Trek launches superlight new Emondas

Trek has unveiled new versions of its Emonda race bike, the high-level SLR model coming with a claimed frame weight of just 640g. Disc brakes have been added to the Emonda lineup for the first time, the disc brake frame coming in at an incredible 665g, according to Trek.

We first showed you the new Trek Emonda SLR last month when it was ridden by Alberto Contador in the Criterium du Dauphine and we knew that disc brakes were being added because a disc frame has been on the UCI’s list of approved models for a while, but Trek has now launched the new bikes officially.

The 2018 Trek Emonda SLR frame is 50g lighter than the previous version. How has Trek saved the grams? It’s simply down to a new carbon layup. The US brand says that the new 700 Series OCLV carbon frame is also stiffer than previously, and more compliant. Lighter, stiffer and more compliant? Trek has only missed “more aero” off the new bike checklist! Mind you, the Madone is the aero bike in Trek’s range so there’s no real incentive for the designers to reduce drag here.

The Emonda SLR features new direct-mount Speed Stop Pro brakes from Bontrager, Trek’s sub-brand. These brakes have hollow arms, titanium hardware and a claimed weight of just 95g. They offer enough clearance for tyres up to 28mm wide. 

The Emonda SLR is available in three models—SLR 9 (Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, £8,500), SLR 8 (Shimano Dura-Ace mechanical, £5,200), and SLR 6 (Shimano Ultegra, £4,000). It’s also available as a frameset (£2,590) in both H1 (aggressive) and H2 (a little less aggressive but still performance orientated) geometries.

The Emonda SLR is also available through Trek’s Project One program which allows you to select your own paintjob and components.

The Emonda SL is made from Trek’s 500 Series OCLV carbon and it’s not as expensive. The frame has a claimed weight of 1,091g while the fork is 313g. 

The Emonda SL comes in an H2 fit only (there is no Emonda SL in an H1 geometry).

There are four SL models ranging in price from £1,500 (SL 4, Shimano Tiagra) up to £4,300 (SL 7, Shimano Ultegra Di2).

There’s also a new women’s model, the Emonda SL 5 Women’s (£1,800). Like the standard SL 5, it has a heavier fork than the rest of the Emonda SLs at 436g.

Emonda Disc

Coming in at just 665g, the Emonda SLR Disc frame is the lightest disc brake frame that we know of. It’s actually lighter than the previous generation rim brake Emonda SLR frame. The Emonda SLR Disc fork is 350g.

Complete bikes come stock with wider 28mm tyres although Trek says that you can fit wider tyres for gravel and even adventure riding.

The Emonda SLR Disc is available in SLR 8 Disc (Shimano Dura-Ace mechanical, £5,200) and SLR 6 Disc (Shimano Ultegra, £4,000) models as well as a frameset (£2,590). 

Like the rim brake frameset, the disc brake version comes as an SL version too. The Emonda SL Disc frame is 1,149g and the fork is 350g.

The SL 7 Disc (Shimano Ultegra Di2) is £4,400 while the SL 6 Disc (Shimano Ultegra) is £2,650. The Emonda SL Disc frameset is priced £1,380.

Weights

Trek has given weights for some of the models in the range:

• Emonda SLR 9 6.07kg (13.4lb)
• Emonda SLR 8 6.34kg (13.99lb)
• Emonda SL 5 8.33kg (18.37lb)
• Emonda SL 5 Women’s 8.33kg (18.37lb)
• Emonda SLR 8 Disc 6.41kg (14.14lb)