Originally Posted by
side_FX
Sorry to keep focusing on the same thing but why does one want a Edmonda vs. the Madone? Is it really that much lighter to make a difference? If I have 4k to spend....do I go Madone or Emonda?
I've ridden both bikes, and can tell you there's a difference in the ride/handling. The geometries are slightly different as well. Obviously the focus with the Madone is on its aero benefits with the KVF tube shaping -- the going rule of thumb is that you'll see aero benefits if you can sustain greater than 20mph solo. In terms of ride, the Madone is a bit more visceral . . . harsher ride quality. Mind you, the Madone's ride quality isn't bad, but it's not as smooth as the Emonda.
The Emonda, on the other hand, is a smoother ride that's more responsive, both in sprinting/climbing efforts and in handling. To me, the Emonda feels livelier, and I was riding the base S4 model vs. the Madone 5.2.
Originally Posted by
bres dad
I had this conversation with my local Trek dealer and a few others in the industry. A theory is this could be the eventual replacement for the Madone. The Madone has been around s few years. The Domane is new enough there probably won't be much changing it for awhile (other than the Domane Classic). The Emonda seems to try to fit in between the two but overlaps more on the Madone side. Not saying the Emonda will replace the Madone, just a possibility (more of a conspiracy theory)
For 2015, Trek will offer only the 2 series and 7 series Madones; the other series will be dropped. That sales gap will be filled by the Emonda. The theory is that there are very few riders who can actually benefit from the aero design of the Madone. More people can benefit from a lighter bike. The Emonda rides better, and is lighter than the Madone, so I think Trek's got it right with this.
Interestingly, the Madone evolved from being a thoroughbred climbing race bike to the aero bike that it is today, and its geometry changed throughout its evolution. I find it interesting that the Emonda's geometry is identical (save for a slightly higher BB) to the pre-aero Madone. Perhaps that's why I like the Emonda so much: it's geometry is identical to that of my 2008 Madone.