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FEATURES: INSIDE TREK WORLD, PART TWO: TREK EXPANDS THE LINE
August 15, 2010


Our coverage from Trek World 2011 continues with some of Trek's most eye-catching and unique new models, as well as some interesting upgrades to current bikes in the Trek stable. Additional info can be found at Trek Bikes.com.

THE NEED FOR SPEED
The Speed Concept above is available through Trek's Project One program, which allows consumers to customize a Speed Concept or Madone with different drivetrains, components and paint schemes. The green flames design is a "signature" color scheme, meaning that it will cost a little extra, but it's one-of-a-kind as no two of this design will be exactly alike. That fine-looking specimen is equipped with a Shimano Di2 electronic drivetrain and Bontrager's carbon fiber Aeolus wheels.


The Speed Concept line expands in 2011 with a variety of new models. An entry-level 2-Series aluminum version will be available for around $1800, and features similar geometry to the top-end 9-Series. The 2-Series also includes SRAM's new Apex gruppo and internally-routed shifter cables.

THE MADONE - TREK'S FLAGSHIP

Trek's premier road bike, the Madone 6-Series, has been updated for 2011. Trek's "highest-performance" road bike is manufactured in their Waterloo, Wisconsin factory using their proprietary OCLV carbon fiber production process. The 2011 frame design features some new details and the above display model's stark white paint scheme showed off its curves and lines quite nicely. It was equipped with a Shimano Di2 drivetrain and a selection of Bontrager's Race XXX Lite components, including the stem, handlebar, and wheels.


Here's a shot of the Madone 6.9 SSL frameset, the "lightest Trek ever." Like all 6-Series Madones, the SSL will be built at the Trek factory (along with the OCLV Carbon Speed Concept TT bike) and features mounts for Di2 and Bontrager's DuoTrap computer, which is recessed into the left-side chainstay.


The Madone 3-Series is a brand-new model for 2011. It features the same geometry found on the 6-Series and has a full carbon fiber frame, which utilizes TCT (Trek Carbon Technology), a similar carbon production process to OCLV that yields a slightly heavier product and signifies Asian production. Display models were equipped with Shimano 105 and entry-level Bontrager components. The 3-Series garnered some of the most attention from Trek dealer representatives, who were buzzing with news that the bike will retail for under $2000.

THE WOMEN'S ROAD LINE

Like the standard Madone 6-Series, the Madone 6-Series WSD (Women's Specific Design) line was also updated for 2011. An all-new fit system will be in place that includes three varieties of component configurations: H1, H2, and H3, with H1 having the "most aggressive" and "race-inspired" positioning. This bike-fitting scale will carry over to the men's line of road bikes as well. The WSD Madone 6.9 SSL on display featured a subtle grey and turquoise paint scheme, Shimano Dura-Ace drivetrain, and Bontrager RXL components. Customers will have the option of upgrading to Race XXX Lite components.


Trek's line of Women's road bikes continues to grow with the Lexa. Four versions will be available, all featuring an aluminum frame, with the three highest-end versions equipped with a carbon fork. The entire Lexa line affords consumers a wide array of personalization options, including triple and compact cranksets, a variety of available components, and two color palettes. Leslie Prevish, Women's Brand Manager, called these available color palettes "Wild and Mild," with the "Wild" graphics including pastels and floral accents, while the "Mild" colorways feature more neutral colors and basic geometric patterns. Prices will range from about $690 to a little over $1300.

THE LIFESTYLE LINE

Trek's popular single-speed District receives updated colors and graphics for 2011. It still comes standard with a belt-drive system, which all cycling enthusiasts should be encouraged to try for the quiet, maintenance-free, and  truly unique ride if provides. The stealthy, all-black carbon fiber District is also still available in 2011. Standard Districts will be in the $1100 price range, while the carbon fiber version will retail for about $3400.


To get around Madison's capital square during all of the Trek World festivities, Trek provided us with the all-new, single-speed Earl. The chromoly steel bike is as basic as it gets, although with plenty of brackets and mounts for upgrades like racks and fenders. Available in black or light blue, the Earl features a split top tube design with a bottle opener directly in front of the seat post.


Trek's line of kid-friendly bicycles expands in 2011 with several models, including the Lara. Like most of the Trek children's lineup, the Lara features upgradeable component options, such as the cranks, which offer two positions for pedal placement. "This allows the bikes to grow with the child," according to Kid's Brand Manager Jon Minor.

SPEAKING OF GARY FISHER...
Trek has recently transformed (consumed would be another word) the Gary Fisher brand of bicycles into the Gary Fisher Collection - "Fisher Dreamed, Trek Unleashed," as the new tag line states. These Fisher-designed bikes feature Trek branding with subtle Gary Fisher graphic details including the Fish Man's signature at the base of the down tube.


Among the new Fisher designs on display was the Transport, a commuter bike that features a very large set of racks for carrying everything from groceries to the kitchen sink. The Transport also comes with two large saddlebags, as well as another rack over the front wheel. Eric Bjorling, Trek's Lifestyle Brand Manager, described the Transport as a "reliable car solution," meaning that the Transport could "alleviate many people's dependency on cars for daily activities."

The Transport is also part of Trek's RIDE+ line of bicycles, which feature electric-assist motors. You can see the motor in the picture above, attached to the rear hub. A 350-watt battery is mounted underneath the rear rack and the housing features a prominent tail light. The motor requires the rider to pedal and adds up to 200% of the rider's power output to the drivetrain. It's a very unique sensation from a very sophisticated design.

Practical applications of the six RIDE+ models include commuting over greater distances, assisting those recovering from injury, and allowing riders of various fitness levels to ride together, thus prompting more roadies to enjoy cycling with friends and family. A non RIDE+ version of the Transport will also be available, sans electric motor.


Attention all you cyclocross fanatics... in addition to Trek's own line of 'cross bikes, look for a Gary Fisher collection which includes the carbon Cronus CX, a 'cross specific version of the Cronus road bike. Featuring SRAM Force deraileurs, a BB90 bottom bracket, and Avid cantilever brakes, and Bontrager's Anatomic-C handlebar. The bike will sell in the $3500 range.


The Cronus CX 'cross bike - as well as its road-specific Cronus varieties - possess a unique feature: look closely and you'll see small mounting holes at the bottom of the seat stays, just above the quick release skewer. Those holes are intended for mounting an optional rack system, allowing 'cross riders and roadies the ability to carry gear, groceries, or a pile of Gary Fisher's pinstripe suits. It's a unique feature that could only come from the mind of the Fish man.

Check out more info on Trek's Gary Fisher collection.

COMING UP...


Is the Trek factory really located inside a barn? ...no. But it is surrounded by plenty of beautiful farmland. Our coverage of Trek World will conclude with a tour of the real factory in the city of Waterloo, just a short drive from Wisconsin's capital city of Madison.

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