Trek is one of the best-selling brands worldwide, with distribution in more than 90 countries and an extensive network of its own stores called Trek Bicycle Store. The American brand has an extensive 2021 bicycle catalog made up of more than 40 models, for all types of users and cycling disciplines: road, mountain, gravel, cyclocross, electric, and urban bikes. In addition, it is possible to customize both the frame color and the components of some of its most successful models through the Project One program. In this article, we will try to guide you in purchasing your next Trek bike for road and mountain bike, explaining how the entire range of the American brand is structured according to the discipline or type of cycling it is intended for. We will also teach you how to identify each model according to the quality level of its frame or assembly.
Trek bicycles according to frame and component quality
The American brand's catalog is divided by discipline and also by series. The latter group models according to the frame material and the quality of their components. In road and mountain, the disciplines on which we focus in this article, the series accompany the model name in question to identify each and every one of their versions. Trek has two types of series: letters to identify types of road frames (SLR, SL, etc.) and numbers (from 5 to 9) to identify mountain frames and assembly levels on road bikes.
· SLR: identifies the high-end road frames of Trek, made with the lightest possible OCLV carbon from Trek for the model in question, whether it is the Madone aero (Series 800), the Émonda climbing bike (Series 800), or the Domane endurance bike (Series 700).
· SL: these are high-performance road cycling frames, made of OCLV carbon, but somewhat heavier, which affects the final price of the bike, making it a bit more affordable than the SLR.
· ALR and AL: both series identify the two types of aluminum frames from Trek, the Alpha Platinum. The ALR uses Series 300 aluminum, with special hydroforming and virtually invisible welds that save weight. Meanwhile, the AL is from Series 100, somewhat heavier and with welds that are less hidden, mainly found in the mid-range.
· Series 4 to 9: the numbers that accompany the models of Trek identify the assembly level in road bikes and the frames and assemblies in mountain bikes. The 9 (with its respective subseries 9.9, 9.8, 9.7 or 9.6) includes models with high-end road assemblies, and high- and mid-range carbon frames and assemblies for mountain bikes. The 8 includes models with aluminum frames and mid- or high-range assemblies, the 7 with aluminum and good value-for-money components. The lower numbers 4, 5, and 6 identify entry-level assemblies and frames, both for road cycling and MTB.
Road bicycles
Once the meaning of the different Trek series for road and mountain cycling has been clarified, it's time to introduce the three models, named through a peculiar play on words, that encompass all categories and uses on the road: Madone, Émonda, and Domane.
Madone: the aero from Trek
The Trek Madone is the most aerodynamic and competition-focused bike from the American brand. Used in competition by the UCI World Tour team Trek-Segafredo, currently home to Vincenzo Nibali and 2019 world champion Mads Pedersen, it is currently only offered in carbon, in the SLR and SL series. It also stands out for the integration of the IsoSpeed pivot at the junction of the superior tube and the seat tube. This is a patented solution by Trek that allows the seat tube to flex slightly to mitigate frame vibrations when riding over rough asphalt or bumps.
Who the Trek Madone is for: for cyclists who want to compete or ride fast on flat terrain.
Émonda: the bike for climbing passes
The Émonda is the lightest carrera bike from Trek, used by the members of Trek-Segafredo in major races, especially in mountain stages. The high-end SLR version of the frame weighs less than 700 grams. And in total, with the most elite stock build, the 9 with SRAM Red eTAP AXS electronic shifting, the bike weighs 6.74 kg (size 56). That's almost 300 grams below the UCI competition limit (6.8 kg). The Émonda is available with a carbon frame (SLR and SL) and in ALR aluminum.
Who the Trek Émonda is for: cyclists who enjoy climbing passes, or want a lightweight bike for training.
Domane: endurance and versatility
The Domane is the least competition-oriented model of the three, but many professional cyclists have also raced with it in the big cobbled classics, such as Paris-Roubaix or the Tour of Flanders. Its geometry is more balanced and integrates solutions to filter out irregularities, such as the IsoSpeed pivot for both the rear and front axles. In the current generation, the fork and seatstay clearance is wider to fit larger tires. In addition, in the carbon versions, the down tube has an internal compartment to store tools or spares. The current Trek Domane range is available in the SLR and SL carbon series and AL aluminum. Also, the Domane+ electric version, with integrated motor and battery, was recently launched on the market. frame.
Who is the Trek Domane for: cyclists who love long road rides and are looking for a comfortable bike, rather than a lightweight or very stiff one.
MTB Bikes
Trek has a long history of commercial and competitive successes in mountain biking, which is reflected in its wide range of models. There are bikes for practically every use or discipline within MTB, from Cross Country to Downhill, including modern e-bikes.
Supercaliber: double XC with hardtail frame
We begin with the most exclusive and innovative Cross Country bike from Trek. A hardtail in its original conception, but to which a specific shock absorber, designed together with Fox, has been added and integrated into the superior tube. This mini rear suspension, with 60 mm of travel, has been called IsoStrut. With this solution, the geometry of a true XC hardtail is preserved while still accommodating a rear suspension system. In this way, the Supercaliber retains all the advantages of a hardtail—lightness, speed, quick acceleration—along with the benefits of rear suspension: control, obstacle absorption, and stability on descents. The Supercaliber range is available only with a carbon frame, although with 11 different builds.
Who is the Trek Supercaliber for: bikers who compete in Cross Country or want to have an advanced, high-performance bike for their rides.
Procaliber: hardtail with rear microsuspension
The Procaliber was one of the first Cross Country hardtail bikes to install a system that allowed the rider to absorb trail vibrations and ride more comfortably. It achieved this with the IsoSpeed pivot, also present in the Madone and Domane road models. It is currently offered in carbon and aluminum as a frame-only option.
Who is the Trek Procaliber for: for experienced bikers, whether they compete or simply want a versatile carbon hardtail.
Top Fuel: from double XC to Down Country
The Top Fuel has, in recent years, been the Cross Country double of Trek, responsible for the brand's bikers' successes in the XC World Cup and Marathon events. But the appearance of the Supercaliber as a new reference for competition led it to reinvent itself in 2020. Its geometry has evolved into a more trail bike and its suspension travel has increased, from 100 mm on both axles to 120 and 115 mm at the front and rear respectively.
Who is the Trek Top Fuel for: it is ideal for long-distance routes or races, with a strong technical component, or winding courses with obstacles and technical descents.
X-Caliber: mid-range XC
Inspired by the design of the Procaliber, it is a mid-range XC hardtail, with an aluminum frame and different build options, both single and double chainring, to fit any budget. In addition, it is possible to purchase just the frame and customize it with the components of your choice.
Who is the Trek X-Caliber for: beginner or experienced bikers who want a bike with a good quality/price ratio.
Marlin: hardtail for beginners
Finally, the Trek Marlin is a Cross Country bike with an aluminum frame, simple but effective, with different build options (27.5 or 29”, single or double chainring) and several specific versions for women, all of them at an affordable price.
Who is the Trek Marlin for: users who are starting out in the world of mountain biking and want a reliable, durable, and low-maintenance bike.
Fuel EX: double of trail
This is the purely trail bicycle from the brand, 29” or 27.5”, with 140 mm front suspension and 130 mm rear suspension. On this latter axle, the ABP suspension system from Trek (Active Braking Pivot) is adopted, based on a change in the location of the suspension pivot to allow the suspension and brakes to work together, preventing uncontrolled rear wheel hops and increasing traction. The Fuel EX is available in both carbon and aluminum versions.
Who the Trek Fuel EX is for: for bikers who want a versatile bike, both for comfortable pedaling on climbs and flats, as well as for descending technical downhills.
Remedy: the all-mountain from Trek
It is a long-travel alternative to the Fuel EX, without reaching the more radical concept of the Slash. The front suspension travel is 160 mm and the rear is 150 mm, and all versions come with 27.5” wheels to accentuate its versatile and manageable bike personality.
Who the Trek Remedy is for: riders who want a reliable full suspension for the most technical descents, but also for trails and more rolling, relaxed routes.
Slash: 29” enduro
The Slash has traditionally been the enduro bike from Trek, which in 2017 switched from 27.5” wheels to 29” and has maintained this standard to this day. It was revamped for the 2021 season, increasing its suspension travel up to 160 mm and changing its geometry to adapt to this greater travel. The head angle is more relaxed and the ground clearance is lower. It is available in both carbon and aluminum.
Who the Trek Slash is for: experienced enduro riders and bike park users.
Roscoe: trail with wide tires
The Roscoe is a trail hardtail bike that, however, thanks to its wide balloon tires, 27.5x2.80”, and the standard dropper post, is very versatile, both uphill and downhill and on rough terrain routes. Who the Trek Roscoe is for: users looking for fun on their mountain rides, with extra traction and grip from the tires in any situation.
Full Stache: wide tires with full suspension
The Roscoe, however, was inspired in its design by the Trek Stache, one of the first Plus or mid-fat bikes to be launched on the market. And it was also the first to bet on wide 29” tires instead of the 27.5 Plus tires used by other brands. It has now evolved into a powerful 29” aluminum full suspension bike that can handle any terrain, thanks to its 3” wide tires and 130 mm suspension on each axle.
Who the Trek Full Stache is for: riders who want a full suspension bike with great traction and power on the most technical trails.
Trek Farley: fatbike in carbon or aluminum
The fat tire segment of Trek is completed with the Farley fatbike, fully rigid and with 27.5x4.50” tires. In two of its three builds, it comes standard with a dropper post.
Who the Trek Farley is for: for adventurous bikers who want to ride on unstable terrain: mud, sand, or snow, mainly.
Trek Powerfly: e-bike for XC/trail
The most versatile e-bike from Trek, with three different versions: Hardtail, with 120 mm front suspension, FS, full suspension with 120/100 mm of travel, and LT, with Plus tires and 130/150 mm of travel. All of them have an aluminum frame and come with a Bosch Performance Line CX 250 W motor and an integrated battery in the frame.
Who the Trek Powerfly is for: users who need electric assistance to complete their rides more comfortably.
Trek Rail: long-travel e-bike
2021/01/Trek-Rail-6.jpg"> Finally, we highlight the Trek Rail, the latest e-bike to arrive in the Trek catalog, with greater integration of motor and battery and less weight, thanks to the OCLV Mountain carbon frame. Its suspension travel, 160 mm at the front and 150 mm at the rear, and 29x2.60” wheels, make this full suspension bike a perfect option for long high mountain routes with technical descents.
Who the Trek Rail is for: riders who want an electric bike for high-level technical routes or long journeys in the mountains.