Trek is one of the first brands that comes to the mind of both beginners and experienced cycling enthusiasts. But what are the best Trek bikes on the market? Let’s see
They have a HUGE range of bikes, in all price categories, for different purposes, many of which are often seen at top-level competitions, such as the Grand Tours. This American bicycle and product manufacturer enjoys respect in all cycling categories, including road, mountain, gravel, cyclocross, touring, and commuting.
We’ll take a closer look at the lineup of best Trek bikes across different model series and tell you more about each!
Contents
Where It All Began…
Trek Bikes was established in 1976, in a small shed in Waterloo, Wisconsin. It is the brainchild of Bevill Hogg and Dick Burke who started making their first steel bikes with just five employees.
Trek made their first mountain bike in 1983, which quickly became very popular across the USA. The first carbon frames came off the production line a few years later, and Trek was already a well-known name worldwide by 1990s.
Among other things, Trek is also a big advocate for women cycling, being one of the first companies to design women-specific frames in the early 2000s.
Also read: Trek vs. Giant Bike Brands Comparison
Marlin Series
Perfect Trail Glider
Marlin is one of Trek’s most popular trail lines. It’s intended for beginners with prices that stay around $1,000 and includes both models suitable for both men and women.
The number of models changes, but it usually stays at around 5 or 6 models that differ in terms of components and colors.
All Trek Marlin models are hardtail, with 100 mm of front travel, lots of gears, Shimano components, and disc brakes.
What’s interesting is that these models are available with either 27.5″ or 29″ wheels, depending on the size of the frame.
It’s an excellent choice for mountain biking beginners and casual riders who like hitting the trails from time to time.
Our Top Pick: Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2
Our favorite model and the true representative of this Trek’s versatile line is Trek Marlin 5. It is a reasonably priced hardtail bike that offers a lot for the money and will not disappoint any mountain biking newbie.
This bike comes equipped with SR Suntour’s 100 mm of travel and rolls on Bontrager tires that are 2.20″ wide. That makes it an excellent choice for XC riders, mild trails, and even daily commutes on less than ideally paved roads.
What sets Marlin 5 from other bikes that cost around $700 are hydraulic disc brakes. They’re a rare find in the entry-level trail world and they mean a lot to transform the on-trail experience.
Shimano Altus components and a 2×8 drivetrain are a good starting point and suit well with this model.
Domane Series
Proper Road Warrior
Domane is one of Trek’s most popular lines of endurance road bikes. This line usually numbers between 20 and 30 models in different price categories. There are a few entry-level and mid-range bikes to choose from, but the majority are high-end road machines that cost thousands of dollars.
As expected, there are both men’s and women’s models to choose from, but the majority of them are unisex. Apart from these, the Trek Domane series also includes several e-bikes, such as the Domane+ LT.
As one can expect, Domane models come with nothing short but the best SRAM and Shimano component groups. Some of them sport V-brakes, whereas others brake with discs.
This line is also known for featuring Trek’s front and rear IsoSpeed decouplers that decrease vibrations in the headset and the seat tube.
Check out our reviews on Domane models: 2 – 3 – 4.
Our Top Pick: Domane+ LT
Choosing one favorite Trek Domane model is not an easy job — most of them are jaw-droppingly good. However, when it comes to the electric models, Domane+ LT really stands out.
This high-end electric machine is built around a full carbon frame and fork with adjustable IsoSpeed decouplers both up-front and in the back.
Its e-parts are cleverly hidden in the oversized down tube, so this bike is pretty discrete. The motor and the battery will assist you up to 20 mph, and after that, you’re on your own.
Domane+ LT can also boast with a full Ultegra drivetrain and disc brakes, so it’s intended for serious roadies who will know how to use these components to their full potential.
This model sells for between $5,000 and $12,500, but it’s well worth the money because it is one of the best Trek bikes you can get.
Supercaliber Series
True XC Machine
If you want the best of the best in the cross country world, then you should end your quest with Trek Supercaliber. This is a line of crème de la crème XC bikes with carbon frames, full suspension, and pretty steep price tags.
There are around 7 models you can choose from, but you’ll have to save between 5K and 12K to own one. Ouch!
Trek Supercaliber models are light, fast, nimble, and swift. They feature strong and responsive carbon frames and short travel that makes these bikes precise in the corners.
Trek designed Supercaliber models with a rear shock IsoStrut design that puts the shock into the top tube. That gives Supercaliber models characteristics of both hardtail and full-suspension bikes.
Our Top Pick: Trek Supercaliber 9.9 AXS
Trek Supercaliber 9.9 AXS is simply the best you can get in the XC Mountain Biking world at the moment. This is a top-of-the-line XC racing monster that will instil fear in the opponents at the start line.
Like all other models in this line, Supercaliber 9.9 AXS comes with the IsoStrut integrated shock design that makes this bike fast and responsive. It’s extremely light as well, weighing under 21.83 lbs.
The drivetrain and the list of components are crowned with a fully wireless SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS groupset that shifts quickly, smoothly, and precisely.
Its 29″ wheels and 2.20″ Bontrager XR1 Team Issue tires will gobble obstacles like they don’t exist.
According to Trek, this is one of the lightest, fastest, and stiffest XC race bikes they have ever made. There’s nothing else we can do but agree.
Émonda Series
Lightest Road Bikes
Trek created the Émonda series for roadies who are in the game because of speed, performance, and timed personal records.
These are high-end road bikes with racing geometry and some of the lightest carbon road frames Trek has ever made.
Trek Émonda consists of more than 10 models that cost between around $2,300 and $13,000. This includes unisex models that can be ridden by all genders and no women-specific models.
The cheaper, ALR models, are made from aluminum, whereas the higher-specked SL models have stiff carbon.
Émonda was intended as a group of efficient climbing bikes, with up to 28 mm tires and disc brakes
.
Our Top Pick: Émonda SLR 9
If you’d fall asleep and dream about the world’s best and lightest performance carbon road bike in the world, you’d probably be dreaming about Trek Émonda SLR 9.
This bike exceeds expectations in all areas of road racing performance. It’s built around Trek’s lightest disc road frame that weighs just 665g, whereas the entire bike weighs less than 6.5kg (~14 lbs).
This mouth-watering package also includes Bontrager Aeolus carbon wheels, a carbon bar/stem combination, and a full 2×11 Shimano Dura-Ace drivetrain.
All Émonda models are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. In the case of SLR 9, they’re Shimano Dura-Ace.
This bike costs $12,500 but comes with components and technological solutions that will allow the right pair of legs to win podiums and competitions on a regular basis.
Speed Concept
Beat The Wind
Trek Speed Concept is a super-fast and super-light aero bike, ideal for triathlons and TT races. If you believe that time is valuable and that every second counts, you’ll fall in love with its tech and aerodynamics.
Related: Best Triathlon Bikes
Trek Speed Concept sells for between $8,800 – $14,000, which is why it is common to see it both with pro and with amateur races.
Its main selling points include an adjustable aero frame developed in a wind tunnel, a headset integrated into the frame, deep carbon aero wheels, Ultegra components, and more.
Through Trek’s Project One, Speed Concept can be adjusted to fit your body perfectly and become 100% percent unique and yours.
Speed Concept is also known for the Bontrager Integrated Speed Storage that blends with the frame and does not affect the aerodynamic properties.
Roscoe Series
True Trail Hardtail
Roscoe is a line of reasonably-priced hardtail bikes intended for trail-loving mountain bikers. There aren’t too many models in the Roscoe line (around 5) and one of them can be yours for between $1,200 and $2,800.
Here you’ll find both men’s and women’s models, each one being unique and offering different specs and colors. What’s common for all of them are massive 27.5+ tires that make no compromises on the trails.
Trek Roscoe bikes can also boast with light and efficient 1x drivetrains, playful frame geometry, and hydraulic disc brakes.
All but the cheapest Roscoe 6 also have dropper posts which is always a big advantage and a pleasant surprise in this price range.
Trail enthusiasts and first-timers will love the Roscoe line!
Our top pick: Roscoe 8
Roscoe 8 is one of the highest-specked models from this line.
Those who choose to spend $2,400 on it will get a capable and fun two-wheel package that offers excellent value for money.
You’ll get a 1×11 SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain with a wide-range 11-50T cassette. The 27.5″ x 2.80″ tires are massive; they’ll give you enough confidence to always choose the more demanding line and go out and ride no matter the conditions.
The frame is made of aluminum, which makes the bike slightly heavy (14.32 kg / 31.57 lbs), but the frame performs well on the trails and offers good responsiveness and great power transfer.
Fuel Series
All Around
Trek Fuel is a line of versatile all-mountain bikes ideal for aggressive singletracks and descents. This is a gang of around 15 high-end bikes with lightweight aluminum or carbon frames, slack geometries, and lots of travel.
If you want to own one, you’ll have to spend between $2,500 and $4,000 for an aluminum model and up to $11,000 for a carbon frame. That’s steep but well worth it.
These are 29ers, but XS and S frames come with 27.5 wheels. When it comes to components, the list differs greatly relative to the price point.
Travel is usually in the 130mm to 140mm range, which makes Trek Fuel bikes real all-mountain monsters and gives them the necessary capabilities to dominate trails.
Our top pick: Fuel EX 8
We chose Fuel EX 8 as our favorite model from this Trek’s lineup. At $4,000 it’s not a budget bike, but it’s pretty reasonably priced considering the components you get with it.
It’s ideal for all-mountain enthusiasts who simply love hitting all types of trails and terrains and spending time outside.
This model has a lightweight aluminum frame coupled with 140 mm Fox Rhythm 34 fork and a 130 mm Fox Performance Float EVOL rear shock.
Apart from that, it has a 1×12 SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain with a massive 10-50T gear range. Coupled with excellent Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes, you can climb and descend any hill that comes in your way.
520 – 920 – 1120 Adventure Series
Best for touring
Apart from excellent road and mountain bikes, Trek is also a commonly seen name in the bike touring and bikepacking categories.
Their offer for this type of adventuring includes three models called 520, 920, and 1120. The first two are intended for bike touring expeditions, whereas 1120 is best for bikepacking. Their prices range between $1,500 and $3,000.
The 520 and 920 models feature touring frames with comfortable touring geometries. The frames are already equipped with lightweight aluminum front and rear racks, so you’re ready to rumble.
1120 is a bikepacker’s dream, ideal for off-road adventures thanks to the aluminum frame, carbon fork, wide wheels, and front and rear racks.
If your idea of cycling includes exploring the world, there are few better choices than Trek 520, 920, and 1120.
Our Top Pick: 520
Trek 520 is a bike touring beast, perfect for open roads and all-day explorations. This bike has a very long tradition, as the first model was built in the 1970s. It costs around $1,800, which makes it even more desirable in the bike touring world.
The 520 comes with a practical and durable steel frame and custom-made front and rear racks that can carry a lot of weight.
The drivetrain has 27 gears with Shimano Sora and Alivio components, ideal for long days when you need to pedal for 10 hours over a variety of terrains.
If you plan to spend months on the road and carry front and rear panniers loaded with food and gear, Trek 520 is a bike that can keep up.
Farley Series
Expand the borders
Farley is Trek’s collection of extremely capable fat bikes with massive tires and stocky frames. They’re ideal for men and women who find regular mountain bikes can’t keep up with their adventurous spirit.
If you want to ride on snow, sand, over sharp rocks, and through mud, then you need a Trek Farley. There are around 5 models you can choose from here, priced between $2,000 and $3,500. But prices can vary.
Frame materials include both aluminum and carbon, depending on how much money you’re ready to spend. However, what’s common for all models are intimidating 27.5 x 4.5″ tires. They’re some of the widest you can find in the world of fat bikes.
What’s also commonly seen on all Farley models are 1x drivetrains with quality Shimano and SRAM components that can get you through any challenging terrain.
Our top pick: Trek Farley 5
Trek Farley 5 is by far our favorite model from this series. It’s the best value fat bike you can find around with a light and compliant aluminum frame and an even lighter carbon fork that’s stiff and responsive.
The first thing you’ll notice on it is its 4.5″ wide Bontrager tires that are unstoppable when you take them over rocks, tree stumps, and through snow and sand.
A 1×10 Shimano Deore drivetrain gives you plenty of gears and a pretty decent value for around $2,000.
The package also includes hydraulic disc brakes, an internal derailleur, and dropper post routing, as well as plenty of rack and water bottle mounts.
FX Series
For Commuting
A hybrid bike is used for different things by different people. Some use hybrids to commute, others to exercise, and some just to be on the move. The Trek FX series has the perfect hybrid for all of these purposes.
It’s a collection of a large number of different hybrids with step-over and step-through frames, men and women-specific models, and different price points.
The majority of bikes in this range are entry-level models, costing between $600 and $1,000, but there are some more serious models as well that reach $2,000.
All come with 700c wheels, flat bars, slightly wider tires, and aluminum or carbon frames and forks.
If you need a bike to get from home to work, run errands around the city or lose some weight and get fit, you’ll find it in the Trek FX lineup.
Our Top Pick: FX 1
The one we recommend entry-level cyclists to go for is the Trek FX 1 — the cheapest and most versatile option. This bike costs just $700 and has components and characteristics that suit the entire family.
It sports a lightweight aluminum frame and a comfortable and strong steel fork that accommodates 700c wheels and 35mm wide tires.
This makes it possible for FX 1 to commute on paved and unpaved roads equally well.
Shimano Tourney and Altus derailleurs put 21 gears at your disposal, which is more than enough for casual city riding on bike paths and streets.
Bottom point is that this is a simple and comfortable bike ideal for casual riders who just need to get from point A to point B and not spend an awful lot of money.
Slash Series
Proper Enduro
Trek Slash are proper enduro bikes built to dominate sketchy descents and demanding singletracks. They’re equipped with massive 29″ wheels, carbon or aluminum frames, and excellent mid-range and high-end Shimano and SRAM components.
The Slash line numbers around 10 bikes that cost $4,500 to $12,500, so they are definitely not cheap. However, keep in mind that these enduro machines are intended for professionals and those who feel that way.
These bikes are characterized by a long wheelbase, very slack geometry, and impressively long travel.
You’ll be working with Fox and RockShox suspension that gives you 150 to 160 mm of travel, which is ideal for challenging enduro rides and downhills.
All Slash models also come with dropper posts and high-end braking systems that ensure precision and confidence.
If you like it when things get rough, then get a Trek Slash bike!
Our Top Pick: Trek Slash 8
We believe that the best representative of the Slash family is Trek Slash 8. At $4,200, it’s pretty reasonably priced, even though still intended for experienced riders who will know how to put it to good use.
It sports a lightweight yet burly Alpha Aluminum frame with a 65-degree head tube angle, internal routing, and downtube guard.
Slash 8 is bejewelled with RockShox suspension with 160 mm of travel on the fork and 150 mm of give on the shock.
Other highlights include the SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain, SRAM Guide R 4-piston brakes, and grippy 2.40″/2.60″ Bontrager XR5 tires.
The value for money Trek Slash 8 offers is excellent and its performance on the trails is even better.
Powerfly Series
E-MTB
Electric bikes have been a full-fledged member of the mountain biking family for a long time now. Trek is giving their contribution to e-MTBs with their Powerfly series.
This a selection of around five hardtail and full-suspension bikes with powerful electric motors and durable batteries. To own one, you’ll have to spend around $5,000 on average.
Trek Powerfly bikes are ideal for riders who struggle with some injuries or just can’t be bothered to tackle grueling climbs in order to enjoy some nice descents.
Powerfly models are available with both aluminum and carbon frames and with 27.5″ and 29″ wheels. They’re equipped with a wide range of high-end Shimano and SRAM components, all of which feature capable 1x drivetrains.
If you want to keep smashing challenging trails but you need some extra juice now and then, Trek Powerfly will meet your demands.
Our Top Pick: Powerfly 5
The versatility and capability of Trek’s e-bikes can best be seen on the example of Trek Powerfly 5. It’s a practical bike with an excellent value that will enable you to get back in the saddle and set new records.
This model is priced at $4,200 and is built around an Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame. The 500 Wh battery is fully encased in the downtube and the Bosch 250W motor is located in the bottom bracket.
Therefore, the bike looks sleek and all of the electric components are protected well. The motor will assist you up to 20 mph, and after that, you’re on your own with a 1×12 SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain.
All in all, if you want a high-performing trail e-bike with 120 mm of travel and durable Bosch electric parts, you’ll be quite happy with the Powerfly 5.
Checkpoint Series
Versatile Gravel
Gravel riding is slowly but surely becoming one of the most popular cycling disciplines in the world. Gravel bikes are talked about everywhere and the number of gravel events is on the rise.
Trek’s response to the expanding gravel culture is the Checkpoint line. This is a range of around 10 excellent gravel-specific bikes, suitable for everyone’s pocket.
They are built with aluminum or carbon frames and forks, with plenty of eyelets to equip them with racks and water bottles and ride for days.
All Checkpoint models have 700c wheels with wide and knobby tires ideal for soft gravel and hardpacked dirt. They’re equipped with high-end and mid-range components, disc brakes, drop bars, and 1x or 2x drivetrains.
If you want to get on the Gravel bandwagon, Trek Checkpoint is your ticket.
Our Top Pick: Checkpoint AL 3
Trek Checkpoint AL 3 is the cheapest of all models in this range, which makes it affordable and accessible. It costs just $1,200, so it’s the perfect first gravel bike for those who want to explore the world.
Even though this is an introductory model in the lineup, it’s still packed with neat features that will allow you to use and abuse this bike.
It comes with a 200 Series Alpha Aluminum frame, a carbon fork, versatile 32c tires, and Shimano Sora components. You’ll have access to 18 speeds on your adventures with a 2×9 drivetrain, which is a pretty good range.
Checkpoint AL 3 also has mechanical disc brakes and weighs just 10.5 kg (23 lbs), which is excellent for a bike in this price range.
Ticket Series
Downhill
Even though most riders prefer buying complete bikes, there are those who want their bikes to be unique and just their own. If you’re one of those and you want to build your own trail bike, you can consider the Trek Ticket series frames.
These are lightweight framesets made from aluminum, perfect for building trick bikes, dirt bikes, and jump bikes. They’re available in both hardtail and full-suspension iterations, so you can make your pick depending on your preferences.
The hardtail Ticket frame is characterized by a compact rear end, long top tube, and horizontal sliding dropouts. Therefore, you can built it into a geared or a single-speed setup.
The FS frame is ideal for building a slopestyle MTB. It comes with a 100 mm Fox rear shock and is commonly used by Trek C3 Project riders.
If you wish to build your own bike from scratch, Trek Ticket frames are a good place to start.
See the Ticket Frames on Trek Bikes
For Kids
Trek does not excel only when it comes to adult bikes. They make plenty of models for their youngest fans as well. Trek’s collection of bikes for kids is pretty impressive and includes lots of MTBs and cruiser bikes.
The wheel sizes range from 16″ to 24″, and there are models both for boys and for girls.
Trek’s lineup for kids also includes plenty of models with training wheels, ideal for the tiniest of riders who are still learning how to ride and balance a bike.
Our top pick: Trek Roscoe 24
Trek Roscoe 24 is a rigid mountain bike intended for kids. It is as capable as any adult trail bike. This is a mid-fat model with 2.8″ wide tires and costs just $570.
Roscoe 24 is the perfect first serious mountain bike for any child who loves riding on trails. It will help them develop control and the wide tires will give them more than enough confidence in all situations.
Trek Roscoe also features a lightweight 1×8 Shimano drivetrain and powerful Tektro mechanical disc brakes. The entire bike weighs around 11 kg (25 lbs), so kids will be able to lift it.
The selection of colors includes silver, orange, and pink, so both boys and girls will easily fall in love with this bike.
See the Kids Bikes on Trek Bikes
Our Top Pick For Girls: Precaliber 24
For girls who want to practice their off-roading skills, Trek Precaliber 24 is a perfect choice.
This is a girls’ bike with 24″ wheels and wide and knobby tires. It’s ideal for daily rides to school and back home, as well as adventures away from paved roads.
Precaliber 24 sports a 1×8 drivetrain that offers more than enough gears for most situations. The lightweight and sturdy aluminum frame is coupled with a performance suspended fork that boosts capabilities and comfort.
This bike also has a kickstand, so it can be parked without chipping the paint. Talking about paint, Precaliber is available in white and magenta colors, both of which are really nice and girly.
See the Kids Bikes on Trek Bikes
Final Verdict On Best Trek Bikes
Trek makes some of the best bikes in the world, without any doubt. This brand’s strongest points are tradition, reliability, durability, and incredible value.
The reason why they are so popular around the world is that they have a HUGE selection of bikes. No matter who you are, you will be able to find the perfect bike for your needs. And one that also fits your budget!
The 14 Trek lineups we covered above are a good place to start looking for your perfect Trek bike! So choose yours and enjoy the ride 🙂
What about the x-caliber series
Hi Blueboy,
Thanks for that suggestion. We will keep that in mind for future articles.
I order an Electra Townie Cruiser 8g eq step thru creme color in May from my local trek shop. Laurel Ave ft collins CO 80524. They said sometime between July and September. That’s a long time to wait for my new bike. Only Calvin has been helpful the others not so much. Can you tell me when it will arrive?
Hi Mary,
I suggest you give them a call during store hours at 970-482-6006.
Store hours are :
Monday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM