Trek road bike

Trek and road cycling has been a love affair ever since the brand was founded in 1976, as the first products produced by Richard Burk and Bevil Hogg’s brand were silver-brazed steel road frames. Through continuous research and development, Trek has established itself as one of the world’s leading players in the cycling industry, with the Team serving as its flagship road cycling team, Trek-Segafredo.

Founded in 1976 by Richard Burk and Bevil Hogg, Trek is now one of the world’s leading bicycle manufacturers, particularly in the high-end road bike sector. Indeed, this is part of its DNA Trek, as the brand’s origins lie in ‘premium’ steel racing frames developed using renowned tubes such as Reynolds, Columbus and Tange. Success came immediately, probably due to a particularly well-thought-out design and a high-quality finish, Trek has set up a highly effective Research and Development department.

Cycling Trek : from carbon steel to aluminium

It was in 1982, around the same time as ready-assembled bikes, that the first frames appeared Trek for road bikes. The brand focuses primarily on road cycling but, alongside its leisure side, it also pursues pure performance in order to appeal to competitive cyclists (spurred on by Greg Lemond, a new professional with the all-powerful Renault-Elf team, whose numbers were growing steadily) and amateur cyclists keen to improve their performance. Further, faster, stronger. And so the unforgettable Trek The 950 and 750 models feature Reynolds and Columbus tubes, as well as a geometry designed to facilitate sprints and attacks.

Once again, the product has proved a commercial success. This is spurring the engineers on Trek to seek out new solutions to reduce the weight of its frames and racing bikes. This required many hours of design work. A revolution. In 1985, the production lines Trek have been completely redesigned. The stakes are high, as the Waterloo-based manufacturer is launching its very first road bike (with a strong focus on racing and competition), the Trek 2000, which was followed the very next year by a carbon model with aluminium fittings, the Trek 2,500, with a design very similar to that of its counterpart 100% alu. The most demanding competitors are the ones most affected.

However, it is important to go even further because, for Trek, it’s not enough simply to offer lightweight frames with dynamic geometry; it’s also necessary to work on the overall stiffness of the bike. And, if possible, to make the frame and fork a little lighter still (the latter being made of carbon for the first time).

The R&D department Trek so it continued its work. This culminated, in 1989, in the launch of the first monocoque frame bearing the Trek, the Trek 5,000. The frame and fork assembly weighs in at 1.5 kg, making it one of the lightest frame kits on the market at the time. Admittedly, the highly innovative concept is not – yet – a commercial success, but Trek It is this very technology that is set to establish the company as one of the leading manufacturers of road bikes, and racing bikes in particular. What’s more, the geometric specifications have been finalised. Trek enters the modern era.

In 1992, Trek is launching new monocoque road frames, the Trek 5500 (frame and fork weighing 1.11 kg) and 5200, showcasing OCLV technology (Optimum Compaction Low Void). This marked the start of an active presence in the professional peloton. A presence that continues today with the team Trek-Segafredo.

This collaboration led, in 2003, to the launch of the legendary and unmissable Madone series, the flagship model of Trek which, over the years, has become a universally recognised benchmark in the field of high-performance racing bikes… It is worth noting that, the previous year, a range of different accessories and geometries for women was introduced under the WSD name. Still relevant today, these women-specific products have contributed – and continue to contribute – significantly to the brand’s success Trek.

Cycling Trek Madonna

The current range of Trek The range comprises no fewer than 97 road bikes or racing bikes, divided into three main series. At the very top of the range is the iconic Madone, which has come a long way since its launch in 2003. Its ambition? To be the fastest bike in the world! Backed up by independent tests, it is in these terms that Trek presents its Madone. Unsurprisingly, the aerodynamics, comfort and weight of this characterful road bike have been extensively studied to ensure they are optimised to the highest standard. The result is an ultra-light, exceptionally fast bike, capable of performing on any type of road. In the mountains, as well as on the flat. Ridden, notably, by the Dane Mads Pedersen during his victory at the 2019 World Championships in Yorkshire (finishing in Harrogate), it is a machine dedicated to pure performance.

Three Madone frame kits are available. For the most demanding competitors, the Madone SLR version is available in H1.5 geometry (performance position), made from OCLV 700 carbon (stiffer). For competitive cyclists, the most demanding amateur racers or long-distance enthusiasts, the Madone SL version is available in H2 geometry (a more comfortable riding position), made from OCLV 500 carbon (designed for comfort). Finally, for recreational cyclists and cycle tourists with a sporty approach, the Madone 9 version also features H2 geometry, in OCLV 600 carbon (a balance between comfort and performance), and is exclusively fitted with rim brakes. Prices? €3,500, €4,000 or €4,500 depending on the version (SLR, SL or 9, with disc or rim brakes). Sizes? From 50 to 62 in 2-size increments. Ready-built bikes (with SLR women’s geometry and a time trial/triathlon version) range from €4,500 to €12,600 depending on the spec. Admittedly, the in-house products Bontrager are in the spotlight, but in terms of bands, it’s Shimano (Dura-Ace and Ultegra, possibly in the Di2 version) and SRAM (Red e-tap) which share the same range. Naturally, the Project One range (with – almost – infinitely customisable paint finishes) applies to all frames Trek Madonna, for an additional charge.

Cycling Trek Emonda

Competitive cyclists, particularly those who enjoy climbing, and recreational cyclists, who prioritise lightness over aerodynamics, will naturally favour the Emonda range, which runs alongside the Madone range. The Emonda is, in fact, presented by Trek as THE most well-rounded road bike on the market. This makes sense, as it effectively combines a classic style (in terms of geometry) with an optimised balance between performance and comfort. In this case, research has focused on the agility of the frames (and therefore the complete bikes). Force It’s clear that this has been a success, as the bikes in the Emonda range handle exceptionally well, even when descending mountain passes, where finding the right line becomes a breeze. Being very light, they’re also excellent climbers…

Three frame kit options are available. At the very top of the range is the Emonda SLR, an OCLV 700 carbon monocoque with H2 geometry. Next comes the Emonda SL, an OCLV 500 carbon monocoque, also featuring H2 geometry. Finally, there is the Emonda ALR version, a frame made from hydroformed 300-series aluminium tubes, brazed (with invisible welds), which also features the H2 geometry. Prices? €900, €2,000, €2,400 or €3,000 depending on the version (SLR, SL or ALR with disc or rim brakes). Sizes? From 50 to 62 in 2-size increments, with the added bonus that certain series are available in size 47. The complete bikes (there is a women’s SLR geometry) range from €1,300 to €10,600, depending on the spec, often bearing the Bontrager. The suggested groups are marked Shimano (Tiagra, 105, Ultegra or Dura-Ace, possibly in the Di2 version), but SRAM (with its Red e-tap) is sometimes available. Once again, the Project One range is on offer !

Cycling Trek Domane

Following the range Trek Emonda – you can find the series Trek Domane. More affordable than the Madone and Emonda, the frames and complete bikes, whether road or racing, Trek Domane models are nonetheless very high-performing. One could even describe them as far more versatile, even though they are marketed by Trek designed for competitive cyclists and long-distance cycle tourists who don’t just ride on the most scenic roads of France, Navarre or elsewhere. Featuring IsoSpeed technology (a decoupler that isolates the movement of the seatpost and/or head tube from the rest of the frame to absorb – significant – road irregularities), Domane road frames and bikes are well equipped to handle ruts and potholes. The Endurance geometry, which allows you to clock up the hours in the saddle, rounds off the package, delivering optimised XXXL comfort over time, with the added bonus of ‘mudguard’ compatibility.

Frame kits are available in the SLR version, featuring the IsoSpeed system at the front and rear. These are made from OCLV 600 carbon monocoque. The SL version also features the IsoSpeed system at the front and rear, on an OCLV 500 carbon monocoque frame. Available with disc or rim brakes, these frame kits Trek The Domane SL and SLR are available for €2,049, €2,200 or €3,500. Sizes? 44 and 47, then in 2-size increments from 50 to 62.

As with the Madone and Emonda ranges, Trek offers fully assembled Domane road bikes. These include a women’s version, the Domane AL in Alpha 100 aluminium, where only the front of the bike features IsoSpeed technology. Once again, in the suburbs Bontrager, these are the groups Shimano which take the lion’s share, SRAM being present only with his Red and his Force e-tap… When it comes to styling, the Project One option is also available for the Domane range. Why not give it a go ?

Cycling Trek always has more to offer

In addition to these three ranges of road and racing bikes, Trek offers other products that are particularly worth considering, especially for those on a tight budget, as well as for those who won’t hesitate to take to the roads and back roads in the style of ‘Strade Bianche’ or ‘Paris-Tours’ since 2018, or even cyclo-cross enthusiasts. In such cases, a single chainring is recommended.

So, one will find the Trek The Checkpoint is available in the AL version (Aluminium Alpha 300), with gravel geometry, for the modest sum of €900 (frame kit); or in the SL version (OCLV 500), featuring the IsoSpeed system and the same gravel geometry, for €1,990 (frame kit). Various complete bikes are listed in the catalogue, including a women’s SL version priced at €3,500 with Shimano 105. At the end of the day, the Trek The Checkpoint, as fitted, is priced from €1,150 (AL Shimano Sora) and €5,500 (SL in SRAM Force).

For cyclo-cross enthusiasts, there’s the range Trek Boone, an SL (OCLV 600) frame with a specific geometry and the IsoSpeed system. The frame kit is priced at €2,300, whilst the complete bikes featured in the catalogue are exclusively available from SRAM… Rival or Force, from €3,000 to €5,000.

Finally, there is the range Trek Crockett, with a frame kit priced at €849, featuring an IsoSpeed carbon fork and the “Control Freak” system (optimised cable routing). Two configurations are available: SRAM Apex at €1,500 and SRAM Rival at €2,000.

If, today, Trek offers a wide range of road frames and bikes, designed for racing (road or time trials), competitive cycling or cycle touring; this is not simply to boast an extensive catalogue, but rather to meet every possible need. This means it’s perfectly possible to alternate between road cycling (short, medium and long distances) and explore all-terrain disciplines (gravel and cyclo-cross). Everyone, whatever their riding style, will be able to find the bike best suited to their activity (or activities) and their budget, with the assurance of two constants: quality of design and build, plus the added bonus of being able to customise the frame’s finish (the Project One concept).