Trek Emonda SL 6

2015/2016
 
5.0 stars
 (37 Reviews)
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Description

When the road tilts towards the sky, Trek's 16.3-pound Emonda SL 6 reacts to every pedal stoke, its OCLV carbon frame and BB90 bottom bracket launching you forward effortlessly. Then, as you get into the business of descending, the E2 head tube keeps the front end nice and stiff, and Bontrager tubeless wheels keep you carving the curves. Along the flats, a full Ultegra 11-speed drivetrain with compact cranks combines with internal cable routing to propel you to faster speeds. And on every road, the Ride-Tuned seatmast is not only lighter, it's more compliant than a traditional seatpost while the full Bonty cockpit is more than eager to add some additional miles.

Features & Info

E2 Head Tube

Tapered head tube and fork.For increased stiffness and improved steering precision, tapered head tubes (see image, on left) and forks pair an oversize lower steerer tube (usually 1 1/2-inch, see image, on right) with a standard diameter upper steerer tube (usually 1 1/8-inch). This combination sheds weight compared to straight 1 1/2-inch systems, and adds stability and stiffness when compared to straight 1 1/8-inch systems. The result is a bike that tracks better through corners while allowing for the use of standard stems.

90mm-wide bottom bracket

Trek's Madone features a unique bottom bracket (image, right) that's 90mm wide (traditional ones are 68mm wide). This wide bottom bracket lets Trek build the frame with larger tubes for increased power transfer. Plus, the 90mm bottom bracket is machined so that the bearings can be placed directly into the frame (image) saving weight (due to fewer parts), ensuring additional pedaling efficiency and simplifying maintenance and repair.

Geometry chart

Pedals sold separately
Weight: 16.29 pounds (56cm)

Consumer Reviews

 
5.0 stars

(37 reviews)

100% of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Light  (5)
  • Fast  (4)
  • Lightweight  (4)
  • Light weight  (4)
  • Too stiff  (4)
  • Climbs great  (2)

Cons

  • Wheels  (2)
  • Buzz through handlebars 
  • Cage bolts poor quality 
  • Entry level wheels 
  • Grip tape poorly wrapped 
  • Grip tap poorly wrapped 

Best Uses

  • Long rides  (7)
  • Racing  (6)
  • Climbing  (5)
  • Group rides  (3)
  • Century rides  (2)
  • Climbs  (2)

 
5.0
Sep 20, 2015

Awesome!

Pros:
feel, Power, Climbing
Cons:
Best Uses:
Everything
This trek SL6 E' monda was recommended to me by local shop, however was never my consideration after wanting to buy a different brand .. Cervello? Wilier? Price? But after resuming cycling after a long break from triathlon and world championships this bike is awesome, light, rigid, handles superb, and I can't believe how well this bike climbs,! Wish bikes were like this 10 yrs ago! This is an awesome bike competitively priced with the European names and a great bike all round, matched with mavic cosmics . Bike is now my daily and long ride and I would happily rate this the best bike I have ever ridden ! We'll done trek!
by Brennno from Port macquarie

 
5.0
Sep 19, 2015

Best all around bike

Pros:
Lighter than I thought
Cons:
Best Uses:
Road cycling
Awesome ride!!!
by Jc from Riverside, CA

 
5.0
Sep 06, 2015

Even a novice can tell the difference.

Pros:
Smooth shifting, Light Weight, Adjustable Gears, Nice design
Cons:
Best Uses:
This bike amazed me. From the first down step on the pedal you start going quick. The components make for a very smooth shift and can be adjusted for just that little extra tweak. This bike is ultra light wight and easy to carry. Worth every penny.
by Novice mel from Calgary, AB

 
5.0
Sep 03, 2015

Love it more every time I ride it!

Pros:
Climbs great, Comfortable, Handles great, BEAUTIFUL, Shifts Buttery Smooth, Light Weight
Cons:
Best Uses:
Climbs, Looking good, Commuting, Fast rides
Better than any bike I ever ridden, buy this thing
by Odin283 from Middletown, PA

 
4.0
Sep 02, 2015

Great ride! Bike is quick and comfortable.

Pros:
Full Ultegra Groupo, Full Carbon Fork, Lightweight frame, Internal Cable Routing
Cons:
Wheels Are Bont Race
Best Uses:
Commuting, Those Yummy Long Rides
I use this bike to get to work as well as those weekend rides to the coast and back (80mls). Over the bike is fast and stable and just plain fun. The one side to the bike that i will upgrade is the stem and drop bars. Going from aluminum to carbon(maybe aero carbon). The headset I'm planning to upgrade to full carbon as well. I would definitely recommend starting with the wheelset upgrade first however.
by Pat from belmont, ca

 
5.0
Aug 31, 2015

Love at first Ride

Pros:
Lightweight, Fast, Responsive, GREAT looking bike, Rigid
Cons:
Best Uses:
Climbing, Century rides, Long distances, Racing
I didn't even know I was in the market for a new bike. I took my Madone 5.2 to my local Trek store for a major tune up and complete power train replacement. That's when they noticed I had cracked my chain stay! (Don't ask) While handling the warranty process, I was offered to use some demo bikes (cleaver marketing/sales ploy). My intent was to try a Domane, when the salesman asked me if I had seen the Émonda. I had not. Next thing I know, I am racing down the road on a stealthy looking SL 6. My first impression was that the Émonda is stiffer but more responsive. It was quick off the start and seamed to transform all my energy into forward motion. Then I tried some hills. This bike wants to climb! The demo bike had the standard 11-28 rear cog, and even though I was use to the 3-chainring Ultregra gearset, I was pleasantly surprised at how well this bike climbed. After taking the Émonda SL6 out for 3 different demo rides, I decided that I needed this bike! I ordered myself a new SL6 in matte black and had them change out the rear cog to an 11-32, add the Duotrap S, speed and cadence sensor that tucks neatly into the chain stay, and then waited impatiently for my bike to arrive. I took my new Émonda out on a quick 26 mile ride the first day I had her. On the second day, I did 55 miles with 5,400 feet of climbing. The bike climbs like a dream! The only thing that I think could have been better, are the stock Bontrager tubes and tires, but at this price point, they had to cut cost somewhere. One of the biggest improvements that I noticed between the Madone 5.2 and the Émonda SL6 is that the Émonda is much more rigid and stabile in the front end. I had speed wobbles on the Madone one time and it scared the hell out of me. The first thing I checked out on the Émonda, was the stability in the front end; I tried to induce a speed wobble on a decent, (something easily done on the Madone) and I could not create the same effect on the Émonda. I couldn't be happier with my purchase and wanted to give a shout out to Jake and Phil at the Trek Store in Santa Rosa, CA...You guys ROCK!!
by Miles from Santa Rosa, CA

 
5.0
Aug 24, 2015

Love At First Ride

Pros:
Stiff, Riding Position, Brakes, Light Weight, Gearshifts
Cons:
Buzz Through Handlebars, Uncomfortable saddle
Best Uses:
Ascending Hills, Descending Hills
A fast climber that seems to take no effort to summit. Point and shoot steering that is a real joy - it goes exactly where you want but is never twitchy. The saddle was a little uncomfortable to start but my own rear end has got used to it. There's also quite a bit of buzz through the bars but nothing major, even on 100 mile plus rides.
by Scotty Dog from Inverness, UK

 
5.0
Aug 06, 2015

Excellent bike and good value vs. the competition

Pros:
Fast, Lightweight, Excellent climber, Sexy, Components, Excellent Value, Comfortable for long ride, Head turner
Cons:
Narrow Tires, Entry Level Wheels
Best Uses:
Endurance Rides, Racing, Weekend Rides, long rides
I spent a fair amount of time searching bikes online and visiting some of the local bikeshops and chain stores. I initially shied away from the Trek brand because of their behemoth status in the industry, but I'm glad that I finally had an opportunity to check out some of their bikes at one of my local shops. The Madone was great, but I'm 44 with a cranky back and wanted something with a slightly more relaxed geometry. The Domane was nice, but felt a bit lifeless on the road. I was coming from a comfy 10 year old steel Lemond, so perhaps my expectations were a bit different for carbon bikes. After trying a few more bike brands and riding at other shops, the salesperson said "we need to get you on an Emonda". After a 15 minute demo ride, I was hooked. The best way to describe the bike is that it provides the perfect balance between race ready and endurance bikes. Fast and nimble, but still extremely comfortable. It's super lightweight, and I'm constantly amazed at the climbing ability of this thing. It feels like I'm being pulled by a cable up the hills. I'm waiting for my friends at the top of the hill now. I've owned it for nearly 6 weeks and have about 400-500 miles and I couldn't be happier. I've added the Bontrager bluetooth enabled computer, and went through a proper bike fitting with a modified stem and cleat positioning. The Ultegra 6800 group is excellent, many compare it to the previous version of Dura Ace. I did upgrade the wheels and tires, which has made a notable difference in the ride quality. It comes stock with Bontrager Race wheels, which is their entry level road wheel and hubset and 23mm R2 tires. I wish they would have at least included the Race Lite edition wheel set, but it's still a lot of bike for the way they've priced it. If you don't want to spend extra on wheels, I'd at least recommend moving up to some wider tires such as a 25mm. I'm 200 lbs, so it made a noticeable difference in the ride quality. I also upgraded the to an 11-32T cassette (my expense) to give me a few extra gears for our steep hills. This required a swap of the rear derailleur with a medium cage. To net things out, this is a fantastic bike that you'll want to ride as often as you can. Go test ride one!
by JMS from Seattle, WA

 
5.0
Aug 05, 2015

Great Bike, Not a Madone though

Pros:
Cons:
Best Uses:
I bought this bike after I was hit by a car in my 2011 Madone 5.1 with SRAM Rival groupset. This bike far surpasses the performance of the Madone with Ultegra groupset. I must say that the Madone was a bit more comfortable ride then the Emonda. That said, the Emonda is responsive, and a great bike!
by JGM from Westchester County NY

 
5.0
Aug 01, 2015

A beast of a bike

Pros:
Black Like The Bat Mobile, Fast, Light
Cons:
Best Uses:
Climbing
I've had the bike for three weeks now and it is a joy to ride. Super light and responsive. Price wise it is a sweet spot with the Ultregra group and decent wheels.
by elosova from NJ

 
5.0
Jul 16, 2015

High Expectations Exceeded

Pros:
Lightweight frame, Plush Drivetrain, Responsive brakes
Cons:
Best Uses:
long rides
I spent more time researching this purchase than I did in Lamaze class for my one and only newborn. My previous bike was a Trek 2.1 (pre-madone) and I wanted my first all carbon bike to be perfect. For me, this bike is perfect. I loved the soft ride of my 2.1 and was afraid I would lose it to this all carbon frame. I don't feel as though that soft ride has been lost. I've put about 600 miles on it over the past four weeks and have not noticed any of the stiff ride complaints that I have heard other opine regarding all carbon frames. The drivetrain is super responsive and very plush. I thought I would miss the SRAM APEX double tap system on my 2.1. WRONG! The Ultegra is a major upgrade. Braking is excellent. Some have complained about the stock seat that comes with this bike. My longest ride thus far has been 105 miles and I have nothing to complain about with this seat. I should note that I wear bib shorts with a medium pad. I LOVE the matte black finish and if I did have a complaint (I don't, BTW) it's that the finish is hard to keep spotless and shows sweat rather tragically. This is a great bike! I expect to ride it for a full IM i am training for this fall and feel as though it is a superior long miles road warrior.
by Craiggers from Columbia, MO

 
5.0
Jul 15, 2015

Great Bike

Pros:
Quality, Ride Quality, Weight
Cons:
Wheels
Best Uses:
Racing, Group rides, Road rides
This is a great bike and rides better than I was expecting it too. Its really a great deal given the quality parts and weight of the bike. The only things i hanged was upgrading the handle bars to carbon Iso Zone and the wheels/tires.
by Rlsmith17 from NW Arkansas

 
5.0
Jul 08, 2015

Awesome machine

Pros:
Light Fast Smooth
Cons:
Best Uses:
Get On The Road
After nearly 30 years of not riding, I have gotten back into riding and this bike has me looking forward to each new ride...light, fast, smooth and responsive are the best things about this ride. Thanks to the pro's at Paul's Bicycle Way of Life in Eugene OR for helping me with the purchase, fitting and general shop talk.
by David in Eugene from Eugene OR

 
5.0
Jun 05, 2015

Snappy road bike

Pros:
Lightweight, Smooth, Drivetrain
Cons:
Best Uses:
Road
This is the first carbon bike I've purchased. Was previously riding a fisher with tiagra drivetrain, what a dofference in bikes. The ultegra upgrade alone is worth the purchase. The bike accelerates faster, rides smoother, and corners tighter. I wasn't sure if I would purchase this bike, but one lap through the parking lost had me sold. I'm also a sucker for the black on black paint job. If you're considering this bike take it for a ride, you won't be disappointed. I also recommend the matching kask flat black helmet.
by Jared from Columbus, Ohio

 
5.0
May 25, 2015

Everything I was looking for

Pros:
Ultegra Gears, Handling, Stiff Bb, Comfort
Cons:
Best Uses:
Anything On Road
Coming from an aluminium bike, this feels light, sprightly, more comfortable, handles way better... it feels eager and responds instantly to whatever you ask of it. I tested a few bikes in this price-range, and it felt the best then, and I still love it now.
by PurpleDog from Hampshire, UK

 
5.0
May 19, 2015

love it

Pros:
Stiff, price, light, New
Cons:
Not really, U May Wanna Upgrade, Wheels, Handlebars
Best Uses:
Distannce, Speed
excellent bike. excellent price point. upgraded wheels to rxl. will upgrade bars when i need tape. I ride longer distance
by Pat from NC

 
5.0
May 03, 2015

Great ride

Pros:
Long Rides Hills, fast and fun
Cons:
Best Uses:
This bike is fast and fun. Great ride compared to my old Trek Alpha 2.1. Amazing the difference and quality this bike offers for the price.
by TJ from Brooksville, Fl

 
5.0
Apr 27, 2015

Amazing bicycle

Pros:
Perfect Fit, Very nimble, Great components, Climbs well, Great All Around Bicycle, Carbon
Cons:
Seat Clamp
Best Uses:
My first attempt at a TREK carbon bike. I am amazed! My local shop (The Bike Lane) fitted it perfectly and I have done nothing but ride the wheels off of it ever since. Love this bike!
by 1969footclutchshovel from Burke Virginia

 
5.0
Apr 25, 2015

I Like it

Pros:
Super Light, Smooth ride
Cons:
None come to mind
Best Uses:
Raging
Really like my bike. It is a real good looking bike and the ride really delivers.
by The Rok'it from Republic of Korea

 
5.0
Apr 21, 2015

Great Value

Pros:
Great handling, Responsive, Stiff, Nimble, light
Cons:
none so far
Best Uses:
Climbing, long rides, Racing
I bought the Emonda sl6 for the race season and am really happy with it. The bike is light and fast and corners very well at high speed. For not being billed as a stiff sprinting machine, it is still very responsive when you need to sprint. As expected, it great for climbing. The frame is made with 5 Series carbon and comes equipped with full Ultegra which gives you a lot of bike for a reasonable price.
by Karl N. from New Berlin, WI

Specifications

Frame
Trek 500 Series OCLV Carbon w/E2, BB90
Fork
Trek Emonda SLR carbon
Rims/Wheels
Bontrager Race
Hubs
See Rims/Wheels
Spokes
See Rims/Wheels
Tires
Bontrager R2 Hard Case Lite, 700 x 23c
Crankset
Shimano Ultegra
Chainrings
50/34
Front Derailleur
Shimano Ultegra
Rear Derailleur
Shimano Ultegra
Rear Cogs
Shimano Ultegra, 11-speed: 11-28
Shifters
Shimano Ultegra
Handlebars
Bontrager Race Lite VR
Tape/Grips
Bontrager
Stem
Bontrager Race X Lite
Brake Levers
Shimano Ultegra
Brakes
Shimano Ultegra
Saddle
Bontrager Paradigm Race
Seatpost
Bontrager Ride-Tuned Carbon seatmast cap