Carbon triathlon bike Trek Speed Concept SLR 7 serpentine: Ultegra Di2, Aeolus Pro 37, 8.97 kg in M

Trek Speed Concept SLR 7 serpentine: speed in deep red

A dark red that is almost burgundy, lifted by a brighter red, the Serpentine colourway gives the Trek Speed Concept SLR 7 real presence on the start line. Under the paint you will find the OCLV Series 800 carbon frame with KVF tubes, Shimano Ultegra Di2 2x12 and Aeolus Pro 37 carbon wheels, for 8.97 kg in size M. Depending on the size, Trek offers two possible crank lengths, from 160 mm in S to 172.5 mm in XL.

Technical specifications

Who is it for?

For the triathlete targeting a 70.3 or half-distance race, with 90 km of riding to hold at a steady pace before the half marathon. It suits athletes who train alone at their own pace and want to ride fast while using less energy, to save their legs for the run.

The LVR workshop view

OCLV carbon, Trek's signature. Since 1992, Trek has compacted its carbon fibre layers under heat and pressure to eliminate micro-voids, the air bubbles that weaken a structure. On the Speed Concept SLR 7, this expertise is put to work for aerodynamics: OCLV Series 800 makes it possible to mould very deep KVF tubes that stay stiff despite their large surface area. Like all OCLV frames, it is covered by the Trek lifetime warranty.

Put simply: OCLV 800 is no compromise on a triathlon bike. The frame weighs more than a road bike frame, but the difference comes from the aero tubes and storage, and on the flat it is air resistance that decides your time.

The idea behind Kammtail Virtual Foil tubes is to cut off the tail of an aerodynamic profile: the air behaves almost as it would over a full profile, with a shorter, stiffer and lighter tube. As a result, the bike stays precise when you accelerate, which helps out of corners or after a U-turn.

The choice between two crank lengths deserves some thought: shorter cranks open up the hip angle in the aero position and often spare the legs before the run. We discuss it during the bike fit, then fit the right part before handing over the bike.

Which Speed Concept should you choose?

Our take: with identical equipment, the choice between the SLR 7 models comes down to colour and size. The SLR 7 AXS offers 51 mm rims that are faster on the flat, but more demanding when the tramontane blows across the road.

Your questions

Why buy from LVR Cycles? As a Trek retailer in Béziers, we choose the crank length with you, set up the aero position and take care of brake bleeding and Di2 follow-up in our workshop.

Please note that the specifications may be changed without prior notice by the manufacturer, based on the availability of components and other factors.