Trek Emonda SL 5

Trek Émonda SL 5 - Attractive entry into the Trek carbon class

When deciding to buy a road bike with a carbon frame, the main thing you expect is a lightweight bike. A racer from Trek's Émonda series definitely fulfills this wish. Already the entry with the SL 5 saves noticeable weight compared to a model with aluminum frame. Of course, it's extremely light only three price classes higher, with consistent lightweight construction on all parts. But you generally benefit from the Émonda's excellent aerodynamics. And that's a decisive advantage, especially at high speeds. The optimal ratio between weight and aerodynamics was worked out in the wind tunnel, together with the pro riders of the Trek-Segafredo team. This racer lets you literally fly over the asphalt - but without neglecting the climbing capabilities.

The Émonda SL 5 is equipped with the budget-friendly Shimano 105 component group, whose gear ratio range has recently been expanded to 2 x 12 gears. The 105 disc brakes are among the best on the market anyway. Thus, the Shimano 105 manifests its position as a mid-range reference. Also proven for years are the in-house Bontrager parts: handlebars, stem, seatpost and a tubeless-ready wheelset.

OCLV 500 Carbon - Price and performance in perfect proportion

The OCLV Carbon developed by Trek has been a household name in the scene for years. There are different series for the bike classes, from mountain bike to road bike. The 500 Series variant is slightly less complex in construction than the razor-thin 800 OCLV. Which adds up to a bottom line difference of about 400 grams. The special thing about the new Émonda frames, however, is their sophisticated aerodynamics, which the U.S. manufacturer was able to realize under the weight aspect. Because usually aerodynamically shaped tubes require more material, thus also weigh heavier. Here, the developers managed the feat of laying up the layup at the crucial points so that the frame has the necessary rigidity and strength despite its featherweight. Another property of carbon is its ability to absorb the peaks of vibrations. Studies show that the comfort gain makes the rider tire less quickly than on an aluminum frame. On an Émonda you stay fit longer in the saddle.