2011 trek madone 6.9 ssl

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2011 Trek Madone 6.9 SSL – First look

Major changes to 5 Series Madone line, too

James Huang

For 2011, Trek's flagship 6 Series range follows in the footsteps of past Madones with a new lightweight 'SSL' variant. This is 100g lighter on average, bringing claimed weight down to just 815g (bare 56cm frame with 'nude' paint scheme), and putting Trek well in-line with carbon superbikes from other manufacturers.

To achieve this weight saving, 50g has been taken out of the frame itself, 30g has been lost thanks to lighter paint processes, and another 20g courtesy of a standard Cane Creek AER upper headset assembly.

Trek say the new model makes no sacrifices in overall rigidity or durability, however, thanks to a new HexSL carbon fibre that's said to be 10 percent stiffer and stronger than the standard OCLV Red blend.

As a result, engineers were able to design the SSL with fewer carbon plies, which imparts a slightly different ride quality when rolling down the road but virtually identical test bench numbers (90Nm/degree at the head tube, according to Trek).

Externally, the new SSL is visually identical to the standard 6 Series, using the same moulds and Near Net Molding, StepJoint, asymmetrical steerer, DuoTrap and BB90 technologies. Fit and geometry will generally remain the same (more on this later) so current Madone owners who choose to upgrade will be treated to the same dialled-in handling and feel.

Two clenched fists come together at the head tube as part of the Unity paint scheme

Trek will offer the new SSL in two range-topping complete bike models that will replace last year's Madone 6.9 and 6.5, as well as a bare fuselage (frame, fork, headset, seatmast cap). The flagship Madone 6.9 SSL will come with Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 and Bontrager Race XXX Lite carbon clinchers while the second-tier 6.7 SSL will swap in more conventional Race X Lite aluminium wheels.

Two 6 Series complete bikes will be offered in 2011; this is the second-tier Madone 6.7 SSL

As before, all 6 Series Madone models will also be available in Trek's Project One custom programme, which allows buyers to choose geometry and paint, component models and sizing, and even component colours in many cases. New for 2011 are tubular Bontrager wheel options (with colour options extended to the top-end models) alongside Shimano Dura-Ace and Ultegra.

New Project One paint schemes will include a Team Radioshack replica option

Trek have acknowledged that Project One lead times last year were longer than anticipated, with some customers waiting more than 30 days to receive their orders, and say the hiring of additional staff should bring that delay down to two to three weeks.

6 Series technology trickles down to mid-range 5 Series

Trek's bread-and-butter Madone 5 Series range gets a complete overhaul for 2011, inheriting the same external shaping and most of the features of last year's 6 Series models. Key changes include the cleaner internal cable routing – with a trick Dura-Ace Di2 option – the optional DuoTrap integrated wireless speed and cadence sensor integrated into the non-driveside chainstay, and an updated round-profile seatmast cap.

The Trek Madone 5.9 is substantially upgraded from last year with a new 6 Series-like shape

As a result, the 2011 5 Series will drop 150g on average relative to 2010 frames while also getting a 15 percent bump in stiffness. The StepJoint tube joining technology and asymmetrical steerer tube will remain exclusive to the 6 Series, though, and the 2011 5 Series will change to Trek's TCT carbon process, meaning that production will shift from Waterloo, Wisconsin to Asia. As a result, 5 Series Madones will no longer be offered with Project One options.

The new 5 Series gains the 6 Series's integrated DuoTrap wireless speed and cadence sensor

Last year's 4 Series Madone frame will carry into 2011 unchanged aside from updated paint, graphics, and build kits.

4 Series Madone frames will carry into 2011 unchanged aside from colours and graphics

Updated fit options

As before, Trek will offer the entire Madone range in a broad selection of sizes and fit options but with one additional geometry option and new naming schemes across the board to eliminate some of the emotional baggage that occasionally accompanied the old monikers – worth noting is that the most upright Project One 6 Series Madone will no longer include a clearcoated 'WSD' decal.

Last year's 'Pro' fit is now called 'H1' and features the shortest head tubes of the range while the 'Performance' fit is again 3cm taller at the head tube. New for 2011 is an 'H3' variant, which is similar to last year's WSD geometry but with even slighter shorter reach (by nearly a centimetre) and even taller stack (by 1.5-2cm) than before. Unlike WSD, H3 will be available in a full size spread from 50cm all the way up to 62cm.

2011 bikes that were formerly badged 'WSD' and use the same frame moulds as last year will carry over the same geometry but all Trek bikes will eventually transition to the H1-3 scheme as older models are phased out. Trek will offer the highest-end SSL Madone models exclusively in H1 and H2 fits but standard 6 Series Madones will be available in H1, H2 or H3. Other Madone models will be offered in H2, H3 or WSD fits depending on the model but not in H1.

About those steerer tubes

We took the opportunity to ask Trek road and triathlon product manager Tyler Pilger about the recent attention surrounding the company's carbon fibre steerer tubes. According to Pilger, there is no recall in place for current models, though Trek do prescribe fairly stringent guidelines with regards to stem model and clamp torques, saying stems with overly aggressive extension cutouts and excessive torque can generate too much point stress.

Use a properly designed stem, and pay attention when tightening bolts and placing spacers, and you should have no problems. Even so, Pilger admits that 2011 Madone carbon steerer tubes will feature additional fibre plies in stem clamp areas to better tolerate out-of-spec stems and clamp torques just in case, and weight penalties are said to only be about 15g.

2011 steerer tubes are reinforced with 15g of additional carbon fibre

2011 Madone line prices and specs

• Madone 6.9 SSL w/ Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 and Bontrager Race XXX Lite clinchers: US$8,709.99
• Madone 6.7 SSL w/ Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 and Bontrager Race X Lite clinchers: $6,819.99
• Madone 6.5 w/ SRAM Force and Bontrager Race X Lite clinchers: $5,039.99
• Madone 6.2 w/ Shimano Ultegra 6700 and Bontrager Race Lite clinchers: $4,199.99
• Madone 5.9 w/ Shimano Dura-Ace/Ultegra and Bontrager Race Lite clinchers: $3,989.99
• Madone 5.9 frameset: $2,309.99
• Madone 5.5 w/ SRAM Force and Bontrager Race Lite clinchers: $3,779.99
• Madone 5.2 w/ Shimano Ultegra 6700 and Bontrager Race clinchers: $3,149.99
• Madone 5.1 w/ SRAM Rival and Bontrager Race clinchers: $2,939.99
• Madone 4.7 w/ Shimano 105 and Bontrager Race clinchers: $2,519.99
• Madone 4.5 w/ Shimano 105 (R600 crank) and Bontrager SSR clinchers: $2,099.99

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Trek Madone 6.9 Road Bike

Lighter, faster, better. That was Trek's goal in creating their best-of-the-best Madone 6.9. Brutally efficient and ultra light, it features ingenious new technology for a superior ride, such as a 90mm-wide bottom bracket for maximum efficiency, sealed headset and bottom bracket bearings that simply press into the frame saving weight and reducing maintenance, and a seat mast that saves even more weight, while also boosting compliance for supreme comfort. And, it's built of Trek's team-spec OCLV Red carbon, while the fork is equally impressive. It's Bontrager's Race XXX Lite Carbon with E2 steerer, which is oversize at the base for excellent efficiency and control. A frame of this level deserves only the best and you get it with top-of-the-line Bontrager Race XXX Lite carbon wheels and Shimano's Tour-winning Dura-Ace components for the ultimate in shifting and braking, while the Bontrager stem, bars and seat add the finishing touches of class.

• USER REVIEWS

Sprints, breakaways,is what this thing was made for. Never felt a more efficient relay of pedal power to the wheel. When I get up out of the seat, I feel like I was shot out of a cannon, so nimble and quiet, just a "woosh, woosh, woosh," as I go by other riders, they never hear me coming as I slingshot around them. Handling, 15% better than the Cannondale SuperSix I had before. If I can see the line in the curve I want to ride, the bike takes me there.

None found yet

I'm 6'3", just under 200lbs, have a 60cm frame. With any carbon fiber frame of a bike this caliber, the smaller the frame, the stiffer the bike. Trek only tests the 56cm frame, because that's their biggest seller. Anything larger than 56 has a little more flex in the frame, smaller and they get stiffer. Anticipating a stiff ride, I did my build with Rolf (engineered and made in America by American hands, not some soulless 3rd world zombie factory that are contracted by 90% of the rim companies). Vigor rims with ceramic bearings. Oh, what a smooth ride this gives this bike. Had steel bearings the first week as a loaner until my wheels came, and what a difference in handling these rims made at high speeds. The small chatter from road vibration was gone, and best of all, NO WEIGHT LIMITS ON THESE RIMS. Matter of fact, the bigger you ore, the faster you'll go downhill. The rest of my build components are Dura-Ace, what a perfect match for this frame. Stops on a dime, have never missed a shift.

Very light, very stiff, very responsive.

The retail price.

I bought this frame brand new from a dude off craigslist and built it up with DA and Bontrager XXX wheels. I'm 5'10" 200lbs, and I ride this bike like I stole it. The bike feels great and is fun to ride. I'm probably too heavy for the wheels- I have to true them every couple months, but this review is on the bike- I really like the bike. The MSRP is shocking! $7,700... I paid less then $3,000 to build mine up. If you have the funds, go for it. If not, the lower priced 5 series are very comparable.

Similar Products Used:

Madone 5.something

Handles great, very stiff and responsive

rear end too stiff vertically. my old sciatica returned. rechecked measurements and that, unfortunately, was not the problem.

got this 2012 6 series as a warranty replacement of a 5.9 (loved the ride of that one). The 2012 6 series handles great, is light and very stiff. Too stiff for me. Rear end rides harsh- same as my super stiff aluminum back up bike. Took both bikes to a short circuit with some pavement cracks at a corner, and both handled the same.

I have a 6 series and its the best Bike I have ever owned.

Don't buy it with the Std Trek Wheels, There crap.

Buy the Bike and make sure your don't buy the Trek brand wheels.

Performance, Styling, Customization options

This is a true racing machine! As a current Cat3 & Masters racer, I need every bit out of a bike as I can. For years I've raced Wilier Triestina(Sestriere, Izoard) and Look(585, 595, 695SR) and until now thought the technology/set up couldn't get much better. The Trek Madone 6.9 SSL Project 1 changed all that. For years, I resisted the Armstrong affect and subsequent market saturation, but now understand the errors of my ways. As a non-climber, this bike is nimble, quick and almost effortless. Surprisingly, with the tighter geometry and shorter wheel base, I expected compliance to be an issue in the descents, but I could carry higher speeds without any worry. Sprinting is a pure delight! The H1 & H2 option is great for those with flexibility concerns. Overall, this is it! A bike with great looks, performance and versatility.

Gorgeous to look at and beautiful to ride. Light and stiff yet still quite comfortable. Project One customization is awesome.

Price - but you get what you pay for!

I started road racing in 1982 on an old Motobecane and bought my first Trek (a 170?) in 1984. I owned Treks for the next 10 years. I stopped riding altogether for 5 years until purchasing a LeMond Zurich (technically still a Trek - I think) in 1999. I loved that bike (although it didn't get ridden nearly enough when I moved to Chicago in 2003) until it flew off my roof (along with the entire rack) while driving through Nebraska to our new home in Oregon. Sad for the LeMond but good for me - as I was able to upgrade to a 2012 Project One Madone 6.9 SSL with the SRAM Red group. The difference was astounding - I was actually afraid of the bike for a week because it felt so twitchy underneath me and I was scared I'd do something stupid and wreck the gorgeous paint job! I contemplated mounting it on the wall as a work of art and buying something I wouldn't be so emotionally invested in! After a few weeks I became less of a spaz and the bike felt more and more stable. It is so quick to respond it's almost telepathic. It's ability to transfer energy into speed is really amazing. I would love to say that it climbs like a rocket but I'll have to lose another 40 lbs before I make that claim. I can say it WANTS to climb like a rocket but it has a 225 lb anchor. It's not as stable on the descents as the LeMond was - I frequently hit the high 50's riding the hills around Eugene, OR on the LeMond and it was rock solid. The Madone is a bit more squirrely in the 50mph range although some of that may be the deep wheels catching air. I'm going to put some RXL wheels on it and see if that makes any difference. My only complaint is with the SRAM front derailleur - total piece of crap! The first one cracked, the second one flexed so much it came of the chain ring on both sides on numerous times. SRAM sent me a different version (steel/aluminum instead of titanium) and it appears to be fixed. All in all it's a great bike that I would highly recommend (just go with a Force front derailleur) if you're getting the SRAM group.

Trek 170, Trek 1300, Trek 2300, LeMond Zurich

Light, Fast, Climbs Very Good, Comfortable, Good value.

I have had my P1 6.9 for almost a year now. Setup with Sram Red components and Bontrager carbon aero wheels. The bike has been great. I swapped out the Sram FD with a DA FD, but other than that the bike has been flawless. It is very light, fast and comfortable. I could not be happier with the bike.

Extraordinary hill climber. My Madone 6.9 has climbed many of the rugged passes in B.C. and it's rented cousin took me to the 10,000 ft. peak of Maui's Haleakala fron sea level at Paia. Bike is great downhill as well and sucks up the bumps and rough pavement at any speed. It is frankly an extraordinary bike. Kudos to the U.S. engineered and built bike.

Ultegra components need more attention than I used to have with my prior Shimano powered bikes.

Fantastic bike. I am lucky enough to have started road riding as a hobby in the mid 80's on a Birtoni Italian steel bike then graduated to a Cannondale P8 with an aluminum frame and carbon forks. The leap to a Madone 6.9 Project bike was enormous but it certainly made me a convert. The ride experience makes me count the days between my ski season at Whistler and my rides on the Sea to Sky highway.

Handling , weight, Position, Climbing. Comfy ride. Wheels a surprise. Scandium ..Lite and durable. .25 mm Vitoria Rubino pro slicks helped the ride .

This thing eats bb bearings to the tune of a set every 2k miles or less.. Change chains , change bearings..Got some new ones from Hawk-Racing. Hope they help ..Last week the fork cracked on both sides in nearly the same place..Not safe to ride now.. My old 5500 at least rides every day.. Learned long ago to keep one bike for go when it counts. Not the Madone.. Each year the price goes up.. What really matters most is the motor.

Fun ride at first..Liked the ride and power transfer. This bike was a retirement gift..I ride several hours most days.. Impressed with the Race Lite wheels. Durable so far..I get 6-8000 miles yearly.. The more i ride this the more it needs work. I find myself letting it hang many days and ride another.. 2010 MADONE 6.9

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2011 Trek Madone 6.9 SSL - with pic and build list

Moderators: MrCurrieinahurry , maxim809 , Moderator Team

Post by darkblue08 » Thu Jul 26, 2012 4:57 pm --> by darkblue08 on Thu Jul 26, 2012 4:57 pm

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Valbrona wrote: At least it's not a Specialized Tarmac.

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The Spoke Word: First ride on the 2011 Trek Madone

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Trek gathered about 30 international cycling journalists in Rotterdam on Friday to introduce the 2011 Madone line of road bikes. Speaking in a meeting hall just off the route of Saturday’s Tour de France Prologue, Trek road product manager Tyler Pilger unveiled a Madone line that involves a new proprietary carbon composite for considerably lighter weights, a wider range of fit options, a new naming structure, and more customizability in the company’s Project 1 program.

The 6.9 SSL replaces the current 6.9 with a frameset that has exactly the same geometry and tube dimensions as the 2010 model—it’s built using the same molds—but is 100 grams lighter. Pilger claims production weight for a bare 56cm 6.9 SSL frameset is a shocking 815 grams, or more than 10 percent lighter than the 2010 model.

In simple terms, this means Trek’s engineers can use less to build virtually the exact same frame. Vertical compliance and lateral stiffness are unchanged over the current Madone, but ride quality gets snappier due to the reduced weight. (Think under 14 lbs for a complete, out-of-the-box bike.)

I got a two-hour ride on the 6.9 SSL today, on bike paths and farm roads outside of Rotterdam. I’ll need way more time on the bike for a full review (in a country with hills), but my first impression is that the bike rides virtually identically to the 2010 6.9 but feels noticeably lighter.

The SSL will be available starting today in either a 6.9 or 6.7 configuration. Both will have full Shimano Dura-Ace groups, but the 6.9 will have, in addition to the lightweight headset, top-end Bontrager Race XXX Lite carbon wheels, bars, and stem, versus a more familiar Cane Creek integrated headset and Race X Lite components on the 6.7. Still waiting for final pricing, but I’m told the 6.9 SSL will come in just south of $9.000, or well into superbike territory.

Trek has also change the naming and range of its fit options. The aggressive, race-ready Pro fit is now called H1, and the comfort-oriented Performance fit, which has a three-centimeter taller headtube, is now H2. Additionally, Trek has added a third fit option, based on its women’s-specific geometry, called H3. This will lengthen the headtube by an additional 1.5 to two centimeters and reduce top-tube length by about one centimeter.

While most of Trek’s pro racers choose the H1 geometry, Trek claims H2 is the ideal setup for about 75 percent of its customers and is even the preference of a few RadioShack pros, including 38-year-old Chris Horner. For those who need an even more upright position, H3 will ease back and neck strain with a geometry that was previously offered only as a women’s-specific option.

The Madone line is now divided into three families: 6 Series, 5 Series, and 4 Series. The 6.9 and 6.7 will be available in both H1 and H2 configurations, while the rest of the six series will be available in all three fit options. The 5 Series on down will offer only H2 and H3 fits.

The 5 Series is entirely new for 2011, offering 6 Series shapes and technology but with cheaper carbon layups and more price-conscious builds. Additionally, both the 5 and 6 Series bikes will be available through Trek’s Project 1 program, which offers fully customizable paint and build options.

The carbon 4 Series remains unchanged, save for new paint options and the new Shimano 105 5700 component group.

Prices will range from $8,708 for a complete Madone 6.9 SSL down to $2,100 for the 4.5.

A note on steerer tubes

Trek has reportedly received a few complaints over the past few weeks—noted last month by VeloNews.com—about the carbon steerer tubes on its top-end Madones shearing off. Trek claims this is due to incorrect installation and/or the use of incompatible handlebar stems, rather than a design flaw. Still, the company has added extra carbon fiber to its new steerer tubes and will also include a pre-set torque wrench with its Madones that have carbon steerers to facilitate proper stem installation.

—John Bradley

Twitter: johnwbradley

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• Trek Madone 6.9 SSL 2011

157cm - 164cm

161cm - 169cm

166cm - 175cm

172cm - 181cm

178cm - 186cm

183cm - 191cm

188cm - 195cm

Bike summary

Bike components.

OCLV2 SSL Carbon, E2, BB90, internal cable routing, DuoTrap compatible

Suspension Fork

Bontrager Race XXX Lite, full carbon w/E2 asymmetrical steerer

Rear Derailleur

Shimano Dura-Ace

Front Derailleur

Shift levers.

Shimano Dura-Ace STI, 10 speed

Shimano Dura-Ace 11-25 (double) or 11-28 (compact), 10 speed

Shimano Dura-Ace, 53/39 (double) or 50/34 (compact)

Bottom Bracket

BB90, 90.5mm, press-fit

Bontrager Race XXX Lite, carbon

Bontrager R4, 700x23c

Shimano Dura-Ace brakes w/Shimano Dura-Ace STI levers

Bontrager Race XXX Lite Carbon, 7 degree, 31.8mm

Bontrager Race XXX Lite VR, carbon, 31.8mm

Cane Creek AER upper, cartridge bearing lower, sealed, 1-1/8" top, 1.5" bottom

Bontrager inForm Race X Lite, hollow titanium rails, 146mm width

Bontrager Ride Tuned Carbon seatmast cap, 20mm offset

Bike geometry

About this model.

Madone 6.9 SSL is part of the Trek Madone model. Trek released 360 bikes variations of this model so far. You can easily view all of the Trek Madone bikes models from 2011 , here .

Make sure you wear a helmet on every ride, and that your bike performs well. In short, this means checking the tires, brakes, and chain to make sure everything is in good working order.

Aero bikes average price

According to our math, the average price for a trustworthy Aero bike is 4211 $ . However, you could also get a good Aero bike even if you pay a lower amount than the average price. To sum up, when you purchase your bike, make sure to check if it has reviews, and also do some components research.

Internal Cable Routing

This bike has an internal cable routing. As a result, this helps to preserve the bike’s cables. No more cables around your bike.

Overview of components

Fork material.

When it comes to the fork, this bike has a carbon one, so, it won’t add up to much weight to your bike. However, the price you have to pay for a carbon fork is considerably higher.

Wheels size

When it comes to wheels, the Madone 6.9 SSL bike is equipped with the 700c carbon model. There is no doubt, that 700c wheels are very popular on all road bike models. However, these wheels don’t perform so well when passing over obstacles.

When you want to stop the bike in time, the brakes are vital. The Madone 6.9 SSL has Rim brakes. Rim brakes deliver an average performance overall. However, they are not nearly as effective as hydraulic brakes are.

There are 7 sizes available for this model. Rider height can be anywhere between 157 cm – 195 cm (5.15 ft – 6.4 ft) . In conclusion, finding one for you shouldn’t be a problem.

Trek Madone models from 2024

Trek madone models from 2023, trek madone models from 2022, trek madone models from 2021, trek madone models from 2020, trek madone models from 2019, trek madone models from 2018, trek madone models from 2017, trek madone models from 2016, trek madone models from 2015, trek madone models from 2014, trek madone models from 2013, trek madone models from 2012, trek madone models from 2011, trek madone models from 2010, trek madone models from 2009, trek madone models from 2008, trek madone models from 2007, trek madone models from 2006, trek madone models from 2005, trek madone models from 2004.

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Giro d'Italia stage 16 Live - Start postponed due to extreme weather amid total confusion

Pro bike: Chris Horner's Team RadioShack Trek Madone 6.9 SSL ATOC

Trek and graphic artist Shepard Fairey team up for RadioShack's new bikes

Trek and renowned graphic artist Shepard Fairey have teamed up for yet another specially painted Madone for the RadioShack squad, only this time all of the riders here at the Amgen Tour of California - including 2010 fourth-place finished Chris Horner - have been given the treatment instead of just Lance Armstrong as in years past .

"This is a big target for the team so we wanted to do something really good," Trek team liaison Matt Shriver told Cyclingnews at the team hotel. "We've done bikes with Shepard Fairey in the past and we have a good relationship with him and the bikes were really successful before."

Trek and RadioShack didn't just want to outfit the rider with fancy bikes just because, though. While Horner and teammate (and three-time Tour of California winner) Levi Leipheimer will use the freshly painted machines throughout the eight-stage event, Trek will put them up for auction shortly afterward with all proceeds being donated to charity.

"The guys will race them all week and then they'll go up on auction around USPRO time," said Shriver.

California's state animal is prominently displayed on the seat cluster. Photo: James Huang

According to Shriver - the former Fort Lewis College cycling coach who famously paced Armstrong to his Leadville 100 victory in 2009 - Fairey designed all of the bike's graphics but the actual task of painting the frames was done in-house at Trek's Waterloo, Wisconsin factory.

"It's a long process," he said. "You have to lay one set of graphics down, do some paint, lay the other set of graphics down, more paint. It takes between twelve and fourteen hours per frame."

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Horner's bike is otherwise essentially stock team-issue, including the black-anodized version of SRAM's Red component group, a SRAM S975 SRM power meter, a Bontrager saddle, stem, and handlebar, Look KéO Blade pedals, Enduro XD-15 angular contact bottom bracket bearings, and Bontrager's as yet unnamed 50mm-deep wide-profile carbon tubular wheels wrapped with Challenge Forte tires.

Chris Horner's Trek Madone 6.9 SSL has a SRAM S975 SRM power meter installed. Photo: James Huang

One thing that has always set Horner apart, however, is his somewhat unusually upright riding position. Whereas most of the rest of the RadioShack team opt for Trek's most aggressive 'H1' geometry variant, Horner instead goes with the taller H2 version, which is even further augmented with 25mm of headset spacers for a relatively sedate saddle-to-bar drop of just 55mm.

Taller front end notwithstanding, Horner's bike is still impressively light, however. Total weight as pictured (without bottles) is just 7.08kg (15.61lb).

This article originally appeared on BikeRadar .

Complete bike specifications:

Frame: Trek Madone 6.9 SSL ATOC Special Edition, size 56cm H2 Fork: Bontrager Race XXX Lite Headset: Cane Creek integrated, tapered 1 1/8-to-1 1/2in Stem: Bontrager Race XXX Lite, 120mm x -7° Handlebars: Bontrager Race Lite Anatomic, 44cm (c-c) Tape/grips: Bontrager Cork Front brake: SRAM Red Black w/ Bontrager carbon-specific cork pads Rear brake: SRAM Red Black w/ Bontrager carbon-specific cork pads Brake levers: SRAM Red Black DoubleTap Front derailleur: SRAM Red Black w/ steel cage Rear derailleur: SRAM Red Black Shift levers: SRAM Red Black DoubleTap Cassette: SRAM PG-1070, 11-26T Chain: SRAM PC-1091 Crankset: SRAM S975 SRM, 172.5mm, 53/39T Bottom bracket: Enduro XD-15 Pedals: Look KéO Blade Wheelset: Bontrager 50mm carbon tubular prototype Front tire: Challenge Forte tubular, 22mm Rear tire: Challenge Forte tubular, 22mm Saddle: Bontrager inForm RL Seat post: Bontrager Ride Tuned Carbon seatmast Bottle cages: Bontrager Race X Lite Carbon (2) Computer: SRM Power Control 7 Other accessories: Gore Ride-On Professional System derailleur cables and housing

Critical measurements:

Rider's height: 1.8m (5' 11") Rider's weight: 70kg (154lb) Saddle height, from BB (c-t): 760mm Saddle setback: 57mm Seat tube length, c-t: 488mm Seat tube length, c-c: 472mm Tip of saddle nose to C of bars (next to stem): 547mm Saddle-to-bar drop (vertical): 55mm Head tube length: 170mm Top tube length: 560mm Total bicycle weight: 7.08kg (15.61lb)

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• Madone 6.9 SSL H1 Frameset

2011 Trek Madones Released: Includes 6 Series SSL and New 5 Series

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Utilizing the 2010 Tour de France Grand Départ from Rotterdam, Netherlands as a venue, Trek has shown their hand when it comes to the hottest bikes of 2011. Building on the already immensely popular Madone line, the newest models boast lighter weight, more features, and a wider range of pricing.

While the biggest news is the release of a new 6 series SSL model which is over 100 grams lighter than the previous 6 series, there are big changes to the 5 series, as well as an additional fit geometry that are not to go unnoticed.

Check out Trek’s new carbon, all the changes to the 5 series, and the most upright Madone ever after the break!

How did they manage to make the 6 series SSL even lighter? With a new carbon fiber, of course. Dubbed OCLV Hex SL, it exhibits the same stiffness as High Modulus carbon, but with over four times the strength and twice the elongation properties. When asked about the new material, Trek Road Product Engineer Chris Pomering had this to say, “OCLV HexSL is really a game-changing material. Before this material’s culmination we had to use two, sometimes three different layers of carbon to get the same strength and performance that we get from just one layer of OCLV HexSL.”Like most Trek OCLV (Optimum Compaction Low Void), Trek claims that you won’t see many others using it due to the fact that the US Government declares it Defense grade material, and therefore it is prohibited to be shipped outside the NATO alliance. Believe what you will, but Trek puts it in a  good perspective by stating, “Our frames are imagined, tested, and perfected by our 37 carbon engineers, including 11 Composite Materials Engineering specialists and 9 bonafide rocket scientists. (Why rocket scientists? Because the aerospace industry is THE hotbed of carbon innovation.)”

While new to the public, the SSL has already been under Team Radio Shack’s Jani Brajkovic, propelling him to an overall win at the 2010 Tour of Dauphine in June, resulting in the Madone SSL’s first stage race win. Team Radio Shack’s entire 2010 Tour de France squad will be riding the Madone 6 Series SSL throughout July. As expected, the new SSL 6 series carries all the same technology as the current 6 series that has driven it’s success.

What may be unexpected however, is that the new 5 series Madone will also get most of the tech features that makes the 6 series so special. While the 2010 version of the 5 series carried the BB90 integrated bottom bracket, and E2 tapered head tube already, the new 5 series will get all the other features lacking from the 6 series such as the revised round seat mast, integrated cables with internal DI2 option, a zip tie-less ANT+ computer mounting system called Duotrap, and a weight shavings of more than 150 grams. In addition to shaving a significant amount of frame weight, the 5 Series will be stiffer and more vertically compliant for 2011. The Madone 5 Series will be available in 5 different models, including the 5.9, 5.5, 5.2, 5.5 WSD, and the 5.2 WSD.Perhaps even more impressive is that all this comes at a lower cost than last years 5 series, $3149 vs $3779 for a 5.2 Madone.

How is this possible? Well, the new 5 series Madones will be a TCT (Trek Carbon Technology) frame, meaning they will be manufactured over seas in Taiwan. While obviously not being OCLV bikes, the move makes sense as when offered the choice of the 5 vs. 6 series at similar prices customers overwhelmingly went with the 6 series. Also, this allows Trek to become more competitive in the Carbon road bike arena, and allows customers a clear difference between a 5 and a 6 series.

Obviously, this will eliminate 5 series bikes from Trek’s Project One – their full custom bike program. However, this is yet another reason for customers to upgrade to the six series or six series SSL and should allow shorter lead times for the Project One bikes in the future.

The other big news from Trek in their Madone line, is the creation of a third fit geometry. In 2010, there were two Madone geometries – Pro Fit and Performance fit. The Pro fit was just like it sounds, and the performance fit was the slightly more upright riding position with a longer head tube and higher bar position. In 2011, the fits will now be H1, H2, and H3 with H(headtube)1 being the old Pro fit and H2 being the old Performance fit. The new H3 fit, looks to be essentially the old Pilot geometry with an even taller headtube and slightly more stable handling. Now riders regardless of fit needs will be able to experience the performance of the Madone series.

Understandably proud of Trek’s new Madone line, company president John Burke remarked “This is an exciting time for Trek, our Retailers, and our customers. We’ve never been more invested in our product development, and those investments are yielding the most advanced products Trek has ever offered. The 2011 Madone product line represents the collective effort of many individuals. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

For more information, and to check out all the new specs head over to Trek’s Madone site.

Zach Overholt is the Editor in Chief of Bikerumor . He has been writing about what’s new in the bicycle world for 12+ years. Prior to that, Zach spent many years in the back of a bicycle shop building and repairing nearly every type of bike, while figuring out how to (occasionally) ride them.

Based in Ohio, Zach is now slowly introducing a new generation to cycling and still trying to figure out how to fit the most rides into a busy schedule as a new dad.

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I currently ride a Trek 5200 and was thinking about getting a european bike (LOOK, BH) for my next ride, but this is luring me back to another Trek

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• Rider Notes

2011 Trek Madone 6.7 SSL

A carbon frame aero bike with ultra high-end components and rim brakes.

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A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Madone 6.7 SSL

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I've made it here to Liege to chase a little bike race around France, but before I begin Trek was kind enough to invite me to their new Madone launch. And I'm glad they did. Besides having a lot of fun, I've had the opportunity to meet many of the people behind Trek and the innovative products they produce. Back in

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Last updated 29 June Not listed for 2,515 days

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