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The long-awaited, more affordable Madone SL Gen 7 has now launched. What’s new, how much is it and when can you get one? We’ll answer these questions and more right now.
Trek’s latest iteration of its super-fast Madone road bike made a big impression when it launched during the Tour de France 2022. However, this “Gen 7” has only been available as SLR models - with the top carbon frame and a price point to match - until now. As Trek launches the Madone Gen 7 SL range, we look at the differences from the SLR in terms of components, performance and price.
Who is Trek Madone SL Gen 7 for?
This bike is for keen road cyclists who want to enjoy the technology and aesthetics of a premium race bike but who don’t need the ultimate in weight savings and componentry as offered by the SLR models. You are most likely a pretty serious club cyclist or someone who clocks up a lot of miles and probably enjoys racing too.
What is the new Madone SL Gen 7 range?
This is a limited range of two models, the SL6 and SL 7, with main difference between the two being the groupset and wheels. The SL 6 costs £5,625 and the SL 7 £7,500.
What are the specs?
The main difference between the SLR and SL models is that the former has the top of the range 800 Series OCLV Carbon frame (1,050g frame-only, 418g fork-only) and the latter has the 500 Series (1,200g frame-only, 476g fork-only). The SL models come with a two-piece handlebar and stem but are compatible with the integrated OCLV Carbon bar and stem that comes with the SLRs. Both models in the new SL range run an electric Shimano groupset as the brand’s Di2 technology has now trickled down to it’s third tier 105 groupset.
Madone SL 6 Gen 7
Groupset: Shimano 105 Di2
Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus Elite 50
Weight: 8.4kg (56cm frame)
Price £5,625
Madone SL 7 Gen 7
Groupset: Shimano Ultregra Di2
Wheels Bontrager: Aeolus Pro 51
Weight 8kg (56cm frame)
Price £7,500
It’s worth comparing these two with the SLR counterparts to get an idea of how much more affordable they are. The SL 6 is £1,975 cheaper than the SLR 6 with 650g extra weight (56cm frame) and a step down on wheels, though with both running the Shimano 105 groupset. We think the SL 7 is really good value for the price point, at £2,700 cheaper than the SLR 7, only 480g heavier and with both having Shimano Ultegra groupset and Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 wheels.
Our team’s verdict
Mike, a keen road rider and triathlete, said: “The Gen 7 Madone SL has the latest technology, design and speed that Trek’s elite professionals use but at a better price point. This is going to be for a customer who really knows their bikes and is happy to trade off a slight gain in weight for the savings on price. I’ve ridden the Gen7 Madone SLR. It’s very aero and a good climber, much more than the Gen 6, and offers great handling. It really can do it all and I fully expect the SL will offer the same performance and ride experience.”
Come and see the new Madone SL Gen 7
Visit us in Southgate, Pickering, where we have both the Madone SLR 7 in size 56cm and the new Madone SL 6 in size 54cm. Both bikes can be test ridden in our large carpark or and there’s also the option of a longer test ride with one of our members of staff. Availability on the new SL 6 and 7 is good and we can get all sizes if needed.
