It seems most bikes these days have a sloping top tube.. I guess they need it to create the the longer head tube which is also found on a lot bikes. I suppose this gets riders in a more upright position without a lot of spacers and upward angled stems. I could never ride a flipped and slammed stem on my 2001 5900, short head tube won't allow it for me. On a new Madone it would be more possible. I like Trek but also understand it's not for everyone.