Light road bikes need to do better than just be, y'know, light. They need to make every mile better, including going downhill.
Disc brakes have been embraced by the road cycling community, not just for better stopping power in the rain, but for better overall control in any situation. Improved lever feedback helps prevent skidding in all conditions, and disc brake pads last considerably longer than rim brake pads. The Emonda SL 5 Disc has that going for it, and quite a bit more...
The Emonda SL 5 is built to be a classic lightweight machine, with attention paid towards aerodynamic shaping. It's all about making every hilltop come to you that much faster. Built around "stage race" geometry, the Emonda feels confident in the turns without feeling nervous or twitchy. Trek's own 500 Series OCLV carbon fiber is used throughout the frame, bringing incredible lightness and smoothness to the Emonda SL 5. Kammtail Virtual Foil (or KVF) aero shaping is found throughout the frame and fork, allowing the new Emonda SL to carry better speed on descents and cut through headwinds better. How much better? About a minute faster in 25 miles compared to the previous generation. The bike's tapered head tube, combined with an oversized down tube, adds torsional strength for excellent handling and flex-free power transfer. A BB90 bottom bracket anchors the crankset with every pedal stroke. A no-cut Ride Tuned seat mast and cap replaces a regular seat post for excellent ride quality and even lighter weight. Internal cable routing and an aperture in the left chainstay for a DuoTrap S speed/cadence sensor (sold separately) keep the Emonda SL 5 Disc looking clean and sleek. Thru-axle hub dropouts makes wheel changes a snap, plus they add to the torsional strength of the frameset, improving handling.
The Emonda SL 5 Disc is equipped top to bottom with Shimano's excellent 11-speed 105 component group. The adjustable-reach dual-control levers have been redesigned with new textured lever hoods, offering better grip on rough pavement. The Shadow-style rear derailleur requires less hand strength to operate, and is more aerodynamic. A flatter and more rigid 50/34T alloy compact crankset does power transfer duty while clearing a rider's ankles for a better fit. Even the 11-30T cassette and chain are Shimano 105 components for excellent compatibility and long service life. The aformentioned Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes clamp down on 160mm Shimano rotors that are cross-drilled for better heat dispersion on hairpin-heavy descents. Rolling stock consists of Bontrager's tubeless-ready alloy Affinity Disc wheels and 700x28c R1 Hard-Case Lite tires, adding a smooth feel and easy acceleration.
A Bontrager P3 Verse Comp saddle adds a comfy perch for long miles in the saddle, while an accessory-ready alloy Bontrager Elite Blendr stem helps keep lights and a computer (sold separately) at your fingertips. An alloy Bontrager Comp VR-C road handlebar completes the cockpit of this outstanding lightweight marvel.
* Subject to change without notice.
