2023 Trek Emonda vs Madone vs Domane

Written by : Mr Mamil
Last updated :

Disclosure : I may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through links on this page.

Trek bike names are easy to understand. There are three distinct models; Emonda, Madone, and Domane. Each model is designed to perform well in a particular type of ride.

The general rule of thumb below will give you a clear idea of what the bike is about, where it sits in the lineup, and how it’s specced.

  • SLR models use the top-of-the-line OCLV 800 carbon.
  • SL models use the mid-range, OCLV 500 carbon.
  • ALR is for aluminum frames.
  • Models ending with 9 use Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 or SRAM Red AXS groupsets.
  • Models ending with 7 use Shimano Ultegra Di2 or SRAM Force AXS groupsets.
  • Models ending with 6 use Shimano 105 Di2 or SRAM Rival AXS groupsets.
  • Models ending with 5 use Shimano 105 R7000 groupset.
Trek bike modelType of Trek bikePrice range (USD)
Trek EmondaLightweight race bike$4,999 to $13,199
Trek MadoneAero race bike$5,199 to $13,199
Trek DomaneEndurance bike$4,699 to $13,199
Trek road bikes lineup

Trek Emonda

Trek Emonda SLR 9 Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200)
Trek Emonda SLR 9. Photo : Trek Bikes

The Trek Emonda is a lightweight bike for the high mountains.

The lightest Trek Emonda frame weighs less than 700g using Trek’s OCLV 800 carbon. This is the bike Richie Porte rode to his third place in the 2020 Tour de France.

The SLR is the lightest and most expensive atop the Trek Emonda models. There are six Emonda SLR options, specced electronic shifting groupsets from SRAM or Shimano.

Next in line is the SL, the mid-range, more budget-friendly option. It has the same frame design and geometry as the SLR but uses the OCLV 500 carbon instead. The groupset choices are Shimano Ultegra Di2, Shimano 105 Di2, SRAM Force AXS, or SRAM Rival AXS.

The Trek Emonda SLR and SL framesets are also available separately.

ModelFrame materialGroupsetWheelsetRetail price (USD)
Trek Emonda SLR 9 AXSOCLV 800 carbonSRAM Red eTap AXSBontrager Aeolus RSL 37$13,199
Trek Emonda SLR 9OCLV 800 carbonShimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200)Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37$12,749
Trek Emonda SLR 7 AXSOCLV 800 carbonSRAM Force eTap AXSBontrager Aeolus Pro 37$9,699
Trek Emonda SLR 7OCLV 800 carbonShimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100)Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37$8,999
Trek Emonda SLR 6 AXSOCLV 800 carbonSRAM Rival eTap AXSBontrager Aeolus Pro 37$8,399
Trek Emonda SLR 6OCLV 800 carbonShimano 105 Di2 (R7100)Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37$7,699
Trek Emonda SL 7 AXSOCLV 500 carbonSRAM Force eTap AXSBontrager Aeolus Pro 37$6,699
Trek Emonda SL 6OCLV 500 carbonShimano 105 Di2 (R7100)Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35$4,999
Trek Emonda SLR and SL models lineup
More reading : 
Trek Emonda Frame Geometry
SRAM Red eTap AXS vs Shimano Dura-Ace (R9200) Groupset Comparison

Trek Madone

Trek Madone SLR 6 SRAM Rival eTap AXS
Trek Madone SLR6. Photo : Trek Bikes

Dubbed the ultimate superbike, the Trek Madone is all about maximizing aerodynamics and speed.

Trek refreshed the Madone in June 2022, just before the Tour de France started. The new Trek Madone features a radical-looking seat tube with a big hole. The previous IsoSpeed system, which allows the seatpost to flex for extra comfort, is replaced by the IsoFlow Technology. According to Trek, the IsoFlow technology adds an aerodynamic advantage, reduces weight, and smooths the road ahead.

The range-topping Madone SLR is built on the Trek’s lightest OCLV 800 carbon, with a one-piece carbon handlebar. The Madone SL models are still based on the previous Madone frame design and use the OCLV 500 carbon.

The Madone SLR frameset is also available separately.

ModelFrame materialGroupsetWheelsetRetail price (USD)
Trek Madone SLR 9 AXSOCLV 800 carbonSRAM Red eTap AXSBontrager Aeolus RSL 51$13,199
Trek Madone SLR 9OCLV 800 carbonShimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200)Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51$12,749
Trek Madone SLR 7 AXSOCLV 800 carbonSRAM Force eTap AXSBontrager Aeolus Pro 51$9,699
Trek Madone SLR 7OCLV 800 carbonShimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100)Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51$9,049
Trek Madone SLR 6 AXSOCLV 800 carbonSRAM Rival eTap AXSBontrager Aeolus Pro 51$8,399
Trek Madone SLR 6OCLV 800 carbonShimano 105 Di2 (R7100)Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51$7,999
Trek Madone SL 7 AXSOCLV 500 carbonSRAM Force eTap AXSBontrager Aeolus Pro 51$7,499
Trek Madone SL 7OCLV 500 carbonShimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100)Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51$6,999
Trek Madone SL 6OCLV 500 carbonShimano 105 Di2 (R7100)Bontrager Aeolus Elite 50$5,199
Trek Madone SLR and SL models lineup
More reading :
Trek Madone Frame Geometry
Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) vs Ultegra Di2 (R8100) Comparison
List of Road Bikes with Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100)

Trek Domane

Trek Domane SLR 6 SRAM Rival eTap AXS
Trek Domane SLR 6. Photo : Trek Bikes

The Trek Domane is designed as an all-day endurance bike.

It can also be referred to as all-road as its wider tire clearance of up to 38c can tackle hard-packed gravel and cobblestones like those in the Paris-Roubaix race. Trek built the Isospeed dampening system in the front and rear to achieve this.

There are carbon and aluminum versions of the Domane. The SLR uses the higher grade, OCLV 800 carbon compared to the SL on the standard, OCLV 500 carbon.

The Trek Domane SL and SLR frames are also available separately for those after a custom-built bike.

ModelFrame materialGroupsetWheelsetRetail price (USD)
Trek Domane SLR 9 AXSOCLV 800 carbonSRAM Red eTap AXSBontrager Aeolus RSL 37$13,199
Trek Domane SLR 9OCLV 800 carbonShimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200)Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37$12,749
Trek Domane SLR 7 AXSOCLV 800 carbonSRAM Force eTap AXSBontrager Aeolus Pro 37$9,699
Trek Domane SLR 7OCLV 800 carbonShimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100)Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37$8,549
Trek Domane SLR 6 AXSOCLV 800 carbonSRAM Rival eTap AXSBontrager Aeolus Pro 37$8,399
Trek Domane SLR 6OCLV 800 carbonShimano 105 Di2 (R7100)Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37$7,999
Trek Domane SL 7 AXSOCLV 500 carbonSRAM Force eTap AXSBontrager Aeolus Pro 37$7,499
Trek Domane SL 7OCLV 500 carbonShimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100)Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37$6,829
Trek Domane SL 6 AXSOCLV 500 carbonSRAM Rival eTap AXSBontrager Paradigm Comp 25$5,299
Trek Domane SL 6OCLV 500 carbonShimano 105 Di2 (R7100)Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25$4,699
Trek Domane SLR and SL models lineup
More reading : 
Trek Domane Frame Geometry
Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) vs SRAM Force eTap AXS Groupsets
List of Road Bikes with Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100)

Trek bikes FAQ

The OCLV (Optimum Compaction, Low Void) carbon is a proprietary carbon fiber manufacturing technology developed by Trek. It’s available in OCLV 500 and 800.

  1. OCLV 500 is a lower-grade carbon but still offers a high level of performance. It has a slightly lower carbon modulus, meaning it’s a bit less stiff and heavier than OCLV 800. OCLV 500 is used in all models with SL.
  2. OCLV 800 is the highest-grade carbon fiber used by Trek. The carbon modulus is higher, making it stiffer and lighter. The manufacturing process is more refined, using more advanced carbon and resins, leading to a bike frame that provides top performance levels for stiffness, weight, and strength. OCLV 800 is used in all models with SLR.

It’s worth noting that the different OCLV grades don’t only refer to the material itself but also to the manufacturing techniques used to form the carbon fiber into bike frames. Higher-grade carbon requires more precise manufacturing techniques to take full advantage of its superior material properties.

The Trek Emonda is designed for climbers and all-around riders who want a lightweight, responsive bike with more traditional geometry. In contrast, the Trek Madone is an aerodynamic race machine built for speed and aggressive riding on flat and rolling terrain.

AttributesTrek EmondaTrek Madone
Type of ridingClimbing, all-around riding, and versatile performanceRacing, fast group rides, and aggressive riding
Riding positionMore upright and relaxed, suitable for a wide range of ridersMore aggressive and aerodynamic, aimed at racers and performance-focused cyclists
Bike handlingNimble and responsive, ideal for technical climbs and descentsStable and precise, best for high-speed cornering and sprinting
ComfortFocus on compliance and smoothness for long rides and varying terrainStiffer for better power transfer, with some compliance features for comfort
Power transferEfficient power transfer through lightweight design and stiffnessSuperior power transfer due to aero frame and stiffer construction
AerodynamicsModerate aerodynamics prioritizes weight savings over aero gainsHighly aerodynamic, built for speed and cutting through the wind
Comparison between Trek Emonda and Madone

The Trek Emonda is designed for climbers and all-around riders who want a lightweight, responsive bike with more traditional geometry.

The Trek Domane is an endurance-focused bike built for comfort on long rides and rougher surfaces, such as cobblestones or poorly maintained roads.

AspectTrek EmondaTrek Domane
Type of ridingClimbing, all-around riding, and versatile performanceEndurance riding, long-distance events, and mixed surfaces
Riding positionMore upright and relaxed, suitable for a wide range of ridersEven more upright and relaxed, prioritizing comfort and stability
Bike handlingNimble and responsive, ideal for technical climbs and descentsStable and predictable, built for confidence on rough surfaces and long rides
ComfortFocus on compliance and smoothness for long rides and varying terrainSuperior comfort due to endurance-focused frame design, wider tire clearance, and built-in compliance features
Power transferEfficient power transfer through lightweight design and stiffnessGood power transfer, but prioritizes comfort over stiffness and weight savings
AerodynamicsModerate aerodynamics prioritizes weight savings over aero gainsModerate aerodynamics focuses more on comfort and stability than aero performance
Comparison between Trek Emonda and Madone

The Trek Madone is an aerodynamic race machine built for speed and aggressive riding on flat and rolling terrain. In contrast, the Trek Domane is an endurance-focused bike designed for comfort on long rides and rougher surfaces, such as cobblestones or poorly maintained roads.

AspectTrek MadoneTrek Domane
Type of ridingRacing, fast group rides, and aggressive ridingEndurance riding, long-distance events, and mixed surfaces
Riding positionMore aggressive and aerodynamic, aimed at racers and performance-focused cyclistsMore upright and relaxed, prioritizing comfort and stability
Bike handlingStable and precise, best for high-speed cornering and sprintingStable and predictable, built for confidence on rough surfaces and long rides
ComfortStiffer for better power transfer, with some compliance features for comfortSuperior comfort due to endurance-focused frame design, wider tire clearance, and built-in compliance features
Power transferSuperior power transfer due to aero frame and stiffer constructionGood power transfer, but prioritizes comfort over stiffness and weight savings
AerodynamicsHighly aerodynamic, built for speed and cutting through the windModerate aerodynamics, focuses more on comfort and stability than aero performance
Comparison between Trek Madone and Domane

All Trek bikes come with a lifetime warranty for the frame and fork. This is only applicable to the first owner. Second and subsequent owners are entitled to a 3-year warranty from the initial purchase date.

More about Trek’s warranty policy.

Trek addresses the women-specific models by having frame sizes as small as 44 for riders between 4’ 11” to 5’ (150 to 153 cm).

These smaller bikes have several modifications, such as shorter crankarms, compact cranksets, shorter stems, narrower handlebars, shorter reach brake levers, and women-specific saddles.

The H1 and H2 refer to the frame geometry. Most Trek Emonda and Madone have an H2 geometry known as the traditional fit.

H1 is a racing geometry with the head tube 30mm shorter to achieve a lower and more aggressive position on the bike. Most professional cyclists ride the H1 geometry.

Project One allows you to customize every detail of your dream bike, from colors to components. You can design it through Trek’s website or a Trek-authorized retailer. Bikes available under Project One are the Domane, Emonda, Madone, and Speed Concept (TT).

As of December 2017, Trek no longer makes any bikes in their Waterloo and Whitewater facilities in Wisconsin. Before that, they used to make around 20,000 of their high-end bikes (SLR models) yearly there. They are made in Asia and sent to Wisconsin for painting and final assembly.

Today, Trek sponsors its own World Tour team, Trek-Segafredo. The team has men’s and women’s pro teams under the same name. Today riders such as multiple Grand Tour winner Vincenzo Nibali, and former men and women road race world champions, Mads Pederson and Lizzie Deignan currently race on a Trek bike.

In the past, several high-profile riders, such as Fabian Cancellara and Alberto Contador, have ridden Trek bikes during the later stages of their career.

More reading : Bikes at the 2022 Tour de France