Trek Emonda Road Bike Review

By Max ShumpertUpdated: 18th July 2020

Reviewed by Jeroen De Haas

The Trek Emonda is a high-speed, high-performance road bike that’s good on climbs, corners, and speedy descents.

The bike offers superior handling thanks to its Control Freak cable management system and innovative braking systems.

Most Emonda models use either high-performance Bontrager Speed Stop brakes or even more powerful Shimano flat mount disc brakes.A carbon fiber frame made of either Ultralight 500 or 700 Series OCLV Carbon makes the Emonda the world’s lightest production road bike, with the Emonda SLR 9 weighing just 640 grams.

That’s not to say that the frame is weak, however. Trek’s OCLV Carbon offers the ideal balance of weight, strength, and rigidity to keep cyclists comfortable throughout the duration of their ride.The Emonda can fit a wide range of riders. The seat can hold up to 275 pounds, while the frame can comfortably fit anyone between 4’11.8” to 6’5.2”.

The Trek Emonda comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes that cater to both men and women alike.

There are a dozen different Emonda models that riders can choose from which differ in terms of size and complexity:

• Trek Emonda SL 5: Trek’s lightest road bike, the Emonda SL5 offers the bare basics that every cyclist needs, including a 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame, Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite tires, and a Shimano 105 11 speed shifter.
• Trek Emonda SL 5 Women’s: This model is similar to the original SL5 but includes a saddle and touch points specifically designed for women.
• Trek Emonda SL 6: Get incredible performance without the price tag with the Emonda SL6 series. The bike comes with a Shimano Ultegra 11 speed drivetrain, Bontrager Speed Stop direct mount brakes and Paradigm Tubeless Ready wheels.
• Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc: This model takes all of the top features of the Emonda road bike and adds hydraulic disc brakes to provide powerful, all-weather stopping power.
• Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro: The SL 6 Pro comes race-ready, including a streamlined carbon fiber frame, powerful Bontrager Speed Stop direct mount brakes, and durable Aeolus Pro 3 carbon wheels.
• Emonda SLR 6: The SLR 6 uses better quality carbon fiber than SL 6 and SL 5 models. A 700 Series OCLV Carbon frame and a Bontrager XXX OCLV carbon handlebar make this bike durable while still only weighing around 640 grams.
• Trek Emonda SLR 6 Disc: Riders can enjoy all of the features of the SLR 6 along with the all-weather stopping power of hydraulic disc brakes.
• Trek Emonda SL 7: An ultralight 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame, a Shimano Di2 electronic drivetrain, and carbon Aeolus Pro 3 wheels all make this high-end road bike both fast and robust.
• Trek Emonda SL 7 Disc: The SL 7 Disc offers dependable electronic shifting and hydraulic disc brakes for improved control.
• Trek Emonda SLR 8: This bike model pairs a lightweight frame with a top-of-the-line Shimano Dura-Ace groupset and carbon Aeolus Pro 3 carbon wheels, allowing riders to reach top speeds effortlessly.
• Trek Emonda SLR 8 Disc: The SLR 8 Disc offers more stopping power than the SLR 8 by including flat mount hydraulic disc brakes.
• Emonda SLR 9: The most advanced bike in the Emonda line, this model includes all top-of-the-line features such as a 700 Series OCLV Carbon frame, Aeolus 3 D3 carbon wheels, and a full Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic drivetrain
• 2021 Trek Emonda SLR 9: The New 2021 Trek Emonda SLR 9 has undergone an aero makeover with larger tire clearance. The Emonda frameset is still light and also has a threaded bottom bracket.

Tech Specs

FRAME SIZE: Ultralight 500 or 700 Series OCLV Carbon.BRAKE TYPE: Shimano 105, direct mount, Bontrager Speed Stop, Bontrager Speed Stop Pro, Shimano Ultegra flat mount hydraulic disc.SHIFTER: Shimano 105 11 speed, Shimano Ultegra 11 speed, Shimano Dura-Ace 11 speed, Shimano Ultegra Di2 11 speed, or Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 11 speed.RIMS: Bontrager Tubeless Ready, Bontrager Paradigm Tubeless Ready, Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3, or Bontrager Aeolus 3 D3 Tubeless ReadyTIRES: Bontrager R1, R2 or R3 Hard-Case Lite

Features We Like

The Trek Emonda offers a wide range of styles and prices, with the Emonda SL 5 going for around $2000.

We like that you can find a bike to suit just about any budget. It’s also nice that there are so many designs from which you can choose, from the bare-bones SL 5 to the top-of-the-line SLR 9. No matter what your road cycling needs might be, the Emonda is bound to meet them. We also appreciate the dependability of the Trek Emonda.

Year after year, it can withstand heavy wear and tear without you seeing any issues with performance. A strong 500 or 700 Series OCLV carbon fiber frame ensures that your bike remains in pristine condition throughout its lifetime. In addition to its strength, the Emonda’s frame is also well balanced and easy to maneuver. We like how easy it makes both uphill climbing and speedy descents. Carbon fiber is an ideal upgrade from aluminum for a racing bike, as it offers superior handling without adding weight.

Read Also: Trek 520 Review

Pros

• Inexpensive models available
• A range of options on the market
• Durable
• Easy to handle

Features We Don’t Like

Considering its lightweight design, it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that the Trek Emonda isn’t well-suited towards heavier riders. The frame can only support up to 275 pounds in weight, including any packs or cargo that you want to take along with you for the ride.The Emonda is also relatively limited in the height of riders it’s able to accommodate. Individuals shorter than 4’11” or taller than 6’5″ may not be able to reach the pedals and handlebars easily, making cycling unsafe. 

Cons

• Can only hold up to 275 pounds
• Fits a limited range of riders

Buying Advice for Consumers

This bike offers the bare bones of a high-end racing bike to reduce weight and drag. If you are looking for a fitness bike then Trek fx1 hybrid bike is the best bike you can get.

While this brings you a faster bike, advanced cyclists may be disappointed by the lack of bells and whistles accompanying the design. This bike is best for the racing or road cycling enthusiast.

It comes in models for both men and women, and you can find a variety of price ranges to fit your budget.

In Conclusion

The Trek Emonda is the world’s lightest racing bike, boasting a carbon fiber frame that’s both robust and incredibly lightweight.

If you’re looking to break your fastest cycling record, make sure to check out Trek’s different Emonda models to see which is right for you.

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases.