Emonda SL Custom Race Build

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I had fun with this project...

The goal was to take a fantastic workhorse racing bike frame, Trek's Emonda SL and trick it out with a custom build with the focus on things that add speed but are also a good value.

The feel of any good bike comes from the frame and it's design.  And the Emonda SL is not only an excellent value but is flawless as a great all around racing bike.  In fact this is the exact frame that is raced to countless wins by my friends on the Papa John's p/b Trek Racing Team.  The elite women have won crits, road races, stage races and national championships on our Trek Emonda SL.

The SL frame which sits in the middle of the Trek Emonda lineup between the S model and the SLR version.  Compared to the S model, the SL features upgraded 500 Series grade carbon fiber, internal cable routing and a ride tuned seat mast.  The SLR frame is made from even higher modulus 700 series carbon fiber and saves 6 ounces but cost $2100 more.  It got me thinking why not get some Zipp wheels for that money as in almost all situations aero wheels are faster than saving 6 ounces.

In keeping with the value and speed equation I selected the popular Zipp Firecrest Series.  I have an 808 in the rear for maximum aerodynamics, and a 404 in the front to make it easier to steer when the Florida winds kick in.  For Bars and Stem I picked the light, strong and great valued Zipp Service Course SL in beyond black to match the BOB "black on black" theme of the frame.

To my taste there is no groupset that is as intuitive and easy to shift as Sram's eTAP.  I actually had this on another bike, and loved it so much I transferred it over to this bike.  I have had bikes that had everything from Campy Super Record to Shimano Di2 drivetrains,  and after eTAP every other shifting method seems obsolete.  Try it you will like it!

eTAP has been bomb proof over the 2000 miles I used it on my other bike.  And I love how easy it is to charge and swap the batteries.  The lack of cables is not only a plus when building, but makes for a cleaner looking frame with no little wires running around.

And I absolutely love the Sram Red Quarq powermeter.  It doesn't look like an afterthought, and the output is steady and accurate.  The all black chain rings look great too!

Big thanks to Andrew Roberts, our Naples Store Service Manager, for a PRO build!

After a few sweet rides, I can honestly say that this bike rocks!  Way fast, smooth, light (our digital scale read 15.1 pounds with pedals), and handles great!  Fun to ride, yet it would be at home in any flat out racing situation.  

I highly recommend the Emonda SL.  Choose from the many stock versions starting at $2359 or let us build you up a custom bike of your own!  Happy riding...

Greg Pelican