I've experienced Madone generations 6, 7, and 8 all the way through
SL8.
As a user who loves aero bikes despite the engine being unremarkable, I liked Madone. However, within my team, I couldn't keep up with the ace riders on uphill climbs until the end, leading me to experience despair and frustration. To address this, I added a 6kg SL8 to my Madone 7th generation, allowing me to choose the right bike for each course.
After experiencing the lightweight feel of the SL8, I became obsessed with weight again. I upgraded the Madone 7th generation frame to the 8th generation, entering the 6kg range and enjoying both aero and lightweight features.
However, due to my short stature, even using a size 50 Madone 6th generation resulted in some sloping issues with the design. Therefore, for the 7th generation, I chose a slightly larger size 52, and for the 8th generation, I opted for size M to minimize top tube sloping as much as possible.
After using the 8th generation for about a year compared to the SL8 size 52, it felt significantly larger to me.
While climbing uphill, differences in condition are expected, but recently, I noticed that due to the larger size, my power output was about 30 watts less compared to the SL8.
Furthermore, I constantly felt uncomfortable with the position.
If it weren't for the size issue, I would have continued using Madone, which offered a great ride feel, lightweight around 6kg, aero performance, and good design. However, the feeling of being oversized was unbearable.
I desired an aero bike that could combine both aero and lightweight features. SL9 caught my eye.
While other aero bikes are also excellent, I craved a powerful engine for uphill climbs. Naturally, I sought a 6kg aero bike.
Fortunately, the SL9 has the same geometry as the SL8 (size 52) with added aero features. There was no need to consider anything else.
Today, I rode for about 3 hours covering 90km.
As everyone knows, it was extremely hot and humid today. I felt a headwind throughout the entire course. Thinking that this might lead to a fatal accident if I pushed for PRs, I abandoned my PR ambitions and focused on experiencing the ride quality and comfort on my usual route.
First, as with the Madone 6th and 7th generations, the SL9 also delivers the smooth road-hugging sensation that is characteristic of aero bikes.
The steering felt stable due to the smooth road contact.
Even when descending at speeds of 50-60 km/h with a headwind, the handlebars remained steady without trembling.
Typically, during high-speed descents with a headwind, the handlebars tend to feel slightly unstable, requiring me to brace myself. However, this wasn't necessary on the SL9 today.
While further testing is needed, I was impressed by the stability experienced on a high-speed descent with a headwind today. This might be attributed to the performance benefits of the fork and head tube design.
Regarding ride quality...
Having ridden Madone generations 6, 7, and 8 extensively, I can confidently say that the SL9 offers an excellent ride quality.
There were no squeaks or rattles, and it glided smoothly. It also felt stiff during powerful pedaling. Usually, when applying strong power during pedaling, I hear a rattling sound from the fork caliper. However, this wasn't the case with the SL9. The thicker fork might be contributing to this.
The bottom bracket (BB) also exhibited excellent stiffness, similar to the SL8.
Despite the intense headwind and scorching humidity today, completing 90km with a total elevation gain of 900m was challenging (I rode alone from 1 pm).
However, I am incredibly satisfied with the S-Works SL9.
My second bike, the SL8, is equipped with a 2x chainring and used for all-around riding, including climbing steep gradients.
The SL9, on the other hand, features a 1x aero power meter with a 48T chainring, making it suitable for flat terrain or moderate uphill climbs.
My Trek Madone 3rd generation Speed Concept is reserved for purely flat terrain riding.
Thank you for reading my lengthy post!
