Pro's & Con's Madone SL6 Generation &
11-04-23, 06:14 AM
#1
beeballman
Thread Starter
Pro's & Con's Madone SL6 Generation &
Okay, I am considering getting a new bike with in the next 2-5 months. I am really liking the Madone SL6 Generation 7 that Trek has introduced at the new price point with Di2 105. So I am asking the Forum for some pro's and con's. My Current and only ride now is a 2013 Fuji SST 3.0 with the aggressive sprinting posture that is set up for Aero. Okay let it rip Pro's and Con's of the New Madone.
11-04-23, 06:51 AM
#2
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Con - only comes in black or red.
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11-04-23, 08:15 AM
#4
Noob Bee
Pros: if you like an aggressive sprinting posture, you'll probably love the Madone.
Cons: Reviews (i.e. Bike YouTube) suggest that it's a ride that doesn't just invite you to go fast, but might make you a bit miserable if you're not constantly pushing the pace. Kinda like that adrenaline junky you know that always wants to go skydiving or cliff-diving or bouldering when sometimes you just want to sit on the couch and watch Seinfeld reruns.
Cons: Reviews (i.e. Bike YouTube) suggest that it's a ride that doesn't just invite you to go fast, but might make you a bit miserable if you're not constantly pushing the pace. Kinda like that adrenaline junky you know that always wants to go skydiving or cliff-diving or bouldering when sometimes you just want to sit on the couch and watch Seinfeld reruns.
11-04-23, 03:50 PM
#5
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The next step up is what you should do. Ultegra di 2 and pro wheels. It only weighs 17 pounds. Just my 2 cents.
What size do you ride?
What size do you ride?
11-04-23, 05:58 PM
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11-04-23, 05:59 PM
#9
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Thinking about selling my Gen 6 SL etap to get the new SL 7.
11-13-23, 06:37 PM
#10
Junior Member
Pros:
- The Madone SL6 is a solid bike at an attractive price point (relatively speaking). It's great for riding fast on the flats and it handles well in crosswinds.
- The SL frame comes in at a respectable weight and it has the same design as the SLR.
- 105 Di2 provides excellent quality of shifting, and the front derailleur has one limit screw to provide some degree of mechanical adjustment (if you need it). Ultegra Di2 and Dura-Ace Di2 have no screws for mechanical adjustment.
- Clean cable routing without the hassle of dealing with a fully-integrated stem-handlebar. When it's time to change headset bearings you'll be glad you don't have the integrated stem-handlebar that comes with the SLR.
Cons:
- Not so great for climbing
- Wheelset (somewhat heavy, 3-pawl hub, and the internal width of the rim is only 19.5mm)
- Shimano 105 disc rotors
- You may need to swap out some items to achieve proper fit (i.e. cranks, stem, handlebars). Just something to keep in mind. The cost for those changes comes out of your own pocket, and they can add up $$$.
Conclusions / Takeaways:
Unless you are planning to do a lot of climbing on a regular basis, the list of "cons" is quite manageable. There's really not much downside compared to the list of "pros".
If you don't have the cash to swap wheels at the outset, save up and do it later. Or, you might find the stock wheelset to be perfectly fine. Do you know your fit numbers? If so, that will let you know if you need to swap out cranks, stem or handlebars. As for the disc rotors, ride what the bike comes with; and when it's time to replace them, upgrade to something better.
Good luck and have fun shopping for your new bike!
- The Madone SL6 is a solid bike at an attractive price point (relatively speaking). It's great for riding fast on the flats and it handles well in crosswinds.
- The SL frame comes in at a respectable weight and it has the same design as the SLR.
- 105 Di2 provides excellent quality of shifting, and the front derailleur has one limit screw to provide some degree of mechanical adjustment (if you need it). Ultegra Di2 and Dura-Ace Di2 have no screws for mechanical adjustment.
- Clean cable routing without the hassle of dealing with a fully-integrated stem-handlebar. When it's time to change headset bearings you'll be glad you don't have the integrated stem-handlebar that comes with the SLR.
Cons:
- Not so great for climbing
- Wheelset (somewhat heavy, 3-pawl hub, and the internal width of the rim is only 19.5mm)
- Shimano 105 disc rotors
- You may need to swap out some items to achieve proper fit (i.e. cranks, stem, handlebars). Just something to keep in mind. The cost for those changes comes out of your own pocket, and they can add up $$$.
Conclusions / Takeaways:
Unless you are planning to do a lot of climbing on a regular basis, the list of "cons" is quite manageable. There's really not much downside compared to the list of "pros".
If you don't have the cash to swap wheels at the outset, save up and do it later. Or, you might find the stock wheelset to be perfectly fine. Do you know your fit numbers? If so, that will let you know if you need to swap out cranks, stem or handlebars. As for the disc rotors, ride what the bike comes with; and when it's time to replace them, upgrade to something better.
Good luck and have fun shopping for your new bike!
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11-13-23, 07:48 PM
#11
Newbie
I got a slr6 a year ago. I have around 4000 miles on it. So far, so good. I have done nothing to it other than tires and waxing the chain. The 105 di2 doesn't feel as smooth as my emonda with rival. But just my opinion. You can program the 105 so you basically only use the right shifter. I have mine set up so you gotta use both. It would get a little clunky when dropping gears while ascending and it decides to change front rings.
As far as climbing-it gets the job done. I must admit that it feels a little wobbly at slow climbing speeds. However, it's stealthy on fast descents.
I'll be 58 soon. 5'9" and bought a 56. Riding position isn't much different than my 54 emonda. I do like the narrow one piece bars. It's probably why it feels unstable at slow speeds.
It is a little weird to have such low gearing on a race bike. You could probably shave weight by replacing the cassette with different gears. But, my older legs are very appreciative after a longer climb.
BTW-that weird frame hasn't allowed the seat to break off yet. That seemed to be the opinion when they first came out.
When riding, it feels narrow and a little bit coarse. Crosswinds are not fun with the deep wheels and large bottom tube. It is a race bike-comfort seems to be a secondary goal. I run the standard 25mm tires. I'm still used to riding on 23's.
Overall, I'd buy it again. It's faster than I am. If nothing else, That bright red shaves off the watts, LOL. Plus, I need to keep riding to get my money's worth.
As far as climbing-it gets the job done. I must admit that it feels a little wobbly at slow climbing speeds. However, it's stealthy on fast descents.
I'll be 58 soon. 5'9" and bought a 56. Riding position isn't much different than my 54 emonda. I do like the narrow one piece bars. It's probably why it feels unstable at slow speeds.
It is a little weird to have such low gearing on a race bike. You could probably shave weight by replacing the cassette with different gears. But, my older legs are very appreciative after a longer climb.
BTW-that weird frame hasn't allowed the seat to break off yet. That seemed to be the opinion when they first came out.
When riding, it feels narrow and a little bit coarse. Crosswinds are not fun with the deep wheels and large bottom tube. It is a race bike-comfort seems to be a secondary goal. I run the standard 25mm tires. I'm still used to riding on 23's.
Overall, I'd buy it again. It's faster than I am. If nothing else, That bright red shaves off the watts, LOL. Plus, I need to keep riding to get my money's worth.
11-14-23, 05:27 AM
#13
Newbie
Well, it depends on the roads. I ride a bunch of central PA backroads. Some were tarred and chipped years ago. I should have noted that-it's not all the fault of the bike. Smooth roads are a treat on this bike.
As soon as I first rode it I noticed that it just feels so slim and kind of like riding a stick. Not bad, just different than my old Madone and sl6 Emonda. Very lean feeling on that frame.
I ride them all throughout the year. I cannot say that it is more harsh than any of the others. The new Madone does seem to accelerate tremendously well in comparison.
I believe that frames are not a magic pill. They either transfer power or absorb it.
Bikes are often so close in performance that we judge them with subtle differences.
If I could only keep one bike-the SLR6 gen 7 would be it.
As soon as I first rode it I noticed that it just feels so slim and kind of like riding a stick. Not bad, just different than my old Madone and sl6 Emonda. Very lean feeling on that frame.
I ride them all throughout the year. I cannot say that it is more harsh than any of the others. The new Madone does seem to accelerate tremendously well in comparison.
I believe that frames are not a magic pill. They either transfer power or absorb it.
Bikes are often so close in performance that we judge them with subtle differences.
If I could only keep one bike-the SLR6 gen 7 would be it.
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11-14-23, 10:43 AM
#15
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Curious to know if you considered an Émonda instead of a Madone, and if not, why?
I always find these Aero-Road bikes to be advertised as ''the next big thing'', but the race bikes are usually lighter and offer similar performances.
For the pros and cons, you either like the Madone or you don't. I don't. It seems to be a great bike though.
I always find these Aero-Road bikes to be advertised as ''the next big thing'', but the race bikes are usually lighter and offer similar performances.
For the pros and cons, you either like the Madone or you don't. I don't. It seems to be a great bike though.
11-14-23, 03:18 PM
#16
Newbie
To each his own. I have a sl6 emonda with rival too. I bought it the previous year. It has the heavy rival group. Works very well, though. I do like the styling of the Madone. When my LBS got a shipment of Madones, I either said yes or possibly would have never gotten another chance at one. Remember the supply chain ordeal? I'm getting old enough to possibly be making my last expensive bike purchase. But, I do love the shifters on the sram when it gets to be glove weather. Madone is a little faster and seems more responsive. It's two pounds lighter because of group sets. I was thinking of parting with the emonda. But, I'm gonna keep it. It serves a purpose as well. I take it out when the weather is cold.
My buddy's daughter bought a new red emonda. Very nice looking with 105di2. It's that bright red similar to the Madone. I remember years ago when my 5.2 Madone looked exactly like the emonda.
The isospeed is gone. Replaced by that add-on lug hanging out the back of the frame.
I guess it's just personal preference. Overall, it seems that any bike can be fast if the rider is comfortable and acclimated to the riding position. Two pounds either way isn't a lot; my weight varies that much throughout the year.
Trek seems to be very good at marketing. Their bikes have worked well for me over the years. Most relevant is the fact that I trust my local dealer.
My buddy's daughter bought a new red emonda. Very nice looking with 105di2. It's that bright red similar to the Madone. I remember years ago when my 5.2 Madone looked exactly like the emonda.
The isospeed is gone. Replaced by that add-on lug hanging out the back of the frame.
I guess it's just personal preference. Overall, it seems that any bike can be fast if the rider is comfortable and acclimated to the riding position. Two pounds either way isn't a lot; my weight varies that much throughout the year.
Trek seems to be very good at marketing. Their bikes have worked well for me over the years. Most relevant is the fact that I trust my local dealer.
11-14-23, 03:35 PM
#18
Junior Member
The Emonda is a climbers bike, the Madone is the aero race bike, and the Domane is the endurance bike. They're all race bikes. Just depends on where they're being raced.
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11-14-23, 05:32 PM
#21
Junior Member
I'm looking at a Domane. $7500 for Force Etap. Specialized Roubaix Pro is $8500. Making the Canyon Endurace CL SLX 8 Axs at $5500 very attractive.
11-14-23, 05:58 PM
#22
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11-15-23, 06:07 AM
#24
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Lighter framesets require less material to produce, but more work and engineering. Lighter framesets are therefore more expensive. That's probably what Sy Renee meant.