When it comes to cycling, few brands have left as much of a mark on the industry as Trek Bicycle Corporation. With a rich history dating back to the 1970s, Trek has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation and quality, earning a reputation as one of the premier manufacturers of bikes worldwide.
A brief overview of Trek Bikes
Founded in 1976 by Richard Burke, Trek Bicycle Corporation initially operated from a barn in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Since then, the company has grown to be one of the biggest and best in the world, expanding its product line-up to include a wide range of bikes catering to everything from zooming down mountain trails to urban commuting to exploring on the roads.
Trek’s commitment to innovation has been a driving force behind its success. From pioneering the use of carbon fibre in bike frames to developing cutting-edge technologies like IsoSpeed damping, Trek has consistently set the benchmark for performance and design in the cycling industry.
As its Wisconsin heartland is a landscape of forest and lakes, the brand resonates with us here in the Lake District and its introduction at E-Venture Bikes feels like we’re really bringing Trek home.
Why choose a road bike?
Road bikes are for people who prize speed, efficiency and agility, and want to cover long distances on smooth roads. Whether you’re exploring villages on a network of country lanes or challenging yourself to cover big distances at higher speeds, there’s a Trek road bike for you.
Does Trek make good road bikes?
Without a doubt, Trek is synonymous with excellence when it comes to road bikes. Renowned for their precision engineering and attention to detail, Trek road bikes are trusted by cyclists of all skill levels worldwide.
If success in elite sport is your measure of success, Trek’s pro teams are up there with the big achievers. Lizzie Deignan (above) and Elisa Longo Borghini won the famous Paris-Roubaix in 2021 and 2022, respectively, on the Trek Domane while Trek’s elite road team has racked up many a stage win in the Tour de France on the Trek Madone and Trek Émonda.
Features of Trek road bikes
Trek road bikes boast a huge amount of features that set them apart from other manufacturers. Some of the standout features include:
Aero frame design: Trek’s commitment to aerodynamics is evident in its road bike line-up, with advanced frame designs engineered to minimise wind resistance and maximise speed. Check out the IsoFlow frame design on the Madone above – that’s the name Trek give to the drag-reducing and road-smoothing hole in the seat tube.
Lightweight frame material: Trek utilises state-of-the-art carbon fibre to construct lightweight yet durable frames that enhance performance and efficiency. Incredibly, the top-of-the-line 800 series OCLV frame on the Trek Émonda SLR range weighs less than 700g.
IsoSpeed damping: Trek’s proprietary IsoSpeed technology delivers a smooth and comfortable ride by decoupling the seat tube from the top tube, effectively isolating the rider from road vibrations. This tech can be found on the comfortable road tourer Trek Domane and the gravel explorer Trek Checkpoint.
Hidden cables: Many of Trek’s road bikes feature internally routed cables, which are great for enhancing aesthetics but also reducing drag and improving aerodynamic performance.
Lifetime guarantee: Not so much a technical feature but certainly a massive benefit, Trek offers a lifetime guarantee on its frames. We think this is the best guarantee on the market and a massive relief if you’ve somehow cracked that beautiful carbon frame!
Trek road bike models
Trek offers a diverse range of road bike models, each tailored to meet the unique needs of cyclists, whether you’re looking for a lightweight hill climber, a leisurely explorer or an all-out speed machine. The core range is as follows:
Trek Domane: Designed for endurance riding, the Domane series combines comfort and performance, making it ideal for long-distance adventures. There’s also an e-bike range called Trek Domane+.
Trek Émonda: Renowned for its lightweight design and responsive handling, the Emonda series excels in climbing and is well-suited for hilly terrain like the Lake District. It also features very responsive handling so is great on twisty sections.
Trek Madone: Engineered for speed and aerodynamics, the Madone series is favoured by competitive cyclists seeking uncompromising performance. Featuring only carbon-framed models, this is for you if you love racing or time trials.
In addition to these, there’s also the very popular and highly capable Trek Checkpoint, which is primarily a gravel bike but is very happy on the roads, and the Trek Speed Concept, an incredibly aerodynamic and specialised model which is built for triathlons and time trials.
Our pick of the Trek road bikes
Make no mistake; each of these bikes is absolutely awesome at what it does. However, for cyclists exploring the picturesque landscapes of the Lake District, the Émonda stands out as the perfect companion.
Its lightweight frame and responsive handling make it well-suited for climbing, and anyone who has taken a bike out on the roads around Keswick knows there are plenty of hills out there to conquer. The Emonda’s excellent handling also makes it ideal for those bendy routes where responsive turning is a high priority.
How much do Trek road bikes cost?
The price range for Trek road bikes varies depending on the model and specifications. At the time of writing, Trek’s official price ranges for each model are as follows:
- Trek Domane: £750 for the Domane AL 2 to £1,000 – £12,250 for the Domane SLR 9 Gen 4.
- Trek Domane+: £3,050 for the Domane+ AL 5 to £11,750 for the Trek Domane+ SLR 9.
- Trek Emonda: £1,850 for the Emonda ALR 5 to £11,250 for the Emonda SLR 9.
- Trek Madone: £3,360 for the Madone SL 6 Gen 6 to the Trek Madone SLR 9 Gen 7.
- Trek Speed Concept: £8,800 for the Speed Concept SLR 6 AXS to £13,425 for the Speed Concept SLR 9.
- Trek Checkpoint: £1,700 for the Checkpoint ALR 4 (below) to £9,800 for the Checkpoint SLR 9 AXS.
What size Trek road bike do I need?
The main consideration when thinking about this is the frame size. Trek typically offers a range of frame sizes measured in centimetres, which corresponds to the length of the seat tube. Common sizes range from 44cm to 62cm.
Our team will help you choose a size based on your height and inseam measurement, and adjust the seat and handlebar height to suit your reach and leg length. Comfort is paramount if you’re to enjoy long days in the saddle or stay in an aerodynamic position for a period of time, so it’s essential to get the size and fitting right.
Trek road bikes embody the pinnacle of performance, innovation and quality. Whether you’re seeking the ultimate speed machine or a versatile companion for exploring scenic routes, Trek offers a road bike to suit every rider’s needs. With their unwavering commitment to excellence, it’s no wonder Trek remains a top choice among cyclists worldwide.
Come and see us in store in Keswick if you’d like to experience the thrill of road cycling with Trek.