With the Tour de France kicking off today, bike companies from all over have been unveiling new models and upping their games one by one. Trek is a brand that we’ve come to really admire over the years for its willingness not only to push the boundaries of speed and agility but to do so with sleek designs that make us crave these bikes in our own garages, especially when it comes to its Madone, which debuted back in 2003.
Trek’s latest upgrade of its road racer line is the seventh-generation Madone SLR model, said to be its fastest ever, beating its previous model by 60 seconds per hour, or 19W. The Wisconsin-based company doubles down on its claim with a brand-new IsoFlow technology that evolves the IsoSpeed of the Gen 6 bikes to give you a smoother ride, minimizing impact over bumps in the road, improving aerodynamics, and benefitting from an overall lighter build. To do this, Trek studied the airflow of the highest-drag areas on the Gen 6 bikes using airflow simulation software. The result is the IsoFlow’s ability to smooth the air as it contours over the bicycle, accelerating it through the frame for more free speed.
From there, the details get very arcane and technical, but just know that every aspect, from cockpit to frame, is designed for a more comfortable and speedy ride. Other plusses include new Kamm tail tube shapes, an aero-optimized bar/stem design, and a lighter overall weight to go along with the SRAM Red eTap AXS drivetrain and 800 Series OCLV Carbon laminate.
Available in both standard and eTap versions, with an array of color options, the Madone SLR Gen 7 bikes range in price from $8,000 to $13,200 and can be purchased through Trek’s website for 2023.
