Trek Project One Émonda SLR

Rim brakes aren't dead! This lightweight climber is a tour de force of modern carbon tech, but the super-sleek lines of the Émonda frame are matched with the classic simplicity of rim brakes and mechanical shifting.

This is a performance bike that you can fling up hills with pleasure, and it's also a real treat for the connoisseur of fine engineering and high-end componentry.

Trek's lightest OCLV 700 carbon frameset sits at the heart of the bike, driven by the latest iteration of Shimano's classic Dura-Ace mechanical gruppo.

As a custom Project One build this bike has the pick of Trek's parts cabinet, and so there's a full complement of Bontrager carbon components to round things out. The Aeolus XXX carbon wheels spin up fast, and Bontrager's own direct mount brake calipers ensure you can come to a stop just as quickly and efficiently (or simply scrub off speed on those alpine descents).

The Carbon XXX saddle prioritises lightness over all else, but the beauty of a Bespoke bike is that it's fully fitted to the individual rider, right down to saddle shape and size, so a minimalist perch doesn't have to mean unnecessary discomfort.

The integrated bar and stem bring further weight savings with added stiffness, for maximum control and efficiency, and feature clever touches like hidden mounts for lights and computer.

photos by Bobby Whittaker