Trek Madone Gen 8: An INCREDIBLE bike with some interesting FLAWS

[@joshkwan]

Certified dog on bike 🐶🚴🏽‍♂️ 1 like = 1 treat Don’t let my boys go hungry this Christmas.

[@raphaelwolff8205]

josh huge congrats on your role with trek,so well deserved.you fly the flag and provide us all with great content and feedback on the trek product,i own an emonda and love it so keen to hear your thoughts on the madone.ride safe and enjoy your new bike.

[@joshkwan]

Glad you’ve been enjoying my contents, thanks so much for watching :) I will probably make a more in depth video about the Madone and obviously further comparisons to the emonda in the future. Stay safe! And have a great Christmas

[@kristinasecret1767]

OMG! New Bike Day!!! Awesome! Congrats! Wish you all always a good and safety trip

[@joshkwan]

Thanks very much! Had lots of fun on my trip, and back safely now to enjoy riding on my local roads

[@jacksonstewart3760]

I owned a Madone 8 for a solid 30 days, before it got stolen from the back of my car before a training day. I miss it so much, was a great bike. Enjoyed watching this, thankyou.

[@joshkwan]

Sorry to hear that happened to you. That bloody sucks. Thanks for watching the video

[@JAEagan2429]

Wow sorry to hear that

[@fallisland1703]

Very good, informative review! I have not seen any other video comparing geometry with Emonda and thank you for sharing a logical, empirical and compelling video. (I'm waiting for My new Madone SLR to be delivered.)

[@wilsonrobb10]

Ace video mate. Bike looks great on you. Congrats on the ambassadorship, so well deserved - easily the biggest Trek fan boy I know!

[@joshkwan]

Cheers brother! Thanks for supporting the channel. Hope to ride together soon

[@AndyCaska]

I have the Gen8 SL6, fantastic all round bike. Best I have ridden yet. Just does everything super well.

[@joshkwan]

Awesome to hear you’re loving the bike!

[@spinthatup3851]

Great video review mate, really enjoyed it. Thanks

[@joshkwan]

Thanks for watching :)

[@alvinfu6572]

Interesting review Josh! Keen to see your long term review. Congrats on the ambassadorship! You’ve found your calling 🤣 The gripe about water bottles I feel exactly the same way! Just waiting for the correct seatpost length to arrive and I’ll give it a bit more of a test too!

[@joshkwan]

Thanks brother. Keen to hear your thoughts. Thanks for getting into my channel

[@CyclingMartin0731]

Wow, nice bike!! Congrats on being the new TreK ambassador!! well deserved buddy. My Madone will need an upgrade soon hopefully.

[@joshkwan]

Thanks very much! Safe riding over the Christmas break :)

[@JFomo]

Congrats on the sick new bike and ambassadorship. 🎉

[@joshkwan]

Thanks so much! It’s a beautiful bike, can’t wait to ride it more :)

[@daboss6796]

Congrats on the new bike and ambassadorship bro!

[@joshkwan]

Thanks matey!

[@doctor-d-rose69]

Great review! I've been a fan of your channel since stumbling onto it a few months ago. Great content and video quality. I also bought the new Gen 8 Trek Madone (Shimano Ultegra), Team colors edition. It's the best bike I've ever ridden. I also own the new 2025 Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro (SRAM Force) and the new Madone edges it out, although the Tarmac, to me, is the better all-around bike. But I ride a size Medium on the new Madone and I feel with the new sizing, it's a little more compact. I'm usually a Size 54 and to me, this size Medium feels like a Size 53, if the size actually existed. I took note of the gripes you mentioned. Yes, the computer mount is angled around 3-5 degrees up and perhaps that adds a slight wind resistance. I don't mind the handlebar angle so much, but I agree with you about the aero water bottles. It's kind of a pain to get to, and to refill and you can't stand them up. On longer rides where I'm not concerned about speed, I use regular water bottles. But the new Madone just wants to go fast and keep going fast. It's an amazing bike and I'm happy with my investment. Oh....how do you feel about the stock saddle? I may change it out to a Bisaddle or something more comfortable/padded. Happy Holidays!

[@joshkwan]

Hey! Thanks first of all for following the channel. Appreciate you watching the videos. The team edition Madone is an epic paint job, something different to the standard colour block most bikes are these days. Some comments down below said they fit the trek shop to bend the metal mount to make it flat. I guess having it angles prevents water/sweat from pooling if it drips onto the screen. For longer rides I’ll do the same as you and switch to normal/bigger bottles. Edit: sorry forgot about your question on the saddle. The Bontrager saddle is fine. My preference is Selle Italia SLR which I have in my Emonda.

[@emmanuelbacal7249]

I just watched your vid 5mos ago, the release of the new gen 8. And then now wow you just bought it. Congratss🎉

[@joshkwan]

Thanks for following the channel for so long! The bike is actually on loan to me from Trek :) but I am happy to use it as long as they let me 😋

[@BozoTheBear]

Thanks, great info! I've got a 2022 Emonda, which I love. So it'll be quite a while until I need a new bike, but nice to know what's coming, as it won't be another Emonda. I've never been to the city store, but the Rouse Hill Trek guys are legends, and treat their customers really well - love 'em!! Thanks again, and enjoy the new bike :-)

[@joshkwan]

I love the Emonda. It’s such a beautiful bike, and rides so nicely. I love how I’ve customised mine and it just feels like an extension of my body. Glad to hear you’ve had good experience with the Rouse Hill guys.

[@BozoTheBear]

@@joshkwan - Thanks for the reply. I love your videos, and I'm inspired to try some of the routes - also love seeing my local area (Parra) feature in some of them. One of these days I'll try and get up early enough to join the club on a ride!

[@MrAlucard1964]

I switched from a 23 Emonda SL6 AXS to the New Madone SL6 Gen 8. Love the new bike. It’s actually more comfortable than the Emonda. Love SRAM AXS.

[@MrAlucard1964]

I bought a Madone SL6 Gen 8 Matte Black. RSL Bars, RSL 62’s . Love the bike. I also have been approached to apply for an Ambassador for Trek. We will see.

[@joshkwan]

Glad you enjoy the bike. Sounds like an aero beast with those wheels.

[@CyclingAlgarvePortugal]

Beautiful color, enjoy !

[@joshkwan]

Thanks very much mate

[@olivercarpenter7563]

Can’t wait for Miller n Coyles take haha but congrats on your ambassadorship

[@joshkwan]

Thank you mate. I’m ready to get on the podcast and WWE wrestle them

[@aneczka2114]

Just awarded Dog of a bike on the Nero show😂

[@joshkwan]

Haha I saw the thumbnail but I haven’t had the time to listen to the podcast. Happy to get on the pod and have a chat to the lads 😜

[@julcerin]

Get the sticker…

[@neilfox9540]

Would be nice to get a balanced view on the show of someone who had actually ridden the bike!

[@B00st672]

Great video - im looking at switching out my emonda too. The only gripe I have is the wheel set. With the clearance they really need to update their wheels to 25 internal. The new 49V are the only in house option

[@B00st672]

I got my new Madone this week. Loving it so far 😍

[@J_Kwan]

Nice one! As we all know, red is the fastest colour ;)

[@joshkwan]

Red bike go fast

[@WorldinFastForward]

ahh man I miss Sydney and Australia so much. Just the perfect place on earth 🥲. Beautiful bike! Love the deep red color

[@joshkwan]

Sydney has been great for riding this year. Hopefully summer doesn’t get too hot. Thanks for watching

[@MegaRobboz]

The color is great.

[@paulmcgilly747]

I've seen that colour in store and its stunning.

[@joshkwan]

Exactly! You’ve got to see it in person

[@valiantabello]

I literally can't ride this bike. At a size 48 i fit a small in this frame and the toe overlap was ridiculous. Even the bike shop staff had to laugh. I hope it brings you a million smiles per mile

[@joshkwan]

Very interesting you have this problem. With 165mm cranks I get no toe overlap. That being said, everyone’s got different feet and body geometry. Shame it didn’t work out for you, and hope you find a bike out there that you love and suits your riding style.

[@LuckyJack99]

Enjoy in good health mate ! Cheers !

[@joshkwan]

Thanks mate! Have a good Christmas

[@SotaMaehara]

Congrats on the Ambassadorship! Well deserved

[@joshkwan]

Thanks Sota! KZbin has been an incredible journey, and opened lots of doors I never could have expected. Hope to see you more before you go to Perth.

[@zeuszuki6698]

Jet Cycles is just up the road mate ..... 😂 I like the colour, it really pops 👍

[@joshkwan]

Haha I’ve been into Jet cycles more than a few times to look at the sworks bikes 🥲

[@arlowatson2299]

The thing that bugs me about this bike is that it took the aero bike (madone) and the lighweight bike (emonda) and joined them into a bike which is neither lightweight nor aero. i think with Trek trying to reduce the sku's/models they have, they've just got rid of them and then covered it up with some aero bullshit like "1 bike length faster" and really all of the aero gains of this so make it equal to the old madone is just from stuff like aero bottles and newer groupsets. I reckon they've just reduced all their and models to save money and now they're just trying to feed it to us like its a new bike.

[@joshkwan]

Definitely agree with you about reducing SKU. - aero: supposedly more aero than the gen 7. But this is wholly appreciated to the waterbottles. - lightweight: it’s actually the only about 100grams heavier than the Emonda. I think they were in a bit of a marketing tricky spot. The two bikes were so similar it’s hard to sell either. So they probably did the math and figured it was best to combine both. Right decision? Yet to be seen. I’ll miss the Emonda though.

[@smauller623]

I liked the gen 6 Madone and emonda. Kinda sad they’re “combined” now

[@KelvinSuddith]

I think they should’ve just called it a whole new model. They’ve shot themselves in the foot doing it this way, even though it is similar to the Venge/Tarmac convergence

[@B00st672]

But they also added a new gravel bike - they did reduce SKU but I don't think that's the reason they did this bike

[@Shadowboost]

I'm also not a fan of SRAM Force hoods nor the delay in front derailleur shifting. I've heard they fixed that in the new Red group, but Dura Ace di2 has always done what I've wanted

[@joshkwan]

Shimano is just better 🤣 Force doesn’t even have buttons in the hoods like Ultegra

[@Shadowboost]

@joshkwan I tried it out on a Rapha Factor Ostro VAM rental. Wasn't particularly impressed

[@burgess_and_his_bike]

Dude, I just want to say, the little ears on the Garmin are cute af

[@joshkwan]

Hahaha yea! I saw someone else with it a while back and knew I needed one myself. Purchased of Aliexpress 😅

[@paulw677]

That chimney on an “aero” bike 😂 I remember walking into that shop when looking to buy a new bike and then walking out 10 mins later after being completely ignored. Clearly I didn’t have the right look, nor the YT channel - that’s my gripe

[@joshkwan]

Sorry to hear about your experience. Hope you managed to get a new bike elsewhere where you were treated well.

[@monochrome_linux]

What exactly did you do? Just walked in and waited for them to come to you? Or did you actually tell them that you're looking for a bike?

[@julcerin]

Niceee!!! That’s a very nice colour!!! Red is faster… 💨

[@joshkwan]

Looks fast, must be fast 😜

[@kennysetiabudi6575]

Nice colour for sure!

[@joshkwan]

Red bikes go faster!

[@gleningram5247]

Merry Christmas to you and your family Josh. Nice review but sorry I'm a De Rosa rider through and through 🇮🇹 Stay safe

[@joshkwan]

Thank you mate! Merry Christmas to you too. De Rosas bikes are bikes are very nice. Enjoy your riding :)

[@ericandeddy]

Wow! Congratulations on being a Trek ambassador! Ride it in good health. I take it you’re not racing the Gen 8 next season and using your own Emonda? As for me, I’m the same measurements as you and see on Treks website red barn specials for used Emonda SLR frame/fork only in 50cm, and built up Madone SLR GEN 7 with Ultegra 12 speed DI 2. Or I can get (like you) the Gen 8 Madone. I’ve never ridden any generation of Madone or Emonda. I am like you a light rider and prefer climbing as my weight is an advantage in fast group rides. But half of my group rides are like the pain trains you ride and I feel I need every aero advantage to hold a wheel. I currently ride a 2018 supersix (the old one before the dropped seat stays) with 35mm wheels. It’s a brick in terms of aero properties. I Iike the Emonda a lot but I’m not sure if it’s much of an aero upgrade from my current Supersix. For the kind of kind of riding we do, do you think an Emonda with a one piece bar stem, and 50-60mm wheels be comparably as fast as out of the box Gen 7 or 8 Madone?(I am not riding 45kph but I am able to pull at the front of my pace line at 40-42kph for short period of time-my goal is to be able to stay at the front longer so anything aero helps). Thanks for taking the time to read this.

[@ericandeddy]

And sorry for the long question/comment!

[@joshkwan]

Hey mate, thanks for watching and also the detailed comment. Sorry replying on the phone app is a bit clunky but I’ll try and address all your questions. - yes I’ll be riding the Emonda for racing. Mainly because the Madone is a loan bike. But also because the Emonda is so customised that I find it very fun and enjoyable to ride. Gen 7 Madone is an aero beast and very hard to beat. Maybe you could spec an Emonda to be as aero as a Gen 8. I personally prefer wheels between 40 and 50mm. Just feels like a bit more snappy when accelerating. I think what you will find is the most beneficial is to really dial in your aero position. Setting your bike up to be as comfortable as possible when you are as low as you can be. On my Emonda I have a 110mm stem which allows me to do this. Thanks for watching!

[@ericandeddy]

@ Totally agree! If you cannot 1) be in an aero position and 2) be comfortable in that aero position, then an aero bike means little. My heart is on the Gen 7 Madone but it’s a 52cm where I think I really need to be on a 50cm. Thanks for the advice!

[@kaushalkashyap4306]

You said 60k at the beginning of the video. Are you a 60K rider? Just curious. Love the presentation and the beautiful background music.

[@DanielUnterrainer]

Great video. The guys at the Trek store are incredible. Great service. The bike looks amazing and must ride like a charm.

[@joshkwan]

Thanks mate! Yes the Trek guys always go above and beyond, they are the best.

[@DanTuber]

Agree with your gripes . I'm not a Trek fan TBH and that chimney has gotta go!

[@joshkwan]

I think it’s important to be balanced in a review, and at least talk about the negatives of the bike. Working on the chimney 😝

[@jalm3yda]

You can most definitely bend the stock mount, but also k-edge makes a mount. Also there a lower top cap if you want to lower the stack (although does the majority of riders really need to "slam"???). Botlles, well they are just bottles I guess, use whatever ones you want. Cheers,

[@joshkwan]

I’ll try and bend it a little bit. Can’t stand having the Garmin tilting up haha.

[@jalm3yda]

Ask the guys at TREK. You should have a vice to do it. You hardly have to bend it. I overdid it on the first try.

[@neilshannon9930]

Good on you Josh, all your work’s paying off. Can you tell us where you’re riding at the start of your video… Thanks mate 👍

[@joshkwan]

Lane Cove National Park, my favourite place to ride and train which is local to me :)

[@neilshannon9930]

Looks nice and quiet, I’ll have to come down and check it out one day. I’m up the mountains at winmalee Take it easy mate

[@joshkwan]

I made a video guide on LCNP on my channel, worth checking out if you’re planning on going.

[@neilshannon9930]

Perfect, I’ll have a look. Thank you 👍

[@gregkane8635]

What sort of weight is it? And how does it feel comfort wise compared to the emonda? Health to enjoy 👍

[@joshkwan]

I’ll do an in depth review on KZbin in the coming weeks after I have ridden the Madone more :)

[@jmunyard]

I do like that red.

[@joshkwan]

Red bike go fast

[@adamgriss2025]

I love the look of the new Madone, but the price tag just gives me a headache 🤕. I ride a 2919 Émonda SL5 and it would be great to upgrade, but just can’t justify spending that amount of money😢.

[@joshkwan]

That’s okay, ride the bike which makes you want to get out and about! I love my Emonda :) it’s a great bike

[@jlmphoto]

Great vid (as usual)! I sent you a DM on IG about sizing on your Emonda. I'm looking to purchase one soon and was looking at the 50cm for my height. Needed some input. Thanks!

[@joshkwan]

Just replied! All the best with your bike purchase :)

[@duenorth3809]

What’s the gear setup?

[@yonchu747]

I’m actually in the same boat. I own a 2024 Emonda SL5 with upgraded wheels, handle bars, and rear cassette. I am thinking about buying the gen 8 Madone because I have access to an unbeatable price for the Ultegra version. Essentially at cost. Knowing what you know and owning an Emonda, would you buy the Gen 8. Was there a substantial difference in feel to make this purchase. And, how does it feel after let’s say 100 miles?

[@joshkwan]

Hey mate, happy to offer advice but I'll have to know some more details. Is the Madone Gen 8 an SLR version?

[@yonchu747]

@ yeah, it’s the SLR 7 version with the Ultegra DI2. I would probably upgrade the handle bars to Coefficient handle bars but other than that I would keep it stock.

[@joshkwan]

If the money isn’t a big issue I would do the upgrade. The SL version of the Emonda is definitely heavier than the SLR Madone without the aero benefits. So you’re winning all round without compromise with the Gen 8. Not sure if you follow me on Strava but I did 150km ride on the Madone Gen 8 SLR7 on the weekend and it was very good. No issues climbing or holding speed. I’ll talk more about it in my review in a couple of weeks.

[@yonchu747]

@ thanks for the advice. I’m leaning on picking one up as my “perfect conditions” rider.

[@joshkwan]

@@yonchu747 just dont get it with the stock bontrager tires. Either opt for the Pirellis or go GP5000 yourself. (personal opinion)

[@Hamsterlovers408]

Congrats Josh. What’s your height? Just curious about size small fitting.

[@joshkwan]

170cm 76cm inseam

[@Bodkin_Ye_Pointy]

I thought I had posted about the seat post on the TREK bikes. Why is it isolated from the safety frame with all of that stress on a tiny little post and does the seat stem wobble like the old tri-athlete bikes used to given it has so little support from the frame?

[@joshkwan]

I haven’t had any issues with the seatpost, but I’m only like 65kg and probably no where near the limit state. In terms of the engineering, I can only assume this underwent rigorous test by Trek, as having something that breaks easily would probably be an enormous liability to them.

[@jonsteiner8515]

Congrats on the NBD! What front light do you use?

[@joshkwan]

The brand is called exposure. I have a video about it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3XCh4JqqrKWmrMsi=Jvbj5rKgNI3l7q3V

[@lcliing]

Congrats! Did you wax the chain on your new bike?

[@joshkwan]

It’s come with factory grease and lube. The bike actually is on loan, so I’ll ask trek if they don’t mind if I wax it :)

[@meitou6174]

Is it apart of your deal with Trek which disallows you from cutting the stem?

[@joshkwan]

The bikes on loan to me, but I may have a chat to them about cutting it since everyone is so upset by it hahaha

[@RichardLi-vf2xo]

Awesome video Josh. Having ridden the new Madone Gen 8 for the last couple of weeks, I agree with everything you said regarding how fast and smooth the ride feels. I don’t have any of the gripes though, as I am using normal water bottles and regular front mount, plus I enjoy slightly upright riding position. I would highly recommend anyone shopping for a new bike to put the new Madone on the short list 👍

[@joshkwan]

Haha seems like most of my gripes are specific to the SLR :) Glad to hear you’re enjoying the ride

[@martinberry1540]

nice, so I have a 2019 Emonda rim break and have been stuck between buying a second hand Emonda 2023 Di2 or going for the new Madone Gen 8 - as you have ridden them what would your advice be ( I do not live in an area with huge long hills for climbing)

[@joshkwan]

I freakin love the Emonda, but I would probably have the recommend the Madone. Purely because it hasn’t been phased out. Looking at it from a longevity of maintenance perspective it will just be easier to service with parts etc.

[@MrAlucard1964]

I rode a 23 Emonda SL6 AXS. I just bought a Madone SL6 GEN 8 AXS. I can say the differences are, Speed, comfort, climbing. All better on the Madone. My Emonda was Prisim Black. The Madone is Matte Black. Love Trek.

[@martinberry1540]

@@joshkwan Thanks, that seems to be what my gut says, go with the latest bike

[@adamhan4891]

Does this bike get you faster to the har kau and siew mai??

[@joshkwan]

Hahaha anything to get to yum cha faster. Ideally first in line 🙃

[@fritz324]

are you not allowed to cut the fork? great looking bike tho

[@joshkwan]

Just loaning the bike for now, so not allowed the cut it. It’s okay, I can put up with it for now 😂

[@HeyBaumeister]

Josh how tall are you? Just curious about sizing. Cheers!

[@joshkwan]

170cm

[@songjoseph3314]

i bought the SLR9 axs when it first came out in september. bike is def faster than any other bikes i rode before. comparing with my lighter rim brake madone 9.2 (size 58, 6.8kg), i still got faster on climbing. only thing is, this bike is not actually as light as trek said, they claimed 7kg for size medium. but my size XL comes 7.3. ive changed the saddle, bar tape and rim tape(bontrager rim tape is heavy), now the bike is 7.15kg. however it doesnt effect me much and luckily im not weight weenie.

[@joshkwan]

Thanks for telling me your first hand experience. I actually haven’t weighted the bike yet, so I am curious what real world weight it. To come in my full review video :)

[@AshParajuli86]

I thought you were saving up for an S-Works?

[@joshkwan]

Hahahaha climbing the ladder slowly 🙃

[@Sfs678]

Nice Video! But you should be allowed to shorten the steerer a little bit.

[@joshkwan]

Currently the bike is on loan. I’m okay with putting up with the look of that while it doesn’t belong to me 😅

[@Sfs678]

@@joshkwan That's okay, especially when you're fine with it 👌

[@stevocanuck]

why is the top tube so slanted?

[@Jpearse1]

Because it's a size 36 by the look of it 😂

[@joshkwan]

Smaller frames require some geometry gymnastics to get everything to fit. Trek have opted for sloped top tube. Other brands opt for shorter seat tubes

[@realekm]

You ride a small Josh? What’s your height and inseem?

[@joshkwan]

170cm 76cm inseam Size small Hope that helps

[@REMODA92]

Is that the SLR or SL model?

[@joshkwan]

SLR! But not the top tier wheels or groupset.

[@stefanrodriguez191]

Hot take: I don’t think making the new Madone and eliminating the Emonda was a result of Trek’s SKU reduction plan, and they genuinely made a better bike for most people. Trek has been very upfront about reducing SKUs, I see no reason for them to lie about this bike in particular. Also, why would I go for a bike that does one thing really well when I can get another bike that does multiple things 95% as well? I simply can’t justify owning two performance road bikes. Adding 130 grams to the Emonda to make it more aero is worth the trade off to me unless all I did was climb 12% gradients all day. Plus it’s still 240 grams lighter than the old Madone (I’m using the sl6 Madones and the Emonda sl6 Pro with ultegra instead of 105). If those weight differences seem pretty small that’s because they are and is just another reason I think two bikes just aren’t necessary. The resulting SKU reduction was just a bonus.

[@joshkwan]

Very fair comments mate. And I can tell you’ve done a bit of research. I agree with all your points and this goes back to another comment I’ve made about Trek being stuck in a tricky spot when it came to marketing. I almost feel like they should have gone down the Lab71 route and just made a super top end premium bike.

[@JAEagan2429]

I was looking to switch from my DOMANE SL7 TO AN EMONDA but now the MADONE is my SIGHTS

[@Ghostina1]

i have ridden the Gen8 for a week. i did not sold my gen 7 SLR ... the GEN7 ich much better and looks better too!

[@syazwanabdull4835]

Congratulation sir nice..

[@joshkwan]

Thanks very much :)

[@PPD1962]

I like the bike, except for the carbon fibre components and electronic shifting which limits its useful lifespan and increases the maintenance requirements.. After 52 years of cycling, I'm about to get my 5th bicycle: custom FRCC04 Panasonic frame set; Shimano 105 mechanical groupset and pedals; Nitto wherever else possible; Mavic wheels, Continental rubber; and, other bits and bobs. I suspect someone else in 2050 will be riding my Panasonic, but the Trek will be landfill despite being 3x the price.

[@joshkwan]

52 years of cycling; I’m sure you’ve seen the industry change so much. Sounds like you have a pretty good set up which suits your riding style and most importantly has longevity. Safe riding mate

[@fabianmolyneux2308]

From the vid that bike looks a little too small for you. I had two Emondas and thought they were great bikes. Unfortunately, the frame cracked in my last one and it was a total shamozle getting it replaced. I gave up and walked away. While their mechs were great,the service in their Melbourne store was terrible. For a new bike you certainly don’t sound rapt over it.

[@joshkwan]

Sorry to hear you had so many issues. When I had an issue with my previous Madone they had me on a new bike within the day. And this goes back a couple of years before I was a KZbinr. I’d rather reserve judgment (positive or negative) for when I understand the bike a bit better. Don’t want to look like an absolute shill and praise the bike wholeheartedly if I haven’t ridden it for long enough.

[@fabianmolyneux2308]

@ I suspect there’s a big difference between how the Sydney store operates compared to Melbourne. The Australian head leading Trek is based in Sydney, so likely more hands on and Melbourne not so much. From my observation here, Trek is certainly not a favoured brand of choice.

[@joshkwan]

@@fabianmolyneux2308 Thanks for your insight (Y)

[@bigunitcyling]

Slower than previous gen Modone and heavier than the Emonda. It is the dog 🐕 bike of 2024 😅

[@joshkwan]

Hahaha Trek- combine both the climbing and aero bike into one = dog of a bike Specialized - do the same (kill the Venge) = people froth End of the day it’s all marketing.

[@bigunitcyling]

@I was seriously considering buying the SL version which is about half the price of the top tier SLR. I know tire clearance is future proof and it is comfortable. It is not fast as the Tarmac and it is not that light of a bike. The tire clearance and comfort are the best 2 features on the bike. Specialized did their homework and dropped Tarmac 7 & 8 which are great bikes IMHO. Even people who ride the expert Tarmacs love their bikes. Trek messed up.

[@GiangTran-bv9rk]

Dog on a dog of a bike 😂. Congrats though!! Still a sick bike.

[@joshkwan]

Got that dog in me 🐶 Thanks for watching :)

[@jonathanr.4039]

Woof.

[@joshkwan]

🐶🚴🏽

[@lukewalker1051]

More than a couple $1K bikes on your ride with riders of average fitness you showed with endurance geometry, box section wheels and upright riding position taking in the view. They seemed to keep up ok even though they were putting out 2 more watts and could enjoy the scenery as well and, their water bottles didn't fall over at the cafe that save 0.0004 watts at 32 mph that you can only achieve downhill without pedaling. Heck, I can do that math as a mechanical engineer and that's enjoying the hobby for 1/14th the price. Treat you well at the local bike shop? They better with such a challenged business model. How often do people come along and waste so much money in this economy?...lol None-the-less, thanks for your review and safe riding. PS. and unless you race, just buy a round tube Emonda. Find one 4 years old, owned by a fat guy who never rode it for $2K and donate the rest to charity.

[@joshkwan]

Hahaha good one End of the day just ride the bike which inspires you to ride more.

[@lukewalker1051]

@@joshkwan 😀

[@faisal_al_saiful3838]

Certified dog of a bike🤣🤣

[@joshkwan]

Dog of a bike 🤔 Dog on bike 😇

[@Cadence_King]

.... fark, timing of this vid release couldn't be worse chum 😞 enjoy it, now your opportunity to prove Miller wrong. First, that chimney got to go, serious Trek that is a non negotiable

[@joshkwan]

Timing couldn’t have been better hahaha. Now I get to talk bikes to all these people in the comments 😅

[@Cadence_King]

@@joshkwan Now that is the attitude more peeps could do with, nice! ...but seriously, surely even a little trim on that chimney is possible, surely 🤞 looking forward to future vids ... oh, now sub'd - Merry Christmas 🙂

[@joshkwan]

@@Cadence_King Merry Christmas, safe riding over the break, and happy new year!

[@divinemercy7036]

I I’m shocked you are a size 50. A 50 would be for someone who is maybe 63-64 inches you look taller than that sir

[@joshkwan]

I think I have funny dimensions. Because my legs are on the shorter side. In the past I’ve ridden either 52 or 50.

[@martinberry1540]

Gripes on the mount and stem are not show stoppers - the bottles do seem crazy and they are not cheap to purchase as they do not come with the bike!

[@joshkwan]

I’m hoping the mount will have third party options soon, or trek just re-release it. Stem: this can be fixed by 3D printing a lower spacer. Bottles: guess you can opt not to purchase them hahaha

[@stagumphs]

They have to cut the chimney. That’s so cheap of them. Here’s our bike but make it look shit. Cmon Trek

[@joshkwan]

😂😂 how else is Santa going to deliver my presents

[@victordub]

chop that chimney... safety hazard tell em

[@joshkwan]

Choking hazard I reckon.

[@juliantaylor3419]

Stem pen!s

[@joshkwan]

Wish it was longer 🥵🥵🥵

[@Squizzy05]

We have a saying. It’s called mates don’t let mates buy SRAM Ha Ha Ha

[@joshkwan]

Hahahahaha oh dear. I know SRAM has had a bad reputation in the past. Happy to say experience so far hasn’t been negative.

[@Squizzy05]

@@joshkwan Thats good. i mainly don't like the idea that you can't use any other chains on it except SRAM. Or links so makes waxing a pain.

[@joshkwan]

@@Squizzy05 As a devote member of the cult of waxing, I am not sure what I'm going to do when the chain needs some more lubricant. Probably take it back to Trek :P

[@Gufolicious]

Dog of a bike + chimney

[@OrbitalTrails-x5s]

Disc brakes on a road bike 🤣

[@joshkwan]

De-lamination while riding downhill 🤣

[@OrbitalTrails-x5s]

@@joshkwan Rim brakes for road bikes disc for gravel bikes ~ Durianrider