Gravel/Cyclocross tires on TREK MADONE SLR9??!? #trekbikes #gravelbike #trekmadone

Summary

In this video, the cyclist dives into their experience with the latest Mone SLR 9 bike setup, contrasting it with their previous builds, like the Trek checkpoint. They highlight the bike's stiff frame, performance potential, and tire setup, particularly focusing on Continental Terra Speeds. Testing tire pressures from 50 to 35 PSI, the cyclist evaluates comfort and rolling resistance, finding surprising results. They believe the Mone SLR 9 could outperform the checkpoint in terms of comfort despite being stiffer. The cyclist plans to swap out components to make it a versatile gravel bike, offering insights for serious cycling enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 🚴 The Mone SLR 9 has the stiffest frame the rider has ever experienced, prioritizing performance over comfort.
• ⚡ Stiffness in the bike frame is preferred because it feels faster and more responsive, enhancing mental confidence in performance.
• 🛞 The rider is testing 40mm Continental Terra Speed tires on the Mone, following previous experience on the Checkpoint build.
• 🪛 Both the Mone and Checkpoint frames require standing up or unweighting the saddle when riding over rough terrain like train tracks.
• 🔧 Rear wheel fitment is extremely tight but safe due to lateral stiffness, preventing side-to-side rub even under high power.
• 🛡️ Front wheel fitment is tight, mainly posing a risk of debris scratching the fork paint rather than safety concerns.
• 📉 Tire pressure experiments show that reducing PSI improves comfort with minimal impact on rolling resistance; 35 PSI offers significant compliance without rim strikes.
• 🪑 The Mone frame may offer better vertical compliance than the Checkpoint, potentially making it more comfortable at the same tire pressure.
• ⚙️ The rider plans to optimize bike setup for versatility, including wheelset swaps, different cassettes, and cranksets for a do-it-all gravel configuration.
• 🍝 Closing advice emphasizes proper nutrition, riding hard and safely, highlighting a balance between preparation and performance.

Q & A

What makes the Mone SLR 9 frame stand out compared to other bikes?

The Mone SLR 9 features the stiffest frame the rider has ever experienced, providing an overall faster and more responsive feel, especially on high-performance rides. The frame's stiffness is preferred over comfort as it offers better control and power transfer during cycling.

Why does the rider prefer stiff equipment despite sacrificing comfort?

The rider values stiffness because it feels faster and provides better performance. They believe that if a cyclist doesn't trust their equipment, they may leave performance gains on the table, especially at the high end of cycling where mental confidence plays a huge role.

What are the Continental Terra Speed tires used for on the Mone SLR 9?

The Continental Terra Speed tires are being tested on the Mone SLR 9 to see how they perform on a stiffer frame. The rider previously used Continental Terra Speed tires on another bike (the checkpoint build) and wanted to see how they would affect performance on the Mone SLR 9.

How does the Mone SLR 9 handle rough surfaces like broken pavement or train tracks?

The Mone SLR 9 is very stiff, which causes the rider to frequently get out of the saddle on rough surfaces. This is similar to the experience with the checkpoint build. The bike’s stiffness makes it challenging to stay seated comfortably on broken pavement or when crossing train tracks.

How tight is the fitment of the tires on the Mone SLR 9?

The tire fitment on the Mone SLR 9 is extremely tight, especially on the rear, with almost no room for air. The wheels are incredibly stiff, which prevents any significant side-to-side flex, ensuring no rubbing of the tires against the frame.

What potential issue does the rider face with debris when using the Mone SLR 9?

The tight fitment on the front tire could lead to debris like rocks or band-aids getting sucked into the tire, which could scratch the paint under the fork. While the damage may not be visible, it is still a concern for the rider.

How does the tire pressure affect the rolling resistance and comfort?

Lowering the tire pressure to 45 psi and then 35 psi did not drastically change the rolling resistance, which was a pleasant surprise for the rider. However, the comfort did improve slightly at 35 psi, although the bike still felt very stiff with noticeable bobbing at lower pressures.

What is the rider's opinion on the checkpoint bike in comparison to the Mone SLR 9?

The rider finds the checkpoint to be overly stiff and uncomfortable, especially on rough terrain. The Mone SLR 9, with its potential for more vertical compliance, may offer a more comfortable ride compared to the checkpoint, despite the checkpoint being marketed as a fun adventure bike.

What modifications might the rider make to the Mone SLR 9 to optimize it for gravel riding?

The rider plans to swap the wheels and crankset to create a gravel-specific version of the Mone SLR 9. This includes using a 35mm tire for gravel, switching to a 11-34 rear cassette, and adding a 50-34 crankset to make the bike more versatile for different terrains.

What will the rider do if the Mone SLR 9 proves to be more comfortable than the checkpoint?

If the Mone SLR 9 works out as expected, the rider plans to sell both the checkpoint and a Pinella bike they currently own. They will keep the Mone SLR 9 and the updated wheelset, which will serve as their do-it-all gravel bike.