You can trust Cyclingnews
Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.
Image 1 of 16
The new Trek Madone 9.0 is the most affordable new Madone yet - and the one with the most adjustable cockpit (Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
The rear brake action is smooth enough, considering the cable routing up front(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
The frames have 9cm of seatpost adjustment - check Trek's site to make sure your seat height is within the range! (Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
The Bontrager aero wheels can be set up tubeless, but come with standard clincher tires(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
Racers interested in the Madone 9.0 might want to swap out the compact 50/34 crank (Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
Shimano's new Ultegra group has the Shadow rear derailleur that tucks under the cassette (Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
The down tube port can be configured for Di2 or, smartly, cable adjustment(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
The new Madone bikes all have Trek's IsoSpeed, which is a flexing point where the seatmast joins the rest of the frame (Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
The Bontrager Race Lite Aero VR-CF bar balances aero with practicality(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
With internal routing, the flat aero bar still presents a minimal profile to the wind(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
The Madone's two-piece spacers allow for height adjustment without messing with the cables(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
The integrated calipers feature angle and distance adjustment bolts that work well (Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
The Madone 9.0 has the same frame and fork as the top-end 9.9, but with a relatively normal handlebar (Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
The head tube has cuckoo-clock-like panels that hide the upper portion of the integrated caliper (Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
The Madone's down tube is massive(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
This is the weight (17.2lb) of the 56cm test bike shown here(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
Interested in an aero bike but want something with a normal, adjustable cockpit and a pricetag that isn't five figures? Trek's new Madone 9.0 might be what you're after.
Trek Madone 9.0 highlights
Same frame and fork as $12,000 / £12,000 / AU$13,499 Madone 9.9
Normal stem and adjustable aero handlebar
Shimano Ultegra group with Madone Aero brakes
Bontrager Aeolus Comp Tubeless Ready 50mm wheels
50-62cm sizes, four color options
$3,999 / £3,500 / AU$5,499
The head tube has cuckoo-clock-like panels that hide the upper portion of the integrated caliper
Aero, but...
In late 2015 Trek overhauled the Madone as an ultra-aero race machine, with not only cables but the brakes themselves hidden from the wind. The bike received plaudits from several cycling outlets including BikeRadar for its aero performance and its comfort, thanks largely to Trek's IsoSpeed flex design.
But while the bike managed to avoid the typical buggabo of early aero bikes — they're fast, but they ain't comfy — it did proceed with a typical aero compromise of ergonomic adjustability in favor of an ultra-clean integrated bar/stem that is demonstrably faster.
For context, most major companies with a high-end aero bike sell it with some form of integrated bar/stem, for the same reason: it's aerodynamically faster than a round bar and normal stem by a significant margin. Most companies claim at least a 4-watt improvement. (A good aero bike has a total drag number in the 70-watt range.)
The Madone 9.0 has the same frame and fork as the top-end 9.9, but with a relatively normal handlebar
And while integrated bar/stem cockpits work well for many riders, some people would prefer particular bar shapes, or bar angles, or at least the ability to make changes. With an integrated design, you get what you get.
Integrated pieces have another issue: cost.
Enter the Madone 9.0. Now Trek has an aero bike with the exact frame and fork as the $12,000 / £12,000 / AU$13,499 Madone 9.9, but with a normal stem and an aero but separate handlebar — and a much more attainable $3,999 / £3,500 / AU$5,499 price tag.
Made from the brand's 600 series OLCV carbon the Madone 9.0 sees the H2 geometry — only the Race Shop Limited version gets the H1 fit.
The new Madone bikes all have Trek's IsoSpeed, which is a flexing point where the seatmast joins the rest of the frame
Deep wheels and a compact crank
The Bontrager Aeolus Comp 5 wheels can be set up tubeless but come with 25mm standard clinchers and tubes. Although not as light as all-carbon hoops, the aerodynamics of the metal-rim-with-carbon-fairing design have to be very similar. And you get the more consistent braking of an alloy track.
Current edition Shimano Ultegra continues the Japanese company's fine tradition of an excellent second-tier group that for all intents and purpose functions like Dura-Ace but with a few more grams.
Racers interested in the Madone 9.0 might want to swap out the compact 50/34 crank
One curious spec choice is the compact 50/34 crank. When paired with the 11-28 cassette this is a great everyday setup, but it seems like amateur racers in particular would be drawn to such an aero bike, and might want if not necessarily need a 52/36. If this is a concern, it is likely that your local Trek dealer could swap it out for you.
