quick update mini review on the Trek Emonda SLR Disc 9 I was away for a while but I now have about 150 miles on the bike.
Here are some non-pro thoughts:
overall, this is a Fantastic bike. Very well balanced, handles extremely well. cornering is stable and precise. the balance is noticeable and confidence inspiring. Pedal input is immediate. the bike jumps from the start and at slow speeds. This translates when climbing.
The XXX4 wheels paired with Schwalbe One pro 28's which seat up at 32mm inflated to 65psi provide a very smooth ride that rolls very fast.
The bike climbs extremely well. Standing climbs are really effective and you can remain on the upper 2/3 of the frame and remain balanced and relaxed. Again, the bike reacts immediately to pedal input.
Descents are very stable. Yesterday we were descending 2 very winding roads that were highly wind-effected. Swirling, gusting winds. The bike was very stable and the Wheels (47mm deep) were not affected by the gusts. On some big sudden gusts, I could feel it on the front tire but it was never unnerving. Very predictable. These were some very strong wind gust too. Not just "windy"
Sram Etap: the more I use it, the more I like it. As It breaks in, its faster and more precise. One you understand how to take advantage of the multiple gear shifts, you can use it to your advantage. If you have the $, go for it. Also, you will see some reviews claiming it's slow, this is just not the case. My friend was paying attention to the shifting as he was evaluating it and commented on how smooth it shifted. Nice to have no wires! the left and right shifting logic is intuitive and makes a ton of sense. left shifter lowers gears, right increases, tap both shifter paddles and the front ring shifts. its brilliant.
Disc brakes: There are 2 controls on the Sram Brakes, one for lever reach/action and the other is for the engagement point. I completely opened up the engagement point and adjusted the levers to my liking (I like to descend with a finger on the brakes) and now they are simply superb. Great modulation and feel. In the hail and rain storm yesterday, they squeaked horribly but worked well. But his was a beyond heavy downpour
If you are looking for a great CO bike, I would put this one at the top of the list for demo.
Here are some non-pro thoughts:
overall, this is a Fantastic bike. Very well balanced, handles extremely well. cornering is stable and precise. the balance is noticeable and confidence inspiring. Pedal input is immediate. the bike jumps from the start and at slow speeds. This translates when climbing.
The XXX4 wheels paired with Schwalbe One pro 28's which seat up at 32mm inflated to 65psi provide a very smooth ride that rolls very fast.
The bike climbs extremely well. Standing climbs are really effective and you can remain on the upper 2/3 of the frame and remain balanced and relaxed. Again, the bike reacts immediately to pedal input.
Descents are very stable. Yesterday we were descending 2 very winding roads that were highly wind-effected. Swirling, gusting winds. The bike was very stable and the Wheels (47mm deep) were not affected by the gusts. On some big sudden gusts, I could feel it on the front tire but it was never unnerving. Very predictable. These were some very strong wind gust too. Not just "windy"
Sram Etap: the more I use it, the more I like it. As It breaks in, its faster and more precise. One you understand how to take advantage of the multiple gear shifts, you can use it to your advantage. If you have the $, go for it. Also, you will see some reviews claiming it's slow, this is just not the case. My friend was paying attention to the shifting as he was evaluating it and commented on how smooth it shifted. Nice to have no wires! the left and right shifting logic is intuitive and makes a ton of sense. left shifter lowers gears, right increases, tap both shifter paddles and the front ring shifts. its brilliant.
Disc brakes: There are 2 controls on the Sram Brakes, one for lever reach/action and the other is for the engagement point. I completely opened up the engagement point and adjusted the levers to my liking (I like to descend with a finger on the brakes) and now they are simply superb. Great modulation and feel. In the hail and rain storm yesterday, they squeaked horribly but worked well. But his was a beyond heavy downpour
If you are looking for a great CO bike, I would put this one at the top of the list for demo.