Madone Gen 8 FAQ

What is different about Madone Gen 8 compared to Madone Gen 7?

There are several all-new features on the Madone Gen 8:

• 900 Series OCLV carbon on SLR
• Full System Foil lightweight aero tube shapes
• Improved IsoFlow comfort tech is now lighter and more compliant
• RSL Aero Bottle and Cage system (Included with complete Madone SLR bikes only; available aftermarket for Madone SL complete bikes, Madone SL/SLR framesets, and other bike platforms)
• RSL Aero bar/stem is lighter and more ergonomic (Included with complete Madone SLR bikes only; available aftermarket for Madone SL complete bikes, Madone SL/SLR framesets, and other bike platforms)
• UDH (universal derailleur hanger)
• Premium Switch Pro chamfered thru-axles
• RCS Headset System
• 32mm (width as measured) max tire clearance

Where can I find details like max chainring/rotor size, routing instructions, where to mount my lights, swapping cockpits, etc?

Please see the Madone Gen 8 service manual.

Service Manual

Does Madone Gen 8 replace the Émonda?

Madone Gen 8 is the direct replacement for both the aero-oriented Madone Gen 7 rider and weight-oriented Émonda rider. It is the evolution of both the new Émonda and the new Madone, with the benefits of both bikes now in one.

How much does the frameset weigh?

Different paint schemes and colors will result in different frame weights. The size ML Madone SLR Gen 8 painted in Matte Gloss/Carbon Smoke (no frame hardware) weighs:
- Frame: 796g
- Fork: 350g

Why are there six sizes instead of eight?

After looking carefully at our sizing and geometry charts, we realized that the stack and reach measurements in our current lineup could be simplified into six frame sizes without a major impact to overall fit. Sizes 52cm and 54cm have been combined into one size (M) and size 62cm has been replaced with a new XL frame. The XL frame features a taller seat mast, which allows a rider who is coming from a 62cm Madone Gen 7 to achieve the same max saddle height on the new XL. This new sizing system still accommodates the same range of riders as when we had eight sizes, but now it’s easier to pick the right bike size the since there’s less overlap.

Has the geometry changed?

We now call the Madone geometry “Road Race” since this is more meaningful than “H1.5”, but Road Race geo brings a very similar fast and aggressive rider position compared to the previous H1.5 geometry.

Is IsoFlow adjustable?

No, IsoFlow is tuned to balance aerodynamics, weight, and comfort across all frame sizes.

Is there internal storage?

No.

Is the seatpost adjustable?

Yes. Like the Gen 7 Madone, the seatpost wedge assembly is reversible to allow for a larger range of saddle height adjustment. Maximum and minimum seat height per frame size are shown in the Geometry tab on the bike’s Trekbikes.com product page.

What size seatpost will ship with each bike?

Sizes XS, S, and M will ship with the short 0mm offset seatpost. Sizes ML, L, and XL will ship with the long 0mm offset seatpost.

What’s new about the RSL Aero bar/stem?

The bar/stem drops weight while improving ergonomics thanks to new blunted aero shaping. It maintains the same reach, drop, and flare measurements as the Madone Gen 7 bar/stem. It also uses an updated Blendr mount. Note that this new blunted shaping has made the top of bar/stem 4mm higher than before.

I don’t want to be 4mm higher, what can I do?

We’ve designed a special RCS Race Low bearing top cover to account for the 4mm increase in bar/stem height. The RCS Race Low bearing top cover is only available as an aftermarket part and will not come stock on the bikes. Please see the service manual for part number and installation instructions.

What’s new with the Aeolus RSL bar/stem Blendr mount?

A new, non-adjustable Blendr base/mount combo cuts grams and – on complete bikes - includes pucks for mounting either a Garmin or Wahoo computer. Also included is an all-new, easily removable front light mount. Need to ditch your front light for race day? Quickly and easily unscrew the light mount for maximum aero; no more swapping between mono and duo bases. Find more details in the service manual.

Is the new RSL Aero bar/stem compatible with mechanical shifting?

No.

Is the new RSL Aero bar/stem compatible with clip-on aero extensions?

No.

Tell me about those aero bottles and cages!

Included with Madone SLR Gen 8, the all-new Trek RSL Aero Bottles hold 20oz/595mL each, are BPA free, dishwasher safe, and work seamlessly with Madone Gen 8’s Full System Foil shaping to keep you fast (and hydrated) in the wind. The bottles fit perfectly flush into the included carbon RSL Aero Cages, which also work with a standard round bottle. The cages require a low-profile button-head bolt and are mounted via slots that allow you to move the cages up and down to achieve the most aero bottle position possible on any frame size. They will be available to purchase aftermarket for Madone SL Gen 8 riders.

How do I install the RSL Aero Water Bottle and Cage to maximize aerodynamic effect?

For Madone Gen 8, install the seat tube cage first with the bottom of the cage as close to the bottom bracket as possible. Then, install the downtube cage with the bottom of the cage for the bottom of the cage to be 1 cm away from the seat tube cage. Minimizing the gaps between the frame and bottles will help you maximize aerodynamic efficiency. For other bikes, follow the same process as Madone Gen 8.

Are the RSL Aero bottles/cages compatible with other bikes?

While they were designed to work specifically with the tube shapes of the new Madone Gen 8, they can be mounted to most bikes that could use a standard round cage.

What color RSL Aero bottles/cages will I get if I order a Madone SLR through Project One?

On all Project One tiers except ICON, cages will be painted to match the frame color. ICON bikes get black cages (there isn’t enough surface area on the RSL Aero cages to apply ICON schemes). All bottles offered through Project One are black.

What’s the RCS Headset System? What stems are compatible with this bike?

Starting with Madone SLR/SL Gen 8, the new RCS Headset System simplifies and standardizes the parts needed to cover cockpit setups across models and between platforms:

- RCS Race: For use with the new RSL Aero bar/stem (included with Madone SLR Gen 8)
- RCS Pro: For use with the current RCS Pro Blendr stem (included with Madone SL Gen 8)
- RCS Universal: For use with traditional round stems

Trek road frames made for the RCS Headset System will use a consistent headset bearing cover and spacers depending on stem type (outlined above), so you’ll always know exactly what parts are needed to swap cockpits between models/platforms that feature the RCS Headset System. Madone is just the beginning, look for RCS Headset System compatibility on future Trek road bikes, too. See the service manual for more details and part numbers.

Service Manual

Is it compatible with mechanical drivetrains?

Madone SL Gen 8 is compatible with mechanical drivetrains whose front derailleurs have a housing stop. Madone SLR Gen 8 is compatible only with electronic drivetrains because there is no exit port for front derailleur housing on the downtube.

I want to run a 1x drivetrain, is the front derailleur mount removable?

Yes! Just like the Gen 7, you can easily remove your front derailleur mount for maximum aero gains and a sleeker aesthetic. See details in the service manual.

Service Manual

Are these bikes tubeless compatible? What additional parts are required?

Madone SL 6 and up come tubeless ready with 28mm tires. Just add sealant (included) and air.

Will Madone SLR Gen 8 be available in Project One?

Yes. However, Madone SL Gen 8 will not be available in Project One.

Do I need a special repair stand?

We recommend using a repair stand that doesn’t clamp the frame/seatpost, like the Feedback Sprint.

What is UDH (universal derailleur hanger)?

The Universal Derailleur Hanger consolidates thousands of hanger options across the industry. It protects your derailleur against chain jams by pivoting back and out of the way, and slips slightly when encountering impacts. It improves shifting performance, guarantees better alignment, and works with all drivetrains. Plus, if you ever need replacement, it will be available everywhere.

Learn more here

Anything else I should know?

Madone SLR/SL Gen 8 accepts a 180mm or 160mm front rotor. The rear can be either 160mm or 140mm.

Have a question you don’t see the answer to?

Check the Madone Gen 8 service manual. Still searching? Contact customer care!

Service Manual