TREK Madone Gen 8 2025
27.06.24 16:56 4182024-06-27T16:56:00+02:00Text: NoPain (translated by AI)Photos: TREKLight is the new fast: Trek's revolutionary redesign combines the light weight of the Émonda with the aerodynamic capabilities of the Madone and improved riding characteristics. We already had the opportunity to review it in Spain.27.06.24 16:56 7562024-06-27T16:56:00+02:00TREK Madone Gen 8 2025
27.06.24 16:56 7562024-06-27T16:56:00+02:00 NoPain (translated by AI) TREKLight is the new fast: Trek's revolutionary redesign combines the light weight of the Émonda with the aerodynamic capabilities of the Madone and improved riding characteristics. We already had the opportunity to review it in Spain.27.06.24 16:56 7562024-06-27T16:56:00+02:00
So far, the crucial question facing the ambitious hobbyist or amateur when buying a racing bike or the genuine racing cyclist before the start of an important stage has been:
Should it be a lightweight hill climber, a moderately heavy, aerodynamic all-rounder that wants to excel in both worlds, or an aero racer, which, despite its heavier weight, should be faster in all performance simulations, but feels sluggish and has a negative impact on the mood from the first lift?
While private riders usually found a suitable answer to this question quickly, the decision was much more difficult for the professionals from the TREK team. It was clear that the Émonda was lighter and more comfortable and that the Madone Gen 7 could show its strengths at higher speeds. However, before the start, it was often not foreseeable how a race would develop and in what situation an individual rider would suddenly find himself - not to mention the double number of spare bikes.
A Madone weighing 6.8 kg.
The professionals' answer to the question of the perfect race bike when imagination knows no bounds.With the brand-new Trek Madone Gen 8, a groundbreaking fusion of the lightweight Émonda and the fast Madone, there are no more excuses. Whether climbing or sprinting towards the finish line: The Trek Madone Gen 8 does not replace the previous superbikes Madone Gen 7 and the Émonda, but offers better performance in every respect than both predecessors.
Has to be comfortable, but at the same time rigid, reactive, low weight, aerodynamic…
Now they are getting greedy, the professionals… Maybe it should also be good to ride?According to Trek, the Madone Gen 8 is just as light as the current Émonda SLR frameset and at the same time 320 grams lighter than the previous Madone frameset. Primarily responsible for this are the brand-new OCLV 900 Series Carbon, a radically slimmed-down tube profile design, and the new One-Piece-Construction fork. Altogether, these updates are supposed to give the new Madone the good climbing capabilities that we already know from the Émonda.
But even at high speeds, the Madone cuts a fine figure. Thanks to its newly developed 'Full System Foil' aero profiles, it is supposed to be 77 seconds per hour faster than the Émonda and just as fast as the previous Madone*. In addition, the new RSL Aero bottles and holders (included with the Madone SLR) help save an additional 3 watts.
* As a complete system of bike, rider, bottles, and holders with 200 Wh
... and good to drive...
So, after all.To elevate the riding characteristics to a new level, great emphasis was placed on comfort and ergonomics. The updated IsoFlow technology of the Madone Gen 8 is not only supposed to be lighter and 80% more compliant than before, but also better at damping road irregularities than the Émonda.
The same applies to the integrated Aero RSL Road handlebar/stem combination made of ultra-light OCLV Carbon on the SLR models, which allows for an optimal aero pose of the rider. A slight handlebar flare ensures that the shift/brake levers are 3 cm narrower than the drop bars, which not only saves further watts but also brings the hands into an ergonomic position.
In a nutshell: The Trek Madone Gen 8 is designed for riders who are looking for the fastest road bike, whether it be for flat, hilly areas or regions with long and steep climbs, as well as for road racing and fast group rides, without having to choose between different bikes.
The Trek Madone Gen 8 is available worldwide at selected Trek dealers and online at trekbikes.com. For a more affordable entry, the new Madone SL offers the same revolutionary frame technology as the SLR model, but reduces costs thanks to the 500 Series OCLV Carbon and two-piece handlebar/stem combinations.
Bikeboard was on-site at the presentation in Madrid and had the opportunity to extensively test the Trek Madone Gen 8 in the Project One-Lidl Look in both good and bad weather.
... on short and punchy climbs, group breakaways and lead outs.
Ok, doesn't matter anymore.
Reduced weight, increased stiffness, and more comfort
The interested reader may now wonder how Trek has managed to reduce the weight so significantly and improve the riding qualities to the extent that the current Émonda surpasses all aspects, and why this was not possible earlier. According to Trek, the idea had been conceived earlier, but at the time both the raw materials and the technical capabilities to implement the vision were lacking. Now, as all the necessary pieces came together, the development goal could be achieved primarily through the introduction of improved tube profiles, the use of the newly available OCLV 900 Carbon, and a more efficient manufacturing process.
The newly designed tube profiles for the frame and fork were optimized for the optimal mix of aerodynamics, stiffness, and comfort: aerodynamics where it matters, stiffness and comfort at crucial points, and weight reduction wherever possible. The newly available 900 OCLV Carbon, which offers 20% greater strength, contributed to this.
Furthermore, a more efficient molding process allows more frame parts to be produced from a single piece. Additionally, all parts come out of the mold "wrinkle-free" and the tubes are almost as clean and smooth on the inside as they are on the outside. This reduces material usage and overall weight. The One-Piece-Construction fork is also significantly lighter than before.
Overall, an unpainted frame (SRP) weighs 765 grams and the fork 379 grams, each in the frame size M/L.
Significant progress has also been made in terms of stiffness and comfort. The new Madone Gen 8 is supposed to be stiffer and even more comfortable than its two predecessors. Trek talks about an 80% higher compliance compared to the Madone Gen 7 and a 24% improvement over the Émonda, not least due to the revised Isoflow section. Isoflow is the special connection of the seat tube, top tube, and seat stays, which combines all the benefits in terms of weight, aerodynamics, and compliance.
An adjusted geometry with six frame sizes (M/L approximately corresponds to the former Large), smaller tube dimensions for XS, S, and M frames, and a maximum tire clearance up to 33 mm round off the technological achievements.
In the wind tunnel
The new Trek Madone Gen 8 is just as fast as the Madone Gen 7 and offers a speed improvement of 77 seconds per hour compared to the Émonda (measured as a total system of bike, rider, bottles, and holders with 200 Wh.
This was achieved through the interaction of the new "Full System Foil" aero shapes, which optimize the airflow over the entire bike and rider system, not just individual parts of the bike. The revised handlebar/stem combination with the narrower positioned shift/brake levers ensures a more compact riding position for the rider.
The new RSL Aero water bottles and mounts improve aerodynamics by an additional 3 watts. However, the mounts are also suitable for normal round bottles. Additionally, the Madone Gen 8 has been tested with wider tires than previous models. In summary, the Madone Gen 8 is faster with the special bottles and only minimally slower without bottles under 40 mph.
Trek RSL Aero Bottles + Holder
Included in the delivery of the Madone SLR Gen 8 are the brand-new Trek RSL Aero bottles, each holding 595 ml, BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, and working seamlessly with the Full System Foil shaping of the Madone Gen 8. The bottles fit perfectly flush in the included Carbon RSL Aero bottle cages, which are also compatible with a standard round bottle. The mounts require a flat button screw and are mounted via slots that allow the mounts to be moved up and down to achieve the most aerodynamic bottle position on any frame size. They will be available for purchase later for riders of the Madone SL Gen 8. Although they are specifically designed for the tube shapes of the new Madone Gen 8, they can also be mounted on most bikes with standard drillings.
On all Project One versions except "Icon", the bottle cages are painted to match the frame color. Icon bikes receive black mounts (the RSL Aero mounts do not provide enough surface to apply Icon designs). All bottles offered through Project One are black.
Madone SLR 9 AXS
| Frame** | 900 Series OCLV Carbon, Full System Foil tube shaping, IsoFlow seat tube, RCS Headset System, electronic-only routing, removable aero chainkeeper, T47 BB, flat mount disc, UDH, 142x12 mm thru axle | Fork** | Madone Gen 8 full carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, flat mount disc, 12x100 mm chamfered thru axle |
| Sizes | XS, S, M, ML, L, XL | Cassette | SRAM RED XG-1290 E1, 10-33, 12 speed |
| Crankset | SRAM RED AXS E1, power meter, 48/35, DUB | Chain | SRAM RED E1,12 speed |
| Handlebar Tape | Bontrager | Brake | SRAM RED |
| Handlebar/Stem | Trek Aero RSL Road integrated bar/stem, OCLV Carbon, Race Fit, 80 mm reach, 124 mm drop | Brake Disc | SRAM CL, 160/160 mm |
| Seatpost | Madone aero carbon seatpost, 0 mm offset, short length | Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB, T47 threaded, internal bearing |
| Saddle | Aeolus RSL, carbon rails, 155 mm width | Wheels | Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 51 mm rim depth |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM RED AXS E1, 36T max cog | Tires | Pirelli P Zero Race, 120 tpi, tubeless compatible, 700x28 mm |
| Front Derailleur | SRAM RED AXS E1, braze-on | Weight | 7.00 kg* |
| Shift/Brake Lever | SRAM RED AXS E1 | Price | € 13,999.00 (Standard) € 16,399.00 (Project One) |
* Manufacturer's specification: in size ML - with TLR sealant, without tubes
** The maximum weight limit (bicycle, rider and load) is 125 kg
Madone SLR 9 AXS Project One: "Interstellar
Geometry
The geometry has been completely revised, and Trek now calls the Madone's geometry "Road Race". The Road Race geometry offers a very similar quick and aggressive riding position as the previous H1.5 geometry, while at the same time covering a wider range of rider sizes.
Sizes XS, S, and M come with the short seatpost without offset. Sizes ML, L, and XL come with the long seatpost without offset. Optionally, there is a version with 20 mm offset available for both seatpost lengths.
After carefully reviewing the previous size and geometry charts of the Madone, Trek found that the stack and reach measurements could be simplified across six frame sizes without significantly affecting the fit.
The sizes 52 cm and 54 cm have been combined into one size (M) and the size 62 cm has been replaced by a new XL frame. The XL frame features a higher seat dome, allowing a rider coming from a 62 cm Madone Gen 7 to achieve the same maximum saddle height on the new XL. This new sizing system still covers the same range of riders as before with eight sizes; however, it should now be easier to choose the right bike size, as there are fewer overlaps.
Madone Gen 8 SLR & SL Line-Up 2024/25
The differences between the Madone SLR and the SL lie in the use of "900 Series OCLV" carbon for the SLR compared to "500 Series OCLV" for the SL, and a weight difference of about 250 g in favor of the SLR. Nevertheless, the SL is still 175 g lighter compared to the Émonda.
Additionally, the SLR features an integrated handlebar/stem combination and comes standard with RSL Aero bottles and holders, while these are not included with the SL. The SLR is also available in the Project One variant.
In addition to the models presented, the Madone SL Gen 8 is available as a frameset (1,054 g frame, 363 g fork) for 2,999 euros, and the Madone SLR Gen 8 is also available as a frameset (796 g frame, 350 g fork) for 4,999 euros.
All bikes come with mounts for Garmin and Wahoo as well as an alternative aero stem cap, allowing you to easily adjust to the desired spacer height.
Photo gallery of all Gen 8 models
Madone SL Models Gen 8
Madone SLR Models Gen 8
First Impression
Before the product presentation in the vineyards near Madrid, and without knowing what type of road bike or what technical changes to expect, I received my review bike in my desired size Medium. And I was shocked - on one hand because of the striking paint job, which somehow reminded me of an iconic Look road bike, and on the other hand because of the low weight. Yes - it was labeled Madone, and it consistently had high-quality parts from Bontrager and Sram, but it still felt more like "lightweight" than "aero".
Upon closer inspection, other details such as the noticeably slimmer fork and the thinner tube diameters became apparent. One of my colleagues was just mounting the same bike in the new size M/L, and when both bikes stood side by side, there was another moment of realization: My M not only had a slightly lower frame height but also slimmer tubes installed. Later, we learned that the frames in sizes XS-M were adapted to have narrower diameters, which required less material and made them somewhat lighter. So, I was lucky with my 175 cm. The total weight of my Madone SLR 9 AXS Medium, according to TREK, was even just under 7.0 kilograms (without pedals).
Choosing the right size was relatively easy for me - Medium with the standard seat mast fit perfectly. I was able to achieve my optimal seat height of 74.5 cm and still had enough room to adjust in both directions. The stack was also acceptable. Although it was already on the sportier side, it could have been reduced by another 2 centimeters. The reach felt fine to me as well.
However, after a short test ride in the parking lot, I must admit that I would have also managed with the larger M/L frame size. Possibly, the stem might have been one centimeter too long for me and all spacers would have had to be removed, but generally, ML would have also been a good fit (see photos above - both saddles are at the same height). Despite the reduction from previously 8 to now 6 frame sizes, there remain enough alternatives for riders with short legs and long torsos or vice versa. Additionally, there are two different seatpost lengths available, each with 0 mm or 20 mm setback, which can be optionally ordered. If one opts for a Project One Custom solution, the choice of seatpost version can be made without an additional charge – but the P1 feature obviously has its price.
Wow, is this light. Even with the pedals and full bottles. Incredible.
First Surprise at the Handover
In practice
After I had mounted my brought along XPedo Thrust SL Ti pedals and filled the aerodynamic water bottles in Lego-look, I set off on the first test ride. Around 52 kilometers with 1,300 meters of elevation were on the schedule - in the rain, at about 10 degrees Celsius. The conditions could have really been better, yet the bike managed to impress me despite the adversities. Thanks to the light and stiff frame set, I shot up the climb unusually fast for my standards and enjoyed the high comfort of the saddle, handlebars, and Isoflex.
If only it weren't for that annoying noise at the cassette or the rear derailleur, as I was punished with a somewhat imprecise and rattling new SRAM Red groupset. *Rattle!* *Rattle!* However, this deficiency could quickly be fixed by pressing a combination of buttons on the shift lever, and afterwards the Red 2x12 worked absolutely flawlessly.
On the second day, I even became a real fan: Although the response speed was still slightly slower compared to the wired Dura-Ace, the front derailleur & Co. worked excellently. The gear ratios were excellently chosen, and the braking power was so exorbitant that during the first sharp braking, going downhill at high speed, I almost flew off the track; only the mounted, grippy Pirelli P Zero Race tires prevented worse. User error - the groupset is top-notch, even the power meter integrated in the crank is said to function reliably.
For the second ride in sunny, dry weather, I reduced the spacer height by two centimeters. This allowed for more pressure on the front wheel in addition to the more aggressive seating position. At this point, I would like to mention how quickly and easily spacers can be removed and added again. Even an alternative aero cover with an opening for the fork shaft was considered, so that one can try out all possible handlebar heights at leisure without sacrificing the necessary style.
Particularly noteworthy is the riding experience with the new Madone SLR Gen 8. It rides powerfully off the mark, agile and balanced, and offers a great feel for the front wheel. Moreover, it looks superbly aerodynamic and probably is - at least judging by the riding speed, the feeling of the seat-of-the-pants gauge, and the muffled rolling noise on smooth asphalt.
But even on poor and undulating surfaces, the bike ran smoothly and as if on rails. Even with lateral waves, the wheels remained stable on the ground, and neither the frame nor the attachments rattled. Personally, I did not find the new, lighter, and supposedly stiffer carbon layup of the frame and fork to be a negative at all - the Madone SLR Gen 8 rode "nicer" despite the "harder" OCLV 900 Series Carbon than the Madone SLR Gen 7 with 800 Series OCLV Carbon; in my opinion, the new SLR Gen 8 lies on the road just as smoothly and firmly as the Madone SL Gen 7 with the more compliant 500 Series OCLV Carbon.
