Simply put, Trek’s new Madone 9.9 is the epitome of road bike performance and technology. The crux of the bike is the frame, and Trek used its design, the integration of components and the placement of water bottles to help reduce drag and ensure that it’s the most aerodynamic road frame on the market. They’re calling it their biggest launch ever.
The Madone features an integrated headset and handlebar with hidden cables, a micro-adjust seat mast for fine-tuning riding position, stealthy cantilever brakes and Trek’s 600 Series OCLV Carbon frame — all of which help reduce drag. The frame design is also optimized for performance, utilizing Trek’s Kammtail Virtual Foil tube shape, an abridged version of an airfoil that also helps slip through the wind. The Madone 9.9 comes kitted with a top-of-the-line Shimano Dura Ace groupset for the most precise and smooth shifts short of an electronic shifting system.
For riders in search of a more bespoke option, Trek also offers the Madone as part of their Project One series, which allows riders to add accessories and customize everything from frame material, to color, to drivetrain and components.
In comparison to other bikes of its class, namely the Felt AR2, Giant Propel and Cervélo S5, the Madone surpasses them all when it comes to aerodynamics. According to Trek, the Madone’s largest advantage comes at a yaw angle of +15, where the Giant Propel produces roughly 800 grams of drag compared to the Madone’s roughly 600. It also trumps the Specialized Venge in vertical compliance, where the Venge allows roughly 4mm compared to the Madone’s 21mm, translating to a more agreeable ride.
If ripping down the tarmac on a bike that likely spent as much time in the wind tunnel as an AMG Mercedes is your game, the Madone 9.9 is your ride of choice.