Climbing and aero at the same time, the new Madone by Trek maintains the competitive edge
We were able to meet them before seeing them in action on TV, at the end of May, and they have gradually entered the scene. These are the new 8th generation Trek Madone that ride with the best cyclists in the world since the Dauphiné and the Tour de Suisse, but who have landed with all their potential these days at the Tour de France.
They ride for the best possible platoon and have already given people something to talk about Jasper Stuyven, coming very close to winning the famous sterrato stage in TroyesGiulio Ciccone, among the best of the Galibier, and Mads Pedersen, fighting for quarter-finals in the best volatas in the world.
They perform in all scenarios, to the point that you can’t guess if it’s more aero or climbing.
Trek’s new Madone arrives with the aim of simplifying the offer and uniting references. Little by little, the days of aero and climbing bikes in the catalogue are falling behind. Nowadays, the aim is to eat from both sides at the same time, giving the cyclist the best in each case, optimising performances such as lightness and aerodynamics, to suit the route and the rider.
The bike is elegant, we will always defend the classic shapes, but with identifying features, such as the IsoFlowwhich make each machine an object of desire to get the most out of and perform. On our outing we tested its virtues, even in the middle of a downpour followed by a good dose of cold, but excited to ride something so new and unique.
First impressions
The initial sensations come through sight. Clean lines fit in with Trek’s bike-to-standards philosophybut yes, with the visual signature that makes them more distinguishable.
Aesthetically we like the flat and aero bottles, they give compact feelalthough in our case when we tried to change them for some classic and large ones, we saw that they did not fit. We understand that the brand is thinking of other possibilities for bottle cages, an important issue for summer outings.
We like the crossbar, it is narrower than the aero only modeltransmitting a more traditional and lighter look.
In general, The entire pipe is narrower, prepared for a wheel clearance of up to 32mmalthough it contrasts with the flat fork. The visual impact is attractive, this fork gives it a very cool aero look, in contrast to the rear stays, reduced to the minimum expression.
The IsoFlow is fitted between the rear stay and the top tube.not without several previous tests. It is already a classic for Trek, that system that allows them to be distinguished from afar, even on those black bikes with the matte name that is so difficult to read if you are not very close.
The more traditional cyclist may be reluctant to use such a Trek system, although if it were only in terms of performance there would be no doubt. On long rides, the absorption provided by IsoFlow is much appreciated..
On the bike
The bike we tested continues this trend of narrowing the handlebars.about 3 centimeters per side, a figure that is very noticeable when riding the bike, very reactive and with better vertical grip and less open arms when you stand on it.
Riding it, we have the opportunity to see how the IsoFlow works. Although it does not convince everyone aesthetically, perhaps the most classic cyclists, the work of absorbing impacts pays off as we gain kilometers. Better absorption means more comfort and therefore performance.
This time the IsoFlow is more compact and maintains its aerodynamic properties.
With her We can ride together and climb quicklyalthough it remains to be seen how it responds on more demanding slopes. To start with a seat closer to the handlebars, we believe it should respond well. It is also easy to stand up.
The 50mm rims we use are at the limit to avoid the sail effect on descents. Here we have equal parts speed and rigidity, at the entrance of the curves and the possibility of rolling well coupled on the flat.
In our test we had a power meter included and SRAM, as transmitter equipment.
Madonna by Emonda
We can already say it, The Emonda reference will remain in the history of the brand born in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Now we will talk about Madone, that climb near Monte Carlo where great legends have been forged and which connects perfectly with the competitive gene that Trek infers in all its models, a gene that runs through the veins of this eighth generation of the Madone.
In the catalogue, the company offers us eight models, four of which are SLR and SL. The line is marked by the quality of carbon, and in the first step, a more resistant and lighter aluminium reference is offered, seeking a balance that the Trek team has shown is not impossible: Rise like Emoda and fly like Madone.
All of this is the result of feedback from the two cycling teams, men and women, on the road and in the wind tunnel. Everyone has been proactive, but especially riders who we hold in high regard, such as the Danish Mads Pedersen, I always ask for.
As a result of this work, we have here the last step of Trek.
Action Images: ASO- Billy Ceusters
2024-07-11 22:01:33
#Years #Tour #fails #reward #Roglics #quality
