Carbon triathlon bike Trek Speed Concept SLR 9 matte deep smoke: Dura-Ace Di2, RSL 51 wheels, 1,522 g frame

Trek Speed Concept SLR 9 matte deep smoke: the elegance of matte black

Understated and racy, the Trek Speed Concept SLR 9 in Matte Deep Smoke features a smoked grey so dark it passes for matte black. It brings together an OCLV Series 800 carbon frame, Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and Aeolus RSL 51 wheels. Trek France does not disclose its complete weight: we go by the frame at 1,522 g painted and the fork at 410 g.

Technical specifications

Who is it for?

For the experienced Ironman athlete looking for a discreet high-end bike, and for the long-distance triathlete who wants the proven reliability of an electronic Shimano drivetrain. It will appeal to those who prefer to let the clock do the talking rather than the paint.

The LVR workshop view

OCLV carbon, Trek's signature. The acronym refers to compacting the fibres at high temperature and under strong pressure, a process Trek has used since 1992 to eliminate internal voids. The number that goes with it measures how optimised the layup is. The Speed Concept SLR 9 stays with OCLV 800, like the whole family: Trek did not see the point of using the Madone's OCLV 900, because a time trial bike is judged first and foremost on its drag. The frame is covered by Trek's lifetime warranty.

The key point: switching to OCLV 900 would save a few grams that nobody would feel in a stretched-out position on the flat. Trek's choice focuses the SLR 9's budget on the Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain and the RSL wheels, where the difference can be felt.

On this colour, Trek lists a single crank length per size: 160 mm in S, 170 mm in M and L, 172.5 mm in XL. This is something to check during a bike fit, because a crank that is too long closes the hip angle in the aero position and causes more fatigue over the distance.

The single Di2 battery powers both derailleurs and easily lasts a long stretch of training between charges, depending on use. For your training rides between Béziers and the coastal lagoons, the 52/36 and the 11-30 cassette suit rolling courses; for a very hilly Ironman, we can discuss it.

Which Speed Concept should you choose?

Our take: this matte grey SLR 9 shares everything with its sibling colours except its cranks. If you want a power meter as standard, the SLR 9 AXS builds it into the RED AXS E1 chainset.

Your questions

Why buy from LVR Cycles? As a Trek retailer in Béziers, we confirm the crank length with you, build and adjust your SLR 9 and service it before each key event.

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