trek brand

Trek Bikes Brand Review: A Close Look at the Iconic USA Bike Brand

T rek Bikes is one of the most popular and the most respected USA-based bike brands right now, and for a good reason. They offer models in all categories and all price points, for all types of cyclists. Let’s learn more in our in-depth overview!

No matter if you are an absolute beginner who can’t even ride, or you’re a pro cyclist with years of experience in the legs, Trek Bikes has a bike for you.

With more than 40 unique models, it’s both very easy and very challenging to find exactly what you’re looking for. Our in-depth overview teaches you all you need to know about each model series and many other things related to Trek.

Technologies

Trek’s range of models, trek mountain bikes, trek bikes – road, trek hybrid & city bikes, trek gravel & cyclocross bikes, trek adventure & touring bikes, trek tt/triathlon bikes, trek electric bikes, electra bikes, trek women’s bikes, kids’ trek bikes, new or used trek bikes.

The first bikes Trek made were touring steel frames , but as the business evolved, so did the selection of models. Soon enough, Trek began producing road racing bikes, and then mountain bikes from both aluminum and carbon.

The first Trek-branded all-aluminum bike left the production lines in 1985 and the first full-carbon model came out in 1989.

Today, Trek offers high-profile road bikes such as Domane, Madone, and Emonda; hardtail and full-suspension models like Marlin , X-Caliber, or Slash; Checkpoint and Boone gravel and CX bikes; and dozens of other popular model names in a wide range of categories.

Related:  Trek vs. Giant Bikes Comparison: Which Brand Is Better?

Over the years, Trek has pioneered or perfected many of the best technological solutions used in the top-level cycling sport.

Over the years, many of these advanced technologies have been passed down from best Trek bikes to mid-range and entry-level classes, improving the cycling experience for beginner and intermediate cyclists as well.

Here are some of the most ground-breaking technologies developed by Trek so far:

• OCLV Carbon:  Optimum Compaction Low Void carbon frames developed in 1991 — some of the lightest and stiffest in the world.
• Alpha Aluminum: Trek’s refined aluminum frames that rival carbon frames in terms of strength and overall weight.
• Active Braking Pivot: A revolutionary patented system developed to keep the rear suspension working while braking.
• RE:aktiv: Advanced suspension system that provides dynamic flow that automatically adapts its performance to the rider and the type of the terrain.
• Full Floater: Trek’s rear suspension system that allows for extremely supple and responsive rear suspension action, giving you the impression of bottomless travel.
• IsoSpeed Suspension: Road bike suspension that decouples the seat tube from the top tube, diminishing the fatiguing impacts of the road.

One of the secrets to Trek Bikes’ long-lasting success is that they make bicycles for EVERYONE. No matter what kind of riding you wish to do or how much you can stretch your budget, you can find a suitable model in Trek’s lineup.

Their beginner bikes such as FX, 820, or Marlin start at around $400; whereas their elite road models such as Domane or Madone cost upward of $12,000.

Below is a full list of ALL Trek model lines available at the moment of writing this article, organized into logical categories.

This is intended as an informative resource for people looking into Trek bikes , trying to decide which one suits their needs the best.

820 is the most affordable mountain bike in the Trek line. It consists of one men’s and one women’s model, both of which cost around $500. They are equipped with rim brakes, Shimano Tourney components, and 26″ tires, which makes them perfect for beginners.

Best for: 820 bikes are good for short daily recreational and fitness rides, as well as short commutes.

See On Trek Bikes

Marlin is one of Trek’s most popular entry-level MTB lines. It consists of several aluminum hardtail models that cost between $620 and $1,400, so they’re ideal for first-timers and experienced hobby cyclists. Marlin bikes feature front suspension, disc brakes, 2x or 3x drivetrains, and wide 27.5″ or 29″ tires.

Best for: Marlin series can be used for on and off-road riding, commuting, and all-around daily cycling.

Our review s of Marlin 4 –  5 –  6 –  7

Mountain biking enthusiasts who don’t have thousands of dollars but want quality trail bikes can choose the Roscoe line. These are fun aluminum hardtail bicycles with massive 27.5+ tires and specs that are ready to party. These models cost between $1,200 and $2,800 , so they are quite affordable as well.

Best for: If you want to ride trails more seriously with RockShox suspensions and SRAM or Shimano components, check out Trek Roscoe.

X-Caliber is Trek’s lineup of quality, yet affordable aluminum 29ers ideal for beginners and riders with some experience on the trails. They’re characterized by 120 mm of travel in the fork, light and efficient 1x drivetrains, and prices that remain between $1,500 and $2,000 . All models also feature powerful hydraulic disc brakes and size-specific tires.

Best for: Aspiring trail riders who aim to challenge themselves more, explore more technical trails, and do it all on a tight budget.

Farley is a collection of Trek’s super-capable fat bikes built around aluminum or carbon frames, depending on the model. They’re characterized by awe-inspiring 27.5″ x 4.5″ tires and mud-ready 1x drivetrains. Most models have rigid forks, but there are options with a suspension fork as well.

Best for:  Trek Farley showcases its abilities best when put against snow, mud, rocks, roots, and other extreme conditions.

Trek Procaliber is a group of race-ready aluminum and carbon cross-country hardtail bikes. They feature 100 mm of front suspension as well as IsoSpeed rear decouplers that improve control and comfort further. All Procaliber models also come with 29″ wheels, modern 1x drivetrains, and strong hydraulic disc brakes.

Best for: Cyclists interested in doing cross country racing or simply having fun and improving their skills on high-quality, yet reasonably-priced XC machines.

If you have more money than you know what to do with, why not spend it on the mouth-wateringly good Trek’s full-suspension Fuel EX line? These bikes are built with 140mm/130mm front and rear suspension, 29″ wheels, and efficient 1x drivetrains. The prices start at around $2,500 and cap at around $10,600  for the flagship Fuel EX 9.9.

Best for:  Expert trail riders (or those who practice becoming so) with money to spare, who want to ride a wide range of terrains, climb, descent, and race.

Top Fuel is a line of high-end , full-suspension bikes that are suitable for elite XC racing competitions. Every model features 120 mm of travel in the fork and 115 mm in the rear shock. All models are also equipped with super-capable 29″ wheels and tires that go up to 2.4″. If you want to own a Top Fuel bike, you’ll need to pay between $2,700  and $11,500.

Best for:  All-around fun on challenging and technical singletracks and top-level XC racing events. 

Stache offers a high level of performance in a simple and easy to maintain hardtail package. These are mid-range trail bikes built around carbon or aluminum frames, with prices between $2,500 and $4,000. They feature 120 mm of front suspension travel coupled with 29+ wheels and tires that are 3.0″ wide. They’re capable of some serious damage.

Best for:  Stache bikes are best for trail enthusiasts who want to have maximum fun on the most challenging terrain available in their area, but not worry much about upkeep costs. 

Remedy is one of Trek’s best-selling full-suspension bikes because of phenomenal money to value ratio and well-balanced components. It comes with 160/150 mm of front and rear travel, zippy 27.5″ wheels, wide-range 1×12 drivetrains, and dropper posts. The frames are aluminum or carbon, depending on the price. It’s the most trail aficionados can ask for!

Best for:  Remedy models are best suited for riders who enjoy fast and dynamic descents, jumps, drops, and other challenging on-trail stuff.

Slash is a capable long-travel enduro bike built to… well, slash the trails. Right now, this series numbers around seven models valued between $3,500 and $12,500. Therefore, these bikes are great for pro riders and those who feel that way. They have premium carbon frames, 160/150mm of front and rear travel, and huge 29″ wheels.

Best for:  Professionals and enduro enthusiasts who enjoy the thrill of fast-paced downhill sections and challenging rocky trails. 

If you want the best of the best in the DH world, Session is the type of bike you should be looking at. Session models boast premium carbon frames, 190 mm of deluxe RockShox travel, 29″ wheels, and high-end SRAM and Shimano components. They’re ready to win races.

Best for:  Making the best results and winning World Cup Championships on the most brutal downhill courses.

Supercaliber

Supercaliber is a series of unique cross-country racing bikes with Trek’s premium IsoStrut rear suspension. The rear shock is integrated into the frame with unique pivotless seatstays. In addition, it also features 100 mm of front travel, 29″ wheels, 1×12 drivetrains, and progressive racing geometry. Supercaliberline consists of some of the most expensive Trek bikes that cost up to $12,000.

Best for:  Cross-country races that require maximum speed and technical terrain that requires the best possible components and geometry. 

The Domane series is Trek’s selection of fast, versatile, and technologically advanced endurance road bikes. It’s one of Trek’s best-known lineups, featuring IsoSpeed frame suspension, aluminum or carbon frames, and different levels of SRAM and Shimano components. Domane models cost anywhere between $1,100 and $12,600, so they’re suitable for everyone.

Best for:  Beginner, intermediate, and professional road cyclists looking for all-around good performance on a quality road bike that can do it all. 

Our review s on Domane  2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 .

The Émonda line consists of some of the lightest and best-performing road bikes in the world. It’s built around three frame options – 700 OCLV Carbon, 500 OCLV Carbon, and lightweight aluminum. The most expensive Émonda bike costs $13,000, whereas the cheapest can be bought for just $2,300. They’re race-ready, good-looking, and suitable for all rider profiles.

Best for:  Beginner, intermediate, and elite cyclists who want the lightest available road setup suitable for racing, fitness, and leisure riding.

Trek Madone is a top-of-the-line aero road bike developed in the wind tunnel. These bikes are super-light, super-fast, but super-expensive as well. If you want to own one, you’ll have to spend between $4.8K and $13K. For that money, you’ll get a carbon aero frame, aero wheels, high-end components, and supreme integration.

Best for:  Seasoned road riders in search of capital and marginal gains that would make them as fast and as efficient as possible. 

Related: Best Road Bike Brands

If you want an aluminum bike that costs between $600 and $2,000 and that can truly do it all, Trek FX is one of the best choices around. These are efficient and affordable hybrid bikes with entry-level or mid-range components, skinny 700c wheels, and comfortable upright geometries. Around 15 models are available, which includes men’s and women’s bikes.

Best for:  Recreational or fitness riders wanting to commute, run errands, get fit, or train on a daily basis without spending too much money.

Trek Verve is a lineup of comfortable, high-quality, yet accessible hybrid and fitness bikes that can serve as all-around workhorses to urban riders. They cost between around $700 and $1,000, which makes them very cost-efficient. Verve bikes are made from aluminum, roll on 700c wheels, and feature disc brakes coupled with entry-level components.

Best for:  Trek Verve is best for entry-level riders who need a dependable two-wheeler to use and abuse every day or just enjoy riding on the weekends. 

As its name tells you, Trek Dual Sport is a versatile series that can be used for on and off-road rides. These bikes are built around affordable aluminum frames, generally cost around $1,000 , and roll on wide 700c wheels. All models have disc brakes and 63 mm of front suspension. Riders can choose between step-over and step-though frame designs.

Best for:  Versatile riders who want one affordable bicycle that can be used for urban commutes and weekend out-of-town excursions on dirt and forest roads. 

Trek jumped on the gravel bandwagon with the Checkpoint series. These are versatile and efficient gravel and adventure bikes built around aluminum frames. Therefore, they don’t cost much — as little as $2,400 . The prices can get up to $12,000 for high-spec models. Checkpoint bikes feature wide 700c tires, 1x or 2x drivetrains, and disc brakes on all models. They look pretty cool as well!

Best for:  Trek Checkpoint can be used by beginner or seasoned cyclists for gravel races, bike touring adventures, daily commutes, or anything else that comes to mind. 

Trek Crockett is a capable aluminum cyclocross bike that can navigate the urban jungle or take you through a real jungle. These models ride on lightweight aluminum frames, knobby 700c tires, and dependable and efficient 1x drivetrains. At the moment, Crockett numbers three affordable models with price tags between $1,500 and $3,000.

Best for:  Trek Crockett works equally well as a fast CX racing machine and a rugged daily commuter. Use it to commute on workdays and go crazy on the weekends.

Trek Boone is the lightest, fastest, and best-looking cyclocross bike around. Boone frames are built with lightweight carbon fiber material and feature IsoSpeed front and rear decouplers that improve comfort and off-road riding efficiency. Boone also has performance-oriented racing geometry, race-ready components, and 1x drivetrains.

Best for:  Cyclocross racing for beginner riders and amateur or experienced athletes. 

The well-known 520 is one of Trek’s bikes with the longest tradition. Its classic touring steel frame was developed back in the 1970s when the company was established. Today, it’s equipped with front and rear racks, disc brakes, 700c tires, 27 speeds , and comfort-based geometry. It’s the best expedition tourer for the money.

Best for:  Trek 520 is a dependable touring bike that you can take around the world, ride over mountain passes, or use it as a day-to-day bike and commute on a regular basis.

If there is one bike that almost every bikepacker dreams about, it has to be Trek 1120. This is the ultimate bikepacking setup thanks to a lightweight aluminum frame, stiff carbon fork , well-designed front and rear racks, and fearless 29×3.0″ tires. Its 1×11 Shimano SLX drivetrain can get you up any hill and over any off-road section.

Best for:  Bikepacking and off-road touring that requires dependable components that can take daily abuse for months, years, and thousands of dusty miles.

Speed Concept

Speed Concept is the only TT bike Trek makes, if we don’t count in the Madone aero road bikes. This speed machine is made around a super-lightweight carbon frame developed after years of testing in wind tunnels. It offers total aerodynamic integration, minimal drag, and a 2×11 Shimano Ultegra drivetrain.

Best for:  Trek Speed Concept is most suitable for Time Trial events or Triathlon races where speed, aerodynamics, and power efficiency is all that matters. 

Trek Verve+ series is an electric version of the regular verve series. These are versatile electric hybrid and city bikes with step-over and step-through frames, making them suitable for men and women. They can assist your pedaling up to 20 mph thanks to Bosch electronics. They also feature lights, fenders, and a rear rack for easier commutes.

Best for:  Daily urban commuters and fitness riders who want to maintain an upright riding position and enjoy the comfort and extra boost Verve+ offers.

Trek Allant+ is series of mid-range and high-end electric hybrids with flat bars and premium Shimano components. They are capable of replacing your car thanks to powerful and reliable Bosch electronics that will support your pedaling up to 28 mph. Allant+ bikes are made with aluminum and carbon frames and feature fenders, racks, and lights.

Best for:  Urban riders who want to ditch their cars and do long daily commutes through busy city traffic that require utmost speed, reliability, and comfort. 

Trek Powerfly is a range of high-performing electric hardtail mountain bikes. The series numbers just two bikes at the moment — one men’s and one women’s. They’re built around lightweight aluminum frames and come equipped with high-end Bosch electronics that assist up to 20 mph. You also get 120 mm of travel and 1×12 SRAM drivetrain for around $4,200.

Best for:  Trail mountain biking enthusiasts who want to conquer hills more easily and focus more on descents and speedy flat sections. 

The Trek Rail series presents the best of the best one can get in the e-MTB world . Rail bikes cost between $5K and $12.5K, but they are worth the money. They have extremely long 160mm travel, 29″ wheels and tires, Bosch electronics (20 mph max speed), and high-end Shimano and SRAM components.

Best for:  Mountain bikers with high expectations and deep pockets who want to stay fresh when climbing and preserve the energy for aggressive descents. 

Domane+ HP/LT

One thing cannot be argued — Domane+ LT and HP are the best electric road bikes in the world. The HP series (28 mph max speed) provides maximum power, whereas the LT series (20 mph max) offers a good balance between power and weight. These bikes cost up to $12,500 , but they have the best groupsets you can find, the lightest and stiffest carbon, and the highest-end Bosch electronic parts.

Best for: Road riders with money to spare, who want the speed, weight, and performance of a standard road bike, coupled with electronics that will assist them along hilly sections.

In 2014, Trek acquired the Electra Bicycle Company , which is now part of Trek’s brand. That is why you can see many Electra bikes on Trek’s official website.

The Electra brand offers a wide range of city, cruiser, and hybrid bikes built around aluminum or steel frames and intended for daily recreational and fitness riding.

Electra’s lineup also includes electric models (“Go!” in the model name) and numerous kids’ bikes with a wide range of wheel sizes. These are quality and affordable bicycles, even though they don’t have “Trek” written all over them.

Below is a full list of Electra model series available on Trek’s website:

• Cafe Moto Go!

Trek advertises all of their bikes as unisex, although the smaller models are more suitable for women.

In previous years, Trek came out with two kinds of models, but pretty much all of the 2024 range is unisex.

The trick is, smaller models come with a curved top tube to make mounting the bike easier, but for bigger models, the top tube is straight.

See All Women's Bikes

Electra Kids Bikes 16″, 20″, 24″

At the moment, Trek offers a wide range of kids’ bikes under the Electra brand. These bikes are available with 16″, 20″, and 24″ wheels, so they are suitable for different ages. Electra does not have any balance bikes, but there are many 16″ and 20′ models with training wheels. There are also single-speed and multi-gear models for younger and older kids. The best thing about them is fun and colorful designs!

Best for:  Kids and teenagers of all ages, for riding around the block, commutes to school, or family weekend rides on bike paths.

Kickster is the only balance bike Trek offers. It costs around $160 and it comes with 12″ wheels, so it’s suitable for kids who are roughly 34″-40″ tall. It’s the best bike for very young riders to learn how to ride, practice balance, and progress on their own terms.

Best for:  Toddlers who need to learn how to maintain balance on two wheels. 

Precaliber, Wahoo & Roscoe

Precaliber, Wahoo, and Roscoe are Kids’ MTB series with wider tires, rim or disc brakes, and rigid or suspended forks. Trek Roscoe is available only with 24″ wheels, whereas Precaliber and Wahoo can be bought with 16″, 20″, 24″, and even 26″ wheels. These kids’ bikes are excellent for both on and off-road riding , trips to school, family rides, and any other fun cycling activities.

Best for: Children of all ages who need versatile bikes that they can ride on paved and unpaved roads, as well as on bike paths.

The MT-201 pedal trailer can be attached to the parent’s bike in front and allows the child to tag along and practice balancing while pedaling. The saddle is fully adjustable and the trailer comes with a 20″ wheel that makes it suitable for children between 45″-52″ tall.

Best for:  Toddlers and preschoolers who still need to perfect their balancing skills but want to follow their parents anywhere they go.

See All Kids Bikes on Trek

That means that you can probably easily sell them when you decide to upgrade and get a decent part of your investment back. Of course, assuming the bike is still in good condition.

If you have the money to spare, we recommend going for a new Trek bike that you will be able to sell for a decent chunk of the original price in the future, if you decide to do so.

Whenever possible, new is always better. It’s true that you can buy a bike with better specs for the same amount of money if you look for used, but you should only do it if you have enough experience to determine whether the bike is in good shape.

One of the benefits of buying a Trek bicycle is that you can usually choose from a large number of sizes. Most Trek bikes are usually available in 6 to 7 sizes , but some series come in up to 8 sizes (Domane).

Trek also offers size-specific wheels on many of their MTB models, such as the Marlin series. That means that the smallest frame sizes come with 27.5″ wheels, whereas larger frame sizes are 29ers. This ensures the best possible fit for riders of all heights.

One big plus is that Trek also offers height and inseam-based bike size charts , which is something that many other brands avoid. Therefore, to find the right size, just compare your height and inseam to the chart provided for every single bike.

Check out our favorite TREK bikes

What is a Trek bike?

These are bicycles made by Trek Bikes, one of the most popular USA-based cycling companies. Electra bikes can also be considered as Trek bikes because they are part of the same enterprise.

Are Trek Bikes Any Good?

Yes, Trek bikes are very good. Trek has a long history of making quality bikes that are used by beginner, hobby, and elite cyclists around the world. Trek bikes last for a long time and have excellent reselling value years after purchase.

Why are Trek Bikes so expensive?

Trek bikes are not expensive if you compare the price to the components. The price might be steeper compared to some other low-profile brands; however, the value you get is much higher as well.

Is Trek owned by Giant?

No, Trek is not owned by Giant. Giant makes some of Trek’s bikes in Taiwan, but they also do it as a paid service to for other major brands such as Scott or Colnago.

Is Cannondale owned by Trek?

No, Cannondale is not owned by Trek. Cannondale is owned by Dorel Industries.

What is the most expensive Trek bike?

Some of Trek’s most expensive bikes include Supercaliber, Domane, Madone, Emonda, Domane+, and Rail series. The highest-priced models cost around $12,500.

Is Trek worth the money?

Yes, Trek bikes are worth the money. Trek packs high-end technologies into their bikes, build their bikes around high-quality aluminum and carbon frames, and use only reliable Shimano and SRAM components.

Where are Trek bikes made?

Most Trek Bikes are made in the Netherlands, Germany, Taiwan, and China. Trek also has two manufacturing facilities in USA, Wisconsin – one in Waterloo and one in Whitewater.

Why are Trek bikes so popular?

Trek bikes are very popular because they offer excellent value for the money, they look good, they’re jam-packed with modern technologies, and they retain value for a long time. Their bikes are also ridden by many elite cycling athletes, which makes them even more desirable.

How much is a used Trek bike worth?

It depends on the model, age, and condition, but used Trek bikes have one of the best re-selling values of all bike brands.

See All Models On Trek Bikes

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5 thoughts on “ trek bikes brand review: a close look at the iconic usa bike brand ”.

The Trek Powerfly 5 Review may be an extremely advanced electrical off-roader that comes with spectacular specs to deliver unmatched skillfulness.

It offers the sort of power you’ll have to be compelled to tackle difficult cross-country terrains, however still feels natural on a leisurely weekend cruise round the neighborhood!

I was interested in buying a used xcalibur 7 and it’s a woman’s model. I can’t find any differences in the mens and woman’s besides the seat and coil spring. Is the frame and everything else the same? Thanks

Hi Jack, Good question. Unlike other mountain bikes with the top tube curving down for women’s bikes, there is not much difference except the frame size and the things you mentioned perhaps?

What’s the difference sl series. I’m confused, can you please explain.

Hi Antonio, It’s just an acronym: AL: Aluminium. CF: Carbon Fibre. CF SL: Carbon Fibre Super Light. CF SLX: Carbon Fibre Super Light Extreme etc 😉

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The Best Trek Bikes You Can Buy Right Now

The Wisconsin-headquartered company has local values and a global impact.

Trek’s founding story is out of a Hollywood director’s mind and a non-fiction writer’s wish list: In 1976, Bevill Hogg and Dick Burke drank beers at the Pine Knoll Supper Club in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, and debated over the name of their would-be cycling company. They settled on Trek and soon went to work in a barn between Madison and Milwaukee, where a total of five employees built the brand’s first bikes out of steel. The company is still based near the barn that facilitated its first years—its modern headquarters are in Waterloo, Wisconsin.

Fat and grippy tires mated to a light aluminum frame

Émonda ALR 5 Disc

A smooth-riding frame paired with Shimano’s terrific 105 group

Sturdy steel in an approachable package

Madone SLR 9

Every feature imaginable and a slippery aero frame

Top Fuel 9.9 X01

A super-efficient bike that shreds down hills

“We’re a uniquely American success story from small-town USA,” said brand manager Eric Bjorling. “So many of the values that have led to Trek’s success—hard work, craftsmanship, responsibility, commitment to our customers—are Wisconsin values.”

Its values may be hyper-local and American, but it’s now a company at the center of a globalized cycling market that has made industry-leading technological advances.

A recent example of Trek’s “industry-leading technological advances” mentioned above is IsoSpeed, which is available at the front and rear on certain Trek models. The rear decoupler is at the junction of the seat and top tube, and the front decoupler is located at the top of the headset.

The front IsoSpeed decoupler allows the fork steerer tube to flex more than it would with a fixed upper headset cup, which helps damp some impacts. The rear IsoSpeed decoupler provides increased vertical seat tube deflection (compared to a traditional fixed seat tube design) for a smoother ride. The rear IsoSpeed system is adjustable on the latest Madone and Domane models, which lets the rider adjust the compliance level for terrain and or personal preference. You might not even need to adjust the rear slider to experience the road-smoothing effects of the two decouplers—our test team found that the all-over effect was fast and smooth performance equally suited to asphalt and cobbles.

Famed Classics specialist Fabian Cancellara, who retired from racing as a member of World Tour team Trek-Segafredo, worked with Trek engineers to develop the final version of IsoSpeed, which is especially useful on the cobbles and other rough surfaces that riders encounter on most Classics courses. Since the tech’s 2012 release on the Domane, Trek has claimed that IsoSpeed doesn’t sacrifice power transfer at the cost of more compliance.

Along with bolstering its ride-smoothing technologies, Trek has also begun implementing internal-storage compartments in the downtube of some of its road and mountain bikes. These handy “trap doors” debuted in the new Domane and Fuel EX, where an included organizer roll has pockets for a tube, CO2 cartridge, inflator head, and tire lever.

Trek has also started moving away from women’s specific bikes and adopting a “more bikes for everyone” ethos, where all bikes are offered in unisex sizing. The idea is that this will ensure that no matter your gender, you’ll have access to the full array of paint colors, build kits, and sizes.

And of course, Trek continues to roll out exciting new bikes. This year’s slate includes the third generation of the popular Domane roadster (now with even more ride-smoothing technology) and fully revamped versions of the Fuel EX and Top Fuel mountain bikes, which are both more capable than ever.

If you’re in the market for a road, mountain, or city bike (or any other style), Trek likely has something made for you.

How We Chose

Trek is among the most popular bike brands and has one of the most extensive bike lines in the world. Because it makes a lot of bikes—and a lot of bikes that our readers want to know about—our test team evaluates, rides, and reviews many Trek models throughout the year. This is not a complete overview of all of Trek’s models, but a focused list of the best. These are the Trek bikes that offer exceptional performance, value, technology, or features (or some combination of all four).

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Domane slr 7, trek domane slr 7.

The third-generation of the Domane isn’t just the best Domane; it’s Trek’s best-ever road bike. And it’s one of the best road bikes on the market right now thanks to an equal blend of performance, comfort, practicality, and versatility. The Domane got more aerodynamic than the previous iteration (saving 12 watts at 40Kph), it takes at least a 38mm tire, and has hidden fender mounts and sleek internal storage. It also features compliance-enhancing decouplers front and rear that improve rider comfort and control without detracting from the bike’s pedaling efficiency or handling. The Domane’s steering is light and its handling precise, but with a mellower edge and more stability than a traditional road racing bike.

READ FULL REVIEW VIEW 23 IMAGES

―best new road bike―, émonda slr 9 etap, trek émonda slr 9 etap.

READ FULL REVIEW VIEW 35 IMAGES

―best women’s trail bike―, $1,259.99 trek roscoe 7.

There’s so much to love about this bike. The SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain, with a 30t chainring and 10-50t cassette, gives a massive range of gears and plenty of low-range options for easing the pain of climbing steep hills. Its 27.5-inch wheels are maneuverable in tight, technical terrain, and the 2.8-inch tubeless-ready tires offer great traction and a plush ride. The RockShox Judy Silver fork has plenty of travel for getting rowdy (1oomm for size the extra-small frame size, 120mm for small through large) and can be locked out for more efficient off-trail riding. And speaking of rowdy, a 100mm dropper post is a very cool addition to a bike at this price.

—BEST FIRST “REAL” MOUNTAIN BIKE―

Trek marlin 7.

The Marlin 7, which also comes in a women’s version , is ideal for aspiring racers, everyday trail riders, and casual commuters alike. Riders who like to pedal fast will appreciate its steep, aggressive head and seat angles, and a high bottom bracket that offers decent pedal clearance on the trail. Its cables are internally routed, too, which isn’t common on bikes at this price. It has a 2x9-speed Shimano drivetrain, which strays from the single-chainring trend that’s popular on off-road bikes at the moment but also provides plenty of gearing options. And even though the RockShox XC30 100mm coil-spring fork is heavier than some comparable air-spring models, it does a surprisingly good job on super-rocky trails. Add to that the 2.2-inch-wide Bontrager tires on 29-inch Bontrager Connection rims, which never squirmed too much on sketchy terrain, and you have a bike that not only looks fast but offers the kind of sharp handling and precise steering you’d expect from higher-priced racing models.

READ FULL REVIEW VIEW 27 IMAGES

―BEST ELECTRIC ROAD BIKE―

Trek domane+ hp.

The Domane+ e-road bike is the electric version of, naturally, the popular Domane. It’s designed for riders who appreciate that bike’s reliable comfort and IsoSpeed technology but want the added fun and function of e-assist. It’s also the ideal companion for anyone coming back from injury, slower riders who want to mix it up with a speedy group, and couples with different fitness levels. A Bosch Performance Speed motor provides a very welcome 28 mph of pedal assist, and the 500Wh Powertube battery sleekly integrates into the down tube. You also get massive tire clearance, fender and rack compatibility, and Trek’s Blendr stem for cleanly mounting accessories such as lights and computers to your handlebar.

―BEST NEW XC BIKE―

Supercaliber 9.9, trek supercaliber 9.9 xx1 axs.

The new Supercaliber is the brand’s latest attempt to create the ultimate XC race bike by merging the best attributes of a hardtail (stiffness, low weight) and full-suspension (traction, comfort, control) frame into one. And based on our rides, it’s the closest yet to that best-of-both-worlds machine with 60mm of rear travel. Trek’s IsoStrut design places a Fox Float shock into a tube—both ends of that tube are bolted to the underside of the SuperCal’s top tube. At the top of the seat stays is a sleeve (Trek calls it a carriage) that slides over the bolted-in tube. Cutouts in the tube allow a cross bolt to pass through the sleeve, the tube, and the rear shock eyelet. Trek says this design eliminates rotation around the shock shaft and prevents side-loading the shaft so the bike has the stiffness and feel of a hardtail, but with real full suspension for better comfort and control. And based on back to back testing with a hardail, the Supercaliber is everything it was designed to be.

READ FULL REVIEW VIEW 48 IMAGES

―BEST VALUE HARDTAIL―

Procaliber 9.7, trek procaliber 9.7.

Trek did a masterful job with this bike, skimping in the right places to save money and splurging in the areas that count for performance. The carbon frame is extremely lightweight; our size XL test bike weighed in at only 21.6 pounds. The IsoSpeed decoupler at the junction of the seat tube and top tube offers so much vertical compliance you can actually see the seat tube moving if you bounce on the saddle. Tubeless-ready Bontrager Kovee Elite 23 carbon wheels also keep weight in check and roll very quickly when wrapped in (stock) 2.2-inch Bontrager XR2 Team Issue tires. Be warned, though, these are race-day tires for dry conditions and not well suited to daily trail riding or muddy courses. SRAM’s GX Eagle drivetrain and alloy SRAM X1 Eagle crank keep cost in check and can stand up to plenty of hard riding and abuse. They do add significant weight, though, which makes this bike’s overall lightness all the more impressive. Our tester was surprised, however, to find a narrow 720mm handlebar. He said it felt strange at first but didn’t notice it anymore after a few minutes of riding.

―BEST ENTRY-LEVEL RACER―

Domane al 2, trek domane al 2 disc.

The good looks of the Domane AL 2 are the first indication that Trek didn’t mess around with this bike. Start digging deeper and you’ll find even more to like. The shaped aluminum frame is nicely made and has a vibration-damping carbon fork. The rims are tubeless-ready so you can upgrade to smoother-rolling tires filled with puncture sealant. And new for 2021, the Domane AL 2 is outfitted with disc brakes. That does come with a bump in price—the previous version with rim brakes was only $860. But if you ride in variable weather conditions, the more reliable performance from disc brakes may save your bacon. The shifters snick-snick the drivetrain through the gears lightly and crisply. There are other little surprising nuggets, like the pocket in the frame for a speed sensor and the included light and computer mount that cleanly integrates into the stem. Best of all, the bike is a joy to ride. Handling is stable, precise, and attentive to pedal strokes so you feel like you’re flying over the road, not pushing across it.

—BEST MARATHON BIKE—

Top fuel 9.9, trek top fuel 9.9 x01.

While the 2019 Top Fuel featured 100mm of travel in the front and back, the new top-of-the-line Top Fuel 9.9 has 120mm of front suspension and 115mm in the rear. Trek also did away with the floating mount that compressed the shock from both ends. Instead, the lower eyelet is fixed to the downtube, a change that reduces weight and improves stiffness. Tires are also beefed up. Instead of skinny race-oriented ones, this model comes with 29x2.40-inch Bontrager XR3 Team Issue rubber designed for a variety of riding conditions. Gnar capability is further enhanced thanks to a frame that’s slacker and longer. And it’s spec’d with a shorter stem and wider bars.

READ FULL REVIEW VIEW 47 IMAGES

—BEST ROAD RACE BIKE—

Madone slr 9 disc, trek madone slr 9.

It’s no longer debatable that “disc brakes aren’t aero enough to race on.” Tell that to the now numerous Tour de France stage winners who’ve won highly contested sprints on disc-brake-equipped bikes. And try telling that to Mads Pedersen , who rode to the World Championship title on this bike. The Madone SLR 9 Disc is the premier aerodynamic offering from Trek. The SLR 9 Disc’s frame is made from 700 Series OCLV carbon and features an adjustable IsoSpeed, which can be set to create more or less frame compliance. This technology gives the bike versatility to suit the rider and the route. Pro-level components include a full Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset (50/34 crankset, 11-28 cassette), flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes, Bontrager Aeolus XXX 6 carbon wheels (tubeless-ready), and a Madone-specific seatpost, headset, and handlebar. Models range from $6,000 to $12,000.

—BEST FOR GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL—

The 1120 is a bikepacking beast, ready for your next days-long adventure as soon as you leave the shop. Complete with an aluminum frame, carbon fork, 1x11-speed Shimano SLX groupset, and bulbous Bontrager Chupacabra 29x3-inch tires, the bike’s components are capable of helping you ride through challenging terrain deep in the backcountry. What’s more, the 1120 comes stock with front and rear racks that will hold plenty of gear.

—BEST KID’S MOUNTAIN BIKE—

Trek roscoe 24.

The Roscoe 24 is a great bike for older children who want to take their riding skills off road. Designed to accommodate riders between 4-foot-2 and 5-foot-3, this bike comes with 24-inch wheels, 2.8-inch tires, a 1x8-speed Shimano groupset, and Tektro mechanical disc brakes, making it a well-equipped bike for younger riders as they learn how to navigate trails.

—BEST COLLEGE BIKE—

The 820 is Trek’s answer to people who just a want solid, reliable, and affordable bike to ride. With a steel frame, a fork with 75mm of travel, and 26 by 2-inch-wide tires, the 820 is labeled as an entry-level hardtail mountain bike. This steed would be great for college students looking for a reliable commuter and way to explore local trails or a family looking to buy a bike that can be used by several people for a variety of purposes. A 7-speed Shimano Tourney groupset, with a 42/34/24 crank and a 14-28 cassette, will enable almost any level of rider to get where they’re going.

—BEST FITNESS BIKE—

Trek fx 3 disc.

The name “ hybrid bike ” mean different things to different people. To some, it indicates a ride good as both a way to habitually exercise and explore. To others, it may only be a tool for good-weather fun. With an aluminum frame, carbon fork, and 32mm Bontrager H2 Hard-Case Lite tires, the Trek FX 3 Disc can be enjoyed by, and comfortable for, almost any sort of rider. The 9-speed Shimano Acera groupset features a 46/30 crank, 11-36 cassette, and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.

—BEST BUDGET ROAD RACER—

Emonda alr 5 disc, trek émonda alr 5.

You’d be forgiven for thinking the new Émonda ALR 5 Disc is full carbon. But it’s not. It’s an aluminum race bike with the same geometry as Trek’s carbon Émonda frames. The ALR 5 Disc comes stock with a full Shimano 105 drivetrain, a compact 50/34 crankset, an 11-28 cassette, and hydraulic flat-mount disc brakes.

.css-1t6om3g:before{width:1.75rem;height:1.75rem;margin:0 0.625rem -0.125rem 0;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-background-size:1.25rem;background-size:1.25rem;background-color:#F8D811;color:#000;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-position:center;background-position:center;}.loaded .css-1t6om3g:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/bicycling/static/images/chevron-design-element.c42d609.svg);} Bike Reviews

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Trek road bikes: range, details, pricing and specifications

Cyclingnews' roundup of Trek road bikes available to buy this year

Trek road bikes you can buy today

Trek's road bike range explained.

With a history spanning some four decades, the Trek Bicycle Corporation has become one of the foremost bicycle makers in the world, and a perennial staple in our list of the best road bikes . What started out as a small steel frame-building company operating out of a carpet warehouse in Waterloo, Wisconsin, has grown enormously into a global leader of bicycle design and innovation. The Trek road bike range is based around three anagrammatic models; Domane, Madone, and Emonda - nominally the endurance, aero, and climbing bikes respectively. All are available in an array of build options, with the Domane and Emonda also available in both carbon and aluminium guises.

Trek has a history of innovating in the world of bicycle manufacture, with a particular emphasis on pioneering new materials. Bonded aluminium and carbon construction was lifted from the aerospace industry in the '80s, creating the 2000 and 2500 framesets. The lessons learned from bonded carbon were then poured into the manufacture of the brand's first full-carbon frameset, the 5000. Nowadays it has its own patented in-house carbon fibre, known as OCLV (optimum compaction low void) which is on a par with aerospace-specific alternatives

Trek continues to disrupt the industry from a manufacturing standpoint, but first and foremost it makes bikes for riders; the manufacturing innovation is only a means to an end. For some that means the very best commuter bikes , for others that means the best touring bikes , and for a lot of riders that means racing at the highest levels. It's no great surprise that Trek has become a big player in the world of gravel cycling too, and it also features on our list of the best gravel bikes . Whatever your interests in cycling, Trek has options. If you are thinking about something from the Trek road bike range, keep reading to see all the details about what's available. 

Trek Domane

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The latest model of the Trek Domane has gone through a complete makeover. The comfort-enhanced model in the Trek road bike range picks up a number of aerodynamic details, along with an all-new Isospeed decoupler design (additional flex at the steerer and seat post) and space in the frame and fork for up to 38mm of the best road bike tyres you'd care to cram in. These are changes that make the Domane an incredibly versatile road bike. The lineup is perfect for all-day comfort and the new Domane+ LT, makes our list of the best electric road bikes too.

The Domane is available in three frame types. For the budget minded, you'll want to look at the aluminium Domane AL; it's the most accessible in terms of price, and the only option for fans of a rim brake. It's entry level but it doesn't leave off the performance and adds options for racks for commuters, though it can only fit 35mm tyres rather than the 38mm max on the carbon models.

Moving up the range, the next option is the mid-range Domane SL. Stepping up to the SL means a move to 500 series OCLV carbon fibre. That opens up access to a dual IsoSpeed decoupler system, not found on the alloy version, for comfort-enhancing vibration damping. It also means space for larger tyres and storage in the downtube. If you'd like to stick with rim brakes there aren't any options for a fully built bike in the SL range but you can still get a rim brake option of the frameset.

The top-tier Domane SLR is also carbon fibre but it's a lighter 700 series OCLV. It still carries the dual IsoSpeed decoupler, but it's an upgraded adjustable version also seen on the aero focussed Madone. Like the SL, there's no fully built rim brake option available but you can still get an SLR frameset in a rim brake format.

Depending on your taste, and budget, builds are available from Claris-level at one end, through to SRAM Red eTap at the other extreme, with most options in between available.

Trek Emonda

For years, the Emonda had been the lightweight option in the Trek road bike lineup, and one of the usual suspects in our lineup of the best lightweight bikes . This is the bike to grab when you want to head to the mountains. As technology has progressed though the modern climber's bike has somewhat disappeared; brands have been slowly moving away from labelling their lightest offering as a 'climbing bike', and instead pivoting to selling it as an all-round option, for both up hill and down dale. Trek is no different in this regard, with the Emonda filling its all-rounder spot. It's no lump though, if weight is your concern.

While the Emonda is still the bike you'd want to turn to on the steep uphill segments, it's more than that now. Aero-optimisation and disc brakes take it away from a bike only for the mountains to a much more well-rounded option. In some ways it's defined more by what it isn't than what it is. It's not the all-out aero bike and it's not an endurance bike. The Emonda is the lightest of the options but it's also a bike that does a little bit of everything.

Available models for the Emonda still cover a wide range in much the same way as the Domane, with an aluminium option at one end, with a rim brake frameset option, and two tiers of carbon above it. The SL represents the middle ground with a carbon frame at a more affordable price. Then, at the top of the range, sits the SLR with a new ultralight 800 series OCLV carbon construction. There's even an SLR frameset with a more aggressive geometry available for those competing at the highest levels or fans of ultra-responsive handling. 

Trek Madone

The Madone sits at the top of the range as Trek's most purebred race bike. It's aero optimised in every way, and features among our list of the best aero road bikes too. Being the range topper means that it's the most expensive option in the Trek lineup but that has more to do with a lack of low-end options rather than it necessarily being vastly more expensive. There are only SLR and SL models available, meaning no entry level aluminium choice to be had. 

After years of aero bikes carrying a reputation for being harsh and uncomfortable, Trek went in a different direction. It was the first to market its aero bike as not just aerodynamically fast, but also fast because of its comfort, primarily thanks to the addition of the IsoSpeed decoupler system lifted from the Domane.

Of course, comfort isn't the only trick for the Madone; integrated cables feature heavily, along with fully integrated cockpits on the top end models. Even lower models, without an integrated cockpit, look to cheat the wind, with truncated aerofoil tube shapes and aerodynamically optimised disc brakes. Tyre width is however much more limited than with other models, topping out at 28mm.

Trek Speed Concept

The Trek Speed Concept is the Trek solution for triathletes who want the very best. For years the design had been stagnant but that all changed at the end of 2021. The brand new 2022 Trek Speed Concept is all new and faster than it's ever been before. Compared to the previous version, Trek claims the new bike saves a full six minutes over the Kona full Ironman race course. 

Moving away from a solely wind-tunnel focus, Trek has sought to create a bike that works as an entire system, rather than simply a lab-optimised object. The system approach means hydration and storage helps make not only the bike faster, but also the rider. There's an available between-the-arms (BTA) bottle that enhances aerodynamics by smoothing air between the arms and a clip allows you to drink without leaving the aero bars. It's also easy to refill during a race with a port on the top that accepts the nozzle of another bottle. 

While the BTA bottle is a separate purchase, the downtube bottle comes with every Speed Concept bike. Capacity is 750 ml and, like the BTA bottle, it also enhances aerodynamics; the system is 14 per cent faster when the bottle is in place. 

Outside of hydration there are two additional storage solutions onboard and included. The two bottles cover opportunities to enhance aerodynamics so the storage doesn't make the bike more aero. Instead, the bento box and the flat repair storage take advantage of the increased frame space to hide from the wind. 

The once-simple exercise of choosing a bicycle has become an appreciably complex decision owing to a plethora of new riding disciplines and technological advancements.

There are four different types of road bikes available in Trek’s current catalogue — aero, endurance, time trial, and climbing/do-it-all, each of which differs based on design and function.

As the name suggests aero road bikes are designed for speed while still retaining some form of compliance and comfort. Climbing bikes are ideal for hilly/mountainous routes and are pretty decent all-rounders. Endurance bikes offer a combination of durability and comfort while time-trial bikes are more outlandish-looking in their appearance and built for speed.

Trek offers a wide selection of specifications for each of the models in its range. Most of the brand's road frames are available in three different types of carbon, as well as aluminium and denoted by SLR (Trek's lightest OCLV carbon), SL (mid-range OCLV carbon) or AL (Aluminium).

Different geometry options are also available on certain models, with the majority featuring regular H2 geometry and some offered in the more aggressive H1 geometry, designed specifically for racing.

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Aaron was the Tech Editor Cyclingnews between July 2019 and June 2022. He was born and raised in South Africa, where he completed his BA honours at the University of Cape Town before embarking on a career in journalism. Throughout this career, Aaron has spent almost two decades writing about bikes, cars, and anything else with wheels. Prior to joining the Cyclingnews team, his experience spanned a stint as Gear & Digital editor of Bicycling magazine, as well as a time at TopCar as Associate Editor. 

Now based in the UK's Surrey Hills, Aaron's life revolves around bikes. He's a competitive racer, Stravaholic, and Zwift enthusiast. He’s twice ridden the Cape Epic, completed the Haute Route Alps, and represented South Africa in the 2022 Zwift eSports World Championships.

Height: 175cm

Weight: 61.5kg

Rides: Cannondale SuperSlice Disc Di2 TT, Cannondale Supersix Evo Dura-Ace Rim, Cannondale Supersix Evo Ultegra Di2 Disc, Trek Procaliber 9.9 MTB 

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Are Trek Bikes Worth It? (BRAND ANALYSIS)

By Kevin Glenton

Updated Sep 29, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links, which help to keep Discerning Cyclist rolling. Learn more .

Choosing which bicycle brand you wish to follow, if any, will come down to a number of personal choices and factors. Heritage, lifestyle, impact on society, ethics, values, environmental and economic factors are part of the decision-making process in signing on to any company’s goods or services.

Bicycles are a consumer product and manufacturers compete for your attention and cash. They have proven to be capable of fulfilling many needs from essential means of transportation, through to a commuting tool, leisure vehicle and source of sporting competition.

With such a wide range of uses and budgets working from a wonderfully simple design process, manufacturers need to create and furnish values and meanings to distinguish one from another.

This is especially true as many of the component parts are made by third-party providers. The bicycle manufacturer can partner with these companies who are brands in their own right.

PICTURED: Bicycle Anatomy 101 Mug (Limited Edition)

Not Sure What Bike You Need?

Trek is a bicycle manufacturer which has been active since 1976. They are a family-owned business from the USA who started out from a small red barn, producing 900 machines in their first year. That barn is still around, just along from their HQ.

They have had revenues reported to exceed over $1 billion per annum from sales of over a million machines and are established as a global cycling brand with main dealerships, authorised repairers and licensed outlets across the world. 

The company offers a huge range of different styles of bicycle and were early adopters of the e-bike model too. They are focused on always thinking about the next phase of their development. They offer clothing, helmets, lighting, accessories, mudguards / fenders, all through their in-house ranges.

We’ll have a little look into the journey the Trek brand has taken, some of the ups and downs and examine some of the values, qualities, messages and principles it brings to the production and sale of its bicycles in particular.

Is Trek a Good Bike Brand?

The aspects of a brand are what sets it apart from others. They provide stability, foundation and direction. Trek focuses on maintaining quality, they make their employees feel critical to the business and reward them with bonuses and incentives. Brand values help workers put in longer hours. 

A rewarded and well-compensated workforce makes fewer compromises. More of their products meet the high standards demanded from the brand. Their retail stores contain happier people to greet you. They feel invested in the company.

Once you have happy employees, you get more ideas about products, more of the right decisions are made and more people get on board with them and time and effort are saved in the production. Trek spends time caring about its employees. 

According to US business magazines, its minimum wage is above the usual amount in the USA and they have regular ‘pulse’ surveys to check in with teams. There are deliveries of gift boxes and packages to employees.

The company feels that this reflects back into the pride and love that each employee has for the finished products that are designed and made. Customers feel happy and cared about too.

As a global company, Trek needs to ensure that its responsibilities and concerns are in sync with the world around them. The company has taken steps to deliver good messages around the world although there have been rocky roads it has needed to negotiate through as well.

Trek provided the bicycles for Lance Armstrong at times when he was winning the Tour de France. No doubt they saw increased demand during his moments of victory. The fallen hero saw his personal brand take a blow in subsequent years and it is likely that the company had to rebuild its reputation too.

During a time of heightened civil-rights tensions in the US, the company responded to scenes of their bicycles being used by police to control crowds of demonstrators. 

It made a commitment to creating jobs and investing in training and scholarship programmes and funding in underserved areas of the community. It also granted employees paid time off to volunteer in non-profit areas designed to build local communities.

The company has invested over the years in technology to help with the design of frames, geometry, suspension and components too.

They have acquired companies over the years and utilised the expertise and knowledge of similarly motivated pioneers like their own founders.

Gary Fisher and Keith Bontrager are two such radicals who lit up the early mountain biking scene in the USA whose companies have and now sit under the Trek umbrella.

Who Owns Trek Bike Company?

All research done indicates that it is Intrepid Corporation. When Trek was established, an investment of start-up money came via them. The key decisions and passions stem from the co-founders, Richard Burke and Bevill Hogg. Members of the Burke family hold senior positions today.

Are Trek Bikes British?

Trek is a US company which distributes its bicycles, components and accessories all over the world. It has offices across the globe including in the United Kingdom. 

Are Trek Bikes Made by Giant?

Design and manufacture are separate elements of the process and we know that components often come from other parties. Trek designs its own bicycles and some components. Like other manufacturers, frames can be supplied from factories around the world and some of those produce frames for Giant.

Where Are Trek Bikes Manufactured?

Although Trek’s headquarters are based in Wisconsin, USA, their components and bikes are manufactured across the world, primarily in the Netherlands, China, Taiwan and Germany.

Are Trek Bikes Expensive?

Entry-level adult bikes from Trek start at £475 ($500) but can reach as high as £13,600 ($13,549) for premium models. Of the 329 bikes available to buy on Trek’s website, the average price of a Trek bike was £4414.80 ($5840), while the median price was £3,600 ($4,762).

Trek bicycles are more expensive than those you might purchase from bicycle supermarkets and less so than handmade machines designed and manufactured in Italian artisan workshops.

Why is Trek So Expensive?

It is a fact of commercial life that sometimes the best brands have a price tag attached to the values they highlight.

Rather than specialising in niche areas, Trek offers machines for all riders. This costs more than putting all your eggs in one basket. It invests in quality materials, new technologies and design methods. It runs hundreds of retail outlets around the world. Research and marketing come at a price.

Their trust in the products is the catalyst for their lifetime warranty on newer frame sets (frame and rigid fork), main frame and full suspension swing arms for the lifetime of the original owner and for their in house carbon wheels with carbon rims. Manufacturers have introduced part-carbon, part-alloy wheels so the distinction is necessary.

Clothing, parts and accessories, rear suspension linkage components, including bearings, rocker link and accompanying hardware and components, Bontrager wheels with alloy rims and paint and transfers have a two-year warranty package. Some of their kit made before 2019 also benefits from a warranty package.

They have aftercare for carbon materials and their customer service also supports good relationships and a culture of listening to you when you bring your bicycle in. 

Trek Bikes: Cheapest vs Most Expensive Model

Are trek bikes overpriced.

Trek bicycles are trusted and well thought of in their own country and worldwide. Negative views tend to be limited to brand decisions or sales decisions unrelated to manufacture or design. There are so many competitors to take sales away from Trek but this does not seem to affect them.

Their lowest full-price bicycle for Discerning Cyclists is the 2021 FX 1 Disc Hybrid bike , which retails for £475 ($500). The disc brakes inspire more confidence, it has internal cable routing for cleanliness and reduces the risk of damage.

The Trek Alpha Aluminum frame it uses is regularly reviewed and updated for strength and as an entry-level bicycle offers full mudguard / fender and rack compatibility,

Do Trek Bikes Keep Their Value?

With a good level of support via the warranty scheme which extends to secondary owners and a brand-leading reputation, Trek represents a good win for owners and prospective owners. 

Trek invests in frame geometry design and is innovative. They have a reputation for quality and comfort. Trusted around the world, they support pro teams to enhance the value of their products and they have a wide support network. This helps build confidence in their offer and supporting value.

A 2019 Trek Domane SL7 Disc Women’s road bike would cost £4,178 ($5,780) new. In good condition, the value would be up to £2,351 ($3,252). This model retains more value than the average equivalent bicycle . Other examples are available with a search on second-hand sites.

Do Trek Bikes Go On Sale?

Like most manufacturers, when a specific line comes to an end, their prices will be reduced in order to help sales and move the inventory on. Trek has distribution licensing deals with independent bicycle retail outlets and these shops sell them at discounted prices too. 

Is a Trek Bike Worth the Money?

The long-standing nature of Trek in a competitive marketplace is a good sign of value for money.  Reviews and feedback about quality, lifespan and service build the whole package. Decisions made about downshifting to less expensive machines might be linked to other factors like use or budget. 

If your employer is signed up to any one of the many Cycle to Work schemes which operate in the UK, a Trek bicycle could be acquired and the cost can be spread over a couple of years.

How Long Does a Trek Bike Last?

The build quality of the frame and components made by Trek give them a good reputation for being long lasting. As always, use and care play a part and mechanical components on a bicycle wear out through use. I have ridden one Trek frame since 2013 and one since 2019 and each performs well for me.

Trek Bikes Pros + Cons

Is a trek bike good for commuting to work.

With the reputation for quality and range of bicycles on offer, Trek would be considered a good bicycle for commuting to work. Many of the products in their range of commuting bicycles come ready made for accepting racks and mudguards / fenders and lighting accessories too.

Best Trek Bikes for Commuting 

Best electric trek bike: verve +1.

As city-living and dwelling increases in the 21st Century, transportation by bicycle is becoming legitimised again as it once was in the early and mid 20th century without shame or embarrassment. 

Road networks are diversifying to accept designated cycle lanes and not just in city centres. The bicycle is sharing space safely, albeit slowly, with other forms of transport and not being shunted to canal towpaths or side streets.

This electric bicycle is intended to work with you and for you to do whatever your life in the city demands. Sure, it’s not designed for trails but it has suspension forks because we know that potholes come around as soon as they are mended.

It comes with your choice of a Bosch Active Line pedal assist battery, is equipped with mudguards, a built in lock and a rack so you are ready to go as soon as it leaves the shop. 

It has wide tyres for stability and disc brakes to help you stop resolutely and assuredly. It has a sit up Dutch-bike style and is available with a standard top tube or walk through top tube. It comes with a chain guard.

As road traffic snarls up congested streets, this is a £2,000 investment that has what it takes, to take you anywhere you want to go in the urban environment and on the country roads each day.

Trek Verve +1 Electric Bike

The ideal commuter e-bike. Powered by a Bosch Active Line battery that has a massive range of up to 88km. Prices from: 🇬🇧 UK: £2000 🇪🇺 EU: €2200 🇺🇸 US: $2500

Best Trek Bike: Domane AL 3 Disc

This bicycle can give you access to many different moods, landscapes and adventure but if and when you need it cor commuting, it will be stable, dependable and laid-back.

It’s a real all-rounder at this price and combines road racing handlebars, aspects of gravel racing geometry and technology, plus a weight and gearing to give you confidence to try longer rides. 

Tyre clearance is wide enough to allow for all-action weekend work on the light trails, racks and mudguard / fenders can easily be fitted, disc brakes are standard for when you need to slow down and the main components come from Shimano. The Domane concept is taken forward into Trek’s most comfortable endurance road-riding 

Trek Domane Al 3 Disc Bike

A simply stunning road bike that can also handle light gravel trails. Light and fast. Prices from: 🇬🇧 UK: £1100 🇪🇺 EU: €1150 🇺🇸 US: $1380

Best Value Trek Bike: FX 1 Disc 2022

Without being the lightest, or most technologically-advanced bicycle in the range, the FX 1 Disc is a boon for beginners. 

This hybrid is designed with a lightweight frame specially machined to save weight and offer a comfortable ride, it comes with a wide 16-speed gear ratio, solid if unspectacular wheels with a wide clearance as required. There is a chain guard fitted as standard. It will be a friendly and reliable workhorse and companion. It won’t show up as glowing hot if you need to lock it up in the open and won’t encourage you to take risks on the city streets.

Trek FX 1 Disc Bike

Trek's best value commuter bike. The lightweight aluminium frame ensures this is a nippy ride, while also boasting powerful disc brakes. Prices from: 🇬🇧 UK: £550 🇪🇺 EU: €514 🇺🇸 US: $650

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Trek Bikes Review — History, Models, and FAQ

Trek Bicycle Corporation is a bicycle and cycling products manufacturer whose headquarters are located in Waterloo, Wisconsin.

Trek bicycles are marketed through 1,700 dealers across North America . They have distributors in more than 90 nations across the world with subsidiaries in Asia and Europe.

Only a small percentage of their bikes are manufactured in the USA while the remaining 99% are manufactured in other parts of the world including Germany, China, and the Netherlands.

Over the years, this manufacturer has distributed bikes under brand names like:

• Diamant Bikes
• Klein and LeMond Racing Cycles
• Trek, Villiger Bikes
• Gary Fisher
• Electra Bicycle Company

Trek Bikes History

Over the last 42 years, this company has continually worked to refine and improve its products and persuaded the world to join in and take the journey towards better health and fitness.

The Early Years

• Trek’s story began in December 1975 in a barn when Dick Burke invested a sum of $25,000 to manufacture steel touring frames to battle those produced in Japan and Italy.
• Initially, the idea was to make the world’s best bikes but it was not until 1982 that they managed to actually manufacture their first complete bike as a company after acquiring more space and building a factory. In 1983 , they made their first mountain bike.
• Later in 1984 , they launched aftermarket parts and accessories line, Trek Components Group (TCG) .
• The period between 1985 and 1991 could be described as the technology frontier for Trek. In 1985, they borrowed from aircraft and other bike companies’ technology and introduced their first bonded aluminum bike frame in 2000.
• Later in 1986 Trek followed up the success of 2000 with a 3-tube carbon composite model, The Trek 2500.

This was Trek’s entry into the world of carbon fiber. That same year, to keep up with rapidly growing sales, they added another 75,000 sq ft (7,000 m 2 ) of manufacturing space to its Waterloo headquarters.

• In 1988 , Trek bikes introduced “ Trek Wear ,” which strongly indicated the company’s entry into the cycling apparel business. A year later, Trek ventured into foreign markets, opening subsidiary offices in the UK  and in Germany.

That same year Trek introduced its Jazz brand of bicycles, a collection of entry-level and kids’ bikes designed by Trek but manufactured in Taiwan. Jazz bicycles were discontinued in 1993.

The famous Trek 2500

• In 1992 , They launched their first bikes built with a full-carbon frame, the 5500 and 5200 which featured Optimum Compaction Low Void ( OCLV ) frames. These went on to become the world’s lightest production bikes with a frame weighing around 1.11kg.

The company further expanded its space to accommodate the new OCLV manufacturing facility.

• In 1992 , Trek also introduced their first full-suspension mountain bike, the 900 series which featured the T3C suspension system. In 1993, Trek also acquired Gary Fisher Mountain Bikes, named after Gary Fisher , one of the inventors of the mountain bike and one of the most popular names in off-road cycling.

Fisher had founded Gary Fisher Mountain Bikes in 1983 and sold his company in 1991 to Taiwan’s Anlen company, remaining on as President.

The Later Years

• From there it has been all systems go for Trek bikes with a various event marking their success such as introducing a full suspension Y bike in 1995 and signing three-time Tour de France champion Greg LeMond to get LeMond Racing Cycles on its feet (1995), although the relationship with LeMond soured in 2008 as both sides alleged breach of contract.

In 2006 Trek launched the “ 1 World 2 Wheels ” campaign. The idea was to encourage Americans to swap their cars for bikes on trips of two miles or less.

Today their mission is to “Help the world use the bicycle as a simple solution to complex problems” such as easing traffic congestion, improving health, seeing the world, and combating climate change.

They’ve cut their coal emissions to nil and parking spaces at their headquarters are allocated for carpoolers only.

Trek Bikes Model Range

Today, Trek produces everything from high-end road, mountain, and triathlon bikes to hybrid, comfort, cruiser, and kids’ bikes. These products are available at a range of prices; the high-performance bikes will require you to dig deeper into your pocket while other bikes are more affordable.

They have also designed bikes and accessories to fit female riders since 2000 and they have a custom bike program called Project One, where customers can choose their own paint scheme and component mix.

Trek Mountain Bikes

Trek’s mountain bikes are made for off-road adventure, fun, and competition. Among their extensive range of 13 models, you can find something to take on any off-road conditions and fit every budget and rider preference.

They categorize the bikes into four groups: six cross-country models, four trail models, two downhill models, and one fat bike model. Additionally, there are electric mountain bikes which we discuss below.

Among the styles, you can find hardtails, full-suspension gravity bikes; 29″, 27.5″, mulleted wheels; aluminum, steel, and carbon frames; and a range of options from a beginner hardtail to a World Championship-winning beast.

The Trek Slash 9.9 XX1 enduro is the most expensive in the range, with an RRP of over $12,500; at the other end of their range, you have the sub-$500 steel-framed Trek 820 cross-country bike.

Interesting design technologies include Trek’s  advanced OCLV Mountain Carbon frame and progressive sizing geometry. Other innovative MTB technologies from the company include Active Braking Pivot, IsoStrut shock—structural suspension, IsoSpeed frame-integrated suspension, and Mono Link adjustable geometry.

Read Our Reviews

• Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2 Review
• Review of Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2
• Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 Review
• Trek Marlin 7 Gen 2 Review
• Trek Marlin 8 Gen 2 Review
• Trek Supercaliber Review 

Trek Road Bikes

Trek is most widely recognized for its exceptional road bicycles, used by the World Tour team Trek Segafredo. Their road bikes are made for speed and efficiency on paved surfaces and gravel.

The company makes four distinct styles of road bikes in a range of builds:

• Aero (Madone) – Most popular racing bike for its aerodynamic tubing
• Lightweight all-rounder (Emonda) – The all-rounder lightweight climbing choice
• Endurance (Domane) – Built for comfort over long distances, with more relaxed, stable geometry and 38mm tire clearance
• Gravel – A fast off-roader with mounts for accessories and more tire clearance

You can find Trek road bikes with OCLV Carbon or Alpha Aluminum frames and SRAM or Shimano groupsets, depending on the price, which ranges from just over $1,000 for the cheapest Domane AL 2 to over $12,500 for the highest spec version of each.

Some exciting technologies used on Trek’s road bikes include invisible cabling design, IsoCore vibration dampening, and adjustable IsoSpeed micro-suspension.

Trek also mentions its aim to make each bike as effective as possible for both sexes, eliminating the need to find a women-specific model.

Trek Hybrid Bikes

Urban & Commuter / Fitness / Dual-sport / Recreation / Women’s / Kids’

Aluminum / Carbon

Trek hybrids are another hugely popular range of bikes among casual cyclists. These urban bikes are designed for versatility and benefit from the trickle-down of technology from the brand’s most innovative models. These hybrids include:

• FX 1-6 – This is a speedy fitness bike with a rigid fork
• Dual Sport 1-4 – A suspension fork hybrid built to tackle off-road terrain or function as a fully-equipped commuter
• Verve 1-3 – This is the ultimate comfortable hybrid bike with upright geometry and a low-step option available

These bikes come in various builds, including OCLV Carbon or Alpha Aluminum for the frames; step-over, step-thru, or low-step designs; IsoZone handlebar-integrated suspension, IsoSpeed Decoupler for endurance comfort, and mounts for a rack and fenders.

These bikes range from around $500 for the cheapest FX 1 to over $2,000 for the most expensive FX 6 Carbon and can be paired with various accessories to customize the bikes for your diverse urban or commuter needs.

Trek Electric Bikes

Each of Trek’s traditional bike ranges has a selection of e-bikes to complement it. This includes eHybrid, eMTB, and eRoad.

• Allant+ and Verve+ – Two fully equipped urban hybrid electric bikes, the Allant being the more sporty of the two
• E-Caliber, Rail, and Powerfly – Three full-suspension e-mountain bike options. The Rail is a long-travel MTB, and the E-caliber is a super lightweight XC bike
• Domane+ – Trek’s endurance road model goes electric with a lightweight and comfortable design that makes all-day riding a breeze

All of their bicycles use Bosch e-bike systems. Bosch produces some of the most innovative systems on the market with stylish integration, powerful mid-drive motors, and large-capacity batteries.

Trek uses the design technology found on their traditional bikes on many of their electric ranges, such as the IsoZone, IsoSpeed suspension, and premium frame engineering.

In addition, Trek’s subsidiary brand Electra has two comfort-focused “Recreation” electric models, the Townie Path Go and Attitude Go, and one hybrid, the Vale Go.

These e-bikes cover a wide price range, comparable to the standard bikes, beginning at around $1,600 for the entry-level Electra Townie up to $12,500 and $13,500 for the top-end road and MTB models.

Shop Trek E-Bikes

Where are Trek bikes made?

Trek bikes are made in China, Taiwan, the Netherlands, and Germany. Most of the manufacturing of Trek’s bikes and accessories takes place in China and Taiwan, as with most major bicycle brands. However, very select models are still produced at their Wisconsin factory.

Are Trek bikes good?

Yes, Trek bikes are good. They have worldwide recognition for high-quality, long-lasting bicycles across the whole price range. Trek also sponsors and manufactures bikes for the highest level of professional cycling, including Trek Segafredo road cycling and Trek Factory Racing mountain biking.

Where to buy Trek bikes?

You can buy Trek’s bikes at physical and online retailers worldwide, both online and in-store. Trek has its own physical stores and ambassador bike shops that mostly stock or only Trek bikes. You can find a list of all their online and physical retailers through the Trek.com website.

How much is a Trek bike?

A Trek bike can cost as little as $450 to $13,500. Each Trek model has various spec levels which change the price incrementally, meaning you can find a Trek bike in any price range. The company’s most popular models like the FX, Domane, and Powerfly have many pricing levels.

What size Trek bike do I need?

The size Trek bike you need depends on the model you buy, your body measurements, and preferences. Each of Trek’s products has a corresponding sizing chart on its web page to help you find the correct size. You can also use Trek’s network of Precision Fit technicians professional fit.

When did Trek stop making bikes in the USA?

Trek stopped making bikes in the USA in 2017. According to sources inside the company, they then moved the final 1% of US production to their overseas factories. However, 99% of the production was already in China, Taiwan, the Netherlands, and Germany.

How do I tell what year my Trek bike is?

You can tell what year your Trek bike is by finding the serial number on the underside of the bike’s frame, next to the bottom bracket. Then, contact your local Trek dealer or get in touch with the company’s customer service and provide them with this number to find out.

Who owns Trek bikes?

Trek Bikes is a privately owned company. Initially, the parent company was called Intrepid Corporation. However, Intrepid changed its name to Trek Bicycle Corporation in the 1990s and stopped its non-bicycle-related business due to the incredible success of the biking giant.

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About the Author

Sam Millers

4 thoughts on “ trek bikes review — history, models, and faq ”.

Got a 1989 Trek 1400 road bike, I love that thing, it was converted to STI brifters, and the bike itself even for today’s standards is so light!

I haven’t had the privilege to ride it, but the bike looks great! I’m sure it rides like the wind 🙂

Please doble check when you buy a Trek bike! For self experience, I bought one 10 month ago (all stock) and the chainring start touching the frame. I thought it was normal because I think they put correct components. But that was not the case they put a 36t and 26t xt crankset. My frame is completely damaged and I was worry because I do not want to get a accident. I went to the shop and they tell me was my fault they don’t give me any guaranty so that what I think this bike it’s worst do not buy repeat.

Oh man, sad to hear. What model was it?

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Trek Bikes is a popular American bicycle and product manufacturer. Trek produces a huge range of road bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes, women's bikes and hybrids, many of which are regularly seen at the very top level of professional competition.

Trek Bikes was founded in 1976 and started out producing steel touring frames in a small shed in Waterloo, Wisconsin (where the brand remains based to this day). Its first mountain bike debuted in 1983, with its first carbon fibre models appearing a few years later.

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Trek is a bicycle manufacturer based in Wisconsin, USA. The company produces a range of bikes, as well as clothing, equipment and tools.

• Headquarters Waterloo, Wisconsin, USA
• CEO John Burke
• Founded 1976
• Website https://www.trekbikes.com

Dick Burke and Bevil Hogg founded Trek in 1976 with the goal of creating a brand that made high-end bikes in the United States. The company produced over 800 custom steel touring frames in the first year of operation.

Trek was a victim of its early success during the late 1970s, unable to keep up with demand from its converted barn factory. It was only after a move to a new corporate headquarters on the outskirts of Waterloo, Wisconsin, that the company could fully function as a money-making business. It launched its first full bikes soon after, with steel road racing models and mountain bikes released to the public in 1981 and 1983 respectively.

In the years that followed, Trek released a clothing range, expanded its headquarters yet again and launched offices in Europe. The 1990s marked a key point in the company’s history with its first two full-carbon framed bikes being released, the 5500 and 5200. The 5500 was the world’s lightest production road frame at the time, weighing in at just 1.11kg.

After its groundbreaking work in the road bike sector, Trek followed suit in the off-road world. Its first full-suspension mountain bike was released in 1992, with the lightest MTB frame on the market, the 9900, released a year later. In 1997, John Burke, son of co-founder Dick, took over as CEO.

By the turn of the century, the Trek-sponsored pro team US Postal Service had won the Tour de France with American Lance Armstrong. The Texan would go on to win another six Tours in a row, all aboard a Trek bike. However, it would come to light in 2012 that Armstrong had used performance-enhancing drugs throughout his career. Following an investigation by the US Anti-Doping Agency, he was stripped of all of his wins.

During the 2010s, alongside major expansion into growing cycling markets such as e-bikes and gravel, Trek increased its influence within pro cycling. Sponsoring ProTour team Trek Factory Racing from 2014. This team would ultimately launch a women’s squad in 2018, and the squads both now race as Lidl-Trek. The company’s support for women’s cycling was also highlighted by its equal prize money for winners of the Cyclo-cross World Cup event held at its Wisconsin headquarters in 2017.

Did you know?

When the company launched in 1976 there were just five employees working out of a Wisconsin barn. Now, Trek has over around 2,000 employees.

Pro cycling

Current sponsorships: Lidl-Trek, Baloise Trek Lions

Highlights:

• Roberto Heras won stage 20’s ITT and the overall classification at the 2003 Vuelta a España for US Postal Service whilst riding Trek’s 5900 road bike.
• Paolo Savoldelli then delivered the newly-branded Discovery Channel team a maglia rosa at the Giro d’Italia in 2005, Trek’s first Giro d’Italia GC victory.
• Between 2007 and 2009, Alberto Contador used Trek bikes to win two editions of the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España.
• In 2011, Leopard Trek saw instant success thanks to new signing Fabian Cancellara. The Swiss Classics and TT specialist won E3 and podiumed three Monuments in the spring. Andy and Fränk Schleck then finished second and third respectively at the 2011 Tour de France. The season concluded with Oliver Zaugg triumphing at Il Lombardia.
• Over the next four years, Cancellara won the opening stage of the 2012 Tour de France, two editions of Ronde van Vlaanderen, the 2013 Paris-Roubaix, the 2016 Strade Bianche and the Rio 2016 Olympic ITT on the final race day of his career.
• Mads Pedersen rode the Trek Madone SL6 to a surprise World Championship Road Race title in 2019.
• Pedersen would secure stage wins at all three Grand Tours by the time the 2022 season concluded - he currently has six stages to his name (2x Tour de France, 3x Vuelta a España and 1x Giro d'Italia).

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Custom Project One Trek Madone | Mads Pedersen Tour De France Pro Bike

This paint job is out of this world! The rest of Mads Pedersen's Trek Madone bike isn't too bad either. Tan-wall tyres, super slammed stem and a ground braking aero frame make this bike a sprinter's dream.

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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

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

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.

Visma-Lease a Bike rider broke his collarbone, sternum and several ribs in a high speed crash at Dwars door Vlaanderen

By Tom Thewlis Published 24 April 24

Bäckstedt recently landed sponsorship from the energy drink giants and joined the likes of Tom Pidcock, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Evie Richards as a Red Bull athlete

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All about electric bicycles and more

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Trek Electric Bikes Review

eBicycles score

In terms of principles, Trek is firmly grounded in producing bikes with high-quality craftsmanship, aiming to bring the joy of cycling to a broader audience. The fact that the company has four electric bikes speaks for itself. 

Trek started back in 1976 as a subsidiary of Roth Corporation, an appliance distributor based in Milwaukee. The founders, Richard Burke and Bevil Hogg, began to manufacture steel touring frames with the aspiration to rival Japanese and Italian-made bicycles that were dominating the market at that time.

Just as its name suggests, Trek is fully committed to bringing its riders to great adventures and even promises to take them to the edge of the horizon.

It’s also fitting that their place of origin, Waterloo, is home to the Waterloo Driving Park Association, where spirited residents gather for some old-time tough and gritty bicycle racing.

Throughout its long history, Trek has been fueled by its determination to provide the best and the most rugged bicycles for the adventurous spirits that form part of their heritage.

Overview of Trek Electric Bikes

Trek Bikes produce premium quality bikes all around the world.

Trek was founded with an established goal of building high-end bikes for the United States. Back in the day, all the good bikes came from European brands. This inspired Richard Burke and Bevil Hogg to take matters into their own hands. The solution? To make their own brand of bicycles.

Three years after its foundation, Trek sales came close to the $2,000,000-mark.

Now, Trek Bicycle Corporation is one of the world’s biggest bike companies.

The company offers models designed for Road, Mountain, and Urban biking. Trek is also renowned for making the bikes that Lance Armstrong rode to his number of victories in Tour De France.

In terms of their electric bike portfolio, Trek covers a wide range of frames, from amiable town bikes to more powerful road bikes and mountain bikes. Currently, the company sells 24 of these bikes with a price range between $1,500 to $12,000.

What We Like About Trek Electric Bikes

It is a given that Trek is very well-known when it comes to building bikes. However, this doesn’t mean that every giant company doesn’t have kinks in its armor.

This section will talk about the pros and cons of Trek e-bikes. Here to highlight the things we like about them and the points to consider before buying their e-bikes.

Reasons to buy:

• Trek produces high-quality bikes that can handle any type of weather and terrain .
• Most models are available in five different sizes for an optimal fit for each rider.
• Aside from their magnificent designs, Trek bikes boast high-quality frames and components .
• Massive collection of e-bikes span from hybrids, mountain bikes, and road bikes.
• The Bosch motor boasts top-notch performance while keeping its size and weight minimum.

Reasons to avoid:

• Some bicycles are overly expensive for an everyday e-bike.
• Some key components don’t come with the complete bike and are sold separately .

Popular Trek E-Bike Models

The company has a ton of bicycles underneath its belt and a compelling product line, market value, and spec sheet.

Trek has been in the biking industry for a long time, but it didn’t hold back on innovating the e-bike scene. Here is a brief overview of Trek’s e-bike categories and what you can expect to see in each one.

Hybrid & Commuter Trek E-Bikes

If you’re looking to commute by e-bike, run errands around town, or just go for a leisurely ride with friends and family, Trek’s hybrid and commuter e-bikes are for you.

They’re split into three categories (City & Hybrid, Commuter, Recreational) and consist of multiple model lines:

• Dual Sport+
• Electra Go! E-Bikes

FX+ and Dual Sport+ model families are what you would call typical hybrid electric bikes with Class 1 speeds and rear hub motors. They are available with step-over and step-through frames and provide dynamic performance and upright riding positions.

Related post:  Trek Verve+ 2 Review

On the other hand, Verve+ and Allant+ model lines are better-equipped city commuter bikes that cost a bit more but offer more in terms of features and speeds. They consist of Class 1 and Class 3 models powered by mid-drive motors and equipped with lights, fenders, rear racks, and even suspension forks on some ebikes.

Finally, Trek also offers Electra Go! electric bikes (Trek’s sister company), which consist of mid-drive and rear-hub drive e-bikes that fall into cruiser, city, and urban categories.

Shop Trek Hybrid E-Bikes

Trek Mountain E-Bikes

Trek’s electric mountain bikes provide ‘endless adventure’, as Trek puts it. The category consists of hardtail and full-suspension mountain e-bikes that will fit all different types of riders.

The selection includes XC bikes, trail bikes, and even enduro bikes. There are four model families you can choose from:

All of Trek’s mountain e-bikes are powered by trail-tough Bosch mid-drive motors and integrated batteries with up to 625 Wh of capacity. They have Class 1 capabilities and the batteries typically last up to 5 hours of continuous use.

The only downside of Trek’s e-mountain bikes is the pricing, as they typically cost between $6,000 and $14,000, though the Powerfly models are priced in the $3,000-$4,000 range.

Shop Trek Mountain E-Bikes

Trek Road E-Bikes

Finally, Trek makes some of the best electric road bikes on the market, but also some of the most expensive ones.

They are famous for providing a natural riding experience and only supplementing power instead of taking over. Therefore, you’ll be able to ride further and enjoy road biking just as you would on a traditional road bike.

Domane+ is the only model family in this category, though it comes in around a dozen variations, including road and gravel capable builds.

These are Class 1 and Class 3 capable e-bikes with Fazua Evation or TQ e-bike systems. All models are built around lightweight carbon frames, come with drop bars, 1x and 2x Shimano and SRAM drivetrains, and powerful hydraulic disc brakes.

Therefore, if you want to explore more or keep up on fast group rides, one of Trek’s road e-bikes is for you, if you can afford it.

Shop Trek Road E-Bikes

Trek E-Bike Classes, Motors, and Batteries

These bikes offer a lot of power and range from both their motor and battery.

The principle which the company is built upon is simple. That is to create a bicycle brand that is on par or even more significant than its European and Japanese counterparts back then. Now, they are one of the biggest bike companies in the whole world, so their grit and drive really paid off.

Trek is all about creating reliable bicycles that could take their customers to the next level of fun and enjoyment.

The company’s formula to success lies at their rigid standard of quality when it comes to their bikes. It ranges from steel, alloy, and carbon fiber, ensuring that it can take on any punishment it might receive when riding. They also didn’t hold back in choosing each component, as evidenced by their top-notch Bosch electric motors and Shimano parts.

When it comes to selling, the company won’t have any problems catering to your needs as they distribute their bicycles worldwide. What’s more? They even have 1,700 dealers in the U.S. alone. Their website also allows you to see the store closest to you, where you can view, test, and purchase their bikes.

Reliability and Durability

Trek Bikes use only the best quality materials so that their products can handle extreme terrains and any kind of weather.

Trek began with a vision from the two founders to build the best bicycles that the world had ever witnessed.

Thus, the company’s strict observance of the highest possible craftsmanship quality was born.

The company’s collection of bicycles typically receive rave reviews for their build quality. This applies to even their entry-level bikes, which at the price tag they’re sold at, isn’t always known to have the most premium components. Even if their price range generally makes their bikes a luxury, everything about it feels premium and durable when you get your hands on it.

As a testament to their bike’s quality, one Quora user shared that he almost managed to travel across Canada by riding an entry-level 1993 Trek 820 Antelope. This devotion to their founder’s vision endeared many cycling enthusiasts to the company and brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

If there’s anything that remained unanswered, here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Trek e-Bikes.

• Are Trek e-Bikes any good? 

Yes, Trek e-bikes follow the standard set by their conventional siblings. The excellent quality is a given. What makes it even better is that Trek is supported by a vast network of dealers to ensure that parts and maintenance are readily available.

• What happens if Trek e-bikes run out of battery?

If the battery on your Trek e-bike dies, you can no longer use the throttle, nor will you have the benefit of the pedal assist. However, you can still pedal the bike on your own, just like any regular bike.

• Where are Trek e-bikes manufactured?

Trek’s headquarters itself is located in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Still, the manufacturing happens outside the U.S., in countries such as the Netherlands, Taiwan, Germany, and China.

• How do I buy my own Trek e-bike?

Buying a Trek bike is an easy process. You can find the dealer or retailer closest to you using Trek’s Store Finder on their website. Alternatively, you can order them online and have the bike delivered to your address.

• What is the motor used on Trek e-bikes?

All of Trek’s e-bikes use Bosch electric motors . These are mid-drive pedal-assist electric motors meant to mimic a natural, consistent feel while pedaling.

Bottom Point — Who Are Trek E-Bikes For?

Trek Bikes provide the best e-bikes out there. Not only do they have sports bikes like mountain bikes, but they also provide high-quality city and hybrid bikes.

Trek creates their bicycles with the sole purpose of providing reliable vehicles for adventurous spirits. However, the company also caters to those who only want to get from point A to point B without hiccups.

The company offers a lineup of electrical bikes consisting of road bikes, commuter bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes. Sure, the price may prove to be high for some, but it will all pay off as soon as you see and feel the quality of each part of the bike.

Shop Trek Electric Bike Models

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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.

Trek is slashing the number of bikes it offers by 40%. This is what that means for your favorite brands in the future

This week's Bespoken Word is a part one of a ‘What Happens Next?’ series. In it, Guy Kesteven has some dark warnings about what’s going to happen to a lot of bike brands in the next few years

The Taipei show is the biggest trade bike show in the world. You can go there as a punter but its primary purpose is for far eastern vendors to sell their stuff to the biggest bike brands . Unsurprisingly, given that anyone who is anyone is probably there, it’s also the biggest place for bike industry gossip. 

'Right sizing'

Right now, what everyone is talking about is Trek reporting that they’ll be reducing their bike range by 40 percent and the size of their overall business by 10 percent going forward. Yes, that Trek! The solid, dependable, privately owned Wisconsin-based brand has been rock solid since it started selling touring bikes in the 1970s. The Trek who most industry people were saying pulled a blinder by allegedly using their scale and cash reserves to guarantee the supply of parts when production and delivery choked during Covid. That meant Trek was the first to get big shipments of bikes after everyone had sold out and the sheer amount of Marlin hardtails they dropped into dealers has achieved mythical status.

Unfortunately, while they sold a huge amount of bikes to people wearing face masks, there are still a lot of Marlins in shops – and there are probably more in warehouses all over the world. So Trek is doing the smart thing and making fewer bikes going forward. Because otherwise that backlog of Marlins is never going to get sold and Trek will hemorrhage even more money storing them or selling them for less than a profit. And while their use of the phrase ‘Right sizing’ is definitely corporate ‘posi–speak’, the decision to downsize even based on pre-Covid levels is almost certainly correct.

The news that old dependable Trek is making big changes to stop future oversupply is a big deal, but they are far from being alone in this. From the sound of the rumor drums there are other very big companies, as well as many mid-sized and mini brands that are totally constipated with stock. And in many cases that’s not just because they ordered too much, but because they have a whole ton of very closely spaced products. Orange's multitude of visually near-identical, single pivot hand-made monocoque bikes made it hard for customers to pick an obvious winner and nearly put them out of business. I can’t help wondering if the reason Santa Cruz are running very big discounts on some bikes right now is because there are so many to choose from the confusion is enough to put people off. 

In contrast, Yeti has a pretty clear and clean product lineup and is still currently selling bikes full price. Other brands like Whyte and Norco have also massively reduced their product portfolio to help them leapfrog ahead of brands buried in out-of-date stock. In the case of Whyte, it has even sidelined projects they’ve been working on for years to put nearly all their eggs in the E-Lyte basket. After speaking to Jason Schiers and Clive Gosling from GT at Core bike show , it’s clear they’ve done the same. Canceling whole bike lines just before launch so they can concentrate on a few really strong new offerings.

Brands on the run

While figures like a 40 percent reduction in bike range sound dramatic, it doesn’t have to mean a loss of family favorites. Trek in particular produces a huge size range of bikes and generally makes each model in multiple colors. So it could be that every bike stays, but only in the best-selling color or with fewer options spanning the sizing spread. Not great if you're an odd size or like a choice of aesthetic, but not a disaster.

But for brands that have already slimmed downsizing and hacked the options back to a minimum, things will be a lot harder in the months and years ahead. There’s less room to maneuver too as geometry is now basically all the same and while internal storage is a nice feature, I’ve never heard anyone chopping in their perfectly good old bike just to get a snack hatch on the new one. Unless you’ve got a genuinely different suspension technology that people actually want (buyers are traditionally very averse to new tech until it’s multi-proven), then realistically how many almost identical 4-bar or twin-link carbon bikes with a 64 to 66-degree head tube do we need to choose from?

And while brand loyalty or re-polishing faded memories of past glory days will work with us old gits who’ve been hanging around the sport for decades, we aren’t the people brands need to attract to stay alive.

Power rangers

The people brands need to attract are the new mountain bikers, who may have dusted off an old bike during Covid or who just found MTB from fresh and are now encouraging their mates to join them. These riders are a very different breed with different brand and buying values. While old schoolers are used to glitches and bodges being part of biking and were prepared to put up with random customer service and extensive research to find the right next bike, the new breed isn’t. They don’t want a confusing sea, as far as they can tell, of identical bikes. They want stuff that works rather than needing to be nursed and they want it presented, sold and serviced professionally. And we might kid ourselves that this is the case in the bike industry, we all know that for every slick showroom and logo polo shirt, there’s a bargain bin in the corner and an ordering process that’s still based on paper stuck on spikes. But the whole chat about retail is for another time.  

The big thing that these new buyers mean is a total change in brand recognition and that’s also tied very heavily into the rise of the e-bike. 

E-bikes are not the miracle cure

What I mean is that while some of these new buyers might recognize the big brands like Specialized , Santa Cruz, Canyon , Shimano , or Trek, they’ll definitely spot Bosch as a brand name to go towards because their power tools, domestic appliances, auto parts, etc. are recognized as costing a bit more but return great reliability. Some outsiders might know Giant bikes, but the smartest move of the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer is to team up with Yamaha for their motors. With a lot of e-MTBers coming from an off-road motorbike background, brands like GasGas and Husqvarna are going to stand out a lot more than Haibike or Cube . Even if you get a better spec for a lower price by going for the latter. I can’t help feeling that brands like Bosch and Yamaha are going to get sick of having to deal with hundreds of relatively tiny bike company intermediaries to access the cycling market and will just make their own bikes.

There are other big players poised too. As soon as Porsche is confident that their investment in Fazua motors is a sound one, why wouldn’t they go direct through their existing dealers with all the upsell and aspirations they bring? Honda is already starting to show concept bikes again too and it’s clear that this personal mobility part of the market is becoming increasingly interesting to the auto industry. Hell, why wouldn’t Apple go for a quick positive spin on their entry to personal urban mobility by following up their failed ‘self-driving car’ project with an ‘Apple Bike’? They recently added a ton of cycling-friendly features to their Apple Watch and regardless of its actual performance, you can guarantee it would sync with all your other devices instantly and look brilliant. Not something you can say about every e-bike from current manufacturers. 

But then maybe that’s a good thing. Talking to managers at bike brands, they’re certainly beginning to realize that as the e-bike market matures, it’s not the fairy tale, fortune-creating cash cow it looked like at the start. Whatever the brand or design, e-bikes have a far higher return/warranty rate, up to 100 percent in some instances. Nobody ever had their house or warehousing destroyed and insurance companies get startled by a conventional bike catching fire either. 

They also require far more parts to order, stock, integrate, and wait for delivery on. That's after going through a whole extra level of explosive category shipping headaches and costs and being hamstrung if they don’t turn up. While it’s a pain if SRAM changes its transmission and makes your existing stock look dated overnight, if a motor brand makes your entire inventory electrically extinct that’s a huge issue. Because while the higher ticket price of an e-bike is a win at the till, when those units aren’t shifting then they’re sucking up a whole lot more cash. Which is of course the whole issue we started with in the first place.

Know your business

Finally, what the pandemic and subsequent sh*t show have clearly demonstrated is that bike and component brands know as much about their customers, demand and sales trends as a triathlete knows about suspension setup. In fact, the spike, rebound and sag in sales we’ve seen recently is almost certainly worse than the back-end performance of a bike set up by someone in Speedos.

While the amount of talk around inclusivity, diversity and lowering entry barriers is definitely increasing and that’s a brilliant thing, I can’t help feeling it’s not really gaining traction yet either. That losing a hundred grams, changing head angle by a degree, or increasing tire space still gets more high fives in boardrooms and marketing agencies than something that will engage with hundreds of thousands of new riders, change their headspace, or genuinely open up cycling to whole new communities and demographics. 

And these topics of advocacy, retail, racing, riding and media are all things I’m going to dig deeper into in this series. So for now, go enjoy the fact that there are way more bikes and brands than we need, and often being sold at bargain prices. Because one thing I’m sure of is that the situation isn’t going to last forever and if you end up buying bikes from the same place as your washing machine, then don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Guy has been working on Bike Perfect since we launched in 2019. Hatched in Yorkshire he's been hardened by riding round it in all weathers since he was a kid. He spent a few years working in bike shops and warehouses before starting writing and testing for bike mags in 1996. Since then he’s written several million words about several thousand test bikes and a ridiculous amount of riding gear. To make sure he rarely sleeps and to fund his custom tandem habit, he’s also penned a handful of bike-related books and talks to a GoPro for YouTube, too.

Current rides: Cervelo ZFS-5, Forbidden Druid V2, Specialized Chisel, custom Nicolai enduro tandem, Landescape/Swallow custom gravel tandem

Height: 180cm

Weight: 69kg

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Trek Bicycle opens its first Reno store and showroom

The first dedicated trek store and showroom in reno is located at the crossing at meadowood square..

A big name in cycling is joining the list of shops in the area as Trek Bicycle opened a new 8,000-square-foot store and showroom in Reno.

The Trek store is in south Reno at The Crossing at Meadowood Square across the street from Whole Foods. The store is Trek’s first in Reno, according to the K Corp., which manages the shopping center at 6407 S. Virginia Street.

The store sells the latest bikes and products from Trek and the Bontrager brand. Offerings include cycling accessories, apparel and gear. The store includes a demo area to try out the bicycles.

The Trek store also provides service for any brand of bike. The full-service bike shop offers tune-ups, maintenance, repairs and customizations.

The Trek showroom is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

The Crossing at Meadowood got Reno’s first dedicated Panera Bread last year . Other stores there include Blind Onion Pizza, FedEx and Hotworx.

Every Major Ebike Brand Ranked Worst To Best

E lectric power is ideally suited to personal transportation, and among the ranks of the eScooter, hoverboard, and somewhat outdated Segway is the far more practical and versatile eBike. These have come about at a time of austerity when people seek a cheaper alternative to fossil fuels, commuters are being hit with emissions penalties, and the climate crisis is starting to have a tangible impact on our daily lives.

eBikes offer cyclists power-assisted pedaling using an electric motor mounted by the pedal crank or on the rear wheel hub. This can be altered using a switch mounted on the handlebars to increase or decrease power assistance, while an eBike's drivetrain features gears, just as a regular bicycle would. By reducing the amount of effort the cyclist has to exert to cover a distance, they appeal to commuters, long-distance riders, those who live in hilly areas, or those who simply want to work less hard.

eBikes come in many different styles for all types of cycling applications. Every type of bicycle has a similar eBike counterpart, from road bikes, commuter bikes, MTBs, folding bikes, and so on. While a top-quality eBike may seem costly at first, as a cheap alternative to a car or public transportation, it can make a worthy investment to save you money in the long run.

Our ranking is based on professional reviews, brand heritage, build quality, range, and common features across each major eBike brand. We then weighed the pros and cons of each brand to determine how they rank while also considering value for money.

Read more: 12 Major Motorcycle Brands Ranked Worst To Best

Many cyclists see their eBike as an affordable and convenient secondary mode of transport. Propella was established in 2016 in Redmond, WA, and caters to those people who seek a solution that combines quality and practicality without breaking the bank. All Propella bikes are easy to service with replaceable parts, and have portable and lightweight properties, making them a viable choice for commuters. They are also a good option for first-time buyers, occasional cyclists, and those who travel with their bikes, as they are easy to mount on racks.

The Propella range is priced between $799 and $1,399, limited to one color (black), and is small, with one compact solution (the Mini), a midrange option (the 7S XR), and a flagship model (the 9S Pro). The lattermost is available in a step-through version with upgraded features like hydraulic brakes, nine gears, a torque sensor for smoother powered operation, and an increased power of 350 watts, compared to 250 on the other two models.

Propella aims to make "elegant, lightweight, and affordable bikes." While it sticks faithfully to this principle, this does mean its products are rather basic and often underpowered. However, the brand has sold over 12,000 bicycles in the relatively short time it has been in business, and is a solid option for those who prioritize simplicity and performance.

Aventon is another affordable brand with products ranging from $999 to $1,799. It started in 2013, making ultra-lightweight, fixed-gear racing bikes, with some success, before taking another direction entirely and phasing out this range in 2018 to focus on the developing eBike market. By 2022, it had relocated to Canada and significantly expanded its operation to become a significant player within this segment.

The Aventon range is very different from conventional electric bikes , with curved profiles, outsize frames, and foldable, lightweight, and cargo-carrier options that add versatility to the collection. Standout models include its Adventure.2 range, a chunky-tired all-terrain option with pannier racks and a 750-watt motor, and the Pace 500 range of cruisers. These are practical and comfortable street bikes with a 60-mile range and a 28-mile-per-hour top speed. Most models are available in a step-through configuration, and there are many accessories to improve the riding experience.

While affordability also means a compromise on quality, the Aventon range is available in many frame sizes and is easily sourced at dealerships. Additional features, such as companion apps and turn signals, further increase Aventon's appeal, and the company is undoubtedly progressive despite being lower in this ranking.

eBikes were born from a requirement for convenient and effortless transport, but this generally comes at a higher price than their pedal-powered counterparts. Lectric was established by a duo in Phoenix, AZ, to address the issue of affordability, and the result is a collection of high-quality, useful bikes (and trikes) for commuting, leisure rides, and delivery purposes.

Lectric bikes are similar across the range, as they are primarily compact, urban-friendly models focusing on practicality and affordability. All models come in high-step and step-through variants, and this popular brand does offer some cool features, such as hydraulic brakes, suspension, and 1,000-watt motors. Standout models include the XP series of compact bikes (also available in a three-wheeled variant), the XPedition cargo bike, and the XPeak all-terrain model.

Lectric is a fast-growing brand within the eBike segment, and it deserves recognition for its products' quality, affordability, practicality, and upgradeability, with several valuable packages for comfort, accessories, and carrying luggage available. After-sale service is reportedly excellent, and what the collection lacks in features is made up for in power and range, with some models offering up to 65 miles of pedal-assisted range on a single charge.

Wing is among the more affordable brands within the eBike market; however, it is highly rated for quality and features. Each model within the Wing collection is a variation on the word Freedom, and this adequately sums up the company's guiding principle -- to make a product that is eminently practical, attainable, uncomplicated, and fun.

Wing eBikes are easily recognizable for their protruding crossbars with integrated lights and matte tones. While the range is limited to four designs, some have premium features such as disc brakes, remote locks, and integrated displays. Even the most feature-rich Freedom Fatty 2 is priced at under $1,200 to start, and for this, you get 20-inch all-terrain tires, a 750-watt motor, and a robust battery offering up to 50 miles of range.

Wing bikes are meant for the urban commuter or casual cyclist, and no performance-oriented models are within the limited range. As a result, the brand is a midfielder in this ranking, but you'd be hard pressed to find a better value within its segment, and the bikes all share a cool aesthetic. While colors may also be limited, fit and finish are excellent throughout, and these bikes are just quirky enough to attract attention without being overly flamboyant or conspicuous. Anyone looking for a midrange model for casual use should undoubtedly consider the Wing collection.

At this point in the ranking, we see a great leap concerning features, build quality, and retail price. Every eBike from Ride1Up has a well-considered design, with a premium fit and finish that sets them apart from their midrange counterparts. While many of these premium features may seem surplus to requirements for the average casual cyclist, the difference in road handling, responsiveness, and overall feel is palpable.

Ride1Up has a diverse range of 12 eBikes to suit various applications. As we are in premium eBike territory, the collection boasts features like lightweight alloy frames, concealed batteries, pneumatic suspensions, TFT displays, and carbon belt drives on many models. Motors are by German brand Brose, producing as much as 90 newton-meters of torque and up to 50 miles of range. Standout models include the CF Racer racing eBike, the Revv 1 moped-style eBike, and the flagship Prodigy line of roadgoing eBikes.

The Ride1Up collection is augmented by a range of accessories that are surprisingly good value, considering the brand's premium prices. These include a touring package for comfort, panniers, phone mounts, and luggage racks. The overall brand quality extends to customer care and after-sale service, and all eBikes come with a one-year warranty as standard.

As a brand, Canyon says it adheres to three core values: "performance, innovation, and people." It is immediately apparent that its eBikes are not your average roadgoing commuter fare . Founded in Germany in 1985, Canyon quickly became renowned in racing and mountain biking circles. Since the turn of the century, it has become an established manufacturer that has smoothly transitioned into the eBike market.

Canyon has wholly revised the bicycle playbook for its impressive line of eBikes. The range consists of five high-end base models geared for performance. These include drop handlebar racing models, MTBs, and street bikes. Premium features include Shimano Deore gears, lightweight alloys, and front and rear shocks on select models. Still, the standout component on many is the Bosch Performance Line motors, which are built to an exceptionally high quality, as is typical of German engineering.

While Canyon does offer a few variants for each of its base models, and all are available in several sizes, the range is less comprehensive than many other brands. You won't find any budget portable or commuter options here, and this is very evidently a specialist manufacturer for enthusiasts with deep pockets (prices start at over $3,000). So, although Canyon is hard to beat in terms of quality and performance, it is a little niche to be among the higher-ranking companies on this list. Even if you are not buying a Canyon, anyone looking for an eBike should check out the Canyon website for sizing tips and maintenance advice.

Urban commuters account for a large share of the eBike market, as compact transport offers them a quick, cost-effective, and convenient solution to and from the workplace and transport hubs. Rad Power has been in the eBike business for over 15 years, and its product line is impressive, with a focus on the city commuter segment.

Rad Power's sturdy, compact, well-built machines offer daily users reliability, functionality, and performance, and there are cargo, family, and all-terrain product lines to cover most bases. Features like chunkier tires, high ground clearances, and sturdy luggage racks help in navigating uneven road surfaces and lend added functionality to these utilitarian eBikes. Disc brakes, LED lighting, and 750-watt motors ensure that you keep up with traffic, are clearly visible, and can stop when necessary, and 45 miles of range is not uncommon, thanks to their powerful batteries.

People may be less likely to win races on a Rad Power eBike, but that is beside the point. Casual cyclists looking for a practical eBike solution for work or play should check out the Rad Power range, and the fact that most models are available in a variety of sizes and with step-through variants makes it likely that there will be something there to suit every individual. The range covers many categories that lean more toward practicality than performance, but regular road users will enjoy good value for money and after-sales service.

Cannondale is a premium performance bike brand that has had a significant impact on the eBike market, but its story begins as far back as the early 1970s. It has since gone on to champion the use of aluminum and carbon fiber in its high-performance machines. Its groundbreaking innovations paid off, and Cannondale has been the manufacturer behind several successful racing teams across various cycling disciplines, but it also makes bikes for general daily use.

The Cannondale range spans cargo bikes, road bikes, MTBs, and city bikes, and all exhibit a high-quality fit and finish and top-notch components. These include Bosch motors, RockShox suspension systems, and Shimano Deore XT drivetrains and disc brakes. Standout models include the Monterra Neo range of dual-suspension MTBs, Neo Carbon 2 gravel bikes, Tesoro urban bikes, and Compact Neo folding bikes.

Cannondale is a premium brand with a reputation that precedes it. Still, many models, including the leisure bikes in its popular "Adventure" and "Treadwell" product lines, can be purchased for under $2,000. As such, the brand strikes a good balance between quality and affordability, and most models are available in a range of colors and sizes, often with step-through versions. If you are looking to buy your first eBike, it's well worth visiting the Cannondale website for its comprehensive buyer's guide .

Specialized

Specialized is a brand with considerable heritage as one of cycling's premier brands, with an impressive product line that includes scores of different eBikes. Established in 1974, the brand was a trailblazing innovator from the outset, eventually creating the first-ever production mountain bike.

Specialized conducts a lot of research and development for its eBike products, and the result is all-around better machines that appeal to a broader audience. Its technicians constantly strive for the optimal balance of weight, range, and power the rider exerts. The result is Superlight System Technology that optimizes performance and handling without compromising on rider comfort. It applies its findings across the broad range of bikes that encompass every conceivable application, both on and off the road.

The Specialized range ticks most boxes, and the design, build quality, and choice of components are excellent throughout. While the two top brands in this ranking are comparable, the average price of Specialized eBikes is very high for the average fair-weather cyclist, and affordability is factored into this ranking. Therefore, Specialized misses out on the number one spot here.

Most cyclists will be familiar with Trek, a well-established, premium bike brand that has expanded into the eBike market. What they may not know is that this is a family-run company that harks back to Wisconsin in 1975. It still belongs to the Burke family nearly 50 years later, and Trek has an eclectic selection of eBikes to suit all purposes.

Over 80 models in the Trek eBike range are available in various colorways and sizes. That all bases are covered here would be an understatement, and much innovation has been applied to the design and materials used. Build quality and features are unsurprisingly top-notch, and the range encompasses most styles and applications. Whether you are after a step-through city bike, a nippy commuter moped, a competition-level MTB, or an e-road racer, there is something here for everyone.

Trek's use of ultra-lightweight carbon fiber on many models improves performance and handling and increases top speed and battery life. You'll also find some of the industry's most premium components and design features on Trek bikes. On balance, the combination of heritage, value, variety, quality components, and premium fit and finish makes Trek our top-ranked brand as the best eBike manufacturer operating today.

Read the original article on SlashGear .

Elektrostal

City in moscow oblast, russia / from wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, dear wikiwand ai, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:.

Can you list the top facts and stats about Elektrostal?

Summarize this article for a 10 year old

Notificaties

• Ronde van Romandië 2024
• IDL-producties
• Wielerkalender 2024 - mannen
• Wielerkalender 2024 - vrouwen

Toekomst veldritploeg Baloise Trek Lions onzeker: 'Niet alleen onze ploeg, maar heel de cross heeft dan een probleem'

Slecht nieuws voor Baloise Trek Lions . De veldritploeg ziet co-sponsor Trek na 2024 afhaken als sponsor en moet zodoende op zoek naar een tweede geldschieter. Dat meldt Het Nieuwsblad . De toekomst van de crossploeg, waar de gisteren in de Ronde van Romandië nog succesvolle Thibau Nys ook voor fietst, is daarmee voorlopig onzeker.

Trek blijft wel het materiaal voor de ploeg leveren en krijgt daarom ook nog een kleine plek op de trui. 'Trek blijft wel op de truitjes aanwezig maar niet meer als tweede naamsponsor. Het gevolg is dat wij op zoek moeten naar een bijkomende partner', meldt ploegleider Sven Nys , die ook stelt dat het nieuws intern al langer bekend was.

Wie helpt succesvolle ploeg van Ronhaar, Nieuwenhuis, Nys en Van Anrooij uit de brand?

ARTICLE_IN_1

Nys geeft aan dat het niet makkelijk is om nu snel een sponsor te zoeken. Dat heeft meerdere redenen. 'Ik vind het belangrijk dat er heel snel een volledige veldritkalender is zodat we potentiële partners kunnen meegeven waar wij voor staan en in welke periode we visibiliteit genereren. Nu kennen we al wel de WB-kalender maar nog niet de volledige kalender. Het is ook niet de meest evidente periode om nieuwe sponsors te zoeken.'

De afgelopen veldritwinter imponeerde de ploeg van Sven Nys met mannen als Pim Ronhaar, Joris Nieuwenhuis en Lars van der Haar. Ook de topdames Shirin van Anrooij en Lucinda Brand rijden voor de équipe. Nys denkt dan ook dat er wel een sponsor bij komt. Anders is dat niet alleen voor zijn ploeg, maar ook voor de rest van de cross nadelig. 'Ik ga er dus vanuit dat we, samen met de mensen van Golazo, erin zullen slagen nieuwe partners te vinden. Lukt dat niet, dan hebben niet alleen wij maar heeft de cross in het algemeen een probleem.'

'Joris was een cadeau voor ons'; zo kwam zilveren Nieuwenhuis bij Baloise Trek Lions terecht

Sven nys 'bibberde over zijn hele lijf' toen zoon thibau de zege pakte: 'uitzonderlijk na zo’n lange dag', plaats reactie.

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Xpeng Motors

• Beijing Auto show

XPeng at Beijing Auto Show: 2K pure vision ADAS, neural network, 1km/sec fast charging, and a new AI-driven EV sub-brand [Video]

XPeng Motors kept things relatively short but sweet during its 20-minute presentation at the 2024 Beijing International Auto Show earlier today, but there’s a lot to get excited about following several updates from XPeng founder, chairman, and CEO He Xiaopeng, including an “entirely new breed” of EVs under a new sub-brand. Here’s the full recap.

Today’s presentation in front of a crowd in Beijing (you can view it in its entirety below) started off simply recapping much of the same news we reported on in 2024, some of it dating back to the Chinese automaker’s annual Tech Day in October 2023.

XPeng CEO He Xiaopeng spoke in front of an X9 multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), a growing segment of luxury minivans in China. Xiaopeng highlighted much of the early success of XPeng’s first MPV model, which is versatile in that it can be configured to seat seven passengers or four, with room to transport five bikes.

As a popular BEV model amongst Chinese celebrities and athletes, XPeng’s CEO used the X9 as the vessel to highlight some of the advanced technologies it has been working on, including expansions of its XNGP ADAS technology, including new AI Valet and bodyguard functions. The automaker’s founder and chairman spoke to these technologies and what they mean for the future of EVs:

We are proud to demonstrate XPeng’s technological innovation prowess, through which we are laying a pathway to greater inclusion and equality in smart mobility. The next decade will be a ‘golden decade’ of smart vehicles. The core of smart vehicle advances is how to operate with automative software adoption emerging as the new industry norm. Looking ahead, XPeng will roll out the on-road testing of AI-powered functions integrated into XPeng models.

To support XNGP and other ADAS functions , XPeng used the Beijing Auto Show to share plans to deploy what it calls the “industry’s first mass-produced 2K pure visual neural network large model in vehicles.” This news confirms previous rumors we reported that XPeng was abandoning LiDAR sensors in favor of pure vision, similar to Tesla FSD.

These upgrades to perception and planning/control models will utilize over two million high-definition grids to reconstruct worlds around XPeng BEVs, ensuring that any and all surrounding objects and obstacles are identified quickly and effectively. The new technology is further supported by neural-network-based planning models, which can learn, think, and perform actions like the human mind.

According to the Beijing press conference , such neural technologies enable XPeng to deliver more human-like, self-learning vehicles that will rely heavily on AI moving forward. That includes the automaker’s latest operating system, XOS 5.1.0, which delivers several new AI-powered features to debut in the X9 before reaching other eligible XPeng EVs on May 20, 2024.

Those updates include the previously mentioned AI Valet Driver, upgraded surround reality (SR) perception capabilities, ask expanded function and learning capabilities of the automaker’s in-car AI assistant. We recommend checking out the video below for a real-world view of this technology being demonstrated.

XPeng’s new sub-brand will be called MONA

Last month, we shared news that XPeng had plans for a new EV sub-brand that focused heavily on artificial intelligence, as mentioned above, and well beyond. During the recent China Electric Vehicle 100 Summit, XPeng Chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng vowed to invest RMB 3.5 billion (~$492M) in the automaker’s “AI-enabled smart driving” technology in 2024 for R&D and the hiring of 4,000 new employees.

Xiaopeng also said the next decade of EVs will be one of intelligence and smart driving technology. As such, the new brand was in the works to deliver AI-centric tech at an affordable price for all, targeting MSRPs around RMB 100,000-150,000 ($14,000-$21,000).

At the time, we reported the unnamed sub-brand would launch in China soon as XPeng promised it will “create a new breed of AI-powered Smart EVs for young customers worldwide.” Today in Beijing, XPeng confirmed the new sub-brand is called MONA, which stands for “Made Of New AI.”

The company’s CEO said MONA will officially be introduced this June, so stay tuned for more details on that.

Other XPeng updates from Beijing and the video footage

Last but not least, XPeng shared updates in regard to its charging technology, low-altitude flying car arm AeroHT, and its recent cooperation agreement signed with Volkswagen Group . On the charging side of things, XPeng says it is planning to upgrade its 800 kW DC fast chargers in Q3 2024, enabling what could potentially be the best charge speeds in the industry.

The automaker says the upgrades to the facilities will enable XPeng EVs to add more than 1 km (.62 miles) per second. AeroHT’s flying car was on display next to other XPeng EVs in Beijing after turning plenty of heads at CES in January. The eVTOL arm’s other vehicle, the modular flying car , is still seeking airworthiness certification and is expected to begin pre-sales in China in Q4 2024.

That’s all for now. As promised, here is the full XPeng press conference from the Beijing Auto Show, translated to English:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Scooter Doll is a writer, designer and tech enthusiast born in Chicago and based on the West Coast. When he’s not offering the latest tech how tos or insights, he’s probably watching Chicago sports. Please send any tips or suggestions, or dog photos to him at [email protected]