Trek didn’t hold back when it came to advertising the Trek Madone 9.5 Ultegra Di2, calling on dramatic hyperbole to sing its praises: “The Madone is the ultimate fusion of power, aerodynamics, ride quality, and integration […] a marvel of road bike engineering.” They haven’t over-hyped it either, seeing it take top honors in our 2016 group test. But can it still hold its own against the broader test fleet and the newer entries? And can one really call it a marvel?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike for Mallorca?

Trek Madone 9.5 Ultegra Di2 | 7.45 kg | € 7,999

One of the most exciting and eye-opening bikes on the market with bags of technology, the Madone has signature aero tubing, clever aero ‘flaps’ in the steerer to integrate the brakes, a fully integrated carbon cockpit and Trek’s IsoSpeed technology to decouple the seat tube from the frame to boost comfort. The list goes on, with each element enhancing the performance and elevating its distinctive character, further amplified by the matte metallic space-gray paint job with black decals. Even with the more relaxed H2 geometry, the Madone channels an imposing and speedy image with its muscular oversized tubes.

“With its matte metallic space grey paint job and impressive features, is the Trek Madone the 21st-century’s DeLorean?”
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The 7.45 kg Trek Madone retails at € 7,999 and sports the full Shimano Ultegra build. While the price is far from cheap, every penny contributes to its super precise steering, efficient pedaling and rapid acceleration. While a real asset for speed, the Vision Carbon wheels dip below Trek’s normal 136 kg rider weight limit and are only suited to riders weighing less than 100 kg.

The Madone climbs purposefully, even though its 450 mm wide bars and saddle-to-bar drop could lead to you to think otherwise. On descents these elements lead to a less aero position, but the width of the bars lends confidence and elevates the bike’s steering. There’s a lot of comfort donated by the IsoSpeed technology at the rear, which soaks up vibrations without any sense of inefficiency.

Helmet Giro Synthe | Glasses Oakley Jawbraker | Jersey On y Va Maillot Green | Gilet On y Va Chalceco Green | Bibs On y Va Cullette Bib Shorts | Socks The Wonderful Socks TWS#1 | Shoes Sidi Ergo 4

The cork brake pads had a tendency to squeal loudly whilst on the island, heralding the arrival of an oncoming bike. Fortunately, this didn’t impact on the braking performance of the Vision Carbon rims. Given the bike’s integrated seatpost, there’s limited adjustment available meaning less liberty with the sizing. Our test bike in a size 56 was limited to average-build riders between 175 cm and 185 cm tall, so we’d certainly recommend trying before buying.

The Trek Madone 9.5 Ultegra Di2 in detail

Drivetrain Shimano Ultegra Di2, 11spd
Wheelset Vision Metron 40 Ltd, 40 mm
Brakes Trek integrated
Tires Bontrager R2 Hard-Case Lite, 700x25C
Weight 7.45 kg
Price € 7,999
More Info trekbikes.com

With clinical cleanliness, the seductively named XXX Integrated Bar/Stem has exclusively internally routed cables. Of course, go ahead and mount a bike computer or light on the stem.
The Batmobile: We reckon even Batman would be a bit envious of these tidy Vector Wings that smooth airflow around the front brakes.
Limitations on saddle height and flecks left by the seat post clamp aren’t ideal.
The seat tube is decoupled from the toptube with the IsoSpeed decoupler, lending the bike flex and comfort.
No watts wasted with this huge bottom bracket zone.
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Geometry
Trek Madone

Strengths

+ Precise handling
+ Integration and detailing
+ H1 and H2 fit options

Weaknesses

– Squealing brakes
– Limited saddle height adjustment

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike for Mallorca?

All bikes in test: BMC Teammachine SLR01Cannondale SuperSix Evo HiMod Ultegra Di2 DiscCanyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2Cervélo S3 Disc Ultegra Di2Festka Spectre Space Odyssey EditionGiant TCR Advanced Pro DiscHeroïn H1 Limited EditionLapierre Xelius SL 700 UltimateRose X-Lite CDX 8800 | Standert. KreissägeStelbel Antenore


This article belongs to the GRAN FONDO Issue #004. For the full interactive experience we recommend reading it in our magazine app for iPhone & iPad – it’s awesome – and free!


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Words: Robin Schmitt, Manuel Buck, Benjamin Topf Photos: Julian Mittelstädt, Valentin Rühl