A year later, Trek followed up the success of the 2000 with a 3-tube carbon composite model, the 2500.
Manufacturing ground to a halt as Trek worked to figure out how to build bonded frames in a production environment. The introduction of bonded aluminum to Trek's production line proved very problematic for a company that had built itself on hand-brazed steel frames. In 1985, borrowing technology from the aerospace industry, (and bike companies such as Alan and Vitus), Trek introduced its first bonded aluminum bike frame, the 2000. In 1984, Trek ventured into the aftermarket parts and accessories business, launching its Trek Components Group (TCG) department. In 1981, Trek entered the steel road racing bike market, introducing the "Pro" line, including the 750 and 950 models, and in 1983, Trek built its first mountain bike, the 850. Company co-founder Dick Burke would later recall that "it wasn’t until we built the new factory that we became a business." With more factory space available, Trek expanded its manufacturing to include complete bikes. Recognizing the need for expansion, in 1980 Trek broke ground on a new 26,000 sq ft (2,400 m 2) corporate headquarters on the outskirts of Waterloo. In just a few years Trek had outgrown its original "red barn" manufacturing facility-a former carpet warehouse. Hampered without additional manufacturing capacity, Trek sales plateaued in the late 1970s. Within three years, Trek sales approached $2,000,000.ġ980–1984 - Trek becomes a business In 1977, Penn Cycle in Richfield, Minnesota became the first Trek retailer in the world. Later that same year Trek Bicycle was incorporated. Trek built nearly 900 custom hand-brazed framesets that first year, each selling for just under $200. In early 1976, with a payroll of five, Trek started manufacturing steel touring frames in Waterloo, Wisconsin, taking aim at the mid to high-end market dominated by Japanese and Italian made models. In December, 1975, Dick Burke and Bevil Hogg established Trek Bicycle as a wholly owned subsidiary of Roth Corporation, a Milwaukee-based appliance distributor. 1.5 1997–2005 - The Armstrong years and further expansion.KidsĪvailable in a range of sizes from balance bikes and 12in through to 24in, the Trek range of kids bikes are durable, reliable and ready to take your child from training wheels through to their first adult ride. The range has both unisex and women's specific models and features versatile urban commuters, flat bar road, and hybrid bikes, all available in a range of specification options to suit all abilities and budgets.
The Trek range of fitness bikes has recreational riders in mind. So whether you’re after a race ready cross country rocket, a versatile trail bike, gravity defying downhill ride, all terrain fat bike, or a cutting edge electric bike to smooth out the trail, there’s sure to be an option in the stable to suit. The range of Trek mountain bikes is vast and features both unisex and women’s specific rides across a number of riding disciplines. If you’re wanting to crush the bike leg, or chase the clock, the meticulously engineered triathlon and timetrial range is sure to get you up to speed or for those with an any road, or light off road adventure in mind, check out the range of cyclocross and gravel bikes on offer.
The revered range features a number of models, covering the three road subcategories of aero, endurance, and climbing, and are all available in a range of specifications from entry level through to the Race Shop Limited series of professionally spec’d race-ready rides. Trek’s road bike range covers a number of riding categories with women's specific options also available throughout.
A top choice among recreational riders, mountain bikers and professional racers alike, Trek bikes cover nearly all facets of cycling, whether that’s competitive, fitness, utility or family categories. From its humble beginnings in Wisconsin, USA, over 40 years ago, the Trek Bicycle Corporation has grown to become one of the largest and most respected brands in the cycling industry.