Trek Emonda SL 6

Trek Émonda SL 6 - Upgrade: Carbon wheels and electric Shimano shifting

If you decide to buy a road bike with a carbon frame, you expect a lightweight bike first and foremost. A racer from Trek's Émonda series definitely fulfills this wish. The SL 6 can even push the weight further thanks to carbon wheels and a carbon seatpost. Because only consistent lightweight construction results in an extremely light bike. But the Émonda has another ace up its sleeve: Its excellent aerodynamics. This allows you to gain second after second on the flat. 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 ultralight racer lets you literally fly over the asphalt - but without neglecting the climbing capabilities.

The Émonda SL 6 comes with Shimano 105 Di2 electric shifting, for even more precise and faster gear changes. The group was introduced last year and has taken the hearts of ambitious cyclists by storm. Because the market leader Shimano brings with it electric shifting in an affordable price range. The associated 105 disc brakes are among the best on the market anyway. And as if that were not enough, Trek has given the SL 6 a Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35 OCLV carbon wheelset, which fits perfectly into the lightweight concept.

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.