• MAGAZINE OFFERS
  • BIKE INSURANCE
  • Best Products
  • Maintenance
  • Accessories
  • Long-Term Reviews
  • BikeRadar Podcast
  • First Look Friday
  • Bike of the Week
  • Tech Features
  • Routes and Rides
  • Bike Galleries
  • BikeRadar Bargains
  • Buyer's Guides
  • Fitness & Training
  • Sizing & Fit
  • Mountain Biking UK
  • Cycling Plus

2021 Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro review

Trek's climbing specialist has been re-imagined as a do-it-all race bike.

Felix Smith / Immediate Media

Amazingly stiff ride; race-ready long and low fit; exceptionally fun to ride.

25mm tyres exaggerate harsh ride and harm performance on imperfect road surfaces; weight isn't competitive for price.

The new 2021 Trek Emonda sees a shift away from a purely climber-focussed bike to a more all-round package with the de-rigueur aero shaping to match.

We have two bikes in for review. My colleague, Warren, has the top-end 6.9kg Emonda SLR 9 model with all of the bells and whistles, and an outrageous £9,700 price tag .

I have been testing the Ultegra R8000-equipped 2021 Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro.

The SL-level Emonda is based on Trek’s OCLV 500 carbon layup, which adds roughly 445g to an unpainted frameset in an unspecified size compared to the top-end model.

You do, however, get the exact same geometry and frame shape as the SLR-level Emonda, so the differences should largely boil down to weight alone.

More on the new Trek Emonda

  • New 2021 Trek Emonda | An uncompromising disc-only race bike
  • Trek Emonda SLR 9 eTap first ride review

At £3,350 ($3,799 / €3,799 / AU$5,499), the SL6 Pro is by no means cheap, but represents fairly good value for money in the context of the wider market

For that cash, you get a full Ultegra R8020 groupset , a Bontrager Aelous Elite 35 carbon wheelset, a perfectly inoffensive alloy cockpit and a very plush Bontrager saddle. The bike weighs 8.13kg on the nose with no pedals.

Picking two comparable bikes, the Giant TCR Advanced Pro 2 Disc costs roughly the same (£3,499) for a broadly similar build, as does the Rose X-Lite 6 (~£3,450).

Trek has significantly altered the geometry of the Emonda for 2021, and it is now only available in the brand’s middle-of-the-road H1.5 fit.

H1.5 sits pretty much in the middle of Trek’s super aggressive H1 geometry and its endurance-focussed H2 fit.

The resulting shape strikes a nice balance between real-world usability while allowing the sportier riders among us to get a low and fast setup should they so wish.

The stack for the new Emonda is on the lower end of the spectrum for a 56cm bike at 563mm. The reach is fairly average, at 391mm for a 56cm bike. The 56cm bike ships with a 100mm stem.

2021 Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro handlebars

While the reach of the frameset is fairly average, when matched with the 42cm-wide Bontrager Elite VR-C bars, which have a hefty 100mm reach, the fit of the bike feels suitably long and low.

I really like the overall profile of these bars – there’s loads of room in the drops so you can actually spend some time down there comfortably without your hands getting smooshed up, and the extra reach offers additional useful hand positions.

Adding reach to the bars (rather than increasing the length of the stem) also means the tops stay a touch closer to you, giving a really comfortable position for seated climbing.

Trek_Emonda_Jack_Luke_riding

The ride of the bike is exceptionally stiff and incredibly fun in the way that a proper race bike can be.

It’s got that addictive ultra-efficient feel with a totally unyielding pedal response that is amazing on the climbs – you are giving up nothing to the frame when mashing yourself into a lactic oblivion.

I dare say the overall feel is almost a little old school, with a super stiff ride that’s reminiscent of early carbon bikes.

This will be polarising for some riders, but I personally really like it. It feels properly rapid and responsive, and going fast is never not fun.

Related reading

  • Trek Domane SL7 review
  • Trek Madone SL6 Disc review
  • Best road bikes: how to choose the right one for you

2021 Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro pack and detail shots against silver g

While perhaps divisive, this super stiff ride also goes some way to differentiate the bike from the others in Trek’s lineup.

The line between the Emonda and Madone – and to a certain degree, the Domane – is now fairly blurred with this new bike.

But by keeping it simple, with no ISOSpeed squashiness, a racy ride and a lighter overall package, the Emonda stands out in the range.

Trek Emonda descending chesty shot

That stiffness also translates into a really engaging and fun ride on the descents. The bike shrugs at irresponsibly heavy braking into corners, remaining accurate and giving – yes, I really am going to say it – a really feedback-rich ride. It’s a total hoot.

It’s no surprise that this stiffness results in a firm ride.

It’s not a rough ride, per se – the bike still provides that pleasingly damped feel that any quality carbon bike gives on imperfect surfaces, and the integrated seat mast brings a degree of rear end comfort.

2021 Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro tyre clearance

However, on larger bumps, the front end can feel quite jarring. The alloy bars will contribute to this, but the stock 25mm tyres are the main culprit.

25mm wide tyres were considered progressive a few short years ago, but the majority of new road bikes these days ship with 28mm tyres (or even larger) and not without good reason.

Wider tyres have consistently been shown in testing to have lower rolling resistance than narrower tyres and, as they can be run at lower pressures, they also improve comfort. Being more comfortable means less fatigue, which means increased speed.

This is well-trodden ground, so to see 25mm tyres here is a little bit disappointing – other bikes in the Emonda range feature 28s, and I’ve always admired Trek for boldly speccing 32mm tyres on the Domane, so to see narrower rubber here feel like a bit of a cop-out.

Trek is clearly trying to pander to the hill climb kids with the tiny reduction in weight 25s will offer, but 28s would be better for the majority of riders in nearly all situations.

2021 Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro with tanwall tyres

Keen to see how much of a difference wider tyres would actually make, I swapped the stock Bontrager R2 Hard-Case Lite tyres in favour of a pair of Panaracer Race D Evo tyres. These measure bang on 28mm when inflated to 70psi on the Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35 wheels.

Unsurprisingly, the wider tyres smoothed out the ride of the bike significantly without making the ride feel mushy – you can focus on getting the most out of the bike’s stiff frameset without having to worry so much about potholes or broken road surfaces. The larger tyres also improve grip on descents.

They also make very light gravel detours a more appealing possibility.

Gravel riding is absolutely one bazillion per cent not within the intended remit of this bike, but the larger volume tyres make short stretches along smooth unsealed rail trails or rough access roads a much less hateful experience.

On a similar theme, I was also a little disappointed to see the bike come set up with tubes.

The likes of Giant are now shipping complete bikes tubeless out of the box and, regardless of which side of the tubeless vs. tubed debate you sit on, including tubeless tech as stock adds value to a bike.

Given the new Aeolus 35 Elite wheels are tubeless-compatible, it’s disappointing that the included tyres aren’t at least tubeless-ready.

As mentioned, the bike has been doused in a liberal helping of aero sauce, and the new bike is claimed to sit between the outgoing Emonda and the Madone in terms of aero performance.

There’s no way I can quantify these claims, but the bike does feel fast on the flats. I suspect that has more to do with the fact the bike’s geometry means it’s possible to get into a properly long and low position, so I’ll leave it up to you to decide whether you believe Trek’s claims – or whether you care.

2021 Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro downtube logo

Not that it has any bearing on performance, but the aero shaping has resulted in a bike that looks fast. I’m fond of the overall shape of the bike and I’m glad to not see dropped seat stays here. The lines are classic and the traditional cockpit doesn’t look out of place either.

Trek clearly doesn’t want you to forget you’re riding one of its bikes judging by the sheer size of the logo on the down tube. It is so over the top and a bit daft, but I kind of dig it – it’s like a postmodern statement, the David Byrne big suit of bicycle logos .

I also think the paint job looks really nice for what is, in the context of this model range, a ‘budget’ bike.

2021 Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro Aeolus saddle

A surprising standout from the bike is the Bontrager Aeolus Comp saddle.

Every man and his dog has thrown his hat into the short nose and stubby saddle game, and I’ve tried a fair few now, but I think it’s a toss-up between this and the Pro Stealth Superlight for my all-time favourite .

Trust me when I say this is very high praise because I love the Pro Stealth. The Aeolus is squashy, comfortable and perfect for my peach. I can’t believe it has taken this long for saddles to get this good.

2021 Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro groupset

The bike is built around a full Shimano Ultegra R8020 groupset . It’s nigh-on impossible to level criticism at R8000, offering nearly all of the performance of Dura-Ace at a considerably lower price point.

The 52/36 crankset is paired with an 11-30 cassette. For a go-fast all-round climb-friendly bike, this is perfect.

However, it’s worth noting that the bike is equipped with a short cage mech, which officially limits the drivetrain to a 30t cassette. This means you would have to go for a smaller set of chainrings if you require lighter gearing.

Even so, the gearing has more than enough range to climb comfortably in the saddle on most climbs.

The SL6 Pro is the ‘cheapest’ bike in the new Emonda range to feature carbon wheels.

At 35mm deep, the Aeolus Elite 35 should, in theory, give a bit of aero advantage without sacrificing too much on the climbs in terms of weight.

A 35mm wheel is unlikely to present serious problems in crosswinds, and they feel perfectly well-mannered and stiff. The wheels are based on DT Swiss’ Ratchet EXP freehub, which are easy-enough to service with widely-available spares.

Again, I’m a bit miffed these aren’t set up tubeless out of the box. It would allow you to run lower pressures, improving comfort and grip, which is never a bad thing.

2021 Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro conclusion

2021 Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro pack and detail shots against silver g

Make no mistake – the Emonda is an uncompromising race bike, and it’s all the better for it.

In a world of squashy do-it-all bikes, the Emonda’s wonderfully moreish super stiff ride stands out and I’ve really enjoyed my time testing it.

Speccing standard 25mm clincher tyres in 2020 is an odd move, and the weight for this particular build isn’t that competitive.

You also lose out on some (claimed) aero benefit with the standard cockpit versus the fancy new integrated Bontrager Aeolus RSL VR-C bar-stem combo. But, if you’re anything like me and enjoy endlessly tweaking your position and cockpit setup, this might not be such a bad thing.

Jumping up to the Emonda SL 7 (£4,850) would get you an Ultegra Di2 groupset, Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 wheels and the integrated cockpit, but I’m not convinced the extra expense would be worth it.

A few small spec niggles aside, if you’re after a delightfully fun go-fast race bike, the 2021 Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro is very unlikely to leave you wanting.

Share this article

trek emonda sl6 gumtree

Deputy editor

trek emonda sl6 gumtree

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Subscribe to our magazines

Logo

Switch to the App

  • 15.000+ available bikes
  • Only certified sellers
  • Buyer protection

Trek Emonda SL6

This 2019 Trek Emonda SL6 - Shimano Ultegra has a frame size 54. The bike suitable for a rider height of 5 ' 6 " - 5 ' 10 ".

Condition & details

Frame material

Component group

Shimano Ultegra

Frame color

Contact the seller

gallico, Italy

We ship anywhere

Safe payments

Easy returns

Frequently asked questions

Trek - Emonda SL6, 2019

$ 1,485 $ 4,395

You may like:

Suggested bikes

Saved bikes (0)

You have no bikes saved in your favorites!

Choose country:

Choose language:, contact seller.

*Your message will be automatically translated in the seller’s preferred language.

Make a counter offer

Trek - Emonda SL6, 2019

Trek, Emonda SL6

$ 1,485 original price

Continue negotiating from your user profile, \nin the “Offers” section

Yes. With Buyer Protection, if your bike doesn't arrive as promised by the seller, you can return it for free.

If the bike's condition, components, or other features differ significantly from the seller's description, you're covered.

Buy worry-free, worldwide.

We send the seller everything needed to pack and ship your bike.

The seller safely packs your bike, and we arrange a time and date for shipment.

We keep you updated at every step, from pick up to delivery.

If there are problems with your bike that weren't in the sales ad, write us within 48 hours of delivery. We'll do our best to resolve the issue, including offer a refund.

Enjoy your new pre-owned bike!

You're protected with buycycle

The seller only gets paid when you get your bike.

We don't allow cash for any transactions. This keeps you safe from scams and frauds.

We offer top-rated customer support for a hassle-free experience.

buycycle provides a specialised and secure platform for bike enthusiasts to buy and sell bikes, with distinct advantages over general marketplaces.

Use your height and inseam in centimetres to find the right bike size.

We understand the importance of making an informed decision when buying a used bike. A test ride can be an essential part of this process, and we have developed a hassle-free and safe way for you to try out a bike before finalizing your purchase.

Conditions and details

Frame material :

Fork material :

Rearshock :

Front derailleur :

Rear derailleur :

Handlebar :

Chainrings :

Further Information

Single owner

Ultegra 11v mechanical

Bontrager carbon wheels

Carbon frame and fork

  • Émonda SL 6 AXS

IMAGES

  1. 2020 Trek Emonda SL6 Pro with upgrades.

    trek emonda sl6 gumtree

  2. 2020 Trek Emonda SL6 Pro Full Carbon Road Bike

    trek emonda sl6 gumtree

  3. Trek Emonda SL6 with carbon wheelset. Matt Black.

    trek emonda sl6 gumtree

  4. Trek Emonda SL6 Disc carbon road bike Zipp 303s 58cm

    trek emonda sl6 gumtree

  5. Trek Emonda SL6 Pro road bike 2019 50cm two wheel sets

    trek emonda sl6 gumtree

  6. Trek Emonda SL6 Pro Carbon Road Bike

    trek emonda sl6 gumtree

VIDEO

  1. TREK Emonda SL6 #trekemondasl6 #trekbikes #roadbike

  2. Trek Emonda SL 7

  3. Trek Emonda SL6

  4. Trek emonda sl6 pro21 custom2

  5. Trek Emonda SL6 2021

COMMENTS

  1. Trek emonda sl6

    Trek Emonda SL6 Great bike to ride Very light 56cm frame size Full Shimano Ultegra Groupset 11x2 speed Carbon Fibre Novatech wheels: 40mm front and 50mm back £1100 ono Strabane, County Tyrone £1,100

  2. Trek emonda

    Find great local deals on Trek emonda for sale Shop hassle-free with Gumtree, your local buying & selling community. Gumtree. Sell. Login/Register. Menu. Cars & Vehicles. For Sale. Property. Jobs. ... 2022 Trek Emonda SL6 Disc (54cm) Used but recently serviced Both tyres replaced recently Chain replaced recently Brake pads replaced recently 3 ...

  3. 6 Results: New & Used in trek emonda sl6 in Australia

    Up for sale a near new and minimally ridden Trek Emonda SL6, stealth black with all the good bits: - 56cm carbon frame, MY 2017 - full Ultegra 11 speed di2 (6870 series) with Bluetooth add-on to enable use of the app - Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3 carbon wheels - Maxxis 25mm tyres (only one or two rides old) - Pioneer power meter (non drive side) - Bontrager carbon bottle cage Fantastic bike with ...

  4. Trek Emonda SL6

    Trek Emonda SL6 56cm carbon fibre frame Full Shimano Ultegra groupset 22 speed (2x11) Bontrager Duotrap speed and cadence sensor Novatec carbon fibre wheels (50mm rear 40mm front) Collection only Strabane Area Cash only £1100 ono

  5. Émonda SL 6

    Émonda SL 6. 11 Reviews / Write a Review. $4,299.99 $4,999.99. Model 5297482. Retailer prices may vary. Émonda SL 6 Disc has all the advantages of an ultralight carbon road bike, with the added benefit of aero tube shaping that help you ride faster on flats and up climbs, too.

  6. Trek emonda Sl6

    Trek emonda sl6 size 54cm frame. Full ultegra groupset 50-34 and 11-32 casette perfect for hills 3T carbon bars to reduce road vibrations and Hunt alloy rims. Direct mount brake system the most powerful version of rim braking available. Bike is immaculate like new having unf

  7. 5 Results: New & Used in trek emonda sl6 in Australia

    Find trek emonda sl6 ads in our Men's Bicycles category. Buy and sell almost anything on Gumtree classifieds.

  8. 2021 Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro review

    2021 Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro review - BikeRadar. The 2021 Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro is an uncompromising and spectacularly stiff all-round race bike, but one spec niggle makes it is just short of greatness.

  9. Trek Emonda SL6 used in 54 cm

    This 2019 Trek Emonda SL6 - Shimano Ultegra has a frame size 54. The bike suitable for a rider height of 5 ' 6 " - 5 ' 10 ". Show buying options Make an offer Condition & details. Model Year. 2019. Condition Good. Framesizes ...

  10. Trek Emonda SL6 Carbon Road Bike

    Specifications: Make ----- Trek Model ----- Emonda SL6 Carbon Condition ----- 8/10 Type ----- Road Bike Gender ----- Gents Frame Size -- 54cm Carbon Gears ...

  11. Trek emonda sl6 for Sale in Scotland

    Discover amazing local deals on Trek emonda sl6 for sale in Scotland Quick & hassle-free shopping with Gumtree, your local buying & selling community.

  12. Trek Emonda 2022 SL6 Disc Pro

    Trek Emonda 2022 SL6 Disc Pro 500 Series OCLV Carbon R8020 Mechanical Ultegera groupset Upgraded from original specifications Large cage Derailer and 1134 ..., 1323018995

  13. 5 Results: New & Used in trek emonda sl6 in Australia

    Find trek emonda sl6 ads in our Men's Bicycles category. Buy and sell almost anything on Gumtree classifieds. Keeping our community safe COVID-19 Safety Precautions

  14. Trek emonda sl6 for Sale

    Price. Update. 6. Trek Emonda SL6. Trek Emonda SL6 Great bike to ride Very light 56cm frame size Full Shimano Ultegra Groupset 11x2 speed Carbon Fibre Novatech wheels: 40mm front and 50mm back £1100 ono. Strabane, County Tyrone. £1,100.

  15. Just rode my new emonda sl6 pro for the first time….

    The official community of Trek bike riders around the world. Members Online • thewun111. ADMIN MOD Just rode my new emonda sl6 pro for the first time…. and holy shit it's fast. Bought in early February. Finally roads are clear enough to at least take it on some straights. It flies. Its position is definitely aggressive and will take me ...

  16. Émonda SL 6 AXS

    Émonda SL full carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axle. Frame fit. H1.5 Race. Weight. Weight. 56 - 8.69 kg / 19.16 lbs. Weight limit. This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 275 pounds (125 kg). E-system.

  17. Road Bike Trek Emonda Ultegra Di2

    Trek Emonda SL6 Ultegra Di2 11 Speed Size 56 5236 chain rings with 1130 cassette 1725mm crank arms Easton EC70 aero handlebars Bontrager Aeolus Comp ..., 1323028475. Cars & Vehicles. Automotive Services. Cars, Trailers & Excavators Hire; Mechanics & Garages; Other Automotive; Paint & Body Repair;

  18. trek emonda

    Trek Emonda. 11 speed Ultegra Mach 50:36-11:28 Bontrager wheels. $3,000. Manly West, QLD. 02/03/2024. Trek Emonda SL6 - 56cm. Up for sale a near new and minimally ridden Trek Emonda SL6, stealth black with all the good bits: - 56cm carbon frame, MY 2017 - full Ultegra 11 speed di2 (6870 series) with Bluetooth add-on to enable use of the app ...

  19. 2021 Trek Emonda SL5

    Selling my 2022 Trek Emonda SL5 Size 60cm Carbon Frame Shimano 105 group set Bontrager bottle cages x2 Bontrager Light fittings included but not lights I am ..., 1323038084

  20. Trek emonda sl6 pro

    This website uses cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to improve your Gumtree experience and to optimize our advertising efforts. If you continue to use this site without changing your device's cookie settings, you consent to the use of cookies on this site. ... Trek emonda sl6 pro. R 65,000

  21. trek emonda sl6

    Find trek emonda sl6 ads in our Bicycles category. Buy and sell almost anything on Gumtree classifieds.

  22. trek emonda sl 6

    Find trek emonda sl 6 ads. Buy and sell almost anything on Gumtree classifieds.

  23. No heat in Elektrostal city of Moscow region since middile December

    Ukrainian military had 64 combat engagements with Russian forces near Synkivka of Kharkiv region, south to Terny and Vesele of Donetsk region, Klischiyivka and Andriyivka of Donetsk region, near Novobakhmutivka, Avdiyivka, Syeverne, Pervomayske and Nevelske of Donetsk region, Heorhiyivka, Pobyeda and Novomykhaylivka of Donetsk region, Staromayorske of Donetsk region, at the east bank of Dnipro ...