Aerodynamic and lightweight: the new Trek Madone Gen 8 is the best of both worlds

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Aerodynamic and lightweight: the new Trek Madone Gen 8 is the best of both worlds

27 June 2024

Trek has just launched its new flagship model, a combination of both the fastest and lightest models of the last generation. The new Trek Madone SL Generation 8 is a bike that's faster, lighter and more versatile than its predecessors, to be used for every type of road ride. Plus, the Madone stands out with a wide range of finishes and interesting price points! Read on for more information about this launch.

Trek Madone Gen 8 — The Trek Madone SL5 Gen8, with mechanical Shimano 105, is a real racer at heart!

First look, new generation

A fusion of the lightest and quickest Trek road bikes. The Madone Gen 8 is the ultimate road bike, and the only bike racers need to sprint <i>and</i> to climb. The renewed SL frame distinguishes itself with new, aerodynamic Dull System Foil shapes and 500 OCLV Carbon. The brand new shapes maximise air flow around the entire bike <i>and</i> the cyclist, instead of just making one part of the bike aerodynamic. Its weight was the determining factor during the design phase, and the bike has been optimised for aerodynamics where necessary and is lightweight where possible. Plus, the famous IsoFlow comfort technology has been renewed to save even more weight with increased flexibility. Numerically, the Trek claims to be up to 80% more vertically compliant than the Madone Gen 7, and has 24% more vertical suspension than the last generation Emonda.

New Alpha sizes, so you can find your size more easily!

With the introduction of the renewed Madone, Trek also introduces the renewed Alpha sizing. At first glance, this renewed sizing distinguishes itself mostly by the slightly shorter reach and higher stack, making the bike more comfortable than its predecessor without sacrificing its authentic racing character. Plus, Trek has chosen to strife for clear frame sizing. This has resulted in six different Madone Gen 8 sizes, which overlap less with one another. You'll quickly find the right size for you!

High-end finish

One of the most striking features of this bike is the new, advanced, two-part cockpit with partially concealed cable routing. This new cockpit ensures a sleek look and, more importantly, improved power routing which in turn improves aerodynamics. The two-part design does give you the freedom to adjust things like stem length and handlebar width according to your personal preferences. Plus, the SL5 is equipped with a mechanical 12 speed Shimano 105 group, while the SL6 features the electronic version. In all, Trek combines an incredibly fast and lightweight frame with a very reliable, well-functioning groupset - the complete picture! The bike also comes with 28 mm tyres, but has the space for tyres up to 32 mm wide, a great improvement in terms of comfort.

First impressions: does Trek live up to its claims?

The first strokes on the new Trek Madone Gen 8 immediately feel right. The new Madone only wants to head in one direction: forwards! The frame feels rigid at first, but the riding experience remains incredibly pleasant and comfortable because of the combination of Isoflow and wide tyres. I take on a more aerodynamic position to accelerate on a flat asphalt road. The distance between the shifters is narrower on top, while the drops feature a small amount of flare at the bottom. With this 3 cm difference you get the advantage of a smaller frontal surface on top, while keeping the agility and stability of riding in the drops. Plus, the bike is finished with a very durable Shimano groupset which shifts and brakes perfectly, as we expect from Shimano.

All and all, the Madone feels right from the start; fast like Trek claims all while preserving the comfort that arises from various aspects of this bike. A real all-rounder!