Trek has introduced the Madone Gen 8, a new road race bike that combines the features of the brand’s lightest and fastest models. By merging the lightweight design of the Émonda with the speed of the Madone, this bike provides a ‘best of both worlds’ solution for cyclists seeking to excel in both climbing and sprinting. Developed with input from professional racers, the Madone Gen 8 is engineered to meet the varied demands of competitive cycling.
Check out the full press release here:
Trek unveils all-new ultimate race bike, an earth-shattering combination of its lightest and fastest road race bikes
Today, Trek released the all-new Madone Gen 8, an earth-shattering combination of its two iconic superbikes. Light as Émonda, fast as Madone, it truly is the best of both worlds — and the only road race bike you’ll ever need.
Whether you’re powering up climbs or sprinting across the finish line, Madone Gen 8 was designed with input from the world’s top racers to be the best wherever you ride it.
Light as Émonda
Madone Gen 8 is as light as our current Émonda SLR f/s and 320 grams lighter than the previous Madone f/s, thanks to all-new 900 Series OCLV Carbon and radical new tube designs. Plus, it climbs like a dream, so even Émonda devotees will be impressed.
Fast as Madone Gen 7
Madone Gen 8 is 77 sec/hr faster than Émonda and as fast as the previous Madone* with new Full System Foil aero shapes that redefine what fast looks like. Plus, new RSL Aero Bottles and Cages (included with Madone SLR) help make the whole rider system faster on any bike.
The best of both worlds
Madone Gen 8 replaces Madone Gen 7 and Émonda, but its legacy is far greater than any one bike. With Madone Gen 8, Émonda customers get an even more aerodynamic ride, and Madone customers get an ultra-light bike that helps them climb faster than ever.
Improved IsoFlow technology
Madone Gen 8’s updated IsoFlow technology is even lighter and 80% more vertically compliant than before, absorbing road chatter to help keep you riding stronger longer.
New lighter-weight and more ergonomic bar/stem
Madone SLR models put riders in the ultimate aero position with an updated Aero RSL Road Integrated Bar/Stem made with uber-light OCLV Carbon, ultra-fast aero shapes, and hoods that are 3cm narrower than the drops.
Full range of carbon price points
The all-new Madone SL shares all the same revolutionary frame technology as the SLR model but keeps costs down with more economical 500 Series OCLV Carbon and two-piece handlebar/stem combos. Madone Gen 8 will be available globally at at select Trek retailers and online at trekbikes.com.
*As a whole rider system of bike, rider, and bottles/cages at 200Wh
Local Pricing and Availability
Stock is available at launch, you can find out more HERE or reach out to your nearest Trek Dealer.
| MODEL | MSRP |
| MADONE SL 5 | ZAR 70 000 |
| MADONE SL 6 AXS | ZAR 120 000 |
| MADONE SLR 7 | ZAR 185 000 |
| MADONE SLR 7 AXS | ZAR 223 000 |
| MADONE SLR 9 DURA ACE/AXS BK | ZAR 260 000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is different about Madone Gen 8 compared to Madone Gen 7?
There are several all-new features on the Madone Gen 8:
- 900 Series OCLV carbon on SLR
- Full System Foil lightweight aero tube shapes
- Improved IsoFlow comfort tech is now lighter and more compliant
- RSL Aero BoIle and Cage system (included with SLR, available aftermarket for SL)
- RSL Aero bar/stem is lighter and more ergonomic (included with SLR)
- UDH (universal derailleur hanger)
- Premium Switch Pro chamfered thru-axles
- RCS Headset System
- 32mm (width as measured) max Wre clearance
Where can I find details like max chainring/rotor size, routing instructions, where to mount my lights, swapping cockpits, etc?
Please see the Madone Gen 8 service manual.
Does Madone Gen 8 replace the Émonda?
Madone Gen 8 is the direct replacement for both the aero-oriented Madone Gen 7 rider and weight-oriented carbon Émonda rider. It is the evolution of both the new carbon Émonda and the new Madone, with the benefits of both bikes now in one.
How much does the frameset weigh?
Size ML Madone SLR Gen 8 in Matte Gloss/Carbon Smoke (no hardware):
- Frame: 796g
- Fork: 350g
Why are there six sizes instead of eight?
After looking carefully at our sizing and geometry charts, we realized that the stack and reach measurements in our current lineup could be simplified into six frame sizes without a major impact to overall fit. Sizes 52cm and 54cm have been combined into one size (M) and size 62cm has been replaced with a new XL frame. The XL frame features a taller seat mast, which allows a rider who is coming from a 62cm Madone Gen 7 to achieve the same max saddle height on the new XL. This new sizing system still accommodates the same range of riders as when we had eight sizes, but now it’s easier to pick the right bike size the since there’s less overlap.
Has the geometry changed?
We now call the Madone geometry “Road Race” since this is more meaningful than “H1.5”, but Road Race geo brings a very similar fast and aggressive rider position compared to the previous H1.5 geometry.
Is IsoFlow adjustable?
No, IsoFlow is tuned to balance aerodynamics, weight, and comfort across all frame sizes.
Is there internal storage?
No.
Is the seatpost adjustable?
Yes. Like the Gen 7 Madone, the seatpost wedge assembly is reversible to allow for a larger range of saddle height adjustment. Maximum and minimum seat height per frame size are shown in the Geometry tab on the bike’s Trekbikes.com product page.
What size seatpost will ship with each bike?
Sizes XS, S, and M will ship with the short 0mm offset seatpost. Sizes ML, L, and XL will ship with the long 0mm offset seatpost.
What’s new about the RSL Aero bar/stem?
The bar/stem drops weight while improving ergonomics thanks to new blunted aero shaping. It maintains the same reach, drop, and flare measurements as the Madone Gen 7 bar/stem. It also uses an updated Blendr mount. Note that this new blunted shaping has made the top of bar/stem 4mm higher than before.
I don’t want to be 4mm higher, what can I do?
We’ve designed a special RCS Race Low bearing top cover to account for the 4mm increase in bar/stem height. The RCS Race Low bearing top cover is only available as an aftermarket part and will not come stock on the bikes. Please see the service manual for part number and installation instructions.
What’s new with the Aeolus RSL bar/stem Blendr mount?
A new, non-adjustable Blendr base/mount combo cuts grams and – on complete bikes – includes pucks for mounting either a Garmin or Wahoo computer. Also included is an all-new, easily removable front light mount. Need to ditch your front light for race day? Quickly and easily unscrew the light mount for maximum aero; no more swapping between mono and duo bases. Find more details in the service manual.
Is the new RSL Aero bar/stem compatible with mechanical shifting?
No.
Is the new RSL Aero bar/stem compatible with clip-on aero extensions?
No.
Tell me about those aero bottles and cages!
Included with Madone SLR Gen 8, the all-new Trek RSL Aero Bottles hold 20oz/595mL each, are BPA free, dishwasher safe, and work seamlessly with Madone Gen 8’s Full System Foil shaping to keep you fast (and hydrated) in the wind. The bottles fit perfectly flush into the included carbon RSL Aero Cages, which also work with a standard round bottle. The cages require a low-profile button-head bolt and are mounted via slots that allow you to move the cages up and down to achieve the most aero bottle position possible on any frame size. They will be available to purchase aftermarket for Madone SL Gen 8 riders.
How do I install the RSL Aero Water Bottle and Cage to maximize aerodynamic effect?
For Madone Gen 8, install the seat tube cage first with the bottom of the cage as close to the bottom bracket as possible. Then, install the downtube cage with the bottom of the cage for the bottom of the cage to be 1 cm away from the seat tube cage. Minimizing the gaps between the frame and bottles will help you maximize aerodynamic efficiency. For other bikes, follow the same process as Madone Gen 8.
Are the RSL Aero bottles/cages compatible with other bikes?
While they were designed to work specifically with the tube shapes of the new Madone Gen 8, they can be mounted to most bikes that could use a standard round cage.
What colour RSL Aero bottles/cages will I get if I order a Madone SLR through Project One?
On all Project One tiers except ICON, cages will be painted to match the frame colour. ICON bikes get black cages (there isn’t enough surface area on the RSL Aero cages to apply ICON schemes). All bottles offered through Project One are black.
What’s the RCS Headset System? What stems are compatible with this bike?
Starting with Madone SLR/SL Gen 8, the new RCS Headset System simplifies and standardizes the parts needed to cover cockpit setups across models and between platforms:
– RCS Race: For use with the new RSL Aero bar/stem (included with Madone SLR Gen 8)
– RCS Pro: For use with the current RCS Pro Blendr stem (included with Madone SL Gen 8)
– RCS Universal: For use with traditional round stems
Trek road frames made for the RCS Headset System will use a consistent headset bearing cover and spacers depending on stem type (outlined above), so you’ll always know exactly what parts are needed to swap cockpits between models/platforms that feature the RCS Headset System. Madone is just the beginning, look for RCS Headset System compatibility on future Trek road bikes, too. See the service manual for more details and part numbers.
Is it compatible with mechanical drivetrains?
Madone SL Gen 8 is compatible with mechanical drivetrains whose front derailleurs have a housing stop. Madone SLR Gen 8 is compatible only with electronic drivetrains because there is no exit port for front derailleur housing on the downtube.
I want to run a 1x drivetrain, is the front derailleur mount removable?
Yes! Just like the Gen 7, you can easily remove your front derailleur mount for maximum aero gains and a sleeker aesthetic. See details in the service manual.
Are these bikes tubeless compatible? What additional parts are required?
Madone SL 6 and up come tubeless ready with 28mm tires. Just add sealant (included) and air.
What is UDH (universal derailleur hanger)?
The Universal Derailleur Hanger consolidates thousands of hanger options across the industry. It protects your derailleur against chain jams by pivoting back and out of the way and slips slightly when encountering impacts. It improves shifting performance, guarantees better alignment, and works with all drivetrains. Plus, if you ever need replacement, it will be available everywhere. Learn more here.
Boringly predictable unfortunately