New Trek Madone SLR 2023: total revolution

Road 30/06/22 18:18 Migue A.

The Trek Madone SLR 2023 has just been unveiled, and in this latest version, Trek has put a major design twist on the fastest bike to come out of Waterloo.

Former World Champion Mads Pedersen was one of the first to use the Trek Madone SLR in competition.

Trek Madone SLR 2023: aerodynamics to the limit

Although it was no longer a surprise, after the images seen in the race during the Critérium du Dauphiné where it was used by Trek-Segafredo riders Mads Pedersen, Tony Gallopin and Jasper Stuyven, now we can finally know all the details of the new Trek flagship that the American squad will use in the Tour de France that starts tomorrow.

Trek had two main objectives when developing its new Madone SLR. Firstly, to reduce the weight of the previous model to competitive figures and, secondly, being an aerodynamic model, to take advantage of the UCI legislation in force since last year to achieve lower wind penetration.

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At first glance, the first thing that catches the eye is the hole at the top of the seat tube that occupies the place where the IsoSpeed absorption system used by Trek on its last two Madone, inherited from its Domane Gran Fondo model, was located.

IsoFlow design effectively directs airflow.

This new design is primarily aimed at optimizing the airflow over the bike. In addition, the elimination of the IsoSpeed which, remember, was adjustable in the previous model, implying greater complexity, manages to significantly reduce the weight of the frame of this Trek Madone SLR. This, together with the new design of the integrated handlebar/stem set, achieves a saving over the previous model of 300 grams.

However, this does not mean that Trek has forgotten about comfort on this Madone SLR. In the design of the zone, called IsoFlow, in addition to the aerodynamic gap between the top tube, seat tube and seat stay, the top tube is extended rearward so that the top of the seat tube and seat post are suspended in the air. Coupled with a specific carbon laminate, the area allows for some flex to maintain comfort.

The saddle and seat post are suspended over a flex zone for greater absorption.

A comfort that is all the more important given the large volume of the Madone SLR's tubes. The aerodynamic redesign takes advantage of the relaxation of the UCI rules, which Trek has taken advantage of to redesign the profiles of the various tubes that maintain a Kammtail section with a truncated trailing edge.

The handlebar/stem combo has also been designed with better aerodynamics in mind. In this case, more than achieving shapes with less wind resistance on the handlebars, efforts have been made to minimize the drag produced by the cyclist, which, let's not forget, represents 75% of the total resistance of the set.

The handlebar of this Trek Madone SLR features 3 cm of flare that puts the rider in a more aero position.

To achieve this, the handlebar of this Trek Madone SLR has 3 cm of flare, that is, the bottom of the handlebar opens 3 centimeters with respect to the levers. This means that, for example, if we choose a 42 cm wide handlebar, that's the measurement we'll get when we grip down into the turn. In the usual position, subject to the handlebars, the width will be 39 cm, which means that the rider closes his shoulders more, thus reducing his frontal area and, therefore, reducing his aerodynamic coefficient.

Set-ups and prices of the new Trek Madone

Trek has prepared for this new Madone SLR 6 different set-ups, all of them designed only for electronic groupsets both Shimano and SRAM. The range starts with the new Shimano 105 Di2 and ends with the SRAM Red eTap AXS in a set-up similar to the one used by Trek-Segafredo. By the way, it should be noted that all three models mounted with SRAM include a power meter on their cranks as standard.

In any case, they all share the same frame, made with OCLV 800 Series carbon and the integrated handlebar/stem kit. We also find homogeneity in the wheels, where Bontrager Aeoulus Pro 51 mm profile wheels are chosen, except in the two top models that mount the top of the range Bontrager Aeoulos RSL wheels also with 51 mm profile.

Although they are not yet available, it will soon be possible to have a fully customized decoration and assembly thanks to the Project One program.