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The Trek Madone SL 5 Gen 8 stands out for a frame platform built to last: OCLV Series 500 carbon, T47 threaded bottom bracket, universal derailleur hanger and tyre clearance up to 32 mm. Supplied with mechanical Shimano 105 2x12 and 28 mm Bontrager R3 tyres, it weighs 8.64 kg in size ML. Its Gloss Fury Red/Matte Deep Smoke finish pairs a bright gloss red with a matt smoked grey, a contrast that stands out in a bunch.
| Frame | OCLV Series 500 carbon, Full System Foil tubes, IsoFlow, RCS headset, T47 threaded bottom bracket, UDH hanger, tyres up to 32 mm |
| Fork | Madone Gen 8 full carbon, carbon tapered steerer, Flat Mount, 12x100 mm thru axle |
| Drivetrain | Shimano 105 R7100 mechanical 2x12, 50/34 chainset (length depends on size), 11-34 cassette |
| Brakes | Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes, Flat Mount callipers, Shimano 160 mm Centerlock rotors |
| Wheels / tyres | Bontrager alloy hubs, Paradigm 23 Tubeless Ready rims / Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite 700x28 mm Tubeless Ready |
| Cockpit | Bontrager Comp alloy handlebar, Trek RCS Pro -7° stem, lengths depend on size, internal cable routing |
| Saddle / seatpost | Bontrager Aeolus Elite 145 mm / Madone aero seatpost, 0 mm setback |
| Weight | 8.64 kg in size ML (Trek figure) |
| Max. weight | 125 kg (rider, bike and luggage) |
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At a glance
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For the rider who would rather buy an excellent frame today and upgrade the bike part by part over the seasons than change everything in three years. It will also appeal to anyone who likes a bold colour and a bike that does not go unnoticed.
OCLV carbon, Trek's signature. Since 1992, Trek has moulded its frames in OCLV, a carbon whose sheets are pressed and heated until all internal air pockets are eliminated. The series number reflects how refined the lay-up is: the higher it goes, the fewer fibres are needed to reach the target stiffness. The Madone SL 5 gets OCLV 500, Trek's entry point into road carbon, but with exactly the same tube shapes as the SLR models, and the Trek lifetime warranty on the frame.
| OCLV 500 (Madone SL) | OCLV 900 (Madone SLR) | SL / SLR difference | |
| Level | Trek's entry-level road carbon | Trek's most advanced carbon | Same frame design, same aero |
| Construction | OCLV process, slightly more material | 3D moulding, fewer overlaps | OCLV 900 up to 20% stronger than OCLV 800 |
| Reference bike | Madone SL 5: 8.64 kg (ML) | Madone SLR 7: 7.52 kg (ML) | 1.12 kg, including 271 g on frame + fork |
| What it means | Separate bar and stem, easy to adjust | One-piece Aero RSL carbon bar/stem | The rest of the gap comes from the wheels and groupset |
Put simply: on the SL 5, the difference from an SLR is measured on the scales, not in the wind. The aerodynamic profile is the same; you are simply carrying some 270 g more on the frame and fork, a gap that only a very fussy climber will notice.
The first logical upgrade is the wheels: a carbon pair lightens the rotating mass and improves aero, which is precisely what separates the SL 5 from the SL 5 Pro. Next comes the drivetrain, since the frame accepts both mechanical cables and electronic wires, then possibly a chainset with a power meter thanks to the T47 bottom bracket.
The UDH standard means you can find a replacement hanger anywhere and fit future drivetrains. As for the 32 mm clearance, it opens the door to wider tyres for winter or rough roads; that is real progress compared with the 25 mm of the previous Madone.
| Model | Carbon | Drivetrain | Wheels | Weight (size) |
| Madone SL 5 | OCLV 500 | Shimano 105 mechanical 2x12 | Paradigm 23 alloy | 8.64 kg (ML) |
| Madone SL 5 Pro | OCLV 500 | Shimano 105 mechanical 2x12 | Aeolus Elite 48 carbon | 8.44 kg (ML) |
| Madone SL 6 | OCLV 500 | Shimano 105 Di2 2x12 | Aeolus Elite 50 carbon | 8.16 kg (ML) |
| Madone SL 7 | OCLV 500 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 2x12 | Aeolus Pro 51 carbon | 7.87 kg (ML) |
Our take: starting with the SL 5 and then adding carbon wheels brings you close to the SL 5 Pro, which weighs 8.44 kg. The SL 6 and its Di2 remain the option if you want electronics from day one.
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LVR sizing advice The Madone geometry is that of a race bike: between two sizes, the smaller one gives you a more tucked position, the larger one more reach. Handlebar and stem follow the frame size.
Source: Trek size guide. Bike fitting available in our Béziers shop. |
| What should I upgrade first? | The wheels: that is the most noticeable gain in weight and aero. |
| Switch to a wireless groupset? | Yes, the UDH hanger and internal routing make it possible. |
| Fit a power meter? | Yes, via a compatible chainset; the T47 bottom bracket makes fitting easier. |
| Fit 30 mm tyres in winter? | Yes, the frame takes up to 32 mm measured. |
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The LVR Cycles verdict The most future-proof frame in the SL range at the entry price, ready to upgrade as you wish. The bright red adds a welcome touch of character.
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Why buy from LVR Cycles? Our Béziers workshop advises you on the order of upgrades, fits wheels, power meters or drivetrains, and updates the bike as the seasons go by.
Please note that the specifications may be changed without prior notice by the manufacturer, based on the availability of components and other factors.
Data sheet
Specific References
Carbon aero road bike Trek Madone SL 5 fury red, upgradeable: UDH hanger, T47, 105 2x12, 8.64 kg in ML
