[@stanzapalny2123]

Just put these bottles on the old Madone and it will be even faster. This frame is a bodge

[@vmarano4]

The bottles provide an option for more aero. An option that I likely would not use. I have a Gen 6 Madone so this 8 would be a big step up with or without the bottles. Thank you for a great review.

[@derfx89]

I honestly don't understand why people make such a big deal of the bottle+bike package. We're talking 3.7 W here. The people that need to care about those savings have soigneurs in charge of it. The rest uses standard round bottles and will not notice the slightest difference, happy days.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

A lot of regular people care about 3.7w than some legit pros do. It's not about noticing, it's about getting that benefit in either saving energy or going faster.

[@nipplegripple8581]

Any thing for point of difference. Its a tough market....we all know at the days end, its the rider not the bike that makes it go fassssst!

[@cdeluise]

I will be honest, I'd use round bottles on this bike in the first week I owned it. However, props to Trek for releasing the aero tech 🤘

[@galenkehler]

Simply because of the price attached to it. Trek is making the claims that the frame is "just as aero as the old madone" but only with the bottles, so effectively its less aero. But they're still charging more.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

@galenkehler cost doesn't only come from aerodynamics. It's significantly lighter than the last Madone. And I'm guessing a lot of time and money went into making sure that weird seatpost/tube would give compliance without worrying about it failing. *As someone that's done lots of fits in the wind tunnel with customers testing gear, there's still likely be a decent minority of riders that'll test faster on this bike with normal bottles. That said, on an average person, it may be 2w slower if you put normal bottles on both bikes. But that 2w may be well worth the loss with losing so much weight and gaining even half of the claimed 80% compliance improvement

[@jonathanzappala]

Top notch review thanks.

[@helmetculture]

Thank you for not shilling the products you review but just saying thanks to your sponsor and that we should definitely buy them. I definitely will be buying them to support your gig!!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I appreciate that!

[@chrisjong8412]

Amazing video as always, i love the clips of the fide in between with some nice music

[@nick_velokicks]

Appreciate another excellent review mate. My better half is aero curious, so knew to come here to watch this and the Aeroad reviews to add to her considerations.

[@3TZZZ]

Excellent review Ben, I really appreciate your honest open minded perspectives and your constructive critique. Comparisons in ride and handling with other new 2024 road race bikes, as well as ealier models would make your reviews even stronger, as would a comparison between the various models in the line up, particularly low to mid priced models that most of us actually buy. These are the big gaps in the youtube bike review world.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it.

[@deployeddan]

Another awesome video! As a heavy Clydesdale rider I'd never trust that seat post so I'll just stick with my Émonda Slr 👍

[@kevinfarmer8385]

As a fellow Clyde (230) I have the Gen 7 Madone, and zero issues with the seat mast

[@Dustydayzz]

@@kevinfarmer8385 yet😆

[@deployeddan]

@@Dustydayzz 🤣🤣🤣

[@DavidWalker-xz4jb]

I have the current Madone. Great bike. This bottle thing is so goofy. Imagine trying to wrestle them in and out in a crit. They should have just said "it's a little slower, but overall is a better package." Specialized did that with the SL7 and it didn't hurt them at all.

[@derfx89]

They're goofy, yes. But this is exactly how this new Madone works with a round bottle, no?

[@DavidWalker-xz4jb]

@@derfx89 I don't recall anything about bottles helping on the Gen7 bike. But even if there is they're just regular bottles that don't snap in and out.

[@derfx89]

Sorry, bad phrasing, I meant to say: with the bottles, it's almost identical to the old Madone. With regular round bottles, it's a bit slower - similar to the SL7, which is not the most aero, but a good allrounder.

[@jmurphy3350]

It’s hard enough get a normal bottle in and out while doing a crit. This system is a gimmick.

[@cmarnold78]

Me too, got my Gen 7 about 6 weeks ago. Was gutted to see this being released so soon, but quickly realised I have nothing to worry about. At my spec, the Gen 8 has 120g on my bike. In regards to the bottles, they are purely there to be able to say "its as fast as the Gen 7"

[@HaywoodsBlueTiger4]

I get toe overlap on my 58 emonda. Makes my white shoes look bad but ive had the problem for 10 years now and thought everyone did.

[@npa5825]

Company losses, cost cutting measures by reducing manufacturing lines. All the rest is marketing. Worse than Emonda in the mountains, worse than Madone Gen7 in the flat

[@koganmb]

Heading to the shop today to check out New vs Old, think I'm still leaning towards old... Especially at the SL6 price point, old package seems better, deeper wheels, aero vs round bar, no fuss with funky/EXPENSIVE bottles.

[@trentonscism]

There are some great sales on the old models right now. Can get a $10,000 Edmonda for $5000. That said, I like having the current model. It’s the one they are racing in the TDF which is pretty cool

[@DCassidy42]

How about wind tunnel testing the "old" series 7 madone with aero bottles. Would that be even faster than this bike?

[@josephreilman8527]

Probably. Their genius marketing department hasn't caught on yet. In an alternate reality, this is the bike that would have been released in 2015

[@Slow.Smooth]

No because the tubes are different shapes

[@DCassidy42]

@@Slow.Smooth Someone could put elite crono cx bottles on and I would be willing to bet it would be more aerodynamic.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

I have never gotten aesthetically comfortable with that seat post tube / top tube junction.

[@__marshie]

You mean the Butthole.

[@SamuelBlackMetalRider]

Gotta love the honest, down to earth, no BS review 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@nipplegripple8581]

He might to get his scales recalibrated though...

[@josephduhon9312]

You’ve gotta watch when installing the bottle cages to close to each other, it will make it harder to put in and take out of cages. Their adjustable and they will hit each other when pulling out and putting in bottles.

[@zodgzod]

I get toe overlap occasionally even on my 58cm Domane. I fully expect it on my new Madone - in the shops being built right now! I have ordered the bottles and cages, it I suspect I will is normal bottles most of the time. They are seriously expensive!

[@RicardoRocha-lg1xo]

I like the concept and the looks. The 105 model seems reasonably priced to me. My back won’t let me ride a proper race bike anymore, so I’ll have to stick to my Domane

[@soulsurfer8797]

Great review and content. However, as an all rounder who can sprint and climb I would have like to know how it climbs, accelerates out of turns on the descents, holds speed, and how stiff it feels in the bottom bracket and front end when you sprint. Again, great review and thanks for sharing.

[@tonyg3091]

Very nice colour, love it.

[@FT__Bicycling_____-sc7yv]

I like those bottles. I want those bottles. I think it's cheap for Trek to claim them in power saving along with the frame (unless they include like 10 bottles with every frame) Edit to add: OMG I looked up the prices and they are CRAZY. Will cost you $200 for two cages and two bottles. $25 each for every additional bottle.

[@marcusdance5068]

Love Trek madone history, had two. Can't believe a new Madone already! In 3 years time we'll be on Gen 10! Bottle thing would have gone by then. Will be a bit like specialised tarmac from sl6 to sl8, this version will need time to settle in. But in the meantime alot of people will be spending a shedload of money!

[@haqitman]

Every time I see Madone I think "Mad-One"

[@名無し-b9t]

MAD1はトレックの次のハイパーバイクとなるでしょう！

[@tonyg3091]

Mads-One 😉

[@Flyingbikes748]

Glad I got a Gen 7 Madone. This new one looks goofy with the smaller tube profiles

[@batbawls]

The bottle situation feels wrong tbh. The paint on this one is very nice. Wish it had a font size selector with more than 55pt and 60pt as options. Kidding on the last part.

[@jonphotos8631]

Take it on a long climb and let us know how it feels. Please

[@sunshinecycling]

I like the idea of the aero water bottles. I would have to try to live with them to know if it's a big deal, but more companies are doing this. It makes sense, you can only make the tubes so fat to get air around those round, fat water bottles. Orbea did this years ago. Cav is doing it this year at the Tour on his Willier bike.

[@jaredfontaine2002]

Didn't know you live in Boulder!!! How was it on Flagstaff??? Did you ride Super Flag???

[@alannkevin]

the bottle cage thing can be bought somewhere else, the trek branded one its $99. Elite has a cage with the bottle included for $35, so thats easy, my question is how does it compared to the sl8 ?

[@adamkubiak1933]

Ben, Great review as always. How do you find Trek's sizing chart? Im 1,88 cm (6'2") and should be riding size 58/L, which is my pick for this season. Previously I was happy with size 56. I would even say happier than with 58. Now, with new out of the box solutions (no offset, short reach handlebar), did you notice any changes from previous generation? Appreciate any comment!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Sizing charts are good resources to get you in the right ballpark, but they are no substitute for climbing on a bike. Most charts put me middle of 56/58 or ML/L. I am 6 flat with short legs so I go smaller frame. The new sizing, Trek says, puts the ML pretty much identical to a 56. If you are a full 2” taller, then I suspect a L is indeed right for you. Good luck!

[@adamkubiak1933]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney thank you!

[@davidspagnolo4870]

"Trek says that this was not part of their SKU-reduction effort" Sure sure suuuurrreee. Do they also have a bridge in Brooklyn I could buy too?

[@davidg2731]

The SKU reduction was mainly in clothes!

[@cmarnold78]

I know right, they openly admit it 'was' the new Emonda in the launch video.... You don't generally cancel/end a product line less than 2 years in.

[@davidspagnolo4870]

@@davidg2731 and...? They're a bicycle company and they cut a lot of bike SKUs with this move too. They went from 2 bike lines each with 8 sizes down to 1 line with 6 sizes. So right there they reduced the number of frame variations for their race bike line by over 60% It will be interesting to see what they axe from their mountain bike line.

[@the_luki]

Colnago v4rs is still the king❤

[@wheeling54321]

Do you think shortening cranks to 165 will eliminate toe overlap?

[@siitan83]

Love the bike, what they have done... this and giant propel.... prices are outrageous however.... 50% discount and I would even start considering

[@divinemercy7036]

looks more like a refined Emonda than a Madone

[@Jord0n82]

I want this bike but I also want to know how the flex is for the iso speed and do you think it will have a tendency to crack or break?

[@mmurmurjohnson2368]

Aero bottles = fairings = UCI noncompliant

[@Nat-DAVID]

Nice vid but i've got one question!! Tarmac SL8 pro or Madone SLR7??? 😁

[@bubbatex]

The seat tube angle on this new geometry is steeper. Did that have any effect on your “normal” setup?

[@Millicente]

I’ve seen videos where some complained the bb was too flexy compared to an sl7, sl8, and the cervelo s5. Do you find the bb to be stiffer on this gen 8 than the gen 7 you reviewed? It was a while ago so you may not remember

[@richardh7774]

Someone needs to 3d print a stand for filling those 3d bottles.

[@Skaughtto]

Bottle kickstand 🦿

[@ianboltron]

It's a big miss for me. Should have kept an aero bike and a dedicated climbing bike. There's no way this bike is faster in a wind tunnel over the gen 7 Madone.

[@brodyisaak]

Hi! I’m really struggling with sizing in the new Madone. I’ve typically always been a 56cm which would put me into a M/L, but it looks like it’s smaller than I’d expect and according to my height I should be into a L. I’m 6’1 with a 33’ inseam, but have always been more comfortable with a smaller size and a 110mm stem. I’m curious to know your thoughts as we seem similar in height.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Best way to know is to get on one at a shop. I'm 6' with a 76cm saddle height. Most brands' charts put me on a 58, but like you I typically go for a 56 with a 120.

[@ronstuff6330]

When I drop the bottle at 40kmh trying to reinsert it into the holder, and have to go back and get the bottle- how many watts does that cost?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

😀

[@gabespartan]

500 carbon series Rival build seems decently priced. But does the 500 series lose the comfort/ride quality that the 900 series has, or is it just a weight penalty? (and how much is that weight penalty?)

[@ps3narciso]

which one did you enjoyed the most :the new tcr or this madone gen8?

[@erickrueger6464]

Trek's new bottles and cages look vaguely similar to Campy's aero bottle and cage from the late 80's.

[@magnusschroeder]

Giant Propel ultegra di2 version is lighter than the equivalent from Trek Madone.

[@stubestrong]

aero gains are the bottle setup. true aero bikes are faster, proven countless times in independent wind tunnel testing

[@AngelAburto]

between this madone and the tarmac sl8, which one would you prefer?

[@davidcarino6500]

Scale with pedals and 2 cages! Or weigh just the frame.

[@ashurany]

What size cranks are on that Madone? They look pretty long. Perhaps moving to shorter cranks would reduce toe overlap?

[@jgrefrath]

the cranks are actually spec'd shorter. 172.5 all the way up to what would be a 58.

[@cmarnold78]

Trek race bikes have pretty short wheel bases which is the issue. You get used to it pretty quick, (just becomes a muscle memory thing) they handle amazing.

[@ashurany]

@@cmarnold78 I hear ya. I don't mind an occasional overlap but I recently sold a good steel bike (ritchey road logic) because it was too much of a thing. Had thought about sizing down on cranks but opted to sell and get a different bike. Incidentally, just compared the geo of the ritchey to the new madone. Very similar geo numbers including identical wheelbase length & nearly identical tire-to-spindle.

[@sprice0609]

Will those bottles fit of the Gen 7 Madone?

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

Almost 40 years ago Campagnolo introduced bottles like these. Kind of silly then, kind of silly now. Does the Big-T offer (at extra cost of course) a special cage to hold 'em upright on your kitchen counter so you can fill them? Quick, fire-up that 3D printer! I'll give it one thing - it's FUGLY! And fewer sizes - great for the Big-T's bottom line, but not so good when it comes to fit for the schlub's handing over the insane MSRP.

[@pl4free]

Never liked that frame with the hole in it, no matter what they do...

[@dadcram]

with the current pricing of the Emonda what will I loose getting a superseded model if I'm not after straight-line speed?

[@nelsonglover3963]

A bit of comfort, and if you're looking at an SL the Emonda frameset is about 200g heavier than the Madone Gen 8 SL frameset

[@Movens_Horacious]

Should have kept the Emonda and Madone separate, and combined the Checkpoint and Domane into a versatile gravel/all road/endurance rig.

[@pappisto]

Does a bar-stem 1-piece feel too stiff or weird some other way?

[@lazlo2511]

Trek shareholders are showing the bike industry how to cut costs, just remove the seat tube folks….🤭

[@estelja]

Note to self: don't ride behind someone on this bike when they go to take a drink.

[@cmarnold78]

Or to the left, right or in front of..... Probably more risk than a TT bike in the group ride now :)

[@CourtneyHump]

I think they could have accomplished near the same aero benefit with “wider” with more plastic cages that would fit a round bottle inside. Rather than have had the bottle complete the aero panel shape, just have done it with the cages only

[@coreystpeter5123]

It's cool. If I get one the bottles will be event day or strava kom use only.

[@cameronALR6]

Fine with the aero bottles being a thing but they should have marketed the aero without them as well

[@LivoniaLimo]

Crazy Light?? Only 300g heavier than advertised , 7.3kg with SRAM red. Than is not even light , that is borderline acceptable for such bike followed by their marketing claims

[@csarcpab]

7,3kg and that's without pedals! That's heavy AF for a +10k bike. Trek bikes: Fancy gimmicky looks with terrible QC and heavy AF. Worst value for money in the entire industry 😂😂😂

[@kenstephens2955]

So, this or the sl8?

[@CG-99]

pretty clear isn't it?? I see zero reason to choose the Trek.

[@57ebartley]

Ya, That bottle system, I wouldn’t be using.

[@galenkehler]

11:00 that shifter/bar transition is best dealt with by padding/wrapping. You can pack a little peice of bar tape in there, and tape it up to form whatever shape you want and then wrap the tape over it. I've even shimmed it with a little peice of plastic before, whatever makes it just right.

[@derickcastillo9083]

You said you are about 185 lbs. How tall are you? I am 5'10'' and 175. Would this bike fit me?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I'm 6ft. Best way to get fit if you don't know your measurements is go to a good shop.

[@derickcastillo9083]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Thank you

[@gregbrown3764]

6:11 Someone just went over the Three Sisters that I spy with my little eye.

[@Bike4Coffee-Cake]

Do you prefer this or the Tarmac SL8?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Tarmac, for the longer front triangle if nothing else. Madone is pretty sweet, though.

[@andresgizmos1271]

This looks like the Madone 7 released in 2013 but with disc brakes 😂

[@stevevanness4195]

Trek needs to provide an integrated Bottle Stand for off bike use! (A small folding bipod would work)

[@jmurphy3350]

😂

[@bodoknudsen5450]

I would expect some 3d printed solutions to show up on Ebay.

[@cmarnold78]

Along with a custom drink mix dispenser....

[@SergioCristancho]

1. bottles... yes! different not for every one... we will see how the 'market' reacts... by look they seem aero ergo comically correct. 2. Trek seems to make every time the same bike but nope. and I trust ben words!

[@michaeldee697]

Maybe you just have giant feet? But SRSLY what crank length is causing the overlap?

[@jgrefrath]

172.5 is spec'd on the bike up to L or 58.

[@cmarnold78]

Nothing to do with crank length or cleat position. Trek race bikes just have shorter wheel bases. I get overlap running 170mm Its only an issue when you start from a stop and you turn the bars too much. You get used to it pretty quick. They handle amazing.

[@pinkertonpunk]

I have toe overlap on my gen 6 Madone with 170mm cranks and size 43 shoes. It’s just a Trek thing.

[@douglasbooth6836]

Should stick with two bikes. Some like the look of the aero madone over the skinny emonda.

[@f1hotrod527]

The opening is not small for putting in mix. If you cant get mix in an opening that big, then you probably lack the coordination to ride a bike.

[@rigovazquez]

😂

[@JFomo]

Can I not use my own bottle cage?

[@midwesttreasureandrelicrec7914]

I can sense the hesitation in slight annoyance and your voice lol

[@gabrielsuarez3137]

I think that the amount that the bottles/cages save you in power and effort is equal to the amount people complain about it. For some it's a huge thing, but for some its not a big issue. Love the bike either way and hope to ride an SLR as my own soon.

[@TheBassallyear100]

i think trek forgot about the light part on a bike that is being marketed as such. the weight is not all that special.

[@db613]

So why can't they add those bottles to the old madone aero frame which wasn't that bad weight and get that even faster 🤷‍♂️

[@prestachuck2867]

You can buy the bottles and cages then add them to your Gen.7 Madone

[@amavromi]

Comfort vs tarmac sl-8 ?

[@DurianriderCyclingTips]

Nice color but STILL heavier and slower than my 2005 Madone I got for 350USD off the OG owner who hardly rode it. IYKYK.

[@cameronALR6]

Nice find, but STILL heavier than my nephews Fisher Price wagon I found at a garage sale for 25USD. IYKYK #eatmorebananas

[@derekhicks8250]

Proprietary water bottles...what will they think of next.

[@thedronescene7474]

We are going full circle lol. Soon we will be back to round tubes and then back ti aero.

[@rg807]

As soon as Trek issues an official apology to Lemond, I'll consider one of their bikes. Until then, never. BTW, I have a 1985 Trek 2000 hanging in my garage. I used to like this company.

[@chrisvanbuggenum871]

I think i need flat bottomed bottles.

[@midwesttreasureandrelicrec7914]

They'll just start using the bottles empty for aerodynamic advantage and go with the skin suit with the bladder in the back for another aerodynamic advantage and water needs