cannondale or trek mountain bike

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Cannondale Vs Trek Bike – Who has the better bikes?

If you’re looking to buy a bike, there are two strong contenders that we suggest - Cannondale bikes and Trek bikes. These two manufacturers have each made their mark in the cycling business as being high-quality brands. Both  Cannondale  and Trek bikes incorporate carefully selected components meant to elevate your riding experience.

As brands, Trek and Cannondale both have their unique way of doing things. However, the end goal of both manufacturers is to come up with top-notch bikes for riders of all levels.

People ride for many reasons, some ride as a way to commute easily in dense traffic. Some others ride as a means to get some form of physical exercise. Some people ride bikes to unwind, and then there are professionals who compete in races and take part in tours or triathlons. Whatever your reason for riding, we’re assuming that you want a bike that satisfies your purpose for riding? If so, then both Cannondale and Trek are brands to go for and are worth comparing.

Before we get down to the nitty-gritty of things, here’s a brief overview of the brands. 

Cannondale Brand Overview

In 1971, the world was reeling under all kinds of digital inventions. And yet, cycling seemed to remain the same. Cannondale, the brand, came into being to change that. This cycling brand is credited with heralding the use of carbon fiber frames in cycles. It also changed the frame with innovative designs that equipped cycles to be fast enough, even for racing.

Cannondale houses a wide range of road bikes, mountain bikes, active bikes, electric bikes, and even kids’ bikes. But the brand is most popularly known for its trekking bikes. These bikes deliver on all fronts, from their technical feedback to their durability.

Trek Brand Overview

Another major player in the cycle market is  Trek . Their brand made its entry into the market in early 1976 with its steel-frame bikes. By the end of the year, Trek had built dozens of custom frames and had become an independent company.

A couple of years later, in 1999, Lance Armstrong won his first Tour de France on his Trek bike. Today, Trek caters to people on the lookout for road bikes, mountain bikes, or hybrid bikes with excellent quality and performance.

You may also want to read:   American-Made Bikes: The Best Quality, Value, and Style

Cannondale Bikes Vs Trek Bikes Comparison

Want to know whether Cannondale bikes or Trek bikes are more suited for you? Let’s journey through the differences and similarities among bikes from these two brands to figure this out.

Feature Comparison

Cannondale bikes have a luxurious appeal about them. On the other hand, Trek bicycles are popularly associated with seeing Lance Armstrong through his Tour de France wins. Both manufacturing companies impress with their line-up of bikes. Moreover, they both go head to head on every level when it comes to quality and performance.

However, there are differences between bikes from Cannondale and Trek. Some of them are:

The Types of Bikes from Each Manufacturer

Both Cannondale and Trek feature bikes from the main  bike types  from road bikes to mountain bikes and commuter bikes. Both of these companies also have bicycles specially designed for women riders. However, in terms of variety, Trek takes the win by providing a wider variety in each cycling category.

Value for Money

If we’re talking money, Trek offers excellent performance at a lower value than Cannondale bikes. The price tag of a bike will vary from model to model. Therefore, the above statement takes into account the average cost of bikes from these two brands.

Friendliness for Different Types of Riders

The top tubes in Cannondale bikes run longer and fit better, making them friendlier for riders with a long torso. On the contrary, cyclists with a short torso may find Trek bikes more comfortable. The frame in the same type of bike also differs slightly between Cannondale and Trek bikes. As such, you should enquire about these specifics when buying a bike from either brand.

In terms of overall quality and finish, both brands are more or less on par with each other.

Trek and Cannondale utilize carbon and aluminum frames for their bikes. Moreover, each frame material has advantages that make it hard to compare. Riders are also likely to have their preference for either carbon or aluminum frames. With that in mind, it is not practical to say that one brand’s bikes are superior to the other.

Apart from the previously mentioned two materials, Trek also uses steel for some of their bike models (entry-level mountain bikes and kids’ bikes). So if you wanted to consider the fact that you can get a wider variety of frame types from Trek, then we could say they are better in this regard.

Cannondale bikes typically feature tires that fall between 30 inches to 35 inches. The width is generally anywhere from 26 mm to 28 mm. You can ride your Cannondale bike through urban streets because its tires boast enough tread.

To ensure you get your money’s worth, the tires on Cannondale bicycles have a special reflective coating. This detailing helps improve visibility when you ride during late evenings.

The tires on Trek bikes have more clearance than Cannondale bike tires so that they can fit wider tires. A vast majority of Trek bicycles can accommodate tires, which are 32 mm wide and 30 to 35 inches in diameter.

Range of Everyday Bikes

If you are looking for an efficient bike for your daily commute, Cannondale has active bikes and electric bikes. They offer riders an environmentally friendly way to traverse through urban streets. Plus, cycling gives you a chance to enjoy a nice physical workout.

Trek offers riders its version of reliable everyday rides with its hybrid bikes. They are easy to ride, lightweight, and comfortable. Trek hybrid bikes are ideal for commuting, for leisurely rides, or exercise. They can be ridden over different surfaces – some models are more suited for pavements, and others are great on dirt paths or trails.

Their Range of Environmentally Friendly Electric Bikes

Many of Trek’s hybrid bikes have their electric versions. They typically have a + symbol after their model name. The electric bikes offer the same level of performance and comfort as Trek hybrid bikes. A major advantage is that electric bikes from Trek boast extra power, thanks to their pedal-assist system from Bosch.

On the other hand, Cannondale’s range of electric bikes promises three things - speed, more distance coverage, and fun. The brand offers E-mountain bikes, E-fitness bikes, E-urban bikes, E-touring bikes, and E-road bikes. Cannondale’s newest electric MTBs are built for challenging uphill and downhill conquests.

The Manufacturers As Pioneers

Cannondale is known for its willingness to explore new techniques. This desire for innovation led it to explore the use of carbon and alloy frames in the 2000s. These materials are lighter than the then commonly used aluminum.

Cannondale also came up with the lefty fork, which helps reduce the weight of a bike. It is because of their passion for innovation that the brand today has such a loyal fanbase.

Trek, on the other hand, is committed to functionality and sustainability with their bikes. This manufacturer is no stranger to taking up initiatives that promote environmental friendliness.

Pros  Of Cannondale

• They are made of high-quality materials.
• Cannondale, as a brand, is lauded for its progressive designs.
• Cannondale bikes are a result of intricate research and development. Many people argue that they are more innovative than Trek.
• These bikes can shift quite seamlessly from low to high speeds (and vice versa).
• They consistently perform well even on wet or uneven surfaces.

Cons OF CANNONDALE

• They are on the pricey side, even more so than Trek in most cases.
• They may not have as many bike models as Trek.
• Most Cannondale bikes are suited for average-sized riders.

Pros  Of Trek

• The brand has a huge and loyal fan base.
• They have umpteen options of bike types for different types/levels of riders.
• Trek bike models are continually being revamped to improve their performance.
• Trek, as a brand, is focused on being environmentally friendly.

Cons OF Trek

• Trek bikes also come with a considerable price tag.
• Cannondale bicycles rank higher than Trek when it comes to being innovative or progressive.

What are the Main Differences Between Cannondale Bikes Vs Trek Bikes?

Trek’s popularity stems from the Tour de France wins that brought their road bikes to the forefront. Cannondale, on the other hand, is most associated with its range of trekking bikes.

When you compare both manufacturers overall, Cannondale is ahead of Trek in terms of research and innovation. On average, their bikes perform better across different terrains. However, Trek bikes promise just as good a performance as their counterpart, for a lesser price tag.

What sets Cannondale and Trek apart as mountain bike brands?

Cannondale is known for its use of innovative designs and carbon fiber frames, which make their bikes lightweight and fast. Trek is known for its wide variety of bike models and its association with professional cyclist Lance Armstrong.

How do the disc brakes on Cannondale vs Trek mountain bikes compare?

Both mountain bike from each brand are equipped with high-quality disc brakes that provide reliable stopping power in a variety of conditions. However, the specific models and types of disc brakes may vary between the two brands.

Do Cannondale and Trek mountain bikes have fender mounts?

Some models of Cannondale and Trek mountain bikes may have fender mounts, but it is not a standard feature on all of their models. It is best to check the specific model you are interested in to see if it has fender mounts.

How do the ride quality and handling of Cannondale vs Trek mountain bikes compare?

Both mountain bikes are known for their excellent ride quality and handling. The specific ride characteristics may vary between different models and types of bikes, so it is best to test ride or research the specific bike you are interested in.

What sets Cannondale and Trek apart from other mountain bike brands?

Cannondale and Trek are both well-known and respected brands in the bicycle industry. Both brands have a reputation for producing high-quality mountain bikes with innovative features, such as internal cable routing and advanced suspension systems. Cannondale is also known for its unique frame designs, which are often favored by riders who prefer a more aggressive riding style.

How do the different bikes offered by Cannondale and Trek compare in terms of ride quality?

Both Cannondale and Trek offer a wide range of bikes, including road bikes, MTBs, and hybrid bikes. The ride quality of a specific bike will depend on its design and components, so it is difficult to compare the brands as a whole. However, in general, both are known for producing high-quality bikes that offer a smooth and comfortable ride.

What are some key features to consider when comparing these bikes?

When comparing Cannondale and Trek bikes, some key features to consider include the type of bike (e.g. road bike, mountain bike, hybrid), the quality of the frame and components, the suspension system, and the internal cable routing. You should also consider your riding style and any specific needs or preferences you may have.

Can Cannondale and Trek bikes accommodate different riding styles and abilities?

Yes, both offer a wide range of bikes that are suitable for riders of different styles and abilities. For example, Cannondale offers mountain bikes with full suspension systems that are ideal for aggressive riders, as well as hardtail bikes that are better suited for less experienced riders. Trek also offers a range of bikes for different riding styles and abilities, so it is important to research and compare the options to find the best fit for you.

Are Cannondale and Trek considered to be good brands in the bicycle industry?

Cannondale and Trek are both well-respected and highly regarded brands in the bicycle industry. They are known for producing high-quality bikes that cater to a range of riders, from recreational to professional. While Cannondale bicycles may be considered more expensive than Trek on average, both brands offer great bikes and are worth considering when comparing options.

Is Trek a good brand to consider when looking to buy a new bike?

Yes, Trek is a good brand to consider when looking to buy a new bike. They offer a wide range of high-quality bikes at various price points, and their association with Lance Armstrong adds to their reputation as a top brand in the industry.

Are Cannondale bikes known to be more expensive than Trek bikes?

The cost of a bike from either brand can vary depending on the model and specific features. In general, Cannondale may be considered more expensive than Trek, but both brands offer a range of bikes at various price points.

The Final Verdict

Trek takes the cake when it comes to the variety of bikes. This manufacturer may be famous for its road bikes, but it extends its expertise to manufacturing triathlon, mountain, electric, and kids’ bikes . However, Cannondale goes neck to neck with Trek when it comes to the quality of their bikes’ components or their overall performance.

Price-wise, both Trek and Cannondale are on par with each other. But, Trek may be the more affordable option here (on an average). Cannondale comes with hefty price tags, but they are worth the money and hype.

Last Updated on October 14, 2023 by Daniel White

Cannondale vs. Trek Mountain Bikes: Which is the Better Choice?

When thinking about which bicycle manufacturer to buy from, narrowing your choices down to Cannondale vs. Trek mountain bike brands makes sense, considering both are at the top of the market. Yet, their similarities can make the decision process difficult, so it’s best to do your research before heading to your local shops. 

If you are a beginner to the biking world, then it is best to look at all your options before limiting yourself to two brands. Also, make sure you know the differences between mountain and road bikes before making a decision. 

Cannondale Overview

Cannondale mountain bikes are some of the greatest quality mountain bicycles on the global market. A Cannondale bike has been built with only the highest quality components, making the entire bike highly efficient, reliable, precise, and agile. 

Cannondale bicycles are often considered the luxury brand of the mountain bike market, and, as such, they are more expensive than their competitors. But, as a consumer you’re paying for top quality and engineering when purchasing a Cannondale mountain bike. 

Cannondale has made a big name for itself over the last several decades by sponsoring several high-profile riders and teams. They have also won many awards for their innovation and design standards. 

Luxatic, a site that ranks luxury items, placed Cannondale as seventh amongst the greatest bike brands in the world. Meanwhile, Bikes Reviewed put Cannondale in fourth place amongst the best brands. 

Trek Overview

Trek is also one of the top-quality bicycle brands in the world. The brand offers buyers a wide range of bikes so that it’s easy to find a model to fit your riding style, personal preference, and body type. 

They also allow customers to choose several aspects of their bikes to get the exact specs they want and need. 

Trek really broke into the mountain bike market in 1993 when they acquired Gary Fisher mountain bikes. 

Gary Fisher was one of the original inventors of mountain biking and one of the best known in the sport. So, the acquisition immediately made Trek more well known in the market. 

Although Trek bikes tend to lag slightly behind in quality when compared to Cannondale ones, they are still some of the best bikes on the market. Trek is also a more affordable option. 

The Trek brand has become prestigious since several award-winning riders have used their bicycles. Lance Armstrong used Trek bikes to win the Tour de France multiple times. 

Luxatic ranked this company as the ninth-best bike brand globally while Bikes Reviewed placed it at number two. 

Brand Comparison

When comparing Trek and Cannondale, there are multiple factors at play. Both brands offer high-end bikes, but finding the right one for you depends on your body type, where you’re going to be riding the bike, and your budget. 

Materials 

Both Cannondale and Trek make different bicycles from carbon and aluminum. Usually, the cheaper bicycles are created from aluminum, while expensive bikes use carbon. 

The main difference in materials is that Cannondale uses carbon for its frames while Trek utilizes carbon composite material, also called carbon fiber. 

Both options are high-quality carbon, but Cannondale uses a better machining process that takes about two pounds of weight from the bike. The weight of a bike is critical in racing and when maneuvering over certain terrains. 

For comparison, Cannondale bicycles usually weigh about 14 pounds, while Trek’s are often about 19 pounds. 

Brakes 

Cannondale and Trek both use disc brakes in their bicycles. Disc brakes apply force to a small rotor near the center of the wheel to stop the bike. 

These brakes have more stopping power, allow better control, and are reliable under all weather conditions. 

Cannondale bikes use hydraulic disc brakes, which gives the brakes more consistency because of a reduction in friction, and both brake pads can move in and out. The main issue with hydraulic brakes is that their fluid-filled system is challenging to repair. 

Trek, conversely, uses an improvised design enhancement to traditional disc brakes that allow the brakes to have an excellent performance. 

Overall, though, Cannondale bikes have the better braking system. 

Cannondale’s ultra-smooth gears allow seamless transition regardless of the roughness of the terrain. They also have bikes with simple gears so kids can learn to ride the trails. 

Trek uses Shimano gears which, overall, are better for road cycling than rugged terrain. They also carry single-gear and multi-gear options for kids and beginners so they can get used to mountain biking. 

Bikes for Different Body Types

Trek bikes tend to be a better buy for short people since they have a short top-seat tube design. Conversely, Cannondales are ideal for taller people because they have long tube tops. 

Both brands also have women’s options. Women’s bikes usually have lighter frames, a seat that women often consider more comfortable, and smaller handlebars. 

You’ll find that many people believe that the idea of different bikes for women is more of a marketing scheme created by the bike market since women’s bikes aren’t much different than men’s bikes. However, for many women, whether or not to buy a women’s bike often depends on personal preference. 

When comparing Cannondale and Trek, Trek gives you the better bang for your buck. The company allows customers to walk away with a great bike for a fraction of the price that you’ll pay for a Cannondale. 

Of course, you do have to remember that you are sacrificing some features when you go with Trek, but, for the most part, only experienced riders will be able to tell the difference. 

Yet, if the price is a big concern for you, Trek is definitely the better option when compared to other bikes. A Trek bike will give you superior quality for a low price. 

Their cheap bikes also tend to be of a higher standard than what you’ll find for other brands’ low-end bicycles. 

Also, aluminum bikes tend to cost less money, while carbon fiber frames are usually more expensive. An aluminum bike at Cannondale has an average price of $950, while at Trek, an aluminum bike costs about $920. 

A mid-grade carbon mountain bike is about $5,000–$6,000 for each brand. 

Options and Customizability 

If you are looking for a mountain bike brand that will give you many options, then Trek is the superior brand. The brand allows a lot of customization on their mountain bikes that other companies just can’t beat. 

Also, they offer a lot of options for beginner mountain bikers and kids. 

A favorite feature of Cannondale riders that allows some customizability is the rear axle boost, which is their trademark AI option that moves the rear triangle to the drive side. Axle rear boost allows more room for a water bottle near the rear triangle, minimizes rattling, and simplifies cable routing. 

Cannondale, although it has many exceptional bikes to choose from, just can’t compete with Trek’s options. Cannondale typically target their mountain bikes towards the serious and competitive cyclist, so they don’t have a lot of products for the lower experience levels. 

Full-Suspension

With 60 different models to choose from, Trek has a full-suspension bike to fit anyone. Also, Trek introduced the Supercaliber, a full-suspension bike with a hardtail look for those who prefer that style. 

A full-suspension mountain bike at this manufacturer costs between $2,400 and $13,000. 

The brands also have different rear-suspension designs, with Trek using a full floater and active braking pivot and Cannondale utilizing kingpin. 

When deciding between full-suspension bikes, Trek’s full floater is a versatile option. This rear-suspension design was created for a wide variety of trail riding and rough terrain by offering a more responsive rear shock. 

Full floater mountain bike models have two suspended contact points so that the shock can move through its whole range of movement without bottoming out. Thus, the suspension is not overly active, which gives the rider more efficiency when pedaling. 

Active braking is a feature that is unique to the Trek bike brand. This technology allows mountain bikers to enjoy the benefits of suspension while the rear brake is activated. 

Getting rid of the locking sensation when braking means that the bike has less skid, you have to hit the brakes less frequently, and the bike handles better. 

Cannondale, on the other hand, use the kingpin system for every new full-suspension bike they sell. Kingpin is the first full-frame leaf spring system that allows 30mm of travel when measured at the seat. 

A full-suspension bike at Cannondale is between $2,500 and $13,000. 

Suspension Forks

A suspension fork is a front fork on a bike that helps absorb the impact from trail riding. One of the main ways to compare Trek vs. Cannondale on their full-suspension bikes is through the type of rear-shox suspension components. 

Trek uses RockShox, while Cannondale has Fox. 

RockShox produced its first suspension fork in 1989, and RockShox dominates the World Cup XC. 

The Rox-Shox hierarchy from entry-level to professional is

• RC/RL/Select;
• RCT3/RLC/Select+; and

Fox is newer and only made its first suspension fork in 2001. Fox is the top suspension fork used in World Cup DH racing. 

The Fox hierarchy from entry-level to top of the line is

• Performance ;
• Performance Elite; and

Hardtails 

Hardtails only have one suspension in the front and are lighter and cheaper options for mountain biking fans. 

For the most part, the main difference between hardtails for these brands is the selection they offer. Most of Trek’s hardtails are entry-level, while Cannondale has a wider variety in the mid-level section. 

Popular hardtail Trek mountain bikes are the Marlin, Roscoe, Procaliber, Stache, and Powerfly. At Cannondale, they have the F-Si, Trail, Catalyst, Cujo, Fat CAAD. For women, Cannondale has Trail, Foray, Scarlet, and Tango. 

Electric Bikes

Electric mountain bikes have an integrated electric motor to assist with propulsion. Both brands make quality bikes for those who prefer mountain biking in comfort. 

Cannondale e-bikes sell in the $4,500 to $8,000 range, while Trek is in the $3,000 to $14,000 range. 

Which is the Better Choice?

Both Trek and Cannondale make high-end bikes, but the main difference comes down to each brand’s research, development, and conceptual design. Overall, Cannondale has better bikes, but Trek makes quality bikes for all ages at lower prices. 

Trek also has a broader range, but Cannondale bikes give their owners a certain prestige that Trek can’t offer. 

If you are buying your first mountain bike, then Trek has cheaper options that are still of good quality. They also have kids’ bikes for sale, which Cannondale fails to offer. 

If you are looking for high-end mountain bikes, then both make high-quality bikes. Yet, most people see a new bike from Cannondale as a classier option compared to other manufacturers. 

The bragging rights do come with a price tag, however. 

On the other hand, Trek is a great bicycle manufacturer and has bikes for everyone from the beginner to the professional. 

Choosing the Right Bike for You

When deciding on the right quality bike for you, you should consider multiple factors, such as your body type, where you ride, and your price range. 

For instance, if you want to ride mainly on the road, it may be better to invest in a road bike. Or, if you are interested in racing, then you want to think about a race bike. 

It would be best to consider other brands beyond Cannondale and Trek, such as a Giant or Specialized bike. All of these brands offer mountain bike and road bike models. 

If you have narrowed down your choices and you definitely want to compare Cannondale vs. Trek, then the decision primarily comes down to budget. 

Cannondale, overall, tends to offer better-performing bikes with superior disc brakes and versatile gears. Yet, Trek does have good bikes in a more reasonable price range and for various ages. 

In conclusion, there’s no way to flat out say that everyone should choose Cannondale or everyone should pick Trek. The decision that a person makes should come down to the individual’s personal situation. 

Also, beginners and kids should look at all their options, like other brands and road bikes, before settling on a particular bike that may cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Cannondale vs Trek – MTB Brand Comparison

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Cannondale and Trek MTB are not road bike models, instead, they are two of the leading mountain bike brands in the bike shop world, so it’s quite common for riders to pit them against each other when it comes to which company produces the best bike . When comparing Cannondale against Trek, you have to consider quite a few factors before being siding with one or the other.

A simple way to get a quick perspective as to how both companies are perceived in the mountain biking industry is that Cannondale has a reputation similar to a Rolls-Royce while a Trek is seen as more of an affordable and practical brand. That means that right from the jump riders knows which brand to go to based on their skill level, competence, and budget.

Both Cannondale and Trek MTB make different bikes that compete with each other at every level, so you have multiple road bike options to choose from regardless of which brand you decide to go with. Where the core differences between these brands come into play is in the area of research, development, and conceptual design of the bicycle .

If you’ve been thinking about buying a new bike and have been stuck on the fence about whether to go with Cannondale or Trek MTB, you’ve come to the right place. In this comparison, I’m going to cover all of the key differences, similarities, and facts you need to know about both brands to make an educated decision about which one has the perfect trail bike for you.

Table of Contents

Main Differences Between Cannondale vs Trek MTB 

The Main Differences Between Cannondale vs Trek MTB are:

• Cannondale uses carbon or alloy material to create the frames for their bikes, whereas Trek MTB uses carbon composite material.
• Cannondale is a bicycle manufacturer that strictly focuses on manufacturing high-quality mountain and cycling bikes, whereas Trek uses initiatives like programs that encourage people to reduce carbon emissions by switching to a bike as their primary vehicle
• Cannondale bikes have won multiple awards for their innovative design whereas several cycling champions have utilized trek bikes, so each company has unique credentials surrounding their brand.

In general, these are some of the primary differences between both of these brands that you can factor in when deciding on which one is right for you.

Each road bike brand is known for a unique set of accomplishments and credentials that have been earned throughout their time as leaders in the industry. These subtle differences will play a massive role in deciding which brand offers the exact features, specifications, and riding dynamics you’re looking for.

Now, let’s take a look at some of my top recommendations from both brands to get a view of what they offer. 

Top Recommendations 

#1 cannondale tango 1 .

The Cannondale Tango 1 gravel bike is a uniquely designed mountain bike built for precise handling and lasting build quality. The features on this bike shine most when putting to the test drive on beginner-level downhill rides and low-impact trails.

One of the most exciting features of this Cannondale bike is that it comes with an integrated intellimount stem that makes it easy for you to connect any SP-connect compatible smartphone case so that you can track all of your riding statistics with ease via the official Cannondale app.

You can also use the official app to track your Cannondale bike distance, speed, and more thanks to an integrated wheel sensor. This great bike is made using a SmartForm C2 Alloy Frame that reduces the bike ‘s overall weight while providing reliable support for the trail .

It’s SAVE micro-suspension system utilizes engineered flex zones built into the frame’s rear triangle. This delivers smooth and accurate handling capabilities that are responsive and intuitive.

#2 Cannondale JekyllCarbon 29 1

The Cannondale JekyllCarbon 29 1 is a monster of a pro-level bike that is designed for maximum traction, powerful impact support, very responsive handling, and pure speed.

This bike comes equipped with Float Factory DPX2 EVOL Gemini Shocks that have two adjustable modes which are Hustle and Flow, Hustle-Mode allows you to achieve high-speeds without sacrificing your handling ability. Flow-Mode enables you to breeze through all sorts of features and conditions tearing breezing through raw terrain along your way.

This is a unique feature that gives you the ability to set your optimal ride profile without a hassle. It’s BallisTec Carbon frame comes backed by a lifetime warranty and delivers the perfect balance of weight reduction/stability.  To top it all off, the JekyllCarbon 29 1 comes with a XTR Trail hydro disc brake set w/ HollowGram cranks that deliver ultra-smooth gear changes. 

#3 Trek MTB X-Caliber 7

The Trek MTB X-Caliber 7 is a race bike and cross-country rider that delivers a fine-tuned bike that can take your riding to new levels. One of the standouts features about this bike for me is the RockShox air fork with a rebound adjust, this feature allows you to tweak it’s height so that it’s proportional with your build.

This Trek bike is made from a very lightweight Alpha Gold Aluminum frame that provides reliable support for riders on virtually any trail. At its core, the X-Caliber 7 was designed for speed, and thanks to it’s classic XC hardtail, you can achieve on-the-fly handling in even the most complex conditions. 

#4 Trek MTB Fuel EX 9.8

The Trek MTB Fuel EX 9.8 is a fine-tuned all-in-one mountain bike that can handle, single-track, racing, and trail hard trail riding smoothly. This bike is made using an OCLV mountain carbon frame that is ultra-durable yet responsive.

The bike overall is lightweight and very fast, which experienced mountain bikers will love, especially when you consider the RE: Aktiv with Thru Shaft that adds even more control to an already high-performing shock system. This combination of technologically advanced design specifications, plus those huge, all-terrain tires allows the Fuel EX 9.8 to attack all-terrain trails like nothing else I’ve seen before.

This bike also comes with an Active Braking Pivot that manages braking force and acceleration separately for more efficient performance. 

These are some of my top recommendations from both companies. As you can see, there is no shortage of product versatility or design ingenuity from either brand, which is what makes them such powerhouses in the industry. Now that you’ve gotten a look into the bikes available from both of these brands, I’m going to give you a straightforward comparison of the core features, and principles that lie at the center of Cannondale and Trek MTB. 

Check out how the Fuel EX 9.8 compares to the Fuel EX 5.

A lightweight full OCLV Mountain Carbon frame, 1x12 SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, carbon wheels, and FOX Performance Float suspension with Trek's exclusive RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft shock make it the perfect choice for all-mountain shredders who want a single bike that does it all.

Feature Comparison

Below, you’re going to find a detailed comparison of the core features you can expect to see from each of these brands broken into categories. We’ll be covering areas related to product quality, product performance, innovation, and more so you’ll have a full spectrum of understanding precisely where your dollars are going if you choose either of these brands. 

Frame Material/Build Quality 

Both Cannondale and Trek MTV utilize high-quality carbon fiber material to make the frames for their bikes. However, Cannondale has a superior machining process, which eliminates approx. 2lbs. off the total weight of the bike.

While this may not seem like a huge number, 2lbs can and will make a huge difference when you’re racing, or tackling big features, so you want to keep this in mind. Cannondale bikes typically weigh in the range of 14.lbs while Trek MTB bikes weigh about 19.07lbs. 

Braking System 

In the mountain biking industry, there are two standard types of brakes: rim brakes and disc brakes. Cannondale bikes, by nature, are designed to deliver high-speed performance across a wide range of different terrains. For this reason, you will often see their bikes outfitted with hydraulic disc brakes, which provide ultimate stopping power under any conditions. 

On the other hand, when looking at Trek MTB, the company utilizes an improvised design enhancement to traditional disc brakes that deliver excellent performance but is no match for the Cannondale braking system. 

Gear Functionality 

The gears are a very significant part of the bike and can make or break your ride, especially in a race. Cannondale bikes are known for their ultra-smooth derailers that breeze through the gears and deliver seamless transition regardless of what terrain you may be powering through.

Trek, on the other hand, uses Shimano gears, and while they work great, they are rated more for riding on pavement and not for off road cycling. It comes down to whether you want the ability to adapt to changes in your surroundings, maybe as an all-terrain rider, or if you want a bike that is more geared towards a particular type of ride style. 

Value 

Both of these brands offer specialized mountain bikes in various categories, all of which are designed to provide the best value to specific riders. When looking at the facts sheet, Trek seems to always fit in the most “bang for your buck” with their selection of bikes as you’d be hard strapped to find a cheaply made bike from the company that didn’t deliver some type of performance.

Cannondale, on the other hand, packs in a ton of value into their bikes. By incorporating advanced features into every single aspect of their bikes, they deliver the most advanced, and highest build quality. If you’re looking for the best of the best, tried and true, top of the line mountain bike, Cannondale is always a solid choice. These bikes will take your riding to the next level. 

FAQs About Trek vs Cannondale

It all depends on your body type and riding style; Trek bikes tend to have short top seat tube design, making them great for short people. Alternatively, Cannondale offers bikes made using long top tubes, which makes them ideal for tall individuals. The most important thing is being comfortable on your bike.

Yes, Cannondale bikes are very high-quality, and they are considered to be one of the leading mountain bike manufacturers worldwide. Cannondale has won several awards for its outstanding innovation and design standards.

Yes, Trek has also considered a great mountain bike brand as it offers specialized bike options for riders of virtually all styles. They are also known for their affordable pricing, which is suitable for those riders who are looking for the most value.

Make A Decision: Which brand is better? 

After taking an in-depth look at both Cannondale and Trek MTB, it’s time to give you my honest opinion about both brands. For starters, both of these brands produce bikes aimed at two completely separate crowds.

Cannondale bikes are made for those riders who don’t care about price and strictly want performance while Trek MTB considers their customer’s wallets a bit more. With that being said, it will depend on what you’re looking for in a mountain bike and how much time you’re willing to put into learning the groove of whatever brand you choose. 

However, in terms of pure data, Cannondale has a few advantages over Trek MTB, which makes them the winner of this comparison. One of the things that impress me about Cannondale bikes is that they always seem to intuitively combine vastly different elements that seamlessly work together to create a perpetual sense of forwarding motion around the brand. 

I can see why the company is known for being so innovative. All of their products use the natural laws of physics and biology to deliver high-performance bikes that are ready and capable of taking on anything. If you want a reliable bike that is powerful, efficient, precise, and agile, Cannondale will have something for you. 

Use this comparison guide as a tool to help you make a decision about which one of these mountain bike brands is best for you. I’ve covered all of the key differences and essential facts that will impact your purchase decision the most, so there is no excuse for you to choose the wrong bike.

Use your existing ride knowledge as it relates to what features, specifications, and design elements seem to work best for you so that you can start blazing the trails. 

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Cycling in the City and Beyond

Cannondale vs Trek: Know the Differences Before You Buy

There are hundreds, even thousands of bike brands around the world and over the history of the sport. It can be an intimidating task for new cyclists to navigate the industry, let alone try to figure out which bike will suit them best.

No doubt you’ve come across the world-renowned brands of Cannondale and Trek. They are two highly sought-after American companies known for style and innovation. But what makes them unique or encourages a buyer to choose one over the other?

You’re likely tired of hearing this, but it does depend on what you are looking for. Do you want a high-quality entry-level bike to have fun on? Or are you a performance-focused cyclist who needs to shave every ounce of unnecessary weight off your bike?

Cannondale vs Trek: Overview

Both design a wide range of bikes. Each bike manufacturer has options based on riding style, performance needs, and price points. But Trek has a much larger, more customizable line of bikes, while Cannondale specializes in optimizing high-end, lightweight premium bicycles.

So if you want more options, you should lean toward Trek bikes. If you’re after the best of the best, no questions asked, and money isn’t an object, then Cannondale is the way to go.

In case you are unfamiliar with the two companies, let’s start with their origin stories.

History of Cannondale

Cannondale opened its doors in 1971 in Bethel, Connecticut, specializing in aluminum and carbon fiber bikes. Lighter is better is the name of the game for Cannondale. They were one of the first companies to introduce carbon fiber frames to the market, and they’ve never looked back. Steel frames are not even in their repertoire.

Cannondale is an industry leader in research and innovation. They were the first to introduce suspension forks and shocks for mountain bikes. In 1992, they introduced their Head Shok suspension system . Its design includes 88 needle bearings divided evenly between four strips of needle bearings. They are sandwiched between an inner and outer tube, which creates a telescoping effect and enables the system to roll instead of slide. The result is a flex-free, rigid fork that is still considered the most effective and reliable on the market.

Cannondale’s bold innovation didn’t stop there. They were also the first to come up with single-sided or lefty forks, making their mountain bikes even lighter than their competitors.

They reinvented the wheel with their slice wheel system, which allows riders to change their tire and tube in mere seconds without any tools.

This video is pretty old, but it offers a deep look at the highly precise assembly process of Cannondale bikes:

History of Trek

Richard Burke and Biseau Hogg started Trek in 1975 from humble beginnings when they made bikes out of a red barn in Waterloo, Wisconsin. They incorporated a year later. Trek handmade 904 touring frames in the very first year with only five employees. They quickly grew in size, prestige, and sales. They also began acquiring long-established companies such as Gary Fisher, Electra, and Bontrager.

Trek earns praise for high-quality steel frame bikes. But they also compete in the aluminum and carbon fiber realms. They score big points with their customizability, allowing consumers to build bikes on their website from the frame up, right down to the custom paint job.

Their biggest claim to fame came on the shoulders of Lance Armstrong. If you didn’t already know, his seven consecutive Tour de France wins from 1999 to 2005 (since disqualified due to doping violations) were all on Trek bikes. This helped cement Trek’s reputation for speed and world-class quality.

Now that you are familiar with the lore of each brand, let’s see what sets them apart from one another.

Differences: Cannondale vs Trek

Cannondale and Trek both manufacture bicycles categorized from mid-range to high-end. They also cover a wide range of riding styles, from road cycling to trekking, mountain biking, and hybrid bikes. Most recently, they each ventured into the electric bike craze.

Each company’s bikes have specific features that set them apart.

As mentioned above, Cannondale only makes frames from aluminum and carbon fiber. But the geometry varies from bike to bike. The Cannondale 6 and the Synapse models incorporate curved chainstays. This helps them to absorb more of the road shock.

Trek frames come in steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber for optimal selection. They earn praise for frame geometry that allows them to maintain rigid stiffness, even when the rear wheel gets knocked out of alignment. This is a great attribute for mountain biking and rough trails.

A selling point for me is that Trek bikes have shorter, more angled top tubes, making them the ideal choice for riders with shorter torsos. They also have more frame size options in general, so it’s easier to find the right fit.

On most of their bikes, Cannondale uses aluminum rims. They harden them to make them lighter and stronger. They also offer carbon fiber rims at a higher cost.

Trek’s high-end models come with carbon fiber rims. This increases the price but makes the bikes lighter with optimal aerodynamics.

Cannondale specializes in high-end road bikes, so it should come as no surprise that most of their models come equipped with narrower tires. Typically, between 26 mm and 28 mm of clearance is what’s found on most Cannondale bikes.

A bonus is that Cannondale tire designs include a special reflective coating. It’s an important feature when you’re riding through the city. These tires help improve visibility during late-night or early-morning rides.

Trek is geared more toward the all-around rider who likes to keep their options open. Trek bikes have more clearance and can fit a wider range of tires. This is key once you’ve worn down your factory tires and are looking for available replacements, or if you’re just keen to customize your riding experience. Most Trek bikes can fit tires up to 32 mm.

Cannondale prides itself on making some of the lightest bikes on the market. That’s why they stick with aluminum and carbon as their main materials and use only the necessary amount of hardware.

Trek can make very light bikes as well. But head-to-head and pound-for-pound, they are usually heavier than comparable Cannondales.

Cannondale uses the best of what is available. Before disc brakes were on the market, they used V-brakes. Nowadays, their high-end performance bikes use hydraulic disc brakes.

Same with Trek. You can find entry-level models with entry-level V-brakes or linear-pull brakes. If you are willing to spend money for top quality, you won’t even consider a bike that isn’t equipped with mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes.

Cannondale specializes in ultra-light carbon performance bikes. These models use as many carbon components as possible. Carbon is not a cheap material. Thus, Cannondale’s high-end bikes are some of the most expensive on the market.

Mountain bikes like the Scalpel Hi-MOD Ultimate cost five figures. Their top-of-the-line e-bikes, such as the Topstone Neo Carbon 3 Lefty and SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Disc Dura-Ace Di12, aren’t far behind. But most riders don’t need everything that Cannondale has to offer. The company also has a range of bikes priced between $1,000 and $5,000.

Trek offers a wider variety of products, so it makes sense that their prices also range widely, from the high-end Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS hardtail MTB to the affordable Trek 820. For e-bikes, the Speed Concept SLR 9 eTap is at the high end, while the Dual Sport+ is at the low end.

Trek wins in the category of world’s most expensive bike with the Butterfly Trek Madone. Designed by British Artist Damien Hirst and ridden by Lance Armstrong, it goes for a whopping $500,000! If that’s not in the cards for you, try the 520 Disc.

Trek has many more options in more bike categories. Their mid-range bikes provide excellent bang for your buck without breaking the bank. Many models are available for less than $1,000

If you are looking for an excellent bike and still want to afford to eat, Trek is the better bet.

Availability

To purchase a Cannondale bike, you have to find a distributor and hope that your model and size are in stock. Call around or visit multiple bike shops until you find exactly what you’re looking for. Or you can find them online at REI .

Trek makes it easy when stock is sufficient. Not only can you order a bike right from their website, but with the launch of Project One , you can customize the entirety of your Trek bike down to the paint job.

Amid a summer rush, you may be waiting awhile. But when it arrives, you’ll have the one-of-a-kind, perfect bike of your dreams!

Final Thoughts: Cannondale vs Trek

Two home-grown American companies. Two fantastic lines of bikes. Deciding between them is difficult. There are lots of things to consider when purchasing a new bike. But frame fit is the most important. This is why it always comes down to the individual rider.

I recommend that you get out there and test ride as many bikes as possible. Get a feel for them and figure out what works for you and what doesn’t. Once you have the right frame to build on, you can customize the details to your preference.

For folks who are less sure of their requirements, I’d steer you toward Trek bikes. With more options, wider availability, and customizable features, it will be easier to find a bike that suits you.

If you’re an experienced rider, know exactly what you want, and have been saving up, I’d say go for a Cannondale!

Trek bikes are the better known of the two, partly because of their Tour de France wins and partly because they have acquired some other bicycle companies.

I first became aware of Cannondale through my colleague who has been in the bicycle industry for over 20 years and knows nearly all there is to know about bikes. When it was time for him to select a new frame to build up, he chose a Cannondale. His credibility is more than enough to convince me.

If you’re looking for a prestigious, world-class brand praised for its research innovation and style, and you really want to turn heads, Cannondale is the right pick.

Top image: ©  Andreas  |  Creative Commons

About the Author…

Morgan Strug

Cycling made Simple.

Made By Cyclists

Cannondale Vs Trek

July 26, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• Cannondale bikes are designed for performance and speed, making them ideal for racers and enthusiasts.
• Trek offers durable and affordable options, providing a good balance of quality and price for beginners or budget-conscious riders.
• Both brands have a rich history, innovative technologies, and unique features, making the decision highly subjective to individual needs and preferences.

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

‍ When choosing the perfect bike, the debate typically mentions Cannondale vs. Trek because of how prestigious these two brands are in the industry.

Cannondale bikes are known for their luxurious appeal and durability, while Trek has a long-standing association with legendary cyclist Lance Armstrong, and his Tour de France wins. Cannondale is better for performance riding and off-road terrains, while Trek is cheaper and more durable.

We understand that deciding between these two brands can be a daunting task. That's why we're here to guide you through the ins and outs of Cannondale and Trek bicycles, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your cycling needs. Stay tuned as we explore these two renowned bike manufacturers and compare their offerings.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ Cannondale vs. Trek Bikes (Complete Brand Comparison)

As biking enthusiasts, we know it can be challenging to choose the right bike, especially when comparing reputable brands like Cannondale and Trek. And the truth is, you can’t go wrong with either bike brand.

For example, both brands manufacture high-quality bikes with advanced features like an integrated wheel sensor. But there are some things to consider.

When you think of a luxury bike, Cannondale is the first that comes to mind for most cycling enthusiasts. But with nine Tour De France victories, Trek is not too far behind. So let’s take a closer look at each to understand why Cannondale and Trek are highly rated.

Cannondale Bikes Brand History

Established in 1971 as an outdoor gear company, Cannondale transitioned into bike manufacturing in the early 1980s, distinguishing itself by using aluminum instead of steel for its frames.

Known for its progressive design and tech, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of cycling innovation. Cannondale is also known for its cutting-edge carbon frames, reducing bike weight by about two pounds compared to Trek's carbon composite material.

Cannondale has a reputation for crafting excellent mountain bikes and road bikes. Their range also includes hybrid bikes, electric bikes, and kids' bikes. But mountain biking is their specialty and preferred riding style.

They've consistently been at the forefront of bike technology, with notable innovations like the 'Lefty' single-sided suspension fork and the pioneering use of carbon fiber. This is why they’re one of the best mountain bike brands.

Trek Bikes Brand History

Trek was founded in Wisconsin in 1976 with the vision to build the best bikes in the world. It has indeed held onto this vision, earning a reputation for quality, extensive research, and cutting-edge technology, making it one of the world's largest bike companies.

Over the years, Trek continued to impress with its top-quality bikes, even powering Lance Armstrong through his Tour de France victories. The innovative spirit of Trek has been undeniable.

Trek remains a strong competitor renowned for its well-rounded performance bikes and slightly higher price points. Trek offers a comprehensive range, including mountain bikes, road bikes, electric bikes, kids' bikes, and even custom bikes.

Their unique IsoSpeed technology, which offers superior comfort and smoothness on road bikes by decoupling the seat tube from the top tube, stands out in terms of innovation.

What Are The Key Differences Between Cannondale & Trek?

While Cannondale and Trek share a lot in common as two of the leading bike manufacturers, they each bring unique attributes and characteristics to the table that set them apart. Here are some key differences between the two.

Frame Material

Cannondale bikes are known for using aluminum alloy and carbon fiber in their frames. The brand initially gained recognition for its revolutionary use of aluminum, producing lightweight yet durable bikes.

Over the years, they have also increasingly integrated carbon fiber into their high-end models, enhancing their performance attributes. Trek makes extensive use of carbon composite material in their mountain bikes.

Known as "OCLV," Trek's carbon is recognized for its strength, lightweight, and durability. Trek also continues to use aluminum in some models, offering a broad spectrum of choices for riders with different needs and budgets.

Sustainability Efforts

Both brands have shown a commitment to sustainability, but their approaches vary. Trek has a program called Trek Care, where they commit to repairing or replacing damaged frames to reduce waste.

Cannondale emphasizes the longevity of its bikes and environmentally conscious production processes. Ultimately, Cannondale aims to produce high-quality mountain and cycling bikes. Trek aims to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging people to use bikes instead of vehicles.

Generally, Cannondale's prices tend to start slightly higher, given the brand's continuous pursuit of advanced technology and design. There is no cheap Cannondale bike, so beginners often avoid them.

On the other hand, Trek provides a wider range of entry-level options, making it a more accessible choice for beginners or those on a tighter budget. Trek bicycles are more likely to be used by a new rider too.

Cannondale is known for its bold and groundbreaking design concepts. The company's iconic 'Lefty' single-sided suspension fork and early adoption of carbon fiber are a testament to its innovative approach.

Trek, while also innovative, focuses more on comfort and ride quality. Its IsoSpeed technology, which enhances the smoothness of road bikes by isolating the seat tube from the top tube, is a prime example.

Cannondale vs. Trek: Bike Categories Comparison

When it comes to road bikes, both Cannondale and Trek have a strong presence in the market. We can find various models catering to riders of different skill levels and preferences.

Cannondale offers road bikes like the SuperSix EVO and Synapse, known for their excellent performance and smooth handling. Trek has popular models like the Madone and Domane, which are favored by many professional cyclists for their efficiency and comfort.

Mountain Bikes

For mountain bikes, both brands have their unique offerings. Cannondale is known for its full-suspension and hardtail bikes like the Scalpel, Habit, and Trail series. They consistently innovate in terms of design and technology in this category.

On the other hand, Trek is an industry leader with an extensive range of mountain bikes. From the downhill-ready Session to the cross-country and all-mountain Trek Fuel EX and Top Fuel, there's something for everyone.

Hybrid Bikes

Hybrid bikes are designed for versatility, combining the best road and mountain biking. We see this trend in the lineup of both Cannondale and Trek.

Cannondale offers the Quick series, known for its comfortable riding position and lightweight frames. Meanwhile, Trek has the Dual Sport and FX series, offering great versatility for riders looking for a bike that can handle both on and off-road terrains.

Electric Bikes

Finally, the electric bike category is growing rapidly, and both Cannondale and Trek have joined the party. Cannondale's electric bike lineup includes models like the Moterra, an e-mountain bike, and the Neo series, featuring urban and fitness e-bikes.

Trek also has a wide range of e-bikes, including the popular Powerfly for mountain bikers and the Verve+ series for everyday commuting and leisure riding.

Cannondale vs. Trek: Pros and Cons

When it comes to choosing between Cannondale and Trek bikes, we know it can be a tough decision. Both brands are well-respected, and each has its advantages and drawbacks.

Cannondale Pros

• Luxurious appeal: Cannondale bikes are often admired for their polished appearance, making them popular among biking enthusiasts.
• Lightweight construction: Thanks to their advanced machining process, Cannondale bikes generally weigh about two pounds less than their Trek counterparts, offering better maneuverability to riders.
• Racing and off-roading focus: If you're into competitive racing or off-road adventures, Cannondale might be the way to go, as they specialize in these types of bikes.

Cannondale Cons

• Limited variety: While they have a wide range of racing and off-road bikes, Cannondale doesn't offer as diverse a product lineup in other categories compared to Trek.
• Tied to cycling history: Trek bicycles are popularly associated with Lance Armstrong's Tour de France wins, something that might appeal to fans of the sport.
• Wider bike variety: Trek offers a diverse range of bikes, covering multiple purposes and preferences.
• Durable material: Trek uses aluminum for its frames, ensuring durability and performance.
• Slightly heavier: Trek bicycles tend to weigh a bit more than Cannondale bikes, which might affect handling and maneuverability for some riders.

Which Brand Is The Right Bike Choice For You?

Cannondale is often considered the right choice for racers or riders looking for speed and lightweight efficiency. They have better trekking bikes because of their mountain bike designs with hydraulic disc brakes or premium models with mechanical disc brakes.

Cannondale emphasizes creating lightweight frames, such as those made from carbon fiber, meaning their bikes are often lighter than their counterparts. This can significantly contribute to speed and agility, making them ideal for competitive racing or fast recreational cycling.

On the other hand, Trek is known for its durability and affordable pricing, largely due to its extensive use of aluminum frames. Aluminum frames are strong, durable, and more affordable than carbon, making Trek bikes an excellent choice for those on a budget or new cyclists.

Trek bikes tend to be more reliable, built to last, and can easily handle various terrains and conditions. This makes them great for everyday commuting, casual riding, or for those who prefer long-distance biking on various surfaces.

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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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About PedalChef

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Cycling Guides, Tips and Reviews

Cannondale Vs Trek Bikes – Know the Differences with Reviews

Cannondale and Trek are the most extensive mountain bicycle companies in the bicycle world. These two companies produce high-quality bicycles. Again, these two brands have their unique method of getting things done. The ultimate objective of the two producers is to come up with first-class bicycles for riders. Now, you might be questioning, which bike should I prefer, Cannondale vs trek bike ?

Well, if you want to purchase one of them, you have to compare their features and opportunities. You have to learn their casing material, build quality, braking function, gear performance, price range, and tires.

Cannondale bike organization utilizes excellent materials. They offer progressive plans. Besides, they reliably perform well even on damp or lopsided surfaces.

On the other hand, the Trek Bicycle Company has an enormous and devoted fan base. Additionally, they have umpteen choices of bicycle types for various kinds of bikers. This bicycle company targets on being earth benevolent.

Cannondale Vs Trek Bikes – Head to Head Comparison

Well, let’s have a quick overview of the comparison table below:

Below, we will discuss Cannondale vs. trek bike comparison more briefly.

Cannondale Bikes Vs. Trek Mountain Bikes Reviews

You will find many features of these two bicycle brands. But when you want to select one of them, you should focus on the fundamental highlights and essential elements. Below, I will provide the actual comparisons and sort out their positive and negative sides.

Cannondale Bike Review

This bicycle company utilizes carbon fiber outlines in cycles. It additionally changed the edge with imaginative plans that prepared cycles to be quick enough, even, for hustling. Isn’t it amazing?

Furthermore, this brand provides a broad scope of road bicycles, trailblazing bicycles, dynamic bicycles, electric bicycles, and even children’s bicycles. Yet, this company is well-known for its touring bicycles.

Things We Like:

• These bicycles are a consequence of unpredictable, innovative work.
• They are more imaginative than Trek bicycles.
• Move consistently from low to high speeds or high to low speeds.
• The brand targets assembling high-quality mountain bicycles
• The company uses carbon and aluminum for durability and strength.

Things We Do Not Like:

• More costly than Trek bikes
• Limited bicycle models in the collection
• Most bicycles are appropriate for average-sized bikers.

Trek Bike Review

This brand produces race bicycles and may keep your biking higher than ever. One of the champion highlights about this bicycle is the RockShox air fork. This element permits you to change its tallness so that it’s proportional to your assemble.

The company uses an Alpha Gold Aluminum outline that offers dependable support for bikers. Additionally, at its center, the company provides X-Caliber 7 for speed.

• This brand uses steel for children’s bicycles.
• They serve excellent execution at a lower price.
• Environmentally friendly
• Durable and strong
• The bikes are budget-friendly
• Less progressive
• Limited models available in the market

Cannondale Bikes Vs. Trek Mountain Bikes Detail Comparison

Frame material.

Both two companies use great carbon fiber equipment to build the edges for their bicycles. However, Cannondale has an unrivaled machining measure, which kills two pounds off the bicycle’s complete load.

While this will not appear to be a tremendous number, two pounds will have an enormous effect when you’re hustling or handling extensive highlights, so you need to remember this.

Furthermore, Cannondale bicycles usually weigh 14 pounds while Trek bicycles weigh about 19 pounds.

Braking Mechanism

Cannondale bicycles serve fast execution across a broad scope of various landscapes. Hence, you will frequently observe their bicycles furnished with water driven plate brakes. Additionally, this brake gives extreme halting force under any conditions.

On the contrary, the Trek organization uses a developed plan to standard disc brakes that convey magnificent execution.

Gear Mechanism

The gears are the most crucial part of the bicycle and may build or break your race. Cannondale bicycles have super smooth derailers that breathe through the gears. However, it conveys consistent progress paying little heed to what landscape you might be driving through.

The Trek bicycle utilizes Shimano gears. However, trust me, it works incredibly. Again, they are evaluated more for biking on asphalt and not for rough terrain cycling.

The two companies offer particular mountain bicycles in different classifications. Furthermore, they offer the best benefit to explicit riders. Again, Trek appears to consistently fit in the most “value for your money” with their bicycles’ determination. These items provide excellent performance.

On the contrary, Cannondale provides significant worth to their bicycles. By consolidating progressed highlights into each part of their bicycles, they convey the most developed form quality.

However, when you’re searching for the most elite, best trailblazing bicycle, Cannondale is consistently a firm decision. These bicycles may convert your biking to the extra level.

Invitingness For Various Bikers

The top cylinders in Cannondale bicycles run longer and fit better. Moreover, it keeps them more amicable with a long torso. Unexpectedly, cyclists with a short middle may discover Trek bicycles more agreeable.

 Cannondale bicycles usually highlight tires that remain less than thirty-five inches in diameter. However, you can ride your Cannondale bicycle through metropolitan roads since its tires brag enough track.

On the contrary, Trek bicycles have more leeway than Cannondale bicycle tires with the goal that they may fit more extensive tires. Additionally, a greater part of Trek bicycles can oblige tires, which are thirty-two millimeters wide and thirty-five inches in diameter.

Scope Of Everyday Bicycles

When searching for a productive bicycle for your everyday drive, Cannondale has dynamic bicycles and electric bicycles. Additionally, they serve bikers a naturally well-disposed approach to navigate through metropolitan roads. Furthermore, cycling allows you to appreciate an actual decent exercise.

However, Trek serves bikers its variant of dependable ordinary rides with its half breed bicycles. They are lightweight and agreeable. These bicycles are ideal for driving, relaxed rides, or exercise. Again, you may find few models appropriate for asphalts, and others are incredible on earth ways.

Environmentally Healthy Electric Bicycles

The Trek hybrid bicycles have their electric renditions. They regularly have a + image after their version name. The electric bicycles serve a similar degree of execution and solace as hybrid bicycles. Additionally, you can benefit from the electric bicycle like extra force, swift paddling, and more.

However, Cannondale electric bicycles will guarantee you acceleration, distance inclusion, and fun. Yes, isn’t it interesting?

The Producers As Pioneers

You will like the Cannondale brand for its eagerness to investigate new strategies. They investigated the utilization of carbon and compound casings during the 2000s.

However, Trek focuses on usefulness and supportability with their bicycles. This maker has no more interest in taking up activities that advance natural amicability.

What Are The Key Differences Between Cannondale and Trek Bikes?

Cannondale brand is in front of Trek bicycle brand as far as examination and advancement. However, their bicycles perform better across various territories. Again, Trek bicycles guarantee many significant features as their partner, at a lesser cost tag.

Furthermore, Cannondale targets on assembling “quality” mountain bicycles. However, Trek targets activities like urge individuals to diminish carbon emanations by changing to a bicycle as their actual vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. which one is more effective- trek or cannondale.

This answer relies upon your demand and riding style. Trek bicycles will, in general, have a short top seat tube configuration. It makes them extraordinary for short individuals. On the other hand, Cannondale serves bicycles utilizing long top cylinders, making them ideal for tall people.

2. Is Trek A Decent Cycle Company?

Yes, Trek is an incredible mountain bicycle brand as it offers specific bicycle alternatives for riders of essentially all styles. They are famous for their reasonable estimating, which is appropriate for those riders who are searching for the most worth.

Wrapping It Up

You can realize that Trek has various collections of bicycles. This brand produces marathon, mountain, electric, and children’s bicycles. However, the Cannondale bike organization utilizes excellent materials. They offer progressive plans. Besides, they reliably perform well even on damp or lopsided surfaces.

Which bicycle can I prefer between Cannondale vs trek bike ? Well, you can prefer any one of them. They both are good. But if you want to attend a race, I suggest purchasing a Trek bike.

Read More: Nishiki vs. Schwinn Bikes: Choose the Best in Between! Road Bike Vs Hybrid for Fitness: Ultimate Guide

Cannondale vs Trek

If you are in the market for a new bike, then it can be challenging to decide which one is best. You want to buy a high-quality, reliable bicycle that will last and not break down on your next ride. Cannondale bikes are well known for their durability and longevity, but they come at a higher price tag than Trek bikes. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of both these brands below so that you can make an informed decision about which brand is better suited for your needs.

How it all started?

Cannondale is a global cycling company with a rich history. For over 40 years, they have been designing and building bikes for the world’s most demanding cyclists. It was founded in 1971 by Joe Montgomery and Ted Wojcik. The two men were cyclists who wanted to produce the best bicycles possible for racing. They started with aluminium frames because they were lightweight but strong enough to handle rough roads or trails. They are driven by their passion for creating bicycles that help people go faster, farther and have more fun on their rides. Their products are designed in America and hand-crafted overseas, so you can enjoy them for many miles to come.

Trek is a company that has been in the bike industry for over 50 years. They are proud to be one of the most trusted and respected brands in cycling. Their bikes have won more than 1,000 races, and we’ve helped riders achieve their goals on every continent. They make bikes that are perfect for every rider, from kids to adults. Whether you want a bike with gears or one without, Trek has something for everyone!

If you’re looking for a bike that will last and perform well, then Cannondale might be your best bet. Their bikes have been ridden to victory by many professional cyclists over the years, including Tour de France winners and Olympic medalists. It has a higher average rating on durability,

It comes with a good lifespan but not better than Cannondale’s span.

If you plan on racing or going off-roading, then Cannondale may be your best option because they specialize in these types of bikes. Cannondale has both active bikes and electric bikes for commuters. In this day and age, these bicycles offer an environmentally friendly way to traverse the streets of a city.

If you want something that can handle any terrain, then Trek might be suitable for you since their bikes are designed with versatility in mind. They are perfect for commuting, leisurely rides, and exercise.

Design and Construction

The Cannondale frame is made from aluminium, carbon fiber, and titanium. The aluminium frames are the most affordable option for riders who want a lightweight bike with good performance. Carbon fiber frames are more expensive but offer a better stiffness-to-weight ratio than any other material. Titanium is the lightest metal and offers the best strength to weight ratio of all materials used in bicycle construction.

Trek bikes are built with a patented frame construction that is lightweight and strong. They use the latest in engineering to create frames that are light, stiff, and durable. Their patented IsoSpeed technology provides comfort on every ride by absorbing road vibration.

Cannondale bikes typically have tires that are between 30 and 35 inches. The width ranges from 26mm-28mm. It excels in city conditions due to its grippy tires. These tires boast a special reflective coating to ensure you get your money’s worth. The detailing on the tire improves the visibility when you are riding at night.

Trek bike tires have more clearance than Cannondale models, allowing them to fit wide tires. Most Trek models can accommodate 32 mm-thick and 30 inches in diameter tires.

Gearing Mechanism

It comes with a wide range of gears, including 3×10 gearing for riders who want more control over their shifting experience. Such bikes also come with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes that provide reliable stopping power in all conditions, even when you’re riding through mud or sand. It offers an impressive number of gears with up to 27 speeds available on some models. This ensures you can find the perfect gear no matter what terrain you’re riding over or how steep the hill may be ahead of you.

Trek bikes come with a wide range of gear options, from single-speed simplicity to multi-geared versatility.

Bottom Line – The Final Verdict

Which one should you buy? Cannondale or Trek bike. So it depends on what your needs are as an individual rider. If you want something with good performance and durability, go with Trek. It comes with excellent gear functionality. They have an excellent reputation and come in different styles and colors to suit your needs. On the other hand, if you are on a high budget and want something with high durability and low performance, go with Cannondale. We hope this article will help you in making an informed buying decision.

Q1. Are Cannondale road bikes worth the money?

The answer to this question is a resounding yes! Cannondale has been making high-quality bicycles for over 50 years. They have an extensive line of products that range from mountain bikes to BMX, and they’re all designed with quality in mind. If you want a bike that will last for years, then Cannondale is your best bet.

Q2. What Cannondale bikes used for?

Cannondale is a bicycle manufacturer that specializes in high-end, lightweight racing bikes. They offer an extensive range of bikes, from mountain to road and everything in between. Whether you’re just getting started or are a seasoned pro, there’s something here for everyone.

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Trek Vs CannonDale Vs Specialized Bike: Which is Better?

There has never been a better time to get the right bike.

A confession: I love Trek bikes because they’re crazy fast and lightweight.

On the other hand, my mom prefers the CannonDale bike. Trust me, she doesn’t joke with it.

So throughout this article, I’ll compare Trek, CannonDale, and Specialized bikes to help you make buying decisions. First, bike essentials we recommend.

Essential Bike Kits and Recommended Products

BALEAF Men’s Bike Cycling Underwear Shorts 3D Padded

MSDADA Comfortable Bike Seat-Padded Soft Bike Seat Cushion Memory Foam Waterproof Wide Bike Saddle with Dual Shock Absorbing Rubber Balls Universal Fit for Indoor/Outdoor Bikes

BASE CAMP Adult Bike Helmet with Rear Light for Urban Commuter

Vont ‘Scope’ Bike Light, Comes with Free Tail Light, Bicycle Light Installs in Seconds Without Tools, Powerful Bike Headlight

BV Bicycle Y-Series Strap-On Bike Saddle Bag/Bicycle Seat Pack Bag, Cycling Wedge with Multi-Size Options

Beroy Women’s Bike Shorts with 3D Gel Padded, Cycling Women’s Shorts

What’s the difference between Trek and Cannondale bikes?

The difference is Cannondale bikes are designed with curved chainstays to absorb more of road shock, while Trek bikes are ideal for people with a short torso, and have 9 Tour de France wins so far. But most women also will enjoy Cannondale with its left fork that sits sideways to the front wheel more than Trek.

Each bike manufacturer uses different materials for mountain bikes.

The cheaper specialized bikes are made of aluminum, while the expensive bikes are built with carbon frames, just like Trek and Cannondale.

In this in-depth review, I want to share my best thoughts on Trek, CannonDale, and Specialized Bikes. In the end, you’ll have to make a decision yourself.

These 3 brands: Trek, CannonDale, and Specialized bikes seem to be loved by most families especially when commuting is their main goal. Depending on your reason for choosing to get either of these bikes , you’ll get the best out of your money.

We review each below, highlighting the features and how they can benefit you.

Born in California in the ’70s, this sports bike has taken over our cities and countryside.

The beginnings of mountain biking have been synonymous with adventure — a troop of enthusiasts was having fun down the mountain’s timing. Overheating and tinkering were at the rendezvous!

Today, we are far from the first models. Mountain biking is a huge hit all over the world and has become the best-selling bike.

Manufacturers are redoubling their creativity and ingenuity to offer ever more innovative frames and offer incredible sensations to mountain bikers.

Many people use it every day to go to work. As for those who are looking for pure adrenaline, they turn to more pointed models, ultra-worked suspensions: no bump resists them!

There are several types of ATVs for every use: allrounder, semi-rigid, enduro, cross-country, small or big wheels.

Are you a little lost? Whether you are a novice or a confirmed mountain biker, we guide you through the mountain bike jungle so that you find the bike that fits your style and budget (maybe).

Top 3 Bike Manufacturers You Can Trust

1. cannondale.

Cannondale Speed-C Nylon Bicycle Water Bottle Cage (Gloss Black)

Cannondale is an American manufacturer of travel bikes, mountain bikes, trekking bikes, road bikes, and urban sport bikes.

As a leading American brand, Cannondale has been synonymous with quality and innovation since its creation in 1971.

Long rooted in the sporting world of cycling, Cannondale has been around often surprising creations that have since remained in use by many manufacturers.

Cannondale, an American brand

First child trailer (1971), the first aluminum frame really worked (it was a trekking bike, in 1983, and it is still possible to cross this bike, even if it is rare, all over the world, proof of the viability of a good aluminum frame), the first suspension fork integrated into the head socket (HeadShok), etc.

The work done by Cannondale on its trekking bikes is full of experience and technical feedback, which is one of the reasons that explain the durability of their bikes, to which is added the lifetime warranty of their executives.

Cannondale Urban bikes:

Three models stand out in urban cycling at Cannondale:

The Bad Boy is the urban response to unpretentious and fast transportation. It benefits from Cannondale’s experience in manufacturing high-quality aluminum bikes.

The black matte accouterments suit him well. Behind this discreet and inaccessible look hides a bike that has character. His playground: the city center.

From large avenues to narrow streets, this bike is made to travel quickly through the city, with the strength of the calves, a messenger bag stowed on the back. Fast. Agile. Lightweight. Distinguished.

No doubt, this bike is for those who know what kind of bike they want to ride, and what they want to do.

The Cannondale Bad Boy is not a bike with which we will appreciate the Sunday ride smoothly, it is really him who drops you off to work in the shortest and quickest way.

Cannondale Bad Boy Urban Sport Bike

Recommended Pedal:

Imrider Lightweight Polyamide Bike Pedals for BMX Road MTB Bicycle

Like the Cannondale Bad Boy, the Cannondale Contro 3 is a high-end aluminum bike that emphasizes efficiency to be on time at work no matter what.

Moreover, it adopts the full range of urban equipment (mudguards, luggage racks …).

A refined and refined Cannondale look with stylish elements like the rigid Lefty fly. Built-in design luggage rack, minimalist aluminum fender.

Bike Cannondale Contro 3

Classic. Sophisticated. Stylish: Cannondale’s Vintage Bike Collection offers the rider a smart combination of functionality performance, all wrapped in an attractive look and nonchalant elegance.

Vintage Cannondale Bike Saddle Brooks

Recommended saddle :

DAWAY Comfortable Men Women Bike Seat – C99 Memory Foam Padded Leather Wide Bicycle Saddle Cushion with Taillight, Waterproof, Dual Spring Suspension, Soft, Breathable, Universal Fit

The Hooligan is a small, lightweight urban bike that makes getting around town easy.

You can easily mount it in your apartment or store it easily in a garage, a cellar — very simple to handle, it can also be the alternative to a folding bike for small inter-modal journeys, it will easily catch on a train.

Equipped with a Shimano Nexus 3 integrated gear hub, its development range is sufficient for small city center journeys.

Designed with noble materials and assembled with rigor, the Cannondale Hooligan, under its tunes of toys brings real solutions to commuters.

The Best of Urban Sport Bikes

Recommended product:

Brooks Saddles Challenge Tool Bag

• HANDMADE IN ENGLAND- Manufactured using 100-year-old traditional techniques and the highest quality materials.
• INTERIOR BUCKLES- The saddle buckles are within the bag to prevent annoying vibrating.
• SADDLE ATTACHMENT- The Challenge Tool Bag comes with two straps that easily attach to your saddle.

Velotaf or bike hike? It’s up to you, but with only one bike. The Tesoro range comes in several models:

Tesoro 0: Fully equipped, nervous, lightweight performance … and ergonomic thanks to its Shimano Alfine 11-speed hub .

Tesoro 1: An enjoyable bike: the perfect synthesis between a nervous, sporty, aggressive bike, and complete equipment for everyday use and hiking.

Tesoro 2 (the replacement of the famous Tesoro light): The light version of the Cannondale Tesoro, is always equipped with the essential equipment for daily use as well as hiking with some additional equipment.

Cannondale bike Tesoro hub Rohloff

For those who want to go further, it will rather turn to:

Tesoro Traveler classic: Designed for (very) long treks on paved roads or dirt tracks. It is particularly aimed at cyclists who practice road cycling and who want to start traveling.

Tesoro Traveler ultra: Particularly suitable for very long hikes on tracks and hard terrain. It is particularly aimed at mountain bikers who wish to start traveling.

Cannondale bike Tesoro traveler classic.

1. the electric bike by cannondale.

Cannondale has chosen to join its know-how with that of Bosch in order to create an electric bike that meets the design criteria that have always been theirs: design, reliability, and durability.

It’s like a custom at Cannondale, a bike must meet practical obligations, but also favor the dynamic side.

For example, Cannondale has created electric bikes for the city such as electric mountain bikes; Cyclable no longer offers a Cannondale bike and chose to work with the brand’s Focus and Kalkhoff.

2. Trek Bike

The Trek Bicycle Corporation is a major manufacturer of bicycles and components of American bicycles.

It markets its products under the Trek, Gary Fisher, Bontrager, Klein, and (until recently) LeMond Racing Cycles brands, through a network of more than 1,700 independent bike dealers in the United States and Canada, as well as Europe and Asia. Trek is based in Waterloo, Wisconsin.

In the United States, bicycle assembly takes place in Whitewater, while most of the components and frames are manufactured in Taiwan and China. The name Trek comes from the Afrikaans word “journey”.

History of Trek Bike

1975-1979: the first years.

In December 1975, Richard Burke and Biseau Hogg created “Trek Bicycle” and made it a subsidiary of Roth Corporation, a bicycle dealer based in Milwaukee.

In early 1976, Trek began manufacturing steel frames in Waterloo and targeted the middle and upscale market, which at the time was dominated by the Japanese and Italians. Trek builds nearly 900 custom frames this first year, each costing just under $ 200.

At the end of 1976, Trek became an independent company.

In 1977, the company opened its first distribution store, Penn Cycle, in Bloomington. In three years, sales of the brand bring in nearly $ 2 million

1980-1984: Trek Scaled the Market

However, without a large-scale manufacturing plant, sales peaked in the late 1970s. In just a few years, Trek had exceeded the production capacity of the “red barn”, a former carpet manufacturing plant.

In 1980, in response to the need for expansion, Trek relocated its premises and set up its new 2,400 m 2 head office in the suburbs of Waterloo.

Company co-founder Dick Burke later said that “Trek has truly become a company with the creation of these premises.”

With a larger factory, Trek is expanding its manufacturing activities to offer complete bikes.

In 1982, Trek entered the market for steel road bikes and launched the 750 and 950 models .

In 1983, Trek built its first mountain bike (MTB), the 850. In 1984, Trek launched the market for bicycle spare parts and accessories and opened a new department, the Trek Components Group (TCG).

In 1985 , using advances in the space industry, Trek launched its first aluminum frame, in the year 2000.

The introduction of aluminum into the Trek production line proved to be very problematic for a company that had built on the model of hand-made steel frames.

The company’s technological advances are stagnating, as Trek’s time to understand how to build aluminum bikes in its production environment.

A year later, Trek continues the success story of 2000 with a carbon fiber model, 2500. This marks the beginning of Trek’s carbon fiber frame design.

That same year, in order to deal with sales that have never been so important, Trek is building another 7,000 m 2 plant, still in Waterloo. In 1988, Trek introduced “Trek Wear”, marking the company’s entry into the cycling apparel market.

A year later Trek launched into foreign markets with the opening of offices in the United Kingdom and Germany.

That same year Trek introduced its “Jazz” collection, entry-level and children’s bicycles designed by Trek, but made in Taiwan.

The Jazz collection was abandoned in 1993. 1989 was a pivotal year for Trek.

This year, the company unveiled its first carbon fiber molded chassis, the Trek 5000. The 5000 frame set (monocoque carbon frame) had an advertised weight of 1.5 kg.

Designed by Trek, but built by a third-party manufacturer, the 5000 suffered from quality issues and was therefore discontinued after just one year of marketing.

Nevertheless, the lessons learned from manufacturing the 5000 would prove useful in Trek’s own manufacture of carbon frames in the years to come.

In 1990, Trek developed a new bike category that combines the comfort features of a mountain bike with the speed of a road bike: the MultiTracks, the first line of hybrid bikes, were born.

That same year Trek also launches its first line of children’s bicycles. In 1991, Trek opened its first store network in the Madison,

Wisconsin area. In addition to presenting a complete line of Trek products, the Trek Shop served as a training center for Trek headquarters employees who lacked sales experience.

The store was also a draft for Trek to test merchandising and marketing ideas for the brand and its resellers.

1992-1996: Expansion

In the early 1990s, Trek’s technology director, Bob Read, attended a demonstration of the aerospace industry in Salt Lake City, with the idea of ​​meeting the leaders of a company called Radius Engineering.

This visit convinced Read that Trek’s future success depended on the design of carbon fiber frames, a material the company could use to create the lightest and strongest frame ever made.

After the failed introduction of the 5000, Trek invested heavily in the manufacture of homemade carbon fiber.

In 1992, Trek unveils its first all-carbon adult range, the 5500 and 5200, featuring OCLV carbon frames.

OCLV stands for “Optimum Compaction, Low Void” and refers to Trek’s exclusive capabilities to create carbon frames that exceed aerospace standards.

Weighing only 1.11 kg, the 5500 frame was the lightest road frame in the world at its release.

To make room for its new OCLV manufacturing facility, Trek is expanding its Waterloo headquarters, bringing the total floor area to 13,000 m 2.

The year 1992 marks another first for Trek: its first full-suspension mountain bike, the 9000-series, which used for the first time the new T3C Trek suspension range (“Travel is three times compression”).

In the wake of the success of the 5200 and 5500, Trek launched 1993 its first OCLV carbon bike, the 9900, which weighed 1.29 kg, making it the lightest ATV frame in the world.

In 1993, Trek bought Gary Fisher Bicycles, named after one of the MTB inventors and one of the most popular names in mountain biking.

In 1994, Trek began home fitness and launched the Trek Fitness Exercycles exercise bike.

In 1995, Trek acquired the prestigious Klein brand known for its high-performance executives and the innovative nature of its productions.

In 1996, Trek interrupts this range and divides its fitness division into a new independent company called Vision Fitness.

In 1995, Trek shakes the bicycle world by introducing its full suspension bike “Y”, which is a radical change in the traditional design of bikes. Although not a very good model, the “Y” sold well and even won an “Outstanding Design and Engineering Award” from the magazine Popular Mechanics.

That same year, Trek sought to diversify its product offering, acquiring Klein Bicycles, a manufacturer of high-end aluminum frames, and Bontrager Cycles, a manufacturer of bicycle and steel frame components made hands.

Trek also signs a long-term licensing agreement with Greg LeMond, the triple winner of the Tour de France and the first American to win the Tour, to design, manufacture and distribute LeMond Racing bikes.

1997-2005: The Armstrong years

In 1997, Trek aided the former world champion of road cycling (1993) Lance Armstrong, who returns from convalescence after getting treatment for cancer of the testicles, to join the team United States Postal Service.

Armstrong won his first Tour de France in 1999 on a Trek 5500, becoming the first American to win the Tour in an American team equipped with an American bike brand. Armstrong has won each of his seven tours on a Trek bike.

In 1998, Trek creates the Advanced Components Group (ACG), made up of engineers and technicians dedicated to the technological development of the brand’s bicycles.

They are looking to improve the design and engineering of Trek bikes. ACG is perhaps best known for being the origin of a number of products introduced and used by Lance Armstrong during his “septennat”, notably the Madone (2003) (named after the Col de la Madone ), and the TTX, a time trial bike (2005).

That same year, Trek opened its first manufacturing facility in Europe to assemble frames and wheels in Carlow, Ireland. The Carlow plant remained open until the end of 2004, in Hartmannsdorf, Germany.

In 2000, Trek introduces a specific line of bikes and accessories for women (WSD).

In October 2001, Trek introduced a custom bike program called Project One, which gives customers the ability to customize their Trek bikes by selecting paint, accessories, and more.

In an effort to expand into a new market, Trek launched Trek Travel in December 2002, a luxury bicycle vacation provider in Europe and North America.

Trek Travel operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Trek Bicycle until January 2007, when Trek sold its interest in the company.

Despite the division, Trek and Trek Travel have close working relationships and pursue several partnerships.

In 2003, Trek acquires Villiger, a Swiss bicycle manufacturer, and Diamant, the oldest bicycle company in Germany.

The acquisition gives Trek the opportunity to interfere in the bicycle market, a fairly large market in Europe. With the acquisition, Trek becomes the owner of the Villiger-Diamant production plant in Hartmannsdorf.

The global expansion of Trek continued until 2005, with the opening of two stores in Beijing and the signing of distribution agreements with 20 Chinese distributors.

For the third time in its history, Trek expands to new global headquarters in Waterloo, in 2005, creating 4,000 m 2 of additional space, used mainly for engineering booming, R&D, and marketing.

A museum was also set up on the company’s premises, where a number of bicycles that have marked the history of Trek, including one of Gary Fisher’s first ATVs, and seven bikes used by Lance Armstrong were displayed — ts seven Tours de France (one for each year from 1999 to 2005).

2006 Till Date

The year 2007 dedicates the efforts to the democratization Trek bike. After years of support for the US Cycling League and the Bikes Belong Coalition, Trek launches its “1 World 2 Wheels” campaign at its annual World Congress in Madison, Wisconsin.

The “Go By Bike” campaign is at the center of the “1 World 2 Wheels” program, as it encourages Americans to ride a bike instead of driving for less than 3 km.

Trek also committed $ 1 million in funding for the Bicycle Friendly Community program of the League of American Cyclists.

In April 2008, after years of growing tensions with Greg LeMond, Trek files an application in Federal Court to break the contract with the former rider, citing multiple breaches of contract.

On March 20 of the same year, LeMond presented his arguments against Trek. The dispute is pending in the Minnesota District Court.

3. Specialized Bike

Specialized Bicycle Components is a major manufacturer of bicycles and cycle equipment, based in Morgan Hill, California.

Brief History of Specialized Bikes

Specialized was founded in 1974 by Mike Sinyard , a cycling enthusiast who set out to tour Europe by bike, and after which he started importing Italian components ( Campagnolo, Cinelli ) that were difficult to find in the United States.

The company started producing its own components in 1976, with the introduction of a tire for touring bikes.

The first bikes of the brand come to the catalog in 1979: the race bike Go and the Sequoia touring bike.

In 1981, the manufacturer marks a change in the world of cycling by launching the first mountain bike for the general public: the Stumpjumper.

This model is a hybrid form between the robust touring bikes that Mike Sinyard used for his tour of Europe, and the road bikes of the time.

Produced at 500 units in the first year, it flows very quickly, prompting the company to anticipate the next vintage 1.

This bike equipped with impressive tires and 15 speeds is so striking that an original model is present in a museum of the Smithsonian Institute.

Faced with this rapid growth, the brand leaves its premises located in a warehouse in San Jose in 1982 for a much larger space in Morgan Hill, still in the suburbs of San Francisco.

This new foot on the ground surrounded by large spaces suitable for cycling is ideal for the company.

Specialized continues its progress by creating the first professional MTB team: Team Stumpjumper in 1983.

The initiative is successful, with the team winning many competitions in the colors of the brand, and testing the products at the same time for possible future commercialization.

Since then, the company has continued to play this card: technologically advanced products, tested and proven by professional cyclists at the highest level of international competition 1.

Mike Sinyard’s contribution to mountain biking was highlighted in 1988 with his entry into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame.

This year is also important for Specialized, which releases the first carbon fiber MTB, the Stumpjumper Epic 3, consisting of 8 carbon fiber tubes glued together.

The Body Geometry ergonomic saddle is making its appearance and is the very first saddle whose design has been specially designed for male morphology.

It follows the studies of Dr. Irwin Goldstein on the correlation between the practice of cycling and the increased risk of male infertility and limits this risk by removing pressure on the perineal area when the cyclist is seated 1.

In collaboration with the company Duralcan specialized in the design of aluminum alloys, Specialized in the first model of bike rim designed Metal Matrix (metal matrix composite), and produced 5,000 copies.

This complex realization required the involvement of many stakeholders in the different aspects of production and was highlighted by competitors like Huffy [archive] who confessed to having worked on the use of metal matrix composite, but who gave up research after failing to develop a large-scale production process.

The early 1990s marked a revival in the world of cycling, with the arrival of many competitors offering their own ranges of bicycles while the market does not follow this pace of expansion.

Added to this are management and production problems that put the brand in difficulty.

While many competitors complete their ranges with low-cost models sold in supermarkets, Specialized decided to exploit this potential in 1995, by launching a specialized sub-brand for the entry-level called Full Force.

This announcement was poorly perceived by dealers loyal to the brand, who perceived this approach as a strategic error 1.

In 1996, Specialized reversed its decision and stopped the Full Force concept. Mike Sinyard writes on this occasion a formal letter of apology to all the dealers of the brand.

Unique characteristics of Trek Bike

1). TSI Design Technology: The TSI ( Total Suspension Integration ) is a design technique developed by Specialized, and used in more and more bikes of the brand.

Specific to the use of mountain biking, it is based on the observation that it is impossible to obtain a bike with optimal behavior based on these components whose design is separate.

Unlike almost all brands of ATVs that use the shocks and forks of third-party manufacturers like Fox Racing Shox or Rockshox, Specialized decided to develop its own components at the same time as the frame.

This research has resulted in the production of the AFR shock absorbers and the FutureShock forks, the models of which are specific to the bikes they come with: Enduro SL, Stumpjumper FSR, and Epic.

2). Shock Absorber AFR: The AFR ( Active Functional Response ) damper made its appearance in the Specialized range in 2007.

The AFR damper design has been integrated into the Specialized Frame Development Program to provide optimal operation with FSR geometry.

Therefore, each shock is equipped with a hydraulic spring specific to the kinematics of each model.

The AFR shock absorber appeared in 2007 on the Enduro SL , Stumpjumper FSR, and Epic models. On the latter, it is also accompanied by an inertia valve under the name of Brain.

3). Fork FutureShock: In parallel with the development of the AFR fender, Specialized also focused on developing forks in conjunction with the frame.

They, therefore, have, according to the models and the uses of specific functionalities, such as the spike valve which makes it possible to offer a variable compression curve depending on the intensity of the shocks, or the inertia valve which modulates the operation of the fork. depending on the terrain, regardless of the pedaling movements of the driver.

The FutureShock appeared in 2007 on the Enduro SL model under the name future shock E150 , offering 150mm of travel.

It is followed in 2008 by the FutureShock S120 designed to equip the Stumpjumper FSR with 120mm of travel.

Finally, the FutureShock E100 100mm travel made its appearance in 2009 to equip the Epic on the occasion of its renewal.

In 2010, the FutureShock S120 is replaced by the FutureShock S140TA which offers a 140mm travel more in line with the new geometry of the frame. The same goes for the FutureShock E160 that comes in place of the FutureShock E150.

Today, the manufacturer produces a wide variety of clothing dedicated to cycling , including helmets, shoes, and gloves, to add to the list of more than 25 series of bikes.

The bike range ranges from affordable models such as the Rockhopper to the S-Works for the road and the ATV or the Demo for the Freeride.

Many riders have used Specialized Bikes in recent years for North American and European races.

Currently, in 2017, the cycling teams Bora-Hansgrohe and Quick-Step Floors ride on the Tarmac and the Venge (all-carbon racing bicycles one more for the mountain tarmac and the other stiffer for the riders, the sprinters).

How to Choose Your Mountain Bike

The all-terrain vehicle ( atv) you need to begin.

Beginner or jack-of-all? No need to choose your side!

Technique and quality are not reserved for the pros, far from it. Even beginners can afford, at a lower cost, a nice machine that will allow them to enjoy beautiful hikes and ride on any type of path.

Entry-level mountain bikes also have good ride quality and at least a sturdy fork and a stable aluminum frame – this is often all you need to get started. As for the driving position, it is generally less stretched and therefore more comfortable.

What is Mountain Bike Used For?

This type of mountain bike is very suitable for hiking in the wilderness, but also for daily commutes in the city.

They are versatile and offer a very pleasant ride, whether downhill or uphill, on the road or on country roads.

With Which Equipment?

Typically, all-terrain vehicle equipment is rather minimalist. Mudguards, lights, and crutch considered not useful on this type of bike, are not part of the table.

However, many all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for beginners have threaded grommets that can be used to mount accessories on the frame.

In terms of basic equipment, it is essential that your ATV is equipped with powerful brakes and a good transmission (Shimano and Sram are references in the matter), and that you circulate in town or in the countryside. ATVs whose price does not exceed €500 are often equipped with V-Brake brakes.

Lightweight and easy to maintain, they have nothing to envy to disc brakes when the road is dry. But when the weather is rainy, mechanical disc brakes and hydraulic brakes take advantage.

Follow the maintenance tips = get off to a good start

Making simple repairs on your bike is within everyone’s reach. No need for an engineering degree.

But for them to be effective and you can keep your bike in good condition, it is better to have some tools and essential maintenance products.

For example, regularly oiling the chain of your bike will allow you to enjoy a longer driving comfort! There are also many guides that provide basic tips for ATV repair and maintenance.

XC Race And Marathon All-Terrian Vehicle ATV

These mountain bikes are fast on the climbs and efficient on the downhill. Nothing resists them: whether you are a fan of technical trails or large uneven, you will be served.

Stability, lightness, and rigidity are their greatest assets. To you long hikes and runs at full speed!

Do you want to unwind after a long day of work or beat your friends in a marathon descent?

The XC Race and Marathon mountain bikes are the answer to your adrenaline cravings.

Suspended just right, they make descents pleasant by softening the roughness of the road but do not go so far as to give you the impression of rolling on air cushions. The sensations first!

The Essential Equipment Used

XC Race and Marathon ATV equipment are quite spartan.

A journey of 100 to 120 mm is de rigueur, and there is often the possibility to block the suspensions of your bike if you are preparing to climb a long climb. Most of the time, derailleurs in this category are 2×10 or 1×11.

Their frames are increasing carbon, manufacturers are constantly looking for lightness. But a good aluminum frame will do the trick: it will cost less and its weight will not be an inconvenience.

Some ATVs are equipped with ultra-light wheels and tires. In the XC category, the weight of the bike makes all the difference!

All-Mountain And Enduro ATVs

High mountains and very steep slopes: the field of use of these mountain bikes is quite small.

All-mountain bikes are for experienced riders . Whether you want to tackle the Alps or test your agility in highly technical circuits, this is the mountain bike you need.

Enduro bikes are more downhill-oriented. If they do not let themselves fall in the mountains, they run down the slopes with an ease that leaves no voice! This is their strong point.

What are they Used For?

These ultra sports bikes have been designed for all those who place the challenge and the sensations at the heart of their practice. The rough coasts do not scare you?

Opt for an all-mountain mountain bike with large suspensions, up to 160 mm of travel.

If, on the contrary, you are a true downhill fan and are willing to sacrifice some efficiency on the climb to be able to hit aggressive slopes on your machine, you have the Enduro profile.

Turn to an all-mountain bike, with a travel of up to 170 mm and a narrow-angle. With this fearsome machine, you get the extreme Offroad or Enduro sessions at the Bikepark.

The Equipment You Need

The latest models are usually equipped with 27.5-inch wheels with tires and wide rims.

To take advantage of the confirmed driver’s area, 180mm disc brakes and high-quality adjustable suspensions (such as those from RockShox or Fox) are more than recommended. Just as important: the handlebars must be wide – not less than 740 mm.

From € 2000, your bike will necessarily have an adjustable seat post. But even if your ATV is cheaper, do not hesitate to equip this type of Seatpost, very valuable for this type of sport.

Women’s ATV

More and more women are mountain biking: a new challenge for manufacturers! But should women necessarily turn to bikes specifically designed for them? Yes and no.

Women can ride a “normal” ATV as long as the size of the frame suits them. Some manufacturers offer mountain bikes specifically designed for women. And their arguments are good!

A Specific Position

Some experienced bikers have no problem riding a men’s ATV. But for other women, the driving position is too “sporty”: the upper tube is a bit too long, the handlebars too wide and the handles too big.

The saddle of mountain bikes for men is not more comfortable either! Beginning women will feel much better on a light and maneuverable bike than on a very responsive ATV with big suspensions.

The Primary Advantages

All these differences are therefore taken into account by the manufacturers, who offer MTB more adapted to women: shorter frame, saddle for woman, softer suspensions, handlebar and handles finer and narrower.

As for the choice of model, it’s like for men: it depends on your use, your desires, and your budget. If we were still recommending a bike for beginners, it would be a semi-rigid mountain bike, relatively light.

Do It Yourself

Just a little bit of elbow grease to make small changes (but that can change everything!) On your ATV.

You can fit a saddle for women like the Lady Sport-Comp RCP saddle, perfectly adapted to the female anatomy, without compromising on the sporty look.

Side handlebar grips, the ESI Racer’s Ege will be perfect for smaller hands — and come in many colors.

Wheel Size: a Matter of Inches

A few years ago, all ATVs were equipped with 26-inch wheels.

We could not imagine anything else! For about thirty years, only this diameter was used. Until a bike designer wonders if we could not see things in a big way.

The 29-inch wheel was born!

The principle is simple: a larger wheel passes without wobbling on small obstacles like roots or pebbles and the bike is more stable.

However, their large size makes them heavier and not suitable for smaller cyclists. An intermediate diameter has therefore appeared: 27.5 inches. The ideal compromise!

A classic! This diameter guarantees flawless agility and good stability. But in disciplines such as cross-country or hiking, these wheels are less and less used.

They are nevertheless perfect for the Enduro.

If you like to pedal in winding ways, you must go to them. Their price has also dropped a lot!

27.5 inches

The new darling of manufacturers is likely to dethrone the 26-inch version.

It combines the agility of a 26-inch wheel and the much more comfortable ride of its big sister, the 29-inch.

The winning combo for bikers who likes bikes is a bit more aggressive.

The 29-inch version gave a new impetus to cycling, literally.

On hilly terrain, you can clearly feel the difference: it provides traction power and unparalleled comfort.

It’s perfect for those who want to go straight without worrying about obstacles. These wheels are a very good choice for mountain bikes .

Even athletes under 1m70, cross-country enthusiasts, and long trips can be tempted without a bad surprise.

The obstacles will disappear under your wheels.

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Cannondale Bikes Vs. Trek Bikes

While Cannondale has more of a Rolls-Royce reputation among certain cyclists, Trek has Tour de France bragging rights, with nine victories on its models. Lance Armstrong, for example, winner of a record seven consecutive Tours, rides a Trek. "The companies have bikes that compete each other against at every level," notes Simone Jowett, manager of Bike Doctor of Linthicum in Linthicum, Maryland, which sells both brands.

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Both companies sell mountain, road, commuter and women-specific design bicycles. Trek also sells triathlon, electric and children's bicycles, as well as the Gary Fisher line of bicycles, originally mountain only but now road bikes as well. "Trek offers a bigger umbrella," Jowett says.

Considerations

The same frame may differ slightly between the manufacturers. If you have a long torso, Cannondale's top tubes tend to run a bit longer and may fit a bit better, Jowett advises. Conversely, a short torso may match up better to a Trek. Finish and overall quality are comparable. "Trek actually offers a better value at the lower end. They came up with the Trek 1.1 at $600," Jowett notes, citing the model's September 2010 price.

Both companies make carbon and aluminum frames, which give different road feels and are a matter of personal preference, Jowett says. "Some love carbon, and some love aluminum," Jowett says. Trek offers its signature Madone 1.1 at $1,900 as of September 2010, "and finding a carbon bike under $2,000 is very good," Jowett says. Trek also offers entry-level mountain and kid's bikes made of steel. Both companies make their bicycles in Taiwan, with the exception of Trek's high-end Madone, which is made in Waterloo, Wisconsin.

Expert Insight

Penny Troutner, owner of Light Street Cycles in Baltimore, believes Cannondale has more progressive designs than Trek and puts more effort into research and development. She points to Cannondale's long history with aluminum frames, as well as the curved chainstays on the Cannondale 6 and the Synapse, which absorb more of road shock. Cannondale offers a left fork that sits sideways to the front wheel on its high-end mountain bikes such as the Scalpel, RZ and Jekyll, for added lightness and stiffness. Cannondale also provides strong offerings for women, especially women's hybrids, Troutner says. "Women who say they can't find a hybrid to fit me can usually find a Cannondale," she notes.

Comparisons

To compare a Cannondale to a Trek, visit the online site PedalsMonkey, which allows side-by-side comparisons of the two brands, as well as Specialized, Schwinn, Giant and Scott bikes. The site groups bicycles by mountain, bike, comfort and triathlon, and allows you to call up, for example, a Trek model's basics, specifications, manufacturer's suggested retail price and user ratings, followed by a Cannondale.

• Trek: Road 2010
• Simone Jowett; manager, Bike Doctor of Linthicum; Linthicum, Maryland
• Penny Troutner; owner, Light Street Cycles; Baltimore, Maryland

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Trek FX vs Cannondale Quick (7 Key Differences)

When it comes to choosing a bike, there are a lot of factors to consider. But if you’re looking for a bike that’s versatile and fun, then you might be stuck between the Trek FX vs Cannondale Quick.

So, which one is right for you? Here’s a quick look at the Trek FX vs Cannondale Quick:

Trek FX vs Cannondale Quick

The Trek FX is a great option if you’re looking for a bike that’s versatile and fun. It’s perfect for commuting, running errands, or just cruising around town. The Cannondale Quick is also a great option if you’re looking for a bike that’s versatile and fun. However, it’s slightly more expensive than the Trek FX.

The Trek FX is made with an aluminum frame, while the Cannondale Quick is made with a carbon frame. The Trek FX has 21 speeds, and the Cannondale Quick has 24 speeds. The Trek FX has mechanical disc brakes , while the Cannondale Quick has hydraulic disc brakes.

The Trek FX is a great option for someone who wants a versatile and fun bike that’s not too expensive. The Cannondale Quick is a great option for someone who wants a versatile and fun bike that’s slightly more expensive. Either way, you can’t go wrong with either of these bikes!

Trek FX Overview

Trek is a leading bike manufacturer with a long history of innovation and success. The company was founded in 1976 by Dick Burke and Bev Dornan, and has since become one of the most well-respected brands in the cycling industry .

Trek is known for its high-quality bikes and innovative technologies, and their FX line of bikes is no exception. Trek’s FX bikes are designed for riders who want a versatile and capable bike that can handle a variety of riding styles. The FX line includes both hardtail and full-suspension bikes, so there’s an option for every type of rider.

Trek’s FX bikes are some of the most popular models in the company’s lineup, and they’re perfect for riders who want a bike that can do it all.

Trek’s FX bikes are popular for a reason: they’re versatile, capable, and built with quality components. If you’re looking for a bike that can handle anything you throw at it, a Trek FX bike is a perfect choice.

Cannondale Quick Bikes Overview

Cannondale Bicycles is an American bicycle manufacturer founded in 1971, headquartered in Bethel, Connecticut with manufacturing facilities in Taiwan. Cannondale produces road, racing, mountain, and commuter bicycles. In 2015 it was acquired by Dorel Industries.

Cannondale was founded in a Greenwich Village basement in 1971. At that time, mountain bikes had just been invented and were not yet commercially available. Cannondale’s founders, Joe Montgomery and Jim Catrambone, started importing European bike parts and building their own frames in order to create the first American-made mountain bikes.

Cannondale quickly became known for its innovation, high quality, and unique designs. In 1983, they introduced the world’s first bicycle trailer, the Bugger. In 1984, they released the Cannondale SM800, the first mass-produced mountain bike with a suspension fork. In 1993, they introduced the HeadShok Suspension fork, which was lighter and stiffer than anything else on the market.

In 1997, Cannondale released the F-SI hardtail mountain bike, which featured a Lefty fork and super-light carbon frame. This bike set the standard for lightweight performance and paved the way for Cannondale’s success in the racing world. In recent years, Cannondale has continued to innovate with their line of electric bikes , which are perfect for commuters or anyone looking for a little extra help on the hills.

Cannondale is one of the most respected brands in the cycling world, with a reputation for quality and innovation that is second to none. If you’re looking for a bike that will perform at the highest level, Cannondale is the brand for you.

Trek FX vs Cannondale Quick Bikes Frame

The frame is the most important part of any bike, and it’s where you’ll see the biggest difference between Trek FX bikes and Cannondale Quick Bikes. Trek FX bikes have a strong, lightweight aluminum frame that’s built to last. Cannondale Quick Bikes have a lighter, more nimble carbon frame that’s designed for speed.

Which frame is right for you depends on your riding style. If you’re looking for a bike that can handle any terrain and will last for years to come, Trek FX is a great choice. If you’re looking for a fast bike that’s easy to maneuver, Cannondale Quick is a good option. No matter which bike you choose, you’ll be getting a great frame that’s sure to give you years of riding enjoyment.

Trek FX vs Cannondale Quick Bikes Groupset

When it comes to choosing a new bike, one of the key considerations is the groupset. Groupsets dictate how smooth and precise shifting will be, as well as how much power you’ll have when pedaling. For many riders, these are the two most important factors in choosing a new bike.

Trek’s fx bikes come equipped with Shimano groupsets, while Cannondale’s Quick Bikes have SRAM groupsets. Both brands are reputable and offer high-quality products.

Shimano is often seen as the more traditional choice, and their groupsets tend to be more affordable. SRAM, on the other hand, is known for their cutting-edge technology and their groupsets are often seen as being slightly better in terms of performance.

It really depends on your budget and your personal preferences. If you’re looking for a high-performance groupset, SRAM is probably the way to go. However, if you’re on a tighter budget, Shimano is a great option. Whichever groupset you choose, you can be sure that you’re getting a quality product.

Trek FX vs Cannondale Quick Bikes Wheels

Wheels are one of the most important parts of a bike, and there are a few things to consider when choosing between Trek FX bikes and Cannondale Quick Bikes. Trek FX bikes have Wheelsmith wheels that are strong and durable, making them ideal for rough terrain. Cannondale Quick Bikes have Mavic wheels that are lighter and faster, making them better for speed.

When it comes to deciding between Trek FX bikes and Cannondale Quick Bikes, it really depends on what you’re looking for in a bike. If you need a bike that can handle rough terrain, then Trek FX is the way to go. If you’re looking for a bike that’s faster and lighter, then Cannondale Quick Bike is the better choice. Wheels are just one part of the bike to consider, so be sure to test-ride both and see which one feels best for you.

Trek FX vs Cannondale Quick Bikes Tires

Tires are an important part of any bike, and the type of tire you choose can make a big difference in your riding experience. If you’re looking for a bike that can handle both road and off-road riding , then you’ll need to choose a tire that can handle both surfaces.

Trek FX bikes and Cannondale Quick bikes are two of the most popular bikes on the market, and they both offer a variety of tires to choose from. So, which is the better option?

Trek FX bikes come with a variety of different tire options, so you can pick the perfect one for your riding needs. The company offers both road and off-road tires, so you can take your bike on any type of terrain.

Cannondale Quick bikes also offer a variety of different tire options, but they’re mostly focused on road riding. So, if you’re looking for a bike that can handle both types of riding, then Trek FX is the better option.

Both companies offer a wide range of tires to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your riding style. Trek FX offers a wide range of widths, so you can pick the perfect tire for your bike. Cannondale Quick bikes offer a variety of different tread patterns, so you can pick the perfect tire for your riding needs.

Exploring the optimal tire size for your Trek FX or Cannondale Quick can significantly impact your cycling efficiency, and the choice between 28mm and 32mm bike tires plays a crucial role in navigating the best path for your cycling experience.

If you’re looking for a bike that can handle both road and off-road riding, then Trek FX is the better option. If you’re mostly interested in road riding, then Cannondale Quick is the better option.

Trek FX vs Cannondale Quick Bikes Brakes

There are a few key differences between Trek FX bikes and Cannondale Quick Bikes when it comes to brakes. For one, Trek FX bikes use disc brakes while Cannondale Quick Bikes use rim brakes. Disc brakes offer more stopping power and are less affected by weather conditions than rim brakes.

Additionally, Trek FX bikes have adjustable brake levers that allow you to customize the braking feel to your preferences, while Cannondale Quick Bikes have non-adjustable brake levers. Finally, Trek FX bikes come with integrated brake light sensors that activate the brake lights when you slow down, while Cannondale Quick Bikes do not have this feature.

Overall, both bikes have their pros and cons when it comes to brakes, but disc brakes and adjustable brake levers give Trek FX bikes the edge in this category. Learn the essentials of bike maintenance, including adjusting bicycle brakes for a smooth stop.

Trek FX vs Cannondale Quick Bikes Saddle

As anyone who has ridden a bike before knows, having a comfortable saddle is crucial to enjoying your ride. But what many people don’t realize is that there are different types of saddles designed for different riding styles.

So if you’re trying to decide between a Trek FX bike and a Cannondale Quick bike, it’s important to know which type of saddle would be best for you. Here’s a quick rundown of the different types of saddles available:

Trek FX bikes come with a Bontrager H1 Saddle. This saddle is designed for comfort and features an ergonomic design that relieves pressure on your sit bones. It’s a great choice for casual riders who want to be able to enjoy their rides without feeling uncomfortable.

Cannondale Quick bikes come with a Cannondale Stage Ergo Saddle. This saddle is designed for performance and features a narrower design that helps you stay in an aerodynamic position while riding. It’s a great choice for competitive riders who want to be able to go fast and perform at their best.

If you’re just looking for a comfortable ride, the Trek FX bike with the Bontrager H1 Saddle is a great option. But if you’re looking to go fast and perform at your best, the Cannondale Quick bike with the Cannondale Stage Ergo Saddle is the better choice. Whichever saddle you choose, make sure it’s comfortable so you can enjoy your ride.

Trek FX vs Cannondale Quick Bikes Riding Experience

Trek FX bikes and Cannondale Quick Bikes are both great choices for riders looking for a fast, efficient bike. But which one is the better choice for you? Here’s a look at the riding experience of each bike to help you decide.

Trek FX bikes are known for their speed and efficiency. Riders who choose Trek FX bikes enjoy a fast, responsive ride that is perfect for getting around town or hitting the open road.

Cannondale Quick Bikes are also known for their speed and efficiency, but they offer a slightly different riding experience. Quick Bikes are designed to be even more responsive and agile, making them ideal for riders who want a bike that can keep up with their fast-paced lifestyle.

If you’re looking for a fast, efficient bike that is perfect for getting around town or hitting the open road, then a Trek FX bike is the ideal choice. 

Trek FX vs Cannondale Quick Bikes How To Choose?

If you’re looking for a fitness bike, you may be wondering whether to choose a Trek FX or a Cannondale Quick. Both are great options, but there are some key differences to consider.

Trek FX bikes are designed for comfort and stability, with a focus on easy pedaling. They’re ideal for riders who want to get a workout, but don’t necessarily want to go all-out. Cannondale Quick bikes, on the other hand, are designed for speed and agility. They’re perfect for riders who want to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible.

Discover solutions to common biking issues, such as addressing bothersome bike noises while pedaling .

If you’re looking for a bike that you can use for leisurely rides and workouts, a Trek FX is a great choice. If you’re looking for a bike that you can use for racing or other high-intensity activities, a Cannondale Quick is the better option.

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Trek vs Giant vs Specialized vs Cannondale – Which is the Ideal Bike?

Riding a bike is extremely liberating and refreshing to the mind, body, and soul. Which between the Trek, Giant, Specialized, or Cannondale is the ideal bike for you?

Take a minute and think of your ideal cycling routine and picture yourself riding off into the horizon with the wind against your cheeks and flowing through your hair. Hold that image and think of the bike type you are riding.

Live in that moment for a while and hold onto that image. That is exactly how I envisioned my first bike ride and now I’m here to pick out one between these four great choices. Having some years of cycling experience, it shouldn’t be much of a hassle.

Table of Contents

What is the difference between Trek vs Giant vs Specialized vs Cannondale Bikes?

Trek vs giant vs specialized vs cannondale bike: how do they compare, frame and design.

Trek offers longer-travel at 120mm front and 130mm rear which is a bit large. There is a 140mm RockShox or FOX 34 or FOX 35 fork which is stiffer with the frame measuring anywhere between 10 to 20mm.

Giant’s bike model has a SuntourRaidon rear suspension and it works on the Maestro designed four-pivot point system that is a trademark of Giant premium bikes. Relying on the geometrical positioning of the aluminum Giant Connect seat stays and chainstays, this is essentially a single-pivot shock-absorbing component. It has 120mm travel.

Designed in carbon fiber material, the Specialized bike features a Syntace MegaForce2 stem and a specialized command seat post and a comfortable Phenom Expert type saddle. It also features threaded SRAM bottom bracket shells.

Cannondale’s head angle measures 66 degrees and is combined with 51mm offset forks for 29 inch and 44mm for the 27.5 inch wheel. The trail is 112mm in length, chainstay is 435mm and the arms-reach is 430mm. The boost rear axle measures 12x148mm is a standard Cannondale measurement.

Trek bike stand out as the exception by offering 130mm rear travel as compared to the Giant, Specialized and Cannondale brands which have a shorter rear travel at 120mm.

Trek bikes have a travel length of 130mm. They offer 12 speeds on an SRAM XO1 Eagle crankset with a Float 36 Grip 2 fork running on the SRAM XG-1275 Eagle 10-50t cassette and a rear SRAM Eagle Dub derailleur for easy gear shifting.

Giant’s aluminum bike frame is fitted with a 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle gear system that operates on an 11-50t cassette and SRAM SX Eagle Dub crankset supported by a Radon 34 Boost fork. Featuring tubeless-ready Giant XCT rims over MaxxisForekaster 29-inch tires, you are protected from pinch flats.

Specialized bikes are available in carbon fiber and their frame is supportive of the SRAM XX1 Eagle cranks and chain fitted into the SRAM X01 Eagle 10-50t cassette and a rear SRAM XX1 Eagle derailleur resting on a Fox Float 34 Factory FIT4 fork.

Cannondale bikes have a 120mm travel. The drivetrain system is the SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed and is fitted with Shimano 1×10 groupset, RockShox Recon fork , and a fixed seat post. A full carbon frame has Shimano’s XTR 1×12 group, Fox Transfer Dropper post, and a FOX 34 fork.

With all four bike brands settling for the SRAM Eagle gears in varied models, the Specialized bikes are better placed because they have the more durable Eagle XX1 carbon-built chainring system.

Extra Features

A trap-door is built into the Trek’s downtube which allows you to have secret storage space using an organizer roll designed with pockets to fit a tube, inflator head, cartridge, and tire lever. For your water bottle, a sideload cage is also built into the frame.

Giant bikes feature the trademark Maestro designed four-point fork. Giant Connect is the type of saddle used that provides a stable platform for the Giant Contact saddle that is comfortable to ride on for hours

Specialized bikes have specialized SIP grips for maximum security while riding and the Command Post seat post is raised 160mm to support the Phenom Expert saddle.

Cannondale frames use a boost rear axle, fit a water bottle, feature internal cable routing and the carbon frames are fitted with full-length tubes to minimize rattling and assist with routing.

Trek’s secret storage and Cannondale’s Ai offset function give them a leg up over the Giant and Specialized brands which focus more on providing a comfortable saddle.

Trek vs Giant vs Specialized vs Cannondale Bike: A comparison Overview

Trek bike review.

With the FOX 36 GRIP 2 damper, the Trek mountain bike is quite sturdy which keeps you on the desired track making the experience exciting yet controlled.

It lacks a decent dropper making the Bontrager post sticky and sluggish in performance.The bike weighs 30 pounds which is considerably light.

• Expanded range available
• 140mm forks and 2.6 inch tires
• Rear suspension
• FOX 36 fork
• Sticky Bontrager stock post

Giant Bike Review

This bike model has a Suntour rear suspension and it works on the Maestro designed four-pivot point system that is a trademark of Giant premium. Relying on the geometrical positioning of the aluminum seat stays and chainstays, this is essentially a single-pivot shock-absorbing component. It has 120mm travel.

It comes with a single chainring at the front and a rear-mounted derailleur. With 12-speeds on an 11-50t cassette and running on MaxxisForekaster tubeless tires.

• Great roll-over on rocky terrain
• Wide gear range
• No dropper post

Specialized Bike Review

Designed in carbon fiber material, it minimizes proprietary extras for a simple build that repairs easily and is low maintenance. It also features threaded bottom bracket shells.

Specialized Horst link FSR provides deep suspension with fine-tuning capabilities and an SRAM XXI drivetrain with rubber padded bumper which quietens the bike’s operations and keeps the chainstay well covered from effects of external elements.

• Reactive to corners   FSR Deep Suspension
• Rubber padded bumper
• Repeated stutter-bumps and holes
• Gripton tires feel sketchy

Cannondale Bike Review

This bike is designed into a dual-link, four-bar suspension that is very responsive and capable of handling all types of terrain. It is a very sensitive bike that offers riders lots of traction for greater acceleration and braking power.

This four-bar system is perfect for mountain bikes because when braking, it minimizes the anti-rise effects which increase the responsiveness of the suspension making for great traction and control. However, this also increases the forward weight transfer created when braking so be cautious.

• Minimized drag
• Seat Post and Stays are designed to comply
• Integrated front wheel sensors
• Doesn’t work with derailleur

Conclusion 

Trek bikes are perfect for hard terrain, Giant bikes have amazing roll-over in varied terrains, Specialized bikes are ideal for maneuvering sharp corners and the Cannondale bike is dominated by aerodynamics.

Verdict: Which is better – Trek vs Giant vs Specialized vs Cannondale Bike

Trek bikes are the better option for added features and benefits. If you love a bike with great extras and value for money, this is it!

What does the shock mount on the Trek bike do?

It minimizes the frame’s rigidity. Which guarantees smoother mobility by absorbing road vibration.

Why is a four-point fork better than a single fork?

Because they minimize bobbing that then hampers your cadence.

What is better Cannondale or Giant?

Both Cannondale and Giant are reputable and respected bike brands that produce high-quality bikes. It is difficult to say which brand is better as it depends on individual preferences and needs.

Cannondale is known for its innovative designs and use of cutting-edge technology, such as the HollowGram crankset and the Lefty suspension fork. Cannondale bikes are often praised for their stiffness, responsiveness, and comfort, and are popular among professional cyclists.

Giant, on the other hand, offers a wide range of bikes at all price points, from entry-level to high-end models. Giant bikes are known for their durability, reliability, and value for money, and are often praised for their smooth ride quality.

Is A Trek Better Than Specialised?

The choice on which one you prefer depends on you. Both brands offer a wide range of bikes at all price points, from entry-level to high-end models, and each brand is known for its own unique features, designs, and technologies.

Trek is known for its innovative designs and use of cutting-edge technology, such as the IsoSpeed decoupler and the OCLV carbon fiber frame. Trek bikes are often praised for their stiffness, responsiveness, and comfort, and are popular among professional cyclists.

Specialized, on the other hand, is known for its Body Geometry Fit system, which aims to provide a comfortable and efficient riding position. Specialized bikes are often praised for their lightweight, aerodynamic designs, and are popular among triathletes and road racers.

Is Giant and Cannondale The Same?

No, Giant and Cannondale are not the same company. They are two separate and independent bike brands that compete with each other in the market.

Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd. is a Taiwanese company that was founded in 1972 and is one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world. Giant produces a wide range of bikes, including road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and electric bikes, and offers models at different price points.

Cannondale Bicycle Corporation is an American company that was founded in 1971 and is known for its innovative designs and use of cutting-edge technology. Cannondale produces a wide range of bikes, including road bikes, mountain bikes, and electric bikes, and is popular among professional cyclists.

Is Giant Better Than Trek?

Both bikes have their perks. Giant is known for offering a wide selection of top-end bikes at friendlier prices than Trek . They are also known for having slightly better components on their bikes, as they are the biggest manufacturer and can purchase parts less expensively. Giant is also known as one of the best budget bike brands.

In contrast, Trek is known for its innovative designs and use of cutting-edge technology, such as the IsoSpeed decoupler and the OCLV carbon fiber frame. Trek bikes are often praised for their stiffness, responsiveness, and comfort, and are popular among professional cyclists.

The Best Mountain Bike Brands (And The Ones You Should Avoid)

Picking out the perfect mountain bike can make a big difference in your experience on the trail, whether cruising through local trails or dropping into big backcountry terrain. For dedicated mountain bikers, your bike is not just a piece of equipment. It's your ticket to adventure, exploration, and, most importantly, safety.

Mountain bikers make up a dedicated community of enthusiasts who take their rides, gear, and experiences seriously. Therefore, it's only logical that mountain bike brands should share this passion and commitment to excellence for their community. Today, we're looking at what makes a mountain bike brand truly stand out, exploring what features to look for in a great bike brand as well as the ones that typically fall short in the demanding world of mountain biking.

Whether you're a pro looking for advice or a complete newcomer thirsting for those first trails, this is a great place to start learning about the best mountain bike brands (and the ones you should avoid) to arm you with the knowledge to find the perfect bike brand for your individual needs. Get ready to gear up and confidently head out into the great outdoors.

Best: Specialized

Specialized is a major player in the high-end bicycle market and has well deserved its position as a perennial favorite among amateurs and professionals alike. Since 1974, Specialized has been forging a unique path as an innovator for cyclists, by cyclists. The sport of mountain biking as we know and love it today was still in its infancy during the 1970s, but vision and a love for cycling drove Specialized to introduce the first production mountain bike with the Stumpjumper in 1981.

The brand's passion for pushing the envelope has not abated in the intervening decades, and today, the range includes everything from cross-country (XC) hardtails to long-travel, full-suspension downhill racers and from entry-level options through to elite-level, competition-ready machines that bear the S-Works mark. Even the Stumpjumper has not escaped the Specialized stable.

The latest iteration of this time-honored machine improves upon generations of geometry-tweaking to give riders stability and control while ripping aggressive trails in any condition. New technology has not evaded the Specialized team either, with new e-bike offerings incorporating proprietary e-drive motors tuned to match the riding style of the bike they are mounted in.

It's safe to say that innovation and development will be a staple of Specialized for years to come.

Trek had remarkably humble beginnings for such a major force in the bicycle world. In the mid-1970s, the Trek bicycle company was formed over a few drinks in a quiet Wisconsin bar, and it has gone from strength to strength ever since.

As the sport of mountain biking matured following its introduction into the Olympics in 1996 at Atlanta, Trek grew and developed its off-road offerings. This culminated with the establishment of the 'C3 Project' and the 'Trek Factory Racing Team' in the 2010s. Through close access to high-end racing and a wise investment in research and development, Trek has built a comprehensive mountain bike catalog with everything to suit first-time novices up to seasoned professionals.

A notable example of this innovation and design is the Fuel EX, a dual-suspension, singletrack legend. The latest version has been updated and improved in almost every way, from longer suspension travel to extended frame geometry. The incremental evolution in frame design makes the sixth-generation Fuel EX more stable at speed without compromising agility and rider control. Trek even managed to fit a hidden storage compartment in the down tube.

Bold new bike tech has not escaped the off-roading range either. The company has incorporated the latest e-drive motors into its offerings, from speed-focused hardtails to long-travel trail bikes. Trek looks set to continue its quest to push the limits of the mountain bike world for years to come.

It sounds a bit like an April Fools' joke, but from its humble beginnings on April 1, 1981, Ibis evolved into a legitimate name in the mountain bike world.

Founder Scot Nicol initially got to work learning the frame-building craft alongside the pioneers of the mountain biking movement. This technical apprenticeship, combined with a deep passion for ripping mountain trails, has created a trusted and respected brand for mountain bikers, by mountain bikers.

As you might expect from a smaller manufacturer, the Ibis mountain bike catalog is concentrated into only a handful of models, but this modest lineup packs a mighty punch. The range covers its bases well with offerings for gravel riders through to enduro racers and down-hill e-bikes built for rough terrain .

The Ibis Rimpo V2S has garnered praise from the mountain bike community and is perhaps the best example of the company's dedication to quality and design. The V2S is the latest iteration of this famed trail bike and exemplifies Ibis' commitment to continued design development. Thanks to a steep seat-tube angle and relaxed steering geometry, the Rimpo has been made more stable while ripping and improves comfort and control when ascending.

Although a much larger operation than in its early years, Ibis today remains as committed as ever to developing the next generation of machines for serious mountain bikers.

Best: Revel

Headquartered in Carbondale, Colorado, Revel is a unique newcomer that is making waves in the mountain bike world. From its community-focused mindset to its group of hardcore riders and bike creators, Revel is an innovative company with bikes to match.

And how could they not innovate? The company's location was chosen to provide the Revel team of climbers, skiers, and mountain bikers with a convenient backyard. To make the most of this epic playground, Revel is dedicated to "engineer and build the absolute best bikes in the world."

This passion and drive are most clearly on display in the new Rascal, a do-it-all beast packing the latest tech. The proprietary CBF (which stands for Canfield Balanced Formula, we'll have you know) focuses the peddle forces around the top of the chainring. This maximizes pedaling efficiency and provides for playful suspension travel. This, combined with a shorter wheelbase for precise handling, has caused a stir in the mountain bike world.

Revel has also partnered with engineers to develop Fusion-Fiber which promises to be stronger and lighter than conventional carbon fiber as well as reduce its environmental impact. With such a drive for mountain bike innovation and so many gnarly trails to test their creations, we expect Revel to further its impact in the years to come.

Best: Santa Cruz/Juliana

Founded in 1993 in a small garage in Santa Cruz, California, the brand quickly made a name for itself in mountain biking. From the start, Santa Cruz sought to upset the norms with bikes that were stronger, more agile, more responsive, and meet the real needs of riders across different terrains.

Santa Cruz's journey of product evolution is highlighted by its diverse range of high-performance bikes, including the iconic V10 and the versatile Bronson. With the introduction of Juliana, a line dedicated solely to women cyclists, the company has shown its dedication to inclusion. These bikes are all engineered specifically for women's ergonomics but with the same high-quality materials and advanced features as the rest of the Santa Cruz lineup.

Santa Cruz is a leader in mountain bike technology, having developed the Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension. This delivers new, unparalleled shock absorption and smoother handling than ever before, allowing a rider to take control of rough descents or aggressive hills easily. At the same time, carbon fiber is integrated into any of their frame designs so that every bike can achieve optimal strength, stiffness, and lightness.

The company invests heavily in research and development, with ongoing projects focusing on enhancing material science and propulsion techniques to offer even lighter, faster, and more environmentally friendly bikes. As mountain biking evolves, Santa Cruz is poised not just to react, but to lead, promising exciting advancements that will redefine the industry.

Best: Giant/Liv

Anyone in the bicycle world will be familiar with Giant. The behemoth from Taiwan has been producing these much-loved machines since 1972 and has been pushing the limits of carbon fiber bicycle production since 1987.

As a cutting-edge developer, it sponsored major road cycling teams and moved into the mountain bike sphere in 1995. In 2008, Giant formed the Liv brand, a dedicated women-focused bike label that is run by women, for women. Giant and Liv's catalogs have always been vast, covering everything from your first 12-inch peddler found under the Christmas tree to your competition-ready race bike in any category.

With such a long history of innovation and quality production, it's no wonder that Giant and Liv are such power-houses in the mountain bike game. The Liv Intrigue X puts Liv's development strength on full display. The use of lightweight construction without compromising strength or geometry is coupled with an impressive SyncDrive motor to make for a tech-filled trail rider.

The Giant label has an equally impressive offering in the Trance X. This trail bike uses a progressive suspension system paired with industry-leading RockShox units to give 135-millimeter rear travel and 150 millimeters at the front without conceding control or peddling efficiency. With such a customer-focused design ethos, the next generations of Giant and Liv bikes promise exciting innovation.

Born from a deep love of nature and mountain biking, Kona was founded in 1988 with one guiding principle: build bikes that could withstand the demanding and diverse terrains of the Pacific Northwest. From the beginning, Kona was about building a bike culture that put the rider first.

Kona's passion for mountain biking continued beyond just making innovative bikes. Its range of bikes is impressive, known particularly for its multi-award-winning hardtail bikes. From the classic Cinder Cone to the modern-day Process series, Kona's lineup has blossomed to encompass each model developed expressly with rider feedback and riding conditions in mind.

The Kona Process (in its many iterations) is possibly the best example of how innovation and understanding of riders' needs come together perfectly in Kona's lineup. The X-CR designation is noted for its high-speed-focused geometry that allows for a forgiving ride while also being lively and easy to control. Also included in this range is the Process X-DH which offers high-level downhill racing control and feel but is paired with components that allow it to sit at a more amateur price point.

Kona still focuses on the ultimate high-end bikes and maintains the Kona Factory Team, which races top-level competitions that push the company's Kona machines to the limit.

Yeti has become synonymous with mountain biking and is the brand of choice for those who want a sturdy, precise ride. It particularly appeals to serious mountain bike enthusiasts and professional racers.

Yeti hit the mountain bike scene in 1985, producing custom machines for the still-fledgling mountain bike race scene. This close relationship with mountain biking did not only consist of bike building; they also formed an impressive race team. This link between the race world and design development has culminated in the current lineup of eight performance-focused bikes to suit different riding styles and terrain demands. 

The SB120 is Yeti's answer for people who want a bike that can do it all. This new model was released in 2022 and shows off the brand's innovative features and attention to detail. The travel numbers are combined with a diverse parts offering from component partner SRAM. Adding to the SB120's high-quality build is Yeti's proprietary suspension system.

Yeti developed the innovative Switch Infinity suspension system designed to optimize riding stability and shock absorption over diverse terrains. This system is an example of Yeti's technical excellence and rider-centric design. Yeti also continues to refine its bikes' frame geometry while integrating high-quality materials to achieve an optimal balance of lightweight strength and performance.

Bike Brands to Avoid

When it comes to mountain biking, there's an entire world out there that's all its own, where performance and durability are the name of the game. However, a few brands focus on the mass market, which is more suited for the casual biker. Here's a rundown of several brands that might not meet the expectations of more serious riders.

Originally big in the BMX scene, Mongoose has expanded into mountain biking. While they maintain a nostalgic appeal, many of their models now populate department store aisles, designed with cost rather than performance in mind.

A historically solid brand, Schwinn now makes bicycles with highly variable quality. The company sells some high-quality models good for serious mountain biking, but also sells through department stores, which tend to feature their budget lines — no-frills machines lacking durability or performance features for serious mountain biking.

Next bikes are among the cheapest, mostly found in department stores. These bikes are meant for occasional leisure riding and likely can't withstand the tough conditions imposed on mountain bikes. The costs are cheap at the expense of quality and poor performance, which are most important in extreme mountain biking.

For serious mountain bikers, choosing the right bike is everything. You need a brand that can withstand the sport's challenges and keep you safe while you tackle the trails. It's one of the most important decisions you'll make.

How did we choose these brands?

With so many bike brands on offer and so many individual bicycle options to choose from, it's important to consider a few key points when deciding which ones stand out and which are less than inspiring.

When formulating our list, we considered many important factors to reach a consensus. We looked for brands with a passion for innovation that push the boundaries of what's possible in mountain biking because they drive our sport forward.

Likewise, we looked for brands with a versatile catalog that showed an understanding of the market and the demands of riders. Importantly we took into account the feedback of customers as well as brand reputation, after all, who knows the bikes better than those who go out and ride them every day?

A brand's history and legacy can influence its expertise in making the best mountain bikes on the market. Each brand's journey and involvement in the community were also taken into account in our selection. While not the primary focus, we also considered the price range and accessibility of these bikes.

When choosing a mountain bike, it's essential to consider your specific needs, budget, and the type of riding you plan to do. Visiting local bike shops, testing different models, and doing thorough research will help you find the best mountain bike for your adventures.

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cannondale or trek

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I'm going to buy this weekend & I like the cannondale trail sl2 but dont know alot about the components. Is the trail sl2 worth $1200 ? What is a good hardtail for around $1000 to $1200. I know I posted a thread on this already but I need a little more advice. Thanks.  

The 2012 SL2 is a sweet ride, if it was $900 it would be an awesome deal but for $1200 I feel is $300 too expensive but you get the Cannondale brand FWIW  

From what i have learned over the last month looking for a bike. They are almost always comparable in the same price range. Where one had a better derailer it had worse brakes. My cannondale had a lefty and i " paid" for that by not getting better brakes and shifters on the stumpjumper. But it was worth it for me.  

Since you said trek, the Cobia is a good option...  

I had a SL2 but sold her because she was sitting in my garage after I bought my Giant Trance X2. My SL2 was great though.  

Really though.. Both are great bikes...  

The only thing that threw me off with trek, is trying to figuer out what the quaility of the bontrager is compaired to others. But im just unfamiliar with there stuff. I went with the cannondale  

If you don't know either, go ride them both. Talk to the guys at the shop. Yes some will want to just sell their stuff but you will find some that truly love it and can steer you in the right direction. Personally I love Trek, always have, ridden both, more Trek,s but always felt better for me. But you need to see how they feel for you and even see about getting fit. If they are serious about selling one to you they will at least give you an simple fit so you can compare. The big debate now is the normal 26" or the new 29ers.. You will get a better bike, component wise, with a 26 over the 29. Trek 4900, 6000 and up are you 1000+ price range in the 26 and mamba is around 1000 with the cobia a little more  

Yeah I went with Cannondale SL2. It just felt better to me.. I also really liked the Felt 29er.. That was my second choice..  

Ride them both before buying. The SL2 didn't fit me as well as the Cobia.  

I cant say anything about either - but I hate Treks, and Cannondale was my first MTB and Ive owned a few of them off and on throughout the years, so the Cannondale get my vote.  

Two very generic bland choices from two very generic bland companies. Why not add Specialized in the mix. That way you have genetically covered the top three. Why are you so dead set on these two companies? Open your eyes to the numerous other non generic brands available. I don't know about you but I like to have a ride that every other Tom Dick or Harry doesn't have. Just my. 02¢ for what it's worth.  

Specialized is like one of the most popular brands along with trek and cannondale  

At least in my area you have to spend more on the specialized to get the same quality components. With that said I bought my son a hardrock and he loves it.  

trek or cannon'moremoneythanbrains'dale That's an easy one, GIANT all the way !  

Trek vs Cannondale? Come on now,that's not fair to Trek. Be like me vs Micheal Jordan.lol  

Neither will give you particularly good bang for your buck, as compared to some other brands who don't spend m(b?)illions on advertising. Someone is paying for that, and guess what, it's you. No need to drink the koolaid, especially at that entry level price range.  

Trek is a company I have watched grow and evolve for 20 years, driven out of my way to take a factory tour, and have bought several bikes from. They are a world wide company and make bikes for all walks of life. Some hate them for this; I too was one that was critical about offshoring most of the bikes to Asia. I asked the tour guide when I toured about this--he had a very simple answer: they make bikes at a price point where people can/will buy. Asia also represents a major market for Trek. The "keep the lights on" models (lower end, mass produced) do just that--they keep the company solvent. They also pay for R&D, sponsored teams, bicycle advocacy, health insurance for their workers, and such. Yes, the value isn't the absolute best, but they are not envisioned as a lost leader to the company. For the average buyer, it represents the bike that will be used for years/decades and may never be replaced. I have owned Cannondale stock and two of their road bikes. I was sad the day my "cannon-snail" company went belly up and was bought by Pacific Cycle. I am happy to see Pacific cycle hasn't killed Cannondale by turning them into Walgooses. I never liked their mountain bikes, so I never bought one. The reasons for dislike were trivial and involved an early, unfounded fear of riding aluminum off road. The same statements can be said for many other major companies. A range of bikes is produced because that is what is needed to support big business. There are a lot of smaller companies that produce great frames. Considering most of the parts hung on the frame are common across many manufacturers, there is actually little difference between brands. An actual purchase decision then comes down to fit and sadly color. There are many good options out there, but don't fall into the trap of trying to optimize your selection. Given a fixed price range, essentially all companies will have a comparable bike to choose. At some point, it is best to get started with a bike and learn what really works for you. Then, you can more critically compare the differences and find what works best for you.  

Last year I got a sub $1,000 Cannondale with the RST fork and all I can say is that I'd never buy a Cannondale with an RST fork. It's sloppy and the dials have fallen off and to make matters worse, the LBS sucks at doing anything to replace or repair...  

Not a fan sorry. Read my above posts.  

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Cannondale Topstone Vs Trek Checkpoint

The big brand gravel bike battle! Trek vs Cannondale! The big kids on the block who have been around forever. Which gravel bike is best? We are going to compare these two iconic gravel bikes side by side and see what the difference is between each.

Introducing the Trek Checkpoint

The Trek Checkpoint seems to be one of the most popular gravel bikes on the market. So that means they are a great carbon gravel bike option, right? The main feature of the Checkpoint is the lightweight OCLV Carbon frame with IsoSpeed, a decoupler at the top tube/seat tube junction that provides additional compliance over rough terrain so you can stay stronger for longer. A carbon gravel bike made for epic all-road adventures.

• Under 1 kg lighter then Topstone
• Progressive geometry results in more upright bike for comfortable riding. Compared to more agressive Topstone
• Hidden cables result in a more steamlined look (can see more of the cabels on the Topstone)
• Intergrated frame bag mounts
• Internal frame storage
• More expensive based on very similar spec level

Introducing the  Cannondale Topstone

Just looking at this bike it is clearly the better option if you want something that you can take on adventures. Yes, it is the more expensive bike out of the two. You do get the choice to buy much more affordable models. This model though boasts some interesting features, that are definitely worth considering.

The main feature worth mentioning is the bike’s Kingpin suspension system. Delivering a smooth ride without the added weight and complexity of a shock and links. Whether you need more comfort to go long, or more traction to push beyond. This intuitive suspension design has you covered, offering that little extra comfort for those grueling gravel-grinding adventures.

You also get the SmartSense’s system of intelligent lights (and optional rear-facing radar) which increases your visibility out on the open road and makes it easy to ride smart.

Dropper compatible, and you get all the mounting options you could need for your next bikepacking trip. This bike is a no-brainer if you want your next all-rounder adventure gravel bike.

• Smart sense ready frame (for upgrading to intelligent light system)
• More affortable option out of the two bikes
• All the mounting options you could want for bikepacking (just like the Trek)
• More aggressive geometry for fast gravel grinding
• Kingpin suspension system (could arguably offer more road absorption) However the Trek still has its own suspension/absorption technology
• Heavier bike out of the two
• Slightly less recommended for adventure cycling out of the two – due to lower stack/reach ratio and shorter chainstay

Price – Topstone Vs Checkpoint

When it comes to price the Topstone has a plethora of options ranging from $1,375 to $7,850. While the Checkpoint ranges from $3,499 to $12,249. But what really is the difference and which one is best for you and your riding goals?

There are so many different models to choose from for each bike. For this article, we have taken their mid-range (best bang for buck option as a main comparison. Instead of comparing all models together.)

But when taking a look at these two, mid to high-end range models. There is a slight difference when it comes to price. The Topestone comes in at around $75 more affordable considering both bikes are similar in spec level. With the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 L priced at $3,325 and the Trek Checkpoint SL 5 at $3,399.99.

One can even argue that the topstone has slightly better quality componentry. Making it the bike with the best bank for buck out of the two .

Weight – Topstone Vs Checkpoint

The Cannondale Topstone weighs around 23.3 pounds / 10.57 kg, while the Trek Checkpoint weighs around 21.4 lbs / 9.71 kg. All different build options and models weigh differently. But from the numbers above we can see the Checkpoint has a slightly lighter weight construction.

So far these bikes seem very similar but I am sure once we find out more about geometry and gearing we will get a better idea of which bike is best for your intended type of riding.

Tire Clearance – Topstone Vs Checkpoint

When it comes to tire clearance the Checkpoint fits 45mm x 700c or 2.1″ (which is approx 53 mm) x 650b wheels. While the Topstone fits the same, up to 700c x 45mm or 27.5 x 2.1″, with 6mm of mud-shedding clearance. Both bikes again show similarities again and again.

The Cannondale comes stock with either WTB Riddler 700 x 45c or Vittoria Terreno Dry 700 x 38c tires. While the Trek comes with Bontrager GR1 Team Issue 700c x 40 mm tires.

Gearing – Topstone Vs Checkpoint

Both are similar when it comes to gearing (both with 2×11 GRX 800 drivetrains) and hydraulic disc brakes.

They are again identical with the exact same crank and cassette with the same teeth sizes.

We can calculate that the Topstone has a climbing gear of 24.67″ while the Checkpoint has a 24.32″, this slightly lower number is thanks to the 40 mm tires which are 5 mm thinner than the 45mm WTb Riddlers we used for calculating the Cannondale.

If both bikes had identical tires then the gear ratio and inches would be exactly the same. which again makes it hard to pick these bikes apart.

It’s important to note that this climbing gear isn’t the most ideal for solely bikepacking. You want something more like an MTB at 18″ to 20″.

When it comes to the largest gear is often attributed to riding fast on the flats or riding downhill. The Checkpoint offers a 115.53″ vs the Topstone’s 117.17″, on paper these bikes should have the exact same largest gear but tires slightly skew the numbers.

Geometry – Topstone Vs Checkpoint

Geometry can play a big part in the difference between how a bike rides and feels. It is definitely something to consider when buying a bike. Okay, the moment I have been waiting for! So far these bikes have been rather similar in many ways. Here is where if there are any differences we can figure out which bike is better suited for you. All the measurements below are in mm and are for both medium-sized bikes.

Want to learn more about understanding bike geometry? Read this article which goes through all the jargon and what it means for a comfortable ride!

The main geometry specs that can paint the picture of the type of bike we are looking at are; stack/reach ratio, trail, chainstay, and wheelbase.

Firstly the stack/reach ratio for the Checkpoint 1.42 vs the Topstione 1.50, suggests that the Topstone is a more upright bike and the Checkpoint is slightly more aggressive.

Meaning that the Topstone would be in theory a more comfortable bike to ride on bikepacking trips and for longer amounts of time in the saddle. While the Checkpoint would be better for performance-based riding where comfort isn’t as important and riding fast is the main priority. (Although this number is much more aggressive on some of the fastest gravel bikes.)

Chainstay is 15 mm longer on the Checkpoint. With measurements of 435 mm puts the Checkpoints chainstay right in that mid-range for a gravel bike, Which is where most all-rounder gravel bikes sit. While the Topstone measures 420 mm this means it’s rather short making it feel jumpy and quick in the rear. Compared to a more balanced feel of the Checkpoint.

Specifically, if you want to run panniers the Checkpoint is your best bet this longer chainstay offers a more comfortable clearance from your feet and legs when pedaling.

But that longer chainstay and I am assuming wheelbase also makes the Checkpoint a more stable and planted bike especially when bikepacking or bicycle touring. The more stable the bike under a load the better.

And this is evident with the Checkpoint having a 12 mm longer wheelbase.

Now we’ll look at the trail. this tells the story of how each bike with corner and what the handling is like up front.

The Topstone has an 8 mm shorter trail length at 62 mm which is in the mid-range for gravel bikes making it feel rather predictable up front. The Topstones geometry is interesting it was built with a faster rear end but a good balance and not too quick front.

Then we have the Checkpoints 70 mm trail which is getting into the high end for gravel bikes. Making it feel rather stable upfront but not quite sluggish. So both bikes are in a goldilocks zone of well-balanced trail measurements.

But again overall from these numbers, we can assume that the Trek Checkpoint is the more stable bike when it comes to riding with all your gear and if you are looking at these bikes to mostly go on adventures. And because here at Cycle Travel overload that’s all we are about. The Checkpoint I would recommend as your go-to.

And because they are both perfect all-rounder gravel bikes. It seems the Checkpoint has that slight edge when it comes to practicality and cycling adventures.

But having that said. We have failed to take into consideration the Cannondale Topstones suspension technology. Just because it doesn’t have traditionally ideal geometry numbers for the most stable adventure bike. It doesn’t mean you still can’t have any fun.

And I might argue that looking at the details of the Cannondale you might have more fun on it compared to the Trek. Thanks to the shorter chainstay and Kingpin suspension.

I can see this bike being perfect for those fast and quick adventures. As the suspension technology could potentially make up for the more aggressive angle and geometry lengths compared to the more comfortable Checkpoint. This suspension could help in aiding in that extra comfort over the long haul.

So if being the fastest adventurer is in your plans. Maybe riding a long-distance bikepacking event. Or riding some gnarly single track with quick turns and berms. Then the Cannondale would be the better pick out of the two.

But again as I always say and especially for these two bikes. Each bike has its own specialty that they bring to the table and the same rings true with the Topstone and Checkpoint. But I hope this article cleared up some things for you.

Compare Cannondale Topstone to these other bikes

Cannondale Topstone Vs Specialized Diverge

Canyon Grail Vs Cannondale Topstone

About The Author

Codey Orgill, a seasoned bicycle adventurer, has been exploring the world on two wheels for over 10 years. Since embarking on his initial cycling journey, Codey Orgill has traversed numerous countries, experiencing a series of epic adventures.

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Frame material, pedal power, no results found, learn more about mountain bikes, mountain bikes: a guide to bikes that make your ride better.

With the invention of mountain bikes, thrill-seekers looked to conquer trails and other natural terrains. But now, with mountain biking being enjoyed by over 40 million Americans annually , it can be hard to figure out how to get into such a popular sport.

For those looking to get into it, there are several different types of bikes to choose from. With a range of specifications and technical aspects, there's a lot that you'll need to keep in mind to get the right bike for you.

Mountain Bike Buying Guide

Having a new mountain bike ready to take on the trails in town is great, but not if you find out that the bike you've bought isn't designed for the type of terrain available to you.

Each kind of bike excels in different conditions and riding styles, so getting a few basics out of the way will help you determine what bike best suits your needs. First, you'll need to figure out the type of riding you want to do.

Riding Styles

As mountain biking has developed over the years, so too have the types of bikes. Besides the ones listed below, there are several subcategories and combinations thereof. But these are the main riding styles that bikes are manufactured for.

Most of these bikes are full-suspension, that can go over nearly any type of terrain. Trail bikes strike a balance between downhill and cross country style features with 27.5 or 29” wheel sizes, and lightweight suspension and travel between 130mm and 160mm.

Cross Country / XC

Bearing the same name as the sport, XC bikes are for long-distance riding and racing . Hardtails make up a large proportion of the bikes designed for cross country, although full-suspension bikes with a lockable front suspension are now more common.

These types of bikes have long wheelbases for better pedaling and large 29-inch wheels. Because of the distances riders go on these bikes, they're some of the lightest mountain bikes and walk the line between comfort and efficiency, usually having a shorter level of suspension travel at around 80-120mm.

All-Mountain

Also known as enduro bikes , these are a more "buff" version of trail bikes that emphasize the downhill aspects. They're heavier than trail bikes, but not as heavy as dedicated downhill bikes. The tires are fitted for cornering and traction, and the suspension travel is raised from the general 130-160mm of trail bikes to a range of 140-180mm.

Downhill/Park

Downhill bikes are racers, mainly decked out with smaller wheel sizes, heavy frames to handle the high speeds, and a lot of travel in the suspension, from 180-200mm. Bike parks commonly have regularly maintained downhill trails, similar to ski routes where they're color-coded for difficulty.

Electric mountain bikes occupy a slightly different space in the mountain biking sphere as they can be suited for any type of riding style previously mentioned. They're also more powerful than standard bikes and can enable riders to travel farther and handle terrain that conventional bikes can't.

Suspension Types

A large part of the process comes down to ride quality. As mentioned in the previous section, different suspensions accompany different types of mountain biking.

Hardtails have a rigid frame and a single suspension fork in the front, which creates a few inches of travel. These can come with 26”, 27.5” or 29” wheel size and are available with any frame material.

Due to the lack of a rear suspension system, these are generally lighter, more affordable, and easier to maintain. But a downside to this is that your legs act as the shock absorbers for the back wheel.

Full Suspension

Full or dual suspension bikes are regarded as the all-rounder - a very comfortable ride with the rear suspension improving cornering, braking, and climbing grip. But they're a bit heavier, more expensive, and complicated to design and build. This leads to an added element of upkeep as more parts generally mean more maintenance.

Rigid bikes differ from the previous two in that they don't have any suspension system at all, which introduces a much smaller margin of error. Generally made from steel and titanium, these are typically equipped with 26- or 29-inch wheels.

With a suspension system, riders have a solid cushion for the vibration and bumps the bike is going over, but with rigid bikes, your body has to provide this cushion instead.

The benefit of rigid bikes is that they can be more efficient over smooth terrain since there is no suspension movement interfering with pedal efficiency. However, today many hardtail mountain bikes, including some Trail models, have a lockout on the suspension fork meaning you can have the benefit of suspension when you need it and the ability to lock it out when you don’t.

Suspension Travel

The travel on the suspension is the measurement of how much a wheel can move to absorb obstacles and bumps. Shorter travel consists of a range of 100-120mm, more suited to cross country and short-travel trail bikes. These, although they have a lower margin for error, tend to be lighter and more efficient, which can help tremendously for pedaling uphill.

Enduro bikes have higher amounts of front and rear travel, with a range of 150-170mm and are designed for those who want to go downhill fast but want a bike that can still be pedaled uphill. While not being as fast descending over the roughest terrain as a dedicated downhill racing bike, they're a solid best of both worlds approach.

For those looking for a balance between these two options, there are the mid-travel Trail bikes, taking up the 120-140mm travel range. This is especially good for those who want to descend hills with capable handling but still have the ability to go over milder trails and long trips.

Pricing for Mountain Bikes

The next big question is "what's your budget?" As we go deeper into the specifications such as frame material and size, wheel size, and brakes, it's important to have your price range in the back of your mind.

Finding the bike that ticks your boxes for riding style, specs, as well as budget can be an intimidating task. There will always be tradeoffs and some disadvantages that you may need to work around, but there are a few price brackets to look into.

A good starting range is around $1,000-$1,500. These affordable bikes are almost all made with aluminum alloy, have 10 speed or 11 speed drivetrains for gearing and hydraulic disc brakes.

Suspension is an important thing to note for this price range, as suspension forks will be very basic, meaning full-suspension bikes in this price range should be avoided.

As the price goes up, so does the quality and performance of the components used, with more specialty customized bikes and e-bikes taking up the higher ranges from $3,000 and up.

Getting more into the nitty-gritty of the construction of mountain bikes, There are four main types of materials that frames are made out of. Depending on the type of riding you're doing, the frame material can either be a large help or a huge detriment.

Make note of your budget, willingness or ability to repair your bike or accessibility to a bike shop, and how the material's weight will impact your riding and the rest of the components on the bike.

Aluminum is the most common material, being both light and affordable. Its responsiveness and stiffness make it an easy material to work with. That said, this stiffness can make for a rougher ride, as it lacks the absorbency that other frames provide.

As a detriment to its initial low cost, it's difficult to repair and degrades more quickly over time. Due to its positive defining features, it's generally used for beginners' bikes.

Carbon Fiber

Being a noticeable amount lighter than other types of frame materials, carbon fiber frames are sought after by those looking for a professional edge, as they're commonly used for higher-end bikes. As opposed to aluminum frames, these absorb more bumps and cracks for a more comfortable ride.

But they do come with their detriments, as similar to aluminum frames they're hard to repair. And due to their utilization on higher-end bikes, these come with a higher price tag.

For those going on gravel and long tours on their bike, a chromoly steel frame mountain bike might be something to look into. Being resistant to fatigue and easy to repair, these can handle long-term rides with a fair amount of weight. These bike frames are mainly available from custom frame builders and therefore have a large price tag. One important thing to be aware of with steel bikes is that they're very susceptible to rust.

Titanium is durable, versatile, and has a smooth ride quality. It has a substantial amount of resistance to corrosion and the highest strength-to-weight ratio of all metals. But unfortunately, it's quite expensive and rare. And like chromoly steel frames, titanium frames are primarily available from custom frame builders.

26 inches used to be the standard size for mountain bike wheels, but now 27.5- and 29-inch sizes have taken over the market.

26 Inch Wheels

26-inch wheels are incredibly nimble and adaptable to twisting terrain, and due to their popularity and availability, can be easily repaired or replaced. But they aren't without their cons, as they may lose speed faster than other tires on rougher terrain and they're at an extreme disadvantage when it comes to rolling over obstacles compared to larger tires.

These are mainly suited for slopestyle, freeride, and dirt jump bikes, such as the Cannondale Dave, as they're stiffer, stronger, and lighter than other sizes which means that they accelerate faster on smooth surfaces.

27.5 Inch Wheels

Also known as 650b wheels, these have developed as a happy medium between 29 and 26 inches. These have the fast acceleration and maneuverability known to the 26-inch but also tend to be a smoother ride going over bumps like the 29-inch, though not quite as smooth.

29 Inch Wheels

29-inch wheels fit an interesting niche, as although they have slow acceleration, they carry momentum fairly well and have the smoothest ride quality. With a longer contact patch, they feature more stability and grip than the previous types. That said, there is a small weight penalty over the smaller sizes and they can be harder to maneuver tight turns on smaller tracks or trails.

29-inchers are great for cross country bikes, as well as trail bikes due to their stability and ability to go over nearly any terrain without a hitch.

Brakes on mountain bikes are almost all disc at this point, however, some entry-level bikes still use rim brakes. The stopping power of disc brakes is far superior to traditional rim brakes. There are two main types of disc brakes: mechanical and hydraulic.

Mechanical Disc Brakes

Mechanical disc brakes use traditional cables and cable housing that are the same used for the older type of brakes, v-brakes. However, instead of having brake pads that squeeze the rim of the tire to slow you down when you pull the brake lever, the brake pads squeeze a metal rotor mounted to the hub of the wheel. These are easier to install, adjust and replace due to the high availability of cables.

The cons of these cables, however, are that they're exposed to environmental conditions, which makes them vulnerable to rust. They also tend to stretch with extended amounts of use and require constant adjustments to combat this. Because of these factors, for mountain biking, which involves lots of braking, mechanical disc brakes are only found on very entry level price points, with most mountain bikes relying on the superior performance of hydraulic disc brakes.

Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Hydraulic disc brakes on the other hand use reservoirs, hydraulic fluid, and hoses to operate the brake. A major advantage these have over mechanicals is that they're sealed off to outside debris. Plus, they offer more power and control. This comes at the cost of having to be professionally installed.

Once you’ve decided which bike is right for you, you'll need to factor in the size . The size of the bike correlates to the size and height of the rider. For every sized bike there are frame measurements that are important to evaluate for proper bike fit.

Stand over height, which is how far the top tube of the bike is from the ground, should be a smaller number than the rider's inseam so that they're able to stand flat-footed while straddling the bike.

However, there's more to consider than the stand over heightt. A measurement related to this is seat tube length, which determines how high or low the saddle goes.

One of the most important measurements to consider is the top tube length and reach. Top tube length is the difference between the head tube and the seat tube, functionally the distance the rider is from the bars when seated. Reach is the distance between the center of the bottom bracket and the head tube, how far the rider is from the bars when standing on the bike.

Hit the Trails

Mountain biking is an incredibly popular sport with a lot of subcategories and intricacies, including the types of mountain bikes available. Knowing what riding style, the suspension type and travel, size, and price range you're looking for is the key to finding the best bike for you. With all this in mind, don't forget to think of Cannondale , with their wide variety of bikes and accessories designed to get you outdoors and on the track.

Come ride with us.

Find a bike shop near you | Trek Retailers

All-new Trek Emonda ALR takes lightweight frame tech to alloy models

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When Trek announced their Emonda carbon road bike line , they backed up their “world’s lightest” claims with an impressive frame and fork and an even more impressive 10.25lb (4.6kg) complete bike. Now, they’re adding an alloy Emonda ALR option that’s also lightweight yet far more affordable.

To earn the Emonda badge, the frame uses their top-level 300-series Alpha Aluminum that’s been hydroformed into size specific tubes, then welded together using a no-see technique that produces smooth joints that use less material to save weight.

The process is called Invisible Weld Technology, which they say produces stronger, stiffer welds despite using less material. Video, pics and more details below…

Trek told us the unpainted frame is 1050g (56), and a painted fork is 358g w/240mm steerer.

Like the ultralight Emonda carbon models, the ALR uses their H2 race geometry, E2 tapered headtube (standard 1-1/8″ to 1-1/2″) and wide Pressfit BB 86.5, meaning this bike is made to go fast. Other frame details include a braze-on front derailleur mount (no need to add a clamp if you’re getting the frameset) and external cable routing.

We’ve requested a more technical description of the welding process (update as we get it), but the frame is only part of the story. The complete bikes come equipped with built-in extras like the a Blendr stem with integrated light/computer mount, and it has Duotrap S compatibility (their ANT+/Bluetooth 4.0 speed/cadence sensor, sold separately for about $60).

You also get a complete group, so the Emonda ALR 6 with Ultregra gets a full Ultegra group from chain to brakes to cassette and everything else. There are no mis-matched parts or down spec’d bits to cut costs. A full carbon fiber tapered fork completes the package.

The Emonda ALR will initially come in two builds, the “6” with full Ultegra, Bontrager Race tubeless ready wheels with R2 tires, and a Bontrager cockpit with alloy short reach/drop bar and carbon seatpost for $2,249.99. Our local Trek Bike Store says complete bike weight is claimed at 17.25lb (7.82kg).

The Emonda ALR 5 drops down to a full Shimano 105 group with non-series Bontrager tubeless ready alloy wheels, R1 tires and a full alloy Bontrager cockpit for $1,759.99. Claimed weight is 18.77lb (8.51kg), colors will be the gloss black/hi-viz yellow and blue shown here, plus a racing red coming soon.

The frameset shares the same paint scheme as the “6” and comes with an FSA sealed cartridge bearing headset for $989.99. The frames have a lifetime warranty carrying a 275lb rider weight limit.

Just for fun, here’s the companion lifestyle video.

All three models shown here are available now and should hit stores soon. Our sources tell us there’ll also be an Emonda ALR 5 with Tiagra, an ALR 8 with Dura-Ace mechanical and ALR 9 with Dura-Ace Di2 coming soon. That last model suggests they’ll have an electronic-only frame, too, since these first models only have external cable routing. At the very top, in terms of light weight anyway, will be the ALR 10 with a full SRAM Red group.

TrekBikes.com

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com . He has been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel to killer riding locations throughout North America.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler loves family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part to make his bikes faster and lighter.

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looks like a rebadged Allez

The invisible welding looks a lot like what pretty much every other company calls smooth welding. And has been using for years. You weld the tube normally then go back over it without filler material and “reweld” it. The process smooths out the weld and helps it wet out. REVOLUTIONARY TREK!!!

Interesting that they are using hydroformed tubes but didn’t choose the aero tube shapes of the Madone design.

@Robert W – my sources say the Madone is on the way out. & if the story is about weight vs. areo it would make sense to mimick the emonda shapes. Also, the 2 series aluminum frames are already Madone-esqe.

I always find it funny that companies state how they’ve extensively optimized tube shapes for their flagship carbon fiber bikes, but then seemingly can successfully apply those shapes to materials with very different properties. There is a little marketing lie in their somewhere.

Anyway. Glad to see these Al bikes. CF has been getting too pricey fort me.

I like how they quote an unpainted frame weight, then only offer it in a painted variety. But lets also make sure we pair that unpainted weight with a painted fork weight.

Looks legit. Seeing they are coming out of the Giant factory why not put on the overdrive 2 fork and stem and really take it next level?

Aluminum, how quaint.

Why not sell them unpainted if they weight them unpainted? JBikes if I read you right what your saying is the shapes have far mo9re to do with design than engineering.all thes tube shapes are probaly coming from kitchen appliance design firm and they bs riders who rarely go over 20mph that aero is worth buying a new bike for

That Bontrager cycling kit is pretty damn nice. “Understated” as the hipsters like to say.

How about US made aluminum, with giant tubes, some internal routing, and some really funky paint jobs. Oh wait…

Hasn”t specialized already been doing this for like 3 years now? And better welded joints? Revolutionary-nothing is more like it, just another slightly modified copy frame.

Roy – no I was just commenting on the fact it’s stated how non aero tube shapes are optimized for carbon fiber for whatever properties (stiffness, weight, ride) but then a vastly different material can achieve the same with the same tube shapes? I’m sure they vary material thickness and such, but given the vast difference in CF and Al, I’d think tube shapes would vary more between the two materials, unless the CF and Al frames ride completely different.

Jesus, tough crowd. Lightweight aluminum, full component groups and small price tags… Sounds good to me.

Full Ultegra! Well… except the wheels. Of which, the Bontrager Race spec is a few notches below Ultegra…

y’all are haters. you can pick on the marketing and on random bits and pieces but in the end this is the bike you’re going to start seeing at all the local crits and races. So they have weird marketing, worry about the bike and what it can do for you.

Aluminum is the new carbon.

Yeah a bunch of haters here, Go buy a Specialized because they are not owned by the big man, Oh wait, Specialized is own by a conglomerate, and Trek is family owned. Seems like most people don’t understand the definition of “the man” Don’t hate on them just because you don’t like it that more people ride Trek than any other brand in the US.

@Durianrider, you’re killing me! Lol

When you think about it, it’s a bike people actually look for: Workhorse, and the no-nonsense but clean aesthetic.

Considering the Propel SLR might not come stateside, as well as the update TCR SLR before it, it’s nice to have another potential alloy option on the market that isn’t an Allez or CAAD.

I really like where Trek is going with their new paint schemes. Very minimal branding and no stupid racing stripes and decals. Keep it premium!

Jbikes: I understand why you’re asking about why two frames with different materials have the same tube shapes, but in fact they probably should have the same shapes.

In the bike industry (and many others), it’s common practice to design using isotropic material properties (e.g., with aluminum) for a first pass. The resulting stiffness (quantified through FEA) ensures you’re getting the most sectional modulus you can out of a given tube shape. Only then do you go back and design a laminate schedule with anisotropic materials (e.g., carbon fiber).

This allows the designer to clearly separate the modulus (stiffness) due to tube shape and the modulus due to the laminate schedule. That way, each can be optimized as a discrete step.

Except for a few corner cases, optimal frame tube shape is material-independent. Surprising but true!

Looks like a great bike at a good price. I love nice aluminum race bikes. But why no H1 geometry option? It irks me that companies (not just Trek) spec the really race oriented stuff at the high-end of the price scale. I know a short head tube doesn’t work for everyone but why not give us the option? What does the size of your wallet have to do with your flexibility?

I’m wondering if some of the frames are anodized, so unpainted weight would be pretty relevant.

JasonK – thanks! Great info. Never really thought of it that way but it makes sense.

I like the emonda and the CrossRip frame for my commuter. I would seriously consider if I was in the market and carbon was not an option.

Man that’s a light frame. Nice to see they are using full groupset specs.

I wonder if the welding is a form of aluminium brazing using a lower melting temperature brazing rod. I think this is what Shimano do with the external reinforcing tabs on the aluminium rims. This is supposed to be lower strength than welding but coming up with some newer technology is not beyond Trek’s resources. Or maybe they have come up with a way to modify the pulse action of a TIG welder with a certain filler wire application. Either way, the old double pass method for aluminium is old hat now.

Most companies claim unpainted frame weights. Use this general guide: If a company says “…painted frame weight is…” then it’s including paint. If they don’t specifically say painted then you can guarantee it’s an unpainted frame weight.

The only reason I wouldn’t buy one of these is the head tube is too tall…

I applaud Trek for coming out with a ‘light’ and ‘inexpensive’ aluminum frameset but I’m still not sold on the H2 geometry.

Sincerely, Worlds longest head tube.

I like the option of a high end aluminum frame as well….but this one misses the mark for me because trek refuses to make any bike with its “racer” H1 geometry that doesn’t cost at least 4,500 for a frameset. If they only would make H1 options of their emonda sl frame or this new all I’d buy one in a second. Trek already makes a million bike models….why not better fit options? Ever since they did away with the 6 series madone the options for the budget conscious racer have gone to zero. Bleh. And more seatmast length options trek!

Nearly the same weight as a Cannondale frame that was first manufactured out of the same material about 6 years ago

I think this will make a GREAT race frame.

Certainly beats trying to replace a carbon frame someone broke for you in that ‘last corner of the criterium’ crash.

If I see one more I’m-so-flexible-I-can-stick-my-head-up-my-ass comment about the lack of H1 geometry, I might give up trolling comments on bike rumor all together. Seriously, 5 years at a Trek dealer and we sold maybe 3 H1 bikes (all as special order). We ordered dozens more project 1 bikes in the ‘normal’ H2. Working now at a Cervelo dealer I have very few people balk at the head tube height, and MOST are running a positive angle on the stem anyways. At 6’3″ I run 14cm of bar drop. I have had zero issue getting a proper fit on stock bikes, including Trek. Currently on the newly updated (i.e. market norm) stack of the 2015 Cervelo S5 I still have 15mm of spacers under my stem. If H2 geo just doesn’t do it for you, grab a Cannonade with a low profile headset cap and go ride. They are making a bike for the largest market, obviously the budget racers this bike is designed for are too busy riding their bikes to complain on Bike Rumor…..

Looks like a great bike for the money and your avg rider. Nothing wrong with that. Kudos too for specing a complete group build, awesome!

Waiting for my ALR 5 to arrive!! Last bike I bought was in 1986, a Myata One Ten. Hopefully this one will last another 29 years.

uhhh… the allez actually looks good

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/road/allez/allez-comp-race

the only thing actually missing from these frames are some colorway options like the tarmacs

i had a domane and the headtube was too tall.

i might get one of these. its pretty affordable all things considered.

There doesn’t seem too much, if anything at all, to complain about here. The Emonda ALR frame MSRP is right in line with a CAAD10 frame MSRP ($10 cheaper actually). It looks good, and it’s certainly not a heavyweight bike. If it rides as good as it looks, it will be a great deal.

@MikeC – Are you kidding? I haven’t seen anyone refer to a full groupset as including the wheel since like 1999. Some people are just desperate to find something to bitch about. The Bontrager Race wheels are great. They only weigh 200g more than the Ultegras, and unlike every Shimano wheel, they are specced completely with off-the-shelf parts that are easily purchasable in any bike shop.

@Adam – Yes, because Cannondale were the first company with an aluminum racing bike. You forget the Trek, via Klein, were making awesome lightweight aluminum race bikes when Cannondale was still welding together soda cans.

@H1 Lovers – You’re all on crack. A quarter of the Trek pros don’t even ride the H1, and I promise you that you are not that fast. I can also tick off a list of local heroes, Cat 1 and PRO dudes, who get by just fine on the H2, usually preferring it to the H1.

@Psi – And the Trek is clearly much better specced than the Cannondale, with an Ultegra crank and Bontrager Race wheels, not to mention a cockpit that won’t require immediate replacement.

Wait to you see the next gen cannondale frame before you jump on this..

I am happy this exists. Buyers beware if you crash this thing it’s probably going to dent up like tinfoil.

@badbikemechanic – What makes you say that? There is a generation of high end aluminum out there that holds up just fine to the rigors of daily life. I personally have an aluminum Allez that I regularly leave locked up outside of bars, the grocery store, as well as race, and it hasn’t even scratched the anodized finish yet.

As always, opinions abound….and everyone is “right.” The H1 vs. H2 debate is clearly a hotter topic than I thought. What it boils down to though is “choice.”

Trek offers the option, meaning there are people that prefer it. I rode a 60 cm H1 Madone 6 series last year, and absolutely loved it. Sadly it was a team bike and I had to give it back at the end of the year. In looking for a replacement I want a bike with similar geometry, but don’t want to spend 4,500 to have the OPTION to get the geometry I like. The head tube on the H1 is 18 cm…compared with 21 cm on the H2. That is a LARGE difference. I don’t think anyone is right or wrong to ride whatever geometry they like. All I’m saying is that for me…the H1 geometry is perfect, and I don’t need to run a -17 stem to get my preferred position of the bike. Being a pro, being fast or slow, is irrelevant. I would just like to see the option available at a reasonable price point.

These bikes are epic. And yes, they blow the competition out of the water.

About time Trek offers something for the Joe-Racers out there. Yes, carbon is super nice but you guess what: so is aluminum. I have a locally-made Aluminum bike and it rides *amazing*. So did my old Caad7 and I bet Specialized’s aluminum bike is also fantastic. We need more people in the sport, and to do that we need a much lower entry-level bar. if for $2,200 you get a nice Al Trek with good geometry, good wheels (i own the bontis tlr and they’re indestructible and readily serviceable), good parts and cockpit that are either race-ready or hammer-ready, then god bless Trek. For the record i own a cannondale six and it’s a phenomenal bike. but my aluminum rig is my favorite. way to go, Trek – kudos indeed.

Arguing that “some pros ride H2, therefore nobody needs H1” is well, just a poor excuse for an argument. An H1 aluminum Emonda would be a hit, and I would purchase one as soon as it were available. I’ve owned and ridden both H1/H2 models, and greatly prefer the H1. As an aside, direct mount breaks on this beast would be the icing on the cake. Think about it Trek.

This bike compared with the new caad 12 is nothing …

I’ve got a current model year Allez smartweld frame built up with full 105 and tubeless Shimano wheels. I certainly didn’t do it for $1760 retail, but then some parts on my bike (bars, saddle, tires) are from a very much higher trim level. I’ve also got all the accessories (cages, tools, &c) in my price, and I was unable to use the economy of scale a manufacturer can.

ANYWAY. The ride quality of my Allez is nothing short of amazing considering. It is *as smooth* as my steel 3-speed with 38mm tires over brick roads. I have no problems riding the Allez a hundred miles, though I run out of water. The Allez smartweld is making me completely re-think aluminum as a frame material, especially for amateur racer types.

These Treks seem to DIRECTLY compete with the Allez smartweld introduced last year, which is great, since it engenders competitive designs. When you get an Allez Comp (with 105), you pay less, but you miss out on the excellent 5800 brakes and crankset, and get bog standard training wheels. Moving up to an Allez Expert (with Ultegra), gets you a full groupset with carbon SL-K crank and ‘Fulcrum’ wheels at a competitive price.

I’d love to ride these Treks back to back with my Allez.

I am happy to see Trek jump into the “high end” aluminum market. I have owned & loved several iterations of CAAD’s. I have also read good things about Specialized redesigned Allez frames. I am now hearing of a redesigned CAAD12(?) to be released later this Summer…(anyone else hearing any details?) I would have liked to have seen a disc version from Trek… (Spec as well.) I believe that road disc offerings from every manufacturer will increase exponentially once the pro’s are riding them. I wanted my next road bike purchase to have discs so that I can look for second set of wheels that will be future proof…(thru-axles coming next?) I had my eye this year’s CAAD10 Rival disc, hoping the boys at Cannondale offer an Ultegra disc spec on the CAAD12 later this year. 🙂

Just ordered my alr 6 today! I work at a trek dealer, and I have to say H2 is usually great for 99% of our customers, and they usually have the stem flipped up. For the 1% of people that actually want that huge bar drop, you can always size down and make it look super pro with a longer stem! Nothing wrong with that!

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