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Trek Emonda SL5 or S6?

by moorsey72
Tue, Jan 05, 2016 19:08
5

Im about to purchase a carbon road bike ready for this years sportives and came a cross a great deal on a 2015 SL5 which comes in at just under the price of an S6. I was looking for something with ultegra but the SL6 is a touch expensive for me so considering either the S6 or just go with the 105 that this SL5 comes with. Anyone have any advice on whether i go for the ultegra S6 or the 105 SL5?

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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moorsey72 | 9 years ago
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Well Hucko and Allan, thanks for the great advice. I went to look at the SL5 yesterday and loved it so bought it at a bargain £1099, the finish is great. took it out on its maiden voyage tonight and rides like a dream. wonderfully smooth, planted and climbs incredibly well. thanks again chaps

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moorsey72 | 9 years ago
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Thanks both for the great comments, really helpful. SL5 is definately sounding like a great option, hopefully the fit will be ok. ill let you know how i get on tomorrow. Thanks again

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hucko003 | 9 years ago
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You're in luck, I own an SL6!

I would DEFINITELY go for an SL5 as the frame is much better and there's nothing stopping you upgrading your groupset in the future but like 'allanj' says, you'd be better off spending your money on a wheel upgrade. 105 is still very good - it's 11 speed, you're compromising on weight and the shifting isn't quite as refined as Ultegra. 

You will see tomorrow, but it uses a 500 OCLV carbon frame whereas the S series only use a 300. This means that the frame weight is lower and also more stiff / compliant. The SL5 also has a seatmast which improves comfort and it's carbon as opposed to the standard alloy seatpost the S uses. Cables are internally routed on the SL which means that if you ever want to upgrade to Di2 or EPS, you could do whereas you can't on the S. Finally, the SL uses a wider BB90 whereas the S uses a BB86.5 so you will find more stiffness in the BB area. Yes, you compromise on the groupset but I think it's definitely worth it. 

Hope you enjoy both bikes tomorrow. 

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allanj | 9 years ago
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Not familiar with the range but on a quick look the SL5 has a better frame than the S6 I think?

If that is the case and the only difference is 105 v ultegra, 2015 105 is very good indeed, ultegra is a bit lighter but little difference functionally.  I have 105 on mine and it is fantastic, I'd prioritise the better frame and get a good deal.  You can always upgrade to ultegra gradually as stuff wears out, but your money would be better spent on a wheel upgrade in my view.

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moorsey72 | 9 years ago
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Anyone please? going to look at reserved sl5 tomorrow so any input would be a great help. thanks

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