Less Is More With the Ridiculously Priced 2021 Madone SLR 9 Road Bike From Trek

Today we’re going to talk about the Madone SLR 9, the 2021 version, which can be taken as the perfect example of the above-mentioned scenario. However, before we get into the thick of it, know that this bike has quite a bit of history behind it. As a result, you can expect that Trek, its creator, has gone all out with this one.

But what is it about this bike, or any bike for that matter, that could possibly raise its price tag to over 12 thousand dollars - $12,499.99 to be exact? Well, this is why we’re here, so let's find out.

Whenever I look at a bike, I try to analyze it from a perspective that does not include any branding history. Honestly, I tried my best to eliminate any of that from this piece of literature; however, I was unable to do so. I’m sorry, I just can’t let myself forget the Tour de France history this machine has set in its DNA. But this is the present, so let’s do our best to forget the history.

Now, the frame for this beast is made from the same carbon fiber as the team’s new Emonda. While you’ve been indoors watching Netflix, Trek has been working on developing even lighter and stronger bikes to hit the roads and is now using 800 Series OCLV Carbon to compose the frame for the Madone. This carbon fiber is reported to be 30% stronger than the 700 Series, meaning that less is now more.

Even better is the inclusion of IsoSpeed in the frame. If you’ve been living in a cave the past ten years and don’t know what Iso is, I'll be quick and plain. It’s a sort of suspension system that allows a rider to lose no traction while pedaling even though vibrations and small bumps are dampened. But the Madone Iso is adjustable; this is something not all are able to achieve.

To add even more carbon to the setup, Bontrager provides two Aeolus XXX4 wheels, also completed from OCLV Carbon and tubeless-ready. Bontrager is written on the tires, too, and the front is set within a KVF full carbon fork.

The entire drivetrain is tuned to 11 speeds and is covered exclusively by Shimano. The shifter, front and rear derailleur, crank, cassette, and even chain are all from the Dura-Ace lineup. Even the brakes are covered by the component giant with hydraulic Dura-Ace and 160mm RT900 rotor.

One component that needs to be taken into consideration when discussing a road bike such as this is the cockpit or handlebar. Here Trek brings their own in-house Madone adjustable aero VR-CF with invisible cable routing. I like that, invisible. Actually, you won’t see any visible cables even on the frame because aerodynamics. Understand that this bike is used in races and trials where every second counts and drag is your enemy.

Now, with a weight of 17.19 lbs (7.80 kg), this mechanical wonder is worth its weight in bills. I wonder if the lifetime warranty is valid for this puppy too. Just click here and have a look for yourself. Oh, and do check out the paint job in the video below because it can be yours. Just don’t stare for too long as you’ll slowly take out your credit card.