With Trek having recently put the Madone Gen 8 SLR frameset on sale, I though it would be a great opportunity to build the bike exactly how I'd want it while also learning about all aspects of how to maintain it. I'd never "built" a bike from the frameset up before, and it was quite the journey. I easily put at least 50 hours of work into it to complete, and there were so many more parts than I thought were in/on the bike (bags and bags of them). With many thanks to my LBS for helping source the right components, my bike fitter for making sure I got the right size frame/bars/seat, and honestly to Trek's support chat who constantly helped answer questions I had. I think I must have had 25+ chats with them. Handlebar tape coming after my bike fit.
In the end:
– Madone Gen 8 SLR frameset
– Full custom cut Xpel Ultimate wrap
– 12 speed Ultegra Shifters, Crankset, and FD
– 12 speed 105 Rear Derailleur (to go up to 36T cassette)
– CS-HG710-12 12-Speed Cassette (11-36T)
– Shimano XTR Dura Ace CN-M9100 chain
– Chris King t47 bottom bracket
– Aero RSL Road Integrated Handlebar
– Bontrager RSL 37v wheels
– Specialized Power Pro 3D Saddle
– Matching RSL water bottles (obv.)
– Buplabs RTL taillight adapter
Was it worth it? In terms of time commitment, fixing mistakes, or cost of individual components and tool purchases… probably not. Do I now understand all aspects of how to maintain the bike? Definitely. A relatively painful journey (especially cable routing through that integrated handlebar), but looking forward to many miles on it now.
by soundwavin
10 Comments
Sweet build! Enjoy the ride!
That’s awesome. Congratulations on taking that task on and building the bike how you wanted it, and learning a lot on the way. Not sure I’ll ever be that daring.
What a journey, great build! There is something to be said for knowing every in and out and being able diagnose/fix. Of course, now you will obsess over every little noise, lol
Did you consider having the local bike shop do the build? Or were you more interested in this as a personal project? My local Trek authorized bike shop only charged me $300 for the build and allowed me to source the parts on my own. As a bonus, when it is done this way, the bike is fully warrantied through Trek.
Incredible
Nothing shows off a new build quite like posting a picture of just the wheel tag. Let’s see the rest of it.
Beautiful bike
Congrats, it looks amazing! It has been my dream bike!
I am highly.. Highly considering painting my AL4 Gen4 this color some day. Idk what it is, but I love it. I currently have the white AL4 which is beautiful but I love this color way!
congrats man have fun and thousands of miles!!
since its di2 why there’s 2 hose sleeves(pic 3)?