Trek Bicycle Corporation is a big brand when it comes to bicycles. The company has more than 1700 stores across North America and subsidiaries in Europe, South Africa and Asia, making a presence worldwide with 90 nations. It has embarked on the global market as a big player in manufacturing eco-friendly products.
Road bikes are designed to be ridden mainly for fitness, on pavement for recreation, and speed. These are the bikes you see everywhere today. Road bike technology has improved at a faster pace, and new bikes are stronger, lighter, more comfortable, and faster than ever before.
All Trek road bikes perform efficiently in various riding situations, from racing to long distance touring. However, each style is created to highlight certain rider priorities and be used for a specific ride. Deciding which style of bike suits your goals is the first step in identifying the one that you will enjoy riding the most.
How We Reviewed
We did ample research by going through 346 reviews of the people who bought Trek road bikes. It was not easy for us to decide the best features that the riders loved about the road bikes from Trek.
We then received 10 samples of Trek road bikes from different manufacturers. After spending abundant time testing each bike on different aspects, we have curated this list that we recommend.
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Product name |
Madone SLR 7 Gen |
Madone SLR 9 ETap Gen |
Domane SLR 9 Gen |
Émonda SLR 9 ETap |
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Price |
$9,049.99 |
$13,199.99 |
$12,749.99 |
$13,199.99 |
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User rating |
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Pros |
Lighter and faster than ever |
Quick handling |
Potential gravel-dabbling versatility |
Light and aerodynamic |
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Cons |
Difficult to assemble |
Slightly sensitive in crosswinds |
Very expensive, even for base-level models. |
Firm ride suffers when combined with poor road surfaces and 25mm tire |
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Final verdict |
Madone SLR 7 is the best and lightest aero road frame, but it’s the all-new Iso Flow technology that actually makes this bike stand out. |
The Madone SLR 9 is likely to be the fastest Trek road bike in 2023. However, it carries flaws in its tire specification and is quite expensive. |
With Domane SLR 9 Gen you’re getting tech that offers a lot of real advantages However, consider its price as it is expensive |
This Émonda SLR 9 is everything a fully-fledged, modern race bike should be, You do have to compromise some of the comfort if you want that low weight. |
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Frame Sizes |
142x12mm thru axle |
142x12mm thru axle |
142x12mm thru axle |
142x12mm thru axle |
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Tires |
Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 700x25c |
Pirelli P Zero Race, 127 tpi, 700x26c |
Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite, Tubeless Ready, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 700x32c |
Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 37mm rim depth, 100x12mm thru axle |
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Rims |
Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 100x12mm thru axle |
Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 100x12mm thru axle |
Bontrager Aeolus XXX rim strip |
Bontrager Aeolus XXX rim strip |
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Fork |
Madone KVF full carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, flat mount disc, carbon dropouts, 12x100mm thru axle |
Madone KVF full carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, flat mount disc, carbon dropouts, 12x100mm thru axle |
Domane SLR carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, fender mounts, flat mount disc, carbon dropouts, 12x100mm thru axle |
Emonda SLR full carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axle |
1. Madone SLR 7 Gen
The Madone SLR 7 Gen features a lightweight frame with our highest-level 800 Series OCLV Carbon, new Kammtail Virtual Foil aerodynamic tube shaping, aerodynamic and road-smoothing IsoFlow technology, and invisible cable routing. It has a wireless electronic 2×12 Shimano Ultegra Di2 drivetrain and flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes, an integrated OCLV Carbon bar/stem combo, and tubeless-ready Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 carbon wheels.
Specifications :
Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, KVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shape, IsoFlow seat tube, invisible cable routing, 3S aero chain keeper, T47 BB, flat mount disc, 142x12mm thru axleFork: Madone KVF full carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, flat mount disc, carbon dropouts, 12x100mm thru axleFrame fit: H1.5 RaceWheel front: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 100x12mm thru axleWheel rear: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51, Tubeless Ready, Shimano 11/12-speed freehub, 142x12mm thru axleSkewer rear: Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable leverRim: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 100x12mm thru axleTire: Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 700x25c Max Tire size: 28cShifter: Shimano Ultegra R8170 Di2, 12 speedFront derailleur: Shimano Ultegra R8150 Di2, braze-on, down swingRear derailleur: Shimano Ultegra R8150 Di2, 34T max cog Bottom bracket: Praxis, T47 threaded, internal bearingCassette: Shimano Ultegra R8100, 11-30, 12 speedChain: Shimano Ultegra/XT M8100, 12 speedMax chainring size: 1x: 50T, 2x: 54/40Handlebar tape: Bontrager Supertack Perf tapeBrake rotor: Shimano MT800, centerlock, 160mmRotor size: Max brake rotor sizes: 160mm front & rearWeight: 56 – 7.48 kg / 16.51 lbsWeight limit: This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 275 pounds (125 kg).
What We Like
- Lighter and faster than ever
- Narrow handlebars are mainstream
- More comfortable ride
What We Don’t Like
- Difficult to assemble
- Cost more to service
Final verdict:
Madone SLR 7 is the best and lightest aero road frame, but it’s the all-new Iso Flow technology that actually makes this bike stand out. It adds all the difference for a more comfortable ride with spectacular aerodynamics. However, keep in mind that it is a bit difficult to assemble and cost more to service.
2. Madone SLR 9 eTap Gen
The Madone SLR 9 features a lightweight frame with the highest-level 800 Series OCLV Carbon, new Kammtail Virtual Foil aerodynamic tube shaping, aerodynamic and road-smoothing IsoFlow technology, and invisible cable routing. Moreover, it features a wireless electronic SRAM RED eTap AXS drivetrain and flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes, tubeless ready Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 carbon wheels, power meter cranks for performance metrics, and an integrated OCLV Carbon bar/stem combo.
Specifications:
Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, KVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shape, IsoFlow seat tube, invisible cable routing, 3S aero chain keeper, T47 BB, flat mount disc, 142x12mm thru axleFork: Madone KVF full carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, flat mount disc, carbon dropouts, 12x100mm thru axleFrame fit: H1.5 RaceWheel front: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 51mm rim depth, 100x12mm thru axleWheel rear: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 51mm rim depth, SRAM XD-R driver, 142x12mm thru axleSkewer rear: Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable leverRim: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 100x12mm thru axleTire: Pirelli P Zero Race, 127 tpi, 700x26c Max Tire size: 28cShifter: SRAM RED eTap AXS, 12 speedFront derailleur: SRAM RED eTap AXS, braze-onRear derailleur: SRAM RED eTap AXS, 36T max cog Bottom bracket: SRAM DUB, T47 threaded, internal bearingCassette: SRAM XG-1290, 10-33, 12 speedChain: SRAM RED D1, 12 speedMax chainring size: 1x: 50T, 2x: 54/40Handlebar tape: Bontrager Supertack Perf tapeBrake rotor: SRAM CenterLine X, centerlock, round edge, 160mmRotor size: Max brake rotor sizes: 160mm front & rearWeight: 56 – 7.36 kg / 16.23 lbsWeight limit: This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 275 pounds (125 kg).
What We Like
- Quick handling
- Pro-level specifications
- Very fast performance
- Excellent handlebar
What We Don’t Like
- Bolt boss finish
- Slightly sensitive in crosswinds
- Limited tire clearance against some competitors
- 25c clincher-only tire fitted as standard
Final Verdict:
The Madone SLR 9 is likely to be the fastest Trek road bike in 2023. However, it carries flaws in its tire specification and is quite expensive. Overall, the Madone SLR 9 is a mighty impressive bike to ride for virtually every situation you could want to challenge it with. It’s a real competitor against the latest Trek road bikes.
3. Domane SLR 9 Gen
The Domane SLR 9 features an ultralight and refined 800 Series OCLV Carbon frame and fork with rear IsoSpeed, top tube mounts, and integrated internal storage. It’s equipped with a wireless Shimano 2×12 wireless Dura-Ace Di2 electronic drivetrain, Aeolus Pro 37 carbon wheels, powerful flat-mount disc brakes, and a Bontrager Pro IsoCore handlebar that decreases vibrations from the road by 20% over a standard carbon bar.
Specifications:
Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed, internal storage, tapered head tube, internal cable routing, 3S chain keeper, fender mounts, flat mount disc, 142x12mm thru axleFork: Domane SLR carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, fender mounts, flat mount disc, carbon dropouts, 12x100mm thru axleFrame fit: EnduranceWheel front: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 37mm rim depth, 100x12mm thru axleWheel rear: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 37mm rim depth, 142x12mm thru axleSkewer rear: Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable leverRim strip: Bontrager Aeolus XXX rim stripTire: Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite, Tubeless Ready, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 700x32cTire part: Bontrager TLR sealant, 6oz Max Tire size: 38c without fenders, 35c with fendersShifter: Shimano Dura-Ace R9270 Di2, 12 speedFront derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace R9250 Di2, braze-on, down swingRear derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace R9250 Di2, 34T max cog Bottom bracket: Praxis, T47 threaded, internal bearingCassette: Shimano Dura-Ace R9200, 11-34, 12 speedChain: Shimano Dura-Ace/XTR M9100, 12 speedMax chainring size: 2x: 52/36Handlebar tape: Bontrager Supertack Perf tapeBrake rotor: Shimano MT900, centerlock, 160mmRotor size: Max brake rotor sizes: 160mm front & rearWeight: 56 – 7.25 kg / 15.99 lbsWeight limit: This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 275 pounds (125 kg).Charger: Charging cable includedBag: Bontrager BITS Internal Frame Storage Bag
What We Like
- Incredible levels of comfort
- Potential gravel-dabbling versatility
- Adjustable IsoSpeed system is genuinely useful.
What We Don’t Like
- Very expensive, even for base-level models.
Final Verdict:
With Domane SLR 9 Gen you’re getting tech that offers a real advantage in reliability, comfort, and speed during all-day adventures, long races, or competitive group rides. However, consider its price as it is expensive.
4. Émonda SLR 9 eTap
The Émonda SLR 9 features an aerodynamic and ultralight 800 Series OCLV Carbon frame that weighs under 700 grams, a 2×12 SRAM RED eTap AXS wireless electronic drivetrain, fast, ultralight, and stable Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 OCLV Carbon tubeless ready wheels, SRAM RED AXS power meter, an Aeolus RSL OCLV Carbon integrated aero bar/stem, and powerful hydraulic disc brakes.
Specifications:
Frame: Ultralight 800 Series OCLV Carbon, Ride Tuned performance tube optimization, tapered head tube, internal routing, DuoTrap S compatible, flat mount disc, 142x12mm thru axleFork: Emonda SLR full carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axleFrame fit: H1.5 RaceWheel front: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 37mm rim depth, 100x12mm thru axleWheel rear: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 37mm rim depth, 142x12mm thru axleSkewer front: Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable leverSkewer rear: Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable leverRim strip: Bontrager Aeolus XXX rim stripMax Tire size: 28cShifter: SRAM RED eTap AXS, 12 speedFront derailleur: SRAM RED eTap AXS, braze-onRear derailleur: SRAM RED eTap AXS, Orbit chain management, 33T max cogBottom bracket: SRAM DUB, T47 threaded, internal bearingCassette: SRAM XG-1290, 10-33, 12 speedChain: SRAM RED D1, 12 speedMax chainring size: 1x: 50T, 2x: 53/39Handlebar tape: Bontrager Supertack Perf tapeBrake rotor: SRAM CenterLine X, centerlock, round edge, 160mmRotor size: Max brake rotor sizes: 160mm front & rearWeight: 56 – 6.75 kg / 14.89 lbsWeight limit: This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 275 pounds (125 kg).Battery: SRAM eTap battery pack (with charger)
What We Like
- Light and aerodynamic
- Easy to service
- Proper race bike feel and handling
What We Don’t Like
- Firm ride suffers when combined with poor road surfaces and 25mm tire
Final Verdict:
This Émonda SLR 9 is everything a fully-fledged, modern race bike should be: stiff, extremely light, and responsive, while still factoring in aerodynamics and providing confident handling.
Is trek a good road bike?
Yes, Trek bikes are very good road bikes. Trek road bikes are used by hobby, beginner, and expert cyclists around the world. Trek bikes last for a long time and have outstanding reselling value even after years of purchase.
Conclusion:
We recommend Madone SLR 9 eTap Gen as it is a mighty impressive Trek road bike to ride for virtually every situation and if you are willing to spend a little more. Moreover, if you are looking for an extremely light and aerodynamic bike you can go for the Emonda SLR 9 eTap.
