trek madone sl 6 test

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Trek Madone SL6 Disc review

The Madone scoops our aero road Bike of the Year award

David Caudery / Immediate Media

Warren Rossiter

Awesome ride; racy handling

A bit weighty

The major issue with making cutting-edge aero bikes is that it’s expensive to recoup the huge development costs. So how has Trek managed to squeeze the Madone chassis replete with IsoSpeed rear suspension into this price category?

• Bike of the Year 2020: how we tested
• Bike of the Year 2020 awards

The answer lies in the front-end as Trek has done away with the expensive integrated bar and stem system and replaced it with a more cost-effective combination of alloy Bontrager Pro stem and Aero VR-CF handlebar.

Cable integration, however, is still tidy because Trek has designed a set of headset spacers and top cap that still route all the cables and hydraulic hoses down the head tube in front of the steerer.

Bike of the Year 2020

The Trek Madone SL6 Disc is part of our annual Bike of the Year test and our Aero Road Bike of the Year winner.

Head to our Bike of the Year hub for the full list of winners, categories and shortlisted bikes, as well as the latest reviews – or read our behind-the-scenes feature on how we tested Bike of the Year 2020 .

The frame is designed around Trek’s KVF tube profiles (Kammtail Virtual Foil), which looks like a shortened aero dynamic wing cross-section with the long tail section chopped, ‘cheating’ the air into believing it’s a long airfoil, making for a less turbulent path through the air.

The idea behind dropping seatstays on modern bike design is two-fold: it minimises the stays, thus reducing drag, and it allows the seat tube and seatpost to have more unsupported length, which allows flex.

Trek with the unique design of the Madone and its IsoSpeed back-end means it doesn’t have to drop the stays for comfort or minimise the size of the stays for flex because IsoSpeed isolates the seat tube from the stays and top tube.

The freedom of the seat tube to move fore and aft is controlled by an elastomer. The tension in the system is adjustable by undoing the Allen head bolt on the damper and the Allen head bolt on the underside of the top tube, then pushing the seat tube forward and sliding the adjuster to your desired setting.

Trek claims that the Madone offers twice the compliance of any of its rivals with the IsoSpeed design, and as soon as you get out on the road it’s easy to see why.

The system eliminates wearing vibrations from poor road surfaces and deals with high-frequency chatter wonderfully well.

Up front, I expected things to be very different because that deeply bladed aero fork, substantial head tube plus skinny 25c tyres and deep aero wheels don’t promise comfort. So, it was a welcome surprise to discover just how composed the SL6 feels.

The aero-sculpted alloy bar is wrapped with super-thick bar tape and its spot-on ergonomics keep you comfortable. The front end dulls chatter and noise.

Just because the SL6 is a lower-priced version of Trek’s most successful race machine doesn’t mean the ride position is dumbed down either.

The SL6 is still based on its H1.5 geometry that was developed with the Trek-Segafredo race team. On my 58cm bike you have the aggressive ride position imposed by a 581mm stack and 396mm reach paired with a steep 73.8-degree head angle and 73-degree seat.

The Madone is a bike designed to go fast, so it’s no surprise that the fork’s trail and offset encourage fast handling.

Bontrager’s carbon Aeolus wheel range extends from WorldTour-proven XXX wheelsets down to the Comp 5 models fitted here.

The Comp 5 is an alloy rim that has a structurally bonded 50mm deep carbon fairing. The centrelock hubs are smooth rolling and the wheel build is tight; the tautness in the wheels and the fast-acting freehub offset the 1,860g weight for a pair.

The wheels are tubeless ready but the R3 tyres fitted are not, so tubeless is an option.

The rim’s internal 18mm width is a good match for the 25c tyres. The bikes’s 8.73kg complete weight is more than I’d like to see on paper, but it doesn’t ride like a heavy bike: the chassis’ composed manner on poor roads means you can go faster and the efficiency of the design, including the wheels, means it holds speed well.

Like the majority of bikes in this year’s Bike of the Year , Trek has put its faith in the Ultegra group and it performs just as well as expected.

In all, the SL6 is a composed race machine with a compliant ride that balances fast handling and comfort unlike any other aero-road bike around.

Trek Madone SL6 Disc geometry

• Seat angle: 73 degrees
• Head angle: 73.8 degrees
• Chainstay: 41.1cm
• Seat tube: 55.3cm
• Top tube: 57.4cm
• Head tube: 17.1cm
• Fork offset: 4cm
• Trail: 5.7cm
• Bottom bracket drop: 6.8cm
• Wheelbase: 992mm
• Stack: 58.1cm
• Reach : 39.6cm

With thanks to...

BikeRadar would like to thank 100% , Q36.5 , Lazer , Garmin and Facom for their support during our Bike of the Year test.

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Is Trek Madone SL 6 A Perfect Selection? – [Trek Madone SL 6 Review]

Table of Contents

Trek Madone SL 6 Review

• Price: $4,729.99
• Frame: Carbon
• Tires: 700c
• Gears: 2 × 11

What we like about it: Advanced aerodynamic performance and all-around riding quality make it the ultimate bike.

What we didn’t like about it:  It comes with a high price tag, making it unsuitable for novice riders and those on a budget.

Rating: (4.8/5)

The Trek Madone SL 6 offers advanced aerodynamic performance and all-around riding quality that represents great value. Equipped with excellent components, it enhances speed, maximizes aerodynamic advantages, and provides an exceptional riding experience.

Below, we’ll analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications of the Trek Madone SL 6. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it to several other bikes. If you want to explore more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.

Riding Experience

The Trek Madone SL 6 impresses with its powerful aerodynamics and appropriate components. I found it to be a sufficiently robust road bike, offering top-notch speed and riding experience.

For a test, I packed up the Trek Madone SL 6 and rode from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, with a pre-booked hotel at IHG as my destination. The ride spans approximately 140 kilometers, taking me through varied terrains and offering a mix of climbs and descents.

Road Cruising

As I mounted the Trek Madone SL 6, I was struck by its striking and aggressive riding posture. Combined with top-tier aerodynamics, I approached my upcoming ride with confidence.

During fast-paced road riding, the carbon fiber frame exhibits remarkable rigidity. I experienced no sluggishness when pedaling, allowing me to quickly keep up with my pedaling efforts. My pedaling power effectively converted into forward momentum.

When I wanted to increase my riding speed, the Shimano Ultegra drivetrain, with its 2×11-speed setup, allowed for rapid and precise gear shifts. Shifting to the desired gear and increasing my cadence, the bike accelerated impressively. The exceptional aerodynamics allowed me to maintain my speed effectively.

Finally, the carbon fiber frame and fork make the riding experience on the Trek Madone SL 6 remarkably comfortable. Carbon fiber’s characteristics absorb road vibrations, ensuring a comfortable ride.

Climbing and Descending

On uphill roads, the Trek Madone SL 6 is an extremely aerodynamic road bike. Therefore, it may not excel as well in climbing as endurance-focused climbing bikes. However, the carbon fiber frame and improved integration ensure high-quality power transfer during climbs, allowing for swift ascents.

On steeper sections, the Shimano Ultegra kit offers ample gearing options. By selecting the right gear, my climb became more manageable, conserving energy during uphill rides.

During downhill rides, the Trek Madone SL 6’s excellent aerodynamics help minimize wind resistance. Even without the need for pedaling, I maintained an impressive descent speed.

Furthermore, the Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes deliver powerful braking. During extended downhill stretches, I could frequently use the brakes while maintaining high braking efficiency.

Specifications

The Trek Madone SL 6 utilizes a lightweight and aerodynamically optimized 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame and fork. This results in a lighter overall weight and enhances riding speed.

The frame comes in eight different sizes, catering to riders with heights ranging from 5’0″ to 6’5″. This provides broad applicability, suitable for riders of nearly all heights.

The design features full internal cable routing, giving the frame a clean and tidy appearance. It simplifies daily cleaning and reduces resistance during rides. The addition of a quiet line pipe minimizes noise generation while riding.

Finally, the Shimano Ultegra 2×11 groupset provides smooth gear shifts and precise shifting experiences. The powerful hydraulic disc brakes offer reliable braking performance, even in adverse conditions.

What do we like about it?

• Adjustable top tube IsoSpeed allows riders to customize compliance according to their preferences, using elastomer damping for smooth, controlled, and stable rebound motion.
• All the aerodynamic advantages of Madone make high-speed riding even faster.
• Disc brakes provide improved braking performance and additional tire clearance for added stability.
• Madone seatpost features an integrated mount for the Bontrager Flare RT tail light.
• Shimano Ultegra 2×11 drivetrain components offer smooth gear shifts and an efficient drivetrain.
• Internal cable routing design for a cleaner appearance, reduced resistance, and easier daily cleaning.

What don’t we like about it?

• The high price makes it unsuitable for novice riders and those on a tight budget.
• Which is faster, Trek Madone or Emonda?

In terms of performance, this depends on the type of riding you’re doing. Madone bikes may be faster in flat riding or faster in time trials and circuit races. Emonda performs better in climbing and long-distance group rides.

• What type of road surfaces is this bike suitable for?

It is suitable for riding on flat, open, paved roads, where higher speeds are achievable.

• How do I choose the right size?

Here we have a sizing chart for you. Of course, it doesn’t always have to be followed, and the best way to find the perfect size is to take a test ride.

C omparison T able

Trek madone sl 6 vs. specialized tarmac sl7 comp -shimano 105 di2.

They are both high-quality road bikes. However, the latter bike is lighter, making uphill riding easier. The frame of the latter conforms better to aerodynamics, resulting in a faster riding speed.

Regarding the drivetrain components, the former is equipped with Shimano Ultegra, which is one level higher than the Shimano 105 Di2 on the latter. This gives the former’s components a lighter weight. However, the latter is a more recent electronic version of the gear shifting, making adjustments simpler, more convenient, and with a wider range of speeds.

In terms of braking components, both have reliable hydraulic disc brakes with powerful braking capabilities.

So, between these two bikes, the Trek Madone SL 6 excels in flat road riding with higher speeds, while the Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp makes uphill riding easier, allowing you to choose according to your preferences.

Learn More: Is Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS a Good Choice? – [Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS Review]

Trek Madone SL 6 vs. Merida SCULTURA 8000

Both of them feature carbon fiber frames and forks. They are lightweight and highly rigid, but the former’s IsoSpeed design adds an extra layer of comfort to the ride.

Moving on to the drivetrain components, although both are Shimano Ultegra level, the latter utilizes the electronic version of the gear shifting, making adjustments more convenient and offering a wider range of speeds. In terms of braking components, both of these bikes have ample braking power.

In conclusion, I would prefer the frame of the former, while the latter boasts higher-quality components. If you have plans for future upgrades, then the Trek Madone SL 6 is a worthy choice.

Learn More: Is Merida SCULTURA TEAM Worth Buying? – [Merida SCULTURA TEAM Review]

Trek Madone SL 6 vs. Cervelo Soloist Ultegra

They are both high-end road bikes, featuring equally high-quality carbon fiber frames. However, the latter is lighter in weight, while the former incorporates more design elements aimed at reducing wind resistance.

When it comes to components, both of these bikes use Shimano Ultegra-level components for the drivetrain and braking systems. They offer a 2×11-speed drivetrain, with smooth and lightweight gear shifting that is highly responsive. The hydraulic disc brakes at this level provide powerful braking performance, remaining reliable in all environmental conditions.

So, these two bikes are quite similar, both having excellent frames and components with nearly identical capabilities. They are both solid choices.

Trek Madone SL 6 vs. Wilier CENTO10 SL CAMPAGNOLO CENTAUR 2X11

These two bikes are both excellent choices.

Firstly, both of these bikes excel in aerodynamics, ensuring faster speeds during high-speed rides. The former’s frame incorporates some designs for added riding comfort but may slightly increase the overall weight.

Regarding the drivetrain, both the Shimano components on the former and the CAMPAGNOLO components on the latter are renowned in the world of cycling components. Their gear shifting is smooth, lightweight, and highly efficient.

Equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, these bikes maintain efficient braking capabilities at all times, providing strong stopping power.

In conclusion, choosing either of these bikes is a decision you won’t regret.

The above is my review of the Trek Madone SL 6. In our view, it’s a bike that offers riders a fast and enjoyable riding experience with high-quality components. That’s why we’ve given it a rating of 4.8.

Of course, if you’re interested in other racing bikes, we regularly review a wide range of bikes at various price points, all of which are equally fascinating. Feel free to explore our other reviews.

Finally, if you enjoy our content, please consider sharing it with your friends. If you find our content helpful, you can click on the email subscription button below. Thank you for your support!

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• Rider Notes

2020 Trek Madone SL 6

A carbon frame aero bike with high-end components and hydraulic disc brakes. Compare the full range

Manufacturer Price

For This Bike

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Based on frame geometry and build specs.

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Madone SL 6

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5'2" – 5'5"

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5'5" – 5'9"

5'8" – 6'0"

5'10" – 6'2"

6'0" – 6'4"

6'2" – 6'5"

• 5'11", size 56cm, Fits small
• 5'7", size 52cm, Just right

Trek announced a few updates to its world-class race machine, the Madone SL is swapping to a more widely appreciated BB47 bottom bracket

Read Review

Jul 2020 · Sam Challis

Trek says the ‘OCLV 800’ carbon fibre layup saves its Madone SLR frameset 80g without affecting stiffness or aerodynamics

Mar 2020 · Warren Rossiter

Trek with the unique design of the Madone and its IsoSpeed back-end means it doesn’t have to drop the stays for comfort or minimise the size of the stays for flex because IsoSpeed isolates the seat tube from the stays and top tube.. .

Awesome ride

Racy handling

A bit weighty

Dec 2019 · Symon Lewis

Cycling Weekly has shown that the Trek Madone is one of the fastest aero bikes available today, but has the update with discs made it even better? I certainly think so

Ride quality

Performance

Jun 2019 · David Arthur @davearthur

Seriously fast aero race bike with great handling, but not the smoothest and not the ultimate spec it should be

Nov 2018 · Manuel Buck

Das Beste. The Best. Le Meilleur. The latest generation of the Trek Madone SLR 9 Disc promises to be even faster, more aerodynamic and lighter.

Jul 2018 · Dan Cavallari

Trek has fine-tuned its IsoSpeed Decoupler, improved the fit, and added disc brakes, making this edition of the Madone even better.

It might look the same on the outside, but underneath it's an all new Madone

Last updated June 17 Not listed for 1,402 days

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Reviewed: Trek Madone SLR 6 Disc Speed

It’s fun, it’s fast—and it delivers one hell of a ride, but with quite the hefty price tag..

The Trek Madone SLR 6 is a head-turner of a bike that is fun to ride—but it comes with a hefty price tag for a mechanical bike.

Fast, responsive, and super-stiff

Handles well, even in tight corners

The $6k price tag—when it’s “only” mechanical—stings

19 lbs. 2 oz.

New perk! Get after it with local recommendations just for you. Discover nearby events, routes out your door, and hidden gems when you >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>sign up for the Local Running Drop .

Trek is one of the most recognizable bike brands in the world and the Madone has been one of its most successful bikes over the last two decades. With the Madone SLR 6 Disc Speed nothing changes there and it is a pure joy to ride. Looking for a bike to remind you *just* how fun road bikes are to ride? Say hello to the Madone. With its Speed Concept Mono Bar Extension aero bars you can easily transform it into a race machine or remove them for group rides when you want a more pure road look and feel. Bontrager Aeolus Pro 5 wheels, Shimano Ultegra drivetrain, and Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes help round out a pretty sweet package.

Related: Triathlete’s 2020 Road Bike Buyer’s Guide

Trek Madone SLR 6 Disc Speed: The Ride

From the moment you first ride the Trek Madone SLR   6 Disc Speed you know you’re in for a treat. It looks fast, it feels fast, it is fast. Trek is one of the most recognizable bike brands in the world and the Madone has been one of its most successful bikes over the last two decades. With the Madone SLR 6 Disc Speed nothing changes there and it is a pure joy to ride. Its aero-geometry is, unsurprisingly, well thought out and it’s a bike that begs to be ridden fast. Standing up out of the saddle and laying down some top-end power will reward you with a burst of acceleration that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear: this is bike riding at its finest. The frame beneath you is stiff yet fast and responsive. That said, this isn’t a racing machine that lacks comfort. It handles well—you feel stable—and you can lean it through tight turns and corners with relative ease.

Trek Madone SLR 6 Disc Speed: The Good

The Trek Madone SLR 6 Disc Speed is intelligently designed and easy to ride. It’ll remind you of why you first fell in love with riding bikes in the first place. For triathletes looking for a road bike that is both fast, comfortable, and easy to train on, you will not be disappointed. The Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes deliver sharp, crisp braking and all brake and gearing cables are neatly routed through the frame to maximize aerodynamics. Riding in the drops is incredibly fun on this bike—in fact, it almost begs you to get down in the drops and stay there, especially on more technical descents. Speed and comfort do not feel compromised in this position.  

Trek Madone SLR 6 Disc Speed: The Medium

When you’re parting with more than $6,000 for a bike, we think it’s more than fair to expect electronic shifting, but instead here you’ve got a Shimano Ultegra mechanical set-up, which seems a little surprising at this price point. Obviously, you don’t necessarily expect an aero road bike to be the greatest climbing machine, but we found the 50/34 compact gearing helped improve that considerably.

Trek Madone SLR 6 Disc Speed: Conclusions

This is a bike that’s easy to fall in love with on first ride, especially if you’re someone who loves riding hard and fast. It’s unashamedly aero and will tick all the boxes for triathletes looking for something close to tri speed on a road bike. You will definitely not be disappointed with how it handles and accelerates, but you could feel disappointed that you don’t have electronic shifting. If you’re OK with that (for this price tag), you’re going to have a lot of fun pedaling this bike to many PRs.

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Trek Madone SL 6 Review: Is It A Good Road Bike?

• By Daniel Shakibaie
• Road Bike , Trek Bikes

Hey Bikers. Welcome to my Trek Madone SL 6 Review of 2021.

I have used over a dozen bikes over the years and I will help you pick your next road bike.

Trust me, you don’t want to waste over $4k on a bike that doesn’t fit your need. Today, I will show you why I think Trek Madone SL6 is the best Road bike if you are serious about road biking.

Introducing the Trek Madone SL6 road bike : This bike includes advanced aerodynamic performance and the best price-to-performance ratio of any road bike on the market. This bike comes in two different colors of black and quicksilver and a wide range of sizes (50-62). 

Trek as a brand also has some great credibility in the cycling industry. While a lot of brands actually run their bikes through big manufacturers, the Trek bikes are all invested into when it comes to aerodynamics and design. It also shows when you feel the quality of the material. 

They spend money really trying to make a worthwhile product and to maintain customer loyalty. The frame, the wheels, everything – it’s all sleek in design and the best price-to-performance money can buy.

It comes with:

• Bontrager Montrose Comp, Chromoly rails on its saddle 
• Madone Micro-adjust carbon seat mast cap for its seat 
• Bontrager Elite Aero VR-CF for its handlebar
• Bontrager Pro stem with computer and light mounts
• Madone integrated, stainless headset

In comparison to other budget road bikes, for what the Trek Madone SL6 offers, its high price is definitely understandable. The development costs of this bike alone are huge, but Trek also had to do away with its pricey integrated bar and stem system with something that’s a bit more cost-effective. Here are our pros and cons:

• The ride is smooth
• Racy handling
• A bit heavy
• High price tag

Things to Consider Before Buying a Road Bike

If you’re considering buying a road bike, you probably have asked yourself why you even need a road bike specifically. Couldn’t you just buy a regular bike? Unfortunately, that answer is no. Road bikes are considered off-road bikes, which means they’re designed to withstand rough terrain and conditions. 

If you want to ride through bike trails through the roads or deserts, then you’ll want a road bike. Just like how a dull blade is always more dangerous to use than a sharp one, a road bike is designed to plow through uneven trails and keep you steady. 

If you’re someone who enjoys slower bike rides, a road bike (or road biking in general) may not be for you. Perhaps a traditional road bike and on well-maintained bike trails would be more ideal. There’s nothing wrong with that either. If, however, you want the excitement and scenic view of what road biking holds, then this might just be for you.

More: The Best Fixed Gear Bike For Men and Women [ Guide and Review]

Features & Benefits

The Trek Madone SL 6 road bike has a 500 Series OCLV carbon frame and is made from the same molds as the Madone SLR range, which means they should give you the exact same aerodynamic performance. The frame design is also built to cut through wind.

The frame is usually made of alloy, Chromoly steel, carbon fiber. It can be considered the most important feature of a bike. It’s probably the first thing you see, aside from the wheels. A bike’s frame is what holds everything together; it’s what makes everything work smoothly. 

You can have the best wheels money could buy, the most comfortable padding for your seat, and even great features that can add to the bike, but if your frame is cheap, it’s not going to be a good bike.

And when it comes to road biking, the frame is the main thing that gets you from Point A to Point B safely. Safety should be valued above all else.

More: The Best Road Bikes Under $2000 [review and Buying Guide]

Suspension System

The suspension system on the Trek Madone SL 6 has its own IsoSpeed, which makes for a unique biking experience. Most modern road bikes have both a front and rear suspension systems and allow the wheels to absorb bumps on unfriendly terrains and conditions. 

Having a good suspension system also allows for better control, as well as being able to land larger jumps that would otherwise throw the person from the bike or worse.

If you’re looking to purchase a road bike with the purpose of going for more difficult trails, you want to make sure your suspension system is good. Road biking can be dangerous and having all the safety precautions money can buy will only make your experience more worthwhile.

The wheels on the Trek Madone SL 6 also have cutting edge wheel design of tubeless Aeolus Comp wheels, which make them more durable than your typical bike wheels. With more modern bikes, wheels are designed to last at least five years, maybe more. 

Similar to the suspension system, having price-to-performance quality wheels can make your ride a lot smoother, depending on the wheels. Size is also dependent here, as different sizes offer different unique features. Typically, the front wheel has a bigger impact on the bike’s handling ability, making it easier (or more difficult) to navigate rough terrain.

Wheels are something you do not want to cheap out on. If your wheels were to wear down quickly, it’s a good idea to think about replacing your road bike’s wheels with ones that are built to last much longer. This is because with the various types of terrain you ride on, your wheels will degrade faster than if you were riding on a well-maintained bike trail.

More: Priority 600 Review: Is It A Good Commuter Bike To Have?

When it comes to gears, most geared bikes have one, two, or three chainrings in the front and a range of seven to twelve gears in the back. The Trek Madone SL 6 has top-quality gears that can withstand difficult rides. 

As with any bike, however, you want to make sure you use the appropriate gears depending on if you’re going uphill or downhill. Typically, a lower gear is better for uphill and a higher gear for downhill.

Changing gears is tricky to remember, but just keep a mental note that to go into first gear, you need to move the gear notch down. Shifting the remaining gears is done by moving the gear shift upwards. You want to make sure you don’t handle a difficult trail on your first time because if you find yourself in a dangerous situation, you might not know how to shift gears.

If you have any experience riding a road bike, you’ll know that if you’re not careful, you can brake on reflex and fling yourself over the bars. Accidents happen but it’s definitely better to fling yourself onto the road instead of not having powerful enough brakes and go off the edge of the road. 

More: Discover the Best Recumbent Trike for Seniors On The Market

With the Trek Madone SL 6 , the brakes are Madone aerodynamically integrated and powerful, making them perfect for wanting speed but valuing your safety at the same time. 

Just like with gear shifts, remembering not to brake with both the front and back brake is important. Coming to a complete stop in a matter of seconds is exactly how you get yourself flung over your bars. Remember that your back brake isn’t as strong as your front, so if you want to steadily come to a stop, press down on your back brake.

More: Trek Emonda ALR 5 Review: Is It A Good Bike To Have?

Which is Better for Performance: Trek Domane SL 6 or Trek Madone SL 6?

When evaluating the best performance road bike review , it is essential to compare top models like the Trek Domane SL 6 and Trek Madone SL 6. Both are highly regarded for their outstanding performance. While the Domane SL 6 excels in endurance and comfort, the Madone SL 6 is known for its aerodynamics and speed. Determining which one is better depends on individual preferences and riding style.

What other customers said

Although this bike is one of the best modern road bikes on the market, I still wanted to scour the internet searching for what other people were saying about this bike.

Here’s one:

And another: 

And one more: 

Alternatives

As well as scouring the internet for reviews, I also looked into alternative products that match the Trek Madone SL 6’s speed, durability, and overall price-to-performance.

The first that I found was the Giant Propel Advanced Pro 1 Disc bike. It’s a little bit more expensive than the bike we’re talking about in this article, but not by a lot. Giant is a pretty big name when it comes to manufacturing bikes, as they really got their name by selling all different kinds of bikes rather than their own. 

When it comes to this bike in particular, it’s a little bit of an upgrade as it has Ultegra Di2 included as a feature while the Trek Madone simply has the Ultegra. 

More: Best RoyalBaby Bike [Review and Buying Guide]

A downside to this bike, however, is that Trek really is a popular brand that excels in product quality. They invest so much money into the development and design, which shows when you get one of their bikes in your hands.

Another alternative to the Trek Madone is the Specialized Venge. Both of their brands are pretty well known in the biking industry that produce top-tier aerodynamic road bikes. While the Venge could be considered better than the Madone, it’s also more catered towards experienced bikers. 

If this is your first time owning a road bike, the Trek Madone SL 6 is really the best bike you can get your hands on. It’s fast, has easy handling, and great features while being affordable, at least by road bike standards. 

If you want to buy a bike in your budget, road biking probably isn’t for you.

To break it down even more, follow these guidelines to help you pick out your perfect bike:

Trek Madone SL 6 vs Trek Madone SL 6

• Great for beginners
• Budget-friendly compared to more premium bikes
• Solid aerodynamic features that are great quality

Trek Madone SL 6 vs Giant Propel Advanced Pro 1

• Pricier than the Madone
• Has upgraded features
• Not as user friendly

Trek Madone SL 6 vs Specialized Verge

• Made for experienced bikers
• A bit heavier than the others
• Manufactured by name brand

In summary, the Trek Madone is a great bike for both beginners and experienced road bikers. The ride is impressively smooth, it handles bumps and different lands with its top-tier suspension system and maintains speed effortlessly. 

You don’t need to keep pumping the pedals when you normally would have to in other bikes. Trek as a grand also has some great history, as they really invest in all their bikes, not just this one specifically.

If you’re looking for a road bike but don’t want to worry about safety or a bike that’ll crash on you too quickly, this bike is perfect for you. Even if you’re not sure about what bike is best for you, this bike should tick all of your boxes. 

Click here to go to their official website and look at the specs for yourself, and maybe you’ll even buy it to see what we’re really talking about.

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2022 Trek Madone SL 7 eTap review: Speedy and comfy, but seriously heavy

Unusually good ride quality and the handling is brilliant, but it’s hard not to notice the heft when you point it uphill..

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Story Highlights

What it is: Trek’s second-tier aero road bike, built with a more affordable carbon blend and less integration than the flagship version.|| Frame features: OCLV 500 carbon fiber construction, truncated airfoil tube shaping, Adjustable Top Tube IsoSpeed “decoupler”, almost fully internal cable routing, T47 threaded bottom bracket, built-in chain watcher.|| Weight: 8.59 kg (18.94 lb), 52 cm, without pedals or accessories.|| Price: US$7,030 / AU$n/a / £6,900 / €7,400.|| Highs: Superb aerodynamics, comfy ride, excellent handling, accommodating cockpit design, threaded bottom bracket.|| Lows: So-so front-end ride, so heavy.

Aero above all else

Trek’s Madone SLR flagship aero road bike is undeniably fast and efficient when it comes to slicing through the air, but the significant amount of complication that goes into its design also results in a lot of cost. For riders that are chasing every last watt of drag — but are on more modest budgets — Trek introduced two years ago the Madone SL collection, which uses the exact same shaping, but with a less-fancy carbon fiber blend that shrinks the price tag at the expense of an additional 240 g or so of weight.

Indeed, if you were comparing on the design alone, the Madone SL is a literal carbon copy of the SLR. The deep-profile Kammtail truncated airfoil cross-sections are present and accounted for, there’s the same ultra-sleek seat cluster treatment with that no-cut integrated seatmast, an identical hourglass-profile head tube, and the same aggressively shaped fork blades. 

Up top is the same ace-in-the-hole found on the Madone SLR, too: Trek’s incredibly effective Adjustable Top Tube IsoSpeed “decoupler”. While clever surfacing suggests the seatmast is all molded together with the rest of the frame, it’s actually an L-shaped piece with the base extending underneath the top tube, and an aluminum axle and two cartridge bearings at the seat cluster. As a result, that seatmast can pivot rearward on rough roads far more than appearances would suggest, with the lower section of that “L” acting as a leaf spring. 

Even better, a hidden slider between the base of that “L” and the top tube also allows you to fine-tune the spring rate to your liking.

In addition to the different fiber blend, Trek reduces costs further by using a standard stem and headset on the Madone SL as compared to the more heavily integrated two-piece carbon fiber cockpit on the Madone SLR. Cable routing is still fully internal with lines entering the frame through a proprietary upper headset cover, though, and down below is a slightly tweaked version of the T47 oversized threaded bottom bracket standard. 

Whereas many disc-equipped aero road bikes have surprisingly generous tire clearance for narrower all-terrain tires, Trek is clear on what the Madone SL is meant to be, with room for 700×30 mm-wide rubber and not really much more. In terms of geometry, you get a notably aggressive rider position with a long reach and low stack, together with classic stage race handling and trail dimensions in the mid-to-high 50s.

Our Madone SL 7 eTap model comes outfitted with SRAM’s mid-level Force eTap AXS 2×12 wireless electronic disc-brake groupset — including a crank-based dual-sided power meter — and Bontrager’s 51 mm-deep Aeolus Pro 51 carbon clinchers wrapped with 25 mm-wide Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite clinchers. Finishing kit is sourced from the corporate parts bin, too, including a Bontrager Elite Aero VR-CF aluminum bar with flattened tops, a Bontrager Pro forged aluminum stem, and a Bontrager Aeolus Comp saddle.

Weight weenies will want to turn away for a moment as this next part will come across decidedly ugly. 

Actual weight for our 52 cm test sample is a rather hefty 8.59 kg (18.94 lb) without pedals or accessories, and yet despite that, retail price is a still-expensive US$7,000 / AU$NA / £6,900 / €7,400.

As well as other bike types can sometimes mimic the performance of a dedicated road bike, there’s simply no substitute for the sort of free speed you get out of a full-blown aero model. Despite being several years old at this point, the Madone is still one of the fastest bikes on the road. It’s a difference you can actually feel, and this second-tier Madone SL is no different.

It’s legitimately easier to hit higher speeds on the Madone SL as compared to bikes that are less aerodynamic, and easier to hold those speeds, too. It’s particularly obvious on descents, where both CyclingTips social media editor Mike Better and I noted we were going faster than usual on our everyday routes.

Further adding to that sense of speed is the frame’s superb stiffness, which perhaps should come as no surprise given all that carbon fiber and the massive tube cross-sections. The Madone SL is efficient through the air, but also efficient in terms of how the structure translates pedaling effort to the rear wheel. Even sprinting feels better than usual given the excellent front-end torsional stiffness. 

Basically, the Madone SL is all about going fast, and feels every bit of it.

Handling is also superb, and exactly what I’ve come to expect from Trek’s long-running Madone family. It’s quick to turn in and can readily change its line mid-corner, but it’s also confidently stable at very high speeds. Simply put, it just does exactly what you want it to do while on the road, all the time, every time. The traditional stage-race road geometry of course has plenty of toe overlap, but it’s not an issue in the vast majority of riding situations. 

Ride comfort is yet another high point for the Madone SL, at least out back. That Adjustable Top Tube IsoSpeed thingamajig may seem like a gimmick, but it absolutely works as advertised, which is especially amazing given the depth of the seatmast. There’s tangible movement when you hit bumps, and I’d argue there’s even a handling benefit since your weight isn’t getting bounced around as much as usual on less-than-perfect pavement when attacking corners and descents. 

The motion isn’t overly bouncy, either. In fact, I found it to be quite well damped and controlled, and it’s easy to firm things up if desired by moving the slider fore and aft under the top tube. It’s literally a three-minute job, and one you could do roadside with a multi-tool.

One downside of the Madone SL’s fantastic aero efficiency, however, is its susceptibility to crosswinds. Between the deep tube profiles used throughout and the 51 mm-deep front and rear rims, both Mike Better and I noted how it was sometimes a little unnerving to ride the Madone SL in blustery conditions. Predictable handling or not, all that surface area gives the wind plenty to push on, and lighter riders should particularly take note. 

Unfortunately, the excellent ride quality out back isn’t mimicked up front. Trek doesn’t bother to include its Front IsoSpeed mechanism here, and those deep-section fork blades and the massive head tube area aren’t exactly conducive to flex on bumps. The flattened tops of the standard carbon fiber handlebar are almost certainly more forgiving than the more aggressive integrated setup of the Madone SLR, but it still makes for a very firm, and somewhat disjointed, feel. 

The Madone SL 7 eTap’s biggest performance drawback by far, however, is its weight — essentially, that there’s an awful lot of it.

Even with last year’s weight loss, the Madone SLR has never been renowned as a particularly light frameset, and this Madone SL is only heavier yet. Adding to the heft is the SRAM Force eTap AXS groupset, which — as well as it works — is anything but light. The bare weight of 8.59 kg (18.94 lb) hurts enough as is, but once you add pedals and accessories, you’re looking at around 9.5 kg (19.5 lb) for a road bike that still costs an awful lot of money.

On flat roads or moderately rolling conditions, that mass honestly isn’t incredibly noticeable; here, the bike’s superb aerodynamics will play a bigger role. But once the road turns uphill in a more significant way, it’s a different story. Both Mike and I had a hard time not feeling like the bike was dropping anchor a bit when climbing. Try as you might, there’s just no fighting gravity.

SRAM’s Force eTap AXS wireless electronic groupset may be heavy, but it’s functionally hard to fault. Overall shift performance is excellent, with smooth and reliable chain movement at both ends, and more range than we’ve historically expected from traditional road transmissions (although Shimano’s new 2×12 Dura-Ace and Ultegra groupsets are now roughly on par). It’s still not quite as quiet as what you can get from Shimano or Campagnolo, but SRAM’s eTap shift button actuation is the best in the business — and certainly the most progressive-thinking — and while the lever aesthetics are polarizing, the ergonomics are hard to beat. 

The hydraulic disc brakes are also excellent with a gentler initial grab than Shimano calipers, and arguably more user-friendly modulation, too. And kudos to Trek for specifying 160 mm rotors front and rear given the higher speeds people are likely to be hitting on this thing, along with the stock dual-sided power meter.

Similarly, the array of house-brand Bontrager stuff that fills out the rest of the spec sheet is all solid kit as well. 

Topping the list are the Bontrager Aeolus Pro 5 carbon clinchers, which — much like the frameset — offer virtually identical aerodynamic performance as the higher-end Aeolus RSL versions , just with more weight (and, in this case, a less-fancy hubset). Our test bike arrived with Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite tubed clinchers, which aren’t necessarily our favorites in terms of outright performance, but are a good option nonetheless for everyday racing and training. Should you decide to ditch the tubes at some point, the rims are tubeless-ready and only require dedicated molded plastic rim strips and valve stems for the conversion.

Bontrager has done a particularly good job on the ancillary bits. 

The Aeolus Comp saddle is proving to be one of my favorites for its mix of all-day comfort and support, and I’m certainly a fan of the Elite Aero VR-CF bar with its semi-traditional drop bend and moderately flattened tops. Bonus points for the optional Blendr mounts that allow for clean integration of lights, computers, cameras, and other accessories on the stem and saddle. That said, despite what the name suggests, the bar is aluminum, and although the shape is excellent, it’s disappointing to not find a carbon fiber handlebar here for this kind of money.

Final thoughts

The debate over weight vs. aerodynamics has always been an interesting one when it comes to high-end road racing bikes, and one that has largely been settled. In almost all situations, aerodynamic efficiency is more meaningful than low weight when it comes to going fast. 

That said, it’s hard to ignore the emotional side of the equation when it comes to the Madone SL 7 eTap. It may very well be a super aero bike, and it may very well be faster than one that’s significantly lighter, but this is no modest increase we’re talking about here.

Whichever way you slice it, the Madone SL 7 eTap is an awfully heavy bike, particularly when you consider the price tag. It might get you where you need to go in less time, but it might not feel that swift in the process, and that’s something you’d just have to be OK with.

So when picking an aero road bike, do you shop with your head or your heart? And do some of those other Madone-specific benefits — that excellent ride quality, in particular — mean enough to you to overlook the weight? 

That’s unfortunately something you’ll have to answer for yourself.

More information can be found at www.trekbikes.com .

Our Field Test group bike tests are by no means paid events, but they’re still only possible with some outside support. CyclingTips would like to thank the following sponsors for this round of the Field Test:

• Rudy Project
• Pearl Izumi
• Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
• Lead Out Gear

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aren\u2019t dead\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"tadej poga\u010dar seizes li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge with dominant solo display","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tadej-pogacar-seizes-liege-bastogne-liege-with-dominant-solo-display\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tadej-pogacar-seizes-liege-bastogne-liege-with-dominant-solo-display\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tadej poga\u010dar seizes li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge with dominant solo display\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tadej-pogacar-seizes-liege-bastogne-liege-with-dominant-solo-display\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tadej poga\u010dar seizes li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge with dominant solo display\"}}\u0027>\n tadej poga\u010dar seizes li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge with dominant solo display\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"trek launches carback radar rear bike light with 2 km daytime visibility","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/trek-carback-radar-rear-bike-light-challenges-garmin\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/trek-carback-radar-rear-bike-light-challenges-garmin\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"trek launches carback radar rear bike light with 2 km daytime visibility\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/trek-carback-radar-rear-bike-light-challenges-garmin\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"trek launches carback radar rear bike light with 2 km daytime visibility\"}}\u0027>\n trek launches carback radar rear bike light with 2 km daytime visibility\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"the ritchey montebello brings steel goodness to all-road","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/ritchey-montebello-brings-steel-goodness-to-all-road\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/ritchey-montebello-brings-steel-goodness-to-all-road\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the ritchey montebello brings steel goodness to all-road\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/ritchey-montebello-brings-steel-goodness-to-all-road\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the ritchey montebello brings steel goodness to all-road\"}}\u0027>\n the ritchey montebello brings steel goodness to all-road\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"highbar wants to revolutionize your helmet straps","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/highbar-wants-to-revolutionize-your-helmet-straps\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/highbar-wants-to-revolutionize-your-helmet-straps\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"highbar wants to revolutionize your helmet straps\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/highbar-wants-to-revolutionize-your-helmet-straps\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"highbar wants to revolutionize your helmet straps\"}}\u0027>\n highbar wants to revolutionize your helmet straps\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"haro bikes is set to release a new race road bike and gravel bike. wait, what","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/haro-buzzard-rivette-road-gravel\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/haro-buzzard-rivette-road-gravel\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"haro bikes is set to release a new race road bike and gravel bike. wait, what\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/haro-buzzard-rivette-road-gravel\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"haro bikes is set to release a new race road bike and gravel bike. wait, what\"}}\u0027>\n haro bikes is set to release a new race road bike and gravel bike. wait, what\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"key takeaways: li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge 2024","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/key-takeaways-liege-bastogne-liege-2024\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/key-takeaways-liege-bastogne-liege-2024\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"key takeaways: li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge 2024\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/key-takeaways-liege-bastogne-liege-2024\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"key takeaways: li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge 2024\"}}\u0027>\n key takeaways: li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge 2024\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"kona bikes bails on sea otter classic with no explanation","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/kona-bikes-bails-on-sea-otter-classic-with-no-explanation\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/kona-bikes-bails-on-sea-otter-classic-with-no-explanation\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"kona bikes bails on sea otter classic with no explanation\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/kona-bikes-bails-on-sea-otter-classic-with-no-explanation\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"kona bikes bails on sea otter classic with no explanation\"}}\u0027>\n kona bikes bails on sea otter classic with no explanation\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"sea otter randoms: limited edition saddle, updated ritte, salsa e-bike and more","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/sea-otter-randoms-limited-edition-saddle-updated-ritte-salsa-e-bike-and-more\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/sea-otter-randoms-limited-edition-saddle-updated-ritte-salsa-e-bike-and-more\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"sea otter randoms: limited edition saddle, updated ritte, salsa e-bike and more\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/sea-otter-randoms-limited-edition-saddle-updated-ritte-salsa-e-bike-and-more\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"sea otter randoms: limited edition saddle, updated ritte, salsa e-bike and more\"}}\u0027>\n sea otter randoms: limited edition saddle, updated ritte, salsa e-bike and more\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "}]' > >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>advertise >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>privacy policy >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>contact >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>careers >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>terms of use >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>site map >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>my newsletters manage cookie preferences privacy request healthy living.

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Shooter Files by f.d. walker

Street Photography Tips, Interaction, Travel, Guides

Apr 24 2017

City Street Guides by f.d. walker: A Street Photography Guide to Moscow, Russia

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

At over 12 million people, Moscow is the largest city in Russia and second largest in Europe by population ( Istanbul is #1). An urban, cosmopolitan metropolis with more than enough glitz and glam to cater to the elite, but without losing its fair share of Soviet era roughness around the edges. It can be fast paced, brash, busy, and trendy like other big cities, but it has its blend of West meets Russia atmosphere and beauty that provides plenty of unique interest. The Red Square is as famous as it gets, but there’s so much more to this city, including the most beautiful subway system you’ve ever seen. It would take years to capture all of Moscow, but that means you have an endless amount of areas to discover.

So here’s a Street Photography guide so you can be ready to capture all that Moscow has to offer before you even arrive!

• Patriarch’s Pond
• Old Arbat Street
• Maroseyka Street
• Tverskoy Boulevard

Top 5 Street Spots:

1. red square.

The Red Square is the most famous square in not just Russia, but all of Eastern Europe. The name actually doesn’t come from the color of the bricks or communism, but from the name in Russian, Krásnaya, once meaning “beautiful” before its meaning changed to “red.” This large plaza is what you see on the cover of guide books and magazines for Moscow, with St. Basil’s Cathedral being the center piece next to Lenin’s Mausoleum surrounded by the Kremlin Wall. Of course, the Red Square attracts hordes of tourist due to the main attractions, but all that activity around an interesting atmosphere does provide street photo opportunities. It’s also the central square connecting to the city’s major streets, providing a good starting point to explore outward.

You’ll also find the popular pedestrian only Nikolskaya Street connecting the Red Square to Lubyanka Square. This line of expensive shops includes plenty of activity, while also leading you to another popular square. Filled with history rivaling any city, the Red Square and surrounding areas are the heart and soul of Russia.

2. Patriarch’s Ponds

Patriarch’s Ponds is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Moscow. Despite the name being plural, there’s only one large pond, but it’s worth a visit with your camera. It’s a popular spot for locals and expats to come relax or take a stroll around the pond. You get an interesting mix of young and old too, from young love to “babushkas” feeding pigeons. It’s a very peaceful park atmosphere in one of the nicer areas within the city center, while bringing enough activity for street photography. 

The pond is shallow and in the winter becomes a popular spot for ice-skating too. The area is also well-known for the location in the famous Russian novel, The Master and Margarita. 

3. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Old Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow, and dating back to the 15th century, also one of its oldest. Originally, it was an area of trade, but soon became the most prestigious residential area in Moscow. During the 18th century, Arbat started attracting the city’s scholars and artists, including Alexander Pushkin. Cafes lined the streets and impressive homes filled the neighborhood. Since then, New Arbat street was created as a highway in the area, while Old Arbat was paved for a 1km pedestrian only walkway.

Due to the historic buildings, famous artists that lived here, and the bohemian atmosphere, Old Arbat has become a big attraction for tourists today. Now, there’s a mix of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, street merchants and other attractions for visitors, and some locals, to come enjoy. It can get really busy here and there’s usually something interesting going on so it’s a good street to come walk with your camera for guaranteed life.

4. Gorky Park

One of the most famous places in Moscow is Gorky Park. The official name is Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture & Leisure, which gives you an idea of what goes on here. When built, it was the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. Divided into two parts, it stretches along Moscow River. One end contains fair rides, foods stands, tennis courts, a sports club, a lake for boat rides, and more. This end brings more active life due to its number of attractions, while the other end is more relaxed, where you’ll find gardens, trees, older buildings, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Gorky Park attracts mostly locals so it’s a good spot to capture the non-tourist side of Moscow life. Muscovites come here to escape the city and unwind in a picturesque setting. The park remains alive outside of the warmer months too, especially when the lake turns into the city’s largest outdoor skating rink. I’d recommend taking the metro out here to spend at least half a day exploring the massive park’s life with your camera.

5. Maroseyka Street

Maroseyka Street is a popular area not too far from the Red Square. The long, winding street turns into Pokrovka and is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and places to stay. It’s actually where I like to stay when I’m in Moscow due to its location and solid street photography opportunities itself. You have Kitay-gorod station near and if you keep walking southwest, you’ll get to the Red Square. But if you walk northwest, as it changes to Pokrovka, you can find a long street of activity for photography with its own interesting atmosphere.

6. Tverskoy Boulevard

Tverskoy Boulevard is the oldest and longest boulevard in Moscow, beginning at the end of Nikitsky Boulevard, and finishing at Pushkin Square, a spot to come for activity itself. The boulevard is made up of two avenues, with pedestrian walkways in-between. You’ll find grass, shrubbery, trees, benches and more walking it’s almost kilometer length. Many people come here to enjoy some relaxation, walk their dog, or just to use it to walk wherever they’re going. Its center location also provides a nice place to walk with your camera near plenty of other spots you’ll want to check out anyway.

Sample Street Walk:

For a full day of Street Photography, covering some of the best spots, you can follow this sample street walk for Moscow:

• Start your morning walking around the Red Square (1), while exploring the surrounding area, including Nikolskaya Street
• Then walk northwest to Patriarch’s Ponds (2) and slowly walk the pond and surrounding area with your camera
• Next, walk east to the Pushkin Monument and stroll down Tverskoy Boulevard (6)
• Once Tverskoy Boulevard (6) ends, it will turn into Nikitsky Boulevard. Follow this down until you get to the start of Old Arbat Street (3), across from Arbatskaya station
• After you’re done walking down Old Arbat Street (3) for more street photography, spend some time checking out Moscow’s beautiful metro stations
• To finish off the day with more street photography, get off the metro near Red Square (1) again, Maroseyka Street (5) or wherever you’re staying for the night.

3 Things I’ll Remember about Shooting in Moscow:

1. museum metro.

The Moscow metro system was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union and today includes 203 stations across 340km of routes. The elaborate system has some of the deepest stations in the world too, with escalators that seem to go on forever. None of this is what makes it so special, though. Many of its stations feel like stepping inside a museum, making it without a doubt the most interesting and beautiful metro system I’ve been in.

When built, Stalin wanted to make the metro stations “palaces for the people” with marble, chandeliers, and grand architecture. The best part is the variety of architecture and styles used, making many of the stations a completely different experience visually. You could easily spend a whole day traveling the stations and there are even tours available for people who wish to do just that. My advice, though, would be just to buy a ticket and hop on and off at different stations, while exploring different lines. The museum-like surrounding mixed with the crowds of characters can make for a great photography experience.

Since there are so many stations, here are some of my favorites to check out:

• Novoslobodskaya
• Mayakovskaya
• Elektrozavodskaya
• Komsomolskaya
• Ploschad Revolyutsii
• Dostoyevskaya
• Prospekt Mira

2. Moscow is Big

It’s no secret that Moscow is a big city, but it can feel even bigger with how spread out much of it is. This is especially true if you compare it to cities outside of Asia. If I compared it to cities in Europe, I’d probably say only Istanbul would warrant more time to really discover the depths of this city. Most only explore around the Red Square and surrounding area, but that is such a small part of the city. Although, that central area does give you plenty to see on its own.

Fortunately, I had a good friend living in the city to show me around, but it opened up my eyes even more to how much there is to discover in Moscow. It’s a big city with a variety of atmosphere that can take you from “east” to “west” and trendy to rugged depending on where you go. I’d imagine you’d have to live here a while to really know the city.

3. Cosmopolitan Mix of East meets West

Modern skyscrapers mixed with amazing architecture, a world-class metro system with museum-like beauty, trendy fashion and chic clubs, Moscow is a rich mix of Russian culture and history in a more western cosmopolitan package. There is a push to keep the Russian culture, while also pushing forward with a modern metropolis the whole world will envy. This comes with an impressive skyline, that continues to grow, and endless modernities, but with soviet nostalgia and atmosphere mixed in for good measure.

Mixed in with this grand western cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a strong national pride in Russia. This includes their famous leader, Vladimir Putin. Maybe no other place will you see a country’s leader more often. All over, from the pricey tourist shops to the underground walkway stalls, you’ll find goods with Putin’s likeness covering them. From t-shirts to magnets to Matryoshka dolls. There’s a strong national pride that can be seen around the city, which also extends to their leader. Moscow is many things. It’s East meets West, modernizations meets Soviet era, and a whole lot more.

What To Do For a Street Photography Break?:

Eat at a stolovaya.

Stolovayas are Russian cafeterias that became popular in the Soviet days. You grab a tray and walk down the line of freshly prepared local dishes, and select whatever you want from the chefs. They’re usually inexpensive and a much better value than restaurants, while giving you the opportunity to try from a wide selection of everyday Russian food. They’re also very tasty. I always include some borsch on my tray and go from there. The places themselves are all over Moscow and usually come with Soviet-era aesthetics to complete the experience.

Street Safety Score: 7

*As always, no place is completely safe! So when I talk about safety, I’m speaking in general comparison to other places. Always take precaution, be smart, observe your surroundings and trust your instincts anywhere you go!

Being the 2nd largest city in Europe with over 12 million people, you’re going to have your dangerous areas, but for the most part, it feels safe walking around. Russia is statistically higher in crime compared to most of Europe, but this generally doesn’t apply to tourists and visitors. Around the Red Square and surrounding city center, you should feel completely safe walking around. Pick pocketing can happen, but no more than other touristic places. I always explore Moscow freely without coming across too much to worry about. It’s a spread out city, though, so of course it matters where you are. Just use basic street smarts, know where you are and Moscow shouldn’t give you a problem. 

People’s Reaction Score: 7

Moscow is fast paced, big city life, which usually means people aren’t too concerned with you, or your camera. I don’t find people notice or pay much attention to me when I’m out taking photos in Moscow. For the most part, people just go about their day. You shouldn’t get too many looks or concern. But it can depend on the area you are in. The more you stick out, the more you might get noticed with suspicions. I’ve never had any problems in Moscow, or Russia, but just be careful who you’re taking a photo of if you get out of the city center. Other than that, it’s about average for reactions. 

Street Tips:

Learn the alphabet .

Much of Moscow, including the metro system, doesn’t use english. The Russian alphabet uses letters from the Cyrillic script, which if you aren’t familiar with it and don’t know the sounds, can be hard to decipher the words. This is most important for street names and metro stops when trying to get around. It can save confusion and make it easier getting around if you learn the basic alphabet. At the very least then, you can sound out the words to see which are similar in the english conversion, which can help matching them to maps. When out shooting street photography, getting around is as important as anything. So save yourself some time and frustration by learning the Russian Alphabet.

Use the metro

While Saint-Petersburg feels very walkable for a city its size, Moscow can feel very spread out, even for its bigger size. Outside of the Red Square area, you can have plenty of walking before getting anywhere very interesting, so you’ll need to take the metro a lot if you really want to explore the city. Maps are deceiving here too, it will always be further than it looks.

Another reason it’s less walkable than Saint-Petersburg is its completely different set-up. Moscow’s streets are mostly contstructed in rings with narrow, winding streets in-between. This is common with medieval city cities that used to be confined by walls, but you usually don’t have it in a city this massive. Saint-Petersburg has a more grid-like pattern that also uses the canals to help you know your way around. When it comes to navigating on foot in Moscow, it can be more difficult, so bring a map and take the metro when needed. It’s why Moscow’s metro carries more passengers per day than the London and Paris subways combined.

Explore other areas if you have time

Moscow is really big. While most people stay around the Red Square within the Boulevard Ring, there’s so much more to the city. I covered some other spots outside of this circle, but if you really want to see the city, you’ll need time. If you do have time, some other areas I’d check out first are Zamoskvarechye, along some of the south and western Moscow.

Inspiration:

For some more inspiration, you can look through the Street Photography of Moscow photographer Artem Zhitenev  and check out 33 of my photos taken in Moscow .

Conclusion:

Moscow’s name brings a certain mystique, but once you’re there it might bring a different atmosphere than you expect. It’s big and sprawling, but beautiful in many ways. It can feel like a European capital on a grand scale, but you can definitely find its Russian side in there.

The urban sprawl of Moscow can be intimidating, but give it enough time and you’ll be rewarded with plenty to discover. All with the world’s best metro system to take you around.

I hope this guide can help you start to experience some of what Moscow contains. So grab your camera and capture all that Moscow has to offer for Street Photography!

If you still have any questions about shooting in Moscow, feel free to comment below or email me!

(I want to make these guides as valuable as possible for all of you so add any ideas on improvements, including addition requests, in the comment section!)

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In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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