types of trek road bikes

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Results have arrived, trek road bike buyer’s guide: the best trek road bike models.

From the Tour de France to Unbound Gravel to your local group ride, a Trek road bike or gravel bike will deliver top performance. Here's your guide to the key models.

Written by: Bruce Lin

Published on: Feb 10, 2022

Posted in: Guides

The founders of Trek Bicycle believed there was special power in the name Trek. To them, it called forth the spirit of adventure and the promise of great things beyond the horizon. Their goal was to prove that an American brand could produce high-end, high-performance bicycles capable of competing with the best European and Japanese bikes.

Over the last 40 years, the little company from Waterloo, Wisconsin grew into one of the biggest manufacturers in the world, making more than one million bikes per year. It has supported some of the world’s top racers on their path to glory and introduced innovative bike technologies that have had a huge impact on modern cycling.

Trek’s huge catalog includes everything from race-ready road bikes, to trail-shredding mountain bikes, to reliable cruisers for your daily commute. But how do you know which Trek bike is right for you?

This overview will cover Trek’s extensive line of road, gravel, and cyclocross bikes, including Trek’s innovative technologies, model naming system, and most popular road models. Find out which Trek model fits best with your riding style, so that you can make an informed decision when buying your next road (or gravel) bike

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Trek road bikes

Trek Madone

The Madone is Trek’s flagship aero road racing bike. Of Trek’s current road offerings, it has the longest history and has evolved the most. When introduced, the Madone was the successor to the 5900, a lightweight climbing bike for road races and grand tours like the Tour de France. As aerodynamic efficiency has become increasingly important in modern road racing, the Madone adapted to compete with bikes like the Specialized Venge, Giant Propel, and Cannondale SystemSix. The new generation of Madone features deep, aerodynamic tubes that reduce drag as much as possible. Since 2016, it’s been equipped with an IsoSpeed decoupler in the rear to also make it more comfortable.

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Who it’s for: Riders looking for maximum speed and aero gains on flat and rolling roads.

Trek Emonda

The Emonda is Trek’s lightweight road racing bike.When it was released in 2014, it was billed as one of the lightest production frames available. It has been a favorite of climbers and road racers who prioritize low weight above all else and it’s a good choice for riders who live in hilly and mountainous regions. As the Emonda has matured, it’s received some aerodynamic tube shaping to make it a more capable all-rounder. To maximize lightness and power transfer, the Emonda is the only Trek road bike without IsoSpeed.

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Who it’s for: Riders looking for a lightweight bike for climbing, racing, and all-around road riding.

Trek Domane

The Domane is Trek’s endurance road bike. It was famously developed, refined and raced by cobbled classics legend Fabian Cancellara. The key to Domane's rough road performance is Trek’s IsoSpeed technology, which increases compliance over bumps and absorbs vibration. Cancellara rode the Domane to multiple wins in the classics. Paired with more upright, endurance geometry, the Domane is perfect for riders looking to reduce fatigue on long rides and rough roads. The third-generation Domane can also fit larger tires up to 38mm, making it a great option for riders in search of a more road-oriented all-road or gravel bike.

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Who it’s for: Riders looking for more comfort for long rides, rough roads, and light gravel.

Trek gravel and cyclocross bikes

Trek Checkpoint

The Checkpoint is designed for gravel rides that venture far away from paved roads. Relaxed geometry and clearance for wide 45mm gravel tires allow the Checkpoint to tackle everything from rough and loose gravel and light singletrack. Rack and fender mounts make it versatile for bikepacking and commuting, and additional mounts on the top tube, seat tube, and both sides of the down tube allow riders to carry extra gear and water on the frame. Horizontal sliding rear dropouts also give riders the option to run the bike singlespeed or tune handling by adjusting chain stay length. All carbon Checkpoint models also use a rear IsoSpeed decoupler to improve comfort and compliance. The latest generation Checkpoint, has IsoSpeed at the head tube as well.

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Who it’s for: Riders looking to tackle rough and loose gravel roads on their regular rides

The Boone is Trek’s race-ready carbon cyclocross bike. With cyclocross geometry, it excels in demanding off-road conditions like mud, sand, and grass. Front and rear IsoSpeed improves traction and comfort during tough races. The Boone can also serve as a gravel bike for riders who prefer the more agile feeling of cyclocross geometry.

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Who it’s for: Cyclocross racers looking for maximum performance

Trek Crockett

The Crockett is Trek’s aluminum cyclocross bike. It shares geometry with the high-end Boone cyclocross bike and will perform similarly on mud, sand, and grass. To reduce cost, it uses an Alpha aluminum frame instead of a carbon frame with IsoSpeed. Like the Boone, the Crockett is capable enough for most gravel riding.

Who it’s for: Cyclocross racers looking for a budget-friendly race bike.

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Trek road bike technology

Trek has a long history of innovation, and it has introduced several ground-breaking technologies to the sport. Here is a list of technology and features that are only found on Trek bikes.

Trek IsoSpeed

IsoSpeed first appeared on the Trek Domane endurance road bike. Its goal was IsoSpeed to improve compliance and reduce vibration over rough surfaces while maintaining a bike’s stiffness, efficiency, and handling characteristics. It’s not a suspension system but a “decoupler” system with elastomers that allow for a small amount of movement between key junctions like the seat tube and top tube.

Rear IsoSpeed decouplers allow the seat tube to flex independently of the top tube and absorb bumps. The top tube is split so the seat tube can pass through it. The tubes don’t directly touch but are joined by a horizontal shaft and two sealed cartridge bearings. Two round elastomer inserts between the tubes absorb vibration. Because of its simplicity, it adds minimal weight and requires little to no maintenance.

The newer (2016+) Domane and Boone bikes and the 2022 Checkpoint also have a front IsoSpeed decoupler. A rocker cup is used on top of the headset and the steerer tube is joined to the rocker cup by a horizontal shaft and two sealed cartridge bearings. This allows the steerer tube to flex, improving compliance through the handlebars.

There is also a slider on high-end Domane SLR and Madone SL and SLR models to adjust the compliance of the rear IsoSpeed decoupler to suit conditions and rider preferences.

IsoSpeed technology is used on the Domane, Madone (2018+), Checkpoint and Boone.

Hidden storage

The 2020 Trek Domane was the first model to feature Trek’s Hidden Storage compartment, a convenient hollow storage area in the down tube. The down tube bottle cage mount is attached to a removable hatch that’s accessed with a small lever. Attached to that cover is a holder for a multi-tool, and inside the down tube is a nylon tool roll for holding spare tubes and tools.

Hidden storage is found on the 2020+ Domane SL and SLR,  and 2022+ Checkpoint.

Decoding Trek road bike model names

Trek has a huge selection of road bike models, and within every model, there is a range of build options. The hierarchy uses letters and numbers that can be confusing to uninitiated buyers. Here's your guide to decoding Trek’s naming and numbering system.

Road bike models use a series of letters and numbers (e.g. Trek Madone SLR 9) to indicate the frame material and component build. SLR and SL models are carbon fiber while ALR and AL models are aluminum.

The top-of-the-line SLR models use a higher grade 700-series OCLV carbon (improved 800-series carbon is used for the new 2021+ Madone and Emonda) which is lighter but more expensive than the 500-series OCLV carbon used for SL models.

ALR models use 300-series Alpha aluminum which is lighter but more expensive than the 200-series Alpha aluminum used on entry-level AL models.

The number used will range from 5 to 9: 5 is an entry-level build and 9 is top of the line. Higher numbered bikes cost more but are equipped with better components.

For example, an Emonda SLR 9 ($12,499) has a top-of-the-line 800-series OCLV carbon frame, SRAM Red eTap AXS drivetrain, and carbon wheels, stem, and handlebars. An Emonda ALR 5 ($2,099) has a more budget-friendly 300-series Alpha aluminum frame, Shimano 105 drivetrain, and alloy wheels, stem, and handlebars. In between are several Emonda models that offer different frame materials and component builds so riders can pick the bike that fits their needs and budget.

WSD stands for Women's-Specific Design. WSD will usually be indicated after a bike’s model name (e.g. Trek Madone WSD). These bikes featured women’s-specific geometry and components. Lately, Trek has phased out its WSD bikes as data and market trends have shown that men and women can easily fit on the same bikes. WSD bikes are still available on the used market, and Trek continues to offer entry-level women’s models, but in general, all Trek bikes are unisex.

Trek Project One

Trek offers paint customization from the factory through its Project One program. Buyers ordering a new bike can select from a large library of colors and paint schemes to produce a one-of-a-kind bike. Project One bikes will have “Project One” listed with their model name, and also have it printed on the top tube. Depending on the paint scheme, it can increase a bike’s value.

Madone anagrams

Here’s a fun piece of Trek trivia. Trek’s flagship Madone road bike is named for the Col de la Madone, a legendary climb near the French Riviera that was a favorite training ground for Lance Armstrong. Trek gave its subsequent road bike models names that are anagrams of Madone (i.e. the letters are rearranged): Domane and Emonda.

Trek, of course, makes a lot more bikes than those listed here. If you need a triathlon bike, a basic urban bike, or an e-bike, Trek has plenty of options in every price category that can satisfy your needs. Check out our Trek collection to see all the Trek bikes we offer.

Still having trouble deciding which Trek road bike is right for you? Reach out to a TPC Ride Guide at (866) 401-9636 who can better help you understand the pros and cons, and ultimately find the right bike for you. Do you already have one of these Treks? Let us (and other cyclists) know in the comments what you love about your Trek road, gravel or CX bike.

What do you ride? Which Trek bike is your favorite? What questions do you have? Let us know in the comments!

All photos Courtesy of Trek Bicycle.

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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

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

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

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

Trek's pro cycling support

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

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

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

Trek's acquisitions

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

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

Useful links for road bike shoppers…

Trek's road bike models

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

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

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

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Trek Domane

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trek Madone

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

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

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

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

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

Trek Émonda

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

>>> Trek Émonda range explained

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

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

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

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

Trek Checkpoint

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

>>> Best gravel bikes: the top models reviewed

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

Trek Speed Concept

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

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

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

Trek Boone 5

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

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

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

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

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Trek Road Bikes: Models, Features, and Comparisons (2024)

By: Author Mutasim Sweileh

Posted on Last updated: February 28, 2024

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

These high-performance machines offer a range of models, each with its own unique features and advantages. Whether you’re seeking endurance on long rides or want to conquer steep climbs with ease, there’s a Trek Road Bike for you.

Get ready to unlock your full potential and embark on unforgettable cycling adventures with these exceptional bikes.

Table Of Contents

Key Takeaways

Trek bicycle corporation, road bike models (domane, madone, emonda), domane (endurance type), emonda (lightweight/climbing type), madone (aero type), speed concept (time trial type), carbon fiber, trek’s alpha aluminum, sram and shimano options, dura-ace 12-speed electronic drivetrain, red axs wireless drivetrain, importance of proper tire clearance, essential accessories for road biking, what is the weight range of trek’s road bike models, are trek road bikes suitable for off-road or gravel riding, can trek road bikes be customized with different components and accessories, what is the average price range for trek road bikes, how does trek’s road bike range cater to different riding preferences and terrains.

• Trek road bikes are designed for different riding preferences and terrains, with the main models being Domane, Madone, and Emonda.
• Trek road bikes are constructed from either carbon fiber or Trek’s Alpha Aluminum , with carbon fiber being more expensive but lightweight and susceptible to damage, while Alpha Aluminum is more affordable and durable.
• Trek road bikes offer drivetrain options from SRAM and Shimano, with SRAM known for high performance and Shimano known for reliability and affordability.
• Trek road bikes can be customized with a variety of components, and they are designed for various riding preferences and terrains, including commuting, training, racing, climbing, and gravel riding.

Trek Road Bikes Overview

Trek Bicycle Corporation , a leading global bicycle design company founded in Wisconsin, offers three main models: Domane, Madone, and Emonda.

Each model has its own unique features and specifications catered to different riding preferences and terrains.

Whether you’re looking for endurance comfort on rough roads with the Domane series or seeking ultimate aerodynamics with the Madone series for race performance, there’s a Trek road bike that will suit your needs.

Trek Bicycle Corporation leads the global bicycle design industry with its range of Trek road bikes.

With their innovative designs and material evolution, Trek has become a prominent player in the cycling world.

The company’s commitment to customization trends is evident in their wide range of models, catering to every rider’s preferences and needs.

Additionally, Trek’s competitive sponsorships with top athletes further solidify their influence within the cycling community.

From liberation on open roads to intimate power on challenging terrains, Trek road bikes offer an unparalleled riding experience for cyclists worldwide.

When exploring Trek’s road bike models, you’ll find three distinct options: the Domane, Madone, and Emonda.

• Frame materials: Carbon/aluminium
• Weight and stiffness balance for optimal performance
• Price range: From entry-level to top-tier builds catering to various budgets
• Geometry designed for endurance riding with a focus on comfort
• Frame materials: Carbon
• Optimized for aerodynamic performance
• Available in both rim and disc brake options
• Lightweight and stiff for climbing

Features of Trek Road Bike Models

The Domane is an endurance type bike with versatile builds and comfortable design suitable for all-day rides.

On the other hand, the Emonda offers a lightweight option perfect for climbing and all-round riding with its aerodynamic shaping and disc brakes.

For those seeking purebred race bikes focused on speed and comfort, the Madone is an ideal choice with its emphasis on aerodynamics and optimized disc brakes.

Lastly, if you’re into time trials or triathlons, the Speed Concept boasts extensive adjustability along with integration for storage solutions to enhance overall rider performance in races.

If you’re looking for an endurance road bike, the Domane is a fantastic option.

With its Isospeed decoupler and endurance geometry, it offers a smooth ride and exceptional comfort.

The Domane also boasts:

• 38c tire clearance, versatility for different terrains
• Disc brakes for all-weather capability
• Affordability with its aluminum frame

For lightweight and climbing enthusiasts, the Emonda series offers a responsive and nimble road bike experience.

With its ultralight design and aerodynamic features, the Emonda is perfect for those seeking top-tier performance.

Its versatility is enhanced by disc brakes, making it an ideal choice for various riding scenarios.

The Madone, a high-performance road bike model from Trek, offers an exceptional fusion of aerodynamics, ride quality, and integration.

With KVF tube shapes and kammtail aero shapes, it provides a top-tier aero advantage.

The smooth ride is enhanced by the Isospeed decoupler and fast race geometry.

Seamless integration of integrated cables completes its aerodynamic design on the 700 series carbon SLR frame for optimal performance.

When considering a time trial type of road bike, the 2023 Speed Concept from Trek offers an impressive range of features designed to enhance your performance.

Aero advantages with kammtail aero shapes

Integrated design for triathlon-specific needs

Potential 6 minute savings over Kona full Ironman race course

Construction and Materials

• Carbon fiber

Carbon fiber is known for its:

• Aerodynamics
• Ability to create complex shapes that enhance performance.

On the other hand, Trek’s Alpha Aluminum frames offer:

• Affordability
• Without compromising on quality.

Both options have their advantages depending on your riding style and preferences, making them worth exploring when choosing your next road bike from Trek’s impressive lineup.

Now let’s delve into the construction and materials used in Trek road bikes, starting with carbon fiber.

Carbon fiber is a key component in creating lightweight road bikes like the Émonda SLR. Trek utilizes OCLV Carbon (Optimum Compaction Low Void) technology to achieve a perfect balance of strength and weight.

The carbon frames are constructed using layers of carbon sheets that are precisely compacted to minimize voids between them, ensuring durability and stiffness.

With an independent development facility and options for Project One custom paint, Trek experts have mastered the art of crafting high-performance, bonded carbon frames for their lightweight road bikes like the Émonda SLR.

Now let’s delve into Trek’s Alpha Aluminum, a construction material that plays a significant role in the company’s road bike range.

Known for its strength and durability, Trek utilizes this lightweight aluminum alloy to create frames that offer a perfect balance of performance and value.

The Alpha Aluminum frames provide stiffness for efficient power transfer while maintaining excellent ride quality.

With different models available across Trek’s road bike lineup, cyclists have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing an aluminum bike from one of the industry leaders in design and innovation.

Drivetrain Options and Components

When it comes to choosing your drivetrain, you have the option of SRAM or Shimano.

For those seeking top performance, Trek offers the DURA-ACE 12-speed electronic drivetrain from Shimano, known for its precision shifting and smooth operation.

Alternatively, if weight savings are a priority, SRAM’s RED AXS wireless drivetrain provides a lightweight option without compromising on performance.

With these choices at hand, you can find the perfect drivetrain setup to match your riding style and preferences.

Choose between SRAM and Shimano drivetrain options for your Trek road bike.

Both brands offer a range of components to suit various preferences and budgets.

SRAM options include the high-performance Force and Red eTap, while Shimano offers ULTEGRA, 105, Tiagra, and more.

Selecting the right drivetrain will enhance your cycling experience on any Trek road bike model.

Upgrade your Trek road bike with the high-performance DURA-ACE 12-speed electronic drivetrain.

Weighing in at just 242 grams, this top-of-the-line drivetrain delivers lightning-fast and precise shifting for ultimate power on the road.

With chainrings of 50/34 and a cassette range of 11-34, you’ll have plenty of gear options to conquer any terrain.

The battery life lasts up to an impressive 2,000 kilometers, ensuring long-lasting performance .

Get ready to experience liberation and intimacy with the DURA-ACE electronic drivetrain on your Trek road bike!

When considering drivetrain options and components for your Trek road bike, you may want to explore the benefits of the RED AXS wireless drivetrain.

• Weight: The RED AXS wireless drivetrain weighs only 136 grams, making it one of the lightest options available.
• Battery Life: With a battery life of up to 12 hours, you can ride confidently without worrying about running out of power.
• Range: The RED AXS wireless drivetrain offers a range of up to 120 miles on a single charge, allowing for long rides without interruption.

With instant shifting and proven reliability, this mechanical-free drivetrain is a game-changer in road bike technology. Upgrade your Trek with the cutting-edge performance and freedom that comes with the RED AXS wireless system.

Tires and Accessories

The right tire size can greatly impact your comfort, traction, and overall riding experience.

Additionally, having essential accessories such as lights for visibility, a helmet for safety, a bottle cage for hydration on long rides, and a flat kit with spare tubes and tools is crucial for any road cyclist.

So make sure to consider both your tires and accessories when choosing the perfect Trek road bike model that suits your needs.

To ensure optimal performance and safety, it’s crucial to pay attention to the proper tire clearance on your Trek road bike.

Proper clearance allows for the use of tires that provide comfort and traction while maintaining adequate space between the tires and frame.

For road riding, a recommended tire clearance of 4mm is necessary, while gravel riding requires a larger 6mm clearance due to rougher terrain.

Skinny tires designed specifically for road or gravel biking should be used according to your bike’s geometry and intended riding style.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable road biking experience, it’s important to equip yourself with essential accessories such as high-quality tires and other necessary gear.

• Bike Lights : Illuminate the way and enhance visibility during low-light conditions or night rides.
• Helmet: Protect your head from potential injuries by wearing a well-fitting helmet that meets safety standards.
• Bottle Cage: Stay hydrated on long rides with a bottle cage that securely holds your water bottle within easy reach.
• Flat Kit with Spare Tube: Be prepared for unexpected flat tires by carrying a flat kit containing essential tools and an extra tube for quick repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Trek’s road bike models have varying weight ranges .

The lightweight Émonda series is designed for climbing and racing, while the endurance-focused Domane series offers a smoother ride.

The aerodynamic Madone series balances speed and integration.

Looking to explore off-road or gravel riding?

While Trek road bikes excel on pavement, their Domane series offers versatility with wider tire clearance and disc brake options.

So, are they suitable for your adventurous side?

Customizing your Trek road bike with different components and accessories allows you to tailor it to your preferences.

From drivetrain options to tires and accessories, you have the power to enhance performance and make it truly yours.

Looking to invest in a Trek road bike?

Prices can vary depending on the model and specifications, but you can expect an average price range starting from $2,699 up to $11,

Happy riding!

Trek’s road bike range caters to your riding preferences and terrains.

The Domane offers endurance and versatility, while the Emonda is lightweight for climbing.

Find liberation, power, and intimacy with Trek’s diverse options.

In your quest for the perfect road bike, look no further than Trek.

With their exceptional range of models, including the Domane, Emonda, and Madone, Trek has something to offer every type of rider.

Whether you crave endurance, lightweight climbing, or aerodynamics, Trek Road Bikes deliver.

With top-of-the-line drivetrain options, construction materials like carbon fiber and Trek’s Alpha Aluminum, and essential accessories, Trek Road Bikes are designed to unlock your full potential on the open road.

So, hop on a Trek and start your unforgettable cycling adventures today.

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Buying a road bike? Here's how to choose the right one for you

Buying a road bike can be riddled with jargon and confusion, so here we will unpick everything you need to know to choose a road bike perfectly suited to your riding requirements

• Our buying guides

When it comes to buying a road bike, the process can be daunting to even the most experienced cyclists. While a new road bike is undoubtedly an exciting purchase to make, the endless lists of jargon and technical terminology can quickly leave you tongue-tied, and the abundance of different bikes to choose from can leave you drowning in decisions to make. But don't worry, we've all been there. 

As tech editor here at Cyclingnews , I've overseen the creation of hundreds of bike-related buyer's guides over the past three years. Prior to this, I spent five years working in a local bike shop helping people from all walks of life choose the right bike for their needs. With that experience and some help from my colleagues and industry experts, I've put together this guide to buying a road bike, to help you choose the best road bike for you and guide you through the process from start to finish. 

Since the definition of a road bike can be so broad and varied, what constitutes the best for you will depend on many factors personal to each reader.

For example, take the Specialized Tarmac. It's a great example of a road bike, it's won countless bike races at every level, and it's lauded by many - myself included - but if you're looking to commute 10 miles each way during winter, it's not the right one for you as it can't take mudguards. Equally, the Trek Domane is incredibly capable over rough ground, it can accept mudguards for the commute, and has also won races at the top of our sport, but if your aim is racing hill climbs or criteriums, then others would perform better. 

I will therefore use this guide to explain what types of road bike exist, and explain what factors we look at when judging a bike's quality and suitability in the first place. When I'm done, you will know what your options are, and have the tools to compare the merits and pitfalls of each, so that you will be comfortably buying a road bike in no time.  

So without further ado, let's get you a new bike. 

Types of road bike

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

The first step to understanding which road bike you need, is to ascertain what types of road bike actually exist, and perhaps more importantly, what differentiates them from each other in their purpose. Bikes are predominantly unisex by design, but a few brands do make bikes specifically for women. The model hierarchy of these brands will usually mimic the unisex approach outlined below, but the best women's road bikes will include subtle differences tailoring the frame and its components to the requirements of female riders.

Broadly speaking, road bikes fall into two branches: race and endurance, both of which have subcategories which I'll dive into momentarily. 

Race bikes are usually more 'aggressive' in their geometry. This means that the frame is slightly longer and the handlebars are lower, putting your body in a more forward-leaning - and aerodynamic - position.

Endurance bikes, meanwhile, will be slightly taller at the front, usually with a shorter reach to promote a more upright position that is more comfortable to hold for longer durations, enabling you to ride longer distances before your back and neck start to ache. They also have a longer wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheel) with slacker steering angles (a Harley Davidson motorbike has a very slack steering angle), which helps to inspire stability and handling confidence.

From here, as your budget increases, so too does the specificity of the bike's design, and this is where race and endurance bikes diverge again into sub-niches. 

Race bikes can be split into two categories: lightweight and aero. The best lightweight bikes will focus on weight; they'll use shallow wheels, smaller frame tubes and minimal added features in a bid to keep the weight down. The best aero bikes will focus on cutting through the wind, usually with deeper wheels and deeper section frame tubes with aerodynamic profiles. Within this race category, some brands merge the two into single bikes designed to blend an optimum balance of both. 

The best endurance bikes category is slightly different in how it splits. Rather than diverging into sub-niches, endurance bikes remain in a category of their own - often described as sportive or fondo bikes - with concessions to extra comfort such as bigger tyres, compliance-boosting elastomers, leaf-spring frame designs or literal suspension systems built in. Meanwhile, additional derivatives of 'endurance' have cropped up to cater to people's differing riding preferences. I'm talking primarily about the recent upsurge of 'all-road' bikes, which include even bigger tyres and different gear ratios. All-road bikes bridge the gap between endurance road and gravel bikes , allowing riders to head off the tarmac onto gravel terrain. They are, however, best suited to 'light' gravel, rather than super bumpy singletrack. 

There's also the additional category of electric. The best electric road bikes primarily replicate the geometry of endurance bikes to aid comfort, but with an integrated battery and motor to assist with the pedalling requirement. 

In buying a road bike and choosing the right one for you, you'll need to consider the type of riding you're planning on doing. If you prioritise your racing performance above anything else, then a lightweight or aero race bike is likely going to be the right choice. However, if you're conscious of your on-bike comfort and plan to ride long distances, then endurance bikes will be your go-to. If you think you'd like to be able to continue when the pavement ends, then an all-road bike will be best.   

If you're brand new to this and you have no idea of what sort of riding you'll do - or what you're interested in trying - then try to focus on versatility. Rest assured, a race bike can still cover long distances and an endurance bike can still race, so don't feel overwhelmed that you'll make the wrong choice, because there really isn't such a thing. 

What size bike do I need? 

The next step of buying a road bike is making sure that whatever you buy, you get it in the correct size. This can be as simple or as in-depth as you choose to take it, but it is possible to make the wrong choice here, so be sure to follow our advice.

Simply, all bike brands will have a size chart for their bikes. This will be pretty basic, but perfectly functional for the majority of riders. It will break down the various sizes available into brackets based on your overall height (and sometimes leg length) so you can easily see which is most suitable for you. Put even more plainly, it will tell you that if you are X centimetres tall, then Y will be the correct size for you.

Taking it a little further, bike brands will in most cases also supply a geometry chart that outlines the lengths of the bike's tubes and key sizing metrics like the stack and reach of the bike. Read our detailed explainer for more information, handily titled " What size bike do I need? " as well as our separate explainer to bike fit , where you'll learn how you can adjust and tailor a bike's components to your specific fit requirements. 

There are also tools on the internet that allow you to compare the geometry of two separate bikes, my favourite of these is Geometry Geeks . 

What material bike is best?

At a glance, road bike frames are made from either steel, aluminium, carbon fibre, or titanium, while a very niche few are made from magnesium. 

Steel is the OG in bike frame manufacturing and was prevalent throughout most of the 1900s but, nowadays, the majority of bikes are made from either aluminium or carbon fibre. Aluminium tends to be the more budget option, while carbon fibre is almost ubiquitous where high performance is the goal, since it can be profiled into aerodynamic shapes whilst also being exceptionally lightweight. 

Both steel and titanium are preferred by independent frame builders and are revered for their vibration-absorption properties and the damped ride quality they can provide. Steel is often the heavier of the two, but the lighter-weight titanium is more expensive.

Relating this back to your current endeavour of buying a road bike suited to you, the material you choose will most likely be a factor of budget versus preference. If you're after something modern from a mainstream brand, then you're probably going to be deciding between alloy and carbon. 

Don't get sucked into buying cheap carbon fibre for the sake of having a carbon fibre bike though. A well-built alloy bike can still be better than a cheap carbon frame, especially if the carbon bike gets paired with lower quality components to remain within a budget constraint. 

If you're looking for a bike that can handle the rigours of long-distance touring or a lifetime of abuse, then steel and titanium are going to be of interest, but don't expect steel to be lightweight and don't expect titanium to come cheap. 

For some interesting background on each material and the environmental impact they incur, read our deep dive on how bicycles are made . 

Which material should my road bike wheels be?

Alloy or carbon fibre?

Unless you're consciously buying a frameset only, any road bike you buy will come with wheels fitted, so you won't necessarily have a free choice of which wheels to buy (unless you're custom building a bike, of course) but given the wheels will be an important part of the bike you buy, it's important to be aware of what is available.

Like frames, wheels come in a choice of either aluminium or carbon, and once again, the primary differentiator is cost. A pair of wheels starts at around £150/$200, and the prices rise well into four figures with the best road bike wheels fetching upwards of £3,000/$4,000. 

High-end wheels are always made from carbon fibre. They come in various depths, with deeper wheels tending to be faster (more aerodynamic) while the best lightweight wheels are shallow. 

Budget wheels are almost always made from aluminium, and given this material is heavier, they are most commonly shallow in a bid to keep the weight down. 

How wide should my tyres be?

Connected to wheels, quite literally, are the tyres. These are easily (and relatively cheaply) swapped but it's worth knowing what to look out for. This is especially true with regards to tyre size, since the maximum available tyre size will be dictated by the clearance of the frame. 

Put differently, it's good to know what tyres your bike will come with, but quoted tyre clearance will dictate the maximum tyre size you can fit to your wheels. 

On road bikes, the most commonly fitted tyre width is 25c, but if you're planning on riding longer distances, a 28c tyre would be considered a better option for a bit of increased comfort. If you're planning to ride on light gravel as an all-road bike is intended, 30c or even 32c would be advised. If the quoted tyre clearance is lower than the tyres you wish to use, you'll have trouble. 

Bikes with rim brakes are usually limited to around 28mm tyres since the brake caliper is so narrow. Meanwhile, bikes with disc brakes can be given much wider clearances. 

Rim brakes or disc brakes?

In a nutshell, a rim brake is a system in which the brake caliper surrounds the tyre and clamps onto a braking surface either side of the wheel's rim. A disc brake, meanwhile, uses a disc brake rotor attached to the hub of the wheel, and a caliper fixed to the fork leg or chainstay which clamps onto the rotor. 

Rim brakes are usually a little lighter than their disc-brake counterparts, but discs possess better performance, especially in the wet. Disc brakes also require less maintenance on account of their (usually) hydraulic actuation, rather than cables which can stretch and bung up with grime over time. However, when it does come time to service, rim brakes are usually the more straightforward of the two. 

Cable-actuated disc brakes are also available, and while these do boast better performance than rim brakes, they require more maintenance and upkeep, and they suffer from the same cable stretch. In our opinion, the small difference in price to upgrade to a hydraulic system is worth it. 

Disc brakes are only a recent addition to road bikes, but they are almost universally preferred for new bikes and the trend is very quickly heading towards disc brakes, meaning servicing and spares will be easier to find. 

Read our in-depth rim brakes vs disc brakes guide for a detailed comparison of the two.  

What is a groupset?

When choosing your brakes on a road bike, you're also indirectly making a decision about your gears, for it is the combination of those two sets of components that makes up your groupset. The reason the two are so intertwined is that the gear shifters and brake levers are built into one component, and it's not advised to pair shift/brake levers from one brand with derailleurs or brakes from another.

The three major road bike groupset manufacturers are Shimano , SRAM and Campagnolo , although FSA and Rotor have options, too. Our rundown of road bike groupsets explains all the different options for road cyclists, from the budget options right up to the top-of-the-pile wireless electronic systems. 

Electrical or mechanical gears? 

On the gears side of groupsets, the choice you'll be met with is mechanical or electrical. Electronic groupsets are almost certainly better but you do need to remember to charge them, and they cost more. The decision will primarily come down to budget but if you're planning on touring in the desert without a source of power, then mechanical will probably be better. 

What should you expect for your money?

As with anything, the more you spend, the better bike you're likely to get. Often this means lighter and more aerodynamic components, with better brakes and faster shifting, but it's worth stating that the different types of road bike are diverse enough that even if you spent all the money in the world, you still wouldn't be able to get one bike that does all things better than the rest. You'd still need to decide whether to chase aerodynamics, weight, compliance and more. 

It's also worth adding that the price will be lower for direct-to-consumer bike brands such as Ribble or Canyon, or in-house brands such as Vitus (Wiggle) , Boardman (Halfords) or Coop Cycles (REI) . 

However, if you're new to buying bikes, how do you avoid being taken for a ride? If you're spending £1,000, what can you expect to get for your money? Should you reasonably expect to get carbon fibre wheels with a bike that costs $2,000? Is that bike shop rightly charging €5,000 for a bike with Shimano Tiagra? 

Of course, the answers to all of those questions depend on other factors, but below we'll run through a rough guide on what you can expect to receive at the major price brackets. 

£750 - £1,000 / $1,000 - $1,500

At this point, you can reasonably expect an aluminium frame, perhaps paired with a carbon fibre fork. Expect a groupset at Shimano Tiagra level or below, aluminium wheels, and most likely rim brakes. At this level, our advice is to look for branded groupset components rather than cheaper non-brand parts that will be expensive or impossible to replace when they wear out. 

£1,000 - £1,500 / $1,500 - $2,250

Here you can still expect an aluminium frame with a carbon fibre fork, although there may be an odd carbon fibre option. However, while the fancy frame material might sound appealing, this is almost certainly going to be the lowest grade of carbon available, and will mean cheaper components elsewhere. As for groupsets, expect more Shimano Tiagra-level components, but note that Shimano 105 would be a good find. You'll still get aluminium wheels, and you might get budget disc brakes. At this level, we'd stick with rim brakes, unless you're in need of the extra tyre clearance. 

£1,500 - £2,500 / $2,250 - $3,,500

Here you're likely to find carbon fibre frames as well as a few higher-specced aluminium options. Shimano 105 should be easy to find, and again, aluminium wheels will probably remain, but expect a little bit of carbon fibre elsewhere such as the seatpost or the handlebars. Most bikes from this point onward will have hydraulic disc brakes. 

£2500 - £4,000 / $3,500 - $6,000

At this price, carbon fibre should be expected for your frame, but don't totally rule out aluminium with a good spec list. Meanwhile, Shimano's Ultegra mechanical or SRAM's Rival eTap AXS groupsets should be available. You might find some brands prioritise carbon fibre wheels in favour of a fancier groupset, but don't expect to find both. 

£4,000 - £6,000 / $6,000 - $8,500

Once again, a carbon fibre frame should be expected, and you'll probably start to get better carbon fibre that's lighter and stiffer. You can also hope to see an upgrade to electronic groupsets, either courtesy of Shimano's Ultegra Di2 or SRAM's second-tier Force eTap AXS. Once again, some bikes might prioritise carbon fibre wheels instead of the better groupset, and the finishing kit such as handlebar, stem and seatpost will depend on spec chosen elsewhere to help meet the pricepoint. 

£6,000 - £8,000 / $8,500 - $11,000

Here you are more likely to get a higher-modulus carbon fibre frame and fork, complete with carbon fibre wheels and electronic groupsets. However, expect a trade-off. You might only get the entry-level carbon fibre wheels, a lower-tier groupset, lower modulus carbon fibre, and perhaps aluminium finishing components. 

£8,000 - £10,000 / $11,000 - $14,000

Once again, you can start to expect higher modulus carbon fibre frames and forks, carbon fibre wheels and electronic groupsets. Depending on which end of this price bracket you're looking, and the brand from which you're buying, you might get a mixture of top-tier components such as Shimano Dura-Ace or SRAM Red eTap AXS, or you might get second-tier components such as Ultegra or Force. You can reasonably expect carbon fibre finishing kit (bars, stem, seatpost) too. 

£10,000+ / $14,000+

At this point,  you shouldn't expect any compromises. You can reasonably expect to receive the highest spec carbon fibre frame and fork, complete with top-level carbon-fibre wheels, Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 or SRAM Red eTap AXS groupsets, perhaps even Campagnolo groupsets (although they are less commonly specced on complete bikes). A power meter should also come fitted, and everything from your bars to your saddle rails should be made from carbon fibre. 

Our road bike buying guides

Here at Cyclingnews , we spend a lot of time riding road bikes. From repeated laps of our chosen test loops to all-day epics, from easy commutes into the office to road races and criteriums, we ride them like we would if we owned them because that's the best way to see how a bike would live up to everyday ownership. What's more, where applicable, we also put them through focused testing, such as weighing them, riding them back to back against competitors, taking them apart to see how easy they are to service, and more. 

With all the experience and data that comes out of these tests, we have a wealth of recommendations when it comes to buying a road bike, and that's where our buyer's guides come in. 

So far, this article has been about providing you with the tools and knowledge to make your own decisions on buying a road bike for you based on your own individual needs and preferences, but we've got a host of guides tailored to specific categories of road bikes which round up what we think are the best. 

Hopefully, by now you have a rough idea of what sort of bike you'd like, be that lightweight, aero, electric, etc, and the following list of guides is here to complement your newfound knowledge. Our suggestion is to use everything you've learned above and apply it to the recommendations in those guides. Ie, if you're planning on riding long rides with the potential for a bit of gravel, don't buy an aero road bike just because we gave it five stars.

Best lightweight bikes Plenty of carbon fibre, lightweight components, often with race-ready geometry, but don't take it off road. 

Best aero bikes Aerodynamically optimised frames with deep section wheels and aero handlebars. These bikes won't be the lightest, and they won't go off road, but they'll hold their speed well on the flatter terrain. 

Best electric road bikes With in-built batteries and motors, buy one of these if you want a helping hand keeping up with your riding pals, or want to travel farther, faster, or more easily. 

Best aluminium road bikes Cheaper than carbon, but with great qualities for bikes of all disciplines. 

Best steel road bikes Heavier, but durable with a rich ride quality. 

Best endurance road bikes Ride for long distances, or simply enjoy a more relaxed position with endurance bikes, often with a touch of off-road capability

Best women's road bikes We already confirmed that women can ride men's bikes, but that doesn't mean there isn't a benefit to choosing a bike designed specifically for the female audience. 

Best carbon road bikes Light in weight, aerodynamic in form, exceptional ride quality or capable off road. There's very little carbon fibre can't do when it comes to bike design. 

Best budget road bikes Ensure you get great value for money, no matter your pricepoint

Where can I buy a road bike?

One of the great things about our buyer's guides is the buying links that appear within. These are powered by software that compares every store selling that product online, checks availability and then orders the results by price. The result is that alongside providing you with the knowledge about buying a road bike for your needs, and then providing our recommended options as chosen by our testers, we're also providing you with the best places to buy each bike. 

However, if you want to go shopping on your own, then we've also got you covered with our separate article covering where to buy a bike .  

What's more, here at Cyclingnews, we also keep our eyes on the various online bike shops for any great deals that appear, and highlight them in our roundup of the best bike deals . It's a great place to start your hunt for a new road bike, especially if you can be flexible with what you buy. We also do the same for kit, helmets, accessories and more.

What accessories do I need for my road bike?

On the subject of accessories, there are a few extra things you might want to buy in order to improve your time with your new road bike. The first, and perhaps most important is to pair it with one of the best road bike helmets .

Once you've read our bike fit guide, you might choose to swap in a more comfortable saddle, narrower handlebars, or extra bar tape for comfort. 

There's also a whole new wardrobe you can choose from, including jerseys, jackets and sunglasses, but perhaps most important of the clothing section is to ensure you choose the best cycling shorts , as these can vastly improve your comfort - although not before a correctly fitting saddle. 

If you start to take things seriously, you might want to swap in some clipless pedals , which affix your feet to the pedals using cleats, which will fit to any of the best cycling shoes . 

You might also want to add a cycling computer to the mix, allowing you to record your ride data without burning through your phone's battery. 

Of course, you can go down a very deep and expensive rabbit hole with accessories, adding everything from new tyres to titanium bottle cage bolts. Our recommendation is to focus on safety and comfort, and only when you've got those dialled should you worry about trying to make things faster and lighter.

 How to make the most of your road bike 

When you've chosen your road bike and added your accessories, the next step is to actually use it all. That much is obvious, but what's not quite so clear is exactly how. 

Sure, kitting up and getting out for a ride is the easy bit, but where do you go? What if you want to ride with other people, and what if you get a competitive urge? This next section will help you transition through this early phase of confusion and take your cycling journey exactly where you want to. 

Join a club

One of the first things we recommend for new cyclists is to join a local cycling club. That's not to say you should join the first one you see, as in cities and towns especially there will likely be more than one nearby. Some will be more focused on long-distance riding and racing, others on developing youth involvement, while others exist to promote diversity and inclusivity. Use Google and social media to search out clubs in your area, find one that matches you as a person and reach out. One thing that's true of all cycling clubs is that they are happy to welcome new members. 

Conversations with clubmates are a great way to learn. They will often be home to experts on local routes, events to join, coffee shops in the area and any kit recommendations you might need. 

Make routes

For many, making the route is as much fun as riding it, and with the help of apps such as Strava, Komoot, OS Maps and a bit of Google Street View, you can piece together routes as near or far from home as you wish. 

Join an event

For many, there's no better motivator than an upcoming event to prepare for, and there are so many options in this regard. The best way to find and enter upcoming events depends on the type of event in question.

• Sportives/Fondos : If you want to challenge yourself over long distances, then a sportive (also known as a fondo) could be perfect for you. These usually come with a choice of routes of varying distance, and some are predominantly on road, while others are geared more towards gravel riding. They are usually promoted online via their own dedicated websites or via event-ticketing websites, and there are no barriers to entry besides the entry fee. However, they can be quick to sell out so if you've got your eye on one, act fast to get your entry in.
• Time trials : If you want to compare yourself to yourself as well as others, then time trials are a great option for frequent attempts at chasing personal bests. Time trials are usually run by local clubs, and details of which are often promoted on the club's own website and social media pages. Entry is usually cheap and paid on the start line, but they might be exclusive to members of the club in question, so it's worth asking in advance.
• Races : If you have a competitive streak, you might want to get stuck into criterium and road racing. In almost all countries, races of this sort will require the rider to have obtained a racing license from the sport's national governing body, such as British Cycling or USA Cycling. It is also via these governing bodies' websites that you'll find and enter the races.

Set yourself a goal

You don't need an event with a deadline though. Goal setting is another great way to motivate and enjoy the experience of cycling, especially in the winter months when the weather might not play nicely. One of my favourite motivational sayings is 'motivation rises and falls, but determination remains constant', and it's with a clear goal in mind that determination is allowed to thrive. 

No matter how big or small, or how it compares to the next person's, whether it's a goal to get to the top of your local hill without stopping, ride all the way to work, or breaking a world record. If it helps you ride more and enjoy it, then it's a good thing, so take a moment to think about what you'd like to achieve on your bike this year. 

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Josh is Associate Editor of Cyclingnews – leading our content on the best bikes, kit and the latest breaking tech stories from the pro peloton.

Josh has been with us since the summer of 2019 and throughout that time he's covered everything from buyer's guides and deals to the latest tech news and reviews. On the bike, Josh has been riding and racing for over 15 years.

He started out racing cross country in his teens back when 26-inch wheels and triple chainsets were still mainstream, but he found favour in road racing in his early 20s, racing at a local and national level for Somerset-based Team Tor 2000. 

These days he rides indoors for convenience and fitness, and outdoors for fun on road, gravel, 'cross and cross-country bikes, the latter usually with his two dogs in tow.

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Trek 1000: Unveiling The Ultimate Road Bike Experience

October 25, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• The Trek 1000 road bike harmoniously blends vintage aesthetics with modern-day functionality, perfect for nostalgic touring.
• Offering a lightweight aluminum frame and reliable components, it stands as a top pick among affordable yet high-performance bikes.
• As a testament to Trek's renowned quality, the Trek 1000 provides a seamless balance of durability, comfort, and efficient road cycling experience.

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

‍ Trek stands out as a top bike manufacturer because of the quality and comfort. And because of this, one of the top road bikes worth trying is the Trek 1000.

The Trek 1000 road bike combines vintage charm with contemporary functionality. Designed for touring, its lightweight aluminum frame ensures nimble handling, while reliable components promise durability. It’s also packed with modern features and a durable aluminum frame for longevity.

After rigorously testing the Trek 1000 road bike on various terrains and conditions, we've compiled an in-depth review based on our first-hand experience. Our team, with years of expertise in cycling and gear evaluation, offers an authoritative insight into this iconic bike's performance, aesthetics, and value.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ Trek 1000 Road Bike Overview

The Trek 1000 road bike, a classic in the world of vintage bikes, offers a delightful blend of past aesthetics with present-day functionality. For those passionate about taking a journey down memory lane or wanting to embark on a touring adventure, the Trek 1000 serves as a trusted companion.

Many bike enthusiasts looking for the ideal touring bike are immediately drawn to the Trek 1000. Its design considers the long-distance traveler, ensuring smooth, efficient, and reliable rides. Its frame geometry and components are conducive to both leisurely jaunts through the countryside and more rigorous multi-day journeys.

The Trek 1000 isn’t just any road bike; it truly captures the essence of what makes a vintage bike so special. Every curve, weld, and detail echoes an era where craftsmanship and bike design went hand in hand.

In today’s market flooded with high-end, costly models, the Trek 1000 stands out as one of the more affordable options, making it a top pick among low-cost bikes. However, don't let the price tag fool you. This bike’s affordability doesn’t compromise its quality. It's constructed with the care that one would expect from the Trek brand, ensuring durability and performance.

The Birth Of Trek 1000

The Trek 1000 was first introduced in the 1980s but gained popularity in the mid-1990s. This road bike's design has evolved over time with continual updates, making it a popular choice for riders seeking a reliable yet affordable option.

With its sleek design and efficient components, the Trek 1000 is a timeless classic in modern bikes.

Why You Should Consider The Trek 1000

There are numerous reasons why the Trek 1000 is a great bike for riders of all levels. One of the main contributing factors is its 7005 series aluminum frame, which keeps the weight low at just over 1.5kg for the frame only.

This lightweight aspect allows for both speedy rides and easier handling on the road. In addition, the Trek 1000 comes equipped with a responsive and efficient drivetrain, ensuring smooth shifting and consistent speed management.

Its lightweight and durable wheels offer stability while minimizing the bike's overall weight, making climbs and descents more enjoyable. Moreover, the Trek 1000's comfortable and adjustable geometry ensures a great fit for a variety of riders.

It also has Bontrager Ergo handlebars, which contribute to a comfy grip and riding position. This bike provides good components such as Shimano Sora Triple derailleurs, giving riders access to a mid-range configuration without the high price tag of high-end bikes like the Trek Domane.

Technical Specifications Of Trek 1000

Frame and construction.

The Trek 1000 road bike features an Alpha SL Aluminum frame that ensures a balance between lightweight and durability. The frame provides a responsive and efficient ride, which is essential for road bikes.

The bike also comes with a Bontrager-approved carbon fork to help absorb road vibrations, thus offering a more comfortable ride. The aluminum frame and carbon fork construction make it a great choice for various terrains and long rides.

Drivetrain And Gearing

The Trek 1000's drivetrain features Shimano Sora components, ensuring smooth shifting and a wide range of gears for tackling different riding conditions.

The bike's Shimano Sora Triple front derailleur and the Shimano Sora STI Dual Control Brake Levers provide a responsive and reliable gear shifting system. This combination ensures good bike performance and enjoyable rides on various terrains.

Brakes And Safety

Safety is critical when riding at fast speeds, and the Trek 1000 road bike's braking system doesn't disappoint. The bike comes with Shimano Sora STI Dual Control brake levers that provide precise braking control while ensuring smooth gear shifts.

This makes the bike suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike when riding or cycling in various conditions.

Tires And Wheels

The Trek 1000 road bike is equipped with durable tires and wheels designed for road cycling. The bike features Bontrager tires that offer excellent rolling resistance and grip for fast speeds and consistent performance.

On the other hand, the wheels ensure stability and comfort during long rides, as they're designed to handle the demands of road biking. These components make the Trek 1000 road bike a dependable option for riders seeking high-speed performance and reliable handling.

The Ultimate Road Bike Experience

Unmatched comfort.

The Trek 1000 road bike is designed to provide riders with maximum comfort. The lightweight aluminum frame ensures that it's easy to handle and maneuver, while the supportive saddle and well-designed handlebars enable a comfortable position for longer rides.

• Aluminum Frame: Lightweight and durable, perfect for efficient riding
• Handlebars: Drop handlebars that provide great grip and control
• Saddle: Supportive and designed for long rides

Cycling on the Trek 1000, you might find yourself momentarily transported to the Tour de France. Its design, reminiscent of an old bike, captures the essence of iconic races of yore.

Even if you're just cruising around your neighborhood, the bike exudes a competitive spirit that makes you feel as if you're on the grand stages of the world's most famous cycling race.

Delivering Speed

When it comes to speed, the Trek 1000 road bike does not disappoint. The skinny tires and 14-speed configuration make for a nimble and fast ride.

Furthermore, the carbon fiber components add to the bike's overall lightweight, allowing riders to pick up speed and easily tackle various terrains.

The Trek 1000's vacuum tires, paired with the ability to maintain higher tire pressure, set it apart from many bikes. This combination ensures smoother rides, even on challenging terrains, offering both comfort and speed.

The higher tire pressure increases efficiency and gives the rider a significant performance advantage, especially when aiming to win races or outpace fellow cyclists.

Enhancing Endurance

For riders looking to push their limits and improve endurance, the Trek 1000 road bike is a fantastic option. In addition to its lightweight, its responsive handling makes tackling long distances and challenging rides more enjoyable.

This provides a road bike experience allowing riders to push their boundaries confidently.

• Responsive Handling: Smooth and swift, making navigating different types of terrain easier
• Wide Gear Range: The 14-speed configuration gives riders more options when tackling hills and varying gradients
• Light Weight: The aluminum frame and carbon fiber components make the Trek 1000 easier for riders to maintain their pace and power over long distances

Riding the Trek 1000 requires and fosters consistent rational thinking. Its shifting style and the Bontrager sport components demand an engaged rider who is constantly attuned to the bike's responses and the road's demands.

Investing In Trek 1000

Price and value.

Investing in a Trek 1000 road bike is wise for those seeking a versatile and affordable option. This popular road bike offers great value for money, with many riders enjoying its performance and durability.

While the Trek 1000 used to sell for under $1000, new additions have slightly increased the price. However, the Trek 1000 remains affordable compared to many modern bikes.

When it comes to value, the Trek 1000 delivers. The aluminum frame ensures longevity, while the lightweight and quality components provide an enjoyable cycling experience. Cyclists seeking a good road bike without breaking the bank will find the Trek 1000 a great choice.

Maintenance And Durability

Many riders prefer road bikes that require minimal maintenance and can withstand the rigors of daily use. The Trek 1000 is one such bike known for its durability.

With its sturdy aluminum frame, resilient components, and quality construction, the Trek 1000 appeals to cyclists who demand a combination of longevity and performance.

Maintaining the Trek 1000 is relatively simple. We recommend regular upkeep on the bike, such as checking tire pressure, lubricating the chain, and making minor adjustments to the gears as needed.

By performing these routine maintenance tasks, cyclists can ensure the Trek 1000 remains in optimal condition for miles of riding enjoyment. In the long run, the Trek 1000 offers an excellent balance between low-cost investment and consistent performance.

Is The Trek 1000 Road Bike Worth Buying?

The Trek 1000 road bike is definitely worth considering for multiple reasons. First and foremost, Trek is a renowned brand with a reputation for producing high-quality, durable bicycles.

This entry-level road bike offers a great balance between price and performance. Its lightweight aluminum frame provides a smooth ride and is ideal for both beginners and more experienced riders looking for a reliable road bike.

The components, including the gear shifting mechanism and brakes, are consistent and dependable. Additionally, the ergonomic design ensures comfortable long rides. Finally, the value for money is impressive.

It offers features and performance often found in more expensive models. In conclusion, if you're seeking a dependable, well-designed, and cost-effective road bike, the Trek 1000 is a commendable choice.

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About THE AUTHOR

Danny Lawson

Mountain biking is more than just a hobby for me - it's a way of life. I love the challenge and excitement that comes with it, and I'm always pushing myself to go faster and ride harder. Some people might think that mountain biking is dangerous, but I see it as the only way to live.

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Best Trek Bikes You Can Get: Complete Lineup Overview for 2024

Trek is one of the first brands that comes to the mind of both beginners and experienced cycling enthusiasts. But what are the best Trek bikes on the market? Let’s see

They have a HUGE range of bikes , in all price categories, for different purposes, many of which are often seen at top-level competitions, such as the Grand Tours. This American bicycle and product manufacturer enjoys respect in all cycling categories, including road, mountain, gravel, cyclocross, touring, and commuting.

We’ll take a closer look at the lineup of best Trek bikes across different model series and tell you more about each!

Where It All Began…

Marlin series, domane series, supercaliber series, émonda series, speed concept, roscoe series, fuel series, 520 – 920 – 1120 adventure series, farley series, slash series, powerfly series, checkpoint series, ticket series.

Trek Bikes was established in 1976 , in a small shed in Waterloo, Wisconsin. It is the brainchild of Bevill Hogg and Dick Burke who started making their first steel bikes with just five employees.

Trek made their first mountain bike in 1983, which quickly became very popular across the USA. The first carbon frames came off the production line a few years later, and Trek was already a well-known name worldwide by 1990s.

Among other things, Trek is also a big advocate for women cycling , being one of the first companies to design women-specific frames in the early 2000s.

Also read:  Trek vs. Giant Bike Brands Comparison

Perfect Trail Glider

Marlin is one of Trek’s most popular trail lines . It’s intended for beginners with prices that stay around $1,000 and includes both models suitable for both men and women.

The number of models changes, but it usually stays at around 5 or 6 models that differ in terms of components and colors.

All Trek Marlin models are hardtail , with 100 mm of front travel, lots of gears, Shimano components, and disc brakes.

What’s interesting is that these models are available with either 27.5″ or 29″ wheels , depending on the size of the frame.

It’s an excellent choice for mountain biking beginners and casual riders who like hitting the trails from time to time.

Our Top Pick: Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2

Our favorite model and the true representative of this Trek’s versatile line is Trek Marlin 5. It is a reasonably priced hardtail bike that offers a lot for the money and will not disappoint any mountain biking newbie.

This bike comes equipped with SR Suntour’s 100 mm of travel and rolls on Bontrager tires that are 2.20″ wide . That makes it an excellent choice for XC riders, mild trails, and even daily commutes on less than ideally paved roads.

What sets Marlin 5 from other bikes that cost around $700 are hydraulic disc brakes . They’re a rare find in the entry-level trail world and they mean a lot to transform the on-trail experience.

Shimano Altus components and a 2×8 drivetrain are a good starting point and suit well with this model.

See the Model on Trek Bikes

Proper Road Warrior

Domane is one of Trek’s most popular lines of endurance road bikes . This line usually numbers between 20 and 30 models in different price categories. There are a few entry-level and mid-range bikes to choose from, but the majority are high-end road machines that cost thousands of dollars.

As expected, there are both men’s and women’s models to choose from, but the majority of them are unisex. Apart from these, the Trek Domane series also includes several e-bikes, such as the Domane+ LT.

As one can expect, Domane models come with nothing short but the best SRAM and Shimano component groups. Some of them sport V-brakes, whereas others brake with discs.

This line is also known for featuring Trek’s front and rear IsoSpeed decouplers that decrease vibrations in the headset and the seat tube.

Check out our reviews on Domane models:  2 –  3 – 4 .

Our Top Pick: Domane+ LT

Choosing one favorite Trek Domane model is not an easy job — most of them are jaw-droppingly good . However, when it comes to the electric models, Domane+ LT really stands out.

This high-end electric machine is built around a full carbon frame and fork with adjustable IsoSpeed decouplers both up-front and in the back.

Its e-parts are cleverly hidden in the oversized down tube, so this bike is pretty discrete. The motor and the battery will assist you up to 20 mph , and after that, you’re on your own.

Domane+ LT can also boast with a full Ultegra drivetrain and disc brakes, so it’s intended for serious roadies who will know how to use these components to their full potential.

This model sells for between $5,000 and $12,500 , but it’s well worth the money because it is one of the best Trek bikes you can get.

See the Models on Trek Bikes

True XC Machine

If you want the best of the best in the cross country world , then you should end your quest with Trek Supercaliber. This is a line of crème de la crème XC bikes with carbon frames, full suspension, and pretty steep price tags.

There are around 7 models you can choose from, but you’ll have to save between 5K and 12K  to own one. Ouch!

Trek Supercaliber models are light, fast, nimble, and swift. They feature strong and responsive carbon frames and short travel that makes these bikes precise in the corners.

Trek designed Supercaliber models with a rear shock IsoStrut design that puts the shock into the top tube. That gives Supercaliber models characteristics of both hardtail and full-suspension bikes.

Our Top Pick: Trek Supercaliber 9.9 AXS

Trek Supercaliber 9.9 AXS is simply the best you can get in the XC Mountain Biking world at the moment. This is a top-of-the-line XC racing monster that will instil fear in the opponents at the start line.

Like all other models in this line, Supercaliber 9.9 AXS comes with the IsoStrut integrated shock design that makes this bike fast and responsive. It’s extremely light as well, weighing under 21.83 lbs .

The drivetrain and the list of components are crowned with a fully wireless SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS groupset that shifts quickly, smoothly, and precisely.

Its 29″ wheels and 2.20″ Bontrager XR1 Team Issue tires will gobble obstacles like they don’t exist.

According to Trek, this is one of the lightest, fastest, and stiffest XC race bikes they have ever made. There’s nothing else we can do but agree.

Lightest Road Bikes

Trek created the Émonda series for roadies who are in the game because of speed, performance, and timed personal records.

These are high-end road bikes with racing geometry and some of the lightest carbon road frames Trek has ever made.

Trek Émonda consists of more than 10 models that cost between around $2,300 and $13,000 . This includes unisex models that can be ridden by all genders and no women-specific models.

The cheaper, ALR models, are made from aluminum, whereas the higher-specked SL models have stiff carbon.

Émonda was intended as a group of efficient climbing bikes , with up to 28 mm tires and disc brakes

Our Top Pick: Émonda SLR 9

If you’d fall asleep and dream about the world’s best and lightest performance carbon road bike in the world, you’d probably be dreaming about Trek Émonda SLR 9.

This bike exceeds expectations in all areas of road racing performance. It’s built around Trek’s lightest disc road frame that weighs just 665g, whereas the entire bike weighs less than 6.5kg (~14 lbs).

This mouth-watering package also includes Bontrager Aeolus carbon wheels, a carbon bar/stem combination, and a full 2×11 Shimano Dura-Ace drivetrain.

All Émonda models are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. In the case of SLR 9, they’re Shimano Dura-Ace.

This bike costs $12,500 but comes with components and technological solutions that will allow the right pair of legs to win podiums and competitions on a regular basis.

Beat The Wind

Trek Speed Concept is a super-fast and super-light aero bike, ideal for triathlons and TT races . If you believe that time is valuable and that every second counts, you’ll fall in love with its tech and aerodynamics.

Related: Best Triathlon Bikes

Trek Speed Concept sells for between $8,800 – $14,000 , which is why it is common to see it both with pro and with amateur races.

Its main selling points include an adjustable aero frame developed in a wind tunnel , a headset integrated into the frame, deep carbon aero wheels, Ultegra components, and more.

Through Trek’s Project One , Speed Concept can be adjusted to fit your body perfectly and become 100% percent unique and yours.

Speed Concept is also known for the Bontrager Integrated Speed Storage that blends with the frame and does not affect the aerodynamic properties.

True Trail Hardtail 

Roscoe is a line of reasonably-priced hardtail bikes intended for trail-loving mountain bikers. There aren’t too many models in the Roscoe line (around 5) and one of them can be yours for between $1,200 and $2,800.

Here you’ll find both men’s and women’s models, each one being unique and offering different specs and colors. What’s common for all of them are massive 27.5+ tires that make no compromises on the trails.

Trek Roscoe bikes can also boast with light and efficient 1x drivetrains , playful frame geometry, and hydraulic disc brakes.

All but the cheapest Roscoe 6 also have dropper posts which is always a big advantage and a pleasant surprise in this price range.

Trail enthusiasts and first-timers will love the Roscoe line!

Our top pick: Roscoe 8

Roscoe 8 is one of the highest-specked models from this line.

Those who choose to spend $2,400 on it will get a capable and fun two-wheel package that offers excellent value for money.

You’ll get a 1×11 SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain with a wide-range 11-50T cassette. The 27.5″ x 2.80″ tires are massive; they’ll give you enough confidence to always choose the more demanding line and go out and ride no matter the conditions.

The frame is made of aluminum , which makes the bike slightly heavy (14.32 kg / 31.57 lbs), but the frame performs well on the trails and offers good responsiveness and great power transfer.

Trek Fuel is a line of versatile all-mountain bikes ideal for aggressive singletracks and descents. This is a gang of around 15 high-end bikes with lightweight aluminum or carbon frames, slack geometries, and lots of travel.

If you want to own one, you’ll have to spend between $2,500 and $4,000 for an aluminum model and up to $11,000 for a carbon frame. That’s steep but well worth it.

These are 29ers , but XS and S frames come with 27.5 wheels. When it comes to components, the list differs greatly relative to the price point.

Travel is usually in the 130mm to 140mm range , which makes Trek Fuel bikes real all-mountain monsters and gives them the necessary capabilities to dominate trails.

Our top pick: Fuel EX 8

We chose Fuel EX 8 as our favorite model from this Trek’s lineup. At $4,000 it’s not a budget bike, but it’s pretty reasonably priced considering the components you get with it.

It’s ideal for all-mountain enthusiasts who simply love hitting all types of trails and terrains and spending time outside.

This model has a lightweight aluminum frame coupled with 140 mm Fox Rhythm 34 fork and a 130 mm Fox Performance Float EVOL rear shock.

Apart from that, it has a 1×12 SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain with a massive 10-50T gear range. Coupled with excellent Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes, you can climb and descend any hill that comes in your way.

Best for touring

Apart from excellent road and mountain bikes, Trek is also a commonly seen name in the bike touring and bikepacking categories.

Their offer for this type of adventuring includes three models called 520, 920, and 1120 . The first two are intended for bike touring expeditions, whereas 1120 is best for bikepacking. Their prices range between $1,500 and $3,000.

The 520 and 920 models feature touring frames with comfortable touring geometries. The frames are already equipped with lightweight aluminum front and rear racks, so you’re ready to rumble.

1120 is a bikepacker’s dream , ideal for off-road adventures thanks to the aluminum frame, carbon fork, wide wheels, and front and rear racks.

If your idea of cycling includes exploring the world , there are few better choices than Trek 520, 920, and 1120.

Our Top Pick:  520

Trek 520 is a bike touring beast, perfect for open roads and all-day explorations . This bike has a very long tradition, as the first model was built in the 1970s. It costs around $1,800, which makes it even more desirable in the bike touring world.

The 520 comes with a practical and durable steel frame and custom-made front and rear racks that can carry a lot of weight.

The drivetrain has 27 gears with Shimano Sora and Alivio components, ideal for long days when you need to pedal for 10 hours over a variety of terrains.

If you plan to spend months on the road and carry front and rear panniers loaded with food and gear, Trek 520 is a bike that can keep up.

Expand the borders

Farley is Trek’s collection of extremely capable fat bikes with massive tires and stocky frames. They’re ideal for men and women who find regular mountain bikes can’t keep up with their adventurous spirit.

If you want to ride on snow, sand, over sharp rocks, and through mud, then you need a Trek Farley. There are around 5 models you can choose from here, priced between $2,000 and $3,500 . But prices can vary.

Frame materials include both aluminum and carbon , depending on how much money you’re ready to spend. However, what’s common for all models are intimidating 27.5 x 4.5″ tires . They’re some of the widest you can find in the world of fat bikes.

What’s also commonly seen on all Farley models are 1x drivetrains with quality Shimano and SRAM components that can get you through any challenging terrain.

Our top pick: Trek Farley 5

Trek Farley 5 is by far our favorite model from this series. It’s the best value fat bike you can find around with a light and compliant aluminum frame and an even lighter carbon fork that’s stiff and responsive.

The first thing you’ll notice on it is its 4.5″ wide Bontrager tires that are unstoppable when you take them over rocks, tree stumps, and through snow and sand.

A 1×10 Shimano Deore drivetrain gives you plenty of gears and a pretty decent value for around $2,000.

The package also includes hydraulic disc brakes , an internal derailleur, and dropper post routing, as well as plenty of rack and water bottle mounts.

For Commuting

A hybrid bike is used for different things by different people. Some use hybrids to commute, others to exercise, and some just to be on the move. The Trek FX series has the perfect hybrid for all of these purposes.

It’s a collection of a large number of different hybrids with step-over and step-through frames , men and women-specific models, and different price points.

The majority of bikes in this range are entry-level models , costing between $600 and $1,000, but there are some more serious models as well that reach $2,000.

All come with 700c wheels, flat bars, slightly wider tires, and aluminum or carbon frames and forks.

If you need a bike to get from home to work, run errands around the city or lose some weight and get fit, you’ll find it in the Trek FX lineup.

Our Top Pick: FX 1

The one we recommend entry-level cyclists to go for is the Trek FX 1 — the cheapest and most versatile option. This bike costs just $700 and has components and characteristics that suit the entire family.

It sports a lightweight aluminum frame and a comfortable and strong steel fork that accommodates 700c wheels and 35mm wide tires.

This makes it possible for FX 1 to commute on paved and unpaved roads equally well.

Shimano Tourney and Altus derailleurs put 21 gears at your disposal, which is more than enough for casual city riding on bike paths and streets.

Bottom point is that this is a simple and comfortable bike ideal for casual riders who just need to get from point A to point B and not spend an awful lot of money.

Proper Enduro

Trek Slash are proper enduro bikes built to dominate sketchy descents and demanding singletracks. They’re equipped with massive 29″ wheels, carbon or aluminum frames, and excellent mid-range and high-end Shimano and SRAM components.

The Slash line numbers around 10 bikes that cost $4,500 to $12,500 , so they are definitely not cheap. However, keep in mind that these enduro machines are intended for professionals and those who feel that way.

These bikes are characterized by a long wheelbase, very slack geometry , and impressively long travel.

You’ll be working with Fox and RockShox suspension that gives you 150 to 160 mm of travel , which is ideal for challenging enduro rides and downhills.

All Slash models also come with dropper posts and high-end braking systems that ensure precision and confidence. 

If you like it when things get rough, then get a Trek Slash bike!

Our Top Pick: Trek Slash 8

We believe that the best representative of the Slash family is Trek Slash 8. At $4,200, it’s pretty reasonably priced, even though still intended for experienced riders who will know how to put it to good use.

It sports a lightweight yet burly Alpha Aluminum frame with a 65-degree head tube angle , internal routing, and downtube guard.

Slash 8 is bejewelled with RockShox suspension with 160 mm of travel on the fork and 150 mm of give on the shock.

Other highlights include the SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain, SRAM Guide R 4-piston brakes, and grippy 2.40″/2.60″ Bontrager XR5 tires.

The value for money Trek Slash 8 offers is excellent and its performance on the trails is even better.

Electric bikes have been a full-fledged member of the mountain biking family for a long time now. Trek is giving their contribution to e-MTBs with their Powerfly series.

This a selection of around five hardtail and full-suspension bikes with powerful electric motors and durable batteries. To own one, you’ll have to spend around $5,000 on average.

Trek Powerfly bikes are ideal for riders who struggle with some injuries or just can’t be bothered to tackle grueling climbs in order to enjoy some nice descents.

Powerfly models are available with both aluminum and carbon frames and with 27.5″ and 29″ wheels. They’re equipped with a wide range of high-end Shimano and SRAM components, all of which feature capable 1x drivetrains.

If you want to keep smashing challenging trails but you need some extra juice now and then, Trek Powerfly will meet your demands.

Our Top Pick: Powerfly 5

The versatility and capability of Trek’s e-bikes can best be seen on the example of Trek Powerfly 5. It’s a practical bike with an excellent value that will enable you to get back in the saddle and set new records.

This model is priced at $4,200 and is built around an Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame. The 500 Wh battery is fully encased in the downtube and the Bosch 250W motor is located in the bottom bracket.

Therefore, the bike looks sleek and all of the electric components are protected well. The motor will assist you up to 20 mph, and after that, you’re on your own with a 1×12 SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain.

All in all, if you want a high-performing trail e-bike with 120 mm of travel and durable Bosch electric parts, you’ll be quite happy with the Powerfly 5.

Versatile Gravel

Gravel riding is slowly but surely becoming one of the most popular cycling disciplines in the world. Gravel bikes are talked about everywhere and the number of gravel events is on the rise.

Trek’s response to the expanding gravel culture is the Checkpoint line . This is a range of around 10 excellent gravel-specific bikes, suitable for everyone’s pocket.

They are built with aluminum or carbon frames and forks, with plenty of eyelets to equip them with racks and water bottles and ride for days.

All Checkpoint models have 700c wheels with wide and knobby tires ideal for soft gravel and hardpacked dirt. They’re equipped with high-end and mid-range components, disc brakes, drop bars, and 1x or 2x drivetrains.

If you want to get on the Gravel bandwagon, Trek Checkpoint is your ticket.

Our Top Pick: Checkpoint AL 3

Trek Checkpoint AL 3 is the cheapest of all models in this range, which makes it affordable and accessible. It costs just $1,200, so it’s the perfect first gravel bike for those who want to explore the world.

Even though this is an introductory model in the lineup, it’s still packed with neat features that will allow you to use and abuse this bike.

It comes with a 200 Series Alpha Aluminum frame, a carbon fork , versatile 32c tires, and Shimano Sora components. You’ll have access to 18 speeds on your adventures with a 2×9 drivetrain, which is a pretty good range.

Checkpoint AL 3 also has mechanical disc brakes and weighs just 10.5 kg (23 lbs), which is excellent for a bike in this price range.

Even though most riders prefer buying complete bikes, there are those who want their bikes to be unique and just their own. If you’re one of those and you want to build your own trail bike , you can consider the Trek Ticket series frames.

These are lightweight framesets made from aluminum, perfect for building trick bikes, dirt bikes, and jump bikes. They’re available in both hardtail and full-suspension iterations, so you can make your pick depending on your preferences.

The hardtail Ticket frame is characterized by a compact rear end, long top tube, and horizontal sliding dropouts. Therefore, you can built it into a geared or a single-speed setup.

The FS frame is ideal for building a slopestyle MTB . It comes with a 100 mm Fox rear shock and is commonly used by Trek C3 Project riders.

If you wish to build your own bike from scratch , Trek Ticket frames are a good place to start.

See the Ticket Frames on Trek Bikes

Trek does not excel only when it comes to adult bikes. They make plenty of models for their youngest fans as well. Trek’s collection of bikes for kids is pretty impressive and includes lots of MTBs and cruiser bikes.

The wheel sizes range from 16″ to 24″, and there are models both for boys and for girls.

Trek’s lineup for kids also includes plenty of models with training wheels , ideal for the tiniest of riders who are still learning how to ride and balance a bike.

Our top pick: Trek Roscoe 24

Trek Roscoe 24 is a rigid mountain bike intended for kids. It is as capable as any adult trail bike. This is a mid-fat model with 2.8″ wide tires and costs just $570.

Roscoe 24 is the perfect first serious mountain bike for any child who loves riding on trails. It will help them develop control and the wide tires will give them more than enough confidence in all situations. 

Trek Roscoe also features a lightweight 1×8 Shimano drivetrain and powerful Tektro mechanical disc brakes. The entire bike weighs around 11 kg (25 lbs), so kids will be able to lift it.

The selection of colors includes silver, orange, and pink, so both boys and girls will easily fall in love with this bike.

See the Kids Bikes on Trek Bikes

Our Top Pick For Girls: Precaliber 24

For girls who want to practice their off-roading skills , Trek Precaliber 24 is a perfect choice.

This is a girls’ bike with 24″ wheels and wide and knobby tires. It’s ideal for daily rides to school and back home, as well as adventures away from paved roads.

Precaliber 24 sports a 1×8 drivetrain that offers more than enough gears for most situations. The lightweight and sturdy aluminum frame is coupled with a performance suspended fork that boosts capabilities and comfort.

This bike also has a kickstand, so it can be parked without chipping the paint. Talking about paint, Precaliber is available in white and magenta colors, both of which are really nice and girly. 

Final Verdict On Best Trek Bikes

Trek makes some of the best bikes in the world , without any doubt. This brand’s strongest points are tradition, reliability, durability, and incredible value.

The reason why they are so popular around the world is that they have a HUGE selection of bikes . No matter who you are, you will be able to find the perfect bike for your needs. And one that also fits your budget!

The 14 Trek lineups we covered above are a good place to start looking for your perfect Trek bike! So choose yours and enjoy the ride 🙂

See ALL Trek Bikes

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360+ Coolest Bike Names: Creative Ideas for All Bike Types

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4 thoughts on “ best trek bikes you can get: complete lineup overview for 2024 ”.

What about the x-caliber series

Hi Blueboy,

Thanks for that suggestion. We will keep that in mind for future articles.

I order an Electra Townie Cruiser 8g eq step thru creme color in May from my local trek shop. Laurel Ave ft collins CO 80524. They said sometime between July and September. That’s a long time to wait for my new bike. Only Calvin has been helpful the others not so much. Can you tell me when it will arrive?

Hi Mary, I suggest you give them a call during store hours at 970-482-6006.

Store hours are : Monday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Tuesday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Wednesday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Thursday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Friday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

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Road Bike Types Explained

/ Overview / Buying Guide / Sizing / Types / Reviews / Best Picks /

Lightweight, sporty and fast – an ideal  tool for competing and training purposes.

Whether you are a recreational cyclist or a competing triathlete, choosing the appropriate road bike type is a crucial step towards your outcome. Today, the road bike market is pretty saturated as there are several different types of road bikes on offer. In this article we’ll try to make the process of choosing a road bike clear and simple by introducing the main road bike types :

Not too long ago the selection of road bikes was quite basic – there was only a drop-bar aluminum road bike available, and that was about it.

1 . Endurance 2 . Race 3 . Aero 4 . Triathlon 5 . Fitness 6 . Flat bar 7 . Gravel 8 . Cyclocross

1 . Sportive / Endurance Road Bikes

A sporty yet comfortable version of a racing road bike

Frame Materials – Carbon, aluminum, and even steel frames are available. Wheels  – Lightweight, but they don’t have the advantage of being aerodynamic. Carbon & alloy are common. Brakes – Disc brakes are undeniably the best choice although V-brakes are still around.

Here is the most common road bike on offer – Endurance road bikes are just as lightweight as racing bikes, however, cutting corners is easier due to the lowered stance on the bike. The riding position or stance on a sportive/endurance road bike is more upright which makes them more comfortable to ride for training purposes.

These bikes are intended for situations where comfort in endurance riding is more important than speed.

There’s nothing to worry about when riding long distances (or even Gran Fondos ) on these bikes. Materials used on endurance road bikes are pretty much the same as those on racing bikes but they are designed to be more optimal towards comfort. It means that you don’t need marginal gains if your riding position is not focused on speed.

+ Ideal ‘one-for-all’ road bike + Long distance riding is the most comfortable + Great first road bike – Not as stable on high speeds and fast descents

Best Endurance Road Bikes

2 . Race Road Bikes

Race road bikes are made for riders who want to take part in races where every second counts

Racing road bikes are made to be as fast, light, and as durable as possible to fulfill the need for speed. The frame material used on road race bikes is usually carbon fiber to achieve as low weight as possible and provide the best vibration reduction.

Aerodynamic advantages are kept in mind so they can go fast without much resistance. This type of road bike is equipped with high-end components to provide accurate shifting and braking. The frame geometry of this road bike type is quite low to get the best possible aerodynamic properties. As a downside, those bikes are not as comfortable and it takes many miles before you start to feel.

+ Lightweight + Fast + Suitable for competing – Not as comfortable for recreational cyclists

3 . Aero Road Bikes

Ideal for long flat courses

Aero road bikes are essentially a mixture of time trial (TT) and race bikes. These types of bikes are designed to have better aerodynamic features compared to race bikes. Most frames are made of carbon, following the geometry of a race bike. Also, they can weigh a bit more but due to their geometry, the aero advantages help save time on courses that suit this bike. Aero road bikes have a low position and they sacrifice comfort to achieve it which means they are best for a high-ranking athlete.

+ Designed to be as aerodynamical as possible + Faster than regular road bikes + Looks great – Comfort is a word we can’t mention here – Heavier than regular race bikes

4 . Time-Trial (TT) / Triathlon Road Bikes

For competing cyclists who are looking for time trial competitions or triathlon where every second count

Designed for triathlon competitions, where cycling is 1/3 of the whole race, a time-trial, and triathlon bikes are built specially to fly over flat roads as fast as possible.

Several aerodynamical features are designed which help reduce the wind resistance and allow the cyclist to put out as much torque as possible. Viewed from the side, TT road bike frames are easily recognizable by their large flat frames and steep angles.

The position on TT road bikes is as low as possible for the best possible power output, keeping the body basically parallel to the ground.

Aero bars are also being used to achieve as aerodynamic position as possible. Since TT bikes are intended for flat and straight roads, lower gear ratios are often used to ride on higher speeds more consistently (Triathlon and time trial courses are generally quite flat).

Triathlon Bike vs Road Bike: Biggest Differences Explained

Deep section wheels and fork are also made of carbon fiber.

+ Power is converted to speed to achieve the best possible results on flat grounds + Aerodynamic properties + Hidden compartments – Unsuitable for training purposes – Heavier than regular road bikes

5 . Recreational or Fitness Road Bikes

Ideal for fast commutes

Recreational or fitness road/hybrid bikes are all about comfort and speed. These are often preferred by riders who use their bikes to get from A to B with comfort and a slight advantage of speed due to road bike wheels. Due to 700c wheels, fitness road bikes are often categorized as hybrid bikes .

+ A great concept of road bike advantages + Affordably priced + Comfortable geometry – Competing isn’t something you want to do on this bike

6 . Flat Bar Road Bikes

Suitable for riders who don’t take the fastest position on the drop bars.

Similar to fitness road bikes, flat bar road bikes are one of the fastest hybrid bikes with a rigid fork and 700c wheels. The flat bar handlebar is easy and comfortable to steer, unlike different types of road bike handlebars . 

+ Get advantages from road bikes with hybrid bike operating features. + Comfortable geometry + Great for commuting and fitness riding – Not as aerodynamic

7 . Gravel (Adventure, Touring) Bikes

Ideal do-it-all road type bikes

This type of bike typically has a higher bottom bracket for optimal performance on all roads – gravel, paved, and light trails. Gravel bikes have also wider knobby tires and multiple eyelets for racks and water bottle mounts which distinguishes them from their closely related participant – the Cyclocross bike.

+ Suitable for both urban and backcountry roads + Rigid and durable frame, comfortable all-terrain tires + Comfortable geometry – Heavier than road bikes – Not as fast as road bikes

Read more: Best Gravel Bikes and Best Touring Bikes

8 . Cyclocross (CX) Bikes

Performance gravel bikes – a mix of a road bike with mountain bike capabilities

CX bikes are basically performance gravel bikes without any eyelets for racks and water bottles. A cyclocross bike is built to participate in races which include road and trail riding, which also include carrying the bike up some steep hills. To get a better review check out this Youtube video of a CX race. Clip-on pedals are a must!

+ A performance gravel bike + Faster than a gravel bike + Multi-purpose design – Expensive – Not as comfortable for commuting

Related: Best Cyclocross Bikes

What’s the Right Type for Me?

If you plan to train, pick something with a more upright position. If you like to compete and get the best results when training, you definitely need a road bike type with a lower position.

A traveling bike is an easier choice because then you only have to choose an adventure bike with fender and rack mounts.

The Main Confusion Is Between Racing and Endurance Bikes

Think for a moment, where are you going to ride today and tomorrow?

Many people start by only training and they quickly find that they want to participate in races. In this case, sportive road bikes aren’t the best choice so you might want to choose a racing bike.

If you’re not sure, start with a sportive since, with it, you can also compete in races.

Aero and TT bikes are more specific and if you are already familiar with the road racing bike niche, you should pick these. They allow you to participate in competitions since they are meant for speed and have a totally different approach compared to road bikes.

Adventure or gravel bikes, on the other hand, are meant for those who want to go on longer trips. You can also use sportive bikes for this but keep in mind that you should carry all your stuff in a backpack .

Best Electric Road Bikes

Best Cheap Road Bikes (Under $500 / $1,000)

Best Road Bikes For Beginners

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Sam Millers

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Beginner's guide to bike types - compare the big categories of bikes

First Published Mar 20, 2021

If you’re just getting into cycling, one of the biggest sources of confusion is the jargon around bike types. We’re here to help you tell the difference between road racers, sportive bikes, cyclocrossers and more.

Along with the bike boom of the last decade there’s been a boom in the types of bike on offer as the bike industry tries to offer us bikes that are just right for the wide range of riding we do. You can ride and have a great time on just about anything, but if you’re shopping for a bike it’s handy to know what the different types are best at.

>>Bamboozled by bike jargon? See our A-Z of technical terminology

Road racing bikes.

Sleek, stripped-down and as light as possible, these are bikes intended for racing on the road (the clue’s in the name) in events where riders start together. They feature close-ratio gears ; skinny tyres, usually 25mm wide though you'll still see 23mm rubber occasionally; and drop handlebars.

Even if you don’t race, blasting down the road on one of these, sharp, purposeful bikes can be lots of fun. On a sunny July afternoon you can pretend you’re climbing the Tourmalet in the Tour de France even though you’re really on Box Hill

High-end road racing bikes, especially those used in professional racing, have frames made from carbon fibre composite to reduce weight. Frames may also be made from titanium, aluminium and steel, each of which has its own characteristics that give rise to a frame’s feel.

Road bike wheels are a size known as 700C, a name that comes from a French system that’s otherwise largely disused. What you need to know is that this is the almost-universal size for adult road bike wheels.

Road racing bikes have one of three tyre types. Clinchers are the most common. They have a wire bead that engages with a hook on the rim to hold them in place and have a separate inner tube. Tubeless tyres are similar but the air is held in place by a rubber coating on the inside of the tyre, a sealing strip in the rim and sometimes a liquid sealant. Tubular tyres have the tyre casing sewn around the inner tube and are held on a special rim with glue.

The brakes on road bikes either act on the rims or on disc rotors attached to the hub. Disc brakes have become almost universale on bikes from about £1,500. The rims will often have a deep-section shape for aerodynamics.

Cutting through the air is also the objective of the riding position on a road racing bike which usually features a substantial drop and reach from saddle to handlebar. However, you do need a bit of flexibility for this position to work for you.

There’s a widespread belief that road racing bikes are uncomfortable, but that’s not the case if they’re set up properly. After all, professional racers sit on these bikes for three weeks in the Tour de France, which wouldn’t be possible if the bikes were agonising. However, it’s unarguable that the skinny high-pressure tyres of a road racing bike can transmit plenty of road vibration to the rider. As a result, these bikes work best on smooth roads.

>>Read more: The Best Road Bikes Under £1,000 >>The best £500 to £750 road bikes​ >>Read more: Best Road Bike Bargains for under £500 >>Read more: The best road bikes under £300

Sportive bikes.

A sportive bike is a rather softer version of a road racing bike, intended to improve comfort for riders taking part in one-day challenge events. Sportive bikes therefore usually have a more upright riding position, achieved with a longer head tube and shorter top tube.

These are still road bikes, but since sportive road surfaces are often poor, they’ll accommodate wider tyres than a race bike for better grip and comfort, and some have mounts for mudguards so you don’t get soaked if the weather turns wet.

Sportive bikes often have disc brakes for all-weather control. Some also have features intended to absorb road vibration, such as Specialized’s Future Shock and Trek’s Isospeed decoupler.

Sportive bike gearing tends to be lower than on road racing bikes. Rather than a race bike’s 52/36 chainrings, you’ll usually find a 50/34 compact chainset, and bigger sprockets at the back too.

You’ll find the full gamut of frame materials in sportive bikes, from custom steel and titanium to lightweight carbon fibre and aluminium.

Aside from riding position and the details discussed above, sportive bikes have many features in common with road racing bikes, including 700C wheels, clincher tyres, narrow saddles and drop handlebars.

>>Read more: Buyer's guide to sportive and endurance road bikes

Packing your possessions into panniers and pedalling away is a great old cycling tradition; touring bikes have developed to make it easy to get away from the 9-5 on your bike.

The obvious defining features of a touring bike are pannier racks to carry your luggage, or at the very least a rear rack, and mudguards to keep you dry if it rains. Accommodating those, and fatter tyres (at least 32mm wide) to help carry the weight, means the frame will be longer and gappier.

That in turns means the caliper brakes on road racing and sportive bikes won’t reach the rims, so touring bikes have traditionally used cantilever brakes. Modern touring bikes often have disc brakes, which solve the same problems and improve braking.

With a shorter top tube and longer head tube, touring bikes have a more upright riding position.

Touring is one area of cycling where steel is still a common frame material. Tourists value its springy feel and durability. For those with dreams of long-distance expeditions, it has the advantage of being easily repaired; you can’t get a heat-treated aluminium frame welded by a garage mechanic in eastern Kyrgyzstan.

So that you can keep riding with a full load however steep the road gets, touring bikes have the lowest gears of any category of road bike. Ratios below 1:1 aren’t unusual, and tourists often modify their bikes to get even lower.

>>Read more: the best touring bikes

Cyclocross is the winter cycling discipline of off-racing on drop-bar bikes with fatter, knobby tyres on short courses, usually in locations such as municipal parks. It involves a mix of surfaces and obstacles such as low barriers, steep run-ups and sand pits. And mud. Lots of mud.

Cyclocross bikes intended for racing are therefore a bit higher off the ground than road bikes and have lots of clearance around the tyres for mud. They used to have cantilever brakes, but since disc brakes were allowed in cyclocross racing a few years ago, discs have taken over.

Gearing is usually close, with 46/36 chainrings for fast, hassle-free shifting. Some racers have always used single chainrings and that’s become a more common option as single-ring technology has crossed over from mountain biking.

The ability to run very low pressures with less chance of a pinch flat means tubular tyres are still popular for cyclocross , though off-the-peg bikes usually have clinchers. Racing equipment rules limit tyre width to 33mm, presumably to stop cyclocross bikes turning into drop-handlebar mountain bikes.

Steel and titanium are still used occasionally for cyclocross bikes, but the need to keep the bikes light so they can be carried in running sections means aluminium and carbon fibre dominate.

In the last few years many riders have realised that a cyclocross bike’s ability to accommodate wider tyres makes it a great round-town pothole-basher. That’s led to ‘soft’ cyclocross bikes with mounts for racks and mudguards and less racy gears. With a change of tyres these bikes can tackle anything from a sportive to dirt roads to your first cyclocross race.

>>Read more: Beginner's guide to cyclocross >>Read more: Buyer's Guide to cyclocross bikes

Gravel/adventure bikes.

Part cyclocross bike, part sportive bike and part touring bike, the category known as gravel bikes or adventure bikes might just be the most versatile drop-handlebar bikes around.

The distinguishing features of gravel bikes are room in the frame for very fat tyres, and a riding position and handling that’s not as racy as a cyclocross bike’s. That means they’re great for riding dirt roads and less technical trails, but they’ll also roll along happily on the road too, and they point and laugh at potholes and crummy road surfaces.

Versatility is a vital part of the concept, so gravel bikes will accommodate racks and mudguards. You can use them for commuting and even light touring, though few have the low gearing of a purpose-made touring bike.

That said, you do get wide range gearing on gravel bikes, just not quite as wide as a touring bike’s.

With no silly equipment rules or influence of tradition, gravel bikes universally have disc brakes.

They’re usually made from aluminium or carbon fibre for light weight, though there are steel variants and Litespeed and others offer titanium gravel bike frames.

Over the last couple of years gravel bikes have moved away from standard road bike handlebars and other components. Single-chainring "1X" gearing is common, handlebars are available in a huge range of shapes and flares and tyres have got fatter and fatter. To allow for that, many gravel bikes can accommodate 650B wheels, a smaller size that comes up about the same as a 700C when you fit two-inch tyres.

>>Read more: Buyer’s guide to gravel and adventure bikes

Mountain bikes.

Designed for riding on rocky, steep trails, mountain bikes have wide, flat handlebars; fat, knobby tyres; low gears for climbing; powerful disc brakes and usually suspension on the front or both wheels.

There are numerous types of mountain bike including long-travel dual suspension bikes for downhill racing; hardtails with suspension forks for general trail riding; fat bikes with low-pressure, super-wide tyres; go-anywhere dual suspension trail bikes and short-travel bikes for mass-start cross country races.

There are three wheel sizes: 26-inch, 650B (aka 27.5-inch) and 29-inch, in increasing order of size. If you want to see a heated argument about the merits of the different sizes, see every third thread in every mountain bike forum for the last 15 years. In summary: big wheels roll better, smaller ones are more manoeuvrable and beyond that it’s a religious issue. However, the 26-inch sect has definitely lost the argument: almost all enthusiast-level mountain bikes except fat bikes now have 650B/27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels.

During the mountain bike boom of the late 1980s and early ’90s mountain bikes were incredibly popular as urban transport. Riders liked their comparatively powerful brakes, robust fat tyres and upright riding position. Many are still out there.

>>Read more: Everything you need to know about mountain bikes

Hybrid bikes

They don’t get much attention from the cycling media, but as a result of their practicality hybrids are actually the UK’s best-selling bike style. As the name suggests these bikes have features taken from road bikes and from mountain bikes. From road bikes they have light frames and large, 700C wheels. From mountain bikes they get flat handlebars and cantilever or disc brakes. The larger wheels make them nippier round town than mountain bikes.

The tyres are usually in between road and mountain bike width, which helps make a hybrid more comfortable, better able to handle potholes and capable of tackling easier off-road tracks and trails.

Hybrids are almost always made from aluminium for its combination of strength and low weight. They sometimes have suspension forks, which are arguably a bit of a gimmick, adding weight and cost without adding much useful function.

They always have mounts for rack and mudguards, and some models come with them already fitted. Hybrids intended for the European market may also have lighting systems powered by a dynamo built into the front hub, so you never run out of batteries, and a frame-mounted lock on the rear wheel.

>>Read more: The best hybrid bikes

Want to store a bike in a tiny London flat, or take one on a peak-hour train as part of a bike-train-bike commute? You need a folder. As the name suggests, these are bikes that fold, but modern folders are a long way from the hinged Raleigh 20 of the ’70s.

A top quality folder, such as a Brompton or Birdie, folds in seconds into an easily-carried or stashed package. That means you can probably also store it under your desk at work, rather than leaving it out to risk getting stolen.

Folding bikes generally have steel or aluminium frames and small wheels. You sacrifice some ride comfort for the convenience of folding, but better folders deal with that by including suspension.

>>Read more: the best folding bikes — machines that shrink when you need to stow them away

Add a motor to any of the bike types above and you get an electric bike, aka an electric-assist pedal cycle, to use the full legalistic designation, or an e-bike to anyone not paid by the word.

To be street legal in the UK, an e-bike is limited to 250 watts of continuous power assistance, the assistance only happens when you're pedalling, and it stops when you reach 15.5mph — above that you're on your own. 

E-bikes are incredibly versatile; it's almost as though everyone who rides one has a different reason for going E. Road racing and sportive style e-bikes enable older and injured folks to carry on doing the riding they love; e-bike hybrids get you to work without needing to get sweaty; mountain e-bikes make long climbs easier so you can enjoy the descents; and so on.

One of the most compelling use cases is those situations where an e-bike enables carrying large amounts of luggage, or children or even dogs, in a way that's impossible — or at least really impractical — on an acoustic bike. Yes, cargo bikes have been around for years, but that 250 watts of assistance has made them vastly more popular.

For (lots) more about e-bikes take a look at our sister website ebiketips.

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The aim of road.cc buyer's guides is to give you the most, authoritative, objective and up-to-date buying advice. We continuously update and republish our guides, checking prices, availability and looking for the best deals.

Our guides include links to websites where you can buy the featured products. Like most sites we make a small amount of money if you buy something after clicking on one of those links. We want you to be happy with what you buy, so we only include a product if we think it's one of the best of its kind.

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John has been writing about bikes and cycling for over 30 years since discovering that people were mug enough to pay him for it rather than expecting him to do an honest day's work.

He was heavily involved in the mountain bike boom of the late 1980s as a racer, team manager and race promoter, and that led to writing for Mountain Biking UK magazine shortly after its inception. He got the gig by phoning up the editor and telling him the magazine was rubbish and he could do better. Rather than telling him to get lost, MBUK editor Tym Manley called John’s bluff and the rest is history.

Since then he has worked on MTB Pro magazine and was editor of Maximum Mountain Bike and Australian Mountain Bike magazines, before switching to the web in 2000 to work for CyclingNews.com. Along with road.cc founder Tony Farrelly, John was on the launch team for BikeRadar.com and subsequently became editor in chief of Future Publishing’s group of cycling magazines and websites, including Cycling Plus, MBUK, What Mountain Bike and Procycling.

John has also written for Cyclist magazine, edited the BikeMagic website and was founding editor of TotalWomensCycling.com before handing over to someone far more representative of the site's main audience.

He joined road.cc in 2013. He lives in Cambridge where the lack of hills is more than made up for by the headwinds.

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11 comments.

A shame that recumbent bikes and trikes aren't included here, nor upright trikes.  We're not all able-bodied after all

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You appear to have neglected: Upright trikes, road recumbent delta trikes, road recumbent tadpole trikes, road recumbent bikes,   touring recumbent delta trikes, touring recumbent tadpole trikes, touring recumbent bikes, Offroad recumbent delta trikes, Offroad road recumbent tadpole trikes, Offroad recumbent bikes,   Fat recumbent delta trikes, Fat road recumbent tadpole trikes, Fat recumbent bikes

Also folding recumbent bikes. Recumbent Brompton example: https://sevenleagueboots.wordpress.com/2011/08/28/lie-back-and-think-of/ (And then some recumbent touring trikes, for example, also fold.)

Hi...my girlfiend and i are looking to buy a hybrid bike which we can share. She will cycle to work and i will cycle back home as i drop our child to the nanny in the morning and she picks the baby up. She is 5,7 amd im 5,10. I am happy to change the seat before my use if needs be and adjust the height of it. Whats key is something lightweight and easy for both of us to ride on roads (no offroad terrain on out commute). Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

Td1 wrote: Hi...my girlfiend and i are looking to buy a hybrid bike which we can share. She will cycle to work and i will cycle back home as i drop our child to the nanny in the morning and she picks the baby up. She is 5,7 amd im 5,10. I am happy to change the seat before my use if needs be and adjust the height of it. Whats key is something lightweight and easy for both of us to ride on roads (no offroad terrain on out commute). Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

This puzzled me, but I guess the answer is you both work at the same place?

How about a Brompton? Certainly adjusts for all sizes, and if it's pissing with rain am or pm you can throw the bike in the car with the baby and all travel together for that leg. Depends on what you count as 'lightweight' of course!

Brompton, Dahon or Tern.  If you value comfort then go for something with 20" wheels (Brompton's out then) and put Big Apple tyres under it.  Mind, only if you don't need to ride far (I commuted 15 miles/day for a year on a 6-speed Brompton and am still here, but it got old fast).  Advantages are that you can very quickly adjust the saddle height and it folds so can be stored in an office, apartment or the -large) booth of a car or on a train.  Other than those things, nothing but disadvantages so pick your poison wisely.

Greetings from Norway!

Enjoy Road.cc immensely, but this guide is slightly outdated and does not quite serve its purpose.

"...skinny tyres, usually 23mm or 25mm wide..."

"...The brakes on road bikes act on the rims as discs are not yet allowed in racing ..."

".... Because they’re not intended for racing , sportive bikes can have disc brakes for all-weather control, and many do. "

Sepeda wrote: Greetings from Norway! Enjoy Road.cc immensely, but this guide is slightly outdated and does not quite serve its purpose. "...skinny tyres, usually 23mm or 25mm wide..."  

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I dont think any of the major manufacturers fit 23mm tyres any longer.

Is there a good reason why you should call cyclo-cross bike a "gravel/adventure bike" other than marketing?

I don't see any noticable difference... Call me old fashioned.

rix wrote: Is there a good reason why you should call cyclo-cross bike a "gravel/adventure bike" other than marketing?

It's like the difference between road racing bikes and the sportive bikes

True CX bike is a racing machine, it's not about a comfort. Gravel bike give you ability to use wide tyres. Also their geometry is more relaxed.

So you can call gravel bikes like "comfort CX bikes"

P.S. Some (lot?) of CX bikes a few years ago wasn't a true CX bike, they has mudguards holes, tyres clearance etc. So they actually were gravel bikes and those vendors just rename that models

Different geo - gravel is long and slack, CX short and pointy. Much more responsive steering on a pure CX bike, and stiffer than a gravel. And until recently CX bikes didn't fit really big rubber as they were built with UCI racing regulations in mind (maximum 33m tyre width). You'll certainly notice the handling and stiffness difference but agree, there's not much in it. I did RideLondon on a pure CX bike and didn't feel like it held me up versus a pure road bike on slicks. Can't overestimate the importance of comfort to performance on a long ride, we're not all pros who can tolerate 6 hours in a slammed position.

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Are Trek Bikes Good? An In-Depth Analysis On Trek Bikes

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You are asking if one of the premier bike brands in the world is good? Of course, it is good . Trek Bikes are good, for sure. But how good, that is the question. Let’s find out exactly how good Trek Bikes are, as we break down in detail one of the most well-known bicycle brands in the world today.

Table of Contents

Is Trek a Good Cycle Brand?

First of all, for those not in the know, Trek is an American bicycle brand that has expanded its horizons to become a global sensation. Although it is known for its high-end bikes that are even used in road racing, Trek also produces bikes for the average person. Indeed, from beginner’s bikes to kids’ bikes to women’s bikes to electric bikes, the price and quality range are wide as Trek caters to everyone.

Trek is also one of the most popular cycle brands in the world. On any website you go to, you’ll see Trek being listed as one of the tops. For a long time, such as this 2012 article shows, Trek has been a top 3 bike brand in America.

In short, yes, Trek is one of the best cycle brands. For the long answer, stick with us throughout the write-up. But first, a little bit of a history lesson for us to appreciate how Trek has worked its way to becoming a mammoth in the bike industry.

History of Trek Bikes

It was at the tail end of 1975 that Dick Burke and Bevil Hogg founded Trek Bicycle in Milwaukee. Within a few months, they began, from Waterloo, Wisconsin, manufacture of the first Trek Bikes: touring steel frames. A touring bicycle , as the name suggests, is a bicycle specifically designed for use in tours, and so it is rather long and sturdy in order to carry baggage. These were of mid-to-high-end quality, and in the span of three years, Trek sales almost touched $2,000,000.

However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that Trek truly broke ground. In 1980, Trek upscaled its business by purchasing a 26,000 square feet headquarters, also near Waterloo. With the overhaul, the business began producing road racing bikes. Trek ventured into the mountain bike market as well, and also launched a subsidiary company for bike parts and accessories: Trek Components Group (TCG).

Another milestone came with the transition to full-carbon bikes from all-aluminum. Before, Trek was experimenting with both, but the vision for a new technology coincided with the shift to all-carbon for top-tier bikes.

The first model was the Trek 5000, and though it particularly did not taste success, it paved the way for lightweight carbon bikes that would revolutionize the industry. To add to that, Trek’s hybrid bike — combining elements of a mountain bike and a road bike — made for a clever combo of speed and comfort.

Today, Trek isn’t only one of the leading bike brands in the world, it also indulges in humanitarian and eco-friendly acts. For example, in 2008 Trek launched its 1 World 2 Wheels Campaign which called for people to opt for bikes over cars for short-distance rides (of less than 3 km). The following year, Trek did its share for women empowerment by creating a Trek Women Triathlon Series.

The brands bought out by, or working with, Trek is as follows:

• Electra Bicycle Company
• Diamant Bikes (in Germany)
• Bontrager Parts (bike accessories)

Trek Bike Types

Let us now explore the different types of Trek Bikes. In particular, we will talk about Trek Mountain Bikes, Trek Road Bikes, Trek Hybrid and City Bikes, Trek Gravel and Cyclocross Bikes, Trek Adventure, and Touring Bikes, Trek TT or Trek Triathlon Bikes, and Trek Electric Bikes.

Trek Mountain Bikes

This entry-level mountain bike is the cheapest you can get from Trek. Priced at $470, the wheels are small as well, at 26″. The brakes are also rim brakes, and the components are Shimano Tourney. Indeed, this is a very affordable bike, suitable for a beginner.

This is a step above the 820. With wide 27.5″ to 29″ tires, and equipped with disc (not rim) brakes, front suspension, and 2x or 3x drivetrains, the price is higher. The Marlin may cost between $530 and $1,300.

Enter the top-tier mountain bikes Trek is famous for! In comparison, X-Caliber is quite affordable, with a price range of $1,100-1,900. With powerful hydraulic disc brakes , tires that are specific to the size chosen, efficiently lightweight 1x drivetrains, and 120 mm fork travel, the aluminum-based 29″ X-Caliber is an affordable yet quality Trek Bike for the beginner or the intermediate. 

Quite similar to X-Caliber, Roscoe is also an affordable Trek mountain bike made of aluminum. The wheels, however, are 27.5″. Still, its upscale quality makes the price fall in the range of $1,150-2,700.

Farley is a series of fat bikes which work wonders in rough terrain. Pitted against snow, mud, rocks, Trek Farley plows through — or rather, over — with its 27.5″ x 4.5″ tires. The frame can be either aluminum or carbon-based. Price ranges from $1,950-3,500.

Procaliber is a series of true racing bikes. The carbon and aluminum cross country hardtail bikes have 29″ wheels, 1x drivetrains, and strong hydraulic disc brakes. Trek’s patented technology also makes Procaliber a comfortable bike to ride. Although a racing bike, a Procaliber bike costs as low as $2,200 but can also go up to $4,300.

Here come the big guns! With efficient 1x drivetrains and a price that can go up to as much as $10,500, Fuel EX is truly a top-tier full suspension (140/130 mm) Trek mountain bike. Wheels are 29″, and the cheapest model costs $2,500.

Another upward step in Trek mountain bikes: from Fuel EX to Top Fuel. Like Fuel EX, Top Fuel Trek Bikes are for racing. The price is a little bit higher, with a range of $3,000-10,500.

Another line-up of top-tier mountain bikes, Slash Trek Bikes are made for pro racers and downhill endurance enthusiasts. Built from premium carbon frames and equipped with large 29″ tires and 160/150 full suspension, Slash bikes slash through the competition — unfortunately, also the price competition, with a price range of $3,700-11,500.

This line-up is quite the budget choice, being that price ranges from $4,100-6,000 and it still packs a heavy punch with its 160/150 full suspension and wide range 1×12 drivetrains and dropper posts. The aluminum frame Remedy bikes cost less than the carbon frame, and the wheels are smaller, at 27.5″.

This is a step above the Remedy line. Priced in the range of $5,000-7,000, Session Trek mountain bikes are equipped with a monstrous 190 mm RockShox travel, top-tier Shimano and SRAM components, and 29″ tires. A Session can win you the most brutal downhill world championships!

• Super caliber

We saved the best for the last. Super caliber is indeed super with its premium bike components: IsoStrut rear suspension, pivotless seat stays, 100 mm front travel, 1×12 drivetrains, 29″ wheels, and even a specifically designed geometry for progressive racing. The available premium product models cost from $4,200 to $11,000.

Trek Road Bikes

Beware! All the bikes in this category have a high upper limit when it comes to price! But also take solace in knowing that the lower limits are reasonable. $1,000-12,500.

The Domane line-up contains bikes with starting prices of $1,000. If you choose aluminum frame bikes, the price is low. The SRAM and Shimano components also vary in quality. Trek’s unique IsoSpeed frame suspension technology is there, so you are welcome to choose the lower-tier ones as well.

The Emonda line is known for its lightweight and efficient road bikes. There are three frame options to choose from: lightweight aluminum, 500 OCLV Carbon, and 700 OCLV Carbon. With a price range of $2,150-12,500, these road bikes are suitable for both beginner and elite level riders with the desire for a quality lightweight riding experience.

We do not recommend this for the beginner or even the intermediate, for Madone is designed to cater to the elite of the elite for whom marginal differences in speed and riding experience matter enough to dole out thousands of dollars extra. But indeed, if you decide to buy a Madone Trek road bike, you’ll get the lightest, fastest, and most efficient road bike that Trek has to offer. Price starts from $4,700 and can go up to $12,500.

Trek Hybrid and City Bikes

Finally, some good news for those on a budget. For these bikes, you don’t need to spend anywhere as much as the above bikes. But rest assured that they are quality bikes.

Though cheap at prices below a thousand dollars — $630-900 — Verve Trek bikes are quite comfortable and durable. The frames are made of aluminum and the brakes are disc brakes. Therefore, it’s quite the bargain, if you ask us!

These bikes also have disc brakes and are more durable than Verve, as they can be used off the road as well. There is a 63 mm front suspension as well. Due to the slight improvements, the price is also slightly more: $630-1,270.

An affordable mid-tier Trek bike under $2500? Yup, it exists, as FX provides you with multiple options to choose from, with prices ranging from $540 to $2,200. The wheels are skinny, though, but an FX bike will suit your every need (commuting, running errands) and also even serve as a fitness bike.

Trek Gravel & Cyclocross Bikes

These are also quite budget bikes, though some of them approach and exceed the $5,000 mark.

Starting at as little as $1,700, Checkpoint cyclocross bikes can get you through a rough jungle — the traveling part, only, not obviously the animal hazards! With 700cc tires and 1x or 2x drivetrains, these aluminum bikes are both durable and efficient. The price, however, can go up to $6,300.

Whether you just want a bike to commute to everyday needs, or if you feel daring enough to cross a jungle on vacation, Crockett bikes can offer you a versatile and dependable bike. The only available model costs just $2,400.

Enter the premium Trek cyclocross bike line. Boone Bikes are super light, super-fast, and are good-looking to boot. They are designed to race and so are equipped with premium technology. The only model available sells for $4,000.

Trek Adventure & Touring Bikes

More good news! As these aren’t racing bikes, these also come relatively cheap, all at below $3,000.

The 520 was one of the first Trek Bikes made, way back in the 1970s! The latest 520 is of course quite advanced after five decades of evolution. This budget deal costs $1800.

As the model number reveals, the 920 is an enhanced version of the 520. However, the price isn’t that high: $2000.

1120 is the ultimate Trek adventure bike. With its aluminum frame, carbon fork, wide 29″ tires, you can take this dream adventure bike to the harshest of tours with harsh abuse. The model costs $2,900.

Trek TT/Triathlon Bikes

• Speed Concept

Speed Concept is the only line of TT bikes Trek produces. And with total aerodynamic integration, a 2×11 Shimano Ultegra drivetrain, an extremely lightweight carbon frame — Trek doesn’t really need another. The price range is $4,200-4,700.

Trek Electric Bikes

Remember the regular Verve series? The + in Verve+ signifies an electrifying enhancement, as Verve+ is an electric hybrid line-up of Trek bikes that can go up to 20 mph thanks to Bosch electronics. The price of the only available model is $2,800.

Also topping at 20 mpg, Powerfly electric bikes are quite high-end bikes, living up to the name. Downhill enthusiasts will dig this line-up. The price range is $3,800-6,200.

These mid-to-high-tier electric bikes can go up to 28 mph. Equipped with aluminum and carbon frames, and made of premium Shimano components, prices go from $3,700 to $6,300.

With astounding 160 mm travel, 29″ wheels, and top-tier Shimano and SRAM components, Rail Electric bikes cost a fortune: $5,500-13,000.

• Domane+ HP / Domane+ LT

Built with the most lightweight and yet the most durable carbon, the HP series maxes out at 28 mph, whereas the LT series reaches up to 20 mph. Regardless of which one you pick, the cost is super high, and currently, low-price models aren’t available. You’ll have to dole out $12,500 if you want one of them!

Kids’ Trek Bikes

Yup, Trek has everyone covered, even kids. Some of the best Kids’ Trek Bikes are outlined below: 

• Electra Kids’ Bikes 16″, 20″, 24″

Now that Electra Bikes are part of Trek, these Kids’ Bikes are under Trek’s name. The wide range of sizes, from 16″ to 24″, means that both younger and older kids can ride them. The colors are also quite funky if we do say so ourselves, with orange, pink, and black color choices. What’s more, these models are available in both single-speed and multi-gear.

The Electra Kids’ Bikes do not offer balance bikes, which may be a problem for kids just learning to cycle. Kickster solves this problem as it is the only balance bike offered by Trek.

With 12″ wheels, Kickster is suitable for kids around 3 feet tall, give or take a few inches. Also, it costs really low: $160. Thus, we recommend it for kids who have not learned the game yet.

• Precaliber, Wahoo & Roscoe

Equipped with rim or disk brakes, rigid or suspended forks, and much wider tires, these are upper-tier in comparison to Kickster. Roscoe has 24″ wheels, double that of Kickster, and Wahoo and Precaliber offer a range of sizes: 16″, 20″, 24″, and 26″.

Considering all these factors, these bikes will appeal to both younger and older children as their sturdy build provides safety on both paved and unpaved roads.

• MT-201 Pedal Trailer

This is a tag-along bike that attaches to a parent’s or a guardian’s bike. This makes for a perfectly safe learning experience. Even larger children — around 4 feet tall — can ride it as it has 20″ wheels. But of course, preschoolers and even toddlers can ride it as it is a tag-along bike!

Electra Bikes

The Electra Bicycle company was a separate bike brand prior to 2014. After being acquired by Trek, Electra Bikes are now available under the Trek name as well.

Like Trek, Electra Bikes also boasts a wide spectrum of bikes — both traditional and electrical bikes with steel or aluminum frames — suitable for everyone. Indeed, now with the brand name and value of Trek, you can rest assured that Electra Bikes are also of high quality and affordable at the same time.

Electra Bikes are known for their patented Flat Foot Technology. This function allows the rider to plant their feet flat on the ground in such a convenient way that they still get full leg extension while doing so. This ingenious design is implemented by the automatic positioning of the pedals forward according to the position of the saddle.

Regarding price, the range is $300-4,500. Don’t fret; you can get e-bikes with a budget of $1,500. Therefore, we can conclude that Electra Bikes give you quite the bang for your buck when considering the comfort level and good brand name. In particular, we recommend you buy Electra Bikes for comfortable and casual riding, such as daily commuting.

Trek Women’s Bikes

First, are our women’s bikes different from men’s bikes? The answer is both yes and no. You see, women can comfortably ride any bike men can, and vice versa, if they are of roughly the same size. However, as women, in general, are shorter and have shorter torsos, some modern bikes are designed to differentiate between the genders, and so enter the women’s bike.

Trek, however, mostly produces unisex bikes. This means both men and women can ride almost any Trek Bike. However, there are some women-specific models. Typically, those bikes have a specially designed saddle, shorter stems, and are available in more “feminine” colors. Despite these small differences, Trek is of the opinion that any bike a woman rides is a women’s bike!

If you have not realized it by now, 27″ wheels are on the shorter end of the spectrum, and 29″ wheels, the longer. We’re speaking about adult bikes, of course. As for kids’ bikes, they can be as thin as 12″ but also up to 26″.

Going back to adult bikes, Trek offers 6-7 sizes (and 8 sizes for the Domane series) that are appropriate for people under 5 feet tall and also those over 6 foot 3″. To find out which size fits you, just take a look at the reference sizes that Trek provides — something, by the way, many other brands don’t.

Where are trek bikes made?

Trek Bikes, a major bicycle and cycling product manufacturer, designs its bikes in the United States, specifically in Waterloo, Wisconsin. However, the manufacturing and assembly of Trek bicycles occur in several locations worldwide. While some high-end models and custom orders might still be produced in the United States, the majority of Trek’s manufacturing happens overseas.

Trek has factories in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and particularly in Asia, including China and Taiwan. These regions are well-known for their expertise in bicycle manufacturing, offering a blend of advanced technology, skilled labor, and cost efficiency. Taiwan, for instance, is renowned for producing high-quality bicycle components and frames, making it a popular choice for many leading bike brands , including Trek.

The specific location where a Trek bike is made can depend on the model of the bike and the market for which it is intended. Trek continually adapts its manufacturing strategy to meet global demand, optimize efficiency, and incorporate the latest advancements in bicycle technology.

Are Trek Bikes Better than Specialized Ones?

Specialized Bicycle Components is another top bike company and is considered neck-and-neck with Trek Bikes. But which one is better? 

There is no definitive answer as there are nearly equal amounts of pros and cons to both. At the end of the day, it depends on what you need and which of the brands will be slightly better at filling that need than the other. But if you are worried about a bad choice, there is no bad choice between the two.

As you can see, all the categories have very close winners and losers. Therefore, the only thing that can be concluded definitively is that Trek Bikes are as good as Specialized, but maybe slightly better or worse depending on a specific category.

Another word about technology. Trek is more tech-savvy than Specialized, though the difference is not massive. Trek has its patented Active Braking Pivot and Full Floater. The former keeps the rear suspension moving even when brakes are applied. The latter manages shock from bumpy terrains, almost making it seem like you are floating!

On the other hand, Specialized has Future Shock Rear (FSR) technology which is even better at handling bumpy roads. Thus, Specialized mountain bikes are often touted to be the best. Indeed, the downhill world champion Loic Bruni is also sponsored by Specialized. Of course, Trek has the Lance Armstrong effect.

Why are Trek Bikes so Popular?

For a couple of reasons, actually. One is the range of products, as Trek Bikes are for people of all budgets, from general use to championship racing.

Secondly, the quality of the top-end Trek Bikes speaks for itself. World cup bike competitions have been won with Trek Bikes.

And this leads to the third reason: Lance Armstrong, the winner of seven consecutive (including the inaugural) Tour De France wins.

Next, Trek is the only top bike brand in America that still makes bikes in the country. When it comes to production and sales, America is not at the top. Rather, China and India are responsible for a big chunk of bike production.

Besides promising quality and a wide range, Trek also has goodwill for its social campaigns. The 1 World 2 Wheels campaign was an eco-friendly project to urge more Americans to ride their non-pollution-causing bikes rather than cars for short distances.

Also, the fact that Trek Bikes are so available helps popularity. Indeed, they can be bought both online and offline.

What all of this boils down to is that Trek Bikes are RELIABLE. Due to all these reasons and more, Trek has built up a reputation in the eyes of consumers: it caters to everyone and also adheres to positive values.

Is a Trek Bike Worth the Money?

If by this point you are still questioning whether Trek Bikes are worth the money, then there are two things we need to consider in order to answer this question. First, calling something expensive can be quite subjective at times. What matters is a reference point. Only when we compare a brand’s price with another can we then judge whether a brand is more expensive than its worth. So, what’s the reference point for Trek?

The top brands, of course. Giant. Specialized. Canyon. Those brands. And when looking at the price range of Trek in comparison to these brands and other top brands, we can conclude that Trek Bikes, while not the cheapest, are indeed reasonably priced.

The next point to keep in mind is to look at the prince range , not only one or two price tags, and conclude that Trek Bikes are too expensive. As established, Trek not only produces high-end bikes but also quite cheap ones. Indeed, the price range is significantly wide, with a cheap lower limit.

Considering both points, not to mention discussion till now, we can safely conclude that a Trek Bike is worth the money, but of course, not all of us have the budget to pay for the high-end Trek Bikes.

How Long Do Trek Bikes Last?

In the event of a crash? Not even a day if you’re that unlucky. But of course, you mean how long they last on average, with an expected amount of maintenance. Let us answer that question.

For life! Yes, no joke! At least, the warranty is for life, and Bontrager (Trek’s bike components brand) offers a warranty for individual parts. Typically, bikes should be replaced after five years of regular use. But Trek Care (their pun, not ours) takes care, in the event of damage, of your Trek Bike for life!

For the lifetime warranty, first, you need to register your bike. Upon purchasing your Trek Bike from a retailer, you should register immediately. Your registration will be of utmost importance in the unfortunate event of your bike being stolen or damaged. Moreover, Trek can easily contact a registered user for important information.

In the event of a crash, Trek will replace a registered user’s damaged parts for free, but there is a time limit for that facility. A damaged helmet, if bought from Bontrager, will be replaced if damaged within the first year of purchase. If the damage is to the wheels, then you will be able to get a free replacement within the first two years of ownership. As for damage to other carbon parts, Trek’s Carbon Care facility offers significant discounts for replacement parts.

What if you purchase a Trek Bike but then regret it days later? Can you return it? Yes! Trek provides a 30-day return policy with a full refund, which essentially means a 30-day test ride!

Interesting Facts You Would Love to Know about Trek Bikes:

• Lance Armstrong, the legendary cyclist, set the record of winning seven consecutive Tours de France, and he won them all riding Trek Bikes!
• In 2005, President George W. Bush and Lance Armstrong rode Trek mountain bikes together! This momentous occasion took place.
• Trek made history by paying both men and women the same amount of prize money at a World Cup bike racing event.
• Trek bike production was so high until 2014, it was responsible for making 25000 bikes in America on a yearly basis — this is about half the amount of yearly bike production in the country! Now, Trek still operates from its headquarters in Waterloo but also has global manufacturers.

Can I sell an old Trek Bike?

Glad you asked! Actually, Trek Bikes have excellent resale value. If it’s in working condition but just worn out, you can sell it for good money.

As for buying a used bike, you can do so if it’s in good condition. But we recommend buying a brand new bike if it’s within your budget. But although we don’t recommend you buy a used Trek Bike, we do welcome you to sell your old one if you don’t need it anymore, and if it’s in a good enough condition.

Are all Electra Bikes electric bikes?

While Electra Bikes are known for their electric bikes or e-bikes, they also make traditional bikes. From city bikes to cruisers to hybrids, Electra Bikes have something for everyone.

Are Electric Bikes motorcycles?

Yes and no. Motorcycles function like cars, allowing you to drive without physical exertion, apart from pressing on pedals. On the other hand, electric bikes or e-bikes allow you to both drive them like motorcycles, as well as to pedal them like other bikes, just with an added power behind your pedaling.

In other words, whereas no pedaling is needed in motorcycles, pedaling is needed in e-bikes, with the motor in an e-bike acting as a supplement (and also allowing you to solely depend on them on a high-end e-bike).

Does Trek sell other bike-related stuff besides bike parts? Such as bike merchandise?

Yup! You can find a wide assortment of merchandise on Trek’s official website, including t-shirts, jerseys, gloves, helmets, shoes, shoe covers. A lot, a lot more!

Are our carbon frames better than aluminum frames?

Yes. Carbon frames are lighter and more expensive than aluminum frames. They can also be replaced easily and at lower prices. Thus, top-tier Trek race bikes have carbon frames.

Though aluminum frames can be more durable, the latest carbon frames — due to Trek’s OCLV Carbon technology — makes sure your riding experience is very lightweight and still safe.

Steven is a professional cyclist and his passion is cycling. He has been cycling for the last 6 years and he loves using bikes while outing as well. Based on his experiences with the different types of bikes; he is sharing his opinions about various bikes so that a beginner can start right away. Find him on Twitter @thecyclistguy Happy Biking.

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Are you looking for a daily commuter or something to take with you on RV vacations a few times per year? Do you need to haul groceries each week, or are you just looking for a weekend workout? The bike you purchase should be one that best suits your lifestyle.

The right bike for you doesn’t always correlate directly with wheel size or tire tread—consider the foldable bike , for example, for those living in small spaces—but knowing your needs will help you find the bike best for you.

Take into account the type of trail (or lack of) you’d use your bike on, as well as how much or little you’ll haul, the maintenance you can handle, your fitness level, and if you’ll ever need to toss this thing in a bus, car, or train.

As a general rule of thumb: The fatter the tire, the better it is on rough terrain. City-dwellers may do best with a road bike with skinnier tires for speed on pavement and smooth surfaces, but if you plan on taking weekend trail trips, lean toward gravel and hybrid bikes. These can better rip through rocks and dirt roads.

As for frames, steel is the heaviest material you can buy, though it can take a harsher beating than lighter materials like aluminum and carbon. Opt for an aluminum or carbon bike if you need something that you can easily load into your car or the train. Lean toward steel if you plan on riding rugged terrain more often than paved roads.

There may be multiple answers to the best type of bike that suits your lifestyle (and we certainly don’t turn our noses up at bike collectors), so opt for a multifunctional hybrid if you have varying needs.

Electric or Manual

Consider electrifying your ride if you plan on using your bike for commuting , especially if you live in an area with lots of varied inclines. Electric bikes have motors that provide pedal assistance or throttles to make moving your bike easier, which counts for a lot—especially if you’re carrying a backpack or a load of groceries. You can get to your destination with less effort, as well as considerably faster, using an e-bike.

E-bikes are pricer than manual bikes, but you can still grab a reliable one for less than $2,000. They increase your carrying capacity, grant travel range that’ll rival your car (for most errands, at least), and make pedaling easier, thus helping conserve your energy. (This comes in clutch when you’re trying to get to the office without sweating through your shirt.) In addition to crossing flat paths with minimal effort, most e-bikes can handle the occasional trail on your weekend ride.

How We Evaluated

We found the best bicycles through research, familiarity, and hands-on riding experience. To find the best bikes in each respective category, we consulted our longtime expertise and tests, including our buying guides to the best e-bikes , cargo , commuters , and more. We also considered our 2023 Bike Award winners , as well as input from Bicycling test editor Tara Seplavy. These bikes are the best of the best.

Although it’s an entry-level bike , the Diverge E5 is one versatile gravel. Its frame can handle up to 700c x 47mm or 650b x 2.1-inch tires, which make it an off-roading beast, or you can swap to 30mm- or 32 mm-wide rubber tires for a faster, sportier ride.

According to Bicycling test editor Dan Chabanov, “the Diverge E5 can be a road bike, gravel bike, drop-bar mountain bike, touring bike , or adventure bike” with a few tweaks of its components. This ride will take you from the dirt to the pavement at a price that matches its comfort.

Since its debut late last year, we’ve championed Aventon’s updated Level.2 as the best e-bike you can buy. We still stand by that opinion today.

The Level.2 updates its predecessor with a new torque sensor, delivering power to the rear hub motor more evenly. It sports integrated lights to increase rider visibility, a small and easily legible display, fenders, a rear rack, throttle assist up to 20 miles per hour, an eight-speed Shimano Acera derailleur, and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.

Best of all, it’s a smooth, natural ride that makes commuting a pleasure.

If you can’t choose between a gravel or a road bike, why not both? State Bicycle, best known for making excellent sub-$500 fixies , designed an equally impressive all-road bike—the 4130.

It sports a State-branded 1x11 drivetrain for easy shifting, mechanical disc brakes, and sturdy thru-axel dropouts, plus several mounts that make it easy to strap on fenders and racks for commuting and touring. You can also grab it with tubeless-compatible 700c x 38 mm or 650b x 2.1 in. tires to swap as needed.

Its steel frame makes it fairly heavy, but with a few upgrades, the 4130 can be your do-anything, go-anywhere workhorse.

Update: As of March 13th, 2023, all available Co-op Generation e1.1 bicycles are equipped with new gearing (changed to an 11-34T freewheel and 48T chainring). Customers who previously purchased the Generation e1.1 with old gearing (a 14-34T freewheel and 42T chainring gearing) can bring their bike to an REI location after April 15th, 2023 for a free upgrade.

REI in-house label Co-op Cycles specializes in family and kids bikes, and its Generation e1.1 is a solid entry-level utility e-bike priced well enough for casual riders to comfortably splurge. It has a suspension fork from SR Suntour, a Shimano Altus drivetrain, and Tektro hydraulic brakes—everything else is brandless and made for REI, including its frame, wheels, saddle, and seat post.

Its components pair well together, and the included rear rack and sturdy aluminum frame make hauling smaller loads and short commutes easier. This isn’t as cargo-ready as the Globe Haul ST, but if you need a quick way to zip those groceries home, the Generation e1.1 will do just fine.

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The Domane+ SLR 9 AXS is a high-speed carbon e-road bike that feels more like riding a traditional road bike than e-bike. This surprisingly lightweight e-bike has a lower max torque than other e-bikes, along with a 300-watt motor, saving weight where it counts.

The low-torque motor helps give it a smooth, seamless start when the motor kicks in—you won’t even notice it working. The speed the Domane+ provides riders is incredible, and to ride one is simply a joy, even if you prefer a traditional non-motorized bike.

The SB120 is a well-balanced mountain ride that can handle most trail conditions, from flat trails to steep climbs and descents, as well as tight twists. Its seat angle comfortably positions riders to tackle intense pitches, while the suspension system eats bumps and floats at mid-to-high speeds. With 20 millimeters of travel, a 130-millimeter fork, four-piston brakes, strong wheels, and burly tires, the SB120 is a beast.

Test editor Matt Phillips says, “The SB120 not only rewards line choice and precision, it also allows you to pick the fastest line through most terrain. It has been quite a while since I rode a bike that feels this balanced and intuitive on the trail.”

After three months of testing , we found the Specialized Globe Haul ST to be a solid choice between entry-level cargo bikes and pricy e-bike haulers. Atypical for cargo bikes, the Globe Haul ST is actually a joy to ride, built to replace short vehicle trips and medium-distance bike rides.

It has a weight limit of 419 pounds (including the rider), and even when loaded up, it still feels like a lightweight, zippy commuter, capable of climbing up to 28 miles per hour.

Its 20-inch wheels are 3.5 inches wide, offering more stability while riding, even when loaded. It’s also a smaller e-cargo capable of tight turns, and its battery can handle 71 miles of range on the lowest setting and 27 miles on the highest.

Denago’s Commute Model 1 offers a smooth ride feel without the torquey power of most e-bikes, making it approachable, comfortable, and breezy. The Model 1 has a 652-watt battery hidden within its step-through frame and a 500-watt rear hub motor, capable of a pedal-assisted speed of 28 miles per hour or 20 miles per hour with the throttle.

It also has many starter components for a solid commute: hydraulic disc brakes, a suspension seat post and fork, integrated lights, a rear rack, a kickstand, and fenders.

While the Commute Model 1 isn’t as powerful as some of our other favorite e-bikes, it’s a steady, calm ride that makes it best for riders of any experience level .

The premium version of Brompton’s Electric C Line , the Electric P Line Urban is a lighter, speedier, and more user-friendly folding bike.

The Electric P Line shares the same 250-watt front hub motor and 300-watt-hour battery pack, but where the C Line relies on full steel, the P Line sheds its weight with a titanium rear triangle and fork. The P Line e-bike has four speeds, and the amount of acceleration it provides is extremely impressive—our tester was amazed by how quickly its 250-watt motor reached 15.5 miles per hour from a dead stop.

Available with a choice of mid- or high-rise cruiser bars, this stylish bike folds down to about a two feet long and tall, plus its battery detaches for easy travel. It’s also under 40 pounds, which, for an e-bike, is an amazing feat.

Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.

As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.  

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Pedals make up two of the five touch points that keep you connected to your bike. They give you a platform for putting down your power and getting moving, but not all bikes come with pedals — and there are all kinds of styles out there. Whether you’re grabbing a pair for a new bike or upgrading your well-loved pedals, this guide will help you put the pedal to the metal. 

Flat pedals

Flat, or platform pedals, are ultra-versatile, confidence-inspiring pedals that are simple to hop on and off.

Clipless MTB pedals

MTB clipless pedals secure to clipless-specific mountain bike shoes for efficient power and a walkable fit.

Clipless road bike pedals

Clipless road pedals get the most out of your power with a large platform that’s efficient and secure.

Whether shopping for clipless or going for flats, there are a variety of options and prices out there. What makes all of them different?  

Our most affordable pedal options are a great place to start. They’re an upgrade from the entry-level pedals that come on some bikes, giving better grip and control.

• Line Comp MTB Flat Pedals
• Line Comp MTB Clipless Pedals
• Kovee Comp MTB Clipless Pedal
• Comp Road Clipless Pedal

Mid-level pedals provide tons of durability and traction, and ring in with price tags that find the sweet spot in the middle.

• Line Elite Clipless Pedals
• Kovee Elite Clipless Pedals
• Elite Road Clipless Pedals
• Line Elite Flat Pedals

High-end pedals are made from the best, lightest materials and are great for riders who don’t mind spending more to elevate their ride.

• Kovee Pro Clipless Pedals
• Line Pro Flat Pedals

Flat pedals are simple, easy-to-use pedals that offer a grippy surface for your shoes, without straps or clipping mechanisms. They’re great with recreational footwear and even better with flat-soled bike shoes that add traction and efficiency. Flat pedals are the best choice for new riders, riders who want to be able to step off at any moment, and aggressive mountain bikers who may need to jump off the bike in sketchy situations.

• Shop flat pedals
• Shop flat pedal shoes

• No learning curve, just step on and ride • Easy to hop on & off, and set down a foot • Great for learning proper form and bike handling • Allows riders to shift weight, move their feet, and be more dynamic

• Feet can slip off on bumps, jumps, and rough rides • Less pedaling efficiency than clipless pedals • Foot placement requires more attention • Maintaining smooth cadence (pedaling rhythm) is more difficult

Clipless mountain bike pedals use a double-sided pedal that clips into a two-bolt cleat, which is mounted to the bottom of clipless-specific mountain bike shoes. They improve control and efficiency on trails, gravel, and even paved roads. Clipless MTB pedals provide great walkability and performance in the rough, muddy conditions you might encounter on trails. Clipless mountain bike pedals are the best choice for confident trail riders and gravel, and even road riders who want the walkability of a smaller cleat. Throwing logic to the wind, clipless pedals actually mean clipped in.

• Shop clipless MTB pedals
• Shop clipless MTB shoes

• Better control of the bike than flat pedals • Your feet remain in proper position once clipped in • More efficient – clipless pedals allow you to both pull up and push down, reducing fatigue, elevating power, and smoothing out your pedal stroke • Great walkability, mud-shedding, and versatility between bike disciplines

• It takes some practice to get used to clipping in and out • Putting a foot down to catch yourself is more difficult than with flat pedals • Clipping in can enable poor techniques when learning bike handling skills like jumping, wheelies, and bunny hopping. • Smaller cleat surface area is less efficient than larger-profile road clipless cleats

Clipless road bike pedals are single-sided pedals that connect to a three-bolt cleat that’s secured to the bottom of clipless-specific road cycling shoes. This wide cleat surface area and secure connection lets riders get the best power transfer for riding on paved roads, where stepping off in sketchy terrain isn’t a big concern. Plus, road shoes and pedals are lighter than clipless MTB options. Clipless road pedals are the best choice for confident road cyclists looking to get the most power from every pedal stroke. Like MTB clipless, road clipless pedals actually mean clipped in.

• Shop clipless road pedals
• Shop clipless road shoes

• Better control of the bike than flat pedals • Your feet remain in proper position once clipped in • More efficient – clipless pedals allow you to both pull up and push down, reducing fatigue, elevating power, and smoothing out your pedal stroke • Maximum speed – large cleat profile provides the best power transfer and lower stack heights boosts clearance for quick cornering • Lighter pedal and shoe options save precious energy 

• It takes some practice to get used to clipping in and out • Putting a foot down to catch yourself is more difficult than with flat pedals • Single-sided entry can be more difficult to clip into • Much more difficult to walk in when off the bike