My New (week old) Emonda SL6
 

Recently picked up the Emonda SL6. I ended up having to travel 2 hours roundtrip as none of the LBSs had a 52cm in stock and Trek quoted Dec. 29th as the earliest for new deliveries. My experience has been limited to aluminum frames; my other bike is a 2004 Cannondale R3000 Optimo with DA 7800.

For my first carbon frame I couldn't be happier. I don't have anything to compare it to, but i have zero complaints about this bike (at least so far with 100 miles). The ride is smooth and eats up road vibrations while maintaining a solid feel/quick acceleration. It is much more forgiving that my aluminum CAAD7, which is to be expected. I could not for the life of me dial in my fit on my Cannondale. Had a fitting recently, and while it eliminated my knee pain, I could not shake the hand numbness and neck pain. I spent many rides focusing on form with bending at the hips, supporting upper body with my core, palm contact points, etc but usually 15-20 miles it was noticeable. The Emonda has completely eliminated any issues I was experiencing which is likely contributed to the H2 fit.

I had the shop swap out the wheel set and saddle, upgrading to the Bontrager Race Lite TLRs and Paradigm RL. I purchased the new PD-5800 pedals (as I couldn't justify the cost for Ultegra or DA pedals for a few grams difference). As expected, the Shimano pedal spindle clicks under heavy load but I'm working to eliminate it with some lube over time. I had the shop weigh the bike and surprisingly it came in right at 16.29lbs (claimed weight by Trek without pedals), which I am happy with.

Here are some pics....the close-up was just for fun.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=405559
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=405566
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=405567

Nice bike.

Does it move if you fart near it ... seriously how light is that thing, looks good.

Nice bike, enjoy. Just waiting for my SLR to arrive.

Very nice! I'll be looking at a Emonda when I retire my Madone.

How is the Paradigm RL saddle? I've been looking for a new saddle and that's one I've considered.

Also, I'd talk to the dealer about the clicking pedal, that shouldn't be so.

Terrific choice. I really liked the Emonda when I was bike shopping.

Thank you.

The Paradigm RL is really comfortable. I've only ridden 30 miles at a time on it so I haven't put a lot of time on it yet. It does feel more comfortable than my Arione on my C'Dale. Hollow Ti rails I think are the main difference. I really only upgraded for weight savings.

As as for the clicking ...if it keeps up I'll take it to my LBS near me. No way am I traveling 2 hrs for the shop I bought it from to take a look. I had the same clicking sound on my PD-540s and a little lube fixed it.

Not if I fart...if I sneeze...yes it'll move. :p It's 16.29 after upgrades and adding pedals.

LOL, well, if that's an actual pic of the actual bike, and you paid around $3,200 for it (the price for an SL6), then you got a great deal, because that's an SL8. :D

SL6 -
http://s7d4.scene7.com/is/image/Trek...0,0&iccEmbed=0

SL8 -
http://s7d4.scene7.com/is/image/Trek...0,0&iccEmbed=0

It's actually the SL6 spec'd on an SL8 frame. It has Ultegra 6800. The shop said they ordered a bunch of frame sets and built them up using trek's specs for the SL6. So technically it's a one-off.

It was priced at $2999 before upgrades.

Gotcha. Still a good price. :-)

Thanks. Which SLR model? When were you quoted for delivery?

Hope you post pics when you get it!:)

According to Trek's website and the guys at the local shop where I test rode an SL8, the only difference between the SL6 and SL8 is the jump from Ultegra to Dura Ace and the different paint scheme. It is the same series carbon, the same wheels, etc. I like the paint scheme better on the SL8, but can't see spending $1400 more just to get Dura Ace instead of Ultegra and a color scheme I like better. Unfortunately, I am just going to have to wait until they have some SL6s available again.

Yeah the specs show DA as the only difference. I don't race so I couldn't justify going with DA as it really isn't needed IMO for my riding. Instead, I spent the extra $1400 on new wheels, saddle, DuoTrap, computer, water bottle cages, pedals, Trek Care Plus, and taxes.

If you have to wait, it's definitely worth it. Or do as I did and see if any shops in the surrounding area have any in your size and make the trip. I had to travel out of state because I wanted to enjoy the last few riding months this year rather than waiting to get it in winter (and that's taking the LBS and Trek's word that it would be available at the end of Dec.). I was told those that have already paid or put down $ get first dibs in the new shipment which could push the date back even further.

This is correct. S (300), SL (500), SLR (700) correspond to carbon series on the frame and 4 (tiagra), 5(105), 6(ultegra), 8(dura-ace)correspond to groupset. Then they have the 9,10 where they add all the really expensive accessories.

The SL6 is the sweet spot where most people are going to land so it's definitely going to be the most popular choice and therefore harder to keep in stock. The only reason I got one is that I ride a size 50 frame which is pretty small.

Great breakdown. It's a little confusing sometimes - the S6 or the SL6? Easy to get mixed up.

I know I wasn't the one you were asking, but I have info about my pending bike.

SLR 8 ordered in late August, due on October 10.

Very nice! H1 or H2 fit?

The wait for you is much more doable then what I was told for the SL.

Mine is SLR frame set. Will build it up with DA Di2 or Ultegra DI2, wheels are still undecided.

H2 fit and the compact crank for my aging body :p

This is a HUGE step up in quality (and down in weight) from my 2012 Roubaix with Apex.

Yeah, the wait is very reasonable. I got in as soon as I could which seems to have helped.

Just took delivery of a SL5 earlier this week. LBS ordered it from warehouse - arrived 4 days later.

Great, how about a review.

Nice! How do you like the 105 5800? I'm assuming since you're in the US you got white (overseas they sell the SL5 in a bright green color option)?

how do you like your sl5?

I'm too much of a road newb to write much of a review - don't have enough experience with other road bikes for quality comparisons. My impressions thus far (3 rides for total of 60 miles):

I think I'm going to really enjoy this ride... looking forward to getting some miles on it.