trek madone sl6 di2 2023 review

Trek Domane SL 6 Review: Top-Quality Parts and Endurance Performance

Trek Domane SL 6 Gen 4 is Trek’s second-highest bike in the carbon SL range and it spares no expense on top-quality parts and manufacture.

From here on up is the Domane SLR range, bikes that are focused on team-sponsored events and are mostly unaffordable to individual riders.

At its core, the SL 6 boasts Trek’s groundbreaking IsoSpeed shock reduction system built into its patented 500 Series OCLV carbon frame.

Together, the two offer one of the best carbon road bike framesets available, providing rigid stability and exceptional comfort.

Trek Domane SL 6 Quick Overview

Main features, is the trek domane sl 6 right choice for you, is it worth the money.

With a Shimano 105 groupset, internal Di2 routing, Paradigm Comp rims, and a carbon seat post, it’s clear to see that Trek spared no expense when building the Domane SL6.

• Frame : 500 Series OCLV Carbon, front and rear IsoSpeed, DuoTrap S compatible
• Fork : Domane SLR carbon, internal brake routing, fender mounts
• Front Derailleur : Shimano 105 R7150 Di2
• Rear Derailleur : Shimano R7150 Di2
• Wheels : Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25, tubeless-ready
• Number of Gears : 22
• Brakes : Shimano SM-RT70
• Tires : Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite, aramid bead, 700x32c
• Weight : 19.63 lbs / 8.90 kg

Get From TREK

The Domane SL 6 features quality parts from top to bottom, starting with the IsoSpeed frame and working down to the 105 groupset and Paradigm rims.

It’s a bicycle that personifies speed, comfort, and efficiency in every way possible.

Shimano 105 groupset

Domane SL 6 used to sport a Shimano Ultegra groupset, but this year they’ve switched it back to 105.

While it might seem like a downgrade, 105 is one of the most popular groupsets among road cyclists and amateur racers.

Shimano 105 groupset offers performance and reliability all in one

OCLV carbon IsoSpeed frame

Trek has spent years developing its IsoSpeed system and it’s come through several iterations to reach the current product.

Designed as a means to absorb road shock without sacrificing efficiency, IsoSpeed is a somewhat futuristic frame technology.

It works by decoupling the seat tube from the frame using a rocker cup that permits some flex while maintaining rigidity.

While it might sound like overkill, it works so well you’ll likely never want to ride another bike without it.

This has been combined with its highly compacted, low-void carbon frame to add strength and confidence on even the roughest terrain.

If you’ve ever come off of a long ride feeling like your flesh has shaken off your bones, you’ll appreciate IsoSpeed technology.

It is particularly welcome on the famous cobbled streets that any European rider will be very well familiar with.

Paradigm Comp wheels

Trek Domane SL 6 comes fitted with Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25 TLR Disc road wheels with a Shimano 11-speed freehub on the rear.

The tubeless-ready rims have a 25mm inner width designed for wide road or gravel tires.

The SL 6 also comes with uncommonly large tires, in this case, Bontrager R2 Hard-Case aramid-bead 700x32c tires.

It’s an odd feature for a road bike but the extra fork clearance can actually take tires up to 38c in size.

Endurance geometry

The geometry on Trek’s Domane SL range of bikes is designed to balance speed with comfort. It utilizes a slightly higher head tube to put the rider in a less aggressive position.

This provides better stability and comfort while maintaining a high degree of performance.

This helps the rider to conserve energy over long distances so there is still some juice in the tank for the final home stretch.

Micro-adjust seatmast

Amongst the Domane SL 6’s multitude of features is the micro-adjustable carbon seatmast.

It’s lightweight, aerodynamic, and provides millimeter-perfect adjustments for the exact right fit.

Professional riders will know the difference that even a millimeter in seat height can have on performance.

With the micro-adjust seatmast, you’ll be able to shave those much-needed seconds off your record time.

The Trek Domane SL 6 comes in 9 different sizes to fit heights of 4’11” to 6’5″.

• 44 : 4’11” – 5’0″
• 47 : 5’0″ – 5’2″
• 50 : 5’2″ – 5’4″
• 52 : 5’4″ – 5’6″
• 54 : 5’6″ – 5’9″
• 56 : 5’9″ – 5’11”
• 58 : 5’11” – 6’1″
• 60 : 6’1″ – 6’3″
• 62 : 6’3″ – 6’5″

Trek Domane SL 6 is a professional carbon road for riders who compete regularly in races, sportives, and cycling events.

As the price indicates, it is not designed for casual use. The true potential would not be fully realized by an amateur rider.

However, the Trek Domane range does serve something of a niche in the carbon road bike world.

Rather than focusing purely on speed, Domane bikes are best suited to riders who will be tackling a variety of different terrain.

If you often find yourself held back by cobblestones, gravel, or dirt track, then the Domane SL 6 could be the answer you’re looking for.

It’s specifically designed to tackle undesirable terrain with smooth and calculated efficiency.

Check out our other reviews on Trek Domane Bikes: AL 2 , AL 3 , SL4 and SL5 . 

Related: Trek Bikes Explained – In-Depth Overview

However, if purchased for the right reasons and used for its intended purpose, the Domane SL 6 will certainly make the buyer feel they have got their money’s worth.

The strong and build and quality parts mean the bike will last for years without the need for any expensive repairs or upgrades.

It represents the type of investment that may cost a lot initially but pays off in the long run.

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2 thoughts on “ trek domane sl 6 review: top-quality parts and endurance performance ”.

I’m wondering about a point that was made in your review. You state that the IsoSpeed decouples the steerer tube and seat tube from the frame, but the Generation 4 Domane under review only has a rear IsoSpeed decoupler. (You can see this if you follow your link to the Trek web site for the bike under review.) The last Domane that had both front and rear IsoSpeed was Generation 3, which was discontinued in 2022.

Hi Steve! You’re right, thank you for pointing that out. It was an honest mistake that has now been corrected.

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Trek Madone SL 6 Review: Is It A Good Road Bike?

• By Daniel Shakibaie
• Road Bike , Trek Bikes

Hey Bikers. Welcome to my Trek Madone SL 6 Review of 2021.

I have used over a dozen bikes over the years and I will help you pick your next road bike.

Trust me, you don’t want to waste over $4k on a bike that doesn’t fit your need. Today, I will show you why I think Trek Madone SL6 is the best Road bike if you are serious about road biking.

Introducing the Trek Madone SL6 road bike : This bike includes advanced aerodynamic performance and the best price-to-performance ratio of any road bike on the market. This bike comes in two different colors of black and quicksilver and a wide range of sizes (50-62). 

Trek as a brand also has some great credibility in the cycling industry. While a lot of brands actually run their bikes through big manufacturers, the Trek bikes are all invested into when it comes to aerodynamics and design. It also shows when you feel the quality of the material. 

They spend money really trying to make a worthwhile product and to maintain customer loyalty. The frame, the wheels, everything – it’s all sleek in design and the best price-to-performance money can buy.

It comes with:

• Bontrager Montrose Comp, Chromoly rails on its saddle 
• Madone Micro-adjust carbon seat mast cap for its seat 
• Bontrager Elite Aero VR-CF for its handlebar
• Bontrager Pro stem with computer and light mounts
• Madone integrated, stainless headset

In comparison to other budget road bikes, for what the Trek Madone SL6 offers, its high price is definitely understandable. The development costs of this bike alone are huge, but Trek also had to do away with its pricey integrated bar and stem system with something that’s a bit more cost-effective. Here are our pros and cons:

• The ride is smooth
• Racy handling
• A bit heavy
• High price tag

Things to Consider Before Buying a Road Bike

If you’re considering buying a road bike, you probably have asked yourself why you even need a road bike specifically. Couldn’t you just buy a regular bike? Unfortunately, that answer is no. Road bikes are considered off-road bikes, which means they’re designed to withstand rough terrain and conditions. 

If you want to ride through bike trails through the roads or deserts, then you’ll want a road bike. Just like how a dull blade is always more dangerous to use than a sharp one, a road bike is designed to plow through uneven trails and keep you steady. 

If you’re someone who enjoys slower bike rides, a road bike (or road biking in general) may not be for you. Perhaps a traditional road bike and on well-maintained bike trails would be more ideal. There’s nothing wrong with that either. If, however, you want the excitement and scenic view of what road biking holds, then this might just be for you.

More: The Best Fixed Gear Bike For Men and Women [ Guide and Review]

Features & Benefits

The Trek Madone SL 6 road bike has a 500 Series OCLV carbon frame and is made from the same molds as the Madone SLR range, which means they should give you the exact same aerodynamic performance. The frame design is also built to cut through wind.

The frame is usually made of alloy, Chromoly steel, carbon fiber. It can be considered the most important feature of a bike. It’s probably the first thing you see, aside from the wheels. A bike’s frame is what holds everything together; it’s what makes everything work smoothly. 

You can have the best wheels money could buy, the most comfortable padding for your seat, and even great features that can add to the bike, but if your frame is cheap, it’s not going to be a good bike.

And when it comes to road biking, the frame is the main thing that gets you from Point A to Point B safely. Safety should be valued above all else.

More: The Best Road Bikes Under $2000 [review and Buying Guide]

Suspension System

The suspension system on the Trek Madone SL 6 has its own IsoSpeed, which makes for a unique biking experience. Most modern road bikes have both a front and rear suspension systems and allow the wheels to absorb bumps on unfriendly terrains and conditions. 

Having a good suspension system also allows for better control, as well as being able to land larger jumps that would otherwise throw the person from the bike or worse.

If you’re looking to purchase a road bike with the purpose of going for more difficult trails, you want to make sure your suspension system is good. Road biking can be dangerous and having all the safety precautions money can buy will only make your experience more worthwhile.

The wheels on the Trek Madone SL 6 also have cutting edge wheel design of tubeless Aeolus Comp wheels, which make them more durable than your typical bike wheels. With more modern bikes, wheels are designed to last at least five years, maybe more. 

Similar to the suspension system, having price-to-performance quality wheels can make your ride a lot smoother, depending on the wheels. Size is also dependent here, as different sizes offer different unique features. Typically, the front wheel has a bigger impact on the bike’s handling ability, making it easier (or more difficult) to navigate rough terrain.

Wheels are something you do not want to cheap out on. If your wheels were to wear down quickly, it’s a good idea to think about replacing your road bike’s wheels with ones that are built to last much longer. This is because with the various types of terrain you ride on, your wheels will degrade faster than if you were riding on a well-maintained bike trail.

More: Priority 600 Review: Is It A Good Commuter Bike To Have?

When it comes to gears, most geared bikes have one, two, or three chainrings in the front and a range of seven to twelve gears in the back. The Trek Madone SL 6 has top-quality gears that can withstand difficult rides. 

As with any bike, however, you want to make sure you use the appropriate gears depending on if you’re going uphill or downhill. Typically, a lower gear is better for uphill and a higher gear for downhill.

Changing gears is tricky to remember, but just keep a mental note that to go into first gear, you need to move the gear notch down. Shifting the remaining gears is done by moving the gear shift upwards. You want to make sure you don’t handle a difficult trail on your first time because if you find yourself in a dangerous situation, you might not know how to shift gears.

If you have any experience riding a road bike, you’ll know that if you’re not careful, you can brake on reflex and fling yourself over the bars. Accidents happen but it’s definitely better to fling yourself onto the road instead of not having powerful enough brakes and go off the edge of the road. 

More: Discover the Best Recumbent Trike for Seniors On The Market

With the Trek Madone SL 6 , the brakes are Madone aerodynamically integrated and powerful, making them perfect for wanting speed but valuing your safety at the same time. 

Just like with gear shifts, remembering not to brake with both the front and back brake is important. Coming to a complete stop in a matter of seconds is exactly how you get yourself flung over your bars. Remember that your back brake isn’t as strong as your front, so if you want to steadily come to a stop, press down on your back brake.

More: Trek Emonda ALR 5 Review: Is It A Good Bike To Have?

Which is Better for Performance: Trek Domane SL 6 or Trek Madone SL 6?

When evaluating the best performance road bike review , it is essential to compare top models like the Trek Domane SL 6 and Trek Madone SL 6. Both are highly regarded for their outstanding performance. While the Domane SL 6 excels in endurance and comfort, the Madone SL 6 is known for its aerodynamics and speed. Determining which one is better depends on individual preferences and riding style.

What other customers said

Although this bike is one of the best modern road bikes on the market, I still wanted to scour the internet searching for what other people were saying about this bike.

Here’s one:

And another: 

And one more: 

Alternatives

As well as scouring the internet for reviews, I also looked into alternative products that match the Trek Madone SL 6’s speed, durability, and overall price-to-performance.

The first that I found was the Giant Propel Advanced Pro 1 Disc bike. It’s a little bit more expensive than the bike we’re talking about in this article, but not by a lot. Giant is a pretty big name when it comes to manufacturing bikes, as they really got their name by selling all different kinds of bikes rather than their own. 

When it comes to this bike in particular, it’s a little bit of an upgrade as it has Ultegra Di2 included as a feature while the Trek Madone simply has the Ultegra. 

More: Best RoyalBaby Bike [Review and Buying Guide]

A downside to this bike, however, is that Trek really is a popular brand that excels in product quality. They invest so much money into the development and design, which shows when you get one of their bikes in your hands.

Another alternative to the Trek Madone is the Specialized Venge. Both of their brands are pretty well known in the biking industry that produce top-tier aerodynamic road bikes. While the Venge could be considered better than the Madone, it’s also more catered towards experienced bikers. 

If this is your first time owning a road bike, the Trek Madone SL 6 is really the best bike you can get your hands on. It’s fast, has easy handling, and great features while being affordable, at least by road bike standards. 

If you want to buy a bike in your budget, road biking probably isn’t for you.

To break it down even more, follow these guidelines to help you pick out your perfect bike:

Trek Madone SL 6 vs Trek Madone SL 6

• Great for beginners
• Budget-friendly compared to more premium bikes
• Solid aerodynamic features that are great quality

Trek Madone SL 6 vs Giant Propel Advanced Pro 1

• Pricier than the Madone
• Has upgraded features
• Not as user friendly

Trek Madone SL 6 vs Specialized Verge

• Made for experienced bikers
• A bit heavier than the others
• Manufactured by name brand

In summary, the Trek Madone is a great bike for both beginners and experienced road bikers. The ride is impressively smooth, it handles bumps and different lands with its top-tier suspension system and maintains speed effortlessly. 

You don’t need to keep pumping the pedals when you normally would have to in other bikes. Trek as a grand also has some great history, as they really invest in all their bikes, not just this one specifically.

If you’re looking for a road bike but don’t want to worry about safety or a bike that’ll crash on you too quickly, this bike is perfect for you. Even if you’re not sure about what bike is best for you, this bike should tick all of your boxes. 

Click here to go to their official website and look at the specs for yourself, and maybe you’ll even buy it to see what we’re really talking about.

About The Author

Daniel Shakibaie

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Trek Madone SL 6 Disc 105 Di2 Road Bike 2023 in Black

With Pre-Order , you can purchase the latest items added to our store in advance of them arriving with us.

Your Pre-Order is prioritised (at no additional charge); meaning that as soon as the product arrives with us, we can wrap it straight back up; ready for collection via Click & Collect or despatch to you — it often never even hits the stock room shelves!

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Season:2023

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Key Features & Benefits

• 500 Series OCLV Carbon fibre frame: which achieves a superb balance of lightweight, strength and stiffness
• H 1.5 Geometry: developed in conjunction with the Trek Segafredo and Drops pro cycling teams, puts the rider in the optimal aero race position and is featured on the Madone SLR family. It is the sweet spot for what racers want
• Shimano 105 Di2 Groupset: Latest wireless version proven reliable and fantastic value for money

Full Specification

• Frame: 500 Series OCLV Carbon, KVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shape, adjustable top tube IsoSpeed, invisible cable routing, 3S aero chain keeper, T47 BB, flat-mount disc, Duo Trap S-compatible, 142x12 mm thru-axle
• Fork: Madone KVF full carbon, tapered carbon steerer, invisible cable routing, flat mount disc
• Number of Gears: 24
• Gear Shifters: Shimano 105 R7170, 12-speed
• Chainset: Shimano 105 R7100, 50/34, 165-175 mm length
• Chainrings: 50/34T
• Rear Cassette: Shimano 105 7100, 11-34, 12-speed
• Chain: Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed
• Front Derailleur: Shimano 105 R7170
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105 R7170
• Bottom Bracket: Praxis, T47 threaded, internal bearing
• Pedals: Not Included
• Rims: Bontrager Aeolus Elite 50, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 100x12mm thru axle
• Front Hub: Bontrager Aeolus Elite 50, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 100x12mm thru axle
• Rear Hub: Bontrager Aeolus Elite 50, Tubeless Ready
• Front Tyre: Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 700x25c
• Rear Tyre: Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 700x25c
• Brakes: S himano SM-RT70, CenterLock, 160 mm
• Handlebars: Bontrager Elite Aero VR-CF, alloy, 31.8 mm, invisible cable routing, 93 mm reach, 123 mm drop, 40-44cm width
• Handlebar Tape: Bontrager Supertack Perf tape
• Headset: Madone integrated, stainless cartridge bearings, sealed, 1-3
• Stem: Bontrager Pro, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 70-110mm Length
• Saddle: Bontrager Aeolus Comp, steel rails
• Seatpost: Madone aero carbon seatmast cap, integrated light mount, 5mm offset, short/tall size dependant
• Accessories: N/A
• Weight: 56 - 8.70 kg / 19.19 lbs

Size Guide for Trek Madone SL/SLR Bikes

Geometry information for trek madone sl/slr bikes, warranty information for trek:.

Lifetime warranty on Frame sets (frame and rigid fork), main frame and full suspension swing arms for the lifetime of the original owner, and Bontrager wheels with carbon rims. 2-year warranty on Rear suspension linkage components, including bearings, rocker link and accompanying hardware and components, Bontrager wheels with alloy rims, Paint and transfers. For full warranty policy please visit trekbikes.com

Geometry for Trek Madone SL6 Carbon Road Bike

All measurements in cm unless stated otherwise

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Trek Madone SL 6 Di2

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / 47cm, 50cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm, 60cm, 62cm

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame 500 Series OCLV Carbon, KVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shape, adjustable top tube IsoSpeed, invisible cable routing, 3S aero chain keeper, T47 BB, flat mount disc, Duo Trap S compatible, 142x12mm thru axle
• Fork Madone KVF full carbon, tapered carbon steerer, invisible cable routing, flat mount disc, carbon dropouts, 12x100mm thru axle
• Battery Shimano BT-DN300
• Wheels Front: Bontrager Aeolus Elite 50, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 100x12mm thru axle Rear: Bontrager Aeolus Elite 50, Tubeless Ready, 100x12mm thru axle
• Tires Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 700x25c
• Chain Shimano SLX M7100, 12 speed
• Crank Size: 47, Shimano 105 R7100, 50/34, 165mm length; Size: 50, 52, Shimano 105 R7100, 50/34, 170mm length; Size: 54, 56, Shimano 105 R7100, 50/34, 172.5mm length; Size: 58, 60, 62, Shimano 105 R7100, 50/34, 175mm length
• Bottom Bracket Praxis, T47 threaded, internal bearing
• Front Derailleur Shimano 105 R7150 Di2, braze-on, down swing
• Rear Derailleur Shimano R7150 Di2, 36T max cog
• Shifters Shimano 105 R7170 Di2, 12 speed
• Brakeset Shimano 105 hydraulic disc, flat mount
• Handlebar Size: 47, Bontrager Elite Aero VR-CF, alloy, 31.8 mm, invisible cable routing, 93 mm reach, 123 mm drop, 40 cm width; Size: 50, 52, Bontrager Elite Aero VR-CF, alloy, 31.8mm, invisible cable routing, 93mm reach, 123mm drop, 40cm width; Size: 54, 56, Bontrager Elite Aero VR-CF, alloy, 31.8mm, invisible cable routing, 93mm reach, 123mm drop, 42cm width; Size: 58, 60, 62, Bontrager Elite Aero VR-CF, alloy, 31.8mm, invisible cable routing, 93mm reach, 123mm drop, 44cm width
• Saddle Bontrager Aeolus Comp, steel rails, 145mm width
• Seatpost Size: 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, Madone aero carbon internal seatmast cap, integrated light mount, 5mm offset, short length; Size: 58, 60, 62, Madone aero carbon internal seatmast cap, integrated light mount, 5mm offset, tall length
• Stem Size: 47, Bontrager Pro, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 70mm length; Size: 50, Bontrager Pro, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 80mm length; Size: 52, 54, Bontrager Pro, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 90mm length; Size: 56, 58, Bontrager Pro, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 100mm length; Size: 60, 62, Bontrager Pro, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 110mm length

Q: How much is a 2023 Trek Madone SL 6 Di2?

A 2023 Trek Madone SL 6 Di2 is typically priced around $5,199 USD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2023 Trek Madone SL 6 Di2?

The 2023 Trek Madone SL 6 Di2 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: What size 2023 Trek Madone SL 6 Di2 should I get?

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2023 Trek Émonda SL 6 Pro Di2

A carbon frame race bike with upper mid-range components and hydraulic disc brakes.

Manufacturer Price

Émonda SL 6 Pro Di2

In Stock: 62cm

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4'11" – 5'3"

5'1" – 5'5"

5'3" – 5'7"

5'5" – 5'9"

5'8" – 6'0"

5'10" – 6'2"

6'0" – 6'4"

6'2" – 6'5"

• 6'2", size 58cm, Just right
• 5'10", size 54cm, Just right

Nov 2023 · Charlotte Head

Hill climbers push their bikes to the extreme and this Trek Émonda is the perfect example, slimmed down to an

Read Review

Dialed geometry, smooth welds, and an excellent ride feel add up to make the latest aluminum Émonda ALR a great alternative to pricier carbon bikes.

A great riding aluminum frame with dialed fit and geometry

Mostly easy to service, adjust, and upgrade

Official max tire clearance is 28mm

Through the headset cable routing

Oct 2022 · Warren Rossiter

A climb-friendly bike with aero styling

Snappy handling

Fast to respond through the pedals

Power meter included in a fine package

Faster tyres would enhance its ride further

Apr 2022 · Stu Kerton

The Émonda is a classic all-rounder, fun, fast and stiff, although this model isn't the lightest

Internal cable routing gives a very clean look

A great all-rounder

Good finishing kit

Not exactly light

Aug 2020 · James Bracey

Trek's latest GC/climbing bike has undergone an aero transformation, but has it helped?

Efficient power transfer

Excellent handling prowess

Compliant ride

New SL frame has lost some of the excitement of the existing Émonda

Heavy for a 'climbing' bike

Jul 2020 · Dan Cavallari

OCLV 800 launched with Trek's feathery Émonda, but now the brand's flagship aero bike gets this lighter, stiffer carbon — along with a T47 BB.

Have you seen Bontrager’s new Aeolus carbon wheel lineup? Spanning the gap between budget and race ready, the aerodynamic hoops are the perfect complement to another new Trek product launching today – the all new Émonda. Fans of super light, efficient climbing bikes needn’t worry. The Émonda is still as light as ever, but now […]

Jun 2020 · Benjamin Topf

With Trek's completely revised 2021 Émonda SLR 9 eTap, the American brand's lightest frame goes into the 3rd generation. Have Trek managed to design an aerodynamic climbing specialist that performs just as well on flat terrain? How does it compare to the Madone? Our first ride review includes everything you need to know about the brand new bike!

Light-footedness and speed in every situation

High precision

Race-level stiffness when attacking

Coherent overall concept

Tidy look with excellent attention to detail

Race-level stiffness all the time

Last updated May 4

Trek Madone SLR 7 Gen 7 review - very fast and very expensive

The latest Madone may have a hole through the seat tube but we couldn't find any in its performance

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The Trek Madone is an absolute speed weapon. The deep-section tubes with the radical-looking cutout help, as does the newly designed handlebar, which is narrow and provides good wrist support for the ‘aero-hoods’ position. And then there are the 51mm deep Bontrager Aeolus Pro wheels. The handling is incredibly fast, responding to the smallest shift in weight and the tiniest tweaks of the bars, and ride quality is so impressive that it’s almost possible to overlook things like the narrow tires and ungenerous clearance - but you can’t ignore the price. If you have the budget and want a WorldTour-level race machine with exceptional handling and ride feel, this is the bike.

Super smooth ride

Light for an aero bike

Striking aesthetics

Limited adjustability

No power meter

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

• Construction

Value and conclusion

For this latest Gen 7 version of the Madone, Trek’s aero bike, the US brand removed the IsoSpeed Decoupler of the previous Gen 6 model and left, in its place, a big hole.

OK, it’s not the crude, reductionist approach it sounds like.

The old bike’s micro-adjustable suspension system at the top tube/seat tube juncture added weight and was mostly redundant since Trek discovered most riders would ‘set and forget’.

And by radically reengineering the frame Trek claims to have saved 300g, and says the new bike is almost 20 watts faster than its predecessor, which equates to 60 seconds per hour when ridden at 45kph. It looks radical, too - always a good thing for a new bike.

In our 2023 Race Bike of the Year grouptest we awarded the Madone 'best aero bike' against competition that included the Cervélo S5, the Canyon Aeroad and the Giant Propel.

However, over $9K / £10K for an Ultegra bike has to be unchartered territory - so how does it compare overall to the best road bikes ?

Trek Madone 7 Gen 7: construction

Let’s peer a bit more closely into that hole or, to give it its real name, IsoFlow. The aerodynamic explanation for it is: “It’s a way to direct some high energy flow into a low energy region of the bike.” What that means is that the seat tube area creates a disproportionate amount of drag and the hole helps to dissipate this by adding what Trek calls a “jet of fast moving air.”

It turns out that only half of the claimed watt saving comes from the IsoFlow hole. Trek has entered the integrated cockpit wars (along with Colnago, Canyon, Cervélo et al) with a completely new and very slick-looking design but it’s neither adjustable nor V-shaped: according to Trek it saves watts by changing rider position rather than via the aerodynamic properties of the cockpit itself.

A standard 42cm bar becomes 39cm at the hoods and 42cm at the drops and there’s a backsweep so that a flat-forearms aero position on the hoods becomes very aero indeed.

There are 14 different combinations available and, since the backsweep gives the bar a shorter reach, it’s important to get the right one - if you’re like those of us who rode this bike, you’ll need a longer stem. You can change this at point of purchase at no extra cost, Trek told us, or the 1 1/8in steerer is compatible with a non-integrated stem and bar (though the frame is electronic groupset only).

The same goes for the seatmast. The cutout in the seat tube leaves less room for a long seatpost and less adjustability (around 6cm minimum to maximum) so if you are long-legged but prefer a smaller frame you may need the tall version that comes with the size 56 upwards (as I ideally would have done). There are also two offsets available.

Our size 54 with a standard short mast could only manage a maximum saddle height of 74cm and the reach felt very short with the 90mm stem cockpit it comes with.

The latest geometry is called H1.5 (halfway between the old H1 race and H2 endurance). The reduced reach combined with the shorter reach of the swept-back bar works very well for that super aero hoods position, but it does feel surprisingly short. The kamm-tailed rear of the stem is much closer to your knees than you’d expect.

The new SLR bikes are all made from Trek’s 800 OCLV carbon - from the 105-equipped SLR 6 up to the flagship SLR 9 - and are impressively light, especially compared with other aero bikes such as the Cervelo S5. Trek says this is its lightest ever disc Madone.

There’s clearance for 28mm tires max, which is tight by modern standards. This model comes with Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 tubeless-ready wheels, set up with Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite 25mm tires and inner tubes - again, surprisingly narrow.

Despite the fact that the fit wasn’t optimal - I could have done with the size up - the ride quality of the Madone is absolutely incredible. That’s the first thing that strikes you, or rather doesn’t strike you.

Aero bikes used to supply a harsher ride simply because deep, bladed tubing doesn’t flex like round tubing. This was undoubtedly the reason why Trek bolted the IsoSpeed decoupler onto the Madone two iterations ago. So you might expect that with its suspension system gone, the latest bike might have gone backwards in comfort. Not a bit of it.

It feels like a coiled carbon spring - full of potential energy and floating over bad road surfaces seemingly without any effect on its speed. And this is on 25mm tires that aren’t even the best (at this price they really ought to be).

The handling is also exactly right. The shortish 90mm stem section of the cockpit could have made it a little twitchy, but thanks to the sweeping shape I found my weight sufficiently over the front wheel in the hoods position, and steering was fast but balanced on descents and tight corners.

So it passes ‘comfortable’ and ‘fast’ with flying colors (actually Deep Smoke for this one).

At 7.5kg it’s light for an aero bike - or any disc brake bike - and it leaps up hills as if it weighs even less. I was so impressed with its performance that I kept forgetting Trek also has the Emonda climbing bike. The next Emonda has its work cut out (pun intended).

Finally, stability in crosswinds. There’s one particular gateway on my test loop where any bike not designed for big yaw angles will be gusted and the Trek was indeed blown sideways slightly - but not alarmingly considering the deep wheels and frame tubes.

This bike is incredibly good but it’s also incredibly expensive. It’s a full $1,000 / £1,000 more than the equivalent outgoing Gen 6 Madone SLR 7, and you’d have to look hard to find a more expensive Ultegra Di2-equipped bike from the other mainstream brands. 

The Canyon Aeroad CFR with Dura-Ace costs $8,999 / £8,799, while the Cervelo S5 with SRAM Force AXS costs $9,000 / £9,200. The Giant Propel Advanced SL1 also with SRAM Force costs $8,000 / £8,999.

You might also reasonably expect a power meter at this price - those three bikes all come with them - but it’s just the regular Ultegra crankset here.

So the price is stratospheric but compared with the current aero bikes I’ve ridden so far including the Colnago V4RS , Canyon Aeroad SLX , Cervelo S5, Tarmac SL7 and Pinarello Dogma F, the ride quality is superior.

• Frame: 800 Series OCLV carbon
• Fork: KVF carbon, tapered steerer
• Groupset: Shimano Ultegra Di2
• Wheels : Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51
• Tires : Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite 25mm
• Cockpit: Madone integrated
• Seatpost : Madone aero internal
• Saddle: Bontrager Aeolus Elite
• Weight: 7.5kg
• Contact: www.trekbikes.com

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Simon Smythe is a hugely experienced cycling tech writer, who has been writing for Cycling Weekly since 2003. Until recently he was our senior tech writer. In his cycling career Simon has mostly focused on time trialling with a national medal, a few open wins and his club's 30-mile record in his palmares. These days he spends most of his time testing road bikes, or on a tandem doing the school run with his younger son.

The opening stage takes the riders from Venaria Reale to Turin

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A Magazine for Those With a Passion to Travel in Style

Moscow: An Honest Review of this Amazing City

“ You’re going to Russia?!?! Why? ” I heard these words pretty much every time I announced my upcoming trip to the east.

This reaction is understandable. Most people in Europe and the United States have a Putin-provoked distaste of the Russian Federation, which is growing by the day. Politicians claim that Russia’s sole mission is to diminish and undermine western powers to strengthen its own. After all, the name Vladimir comes from two old Slavic words, which together mean “great ruler of the world.” Make of that what you will…

Even the non-political vision of Russia is unfavorable. Most think of a cold, grey, backward place with Soviet architecture or battle-hardened, weather-beaten people. However, arriving at the sleek Moscow Domodedovo airport, I was impressed. I had been right to rebut popular notions of an unwelcoming and stony place.

However, almost immediately after leaving the airport, the ground for my righteous vindication became shaky. Driving into the outskirts of Moscow, my mind drew comparisons to television images of North Korean suburbs. Miles of uniform houses and bleak tower blocks lined the roads.

At the Izmailovov Delta Hotel next to the famous market of the same name, things were not looking much better. Truly peculiar decorations and violently colored walls competed for one’s gaze in the hotel lobby. Luckily, the rooms themselves were perfectly comfortable, though not particularly noteworthy. I’d stay central next time.

After dropping bags, I ventured toward the Izmailovov market for a look at how the locals live. From a distance, the buildings that encase the market are vivid, intricate and quite something to behold. As it was late in the day, the market was empty. Shop shutters were closed and stalls were folded up. I got the same uneasy feeling I get when walking through Disney Land – as if this was what remained after the recent collapse of a utopian society.

While nearly all the vendors had packed up and gone home, a few stalls remained opened for business. All that was left was an abundance of satirical matryoshka dolls containing various countries’ political leaders in historical order.

A tattooed burly salesman came over to me as I withdrew François Mitterrand from the wooden bowels of Valéry Giscard d’Estaing.

“ Where are you from, friend? ” He asked.

Ignoring my response, he launched into a speech about his armed forces days and the political situation in Russia.

“ You really ought not to trust the government, ok? Putin is a dangerous man, you see. Someone’s always watching in this city. ”

The whiff of Glühwein that carried with each sentence made me doubt the erudition of his analysis. Then again… this is what we hear in the news. I was not sure what to believe. After thanking the man and hastily filling Charles de Gaulle with the rest of the presidents of the Fifth Republic, I made my way back to the hotel.

Emerging from the underground we rounded the corner and immediately found ourselves in Red Square. The sight demands you stop and stare.

The insurmountable walls of the Kremlin line the length of one side; halfway along lies Lenin’s tomb and opposite is the lavish exterior of the Gosudarstvennyi Universalnyi Magazin shopping center (or GUM, as it’s referred to, thank God). The architectural marvel of Saint Basil’s Cathedral stands at the south end, with the State History Museum at the other. Even though the foreboding structures radiate a rouge pastel hue into every corner of the square, there is a sense of openness. No-doubt there was a somewhat different atmosphere when thousands of Soviet soldiers goose-stepped through the square. Interestingly, the Russian army still marches like this today.

Walking around central Moscow, history oozes from every spire and pillar. Buildings seem to lean over as you walk past, as if peering down on whoever dares to enter these austere places. For every moment or event in Russian history, there is a dedicated museum.

The quality of each museum is notably high. In particular, the Armory inside the Kremlin holds astonishing collections of royal carriages from across the world and throughout the ages. The world-renowned Fabergé Eggs are displayed here too.

Having wandered around for so long during the day, we had no time to eat before attending the Ballet that evening. Sitting in the Bolshoi, the long day began to catch up with me.

It is now that I must make a confession: while attending a performance by one of the world’s greatest ballet companies, I fell asleep.

Thankfully, I woke up later in the second half and was treated to the final leaps and prances of Shostakovich’s The Bright Stream. As someone who is not a ballet aficionado, that was probably enough.

Feeling significantly perkier afterward, a late dinner was in order. Just behind the Bolshoi is VOGUE Café , a gastronomic outpost of the famous magazine. It claimed to serve an eclectic mix of Japanese, Italian and Russian dishes. Intrigued, we entered.

Adventurously, we accepted the offer of some Russian wine. Full bodied and berried, it was delicious. Our evident surprise led the waitress to explain that Russian food and drink has improved hugely over the last few years. As it turns out, since the United States and the European Union placed sanctions on Russia after their annexation of Crimea, food imports have been scarce. As a result, Russian producers have been forced to meet the demand and quality expected today. As a result, Siberian wines and cheeses now win awards around the globe.

When we left the restaurant, it was late. Only a day had passed, yet we had filled every minute with history, culture and food. The next three days followed a similar format and we continued to make our way down the list of museums and sights. A boat ride along the river is a must-do for alternative views of the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Afterwards, sit on the rooftop Strelka bar opposite the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and watch the 3-mile-long line of pilgrims move slowly forward.

On the third day, we were due to board an overnight train to Saint Petersburg, but there was still so much left to do. Truth be told, it was probably too much for another three days, let alone one.

Nonetheless, I was satisfied. Moscow had revealed itself to be a fascinating and impressive city. While the city infrastructure isn’t as up-to-date as most capitals, the needs of every modern traveler can be met. It certainly isn’t the cold and unfriendly place envisioned by most in the west. Moscow’s winning attribute is its omnipresent sense of untouched history. This is a feature that is so often lost amongst hordes of tourists in Europe’s capitals.

It goes to show: what we hear about places we haven’t been in the news or through general hearsay, we can formulate pretty strong prejudices in our mind. While the political realities may still be ugly, by visiting, you can learn to separate and appreciate the everyday, the culture and the history of a place. On one side of a great red wall in central Moscow, a tyrannical leader works. On the other side, wholly separated, lies a magnificent Red Square where an overwhelming sense of history reveals the essence of Moscow and of Russia. And it is truly remarkable.

Russia Tourism: https://www.russiatourism.ru/en/

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Cigar Reviews by the Katman

Cigars. cigar reviews. life in the rock n roll fast lane….

Home › CIGAR REVIEWS › Hammer + Sickle Moscow City Series | Cigar Review

Hammer + Sickle Moscow City Series | Cigar Review

By The Katman on September 23, 2014 • ( 3 )

Today we take a look at the Hammer + Sickle Moscow City Series.

There are three sizes: Petite Robusto, Robusto Extra 5.5 x 54, and Double Robusto 6.25 x 56. The cigars are blended by Henke Kelner of Davidoff.

The cigars are everywhere online and appear to be price controlled.

There are six different blends: Moscow City Series, Berlin Wall Series, Hermitage No.1, Icon, Tradicion Serie, and Tver(Available only in Texas).

From Hammer + Sickle Cigars web site: “Crafted at the famed TabaDom manufactory, Moscow City boasts a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper, meaning it is Connecticut grown and uses Connecticut seed. We have painstakingly awaited the natural fermentation process of aging to create this premium cigar. “Only a select group of cigars on the market use this wrapper, which is both rare and high-end. It proves to be challenging to work with, yet delivers a maduro taste that is both unmistakable and unrivaled. The initial sweet taste of a Moscow City cigar emanates from the Connecticut seed, but once lit becomes rich and nutty, resulting in a smoke that is full in body and flavor.”

From NH Cigars: “The Moscow City cigars are limited to only 400 boxes worldwide and we are one of the first to offer these fine cigars. I know the name sounds kind of different because it’s not named after some Spanish Conquistador, or a name that you can’t even pronounce, but trust us folks this cigar is truly a legend already. The Moscow City cigars have a well-aged maduro broad-leaf wrapper that is wrapped around a peppery secret blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican ligero long-fillers. The burn and draw on these hot rods are outstanding. The Cigar box is made up of metal that will make a perfect conversation piece.”

The cigar has a nice looking milk chocolate wrapper with plenty of oil. The wrapper is very smooth to the touch. Seams are tight. Lots of small veins. A gorgeous triple cap.

I clip the cap and find aromas of cocoa, hazelnut, strong earthiness, enough spice to make me sneeze three times in succession, and oak. Time to light up.

The Hammer + Sickle Moscow City Series is screaming flavors. It is 5 minutes away from being a flavor bomb.

These cigars don’t need extensive humidor aging. In fact, I’ve only had them a few days. And this stick smokes like it has been aged for months.

The strength starts out at high medium bodied. In a few moments, it should hit medium/full. And I have no doubt it will hit the advertised full body.

Char line is on the money.

I can taste Granny Smith apples. That tart green skin with the slightly acidic/sweet flavor. The apple flavor literally soars.

This is damn fine cigar. Is it a mini-Davidoff? Don’t know. I think I’ve smoked half a dozen Davidoffs in my life and I can’t remember a whit about them. Too damn expensive for the working stiff.

And the cigar hits flavor bomb status.

I am about to begin the second third.

The Hammer + Sickle Moscow City Series has an interesting tobacco flavor. It is intense and painted in broad strokes. It is rich and full flavored. Sometimes, we forget about the actual taste of the tobacco and concentrate only on the foo foo flavors.

The price point. Worth every dime. A perfect example of water seeking its own level by matching a fine cigar with a fair price.

The flavors are: Spice, creaminess, chocolate, nuts, oak, molasses, honey, caramel, green apple, cedar, and leather. Not to mention a rich earthiness.

There is perfect balance. Not a single flavor, except for the heady spiciness, outdoes the other. Picking the order of flavors was near impossible. Each has its place in the puzzle.

Just as I write the above, the Hammer + Sickle Moscow City Series runs rampant in the streets. Flavors explode. The creaminess and cocoa are so intense, I grab a Diet Coke for my egg cream experience. The green apple is right behind. There are raisins now. Completing the fruity portion of this program.

Coffee appears in the form of caramel macchiato. With little chocolate sprinkles. The honey element is strong. Man, damn fine cigar!

I cannot wait to introduce you to the Berlin Wall Series and the Tradicion.

I still have 2-1/2” to go and that makes me happy. The cigar is so jam packed that it is a very slow smoke. I’ve invested 45 minutes into the first 2-1/4”.

Construction is impeccable. No issues from the wrapper. The cap is sturdy. And the char line is dead nuts. I can’t get enough of this cigar.

I begin the halfway mark.

Kelner did a spectacular job. And because of his name alone being associated with the line of cigars, they could have been in the double digit price range. So kudos to Hammer + Sickle for keeping it real, babies.

We are now in uber super-duper flavor bomb status. There is no place it can go from here. The Hammer + Sickle Moscow City Series has one of the most intense flavor profiles I’ve ever tasted.

The strength becomes full bodied. My brain begins to swim like a sea of swarming simbas.

I have the biggest smile on my puss right now. I want more. I smoked the other one last night which brought me to this review. So now I am out of this blend. I would love to get my hands on at least a 5 pack.

Don’t fuck around. Grab that sampler of 6 cigars, from Thompson, before they disappear. At $3.33 per stick, that’s $4-$5 off per stick. It will give you a good idea of which blend you prefer.

The Hammer + Sickle Moscow City Series is as close to a perfect cigar as they come. Of course, that’s my opinion. You may have another. But the fact that it was basically a flavor bomb from the start and the rich earthiness that accompanies it makes it a real experience. This ain’t no yard ‘gar. It is for the experienced palate.

I will review either the Berlin Wall or the Tradicion this week. I smoked a Berlin Wall that was a gift a few days ago. But it was one of the last sticks of the day so while I thoroughly enjoyed it, I missed out on the nuances.

And this blend is chock full of nuance and balance with a mighty long finish.

The flavors are so potent, my palate is in overload. Flavor elements have mellowed a bit but still very definable. So far, the nicotine has been mild.

There is a limited supply of these cigars. And they have mostly flown under the radar. Not much of a PR machine. But that is OK for those of us that have discovered them.

One last time: Creaminess, cocoa, spice, green apple, molasses, honey, sweet cedar, coffee, nuts, caramel, leather, earthiness, and oak.

The Hammer + Sickle Moscow City Series finishes out beautifully. Not a bit of harshness or heat. All flavors intact. But the nicotine level has risen dramatically. I put on my crash helmet so no worries.

Categories: CIGAR REVIEWS

Tags: cigar review , cigar reviews by the katman , cigars , davidoff , Hammer + Sickle Moscow City Series Cigar Review , hendrik kelner

IMO the Moscow city is like the Davidoff maduro on steroids. An excellent cigar.

coultnt resist with this review and at that price…6 already on the way. still saving for the ashton aged maduros…yeesh

ok…yeah…and i kinda want the box…hehe.

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• Payware Airports and Scenery Reviews

Scenery Review : Moscow City XP by Drzewiecki Design

• drzewiecki design

By Stephen September 24, 2016 in Payware Airports and Scenery Reviews

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You fly for hours, anticipating your arrival, wanting to take in the area and the views of another country far away from your departure airport. The airport and the area you leave from is detailed and visually full, and you know you have a great airport scenery waiting for you at the other end of the flight, then when you arrive...

...  Nothing, but flat plain emptiness and the same boring standard X-Plane basic scenery, worse there is no OSM (Open Street Map) data in the tile either, so there is no road or autogen detailing in there as well, just well nothing.

When Drzewiecki Design released their UUEE Sheremetyevo Airport XP , I loved it because it was like a visitor from the Cold War past, the Soviet era, and it was also great scenery and great choice of a destination to fly to from any of the capitals of Europe...  but that was it, just this great airport in the middle of nothingness, bland....   zero ville.

Now Drzewiecki Design has released "Moscow City"  a scenery package to compliment their UUEE Sheremetyevo, and boy how much a difference this release has done to this totally boring area.

To get the full first impression effect I flew JARDesign's A320neo from EFHK Vatnaa, Helsinki to UUEE Sheremetyevo which is flight Finnair AY153 which is a daily 9.25am service.

First Impressions

I was surprised to start picking up scenery still quite away out from central Moscow, as I approached my 6000ft transition altitude. Here there was buildings and houses and the physical visual notes you were arriving somewhere.

Looking hard at the horizon through the A320's windows and you could see the iconic silhouette of Moscow city.

The scenery provides lite versions of all Moscow's Airports, this is UUWW Vnukovo, which was easily recognisable as you flew over. As you fly closer to the centre of the city the density of the objects below becomes quite heavy as the landscape fills in. You have all kinds of infrastructure including, blocks of flats, tower blocks, factories, housing, skyscrapers and almost everything that makes up an urban landscape, in all there is 2000 custom-made buildings that makes up this impressive scenery.

A note here in that you don't get that rolling as you move feeling effect where as it just suddenly appears in front of you and then quickly disappears behind as soon as you have flown out over the area. There is a slight effect of that as there has to be, but only in the far distance and as you can see from the images the views in every direction are widespread and visually it is very good to excellent.

The "Seven Sisters" or "Stalinist skyscrapers" built from 1947 to 1953 are all in the scenery with their "Wedding Cake" architecture or officially  Russian Baroque               - Gothic style. Most famous is the Moscow State University, front and centre of the image below.

Central Moscow is excellent and extremely realistic, and you really need a travel guide to pick out the landmarks and detail, but it is hard to miss the Red Kremlin complex  and St Peter's square from the air.  Both sides of the aircraft is visually full until you have crossed right over the city.

I am not a fan of the generated 3d OSM scenery, but this is very good in blending in perfectly with the X-Plane default scenery and giving you a smooth transition from country to urban and back again with great realism.

Over the city and turning north towards Sheremetyevo, another Moscow airport UUMU Chkalovsky is represented on the turn.

The city skyline is now easily visible on landing at Sheremetyevo, and that really helps in the arrival factor, more so in that the cities building infrastructure spread now comes up and around the airport to fill the gaps to the city itself, and making the original  Sheremetyevo scenery that was so open and lonely in the old X-Plane view is now a big part of the whole in this combination. No doubt it really brings this always good scenery now alive and very usable.

Sheremetyevo Airport

Before we move on to the city itself. It is important to note the area around UUEE Sheremetyevo itself.

Compare the large image above to the earlier image at the start of this review to see the amount of change there is around UUEE Sheremetyevo with the addition of this Moscow City package. The two sceneries are of course meant to be used together, and in reality it would look odd if you had Moscow City scenery installed without the Sheremetyevo scenery included to fill out the northern areas. A highlight is that both sceneries together form a single whole, as the areas between the airport and the central city area are well filled in and that gives you a huge area of coverage and the full visual aspect.

To get a closer lower look at the Moscow Center I commandeered Dreamfoil's lovely Bell 407.

There is a 4.000km² total area covered with this scenery here, and you have expect some sort of building replication to cover all that ground. There is of course but as well in the fact there is also enough variations as to not keep it all interesting and not obviously visually obvious.

The closer you go to the central area, the variations in the buildings change there in style and density as well. And then more of the iconic buildings start to appear as you get closer in again to the middle. The business district is excellent, with a lot of business towers and the more modern futuristic skyscraper architecture that stands out in every view point in eye scans across the city.

The more recent is in tune with the more older Stalinist era that makes up the Moscow skyline.

The Kremlin Complex and the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed (St Basil's) is excellently represented and so is "Red Square"

There are Orthodox churches everywhere and all the big icons in the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Grand Arena of the Central Lenin Stadium, Otkrytive Arena and department stores, museums and power stations and more....

I did have issues with many buildings floating, including the Kremlin. I tried both "Runways follow terrain contours" on and off with no flattening of the objects and there is no information in the manual either on how to fix the problem.

Night lighting is very good, yes there is again a repeatable pattern to the majority of the hundreds of the apartment blocks that does stand out, but the more individual buildings do all have that personal touch and some buildings look really very good.

The highlight here is the business district which looks magnificent and is very realistic from any direction at night as is the lit Stadium.

Although away from the central area the Ostankino Tower that stands 540.1 metres (1,772 ft) tall, and is the tallest freestanding structure in Europe and it looks great at night and is a very good position indicator from the air from any direction.

Included Moscow Airports

As noted also included in the scenery are seven airports and several helipads.

UUWW Vnukovo

The futuristic Vnukovo International is very good for a lite version, with great terminals and lots of small detailing. Only thing missing is the static aircraft and a bit more ramp equipment, but otherwise it is highly usable.

UUDD Domodedovo

The oldest of Moscow's International airports is Domodedovo. Again it is quite devoid of static aircraft and I am not crazy about the blue terminal glass work, but it is still a very workable scenery to use and has a lot of well made objects.

UUBW Zhukovsky

Zhukovsky was a major aircraft testing facility since the  cold war years, with most of the major Russian Experimental Design Bureau's having facilities here. It is also now used by the Ministry of Emergency Situations! and cargo carriers. It was also used as a test site for the Soviet Buran  reusable Spacecraft because it has the world's second longest pubic runway at at 5,402 m (17,723 ft). Mostly it is a collection of very large hangars but has a lot of static aircraft in storage.

UUMO Ostafyevo International Business Airport

A former military airbase. Ostafyevo features a new modern glass terminal, and caters primarily to business aviation.

UUMU Chkalovsky

Chkalovsky is a military logistics airport that is famous for it's support for the Russian Space program and transport to Star City and the Yuri A. Gagarin State Scientific Research-and-Testing Cosmonaut Training Center. Yuri Gagarin left here on his final flight before crashing by the town of Kirzhach.

UUBM Myachkovo Airport

Myachkovo is a small General Aviation Airport that is owned by the Finpromko company. Cargo aircraft up to the size of the Ilyushin ll-76 freighter can also use the airport.

UUMB Kubinka

Kubinka has been a significant Russian military airbase and large airshows are held here to show off the Russian military might.

There is also provided UUU1 Kremlin Airport, within the Kremlin walls, but I couldn't get it to work? There are two pads in H1 and H2.

Your first thoughts after reviewing this excellent Moscow scenery is not with this actual package. You then wish that you could have this extensive scenery at London, Rome, Madrid, Berlin and the list could go on with any of your favorite European Cities, and don't count a load in the Middle East and Asia. But a London scenery like this would certainly be a godsend in our X-Plane world. Drzewiecki Design has already done Warsaw and Manhattan, so there is always hope.

It is not cheap either and you need to add in their UUEE Sheremetyevo scenery package on top of that as well. But you get an awful lot of ground covered here for your money, with the area covered here that is extensive...  huge and flying into Moscow will never be the same again.

A few areas to note in one that in my case a few of the buildings floated, the download is huge load at 1.4gb and this Russian area is not the best for navigation aids and programming FMS units as most waypoints are not recognised. Most of the airports ILS coordinates also have to checked and recalibrated (Drzewiecki Design do provide all the correct coordinates) so there is a little work to do to set up repeat services but the work is worth the results.

Not only is the actual Moscow city and all it's buildings supported, you also get seven (if lite versions) of Moscow's other airports included as well, but the framerate processing of all this huge amount of objects and scale is pretty good to excellent. Framerate does hurt more on a lower (helicopter) level and certainly you need a computer with a little extra power is in no doubt required, but overall for the size of the area the scenery is extremely efficient.

Yes I was impressed by this Moscow City Scenery, as this once very barren area of X-Plane is now a very attractive repeat destination as nothing can give you a greater fulfilment than seeing your destination appear in the distance and then give you a huge visual experience as you fly over and approach your destination.

Moscow City certainly delivers that and more...  Just more sceneries like this please!

Moscow City XP by Drzewiecki Design is NOW available! from the X-Plane.Org Store here :

• Extremely detailed model of Moscow metropolitan area in Russia
• Almost 2000 custom-made buildings and other objects, all high quality, FPS-friendly and with night textures
• Whole Moscow center done in 3D as well as all other important landmarks - museums, palaces, skyscrapers, towers, bridges, railway stations, Zara stores...
• Trains, ships, 3D people, cars, airport vehicles, static aircraft - anything you can imagine
• About 4000 sq.km of photoreal 0,5-1m/pix terrain with autogen
• Sceneries of all surrounding airports including UUWW Vnukovo, UUDD Domodedovo, UUBW Zhukovski, UUMO Ostafyevo, UUBM Myachkovo and UUMB Kubinka, with all airport buildings, detailed layouts, people, airport vehicles and more
• Very detailed Kremlin model with newly constructed heliport

Requirements

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Installation and documents:

Download for the Moscow City XP is 1.47gb and the unzipped file is deposited in the "Custom Scenery" as four files:

DDZ Moscow City XP (3.99gb) - Yes GIGABYTES!

DDZ Moscow City XP Layer 2 (30.20mb)

DDZ Moscow City XP Documents (1.0 mb)

ZZZ_DDZ Moscow City XP Terrain (20.10mb)

Installation for Windows comes with an .exe installer that deposits the files in the correct order required (however I still moved the ZZZ- folder to the bottom via the INI text install list.

Installation Instructions are provided for Mac and Linux

You need to check all airports ILS coordinates are correct, instructions are provided.

Documents: Two documents include

Moscow City XP MacLinuxinstall

Moscow City XP Manual (seven pages)

Review System Specifications:

Computer System : Windows  - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit - 16 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - GeForce GTX 980/SSE2 - Samsung Evo 512gb SSD 

Software :   - Windows 10 - X-Plane 10 Global ver 10.50

Addons : Saitek x52 Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose  Soundlink Mini

Plugins: JARDesign Ground Handling Deluxe US$14.95 : WorldTraffic US$29.95

Scenery or Aircraft

- Airbus A320neo by JARDesign ( X-Plane.OrgStore ) - US$59.95 : A320neo Sound Packs by Blue Sky Star Simulations ( X-Plane.OrgStore ) - US$19.95

- Bell 407 by Dreamfoil Creations ( X-Plane.OrgStore ) - US$34.95

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• 7 months later...

Thank you for this very thorough (as always) review. I just bought it (it's on sale) and have only one disappointment so far: Red Square has no ILS or any landing aids at all for that matter. And what a nightmare of an approach! Also I was hoping the package would include an add-on that gives my c172 a big cup holder for my Stoli. Otherwise the scenery is gorgeous. What a country!

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Moscow Travel Guide

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Why travel to Moscow

Contrasts: 12th century monasteries and some of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe can be found side-by-side in this complex and captivating city. The diversity of this mega-city is astounding. Only a few steps away from the solemn red facade of the Kremlin and the sounds of righteous church bells, a buzzing night scene and alternative-fashion boutiques can be found.

Culture: In Moscow only the best goes. Be it a theatre, restaurant or gallery, the standards are certain to be world-class. The Bolshoi ballet company is reputed to be even better than the Mariinsky’s and “MMOMA” (Moscow’s museum of modern art) exhibits works of art as profound as any that could be found in the famed MOMA.

Convenience: Unlike the rest of Russia, it’s easy enough to get by with just English in Moscow and, driving excepted, it is surprisingly safe: the murder rate is lower than in some of America’s major cities.

Top Sights in Moscow

St. Basil’s

Novodevichy Convent

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Why visit Moscow

It would take more than two days to walk around the perimeter of the biggest city in Europe, Moscow. Many of its inhabitants barely know what’s beyond the few blocks around their flat and there are so many attractions that it’s almost impossible to know where to start. If there is such a thing as an antidote to boredom, Moscow City is it. The mind-boggling range and diversity of things to do, places to eat, parks, historical monuments and more means that a vacation in Moscow has a wealth of activities to offer for every type of traveler, from young families to retirees.

Reasons to Vacation in Moscow in 2022

The Bolshoi theatre is familiar to almost everyone as Russia’s grandest theatre, but what people don’t know is that there are many more bolshoi (big) sites in Moscow that are worth travelling all the way to Moscow to see. For more than 100 years, the world’s biggest bell has been hidden behind the Kremlin’s walls and inside Moscow’s main park (which is bigger than some countries!) there is the world’s largest outdoor ice-rink. Travelers that visit Moscow can stay at the Izmailovo, Europe’s biggest hotel, then eat at the largest and most historic McDonald’s in Europe and after that have fun at the largest European indoor theme park!

Ancient Past & Stunning Architecture:

As those who travel to Moscow will see, just because Moscow is a city of record-breaking, glitzy high-rises doesn’t mean that there is no history. On the famous Arbat street, time-worn, wooden storehouses and century-old churches are squashed up against grey, soviet blocks which are then towered over by 21st century office-blocks. Unlike its much younger sibling, St Petersburg, Moscow’s roots stretch way back to the 12th century. Within the walls of the Kremlin, the city’s oldest building the Cathedral of Assumption can be admired in all its 500+ years of age.

Culture & Convenience

For a foreigner who has never visited Russia, Moscow is the perfect stepping stone into this great land of mystery. From the country’s best classical ballet troupes to snow-white troikas trotting through the parks, all the highlights of Russian culture can be had in Moscow without any of the complications that would be expected in other, less developed regions of Russia.

Cheap as Caviar

In Moscow, everything is bargain when with the current foreign exchange rates being what they are. Even caviar doesn’t seem so dear when the exchange rate is at 60rub to the dollar, so go on indulge yourself! Take your 2022 vacation in Moscow and have the best of both worlds, with European luxury at very affordable prices.

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

We had a great time both in Moscow and St Petersburg. Your travel agency was excellent in coordinating the whole trip. Everything worked like clockwork. The guides assigned to us were very nice and friendly. They had a great knowledge of their subjects. The cars and the drivers were great. The hotels were good and the itinerary was good. All in all, it was a wonderful experience. It was nice dealing with you and your company. Thank you very much for a great Russian experience. Have a great future ahead

• 31 reviews of Express to Russia Moscow Tours in Moscow

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