Behold the climbing machine that redefined lightweight performance for the disc brake era. The 2018 Trek Émonda SLR 8 Disc is a bike built for one purpose: to conquer the steepest ascents with exhilarating speed and grace, now available in a coveted 62cm size for taller riders. Featuring Trek’s legendary 700 Series OCLV Carbon frame, a complete Shimano Dura-Ace mechanical groupset, and the confidence of hydraulic disc brakes, this bike represents a pinnacle of engineering from a time when Trek pushed the boundaries of what a lightweight road bike could be . Weighing in at an astonishingly low approximately 6.41 kg (14.1 lbs) , it remains a formidable competitor even years after its release, offering a ride quality that is both surgically precise and refreshingly comfortable .

Frame and Fork

Frame: The heart of the Émonda is its 700 Series OCLV Carbon frame, Trek’s premier carbon fiber layup at the time . For the 2018 model year, Trek achieved a remarkable feat: the disc brake version of this frame tipped the scales at just 665 grams (for a painted 56cm H1 frame) . This frame isn’t just about low weight; it features Ride-Tuned performance tube optimization, using varying carbon profiles to deliver stiffness where needed for power transfer and compliance where it counts for comfort . The iconic, broad BB90 bottom bracket provides a massive interface for the frame, ensuring every watt is translated into forward momentum . Despite being a pure road machine, the frame offers clearance for tires up to 28c, adding a touch of versatility .
Fork: The matching Émonda full carbon fork features a carbon E2 tapered steerer for precise, confident steering and carbon dropouts to shave every possible gram. It is purpose-built with flat mount disc brake integration for a clean, aerodynamic profile .

Drivetrain

This bike is equipped with a complete, meticulously chosen Shimano Dura-Ace 11-speed mechanical groupset, the gold standard for reliability and performance.

Shifters: The Shimano Dura-Ace R9120 shifters are specifically designed for hydraulic disc brakes. They offer the legendary, crisp mechanical shifting of Dura-Ace combined with an ergonomic, comfortable hood design for hours in the saddle .
Front & Rear Derailleurs: Precise and reliable gear changes are handled by the Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 front derailleur (braze-on) and Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 rear derailleur . The rear derailleur’s light action and Shadow design keep shifting crisp and the drivetrain protected.
Crankset: Power is transferred through a stiff and efficient Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 crankset with a compact 50/34T chainring combination, perfect for spinning up steep alpine climbs. For a 62cm frame, the crank arms are appropriately sized at 175mm to ensure optimal fit and leverage for taller riders .
Cassette & Chain: A wide-range Shimano Dura-Ace 11-28T 11-speed cassette offers the gears to maintain a high cadence on the steeps, paired with a durable Shimano Dura-Ace chain for flawless integration .

Brakes

Stopping power is provided by Shimano’s top-tier hydraulic disc brakes. The Shimano Dura-Ace R9170 flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes were a groundbreaking inclusion on a sub-6.5kg bike in 2018. They offer unparalleled modulation, power, and consistency in all weather conditions, giving you the confidence to brake later and descend with the same prowess you climb . Reviewers praised them as the best disc brakes on the market for their perfect balance of power, modulation, and reliability .

Cockpit and Finishing Kit

Handlebar & Stem: The cockpit features premium Bontrager components. The Bontrager XXX OCLV Carbon VR-C handlebar (42cm width) is incredibly light and stiff, with an ergonomic shape for comfort in the drops . It’s clamped by a robust Bontrager Pro alloy stem (31.8mm, 7-degree rise) that features Trek’s Blendr integrated mount system for a clean, aerodynamic attachment for computers and lights .
Seatpost: The bike uses the distinctive Bontrager Ride-Tuned Carbon seatmast cap (20mm offset). This integrated design saves weight and, thanks to the flex of the carbon mast, contributes to the bike’s surprisingly compliant ride quality .
Saddle: The included Bontrager Montrose Elite saddle features durable titanium rails and a shape designed for all-day riding performance .

Wheels and Tires

Wheelset: The Émonda rolls on a superb Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3 Disc wheelset . These carbon clinchers feature a 35mm rim profile that strikes a perfect balance between aerodynamic efficiency and lightweight climbing performance. With a 19.5mm internal width, they are Tubeless Ready (TLR) , allowing for lower pressures, reduced rolling resistance, and a smoother ride. The hubs utilize DT Swiss 240 internals, renowned for their smoothness and reliability .
Tires: It is fitted with fast-rolling Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite tires in a 700x25c size, offering excellent grip and puncture protection . The bike can comfortably fit tires up to 28c for added comfort .

Sizing: The “62cm” Fit

This specific 62cm model is engineered for taller riders who often struggle to find high-performance bikes that fit properly. It features Trek’s H2 geometry, which offers a slightly more upright and endurance-oriented fit compared to the aggressive H1, ensuring comfort for long days in the saddle without sacrificing performance .

Rider Height: Designed to fit riders approximately 188cm to 195cm (6’2″ to 6’5″) tall .
Key Geometry (Size 62cm H2): The bike provides a spacious and stable platform with a long wheelbase. The reach and stack are proportionally scaled to ensure a proper fit for taller riders, placing them in an efficient and powerful position for climbing and descending alike .

Why This Bike?

The 2018 Trek Émonda SLR 8 Disc is more than just a used bike; it’s a modern classic. It represents a watershed moment when disc brake technology was perfected for the lightest climbing frames, offering a “best of both worlds” scenario that is only now becoming the industry standard . It’s a bike that delivers a “pure climbing” experience with the added safety and control of hydraulic discs . For the rider seeking a 62cm frame, this is a rare opportunity to own a flagship, pro-level machine that offers a “notable ease of handling, excellent safety at high speeds, and doesn’t even worry about crosswinds” . It’s a “definitive bike” that requires no upgrades, offering a ride that is “perfect for the enthusiast who does many miles in the mountains”