One year after refreshing it’s svelte climbing steed, the Emonda, Trek have once again unveiled a new bike on the eve of the Tour de France. This time, the American company have set about refining its aero road racer, the Madone.
In a case of evolution rather than revolution, Trek say the latest generation of its aerodynamic race bike is host to a range of refinements and new technologies, all culminating in what they claim is the “Ultimate race bike.”
Featuring a shift in stopping power, weight savings and welcome additions to tuneable comfort, join us as we take a look at ten things to know about the 2019 Trek Madone.
1. Everyday Aero
Released on the eve of the 2015 Tour de France, the Series 9 Madone was a startling departure from what the Madone once was, transforming from a lightweight climbing bike, into an out-and-out aero race bike that didn’t compromise in comfort. For 2019, this trend looks set to continue with Trek once again focussing on well-rounded rideability, as opposed to ultimate aero.
Trek claim the refinements made to the latest iteration of the Madone are all designed to enhance the Madone’s appeal to a wider group of riders, capable of crushing cobbles, dancing up climbs and railing descents.
2. IsoSpeed Tweaks
First unveiled on its Domane endurance bikes, Trek has transferred its adjustable IsoSpeed technology over to the Madone. Whilst IsoSpeed was present in the original series 9 Madone, the new toptube adjustable IsoSpeed is claimed to provide up to 17% more compliance compared to its predecessor. Trek claim that tweaks made to the rebound of its IsoSpeed technology also mean that this boost in compliance is consistent across the full size range, too.
3. Rim and Disc Brake Options
Inline with industry trends, Trek will now offer the Madone with flat mount hydraulic disc brakes. Available in a range of build options, disc brakes are widely lauded for the increased control and all-weather braking control they provide.
Much to the joy of purists, Trek hasn’t gone all-in on discs like many of its competitors. In addition to the disc-equipped models, Trek will continue to offer direct-mount rim brake options across all levels of the Madone line-up.
4. Increased Integration
The Madone 9 Series was one of the first bikes on the market to include a number of integrated technologies as standard and this looks set to continue with the new model. Complete with an integrated cockpit, cabling, headset, seatpost, Di2 junction box, brakes, light mounts and aero components, the Madone certainly cuts a sleek silhouette, sure to appease those who appreciate a fuss-free aesthetic.
5. All-new Cockpit
Along with the addition of disc brakes, one the biggest updates to the 2019 Madone is its all-new two-piece integrated bar and stem combination. Trek say the decision to move from one piece, back to a two-piece cockpit was made in order to provide riders with a broader spectrum of fitting options.
The new cockpit is available in a range of sizes for riders to mix and match to suit their preferences. Stems are available in both -7° and -14° angles from 90mm through to 130mm in length. The flared handlebars offer up +/- 5° of rotation and are available in widths from 38cm through to 44cm.
6. Refined Fit and Geometry
The previous Madone featured two fitting options, H1, a more aggressive flat-back fit and H2, a more upright, comfort focussed fit. For 2019, Trek will offer just one fitting option for both brake types. Dubbed H1.5, the new fitting option is said to marry the best of both of the previous fitting options.
With head tube length, reach and stack heights all slightly altered to straddle the line between aggressive and comfort focussed, H1.5 is claimed to work in conjunction with the new flexibility afforded by the two-piece bar and stem to provide riders with more fitting options than ever before. It’s a similar, if not more generous, approach to what all other leading bike brands do.
7. Reduced Weight
Trek say that one of the goals they had when they set-out integrating disc-brakes into the Madone frame was that it weigh no more than 7.5kgs for a complete build. Tipping the scales at a claimed 7.4kg for both SRAM eTap HRD and Shimano Dura Ace Di2 Disc builds, it’s safe to say this has been achieved.
At a claimed 870 grams versus 885g, the disc frame is claimed to be 15g lighter than its rim brake equipped stablemate. A rim brake equipped Madone built up with Shimano Dura Ace Di2 is claimed to tip the scaled at 7.02kgs, an impressive figure for an aero bike.
8. Men’s and Women’s Specific Models
The 2019 Madone SLR will come in both men’s and women’s specific models. Both builds feature the same base frameset, with women’s specific builds featuring female specific touchpoints such as the saddle, handlebar and stem. The women’s specific Madone is available in two complete build options as well as two Project One build options (pricing below)
9. New Bontrager Goodies and ICON Paint Schemes
The 2019 Madone isn’t the only thing being unveiled by the American company, in-house company Bontrager have also pulled the covers off a bunch of new road cycling goodies. These include an official launch of the all-new Aeolus XXX wheelsets, new Flare RT and RLT bike lights, Ballista road shoes and an all-new Circuit MIPS bike helmet.
In addition to the Bontrager goodies, Trek also unveiled its all-new Project One ICON paint schemes, available exclusively for the Madone SLR platform.
10. Pricing and Availability
The 2019 Madone is available in both rim and disc brake options right now Trekbikes.com, or check with your bike shop for local availability.
Pricing and models available for Australia are as follows;
Madone SLR 9 Disc: AUD$13,499
Madone SLR 8: AUD$8,499
Madone SLR 6 Disc Womens: AUD$6,999
Madone SLR 6 Disc: AUD$6,999
Madone SL 6: AUD$4,999
PROJECT ONE
Madone SLR 9 ETAP Disc: AUD$13,499
Madone SLR 9 Disc: AUD$13,499
Madone SLR 9: AUD$12,999
Madone SLR 8 Disc: AUD$9,749
Madone SLR 8: AUD$9,249
Madone SLR 7 Disc: AUD$8,949
Madone SLR 7 Disc Womens: AUD$8,949
Madone SLR 6 Disc Womens: AUD$7,749
Madone SLR 6 Disc: AUD$7,749
Madone SLR 6: AUD$7,249
The Madone isn’t the only new bike to be released in the lead up to le tour, check out our dedicated Tour de France page to stay up to date with all the latest product news, stage results and more!
