CyclistTrek Madone vs Domane: The best Trek road bike in 2024A few months ago, youd have had three Trek road bikes to choose from. But the launch of the eighth generation of the Trek Madone has seen the bike shed so much weight that Trek is discontinuing its Emonda lightweight platform, as it says that the new Madone is as light as the Emonda but as aero as the previous generation Madone.That leaves just two Trek road bike platforms, the race-oriented Madone and the endurance and all-road-focussed Domane. Both are offered in a range of specs, with the premium models exceeding 10,000 in price.There are more affordable options lower down the tree though. The Madone sticks to carbon, but the Domane offers an alloy frame option that keeps entry-level prices low. Theres even a rim brake Domane AL available still.Here, well run through key aspects of the Domane and Madones specs and features, then well document all the specs available and help you to choose between the Trek Domane and the Trek Madone, if youre looking at a Trek for your next bike purchase.Trek Madone vs Domane: Key features at a glanceTrek MadoneGeneration 8 is both aero and low in weightTwo carbon frame grades: OCLV 9, OCLV 5Trek Race GeometryAero bar/stem on SLR specs32mm tyre clearanceTrek DomaneTwo carbon and one alloy frame optionsInternal down tube storageTrek Endurance GeometryMudguard mounts38mm tyre clearance, 35mm with mudguards Related Posts New Trek Madone kills off lightweight monda Opinion: Your tyres are wrong The complete history of the Trek Madone What type of bike should I buy? Trek Domane SLR review Trek Madone vs Domane: aerodynamicsTrekThe Madone platform has focussed on aerodynamics for almost ten years. In the past, thats led to some chunky-looking bikes with weights to match.That changed with the Gen 7 Madone, which, although retaining quite a chunky profile, shed around 300g from its frame weight, thanks in large part to the abandonment of the IsoSpeed rear decoupler.The Gen 8 Madone has taken that a stage further, losing yet another 320g from the top spec frame, while retaining similar aerodynamic performance to the Gen 7 model. Its IsoFlow seat tube is a little slimmer than that of its predecessor, but there are other aero gains that make up for this.Although it doesnt focus on aerodynamics, the Domane too has aero tube profiles. The latest version is another Trek bike that has lost a claimed 300g from its predecessor.Trek Madone vs Domane: comfortRide comfort is the Domanes calling card. As an endurance bike, its designed to place you more upright, which can help avoid aches and pains in the back, shoulders, arms and neck.Thats augmented by the inclusion of rear IsoSpeed, which decouples the seatpost from the top tube, helping to add more compliance.Trek has been progressively withdrawing from IsoSpeed; the current generation Domane has the system just in the rear and its now non-adjustable, while its predecessor had adjustable rear IsoSpeed as well as front IsoSpeed.One reason is the systems weight. Trek cited the removal of adjustable IsoSpeed as a major factor in the 300g weight loss when it moved from the Gen 6 to the Gen 7 Madone. It also claimed that few riders were making use of the systems adjustability.Dont think that the latest Gen 8 Madone is an uncomfortable bike. Although its Trek Race Geometry (a successor to its H1.5 geometry on its previous generation race bikes) is more aggressive than the Domane, Trek claims that its made the latest Madone 80 percent more compliant than its predecessor.Nevertheless, the Madone Gen 8 is a race bike, so the focus is on speed and performance, rather than ride comfort.Tyres are a major contributor to road smoothing and here too the Domane has the advantage, with 38mm tyre clearance rather than the Madones still reasonably generous 32mm.Trek Madone vs Domane: weightAero race bikes used to be heavy, but theyve gradually slimmed down. The Madone Gen 8 is no exception, with full bike weights as low as 7kg for the top spec model. Thats allowed Trek to kill off the Emonda, its lightweight bike platform. In contrast, we weighed the top spec of the Gen 6 Madone at 7.6kg when we reviewed it in 2019.When compared to the Domane, theres not a huge difference. We weighed the mid-range Domane SLR 7 eTap at 8.2kg and Trek claims a weight of 7.3kg for the top spec Domane SLR 9 bike. Not bad for an endurance bike with 32mm tyres and a hole in its downtube and not a huge amount greater than the Madone, so bike weight isnt a major differentiator.Trek Madone vs Domane: sizingFor a wide range of frame size options, the Domane wins out, with nine sizes available from 44 up to 62.Dont think that the Madones six sizes will make it difficult to find your size though. Although Trek eliminated two sizes available in the Gen 7 bike when it introduced the Gen 8 Madone, it says that this reduces overlaps between sizes, making it easier to choose your frame size if youre at the cusp between two.Trek claims that, despite its smaller number of frame sizes, the Madone will accommodate riders between 143cm and 213cm tall, in contrast to the Domanes 150cm to 195cm.Trek Madone vs Domane: geometryTrek calls the Madone Gen 8s geometry Trek Race Geometry. Its only marginally different from the H1.5 geometry of the previous generation Madone. In the past, Trek offered its race bikes in either H1 or H2 geometry, with H1 being more aggressive, for racers, and H2 being a little more upright, for Joe Average.It pared this down to H1.5 only, as pros generally became less focussed on super-aggressive ride positions. This also avoided the need to produce two sets of framesets, and Trek has now rebranded the H1.5 geo as Trek Race.The Domane, meanwhile, has Trek Endurance Geometry. As youd expect, this is more relaxed for more even weight distribution and stability.Treks different sizing for the Madone and Domane make numeric comparisons difficult. There are the typical differences between a race and an endurance bike though: shorter and steeper head tube, shorter chainstays and wheelbase, longer reach and lower stack on the Madone versus the Domane.Trek Madone vs Domane: frame gradesBoth the Madone and the Domane are available in two grades of carbon fibre. The higher spec bikes use the SLR platform, while lower specs sit on the SL platform. The Domane adds an alloy AL version.Trek calls its carbon frame tech OCLV for optimum compaction-low void. Its an acronym that its been using since its first carbon frames, with increments in the OCLV number.So the latest Madone SLR has OCLV 900 carbon, while the Domane SLR has OCLV 800 carbon. The Madone SL and Domane SL, meanwhile, are both fabricated with OCLV 500 carbon.In general, higher numbers mean lower weight, but theres probably not a lot to differentiate OCLV 900 and OCLV 800. Any differences in frame weight and stiffness are more down to frame design.Trek Madone vs Domane: gearing and groupsetsEndurance bikes generally offer lower gearing and wider spreads than race bikes and the Domane is no exception. All specs are equipped with a 50/34t compact crankset or its SRAM equivalent, 46/33t. All get a wide-range cassette: 11-34t or 11-32t for Shimano or 10-33t or 10-36t for SRAM.The Domane offers a wide range of Shimano groupsets, from 12-speed Dura-Ace to 8-speed Claris. SRAM groupsets are all 12-speed wireless and range from the latest SRAM Red AXS, via Force AXS to Rival AXS.The Madone, meanwhile, is equipped with higher ratios, with Shimano bikes having a semi-compact 52/36t crankset or SRAM 48/35t. Cassettes are narrower range too on higher spec bikes, with 11-30t on Shimano and 10-33t on SRAM spec bikes, although an 11-34t or 10-36t feature lower down the range.The lowest Shimano spec Madone has 12-speed 105 mechanical shifting, while SRAM specs include a Rival AXS option.The Madone is designed for pro-level racing and can also accommodate larger chainrings to satisfy the pros: a 56/43t double or a 54t 1x.The carbon Domane, because of its tyre clearance, is limited to a 52/36t maximum and the alloy bike to 50/34t. As with its predecessor, the Domane can be configured for 1x though, with a 48t maximum chainring.Lizzie Deignan won the inaugural Paris-Roubaix Femmes in 2021 on a Domane equipped with a 1x groupset and Elisa Longo Borghini repeated the feat on a 1x bike in 2022.Trek Madone vs Domane: handlebarsTrekAnother differentiator between the Madone and the Domane is the handlebars.Even the highest spec Domane SLR models are equipped with a separate bar and stem, offering adjustability. The Bontrager Pro ISoCore VR-SF bar is carbon and includes Treks IsoCore tech, which is claimed to reduce road vibration by 20 percent. You can add under-bar tape pads to make things even smoother. Theres a 4 degree flare to the drops.Domane SL and higher spec Domane AL models swap to the Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF alloy bar, while theres another alloy bar on the lower spec AL models.The Madone SLR, meanwhile, has a single piece bar/stem. Its carbon Trek Aero RSL Road bar has a slightly deeper section to the tops than the Gen 7 Madones bar/stem. Trek says that its wind tunnel testing shows that this is more aero than the Madone 7s as it deflects the wind more effectively from the riders legs.The Madones bar/stem also has a more pronounced 6 degree flare than the Domanes bars. This places the riders hands 3cm closer together on the tops than in the drops, providing a more aero ride position while still offering control when descending.The SL grade Madones have a two-piece bar and stem, with the carbon bars also designed with aero tops and a flare. Related Posts New Trek Madone kills off lightweight monda Opinion: Your tyres are wrong The complete history of the Trek Madone What type of bike should I buy? Trek Domane SLR review Trek Madone vs Domane: ranges comparedNext, well run through all the specs available for the Madone and the Domane, along with their prices.Trek Madone bike rangeTrekThe Madone Gen 8 is offered in four SLR specs with the higher grade 900 Series OCLV carbon and another four SL specs with OCLV 500 grade carbon. As of July 2024, you can also still buy the Gen 7 Madone, which weve not covered here.Madone SLR 9 AXS Gen 8Frame/fork: Madone Gen 8 900 Series OCLV CarbonHandlebars: Trek Aero RSL Road one-piece carbonGroupset: SRAM Red AXS 12-speed, 48/35t, 10-33tPower meter: SRAM RedWheels: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 carbonSaddle: Bontrager Aeolus RSL carbon railClaimed weight: 7.00kg (size ML)Price: 12,500Madone SLR 9 Gen 8Frame/fork: Madone Gen 8 900 Series OCLV CarbonHandlebars: Trek Aero RSL Road one-piece carbonGroupset: Shimano Dura-Ace 12-speed, 52/36t, 11-30tPower meter: NoWheels: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 carbonSaddle: Bontrager Aeolus RSL carbon railClaimed weight: 7.08kg (size ML)Price: 12,000Madone SLR 7 AXS Gen 8Frame/fork: Madone Gen 8 900 Series OCLV CarbonHandlebars: Trek Aero RSL Road one-piece carbonGroupset: SRAM Force AXS 12-speed, 48/35t, 10-33tPower meter: SRAM ForceWheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 carbonSaddle: Bontrager Aeolus Pro carbon railClaimed weight: 7.43kg (size ML)Price: 8,500Madone SLR 7 Gen 8Frame/fork: Madone Gen 8 900 Series OCLV CarbonHandlebars: Trek Aero RSL Road one-piece carbonGroupset: Shimano Ultegra 12-speed, 52/36t, 11-30tPower meter: NoWheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 carbonSaddle: Bontrager Aeolus Pro carbon railClaimed weight: 7.31kg (size ML)Price: 8,000Madone SL 7 Gen 8Frame/fork: Madone Gen 8 500 Series OCLV CarbonHandlebars: Bontrager RSL Aero carbon on Trek RCS Pro alloy stemGroupset: Shimano Ultegra 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34tPower meter: NoWheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 carbonSaddle: Bontrager Aeolus Elite alloy railClaimed weight: 7.88kg (size ML)Price: 6,000Madone SL 6 AXS Gen 8Frame/fork: Madone Gen 8 500 Series OCLV CarbonHandlebars: Bontrager Comp alloy on Trek RCS Pro alloy stemGroupset: SRAM Rival 12-speed, 48/35t, 10-36tPower meter: SRAM RivalWheels: Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35 carbonSaddle: Bontrager Aeolus Comp steel railClaimed weight: 8.43kg (size ML)Price: 4,750Madone SL 6 Gen 8Frame/fork: Madone Gen 8 500 Series OCLV CarbonHandlebars: Bontrager Comp alloy on Trek RCS Pro alloy stemGroupset: Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34tPower meter: NoWheels: Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35 carbonSaddle: Bontrager Aeolus Comp steel railClaimed weight: 8.16kg (size ML)Price: 4,250Madone SL 5 Gen 8Frame/fork: Madone Gen 8 500 Series OCLV CarbonHandlebars: Bontrager Comp alloy on Trek RCS Pro alloy stemGroupset: Shimano 105 mechanical 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34tPower meter: NoWheels: Bontrager Paradigm SLSaddle: Bontrager Aeolus Comp steel railClaimed weight: 8.70kg (size ML)Price: 3,250Trek Madone Gen 8 framesetThe Madone frameset is available at both the SLR level with 900 Series carbon, priced at 4,575, and SL level with 500 Series carbon, for 2,750. Trek also sells a variety of previous generation Madone frames.Trek Domane bike rangeWith both carbon and alloy options, the Domane offers a lot of choice: there are six SLR and five SL grade carbon bikes, plus another four alloy ones available.Domane SLR 9 AXS Gen 4Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeedFork: Domane SLR carbonHandlebars: Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF carbon on Trek RCS Pro stemGroupset: SRAM Red AXS 12-speed, 46/33t, 10-33tPower meter: SRAM RedWheels: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 carbonSaddle: Verse Short Pro carbon railClaimed weight: 7.59kg (size 56)Price: 10,975Domane SLR 9 Gen 4Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeedFork: Domane SLR carbonHandlebars: Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF carbon on Trek RCS Pro stemGroupset: Shimano Dura-Ace 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34tPower meter: NoWheels: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 carbonSaddle: Verse Short Pro carbon railClaimed weight: 7.25kg (size 56)Price: 10.500Domane SLR 7 AXS Gen 4Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeedFork: Domane SLR carbonHandlebars: Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF carbon on Trek RCS Pro stemGroupset: SRAM Force AXS 12-speed, 46/33t, 10-36tPower meter: SRAM ForceWheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 carbonSaddle: Verse Short Pro carbon railClaimed weight: 8.29kg (size 56)Price: 8,225Domane SLR 7 Gen 4Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeedFork: Domane SLR carbonHandlebars: Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF carbon on Trek RCS Pro stemGroupset: Shimano Ultegra 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34tPower meter: NoWheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 carbonSaddle: Verse Short Pro carbon railClaimed weight: 7.89kg (size 56)Price: 7,800Domane SLR 6 AXS Gen 4Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeedFork: Domane SLR carbonHandlebars: Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF carbon on Trek RCS Pro stemGroupset: SRAM Rival AXS 12-speed, 46/33t, 10-36tPower meter: SRAM RivalWheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 carbonSaddle: Verse Short Elite steel railClaimed weight: 8.35kg (size 56)Price: 7,400Domane SLR 6 Gen 4Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeedFork: Domane SLR carbonHandlebars: Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF carbon on Trek RCS Pro stemGroupset: Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34tPower meter: NoWheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 carbonSaddle: Verse Short Elite steel railClaimed weight: 8.25kg (size 56)Price: 6,950Domane SL 7 AXS Gen 4Frame: 500 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeedFork: Domane SL carbonHandlebars: Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF alloy on Trek RCS Pro stemGroupset: SRAM Force AXS 12-speed, 46/33t, 10-36tPower meter: SRAM ForceWheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 carbonSaddle: Verse Short Comp steel railClaimed weight: 8.48kg (size 56)Price: 6,475Domane SL 7 Gen 4Frame: 500 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeedFork: Domane SL carbonHandlebars: Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF alloy on Trek RCS Pro stemGroupset: Shimano Ultegra 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34tPower meter: NoWheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 carbonSaddle: Verse Short Comp steel railClaimed weight: 8.26kg (size 56)Price: 6,025Domane SL 6 AXS Gen 4Frame: 500 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeedFork: Domane SL carbonHandlebars: Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF alloy on Trek RCS Pro stemGroupset: SRAM Rival AXS 12-speed, 46/33t, 10-36tPower meter: NoWheels: Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25 alloySaddle: Verse Short Comp steel railClaimed weight: 8.89kg (size 56)Price: 4,625Domane SL 6 Gen 4Frame: 500 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeedFork: Domane SL carbonHandlebars: Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF alloy on Trek RCS Pro stemGroupset: Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34tPower meter: NoWheels: Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25 alloySaddle: Verse Short Comp steel railClaimed weight: 8.90kg (size 56)Price: 4,175Domane SL 5 Gen 4Frame: 500 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeedFork: Domane SL carbonHandlebars: Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF alloy on Trek RCS Pro stemGroupset: Shimano 105 mechanical 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34tPower meter: NoWheels: Bontrager Paradigm SL alloySaddle: Verse Short Comp steel railClaimed weight: 9.02kg (size 56)Price: 3,000Domane AL 5 Gen 4Frame: 100 Series Alpha AluminiumFork: Domane AL carbonHandlebars: Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF alloy on Bontrager Elite stemGroupset: Shimano 105 mechanical 12-speed, 50/34t, 11-34tPower meter: NoWheels: Bontrager Paradigm SL alloySaddle: Verse Short steel railClaimed weight: 9.85kg (size 56)Price: 2,000Domane AL 4 Gen 4Frame: 100 Series Alpha AluminiumFork: Domane AL carbonHandlebars: Bontrager Comp alloy on Bontrager Elite stemGroupset: Shimano Tiagra 10-speed, 50/34t, 11-32tPower meter: NoWheels: Bontrager Paradigm SL alloySaddle: Verse Short steel railClaimed weight: 10.35kg (size 56)Price: 1,700Domane AL 2 Gen 4Frame: 100 Series Alpha AluminiumFork: Domane AL carbonHandlebars: Bontrager Comp alloy on Bontrager Elite stemGroupset: Shimano Claris 8-speed, RS200 crankset, 50/34t, 11-32tPower meter: NoWheels: Bontrager Paradigm SL alloySaddle: Verse Short steel railClaimed weight: 10.55kg (size 56)Price: 1,050Domane AL 2 RimFrame: 100 Series Alpha AluminiumFork: Domane AL carbonHandlebars: Bontrager Comp VR-C alloy on Bontrager Elite stemGroupset: Shimano Claris 8-speed, RS200 crankset, 50/34t, 11-32tPower meter: NoWheels: Bontrager alloySaddle: Verse Comp steel railClaimed weight: 9.57kg (size 56)Price: 750Trek Domane Gen 4 framesetTrek offers the Domane frameset-only, with the 800 Series OCLV frame sold as either RSL or SLR priced at 4,900. Theres limited stock of previous year frames priced at 4,510. Theres also an SL grade frame built with 500 Series OCLV carbon available at 2,795.Trek Madone vs Domane: which should you choose?TrekFor the performance road rider, the Madone makes a compelling case. The new bike is more compliant than its predecessor, as well as being lighter. If your budget stretches to the Madone SLR, youll get low weight and deep integration. The bike looks the part and its seat tube design turns heads and stands out from the aero bike crowd.If youre looking at the Madone SL theres more adjustability through the two-piece cockpit, so you may find it easier to get comfortable. But, as always, theres a weight penalty and lower spec components that come with the lower price, so you need to be happy to accept this.In both cases, youll need to enjoy the pro-focused ride position to get the best out of the bike.The endurance-focussed Domane is likely to prove more comfortable for many riders. If you like to head off-road a bit, the Domanes all-road credentials offer a less aggressive ride position and significantly wider tyre clearance. Both make for added comfort over the Madone, but may lead to slower progress. The carbon bikes down tube storage and the mudguard mounts on both framesets make the Domane more of an all-rounder ride too.Read our full review of Trek Domane SLR and our Madone Gen 8 launch story for more. Related Posts New Trek Madone kills off lightweight monda Opinion: Your tyres are wrong The complete history of the Trek Madone What type of bike should I buy? Trek Domane SLR review The post Trek Madone vs Domane: The best Trek road bike in 2024 appeared first on Cyclist.

Trek has extended the on-trail behaviour of its popular all-rounder the Top Fuel, with subtle geometry and suspension updates for 2025.Also refined rather than redesigned are its internal frame storage compartment and door, while shock compatibility is broadened for a wider (120mm to 130mm) travel band.All stock models run 29in wheels front and rear,except for the small, which uses 27.5in hoops. But Treks Mino Link means fans of mixed wheels (29in front, 27.5in rear) can give the Top Fuel a more shred-ready setup.Standout geometry figures include a 65.5-degree head tube angle, a 76-degree seat tube angle and size-specific chainstays, from 435mm to 445mm.The seven-bike range spans both alloy and carbon frame constructions, with the most affordable Top Fuel 5 costing 2,500 / $2,699.99 and the top-end Top Fuel 9.9 XX AXS going for a whopping 10,000 / $10,499.99.Better storage and a lighter frameThe frame storage door and aperture have been updated. - TrekTrek claims both the alloy and carbon fibre versions of the new Top Fuel Gen 4 have lost 220g compared to their outgoing versions.Claimed full-bike weights start at 15.9kg for the medium Top Fuel 5 and drop more than 2kg to 12.85kg for the medium range-topping 9.9.We tested the previous-generation Top Fuel 8 as part of 2022s Bike of the Year and it tipped our scales at 14.8kg (size large, without pedals).The 2025 Top Fuel 8, in a medium, is claimed to weigh 14.58kg, a saving of and there are no prizes for guessing 220g!Trek says it has saved weight by redesigning its tubes with smaller profiles and softer edges and by reducing stiffness.According to the brand, this reduces mass and improves the ride quality of the bike, making it more balanced and forgiving than the Gen 3.The integrated down tube storage and its access door have also been redesigned.The door now has a tighter seal and a bigger opening, so water is less likely to get in, and sliding stashed items in and out will be easier.Trek also says gear, dropper and brake cables which route via the down tube are better protected to avoid snagging with the supplied BITS bags.And those bags have also been overhauled.Carbon fibre frames get two bags; a padded tool bag and a second, unpadded bag for tubes, both made from a ripstop material. Alloy frames only get one redesigned BITS bag.Details matterIt's a downcountry bike with intent. - TrekGear, dropper and brake cables are routed via ports on the side of the down tube instead of through the headset which no longer gets Trek's signature Knock Block design.The 2025 Top Fuels bars can be rotated through 360 degrees, if thats your bag.Dropper post insertion has also been improved, so longer-travel posts can be fitted.SRAMs Universal Derailleur Hanger/Full Mount dropout is of course fitted and specced.All frame sizes have a single water bottle mount on the frame's internal storage door. The size small can fit a 620ml bottle, while the medium and above have space for a 760ml bottle.Upping travel and progressionThe Top Fuel's Mino Link now has four adjustment positions. - TrekThanks to two additional positions on the lower shock mount Mino Link flip chip, the Top Fuels suspension kinematics can be tuned.According to Trek, the forward position is 14 per cent progressive, while the rear position is 19 per cent progressive.In the more progressive position, the leverage rate starts higher than the less progressive setting, but at full travel both settings terminate at roughly the same ratio.This means the more progressive position will have a softer, more supple starting stroke compared to the less progressive setting, but both ramp up towards the end of their travel to provide similar bottom-out resistance.The less progressive setting will ramp up more gradually, because the leverage rate doesn't change as quickly or as much.Anti-squat how much the bike resists pedal bob has been increased slightly compared to the old model, now sitting just above 100 per cent at full travel.The Gen 4s frame travel remains unchanged at 120mm, but the latest Top Fuel is compatible with a longer-stroke shock. Up the stock 180x50mm shock to a 180x55mm version and travel is increased to 130mm.Its the same story for the fork. The Stock 130mm fork can be switched to a 140mm model for a more shred-ready frame.The mixed-wheel setup requires a 140mm-travel fork and for the Mino Link to be set in its high position.You can also down-fork the Top Fuel to a 120mm version, potentially making it ready for XC racing.Geometry tweaksYou can change the fork and switch to a mullet setup for increased downhill performance. - TrekAlthough the longer, slacker, lower trend is still ongoing, the rate of progress has been abated as geometry figures converge on an increasingly unified sweet spot.But this means brands are focusing their efforts on other areas to refine rather than revolutionise handling.The 2025 Top Fuel Gen 4 is a great example of this.Its head angle is either 65 or 65.9 degrees, depending on the Mino Links high or low positioning, while the seat tube angle is around 76 degrees for both settings.Reach figures in the five-size line-up (small to extra-large) start at 417mm and rise to 507mm.Fitting a 27.5in rear wheel and 140mm fork slackens the head angle to 64.6 degrees and the seat tube to 75 degrees. SizeSmallMediumMedium-longLargeExtra-large Reach (mm)417447462477407 Stack (mm)570603607612630 Bottom bracket height low/high (mm)342/348345/351345/351345/351345/351 Seat tube angle low/high (degrees)76/76.576.9/77.376.2/76.675.9/76.375.2/75.6 Head tube angle low/high (degrees)65.5/65.965.5/65.965.5/65.965.5/65.965.5/65.9 Wheelbase (mm)11511188121012271271 Chainstay length (mm)435435440440445 Edit Table Trek has made the biggest improvements to the chainstays, which are now size-specific.The small and medium bikes get 435mm stays, the medium-long and large are 440mm, while the extra-large lifts that figure to 445mm.Interestingly, each size shares chainstays; its the front ends that differ, with bottom-bracket placement moving in relation to the rear axle and main pivot to give the extra length.2025 Trek Top Fuel Gen 4 models and pricingWith no fewer than seven bikes in its latest Top Fuel line-up, Trek is hoping to cater for all price points.Starting at 2,500 / $2,699.99 for the Top Fuel 5, this alloy-framed bike features a RockShox Recon fork and X-Fusion shock, along with Shimanos Deore M6100 drivetrain.At the other end of the spectrum is the Top Fuel 9.9 XX AXS, boasting a full carbon fibre construction, RockShox Pike Ultimate and Deluxe Ultimate shock, along with SRAMs XX Transmission. However, it costs a chunky 10,000 / $10,499.99.Trek Top Fuel 5Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminium, 120mm travelFork/shock: RockShox Recon Silver RL, 130mm travel / X-Fusion Pro 2Wheelset/tyres: Bontrager Line 30 / Bontrager Gunnison Elite XR 29x2.4inDrivetrain: Shimano Deore M6100Seatpost/saddle: TranzX / Bontrager Verse ShortBrakes: Shimano MT200Price: 2,500 / $2,699.99Trek Top Fuel 8Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminium, 120mm travelFork/shock: Fox Rhythm 34, 130mm travel / Fox Performance Float DPSWheelset/tyres: Bontrager Line Comp 30 / Bontrager Gunnison Pro XR 29x2.4inDrivetrain: Shimano XT M8100Seatpost/saddle: Bontrager Line Dropper / Bontrager Verse P3Brakes: Shimano M6100Price: 3,500 / $3,999.99Trek Top Fuel 9Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminium, 120mm travelFork/shock: Fox Rhythm 34, 130mm travel / Fox Performance Float DPSWheelset/tyres: Bontrager Line Comp 30 / Bontrager Gunnison Pro XR 29x2.4inDrivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle AXS TransmissionSeatpost/saddle: Bontrager Line Dropper / Bontrager Verse Short CompBrakes: SRAM Level BronzePrice: 4,500 / $4,799.99Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XTTrek Top Fuel 9.8 XT. - TrekFrame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, 120mm travelFork/shock: RockShox Pike Select+, 130mm travel / RockShox Deluxe UltimateWheelset/tyres: Bontrager Line Comp 30 / Bontrager Gunnison RSL XT 29x2.4in, Bontrager Montrose RSL XT 29x2.4inDrivetrain: Shimano XT M8100Seatpost/saddle: Bontrager Line Dropper / Bontrager Verse Short CompBrakes: Shimano XT M8100Price: 6,000 / $6,249.99Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXSTrek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS. - TrekFrame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, 120mm travelFork/shock: RockShox Pike Select+, 130mm travel / RockShox Deluxe UltimateWheelset/tyres: Bontrager Line Comp 30 / Bontrager Gunnison RSL XT 29x2.4in, Bontrager Montrose RSL XT 29x2.4inDrivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle AXS TransmissionSeatpost/saddle: Bontrager Line Dropper / Bontrager Verse Short CompBrakes: SRAM Level BronzePrice: 6,500 / $6,999.99Trek Top Fuel 9.9 X0 AXSTrek Top Fuel 9.9 Gen 4 X0 AXS. - TrekFrame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, 120mm travelFork/shock: RockShox Pike Ultimate 130mm travel / RockShox Deluxe UltimateWheelset/tyres: Bontrager Line Pro 30 / Bontrager Gunnison RSL XT 29x2.4in, Bontrager Montrose RSL XT 29x2.4inDrivetrain: SRAM X0 Eagle AXS TransmissionSeatpost/saddle: RockShox Reverb AXS / Bontrager Verse Short ProBrakes: SRAM Level SilverPrice: 8,500 / $8,499.99Trek Top Fuel 9.9 X0 AXSTrek Top Fuel 9.9 Gen 4 XX AXS. - TrekFrame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, 120mm travelFork/shock: RockShox Pike Ultimate 130mm travel / RockShox Deluxe UltimateWheelset/tyres: Bontrager Line Pro 30 / Bontrager Gunnison RSL XT 29x2.4in, Bontrager Montrose RSL XT 29x2.4inDrivetrain: SRAM XX/XX SL Eagle AXS TransmissionSeatpost/saddle: RockShox Reverb AXS / Bontrager Verse Short ProBrakes: SRAM Level Ultimate Price: 10,000 / $10,499.99

CyclistDoes cycling have a problem with over-the-counter medication? Part 2: EthicsIn the second of a three-part series read the first part here investigating the use of store-bought rugs for enhancing performance, Cyclist asks what the moral dilemma might be. One of the most important questions in all of this is why does it really matter? Beyond the health considerations, thats where Ask Vest Christiansen, associate professor at the Department of Public Health and Sport Science at Aarhus University in Denmark, comes back in. Hes spent his professional life examining the attitudes and norms toward doping and what it says about humans and their values. It is, he concludes, complicated.Many see anti-doping as black and white, he says. But when you dig a little deeper, you can see theres an incoherence and inconsistency in their outlook. When I do talks, I often ask the audience, whats the definition of doping? They reply that its performance-enhancing and unnatural. I say, so Coca Cola then. It contains caffeine, which is a proven performance-enhancer, its not natural and okay, its not illegal but it used to be, before it was removed from the list in 2004, partly because its so commonplace in society and it wasnt a great look when Coca Cola was the main sponsor.Okay, they might reply again, but what about if somethings natural? That is fine. So you can extract your blood and reinfuse it, I say. Thats pretty natural as its all your own blood. So, is that okay? Not at all, they reply.You find with doping, whether at recreational or elite level, the less you know, the clearer your views. The more you look into this area, the less clear you are.Which, certainly when it comes to legal over-the-counter (OTC) medication, ultimately comes down to a cyclists individual stance. Take retired American professional Taylor Phinney, who became a vocal advocate to stop popping the pills. I love to see @StevoCummings win, he wrote on his Twitter account in 2012. He, like me, follows his own personal policy of no caffeine pills and no painkillers. Purest of the pure!Ive always been someone who likes to rely on my own body to solve any sort of sickness, a cold or fever, as opposed to just jumping into taking Tylenol or whatever, he explained in a later interview, so I wasnt really comfortable with the whole painkiller/caffeine type of thing. In addition to that, it just felt uncomfortable that I would be fooling my body into feeling something that it wasnt supposed to be feeling.You must ask why are you taking a painkiller? You are doing that to mask effects that riding a bike is going to have on your body essentially, you are taking a painkiller to enhance your performance.But the whole reason we get into sport in the first place is to test our bodies, to test our limits. If youre taking something that is going to boost your performance, that is not exactly being true to yourself, not exactly being true to your sport. Related Posts Does cycling have a problem with over-the-counter medication? Part 1: The study, the law and Tramadol Cycling books: Riding with the Rocketmen by James Witts Doping in cycling: Everything you need to know Ketones for cycling: What are they, do they work and are they banned? Renaissance man: Taylor Phinney profile Doug Pensinger/Getty ImagesSeen through an academic lens, this is moral disengagement. Moral disengagementis a term evolved from developmental psychology and concerns the process of convincing the self that ethical standards do not apply to oneself in a particular context, in this situation road cycling. This is done by disabling the mechanism of self-condemnation. Thus, moral disengagement involves a process of cognitive re-construing or re-framing of potentially destructive behaviour as being morally acceptable without changing the behaviour or the moral standards.In Christiansens 2023 paper that kickstarted this Tour de OTC Medication, they asked the participants to reply on a sliding scale of one to seven, how much do you agree with a specific statement? The question might be something like, is it okay to use an OTC medication because everybodys using it? Or its okay to use because youre not hurting anyone? he says. Were still looking at the data but what were starting to see, and has certainly been seen elsewhere, is that the best predictor of medication use is moral disengagement.One of the causes of this moral disengagement is immersing yourself in your choice of activity. We undertook a study years ago into whats been called student doping or cognitive enhancement, says Ask. This would cover whats known as smart drugs that are most often stimulants or cognitive-enhancing drugs like prescription medication Ritalin and Modafinil. Students might acquire them on prescription or online.One of our findings was that their use was much more prevalent in the health faculties than it was in the arts faculties. So, the more people know about a drug, the more theyre immersed in that world, the more they might use it, whereas in the philosophy department, theyd go, No, this is absolutely wrong. Im not taking that.Theres an element of this as a recreational cyclist. The more you invest time and energy into something, the more immersed you are in that world. In essence, if you start to think of your body as a machine that can be tuned in one way or the other, the more youll start seeking marginal gains to enhance performance, staircasing from one product to another. This is the gateway theory.Theres a certain statistical probability that if you go from sports drinks and protein shakes to something like creatine, the next natural step might be an anabolic precursor and then anabolic steroids, says Christiansen. But for every step, its only a fraction of the population. So, yes, theres a greater chance if you have done A then you will do B. But you might be down to less than 5% for each step. Its not like if you drink one beer, youll end up as a heroin addict.Stay tuned for part three, where well look at some cases. Find part one here. Related Posts Does cycling have a problem with over-the-counter medication? Part 1: The study, the law and Tramadol Cycling books: Riding with the Rocketmen by James Witts Doping in cycling: Everything you need to know Ketones for cycling: What are they, do they work and are they banned? Renaissance man: Taylor Phinney profile The post Does cycling have a problem with over-the-counter medication? Part 2: Ethics appeared first on Cyclist.

Euskaltel - Euskadi have become the first team to announce its team of eight who will compete at the 2024 Vuelta a Espana between August 17 and September 8 in the final Grand tour of the season.The Basque team's main assets will be the veterans Jon Aberasturi in the volcades and Luis ngel Mat, in...

A cyclists dismount sign and restrictive barrier built on the main pedestrian and cycle route around the 215 million Dunkettle Interchange road project to be reviewed.Conn Donovan, the former chairperson of the Cork Cycling Campaign, said: Over a year ago, the Dunkettle Road Construction Team agreed to provide a more inclusive design to access the shared path for walkers and cyclists.He said that the intention was to provide a 5 metre gap between the two gates, but he said: As of yesterday, this has still not happened.He said the best solution would be well-spaced bollards.He added: Most people can cycle through these gates, but when I was monitoring the emails for the Cork Cycling Campaign, we would get a lot of emails from people with trikes, cargo bikes, and trailers saying they couldnt get their bikes through these gates or not without difficulty.IrishCycle.com asked Transport Infrasture Ireland (TII) if it could comment on why the barrier has remained unchanged, which is clearly not inclusive or accessible.A spokesperson for TII said: The Dunkettle Project team and Cork County Council are investigating the functionality and usage of the current cycleway gates design within the Dunkettle Interchange. The cycleway gates are there to address safety concerns regarding the proximity of the cycleway to the motorway.The barrier is close to the motorway, but there are far more substantial barriers between it and the motorway.The TII spokesperson said: A more detailed review of the potential consequences of redesigning or removing the cycleway gates is required before any changes can be made to the existing layout. This review is currently underway and once it is complete any modifications or removal of the cycleway gates will be implemented.However, Donovan said that he was told by the project team last year that the barrier would be changed.He said: The last email I had from the Project Team in June 2023 stated that there was an intention to provide a 5 metre clearance between the barriers, to provide colour differentiation on the path, and to remove the dismount cyclists sign. This work was not completed, for reasons I am unaware of.I suggested that bollards would be a suitabledesign solutionlast year, and if the design team is conducting a second/new review of the accesscontrols, I would ask that bollards be considered again, he said.Donovan said: The August 2022 Rural Cycleway Design guidance endorses the use of bollards (as an alternative to a staggered gate for access control in some instances). Bollards would also be in-keeping with the access control design solution applied by Cork County Council along the Burys Bridge to the Elm Tree Pedestrian and Cycle Path.Donovan said that the project team said he was the only one to raise the issue but that the campaign were hearing it directly from cyclists after the project opened. He said: I wouldnt expect that many emails have been sent to the Dunkettle Team about this as the active travel facility is rather isolated from safe cycling infrastructure currently.He said that it would remain isolated until Cork City Councils Glanmire to City Phase 1 and 2 projects are delivered. But as its part of the Cork to Waterford Pathfinder scheme, it will likely see more users in the coming years, including people with adapted bikes, trikes, wide panniers, children, etc.

The 2024 Tour de France is well under way, with the action picking back up after the first rest day.If youve got five-plus hours to spend each day, you can watch the entire men's race end-to-end in many territories. For the more time-pressed, plenty of highlight options compress the days action into an hour or so.If youre really stuck for time, daily five-minute highlights on the Le Tour website which are also posted to YouTube will keep you abreast of all the action.Unlike many other big cycling races, terrestrial broadcasters pay attention to the Tour de France, so you can watch at least some of it subscription-free in most territories. There's a full list of broadcasters by country on the official Le Tour site.Theres also the option to use a VPN to stream from a country with free terrestrial coverage, although most VPNs with decent geographic reach and streaming speeds will require a subscription and you may have to listen to commentary in French. And when the Tour de France is over, you can get your pro cycling fix with the Tour de France Femmes in August.How can I watch the Tour de France live in the UK?Don't miss a dpart. - A.S.O./Charly-LopezIn the UK, ITV4 and Eurosport/Discovery+ are broadcasting live. ITV4 is free to air, as is S4C for Welsh speakers. Eurosport requires a subscription at 6.99 per month or 59.99 per year. There's coverage on TG4 in the Republic of Ireland.All of the above offer evening highlights and analysis of the days action, too. How can I watch the Tour de France live in the US?The route schedule goes right down to intermediate points in each stage. - A.S.O./Pauline BalletViewers in the US can enjoy daily coverage on NBC Sports and Peacock. You can watch on NBC on demand, too there's no additional charge above your cable, satellite or telco TV provider's subscription cost.Peacock access requires a subscription to its premium tier, priced at $5.99 plus tax per month. There's currently a deal at $19.99 for a year's access for new subscribers.How can I watch the Tour de France live in Australia?Cycling fans in Australia can enjoy every stage live on SBS. Handily, theres a free on-demand service if youre not an insomniac, while there are daily highlights on the SBS Sport website. There's coverage and more on the SBS Tour Tracker app too.Stages and start timesKeep an eye on the times below to ensure you don't miss an arrive. - ASO/Pauline BalletLike the race itself, stage start times are a moveable feast, with starts as early as 11.15am CET and as late as 2.40pm CET. End times will vary significantly too, depending on stage length, how hard the terrain is and how fast its ridden.Fortunately, the Tour de France has organised a few of these races before, so it has a pretty good idea of when the first riders are likely to reach the finish. Again, thats highly variable anything from 4.28pm CET to 7.30pm CET so you need to be on your toes to make sure you're watching early enough not to miss the end-stage action.Heres a table, taken from the official Le Tour website, of expected start and end times for each stage. If you want to see particular action, the time the race is expected to reach intermediate points is set out on the site too, right down to railway level crossings and tiny villages in la France profonde. DateStageScheduled start timeExpected arrival 29 June 2024112:0017:34 30 June 2024212:1517:06 1 July 2024311:1516:57 2 July 2024413:0517:05 3 July 2024513:2017:16 4 July 2024613:3517:19 5 July 2024713:0517:29 6 July 2024813:0517:19 7 July 2024913:1517:49 8 July 2024Rest day 9 July 20241013:0517:24 10 July 20241111:2016:54 11 July 20241212:3517:16 12 July 20241313:3017:21 13 July 20241413:0517:17 14 July 20241511:5517:22 15 July 2024Rest day 16 July 20241613:0517:31 17 July 20241712:3516:58 18 July 20241813:0017:30 19 July 20241912:2016:28 20 July 20242013:3517:18 21 July 20242114:4019:30 Edit Table

Canyon has released its first cycling shoes, claiming the podium-worthy Tempr CFR shoes strike the sweet spot between speed and comfort. The Tempr CFR Road and Off-Road shoes have been ridden to victory by Zoe Bckstedt in cyclocross, Petr Vako on gravel, Luca Schwarzbauer in cross-country mountain biking and Dante Young on the road, according to the brand.The shoes' pricing is premium, as the 'CFR' acronym in their name suggests. CFR stands for Canyon Factory Racing, a label reserved for the brand's highest-grade carbon frames, as seen on the Canyon Ultimate CFR. The high-end shoes have carbon outsoles and are claimed to be competitively light. - CanyonCanyons Tempr CFR Road cycling shoe is available in white and black, costs 329.95 and is claimed to weigh 250g (size 42).The Tempr CFR Off-Road shoe comes in black with a brown tread, or grey or white with a black tread, also costing 329.95 with a 290g claimed weight (size 42). Canyon says this SPD-compatible model doubles as a gravel shoe and mountain biking shoe.Both the Road and Off-Road shoes come in EU sizes 36-48, with half sizes from 40.5 to 46.5.As usual for the direct-to-consumer brand, you can only buy the shoes from Canyons website or app.Canyon Tempr CFR Road and Off-Road shoes spec detailsThe XC and gravel model comes in black, white or grey. - CanyonThe Tempr CFR Road and Off-Road shoes feature a Purefit360 insole, designed with Solestar.This is claimed to mimic the shape of your foot, enabling it to return to a neutral position.Together with the Tempr CFRs full-carbon outsole, Canyon says these features maximise power transfer while maintaining comfort. However, shoe stiffness might not be that important.Each Tempr CFR model has two Boa dials. - CanyonBoth Tempr CFR models use two anodised aluminium Boa Li2 dials: one across the top of the instep and a second across the middle of the foot.Canyon says it has developed the PerformFit Wrap system with Boa, which envelops your heel and arch, and secures your instep and heel.Both shoes have a Solestar insole for comfort and efficient power transfer. - CanyonThis prevents unwanted internal foot movement and removes pressure points around your foot arch, according to the brand.Canyon claims the stretchy tongue material holds the foot securely.Canyon claims the Tempr CFR Road cycling shoes won't cause hot spots. - Canyon'Hot spots' in cycling shoes are a cause of foot pain. Canyon says pressure-relief zones in the commonly affected areas help alleviate this problem.The Off-Road shoes use a Vibram Megagrip outsole for grip while walking or running.

Revealed at Eurobike, the SON 29 S could be the sleekest and most compact dynamo hub out there.SON already enjoys a reputation for compact and powerful generator hubs, with its highly regarded SON 28.But the SON 29 S could be mistaken for an oversized, straight-pull flanged hub, taking compact power generation to a whole new level.A smaller hub shellThe SON 29 S has a small hub shell. - Jack Luke / Our MediaThe 29 S has a smaller-diameter hub shell and casing than SONs other hubs.The 29 S sits behind a six-bolt disc brake rotor mount. It contains a new generator assembly that despite its compact size meets the standard performance values expected of a dynamo hub.SON claims intelligent charging electronics deliver the high levels of power required from a dynamo hub.The company says the 29 S meets the current StVZO requirements for a 29-inch wheel dynamo hub.The same power levers as the SON 28The dynamo sits behind the six-bolt rotor mount. - Jack Luke / Our MediaSON says the 29 S has similar performance figures to its 28 hub, thanks to reworking the system parameters.The new slender hub provides the same power levers, but at the (relatively) lower speeds of off-road riding.The hub itself is designed around straight-pull hub flanges, which optimises the stiffness and robustness of a wheel build, according to SON.The 29 S has SONs Coaxial port on the flange of the non-disc side of the hub.The new 29 S should be available later this summer, priced at 549 (international pricing TBC).With 24- and 32-spoke options and a claimed weight of 410g, we expect to see the 29 S built onto plenty of high-end custom gravel bikes and bikepacking rigs in the not-too-distant future.SON Ladelux lightThe Ladelux headlight has a buffer battery. - Stan Portus / Our MediaSON also had its new Ladelux headlight on display at Eurobike. It says the Ladelux is similar to the SON Edelux II, but it adds a buffer battery that will help keep the headlight on even when you stop pedalling.The light comes with a handlebar control that can be used to charge a smartphone. - Stan Portus / Our MediaThe charging electronic and the buffer battery are integrated into the Ladeluxs housing and can draw 12 watts from the dynamo hub.The light has a high beam of 180 lux and a low beam of 120 lux.The Ladelux also comes with a handlebar switch with a magnetic connector to charge external devices, such as a smartphone, even when the light is on.SON says the Ladelux will be available this summer and will cost 479.

When the second annual USA Cycling Gravel National Championships return to Nebraska this September, the elite racers will be vying not just for the coveted title and Stars and Stripes jersey but for some cold, hard cash to boot.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are here, and obviously our main focus will be on the road and track cycling events. Probably the most anticipated will be the men's road race, to be held on August 3, where many of the top names in the peloton will be competing.Although the time trial on July 27 will al...