trek 100 vs trek 500

Trek bikes range: which model is right for you?

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The humble beginning of Trek bicycles took place in the "red barn" - once a carpet warehouse - in Waterloo, USA. The first bikes were steel touring frames , but within three years the brand had expanded substantially.

Eventually outgrowing the barn, Trek moved into a much larger headquarters - still in Waterloo - in the year 1980. From there it began to manufacture road racing bikes, then in 1983 created its first mountain bike before moving into accessories come 1984.

Having started out in steel, Trek moved into developing aluminium bikes in 1985. The first Trek branded full carbon frame came in 1989 - the Trek 5000 had a frame weight of 1.5kg. It was built by an outside manufacturer and discontinued after a year. Trek made its own efforts at carbon, with an in-house production, in 1992 to much greater success.

>>> Trek mountain bikes: which model is right for you?

Now, Trek offers the Madone (aero bike), Domane (endurance bike), Emonda (lightweight race bike) and Checkpoint (gravel bike) as well as the Boone cyclocross and Speed Concept time trial machine.

Trek's OCLV Carbon

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Trek's carbon bikes have always used their own patented 'OCLV carbon' - this stands for Optimum Compaction Low Void. It believes this carbon creates the best compromise between low weight and high strength and stiffness.

Optimum Compaction refers to the way sheets of carbon are layered into the mould, and optimised via heat and pressure - in Trek's opinion the two treatments are administered to the perfect ratio. Low Void refers to the minimisation of space between the layers of carbon, which might otherwise reduce strength and durability.

In 1995, Trek opened an independent facility inWhitewater, Wisconsin. The idea being that the Waterloo factory would work in frame development only. For those who want to customise their ride, the'Project One' custom paint programme arrived in 2001.

Trek's pro cycling support

Trek supported now disgraced American cyclist, Lance Armstrong, through his peak years. In 1997, it helped him sign with their sponsored team, US Postal Service Pro Cycling. He won his seven editions of the Tour de Frances on bikes bearing the brand name, but all of said wins were later taken from him following doping violations.

In 2014, the brand sponsored the Trek Factory Racing Team, now calledTrek–Segafredo. In that role, it provided bikes for high profile winners such as Fabian Cancellara and Alberto Contador,as well as Jens Voigt, and notably his Hour Record in September 2014.

In 2020, Trek continued to support the Trek-Segafredo men's and women's race outfits, two highly successful teams.

Trek's acquisitions

Over the years, Trek has made a number of high profile acquisitions. The most famous, perhaps, Gary Fisher bicycles - the mountain bike brand which it took over in 1993.

Later came Bontrager Cycles in 1995 and Electra Bicycle Company in 2014. Bontrager, now Trek's component and apparel brand, maintains the same name as does Electra, the creator of leisure bikes and accessories.

Useful links for road bike shoppers…

Trek's road bike models

Trek is able to offer a wide range of different bikes, each tuned to a slightly different purpose. Some model families are available in a selection of standards (SLR premium carbon, SL carbon, ALR premium aluminium and AL aluminium), and then these come with assorted levels of componentry to suit your price bracket.

To add even more depth to the range, Trek offers many models in two different 'fits'. The Madone and Émonda come as standard in an H2 (traditional) fit, but there are versions in what it calls 'H1' fit. This is more aggressive, shaving off about 30mm on the head tube to create a longer, lower ride. The Domane comes in an H2 'Endurance' fit, with a few models in 'Pro Endurance', again with a longer and lower stance on offer.

Here's a look at the key model families...

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Trek Domane

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

The Trek Domane was introduced in 2012. It was created to offer a comfortable ride, the key feature being an IsoSpeed decoupler which separated the seat tube from the top tube, thus reducing vibrations and fatigue.

In 2016 it gained theFront IsoSpeed, which helps to reduce vibrations at the front end without impacting handling. This came alongside a new slider, which alters the level of dampening offered by the rear.

In its most recent update , the Domane took notes from the Madone with an aero fork profile, whilst becoming more versatile thanks to clearance for 38mm tyres (without mudguards, 35mm with). It also gained a downtube compartment for stashing tools (or snacks!).

Though comfort is important to the Trek Domane, it's still a racing frame, and its prowess has been demonstrated by UCI WorldTour riders at major one-day Classics, such as Strade Bianche and the Tour of Flanders. The top Domane bikes come with an H1.5 fit, which was developed with the Trek-Segafredo teams to offer the optimal balance between aerodynamics and endurance.

The Trek Domane - available as a men's build or with women's specific componentry - is a fast selling model, which comes in a range of frame materials.

The Domane SLR uses the lightest carbon Trek offers, the SL is one step down, whilst the AL uses aluminium and is the cheapest of the range.

Trek Madone

The Trek Madone is quite another beast, and the bikes come built for men and women; the latter's models with women's saddles and narrower handlebars . With an aggressive geometry and stiffness to boot, it's a road race hero, and aerodynamics have become part of its lifeblood. When we tested five aero bikes , head to head, the Trek Madone came out fastest.

Modern Trek Madone's feature a high level of integration, with the cables tucked away yet reachable via an access point at the top of the down tube.Wind tunnel testing has helped Trek to create theirKVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shapes, used on the frame and fork. These unconventional tube shapes are designed to further reduce drag, helping the rider/bike unit to slice through the air efficiently.

Because being bumped around doesn't make you faster, the Madone also features an IsoSpeed decoupler at the seat tube and more recently an adjustable one at the head tube, which offers greater compliance whilst still being integrated to prevent adding drag.

The newest model, according to Trek, can offer 17 per cent more compliance through to 21 per cent more stiffness, depending upon your chosen setting. A damper at the seatpost is also said to cut rebound by 13 per cent. All of these stats add up to a bike that can be comfortable and stiff at the same time - and one that earned a place in our 2018 Editor's Choice awards.

The majority of the bikes come in a more relaxed 'H2' geometry, save for the Madone SLR, which is in an 'H1.5' fit - this is designed to allow riders to achieve an H1 fit or an H2, depending upon their set up.

Trek Émonda

Adding more depth to the Trek family is the Trek Émonda, launched in 2014. Designed to be a climbing bike, newer adaptations are capable of negotiating mixed terrains - with disc brakes available and tyre clearance to 28mm.

>>> Trek Émonda range explained

Trek continues to work on developing the Émonda, dropping the weight of the top end Trek Émonda SLR to 640g in a size 56cm (665g with discs) and 1091g for the Trek Émonda SL (1149g with discs). The weight difference is largely achieved by the use of700 Series OCLV carbon on the SLR, as opposed to 500 series on the SL.

The aluminium model has seen some major work and the result earned it a place in the Editor's Choice 2019 awards. The key characteristic we loved was the way it simply didn't look, or ride, like aluminium. A lot of this is down to Trek's 'Invisible Weld Technology' which increases the surface area of the frame, adding to strength and reducing weight. The ALR model's frame weight comes in at a competitive 1112g, or 1131g with discs, and it uses the brand's 300 Series Alpha Aluminium.

The carbon models are available in 'SLR' build or 'SL', the former being the lightest and the latter more affordable. The majority of Trek Émonda bikes cone in an 'H2' fit, but they can be purchased in an 'H1' geometry, if you choose the top end 'Race Shop' version.

There are a few nods to neatness and integration around, such as the use of 'Blendr Integration' which seamlessly mounts Bontrager’s cycling computer, Ionbike lights or even Garmin computers directly to the handlebars. On SLR versions there's ‘Control Freak Cable Management’ which allows for shifter and brake cables to be housed through the frame.

Trek Checkpoint

With gravel and adventure bikes a fast growing category, the Checkpoint is Trek's offering to fill that sector. The crucial element here is that both the SL and ALR frame options come fitted out with 35c gravel tyres, and can accommodate rubber up to 45c. They've all got internal cable routing, to ensure much stays out, whilst the higher end models use 'Control Freak' routing which is neater.

>>> Best gravel bikes: the top models reviewed

If you opt for the carbon SL model, you get vibration dampening from an IsoSpeed decoupler at the rear, too.  To provide stability and confidence on light trails as well as comfort on all-day adventures, the geometry is not as aggressive as the road bikes elsewhere in the range. Such all-day rides warrant plenty of kit, so there's mounts for racks and mounts. Similar to elsewhere in the range, there's AL, ALR and SL models.

Trek Speed Concept

Trek's Speed Concept time trial bike has been raced by the pros yet is still seen on the amateur race scene as a popular option.

>>> Check out Fabian Cancellara's 2016 Speed Concept

The frames use 500 Series OCLV Carbon, boasting the KVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shapes described in the Madone, plus a carbon fork with integrated brake and stem - the key goal being cutting through the air quickly.There's space to fit Trek's SC Draft Box and SC Sped Box, largely used by triathletes carrying snacks.

Trek Boone 5

Trek's got plenty of experience in the muddy realm of off-road cycling - and they've got a selection of cyclocross bikes. The Trek Boone 7 model comes with hydraulic disc brakes, a one-by crank and 12-speed cassette and they've all got Bontrager's own 33c cyclocross tyres.

The frame material is Trek's 600 series OCLV carbon, and there's front and rear IsoSpeed decouplers to help riders negotiate the mud without excess transfer of vibration. Combining the mud ready tyres, disc brakes, 'cross focused cable routing and geo into an aluminium package is the Trek Crockett family.

They key differentiation is the frame material, which is300 Series Alpha Aluminium, and there's no decoupler. However, it's still a performance bike that's ready to race.

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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.

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Join us in Waterloo, WI for the Trek 100 Saturday, June 8, 2024

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The Trek 100 began as a humble charity bike ride to raise funds for childhood cancer childhood cancer and related blood disorders research. But over the last three decades, it's grown into something so much bigger. Since 1990, we've raised over $20 million for the MACC Fund — and on June 8, we'll gather at Trek's global headquarters once again to ride, party, and support this crucial cause. This is our open invitation for you to join us for the best group ride ever!

Incredible routes

Ready to ride? Four incredible routes take you through the heart of America’s Dairy Land and roll right back to Trek Headquarters for a party at the end. Explore the rides and join us for a delightful adventure that supports an amazing cause.

Mind-blowing stops

Bet you can’t guess what we’ll surprise you with this year! Our world-famous rest stops are revamped, stocked, and ready with incredible snacks and a non-stop party with plenty of family-friendly fun.

Life changing cause

Every dollar of your registration and pledges benefits the MACC Fund's efforts to end childhood cancer and related blood disorders. Over the past 45 years, the MACC Fund has contributed more than $84 million to this important cause, fighting for children and their families.

All-new Trek 100 MTB ride

Prefer the trails over the open road? The all-new Trek 100 MTB ride takes the party to Trek Trails for as many 10-mile laps as your quads can muster. Hammer out miles of singletrack and stop for a party every lap at the new trailside MTB rest stop.

Pedal. Party. Repeat.

There's nothing better than a tasty treat during a looooong ride. At the Trek 100, you'll enjoy rest stops stocked with snacks that make your mouth water — complete with live music, free gear, and a few surprises along the way.

Unmatched ride support

You can ride easy knowing technical support is always minutes away during the Trek 100. We’ll have a great crew of Trek Certified Technicians and the amazing team at Wheel and Sprocket on hand to take care of any issues you might encounter along the way. Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

Bring your friends! And your friend’s friends!

Put the FUN in fundraising! Refer five friends to Trek 100 and get your registration refunded*. Whether you want to tackle the 19-miler or take on the challenge of a full century, the Trek 100 is sure to be a party. Costumes optional. Fun guaranteed. * Donation minimums still apply. Friends must enter your first and last name at sign up.

A VIP Trek 100 experience with Trek Travel

Get a guided Trek 100 experience of a lifetime with Trek Travel. You’ll enjoy world-class hospitality, a VIP meet-and-greet, unmatched access to Trek Headquarters, and a whole lot more.

A special thanks to our sponsors

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How to choose a Trekking and Travel Backpack

How to choose a backpack>Types of backpack>Things to consider>Backpack sizes.

Raghunathan T

Hi I am Raghu and I've been been trekking and backpacking for about 12 years now, every time I meet my friends or people who want to travel the first question they ask me is what backpack I use and where I got it. I don’t recommend any particular models or bags because after traveling for quite a bit I realized a backpack is very personal and also I have about 5 or 6 with me for different uses. With many requests for backpack suggestions finally, I have decided to write about it and hopefully, after reading this anyone would be able to choose a perfect backpack for themselves. Though choosing a backpack is a very individual-oriented opinion and there is no fixed rule the following pointers would help in narrowing down the options and guide in what to look for if you are a novice 

The major things to look for while choosing a backpack  ‍

Travel style

Backpack type.

• Fit and Comfort

       The first thing one must decide while buying is the style of travel you would do, short trips or heavy haul, what it means how long is your trip, is it going to be a weekend getaway or a yearly vacation which can go for 3 -4 weeks, which ones would be doing more. A 30 to 40-liter backpack would be good for a weekend getaway and bigger ones for longer holidays. The best way to decide this is to lay out the things you think u would carry for the trip all the necessary ones including a few clothes this helps in getting a rough idea of how big a backpack you need.

Highlight : Decide how much and what all you are going to carry for the trip

Once the travel style is fixed the next would be to decide the capacity. If you are a traveler like me who carries his entire world or a light backpacker who wants to be more flexible, I call this a traveling character. a small backpack like trek 100 50l makes no sense when you wanna carry a lot of things but also having a huge backpack like trek 900 with too much space inside would be a hindrance while moving as the things inside would be shuffling around. So, choosing the proper capacity makes a huge impact.

So after laying out all the things you would be carrying you already have an idea of how big your bad needs to be and the following table would make it easier with the following table

Highlight:  Choose the capacity of the bag

          Now we have tackled the basics of choosing a backpack style and capacity, the next thing to look for is the type of backpack that would suit you though this isn’t a very crucial factor as the basic qualities of a backpack are gonna be the same but this makes you get the best value for the money you are paying and also plays a good role in making your trip a bit more enjoyable and less strenuous on your body. The types of backpacks in the market are trekking/expedition and backpacking/travel and selecting them depends on what plans you have for the future if trekking is gonna be a majority of your travel or you are a business traveler or a leisure backpacker 

To choose from these you need to understand the differences

A trekking backpack like trek 100 or trek 500 is lighter and more focused on providing easy access to things and lots of provisions to attach things on the outside and is made up of a more durable rip-stop fabric. Its gonna be less comfortable in comparison to your travel bags but they are more stream light and designed to hug our body's anatomy.

A backpacking rucksack like Travel 100 is a bit heavier but provides more cushioning and increased security with provisions to lock the bag. They are designed to give you maximum comfort and to make sure you are relaxed during those long layovers or train journeys that can be got for several days.

Fit & Comfort

The final thing to check is the comfort and how the bag fits, This is what makes a backpack more personal. If you are like me always having a backpack on your shoulders you would know how important it is to choose the best fit. To put things in perspective for a first-time buyer, understand that your backpack is gonna be on you for most of the trip and any problem that you have while trying is gonna stay throughout your trip and with time it will be more to bear. make sure there is adequate padding where you want, clip on the sternum strap to make sure it fits your chest snugly and doesn’t restrict your normal breathing adjustment straps. It would be great if you can get the bag filled and carry it around before finalizing.  waist belts are in place for your anatomy. Remember even the best backpacks will be useless if it doesn’t fit properly

Here are a few backpacks and their features. Travel 100

A very great backpack for beginners to start backpacking with ample space while not being too big and lots of features for safety. 

• Beginner Travel backpack
• huge n spacious
• wide opening to take things out easily
• option to lock the zippers

For the advanced and more frequent backpackers who prefer to carry more they can opt for travel 500 which is more spacious, comes with an under-bag compartment to store your footwear and. And a detachable hood that can be used as a messenger bag

• separate compartment  for shoes
• Option to lock the zippers
• Detachable Hood

This is a very compact and sturdy backpack for beginner trekkers or light treks with the support system that adapts your body's anatomy it becomes very comfortable, for smaller treks 

• Compact yet spacious
• Front and top-loading
• Easy adjustment

A bag designed for high altitude treks with huge openings and lots of features to access your gear easily this bag is my personal favorite for having a good balance of capacity and size.

• Durable material
• lightweight Frame
• Multiple compartments

The trek 900 is for advanced trekkers doing long treks more often, with lots of adjustment straps, load distribution becomes an easy task with this,

• Expandable to +10L
• Internal straps
• Accommodate sleeping mat
• In-Built Tent Holder straps
• Symbian function to improve mobility in heavy load

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Are you looking forward to going trekking? But do you know what to carry and what to leave? If so, this is the right place for you. Undoubtedly, it is frightful to be on this majestic, snow-covered mountain and realise that you have forgotten to bring the most crucial backpacking supplies. 

Trekking is just another synonym for walking. Even so, the term trekking has largely been attributed to a type of walking that takes you along routes that are usually up, down, over, and around hills and mountains. By the end of this article, you will know what trekking is exactly, trekking in India for beginners as well as for experts, so, solo trekking in India, and top 5 trekking places in India. There are also a few FAQs that we have answered towards the end for your convenience. Happy Reading!

Travel in Style with the Ultimate Backpacks and also explore how to choose the best. Read the article to know more.

A perfect outfit for trekking should be comfortable, breathable and should contain bug spray, sunscreen and a first aid kit, which are the must-have things in trekking while you must carry your own food and drinkables.

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Forclaz Trek 100 Easyfit 50L: Comfort & Efficiency for Weekend Backpacking (Decathlon)

On a recent overnight in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, I tested the Forclaz Trek 100 Easyfit 50L Hiking Backpack by Decathlon which proved a lightweight and comfortable option.

The thought and care put into designing this pack to make it efficient in terms of both features and function is evident. Here are some of the features that stood out:

Easyfit Adjustability

I took the Decthalon Forclaz Trek 100 Easyfit 50L Hiking Backpack on a trip to Wyoming’s Wind River Range. I’m always wary when trying new packs out as they often pull and tug at my shoulders, but I was pleased with how the Forclaz sat on hips.

While carrying a heavy set-up with a full rack and rope, the pack comfortably distributed the load in the proper places.

The shoulder straps are adjustable and can be adjusted by sliding them on the aluminum plates on the back of the pack. The red straps on the side of the pack can be pulled while wearing the pack which made for easy adjustment on the trail.

Compartment Layout

The Forclaz Trek 100 Easyfit 50L Hiking Backpack boasts a thoughtful compartment design. There are five separate compartments in the pack not including the water pouch storage on the side which securely holds a liter bottle. I was most impressed with the center compartment which zips down from the top; this made packing and unpacking gear easy and effortless.

The compartment on the hip belt was the perfect size for snacks and can hold a phone or small or other small personal items for easy access. It’s also worth mentioning that the water bottle pouch on the side was made to last.

It is made with the same durable material as the rest of the pack and securely holds a Nalgene sized bottle (no need to worry about losing your bottle on those steeper, scrambly sections).

Overall Impression

Overall, I appreciated the simplicity of the pack and I truly felt the layout of the compartments made organizing gear a smooth and satisfying process. The Forclaz Trek 100 Easyfit 50L Hiking Backpack is a lightweight pack that is an ideal option for anyone looking for a comfortable pack for a weekend backpacking trip. The pack can be purchased here from Decathlon for an astoundingly reasonable price of $119.00 .

This pack is well worth the money. The Easyfit design feature allows the user to adjust the pack to fit securely, and allows for an enjoyable experience on the trail. This feature along with the compartment design and durable materials make the Forclaz Trek 100 a great addition to any backpacker’s arsenal of packs.

Compare Prices

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Related Backpacks

• Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight 40L Backpack
• Mystery Ranch Ravine 50L Backpack
• Ultimate Direction All Mountain Backpack

Connor Burkesmith

Photographer and filmmaker with a passion for adventure, creativity that's been lucky enough to capture some of the most gorgeous destinations around the country. He's more likely to be shooting from a cliff, or remote peak than a pull off along the road. Connor combines his technical skills with athletic pursuits to bring sensational content.

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Vintage Trek Bike, the 500; Better than a Peugeot?

Other Vintage Bikes , Vintage Bikes

Video Review Below:

Clash of the 501’s

I recently posted a blog about the Peugeot PH501 , though it doesn’t feel recent. It was actually in January, before the pandemic began and when normal, mask-free life was taken for granted. It seems another world, even though I’m posting this just 6 months later. These are strange days indeed, and especially now that I’m visiting America, right in the eye of the storm . The love of bikes doesn’t stop, however, and I’ve been lucky enough to restore this vintage Trek bike, a 500; it’s interesting to compare it to the Peugeot.

The opportunists

The story of Trek is impressively bold and audacious: in 1976, two Americans decided to take on the big European bike brands and win the share of the mid-range US bike market. Failure had a big part to play in the birth of the Trek brand; Dick Burke and Bevil Hogg owned 2 bike shops the previous year, but they folded and their vision of owning a nationwide chain of shops quickly ended. But great ideas can be born in the ashes of failure; instead of giving up, they decided to build their own bikes, creating hand made frames to take on the Europeans.

European Quality

I’ve owned quite a few Treks , a 410, a 500 Tri Series, a 520, a 620 and 300 Elance. I’ve been impressed with all the Treks I’ve owned, and I think I can say that the quality of all these bikes matched the Peugeots and Motobecanes I’ve also possessed. This 500 was a mid-range bike worth around $400 in 1983/84, around the same price as a Peugeot Ventoux or PH501. Trek bikes of this era are always more understated than their European counterparts, they were never flashy or ornate, but they were nevertheless handsome bikes.

What to Look For

I really like the head badge. It’s an icon of classic Trek bikes, handmade steel frames built in Wisconsin between 1976 – 1983. But you don’t find Trek bikes with half-chromed forks or stays; are there any? Neither do you find stamped fork crowns or ornate lugs on these mid-range bikes. Trek built a culture at this stage that seemed to focus on simplicity and modesty, perhaps as a deliberate contrast to the flair and é lan of French bikes.

A Mid 1980’s Peugeot Mont Cenis

American Engineering..

American engineering, specifically in transportation, always seem to be driven by the attitude that  bigger is better.  Every time I arrive on American shores, I’m struck by the size of the cars, the trucks, the motor bikes, the RVs. Classic American cars always seem to be huge, gas-guzzling monsters. Wasn’t it Enzo Ferrari who said “Jeep is America’s only real sports car”? But when it comes to a road bike, all that aggrandising goes out the window; a road bike has to be light, sleek, made with the least raw materials possible and ultra-efficient. America had no real tradition in making these machines, no distinction or identity within this field; the modesty of Trek bikes of this era seem to express a certain humility, a deliberate and respectful acquiescence, to this fact.

Brand or Bland

Prestige and patriotism count for a lot in the cycling world. I remember how I dreamed of owning the Peugeot that Robert Millar rode in the mid 1980’s when I was at school. I also wanted a TI Raleigh Team bike, because it was British and it had won the Tour de France . You can deny it all you like, but these are heavy influences on the brand of bicycle you will choose, especially if it’s a road bike. So, with this in mind, a Peugeot would have been my choice without hesitation . I’d never even heard of Trek in Britain in the decade of Millar, Sean Kelly and Bernard Hinault.

Japanese Parts

Japanese engineering has developed a great reputation over the decades. I remember, back in the 1980’s, that when something was “made in Japan”, it generally produced the reaction that it was more reliable than a British product. I don’t think this bike technology shows anything but the same story; the Japanese brand Suntour had succeeded in building their versions of Simplex, Huret and other European components, but at a cheaper cost. Trek chose to put the cost-effective first, this was their brand philosophy in this mid-range market. But I’d choose French parts, like Simplex and Stronglight, over these SR and Suntour components on this bike.

So Which One?

Personally I would go with the Peugeot. Yes, this one above hard a bent fork, but one in the same condition as the Trek would be my choice. Perhaps the Trek is the slightly better bike for the quality of the frameset and paintwork, but there’s no doubting that the Peugeot was a fine machine in it’s day. I just think it comes down to two things: aesthetics and tradition, which must make Peugeot the winner. Oh, and I nearly forgot: I prefer the French components, too.

The 70s and early 80s Suntour components outperformed and weighed less than their Europen counterparts, by miles. The only thing “Cheap” about a pre-1984 Suntour derailleur was the stigmatizing price point. The Suntour ARX is one of the smoothest shifting, durable, problem-free, mid-range, mass bike derailleurs of the early-mid 80s. There’s no comparison to performance with an equivalent Simplex SX610 or early 80s Huret Rivals. I’m saying this as someone who is also a purist and has maintained Simplex derailleurs on Peugeots in working order for years. I can disassemble, rebuild, grease, and tension one in fifteen minutes; but Simplexes have never functioned completely right without user servicing, and the mechanical knowledge of disassembly, cleaning, greasing, and tensioning of both spring bolts, even when they came new on the bike. There were serious racers in the 70s and 80s who ditched their Campagnolo rear mechs and threw a Suntour into their Campy group set, because Suntour Vs, ARXs, Superbe Pros, and even their low midrange offerings outperformed and outlasted highly overrated for the cost, pre 90s Campy derailleurs. Suntour was one of the best performance secrets in bike components for people in the know, willing to get past a Europhile bias. It’s time to admit, as beautiful as old school Euro mech is to look at on classic steel, steed, by the early 80s, Suntour and Shimano were killing them with better performing derailleurs for the price value.

I agree with you on some points, Suntour and other Japanese parts overtook most European rivals in the early 1980’s, as far as functionality is concerned. I disagree with you, however, about the Simplex criticism; I’ve always been a fan of the SJ and SX series, my experiences have always been positive with this series, much less with the plastic delrin versions. Most of all, though, is the aesthetic difference: the Simplex SX and SJ are just far more attractive than their Japanese rivals of the day. This is very important in the realms of this vintage bike culture otherwise, lets face it, we’d all be riding highly functional modern bikes with their bland but efficient mechs.

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Review: Trek Fetch+ 2

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One of the things that can be intimidating about buying a cargo ebike is how unfamiliar they feel. Whether a bike is designed with weird geometry and wheel sizes or odd features for heavy hauling, every ride can feel unfamiliar.

For traditional cyclists who want to haul a grocery store trip’s worth of groceries home but don’t want to mess with technology they’re unfamiliar with, the Trek Fetch+ 2 is a decent option. It’s more expensive than some of our favorite alternatives, but it has an easy-to-ride step-through design, well-made components, and great plastic buckets (and other accessories) for storage.

There are bikes with more advanced features for the money, but even after I spent a summer riding the Fetch+ 2, it barely needed a tune-up. For a modern cargo ebike with a classic cargo bike maintenance schedule, it might be worth spending a bit more cash.

On the Road

The Fetch+ 2 is the smaller of Trek’s two latest cargo ebikes, which includes the box-fronted Fetch+ 4 ($8,500) , which is more oriented toward toting around dogs and children in between groceries and beer.

The Fetch+ 2 instead is a more traditional step-through cargo bike that employs a myriad of attachments, most notably two plastic panniers that hang off an extended rack on the rear. You can get a padded seat cover for the rear to let friends hold on and ride, or mount a couple kids’ seats behind you, but I’d still probably use this bike more for errands than transporting little ones.

As an objet d’art , the bike is simple and unassuming, which is ideal for a bike this expensive. The battery is integrated into the frame, but a sizable bulge means nobody will fail to notice it's an ebike. You can get it in three colors. I liked the black of our review unit, but the bright blue would probably be my choice if I was buying one.

While much of the bike will be familiar to anyone who has ever seen or contemplated a cargo bike, Trek really gets the geometry and style of this bike correct as far as making it very usable for many tasks. Even the dual-sided kickstand pops up and down with remarkable ease (shockingly rare on other large ebikes I've used). I particularly enjoyed using the rear panniers for hauling flats of berries and other easily squished items that tend to rattle around in softer panniers.

The panniers fit a ton of stuff; I was able to get four full-size grocery bags spread between the two black plastic totes. I like that they had little plugs in the bottom that you could feasibly use a plastic bag to cover and then fill them with ice and drinks.

I spent a couple months using the Fetch+ 2 as my primary bike, and came away much more impressed than anticipated, given the specs and the price.

On paper, this is an expensive ebike to have pretty standard mid-drive cargo bike specs. The 85 Nm Bosch motor and 500-wH battery are good for 20-plus miles a day loaded down in any city, but they’re not better than models like the larger Xtracycle Stoker, which has the same torque and a 630-wH battery for $4,999. The Trek also doesn’t have a carbon belt drive and variable transmission, which we consider the best (and easiest to maintain) shifting mechanism for cargo bikes.

The more traditional chain-and-gears drivetrain and no suspension make this a less comfortable and more difficult-to-maintain bike than favorites like the Tern GSD ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ), which costs about the same. I have to say, I was expecting the difference in riding experience to be more severe. The fatter-than-usual 20 x 2.35-inch tires of the Trek absorbed potholes better than other suspensionless bikes. It also stopped just as well as its competitors, thanks to hydraulic disc brakes.

Mid-drive cargo bikes are much better than their rear-hub counterparts, especially when toting larger items or smaller humans, because they allow you to get more torque to the wheels, and provide a more traditional riding experience. I never found myself lacking for power, though I did crunch through the gears a bit when starting on a hill.

The Fetch+ 2 rides really well, with a solid frame and no creaks or sketchiness of any kind (as picked up from my local Trek dealer, another plus of ordering from the brand), and I really liked how bright the built-in lights were when riding home from soccer games and band practices at night. The fat wheels were easy to turn, giving this a turning radius similar to a non-extended ebike when I was making U-turns in the city. It also has a built-in phone mount with a wireless charger, which makes it really nice for using a map app to cruise to unfamiliar places.

It’s not a fun bike to ride in the traditional sense; it’s not the fastest or the most comfortable, but it is satisfyingly robust and confidence-inducing. In my months of riding, I never had a single issue with the bike. That’s unusual given the state of some of the roads I often took the Fetch+ 2 on the side of, and a testament to Trek's great build quality.

If I was a longtime Trek owner and interested in getting into cargo ebikes, I’d certainly give this line a look, with the understanding that I might find something I like better from Tern, Xtracycle, or another brand for the same price—or something from Rad Power Bikes or another more affordable direct-to-consumer manufacturer for less. It’s a well-made bike that does what it claims to do, but it’s on the spendy side.

It is a bit hard to come by, at least in bike shops around my hometown of Portland, Oregon. If you’re interested in this one for your treks around town, I’d make sure to call ahead for a test ride. If you want a familiar-feeling bike with all the frills of electrification, it’s worth a spin.

Can Any Modern Star Trek Series Reach 100 Episodes? Alex Kurtzman Shares His Thoughts

Star Trek: Discovery is taking its final bow after five seasons, ending the longest-running series of the modern era. Thankfully, we know we can expect more upcoming Trek shows as well as a few surprises in the future , but even so, Deep Space Nine will hold onto the accolade of being the last show in the franchise to exceed 100 episodes. So, now the question becomes: Will a Star Trek series ever hit that milestone again? CinemaBlend talked about it with top brass Alex Kurtzman to get some answers. 

I had a chance to speak to Kurtzman ahead of the premiere of Star Trek: Discovery on the 2024 TV schedule , and I asked if a day would ever come when a modern entry in the franchise could hit 100 episodes. It feels like a tall order, considering current seasons of current shows are only about ten episodes in length, but Kurtzman talked about another obstacle while giving his thoughts on the matter:  

I don't know, it's very hard. I mean, the fact that [Discovery went to] go on five seasons is sort of a miracle. I think most people watch two seasons of a streaming show, and they check out, you know, and that's not specific to Trek. I just think that's the watch pattern for television in the streaming world. It's hard to know.

Streaming has permanently changed the television landscape. There are more options to watch shows both new and old than there ever were before. As such, it's hard to keep audiences glued to their Paramount+ subscription when competitors are churning out other exciting new shows. As he said, the fact that Star Trek: Discovery received five seasons before the cancellation was a big feat, especially when considering the fact that some of streaming's most popular shows, like Stranger Things , will end with Season 5 . 

While Alex Kurtzman likely has the details of what is in store for Star Trek 's future, including the news on that rumored Jean-Luc Picard movie , he doesn't know what the future holds. He did offer his best guess at what the chances are of any current or upcoming Trek show hitting a hundred episodes and why he's happy with the way things currently are: 

My guess would be that it would be unlikely. But in some ways, I think what's lovely about that is– it's funny you can talk to old writers of old Trek series, and they're like, ‘Man, there's a bunch of filler episodes in there. We are just trying to get to 22 a season,’ you know, and, and we all know which of those episodes were [filler], we know the ones that were truly stellar from the ones that felt like they were kind of spinning their wheels. And so I think what ten episodes a season forces you to do is really make sure that every story counts as much as it possibly can. And I like that, you know, I like that. I like what that affords us now.

I certainly can understand Alex Kurtzman's perspective, and I agree that some Star Trek filler episodes from the past were absolute stinkers. Then again, one has to wonder if The Next Generation had only ten episodes if we would have seen some of its more WTF moments unfold , or Tim Russ talking about   Voyager 's "Tuvix" episode . There's a trade-off for the big-budget adventures, and a large part of it is the show needing to stay on task with the main story with the limited episodes it has. 

Of course, Star Trek has still found ways to include side stories in this new era, with Strange New Worlds focusing on character-driven serialization amongst daily adventures the crew faces. It's working well enough that Discovery reportedly mimicked the style in its final season , and it may just be the new normal for the franchise going forward. Who knows, it may even get the series, which is currently in production for Season 3, to a hundred episodes, which would be fantastic. Then again, in an age where there's no sign of Trek slowing down, do we need that? 

Fans may ponder this question as they tune in for new episodes of Star Trek: Discovery on Thursdays over on Paramount+. Those who aren't caught up need to do so, because this final season has been amazing thus far. 

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You can learn about the history of Moscow with a trip to Red Square. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene.

• Moscow Kremlin

Visit the most iconic square in Russia, which is bordered by many of the city’s most famous landmarks.

• Bolshoi Theatre

A centerpiece of the Russian arts scene, this theater’s magnificent auditorium and top-tier productions will impress even the most jaded theatergoer.

• St. Basil's Cathedral

Think of Russia and you probably picture this iconic building, whose onion-shaped domes overlook the Moscow skyline.

• Lenin's Mausoleum

Mourners and curious visitors stream to the grave to see the embalmed Vladimir Lenin, the famous revolutionary and one-time leader of the Soviet Union.

• Armoury Chamber

Visit one of Moscow’s oldest and most revered museums and discover more about Russian royal life and military history.

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Green Energy

Electrek green energy brief.

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California exceeds 100% of energy demand with renewables over a record 30 days

In a major clean energy benchmark, wind, solar, and hydro exceeded 100% of demand on California’s main grid for 30 of the past 38 days.

Stanford University professor of civil and environmental engineering Mark Z. Jacobson has been tracking California’s renewables performance, and he shares his findings on Twitter (X) when the state breaks records. Yesterday he posted:

This is not an anomaly. It is the new reality. The percentages will only increase each year Once again, California exceeds 100% of demand on its main grid with #WindWaterSolar This is the 30TH OF THE PAST 38 DAYS that #WWS supply has exceeded demand for 0.25-6 h per day. https://t.co/Wo44TgD8Sl pic.twitter.com/78DNHZn5pg — Mark Z. Jacobson (@mzjacobson) April 14, 2024

Jacobson notes that supply exceeds demand for “0.25-6 h per day,” and that’s an important fact. The continuity lies not in renewables running the grid for the entire day but in the fact that it’s happening on a consistent daily basis, which has never been achieved before.

At the two-week record mark, Ian Magruder at Rewiring America made this great point on LinkedIn :

And what makes it even better is that California has the largest grid-connected battery storage facility in the world ( came online in January …), meaning those batteries were filling up with excess energy from the sun all afternoon today and are now deploying as we speak to offset a good chunk of the methane gas generation that California still uses overnight.

On April 2, the California Independent System Operator (ISO) recommended 26 new transmission projects worth $6.1 billion, with a big number being devoted to offshore wind.

Top comment by Hydrogen Last

This is great news. We have to temper our enthusiasm a tad given that the above average precipitation during the last two winters has boosted hydro production. Solar and Wind need to keep advancing so CA can weather the next drought which is sure to happen.

In response, Jacobson predicted on April 4 that California will entirely be on renewables and battery storage 24/7 by 2035.

California passed a law that commits to achieving 100% net zero electricity by 2045. Will it beat that goal by a decade? We hope so. It’s going to be exciting to watch.

To limit power outages and make your home more resilient, consider going solar with a battery storage system. In order to find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage , a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and you share your phone number with them.

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Top 14 things to do and attractions in Mytishchi

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1 St. Basil's Cathedral

2 All-Russian Exhibition Center

3 Kva-Kva Park

4 fest mytishchi drama and comedy theatre, 5 mytishchi arena.

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6 Mytishchi Park Of Culture And Leisure

7 monument to the hero of the soviet union raspopova nina maksimovna, 8 teatr kukol ognivo, 9 mytishchi history and art museum, 10 mytishchinskaya kartinnaya galereya, 11 perlovskiy park, 12 xl outlet, 13 interactive einstein museum, 14 zamaniya, family adventure park, what's the weather like in mytishchi.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Mytishchi for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Mytishchi in January
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• Weather in Mytishchi in July
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• Weather in Mytishchi in November
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• Mytishchi in January
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