Trek Madone Gen 7 vs. Specialized Tarmac SL8

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Sorry about the editing error. Tunnel of trees should be segment two. But here are links to the two rides.
Hill Climb
www.strava.com/activities/977...
Tunnel of Trees Flat segment
www.strava.com/activities/997...
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[@maxt1617]

Great video because you didn't focus on the data and measurements like many YT videos do, and instead had a free rolling conversation about the *feel of the bikes* under different circumstances... which is exactly how the rest of us think (rather than w/kg, wind tunnels etc.). Thank you.

[@bicyclestation]

Thanks!

[@ianboltron]

Love this format. Awesome video guys!

[@philipdavies4966]

What a great video…. I don’t often sit through longer videos but this one had me captivated. Full of interesting content, well done guys…. subscribed 😀😀👍

[@ianmackerness5966]

Great test and review, Madone 👍

[@jiyangchen3472]

I've watched so many videos trying to get a sense of how these bikes ride and always end up with the "it feels stiff, it feels fast" answer, but this video finally described it in ways I could understand.

[@bicyclestation]

Glad we can help! Feel free to reach out if you have more questions

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

Finally..lol..i swapped frames yesterday..i gave up my 2022 s-works tarmac sl7(blue lagoon w stripes) for my new madone SLR gen7 in all matte black..i really didnt want to give up my tarmac but it beats me up after 40miles..i needed more comfort with the speed..plus this is my 4th tarmac..😅

[@thierryguillaume5184]

Bonjour, j'ai un Tarmac S-Works SL6 en Dura-Ace freins patins et voudrais peut-être passer sur un Madone SLR aussi avec Dura-Ace. Il paraît que le confort est encore meilleur ! Pouvez-vous me confirmer que le Madone est aussi bon en montée ? Mon S-Works est à 6,8kg ...

[@sfef84]

I picked up a Madone gen 7 SL7 Ultegra with the RSL bars as an upgrade to my current gen Emonda and I could instantly tell why most guys riding the TDF for Lidl-Trek stuck with the Madone even in the mountain stages. It's a faster, better bike despite the weight

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

I got my 2023/24 madone slr gen7 down to 16.6lbs with ultegra and tpu inner tubes..it feels faster than my 2022 sworks tarmac sl7..the bontrager aeolus saddle is sooooo comfortable compared to my power pro mirror saddle..

[@stevenfeffer2391]

​@@LOGICAL-JAY❤

[@Chibster83]

I currently ride a Tarmac SL 6. I think the Madone looks amazing, and if I were in the market for a new bike, I’d probably switch. Great video!

[@ronnyhyman7283]

I started riding during Covid, after my research Trek won. Domane sl5 to sl6, hopefully my next bike in 2024 is the Madone. First time watching your channel thank you 👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👑kRT

[@tekesbur]

Spesh dropped the ball on that stem/spacer/HT area. Wonder who greenlighted that design. Also, appreciate the honest review. 👍

[@TheBassallyear100]

good video, surprised to hear the comfort comment. i have a gen 6 Madone SLR which is very comfortable but climbs like a dog (or feels that way at least). i had been pondering a Tarmac for the more snappy ride but reflecting on that a bit now.

[@caljul07]

This was a very useful practical (and goofy/funny) video. Thanks

[@student_of_God]

I don't care about the results... I'll choose madone over any other bike on the planet because of how gorgeous it looks...❤ The madone looks like a proper superbike thanks to the aerodynamics(tbh somewhat similar to the ALR system used in Lambos lol)

[@NoahStephens]

It really is beautiful

[@mmurmurjohnson2368]

Pretty much, refuse to drop that kind of cash on a boring bike, I'll make up for any speed deficits in the weight room and cop that Madone, that Venge, that Foil, that Ostro Vam

[@8rk]

I hate it to be honest lol. But not judging cause it seems majority of the people love the looks of the madone. Just not for me I guess. Then again I don't like SL8 either 🤣

[@TheChindoboi]

Love the look of the madone ♥️

[@user-yn7qk8gp4u]

First time I've watched this channel...loved your approach and report. Uber useful as I own the 2023 SLR 7 gen 7 and i have a number of friends on the SL 8: They've been asking about ride quality and you don't know what you don't know, so it nice to get a review that tells me in real time the subjective details of that experience. Also, I've owned my new madone for 4 months (came from a madone sl 6) and without fail, every 5min or greater segment is conquered 5% faster with 5% less watts...amazing! Can't explain it except what they tell us in the marketing

[@user-yg1tj1oi9n]

I think that difference might come down to the difference of the rolling resistance of the tires, I noticed that the madone has a gp5000 str on it, which the tire itself has a way lower rolling resistance compared to the one on the tarmac, so that may be the reason why the madone was slightly faster? Kinda funny to see how bike frame itself doesn't really make that much of a difference while changing the tire could change alot.

[@cheec8548]

Madone looks better and from the test seems also has better performance and comfort.. thanks for the video!

[@thewisconsingravelcyclist]

Being from Wisconsin i'm partial to Trek and would love a Madone! To be fair though I honestly feel Trek and specialized are the top two in the game at the moment and hard to go wrong with a Specialized as well. Looking forward to more videos like this.

[@bicyclestation]

Yea honestly I think the Madone kinda exceeded my expectations a bit and the Tarmac is as good as you’d expect it to be haha.

[@MrMarianolore]

Brainwashed by american marketing

[@bicyclestation]

What do you mean by that?

[@murcielago188]

I have to give kudos to you guys for a great and honest review. Most reviwers out there are guided by bias, commercial interest, promotions, etc. You just told us the absolute truth and by the way, you were spot on your opinions. I just has the oportunity to test ride both of these bikes and I agree with you for the most part, the Tarmac is a great bike but it is not the most comfortable (shock absorbing) bike out there and it is a bit "nervous" in the descents and even that it is lighter and stiffer that the Madone or my current bike (Colnago C59) I never fekt that I was going stronger or faster than the other ones. The Madone is a bit heavier but is so much more shock absorbent than the Tarmac and even than my trusted Colnago, climbs and descents well. So I am going to be looking for one !

[@erin7995]

love this do more with other top tier brands please.

[@andrewsterling1379]

Your channel is excellent

[@garymann7368]

really looking at the madone SL6 gen 7. like the look and always looking for comfort and speed.

[@brentcollins9727]

That was very enjoyable

[@jwfriar]

To be fair, 4% grade isn’t much of a climb. I think all the math nerds will say weight starts playing a bigger role at 6%+. If you’re gonna measure the impact of weight, prob could try a steeper hill

[@kylebrown5803]

Do the Scott foil!! Also do the canyon aeroad!!

[@andreapaponi]

I can see from the video, that the Madone has a Continental GP5000 (top tyres), and Tarmac hasn’t the same. That could explain the difference time and confort.. what do you think about?

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Tough choice! Both fantastic bikes. I'm an aero boy, though, so Madone for me.

[@RoadHardened]

Great video!!

[@Bluesky_skyblue]

around 3:40 when you display comparison data, you should keep the data overlay on the left so that the data can be viewed side by side, without having to go back a few seconds to see the other bike's data.

[@crane1bl]

Cool vidya, interesting results! You know you're digging for critiques when the worst that can be said about a bike is that it makes whooshy noises 😂 Interested in the wheelset ID/ tire pressure on both bikes during testing. I'm sure they were run fairly close but it could remove a variable from the mix.

[@vongdong10]

Madone looks like a real aero bike and the blue with black top tube sweet

[@joekawasaki]

Love the Madone. Supersix Evo next?

[@denisaraujo86]

I just bought a SL8 to be good on those hills and this video kills my dreams 😂

[@bicyclestation]

It honestly made me mad. Rest assured that you have the better climbing bike lol.

[@denisaraujo86]

@@bicyclestation listen I chance my Aethos thinking on what they say about the Turmalet test, so idk now if cry or get Trek haha

[@silvercat7328]

@@denisaraujo86dude! You’ll have the Roval cockpit on yours? in your size, slip on some Vitoria corsa pro’s 28mm, the SL8 will blow your mind! Comfort, speed, agility! The handling is sublime! Let me know how long it takes on your 1st ride before you laugh out loud at how good it is! (10 mins max) 🥂

[@hagakuru]

Just keep whispering under your breath: I think I can, I think I can - I know I can

[@kestralrider313]

great video and the results are interesting. If you run these comparisons in the future, I for one would prefer to see comparisons with the same wheels/tires swapped between the bikes. I understand the logic of wanting to show more stock setups, but the wheel/tire combo has far too much impact on the comfort, climbing speed and flat speed to not eliminte these differences by using equal tire/wheel setups.

[@nikg3097]

I just went from a Tarmac SL7 to Madone SLR 7 Gen 7. The difference is jaw dropping for me. I never bought into the hype of the different type of bikes making THAT much of a difference. Boy was I wrong. The Madone is definitely like riding a Ferrari. Plus mine is also that Ferrari red! 🏎️

[@KrisBrosnihan]

Awesome video, I trust the science! 😂 I have the Trek Madone SLR 6 AXS Gen 7, in Fighter Jet Silver. The looks I get from the soccer moms are worth it 😂. Great balls of 🔥 Iceman!

[@whatsuphonkycat]

the tarmac alone has looked great to me... but having them side by side, wow the Madone wins the beauty contest ... that speed snoz w the skinny dropped seat stays, gotta be the worst looking tarmac yet!.. AND less aero? lol more character? for the the bike you already know everyone's going to have next season... yall sold me on the madone

[@mrmotomoto]

Is the seat thingy on the trek breaking a thing? Saw it broke when they first released it.

[@superwoofer9251]

I'm riding tarmac sl8 in the same color. I can't believe tarmac was beaten on uphill regardless of the ride feeling. Maybe 4.5% hill climb isn't steep enough for the lightweight, snappy bike to shine, and madone have an edge over tarmac on that moderate uphill?

[@arthursosajr.2031]

The Madone definitely looks more aero. So it should win the flat. On the climb the speed was over 13mph and it wasn't steep at all at 4.5%. I think that the speed of the climb allowed the aero advantage to win over the weight penalty. I have seen a video stating that you start getting aero gains at 15Km/H, they just didn't say how much those gains were. They obviously increase with speed. I take it that is why even on the steep climbs in the Grand Tours they alwasy have a leadout as they are getting some drafting even if it is only a very small percantage of energy saved.

[@josephreilman8527]

Got the SLR 7 as a crash replacement. I have to look at my wheels periodically to make sure I'm not flat because of how buttery it rides.

[@jgrefrath]

Both bikes are fully, fully capable, so probably comes down to a couple personal preferences. I love your honest takes on both bikes. Great unique vid!

[@coreystpeter5123]

If you end up comparing the Madone to the S5 perhaps use a longer flat to rolling course; 3-5 miles with turns.

[@damiantorres9705]

A great reason why Trek bikes are amazing machines to ride with 💪

[@Saltydog547]

Beauty is in the eye of beholder. To me, there is no comparison when putting SL8 side by side with the Madone. The madone is so much more sexy then the sl8. It is like comparing a lamborghini with a subaru wrx. Both are very fast car, but boy, they are world apart when come to look. I think specialized need to hire some italian designer to design their next sl9.

[@jonasfritzer]

Its more like lambo vs audi or porsche. I think most people like simpler bikes, the madone will look weird in a few years.

[@andrewjameson2577]

Can you advise what colour the Madone was?

[@davistaishi]

could you do another test with isoflow taped on ?

[@lannym]

What was the tire setup -brand/tube/psi etc? for each?

[@Southerncyclist]

My 2019 S5 is comfortable and fast. But I've only ever ridden it and my Fuji lol .

[@Omeiden]

mega vid, but wish you had put in timestamps for this. keep killing it guys!

[@bicyclestation]

Ive never tried to do that before. Well look into adding them!

[@Omeiden]

I think overall it's a good thing, sure there might be some downside to it. It would give a great overview and a small notch up giving the vid a pro look, and also a person who are looking into buying one of these bikes, would want to be able to go back and forth in timestamps to rewatch parts to help further them in the decision process @@bicyclestation

[@rickmoses5081]

The PEOPLE have spoken. We say “MADONE”🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️

[@dafsd4831]

I put a set of new bora ultra wto c23 on my madone slr. Feels even smoother and faster. Still interested in adding a tarmac sl8 in my collection but do you guys think it’s a good idea?

[@Lightyear66]

Can I just ask where you guys are located ? That looked a lovely part of the world to live and cycle.

[@bicyclestation]

Southern IN One store in Columbus and one store in Jeffersonville

[@ruisantos5746]

Please repeat the test on longer and steeper climbs

[@bicyclestation]

We live in Indiana idk how we’d accomplish that lol.

[@GrouEEf]

The difference is so small, it could come down to powermeter differences.

[@bicyclestation]

I think that’s the real take away. Both bikes are amazing.

[@grazryan]

I wish you can repeat this test in a higher gradient.

[@sharpersharpen3876]

Nice video! What's the size of the tires on the Madone?

[@treyshepard1717]

We used 28mm tires on both bikes!

[@hsj31415]

Interesting test though, both Tarmac and Madone came with a newly developed integrated aero handlebar and I'm wondering why you guys didn't use them

[@bicyclestation]

Because they don’t make sizes that fit treys position. We talk about that in the tarmac review video a bit

[@DEXVD]

Did the SL8 have the stock 26c tires? Sounds like it would benefit from a set of 28s or maybe even 28 FR, 30 RR. Would like to see longer segments for the testing if possible, maybe like a rolling terrain vs flat terrain but more like 20 or 30 minute segments, most of the brands talk about savings over an hour, even then its often only a few seconds. Sure you could extrapolate things out but when the differences are so small, wonder if its a margin of error, rather than an actual difference.

[@treyshepard1717]

Both bikes used 28mm tubeless tires pumped to the same pressure

[@tingshens]

@@treyshepard1717 not the same tires, way different rolling resistance. smh

[@zachbarker5354]

How does this compare to cervelo s5

[@tomnguyen3829]

please do a comparison Trek Madone Gen 7 vs Cervelo S5

[@idris5550]

Which one is more durable in terms of speed?

[@mikewikstrom3416]

I like the Madone way better. The way you describe the ride of the Tarmac sounds like my TCR. I like the bike, but it is a bit chattery on any road imperfections.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Bike shops hate Canyon... but Canyon Aeroad CF SLX versus that Madone. This is a great matchup in terms of both aero performance and comfort.

[@bicyclestation]

Canyon is interesting. The company does a lot to slow their sales so it doesn’t bother me too much. Honestly I think trek and specialized should let me ship complete bikes directly also and then everyone would be on equal footing. If we had one I’d 100% make a video about it. The channel isn’t big enough to justify purchasing a bike we don’t sell currently but hopefully that changes in the future

[@guspachio4977]

Both bikes look great! Curious, have you ever built a Trek Domane RSL? Yes, the RSL race version and not the SLR….wonder how it would compare to those 2 bikes?

[@bicyclestation]

Yes. I think it’s so sick.

[@UltimateTuner10]

I can already see the comments about how this is not fair because the Madone comes with a narrower bar which affects body position which affects aero. That’s true, and if specialized want to claim “aero is everything” they shouldn’t spec truck sized bars on their “fastest tarmac ever”

[@bicyclestation]

We point that out in the tarmac review. It’s kinda an old school bar shape.

[@UltimateTuner10]

@@bicyclestationI have old school 42cm bars on my other bike and they feel unnatural after only a few hundred miles on the Madone. Did a 3:45 ride on the Madone yesterday 65 miles and 5200ft and no discomfort with the stiff frame or narrow bars AND beat a lot of my climbing PRs by a good margin. It’s a winner!

[@treyshepard1717]

Trey here! We didn’t mention it in the video but we had both bikes specd with 380mm bars, just from two different brands.

[@UltimateTuner10]

@@treyshepard1717I guess there’s no excuses for spesh now 🤡

[@philippang07]

Looking good on both bikes.... The RSL 62 are not at all meant for slope climbs and hence would be more sluggish. I think if we tried the Madone SLR gen 7 with Duraace Di2 9270 with the RSL 37s, the bike would feel different and perhaps livelier when compared to the SL8 - Rovals. Believe the SL8 is a really taut bike from what I have read from feedback / reviews and possibly SWorks' best iteration yet but taut bikes generally are less comfortable for long haul rides for us enthusiasts - old news they are meant to go fast but lose out a little on the comfort. I've owned and ridden the various iterations of Trek's top end Madones through 12 years now and they may not be the last word in tautness and responsiveness compared to SWorks, but they strike an excellent balance for their 5th to 7th Generation Madone SLRs in terms of speed AND long haul riding comfort. Still can't be beat so far. I never found the need to buy another make since I was happy riding my Madones.

[@timtaylor9590]

madone all day, comfort and speed.

[@simonnewton2206]

I own a Madone, so may be biased... but is that a live railway track you're standing on buddy?

[@bicyclestation]

Call the train cops

[@apolion200384]

At 4% gradient aerodynamics is more important than weight. This could be why the madone is faster than the sl8. Also, tire rolling resistance. Another key point is how big is the rider. If you are a light smaller dude, weight is everything climbing, watts per kilo, but if you are big, like me, 2 pounds is not noticeable in 4-6% climbs

[@damianwalters5657]

I'd like to see the system six vs bmc time machine

[@omarlondon]

try same test with aethos s works pls

[@theegg-viator4707]

LoL… “your moms house” … 😂 this review is pure. 🤓🤘🏻🤘🏻👍🏻💯🔥

[@wallykwok778]

what size was that madone

[@treyshepard1717]

Both bikes are 58s

[@himalvin1670]

I would choose the tarmac because it is easier to resell it on the market when I want to get a new bike. The trek really looks good, but it doesn't seem worth money. The over $5000 sl model is still over 8kg.

[@bicyclestation]

Yes we probably should have touched on that. The used market is flooded with Madones its kinda funny.

[@mrpibb1988]

“Similar in that the cables hang out the bottom and they aren’t that cool looking” 😂

[@jamessankey01]

If that's an SLR, What happened to the stock handlebar?

[@bicyclestation]

They don’t make one that works for treys bike fit

[@mmurmurjohnson2368]

For real, I think Specualized fazed out the Venge to save on manufacturing cost, was never convinced that the SL8 is faster, no siree

[@Alex_von_Kreis]

Wow!! The Entry Level Madone Gen7 wins against the S-Works!! What if you compare the Madone SLR 9 with the same price against the Specialized??

[@bicyclestation]

That is an slr 9

[@kennyvdh]

Am I The only one doubting on the value of strava numbers? No wahoo/Garmin nrs available? but nice vid!

[@treyshepard1717]

What are wahoo/garmin nrs?

[@geoffreyfaltot1006]

I would have thought the S-works would have won the climb...after seeing the Madone even beat it on the climb, I knew it was over. The Madone wasn't going to lose on flats or descents.

[@rogerhan6646]

Madone has never won in terms of data, but has never lost in actual evaluations. It is definitely one of the best bicycles on the market, which makes me even more convinced that Trek doesn't need to pay for advertising to those data evaluation companies.🤣

[@Ghostina1]

Why no aero Cockpit on the Madone!

[@bicyclestation]

They don’t make the correct size for treys bike fit so he doesn’t have them on either bike.

[@brandonclark8736]

I ride a Domane every day, EVERY DAY, and it's the only bike I can see doing that on at 46yo. Any others?

[@TheGizmoGarage]

Goes back to bicycle marketing, every 5 years they say aero dynamic is not as important as weight, and every 5 years they say aero dynamic is everything even more so than weight... And it repeats in hopes that folks forget about their previous marketing push. Same for threadless/threaded BB, deep/wide rims, narrow/wide tires as well as dropped seat-stay vs non-dropped.

[@modemarcoj8026]

My 2022 Litespeed T1sl will run circles around both of these bikes on all levels in all ways

[@bicyclestation]

Make a video comparing them!

[@ahbelcmercado9421]

Madone!

[@julcerin]

Madone!! ❤

[@littlevo9]

The Tarmac !!! Only and for ever Tarmac !!!

[@mysho6317]

Wheel Specs, Tires & Air Pressures?

[@treyshepard1717]

Wheel specs were mentioned in the video and both bikes were running 28mm tires at around 70psi

[@mysho6317]

Did not hear internal & external widths of the wheels? - Same tire brands? Thanks for size & psi

[@aidanmasterson50]

I don’t race but love the feel of a light bike, so the SL8 for me.

[@mister_ray]

Uh Mads Pedersen is on the Madone. He wins a ton.

[@bicyclestation]

I mean like a GC contender

[@AdeiltonNascimento]

What is the size of the Madone frame? Tks.

[@bicyclestation]

58

[@zachbarker5354]

How tall are you riding the 58? Im 5'10 thinking i need a 56​@bicyclestation

[@bicyclestation]

Trey has super long legs. That’s why he’s one a 58. I ride a 56 at 5 11

[@aaronmiletich]

what size the SL8?

[@bicyclestation]

Both bike in this video were 58s

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

As Shoddy Dave would say, that was a fooking shoddy. test... but it's as good as you're gonna get. 🤣 Seriously though, it was perfect.

[@bicyclestation]

Haha yea we know. We are bike salesmen and mechanics, not scientists. Still a really fun video to make

[@robertpiche5167]

Next time try the Madone vs Scott Foil

[@bicyclestation]

The foils cool. Don’t have immediate access to it unfortunately

[@robertpiche5167]

I prefer the Madone

[@dhodges1911]

Specialized folks gone be mad about this one 😂

[@Doggepp]

The new tarmac looks so good, if it werent for nonexisting good roads where I live, I would get a roadbike! Btw - Any update on the give away Jesse? I emailed Chase my shipping details, but havent heard anything for a week now. Understand if you guys have a lot to do!

[@bicyclestation]

I’m gonna text her right now.

[@Doggepp]

@@bicyclestation Thank you!

[@diawestTV]

so 4 min 30 sec is 270 sec, and 3 sec faster is ~1% - you never thought of imputting a possible error of measurements into your test process?

[@Jmhuns]

Now do the same test with a normal non-areo bike from 10 years ago. So that everyone understands how much difference is there with today's technology versus marketing hype

[@bicyclestation]

We plan on doing something like this. But I definitely disagree. Riding the Madone you can immediately tell it’s faster than non aero bikes.