S P R I N G 2 016
THE RIDES OF MARCH Let’s be honest. Whether your bike hibernated, relegated itself to the stationary trainer, or hardened up and rode through the winter, it could use a little help. Your bar tape is trashed. Yes, you need new tires. Your cages don’t match, you used up all your CO2 in the fall, and that hole in your favorite shorts is indecent. This is the season the world is reborn. Why should your bike be any different? Every best year of riding starts with a great spring, and great springs begin at your local bike shop. Whether you’re looking to refresh, refurbish, or completely replace your bikes and gear, Trek and Bontrager have everything you need to get 2016 started off right. In our opinion, there’s no bad rides, just bad gear. Et tu?
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Kyle and Jaden Ward Trek Athletes Wollongong, Australia Shop online at trekbikes.com
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REFRESH YO U R R I D E Breathing new life into an old ride
In 2005, Jason walked into Wheel & Sprocket in Milwaukee, WI and purchased this Trek 5200. Over the years, it’s been ridden thousands of miles. But life happens, and Jason’s 5200 was eventually confined to a corner of the garage while weddings were planned and children were raised. Now Jason wants to get back into it, but he doesn’t necessarily want a new bike. Understandable. That’s when he asked us what to do.
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WHEELS In the 11 massively productive years since these were among the best on the market, wheels have gone through huge shifts in design and construction. The only thing these wheels have in common with today’s hoops is that they’re both round.
CASSETTE + CHAIN The secret to the fastest way to upgrade your bike’s performance is right here. Your cassette and chain are punished more harshly than any other two places on your bike. This is where pedaling efficiency, precise shifting, and overall bike performance can all be lost.
SADDLE In 2005, little was known of the unique design requirements required to make a properly supportive saddle. Saddles came in few shapes and sizes, and getting it right was a guessing game. Today, countless hours of research have lead Bontrager to a full line of saddles designed for proper fit and all-day comfort.
BAR TAPE Look at this tape. Just look at it. Totally smoked. Maybe you laid the bike down, maybe you’ve just ridden the hell out of it. Whatever reason, chances are you need new tape. With all of the color and material options available, you can’t go wrong with this easy upgrade.
CAGES The appropriate color of bottle cages has long been a topic of debate. Do you fall on the side that believes cages should match the frame and tape or do you prefer a more expressive look? Take a stance with a new set of Bontrager bottle cages.
TIRES A lot of heartache and headaches can be saved with a simple and very affordable tire swap. Today’s tires are reinforced with a variety of puncture protection including Kevlar. The right tires can make all the difference. 3
YES, IT’S THE SAME BIKE Jason couldn’t believe it either
Jason’s bike was fine. That is to say, his frame was fine. Our Certified Service Team went to town with some handpicked upgrades, and now Jason’s bike rides better than the day he picked it up. Here’s the recipe. Find the ingredients at your local Trek retailer, where a staff of knowledgeable experts is standing by to help you with your own full-bike revitalization.
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AEOLUS 3 D3 WHEELS The fastest upgrade Jason made to his bike was a sound investment in a new set of wheels. The Aeolus 3 D3 is an aero upgrade to what has immediately become Jason’s now raceready ride.
SHIMANO ULTEGRA CASSETTE AND CHAIN With a clean new cassette and chain, Jason’s bike rides better today than the day he rode it out of the shop back in ‘05. He opted for Shimano’s reliable shifting and fantastic quality. Shop online at trekbikes.com
Shop online at trekbikes.com
AFFINITY PRO CARBON After a quick measurement and consult with a Trek Precision Fit Specialist, Jason landed on the Affinity Pro in size Medium. Just the right amount of support and designed for the way Jason prefers to ride.
GEL CORK TAPE For the tape, we opted for Bontrager Gel Cork for its durability and supple feel. The color choices were numerous, but we kept the blue theme running along with the cages.
RL CAGE We went with the tried-andtested Bontrager RL cage. Incredibly durable and available in a range of colors. Cages and tape are like your belt and shoes, they should always match. Style matters.
R3 HARD-CASE LITE Jason was looking for a fast-rolling tire durable enough to withstand the imperfections of the pavement surrounding his home. The Bontrager R3 Hard Case Lite is one of our most popular tires for people who want to ride more and worry about their tires less. 5
YO U R S P R I N G REFRESH Easy essentials for a like-new ride It’s simple: When your bike is fun to ride, you’re going to ride more. And nothing brings enjoyment back to your golden oldie like a few choice upgrades. These are the easy essentials that will improve the style and performance of your trusty steed, but this is just the beginning. Use this guide as a starting point for your own spring refresh, and visit your local Trek retailer for more must-have parts and accessories to make this your best year of riding ever.
S A D D L E B AG R E F R E S H Don’t leave home without it A svelte backpack for your bike, a properly stocked saddle bag can be the difference between continuing your ride or begging for a lift. Take it from us, you don’t want to be on the latter side of that equation. PRO SEAT PACK 424907 | $22.99
MULTI TOOL 418560 | $9.99
SPARE TUBE Sizes vary
FLARE R TAIL LIGHT 515813 | $59.99
AIR RUSH CO2 INFLATOR 403645 | $19.99 6
TIRE LEVER 411266 | $3.99
TAPE
C AG E S
You’re welcome, hands
Instant style points
New bar tape is one of the easiest ways to improve your ride and upgrade your style. Bontrager bar tape is available in a wide variety
The appropriate color of bottle cages has long been a topic of debate. Do you fall on the side that believes cages should match the frame and tape, or do you prefer a more expressive look? Wherever you land, take a stance with Bontrager.
of materials and colors, so you can make the most of the one part of your bike you touch the most. VELVETACK REFLECTIVE A plush tape with a smooth, comfortable grip and reflective cutaways for added visibility. Reflective tape makes you that much more visible when out on the open road.
SUPER TACK Your grip is the last thing you should be thinking about while turning the pedals. Keep riding through all weather conditions in confidence with the no-slip grip Supertack Handlebar tape.
DOUBLE GEL CORK Handlebar tape made of long-lasting cork provides comfort and a secure grip. This tape is the ultimate cushioning against hand-numbing vibration.
GEL CORK The traditional feel of natural cork combines with the vibration dampening power of gel to create a modern classic.
GEL GRIP The hand-pleasing comfort of gel cushioning meets surehanded security with Bontrager’s Gel Grip Tape.
CORK Give your road bike the right look and feel with Cork Tape. Traditional, natural cork tape with an adhesive backing helps it stay put during and after installation.
MICROFIBER FOAM Durable microfiber enhances grip, and shock-absorbing foam is a silent partner to bring you the ultimate handlebar tape combination.
MICROFIBER Enjoy a closer connection to your bike and your ride with ultra-lightweight Bontrager Microfiber Handlebar Tape. The close-to-bar feel of this microfiber tape is further enhanced with a durable no-slip surface.
Shop online at trekbikes.com
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DON’ T GO FL AT Great rides don’t pause for punctures All Bontrager tires are designed with Hard-Case, our proprietary puncture-protection technology. But some are better equipped for the demands of particularly rough roads. The best choice for you depends on where and how you ride. Hard-Case Lite saves on weight but has less puncture-protection, whereas Hard-Case Ultimate is slightly heavier but virtually eliminates flats. Our most popular tire at each level of protection are as follows: R3 HARD-CASE LITE 430052 | $49.99 Sub-tread material protects against punctures AW1 HARD-CASE 429625 | $44.99 Sub-tread material and sidewall reinforcement reduce punctures and sidewall cuts H2 HARD-CASE ULTIMATE 433104 | $44.99 Dual layer sub-tread material and sidewall reinforcement virtually eliminate punctures and cuts 8
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THE ONE TIRE FOR ALL SEASONS Admit it — no one really likes changing tires. That’s why we built one to carry you through everything. The AW3 Hard Case is a set-it-and-forget-it favorite of seasoned veterans who value saddle time over tinkering time.
AW3 HARD-CASE 428644 | $59.99
Shop online at trekbikes.com
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N OW YO U S E E M E Constructive disruption The result of extensive research into how a human’s eye interprets color and pattern, the Bontrager Halo kit is constructed of reflective fabric with graphics that keep a cyclist easily discernible from everything else in sight.
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Walter Yuan Freelance Producer ShopSan online at trekbikes.com Francisco, California
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1. BALLISTA ROAD HELMET 13222 | $174.99 2. VELOCIS HALO JERSEY 13009 | $199.99 3. R3 ROAD TIRE 09127 | $54.99 4. VELOCIS HALO BIB SHORT 13011 | $199.99 Shop online at trekbikes.com
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5. VELVETACK REFLECTIVE TAPE 13389 | $39.99 6. B1 SLEEVELESS BASELAYER 11700 | $34.99 7. VELOCIS ROAD SHOE 12543 | $219.99 8. RACE 5˝ SOCK 11090 | $11.99 11
YO U R N E W R OTAT I O N Laundry day comes once a week We all have our one favorite jersey, but there’s something to be said for mixing it up every now and again. Brighten your spring ride wardrobe with Specter and Circuit, the fashion-forward jerseys that bring style and variety to every rider’s favorite cycling staple.
SPECTER JERSEY A reliable cycling jersey that brilliantly balances smart fashion sense with high performance.
13016
$109.99
XS – XXL
Fitted
CIRCUIT JERSEY A performance cycling jersey with impressive features and modern style for committed road riders.
13020
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$69.99
XS – XXL
Fitted
Shop online at trekbikes.com
Rod Duncan and Joe Kennedy Trek Ambassadors Maui, Hawaii
E A R LY S P R I N G For when spring stumbles Time only moves in one direction, but today it feels like February isn’t finished with us. That’s when we reach for the shell. Say it with us: “It’s going to get warmer.” Just keep saying it.
RACE CONVERTIBLE WINDSHELL JACKET
RACE WINDSHELL VEST A lightweight vest designed to protect your core and repel water on windy rides.
11710
$69.99
XS – XXL
Semi-fitted
RACE WINDSHELL WOMEN’S VEST A lightweight women’s vest designed to protect your core and repel water on windy rides.
11711 14
$69.99
XS – XL
Semi-fitted
A wind-resistant jacket that easily turns into a vest for packable protection.
11712
$109.99
XS – XXL
Semi-fitted
RACE CONVERTIBLE WINDSHELL WOMEN’S JACKET A wind-resistant jacket that easily turns into a vest for packable protection
11713
$109.99
XS – XL
Semi-fitted
RACE WINDSHELL JACKET A lightweight, windproof, water-resistant jacket built for warmth in blustery weather.
11708
$79.99
XS – XXL
Semi-fitted
RACE WINDSHELL WOMEN’S JACKET A lightweight, windproof, water-resistant women’s jacket built for warmth in blustery weather.
11709
$79.99
XS – XL
Semi-fitted
Shop online at trekbikes.com
WA R M E R S Warmth comes in small packages Don’t let a little chill cut your ride short! Bontrager warmers are the perfect, packable gear option for days when unpredictable spring weather throws a wrench in your ride-plan.
THERMAL ARM WARMER
THERMAL KNEE WARMER
THERMAL LEG WARMER
A thermal arm warmer that traps body heat and wicks moisture for comfortable rides in cold weather.
A thermal knee warmer that traps body heat and wicks moisture for comfortable rides in cold weather.
A thermal leg warmer that traps body heat and wicks moisture for comfortable rides in cold weather.
11728
$34.99
XS – XL
11729
$39.99
XS – XL
11730
$44.99
XS – XL
THERMAL HEADBAND
STORMSHELL GLOVE
RXL WINDSHELL TOE COVER
A soft, moisture-wicking headband worn under the helmet for warmth and comfort in cooler weather.
A waterproof, windproof, and breathable glove with great dexterity in the cold and wet.
A low-profile, cool weather toe cover offering waterresistant wind protection and warmth.
11732
$14.99
Shop online at trekbikes.com
One size
12404
$99.99
XS – XXL
11351
$19.99
S/M – L/XL 15
O N E D AY IS ALL YO U N E E D We’re fans of just about all forms of racing. But if we could choose just one, we’ll take the one-day races of spring. If you’re watching stateside, set the alarm clock early and make sure your Internet connection is strong. It’s Classics Season, and this is our totally biased guide to the races we love the most.
OUR FAVORITES Strade Bianche - 03.05.16 Milan-San Remo - 03.19.16 Ronde Van Vlaanderen - 04.03.16 Paris Roubaix - 04.10.16
ARDENNES CLASSICS Amstel Gold - 04.17.16 La Flèche Wallonne - 04.20.16 Liège-Bastogne-Liège - 04.24.16
DEMI-CLASSICS Omloop Het Neusblad - 02.27.16 E3 Harelbeke - 03.05.16 Gent-Wevelgem - 03.27.16 Scheldeprijs - 04.06.16
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STRADE BIANCHE Officially named Strade-Bianche - Eroica Pro, Strade Bianche (Italian for “White Roads”) is the youngest, albeit most visually stunning, of the early season races. In many ways, the race is a hybrid-Classic combining the steep pitch of the hills of the Ronde van Vlaanderen and the punishing terrain of Paris-Roubaix. Contested over the steep white gravel roads of Tuscany, the race has only been on the calendar since 2007, but has gained prestige quickly for its difficult route and terrain. The gravel has played a more intimate role than just added aesthetics as numerous pros have laid it down in the loose. To win this race, power must be combined with the grace of bike-handling.
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THE COUNTRY SIDE White gravel roads and the finish in Siena’s Piazza del Campo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
THE TROPHY Younger races take time to find their stride. It’s been a plate, a sculpture, but in it’s current form its a glass bicycle wheel intersecting two pedestals. It’s cooler than it sounds.
THE FOOD Fettunta. Tuscan bruschetta features Tuscan bread generously rubbed with garlic, lavishly drizzled with a green olive oil and sparingly sprinkled with salt. Perfect pre-ride nosh.
THE WINE Toscana. The region is world-famous for its wine. Don’t fight it. The Sangiovese grape is the most widely known and available.
READ Extra Virginity: The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil The tale of the history, mythology, and significance of the shadowy world of olive oil reads like more like a classic adventure novel and will leave you hungry for one of the region’s most popular exports.
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MILAN-SAN REMO The longest of the single-day race of the year and the first of five annual monument races (MilanSan Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, and Giro di Lombardia), La Primavera is an early-season test of endurance that runs from Milan to Sanremo, Italy, covering a distance of roughly 185 miles. Widely referred to as a Sprinter’s Classic, the parcours is relatively flat though the weather is often less than desirable and has even forced the race to change course or pause in consideration of rider safety.
STA ITALY
FIN
ISH SANREMO
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POGGIO
POINTS OF INTEREST The climb to watch is the Poggio but the finale along the palm treelined Via Roma in Sanremo never disappoints.
WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
THE TROPHY Though it’s changed throughout its many years, its current form is a silver woman draped in a toga atop a pedestal gazing skyward. Che classe!
WATCH Though it’s a little under the table, Steephill.tv is the place to stream if you’re watching stateside. Choose the Italian or French feeds for most dramatic narration.
DRINK A Segafredo espresso to start the race and a Peroni to finish it off.
THE EQUIPMENT Bontrager Ballista Helmet, Neoprene gloves, booties, HellShell, bidons with hot tea. Umbrella.
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R O N D E VA N V L A A N D E R E N (TOUR OF FL ANDERS) The best day of the year. If Belgium is the cradle of cycling this is its annual baptism. If you’ve never been to Belgium on the day of “De Ronde,” you don’t know what you’ve missed. If you go to only one bike race in your life, this is the one. Win this race as a Belgian and you’ll never pay for a beer ever again. This is especially beneficial if you live in Belgium.
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RT BELGIUM
BRUGES
POINTS OF INTEREST Koppenberg, Paterberg, Oude Kwaremont
AANKOMST
KOPPENBERG
PA T E R B E R G O U D E K WA R E M O N T
FIN
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WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
THE TROPHY Abstract bronze sculpture of a bicycle and rider. Underwhelming compared to the prestige of the race. Winner wins his weight in beer.
TRAPPIST BEER Take your pick but make it Trappist. Chimay, Rochefort, Orval, Westmalle, Achel, and the Holy Grail Westvleteren . “Belgian-style” is for posers.
WAFFLES Use a waffle iron. If it comes out of your toaster, you’re doing it wrong.
THE EQUIPMENT Trek Domane Koppenberg Edition, Bontrager HellShell
THE COBBLES The steeply pitched cobblestone roads first laid by medieval Flandrian farmers take center stage in De Ronde. Bone jarring when dry, impossible to ride in the wet.
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PA R I S - R O U B A I X The Queen of the Classics is the oldest and arguably most (in)famous one-day race in the world. Relatively flat, Roubaix is not the hardest race of the year, but it’s won only by the hardest of riders. Paris-Roubaix runs along the medieval cobbled roads of the northeastern French/Belgian border. The age of these medieval farm roads has left the stones widely spaced and greatly exposed leading to bone-jarring impact with every pedal stroke.
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FRANCE
THE COBBLES Though flatter than their northwest brethren, the cobblestones of Roubaix are no less ancient and are more widely spaced than those found in Flanders. While Belgium grooms and maintains their cobbles, the French have taken a more laissez faire approach to theirs allowing nature to groom a much harsher route.
FIN
ISH ROUBAIX
WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
THE TROPHY An actual cobblestone plucked from the course and affixed to a pedestal. Best. Trophy. Ever.
FRITES Though a more traditional Belgian treat, a good frite should be served in a cone with a side of mayonnaise.
LA CHOUFFE Yeah, yeah, it’s a Belgian beer. But it’s the perfect complement to the frite, and the French just don’t make a great beer.
WATCH A Sunday in Hell - 1976 This cycling classic follows the likes of Merckx and De Vlaeminck at the height of their rivalry as they duel over the fabled parcours, capturing the essence of the race better than any other film has or may ever will.
MECHANIC TIP Skateboard deck tape inside the bottle cage to keep water where it should be while on the widelyspaced cobbles. Double-wrapped handlebar tape. Wrists wrapped with boxing tape. Lucky rabbit’s foot.
DOMANE DON’T ENDURE. CONQUER. Domane with IsoSpeed has it all: blistering speed, incredible race comfort, and stability even on the punishing pavÊ of Flanders and Roubaix.
Now available in more models and options than ever Domane is available 14 models beginning at $1,360
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Shop online at trekbikes.com
Fabian Cancellara Trek-Segafredo 3X Paris-Roubaix Winner 3X Ronde van Vlaanderen Winner
The Classique jersey is an elegant nod to tradition, but it’s a whole lot more than just good looks. Its sophistication is tempered with timeless style and modern features, delivering the perfect blend of craftsmanship and high performance. CLASSIQUE JERSEY 13005 | $174.99
PREMIUM METAL TRIMS
THREE OPEN BACK POCKETS AND ONE REAR SNAP SECURITY POCKET
MERINO WOOL POWERED BY 37.5™ ACTIVE PARTICLE TECHNOLOGY
S O P H I S T I CAT E D. T I M E L E S S . Bontrager’s Classique collection blends old-world materials and craftsmanship with intelligent modern features to celebrate and honor the heritage of great rides. Classique is informed by tradition, inspired by our sport’s most iconic images, and designed to perform.
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1. CLASSIQUE CYCLING SCARF 13038 | $34.99 2. B1 SLEEVELESS BASELAYER 11700 | $34.99 3. CLASSIQUE CYCLING CAP 13039 | $39.99 4. CLASSIQUE BIB SHORT 13006 | $199.99 Shop online at trekbikes.com
5. CLASSIQUE 5˝ SOCK 13037 | $19.99 6. CLASSIQUE GLOVE 12098 | $64.99 7. CLASSIQUE ROAD SHOE 12551 | $269.99
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ANARA Details make the difference Our highest performance women’s kit, designed for ladies with discerning tastes, includes a yoga-style waistband and inForm BioDynamic chamois for increased comfort.
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1. RACE GEL WOMEN’S GLOVE 11488 | $34.99 2. ANARA WOMEN’S JERSEY 13018 | $109.99 3. CIRCUIT WOMEN’S ROAD HELMET 11820 | $99.99 30
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4. MERAJ WOMEN’S ROAD SHOE 12545 | $219.99 5. ANARA WOMEN’S SHORT 13019 | $109.99 6. VELOCIS 5˝ SOCK 13302 | $15.99 Shop online at trekbikes.com
S ILQUE WOME N’ S S M O O T H O P E R AT O R Nothing smoothes out the road like the all-new Silque. Trek’s innovative IsoSpeed decoupler and women’s ride-tuned frame deliver the perfect balance of smoothness and power.
Ride-tuned WSD performance race frame, in OCLV Carbon. Silque is available in 6 models beginning at $2,100
Anne Mayer Trek Ambassador Maui, Hawaii
R OA D S H O E S Dialed for the win When you’re charging the line, shoes that deliver the ultimate power transfer can mean the difference between glory and what’s-his-name who came in second. Bontrager road shoes are equipped with Boa dials for comfort, performance, and security when you need it the most.
XXX ROAD Ride what the pros ride. The new benchmark for premium performance and comfort.
11649
39-47
VELOCIS ROAD
MERAJ WOMEN’S ROAD
Get dialed with the stiffness of our Silver Series carbon sole and precision fit of a Boa closure.
Get dialed-in with a Boa closure and the stiffness and efficiency of our Silver Series carbon sole.
12543
$219.99
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SPECTER ROAD Affordable performance of our PowerTruss composite sole mated to the dialed-in fit of a Boa closure.
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$399.99
$159.99
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12545
$219.99
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CIRCUIT ROAD Efficient, full-featured road shoe. Roomy design for all-day comfort.
13265
$124.99
36-43
Shop online at trekbikes.com
MTB SHOES Click it and rip it The right shoe can improve your confidence on the trail, giving you the sure-footing you need to upgrade your shred-level. Bontrager MTB shoes with Boa dials are designed for security, efficiency, and comfort for the greatest trail rides ever.
XXX MTB Our fastest, stiffest, most advanced MTB shoe ever.
11658
CAMBION MTB A stiff and durable mountain bike shoe with the secure fit of the Boa IP1 dial, tough enough for the rider hitting the trails all week.
13269
$274.99
39-48
$399.99
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TINARI WOMEN’S MTB A stiff and durable mountain bike shoe with the secure fit of the Boa IP1 dial, tough enough for the rider hitting the trails all week.
13270
$274.99
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FORAY MTB
ROVV WOMEN’S MTB
An undeniably stiff and durable shoe perfect for trail riding, cyclocross, or gravel roads.
An undeniably stiff and durable shoe perfect for trail riding, cyclocross, or gravel roads.
13267 Shop online at trekbikes.com
$159.99
39-48
13268
$159.99
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MADONE FAS T E S T B I K E O N THE PLANET Don’t take our word for it. The Madone has been put through the most stringent testing the journalism world has conceived. The results are in.
WINNEr
SUPERBIKE OF THE YEAR 2015/16
“An incredible amount of clever technology produces a super fast bike that’s also very comfortable.” ROAD.CC SUPERBIKE OF THE YEAR
“Stupid fast. Crazy light.” PELOTON MAGAZINE
“It is the fastest bike that TOUR has ever measured.” TOUR MAGAZINE
“It doesn’t take long before you’re seeing all of those bumps but not really feeling them through the rear end—and in fact, I even found myself consciously aiming for stuff I would normally avoid if only just for the novelty.” BIKE RADAR
“There are aerodynamic bikes, and there are smooth rides. Then there’s Trek’s new Madone—a road rider’s revelation.” MEN’S HEALTH TECH GUIDE BIKE OF THE YEAR 34
Shop online at trekbikes.com
BEST BIKE
TREK MADONE 2015 READER POLL
“A new ultra-sleek aero shape, hyper-integrated componentry, and a surprisingly refined ride” CYCLINGNEWS READERS CHOICE
“You want to go fast? The Madone is a great option. It’s more comfortable than any aero road bike I’ve ever ridden (and that’s pretty much all of them).” VELONEWS
“Madone’s superior comfort and handling give it the victory.” VELONEWS
“First-ever aero road bike to receive unanimous praise from our testers.” BICYCLING
“Like an F1 car with a cushy suspension and plush seats.” WIRED
“This was something new entirely” VELONEWS BIKE DESIGN OF THE YEAR Shop online at trekbikes.com
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SECOND LIFE There’s no question that carbon fiber makes the fastest, lightest bicycle frames. But what happens to a prototype carbon product that never makes it to your local shop or a frame that was crashed in the Tour de France? Whereas most major bicycle manufacturers are sending these parts to landfills, Trek is committed to a better option.
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Shop online at trekbikes.com
Seventy-five miles inland from the coastal vacation destination of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in the town of Lake City, a discontinuous carbon composites company called Carbon Conversions is changing the trajectory of the carbon industry, one reclaimed part at a time. In a 50,000-square-foot facility designed and managed for minimal environmental impact, Carbon Conversions employs a proprietary solution for not only keeping carbon parts out of landfills, but also repurposing the reclaimed material into new high-performance parts. Trek pioneered the manufacturing of carbon fiber within the bicycle industry in the early 1990s, and since then we’ve developed a remarkably efficient manufacturing process that results in minimal excess wasted material. But even so, each year at Trek’s global headquarters in Waterloo, Wisconsin, around 60,000 pounds of scrap material is produced. This includes prototype products—everything from stems and handlebars to the next groundbreaking frame design—molded parts that don’t meet our extremely stringent internal standards, and other nonwoven decommissioned parts like warrantied carbon frames and wheels. Each year in Waterloo, we found ourselves with nearly three truckloads of material that would never make it to market. So in 2010, Trek partnered with Carbon Conversions to ensure this excess material wasn’t going into landfills. And we’ve been committed to supporting their extraordinary carbon recycling technology ever since.
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At Carbon Conversions, an extensive reclaiming process is undergone on all Trek parts to cull the raw carbon from other materials like epoxy resin and paint. The parts are chopped into pieces smaller than 1˝, then fed through an atmosphericallycontrolled, electrically-heated pyrolization furnace that strips away everything that isn’t raw carbon. In this useable form, the raw carbon is mixed with water in enormous stainless steel tanks. Through proprietary computational fluid dynamics, the small carbon pieces are molded into carbon pre-form molds that can then be made into high-performance parts. In the spirit of reclaiming materials, it should come as no surprise that everything in this part of the process is recycled. After a preform mold has been created, the tanks are drained and cleaned, and the water is saved to be used again in the creation of the next pre-form carbon mold. And even the tanks, one of which stands 38
two-stories off the plant floor, are recycled. Before they were fabricated to perform this function for Carbon Conversions, they were used at an Anheuser-Busch Brewery. The end result of this process is a piece of material that has an extraordinary number of applications. The pre-form carbon molds created in Lake City have been used to develop products as diverse as sub-structure parts for high-performance automobiles, tooling for carbon fiber hulls of racing sailboats, kayaks and canoe paddles, and even carbon fiber sunglasses. The possibilities are endless, but there are challenges too. A carbon bicycle frame gets its strength from continuous strands of carbon, which are molded and epoxied. Once the reclaiming process is performed, the resulting carbon product does not hold the same structural integrity of continuous carbon strands. “But discontinuous carbon fiber composites are still extraordinarily valuable,” says Mark Mauhar, CEO of Carbon Conversions, “even
if they will never stand up to the strength of continuous fiber composites and epoxy.” Because not every carbon part—and not even every carbon part on a carbon bicycle frame—requires the kind of structural integrity of continuous carbon strands. From the parts on the interior of an aircraft to carbon fiber-reinforced injection molds for consumer electronics and even in the world of high-performance cycling, the product developed in Lake City has extraordinary potential. Consider this: The bicycle industry turned to carbon fiber because the material proved to be exceptionally light, strong, and efficient. In cycling terms, a lighter frame meant a faster ride, because the power produced by the cyclist was being used more efficiently. When the same philosophy is applied on a larger scale—in the automotive industry, for instance—efficiency could mean less reliance on burning fossil fuels. The key for Carbon Conversions is material performance and traceability. In order to ensure end-performance, it’s crucial that Carbon Conversions knows exactly where the reclaimed carbon fiber was used before, and exactly the kind of carbon they’ve acquired. Which is to say, Carbon Conversions isn’t just a place where any carbon manufacturer can dump its scraps; it’s an advanced materials facility with a clear focus, an extraordinary product, and an undeniable benefit. What sets Carbon Conversions apart from other forward-thinking companies is that they have created a technology that closes the loop. The parts reclaimed from Trek and other suppliers around the world are currently being used. If you own a laptop with a carbon shell, for instance, and once warrantied a carbon Trek frame, there’s a chance your laptop was made with fibers from the frame you once rode. O.K., it’s an admittedly small chance, but the crucial point here is that the carbon parts Trek produces in Waterloo aren’t finding a home in a landfill. They’re finding a new life that carries on the spirit of what we do, and that’s something we’re excited about. In the face of this technology, it’s reasonable to ask why any bicycle manufacturer would still be sending parts to a landfill. The simple truth is that it costs more to recycle. Whereas it costs around $0.02 per pound to send parts to a landfill, it costs around $0.13 per pound to recycle the same material. For Trek, this is an investment worth making. Because it’s not just an investment in the environment, it’s a commitment to the belief that we can do better than landfills. Creating the world’s finest high-performance bicycles should only have a positive impact. Have an old carbon bike or parts? Don’t throw them away. Send us a note at carbonrecycling@trekbikes.com to learn more about how you can give your bike a second life.
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Rod Duncan, Anne Mayer, and Joe Kennedy Trek Ambassadors Maui, Hawaii 40
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É M O N DA OUR LIGHTEST PRODUCTION R O A D L I N E E V E R Every detail of the Émonda line, from frame design to each component choice on every model, serves the same audacious goal: to create the lightest line of production road bikes ever offered.
The lightweight advantage Émonda is available in 17 models beginning at $1,570
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É M O N DA A L R LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM PERFECTION Every detail of the Émonda line, from frame design to each component choice on every model, serves the same audacious goal: to create the lightest line of production road bikes ever offered.
The lightweight advantage Émonda ALR is available in 3 models beginning at $1,310
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Jaden and Kyle Ward Trek Athletes Wollongong, Australia
THE DOGS OF TREK These are the Dogs of Trek. They are our best friends and closest canine confidants, our furry four-legged pals and our greatest trail companions. They may not be able to ride a bike, but they certainly charge the trail beside us. And even more importantly, they show us time and time again that a life lived with joy is a life well-lived. For many of us at Trek headquarters, even when our minds are focused on designing, prototyping, marketing, or building the next greatest bike—our hearts are at home, patiently waiting beside the front door for the impending trail session. It’s in a great dog’s nature to ground us in the here and now, especially when life gets chaotic. They remind us to tackle each day with unbridled tail-wagging enthusiasm, to appreciate the simple pleasure of the outdoors, and to always remember the extraordinary value of running (or riding) around in circles.
HUGO Customer Service, Australia
LEO Import Manager
DAISY E-Commerce Sales Support Rep
PIPER Women’s and City Bike Marketing Manager
TANNER Engineering Project Manager
LINCOLN NAME StoreTITLE Designer
SCARLETT Digital Marketing Specialist
RUSH Import Manager
IVY E-commerce Customer Service Manager
DENALI Chief Electronics Engineer
MILLIE International Trade Specialist
REX HR Coordinator
MILES Brand Manager
THORA Executive Assistant to JB & Global Compliance Manager
HAROLD BCycle Business Manager
SOPHIE Global Financial Services Manger
SHIMANO BCycle Implementation Specialist & Store Designer
JESSE JAMES Warranty Analyst
RUGBY Brand Manager
JORDY Assistant Buyer
RIGS Assistant Buyer
MISKA Global FP&A Manager
MADDIE Sr. Forecasting Manager
RILEY Sr. Forecasting Manager
TEELA Customer Service Rep
KALI Sr. Project Support Manager
CASEY Service Brand Manager
CONNOR Sr. Project Support Manager
DIESEL Tech Support Specialist
KIDA Administrative Assistant
TUCKER Recruiter
OLIVE Global FP&A Manager
COOPER Chef
EDDIE Recruiter
SADIE Assistant Brand Manager
COPPER Leadtime Analyst
QUINCY Customer Service Rep
C O N D U I T+ P OW E R U P YO U R C O M M U T E Conduit+ is a hard-working, lightweight, electric-assist commuter bike. Smart features like a smooth mid-drive motor and onboard lighting make quick, fun work of your commute.
Visit trekbikes.com to find an authorized electric bike retailer to learn more.
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Mission Beach San Diego, California
GO ELECTRIC What millions around the world have known for years is finally gaining traction in a place electric bikes may have the biggest impact. The electric bike’s time has arrived. Trek Ride+ bikes are designed to extend your ride, bringing your cycling to new levels of comfort and performance with the gentle assist of a powerful frame-mounted motor. The technology behind Trek’s comprehensive line of electric-assist bicycles has been refined over years of development, in the United States and Europe both, where thousands of Ride+ bikes are ridden each day on streets from Los Angeles to Zurich. AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE? If having fun, riding longer distances with less effort, and ditching the car gives cyclists an unfair advantage, then so be it.
Mariane Uehara Triathlete Maui, Hawaii
FX FITNESS, SIMPLIFIED FX is fitness simplified. It offers a best-of-both-worlds combination of road bike speed and city bike comfort and versatility. It’s a perfect fitness bike, and so much more.
BluetoothÂŽ compatible, so you can track your fitness FX is available in 14 models beginning at $380
FX
7.4 FX
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7.3 FX WOMEN’S
7.5 FX
7.1 FX
7.2 FX Shop online at trekbikes.com
CONNECT YO U R T R E K FX makes reaching your fitness goals easier than ever with a unique system that utilizes your phone’s Bluetooth capabilities to track and monitor your progression. Whether you use a cycling computer or your smartphone, FX simplifies your workout.
Shop online at trekbikes.com
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Pros prepare for the Tour in March. So should you. Book the Tour de France experience of a lifetime before it’s sold out. trektravel.com
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Shop online at trekbikes.com
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...IT HAPPENS You ride long enough, and it’s going to happen. We don’t wear helmets for the 99 times we don’t fall. We wear them for the one time we do. Because when that time comes, we’d like a shot at 100 more rides. These thank you letters may be addressed to us, but honestly, we are the grateful ones. Helmet hair is a badge of honor. Wear it proudly.
With our Crash Replacement Guarantee, we’ll provide you with a free replacement of your helmet if it’s involved in a crash within the first year of ownership. See your local retailer to learn more.
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*Actual letter sent in with crashed helmet. Identification redacted for privacy.
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WHAT IS MIPS? MIPS stands for “Multi-directional Impact Protection System.” Created through years of research, the combination of the brain’s own protection and MIPS provides better protection from angled impacts.
MIMICKING THE BRAIN
LOW FRICTION LAYER
ANGLED IMPACT
MIPS imitates the brain’s way of protecting itself by giving the helmet its own lowfriction layer between the outer shell and the liner.
In a MIPS helmet, the shell and the liner are separated by a low friction layer, allowing the helmet to slide relative to the head during an angled impact.
Conventional helmets are tested by dropping vertically onto a flat surface. MIPS helmets are designed to deal with how accidents occur, with angled impacts to the head.
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SOLSTICE MIPS HELMET Feature-filled casual bike helmet with the added protection of MIPS
13595
$59.99
S–L
STARVOS MIPS WOMEN’S ROAD HELMET Stylish women’s road helmet with elevated comfort and the added protection of MIPS
13575
$89.99
S–M
STRAVOS MIPS ROAD HELMET Stylish road bike helmet with elevated comfort and the added protection of MIPS
13576
$89.99
S – XL
RALLY MIPS MOUNTAIN HELMET Performance-oriented mountain bike helmet with the added protection of MIPS
13580
Shop online at trekbikes.com
$119.99
S–L
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“Trek Remedy 29 9.9 makes other do-it-all bikes look like they’d be better described as do-it-all-so-so bikes.” PINKBIKE MOUNTAIN BIKE OF THE YEAR
R E M E DY M O U N TA I N B I K E O F T H E Y E A R Remedy is the mountain biker’s mountain bike. Choose 27.5” or 29er wheels to conquer the trail your way, on a bike that scores tens for capability and versatility.
140mm travel, in OCLV Mountain Carbon or Alpha Platinum Aluminum Remedy is available in 8 models beginning at $2,800 60
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MEN’S RHYTHM Dirt don’t hurt Nothing completes a MTB kit like a healthy dose of mud. Bontrager Rhythm apparel is designed for durability, performance, and style in the real conditions you find on the trail.
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1. RALLY MOUNTAIN HELMET 12562 | $99.99 2. RHYTHM TECH TEE 11509 | $54.99 3. VELOCIS 5˝ SOCK 13302 | $15.99 Shop online at trekbikes.com
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4. RHYTHM MTB SHOE 11662 | $159.99 5. RHYTHM SHORT 11515 | $109.99 6. RHYTHM GLOVE 11492 | $29.99 61
RHYTHM WOMEN’S Ready, set, shred When it comes to on-trail apparel, mountain bikers require gear cut from a different cloth. The Women’s Rhythm kit delivers the best in MTB style without sacrificing performance and comfort, so you can shred all day and look good doing it. 2
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1. EVOKE WOMEN’S GLOVE 12050 | $39.99 2. RHYTHM WOMEN’S TECH TEE 12000 | $54.99 3. RALLY MOUNTAIN HELMET 12562 | $99.99 62
4. TINARI WOMEN’S MTB SHOE 13270 | $274.99 5. RHYTHM WOMEN’S SHORT 12015 | $109.99 6. RACE 5˝ WOOL SOCK 11723 | $14.99 Shop online at trekbikes.com
LU S H WOME N’ S TA M E T H E T R A I L Meet Lush. Our most versatile full suspension mountain bike for women gives you do-it-all 27.5� wheels and a fun, confidence-inspiring ride.
120mm travel, in OCLV Mountain Carbon or Alpha Platinum Aluminum Lush is available in 3 models beginning at $2,100
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TOP FUEL CROS S COUNTRY FLIGHT The bike that ruled the podium at the height of mountain bike racing is back to reclaim the top step. Refined and reinvigorated with new technology, Top Fuel is the fastest bike on the trail.
100mm travel, with Smart Wheel Size Top Fuel is available in 5 models beginning at $2,600
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Sergio Mantec贸n Trek Factory Racing XC Lenzerheide, Switzerland
P RO CALI B E R TH E GAM E HAS C HAN G E D In mountain biking’s heyday, Procaliber was the envy of all other race bikes. Now it’s back to rule the XC circuit once again, redefining the term “hardtail” and setting the bar for speed and smarts.
IsoSpeed equipped hardtail, with Smart Wheel Size Procaliber SL is available in 3 models beginning at $3,500 66
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Emily Batty Trek Factory Racing XC 2015 Pan Am Games Gold Medalist UCI MTB World Cup Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec Shop online at trekbikes.com
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A NEW HARVEST The world’s best mountain bikes are tested exhaustively— not just in the most extreme locations in the world, but also in our backyard, on a private 16-mile network of singletrack called The Farm. Today, a thriving prairie of native oak savanna surrounds The Farm. But this wasn’t always the case. Returning the once-farmed land to its natural state was a project founded in balance, where restoration was equally as important as recreation.
At a private location not far from Trek’s headquarters, a small gravel drive bisects a farm field. At its mouth, a modern ranch gate juts stalwartly into the blue Wisconsin sky. From here, the yellow road dips under a heavy-timber railroad trellis, then opens to a 236-acre prairie enclosed by a border of thick oak and pine woodland. For ages, a local family farmed this land. But despite their efforts, the soil never suited agriculture, and, in the end, the harvest never seemed worth the effort. In its native state, however, the land was an oak savanna with rippling big bluestem and indiangrass. Before the farming, herds of white-tailed deer high-stepped through the tall grass, and red-tailed hawks sprung from the scattered burr and black oak, dragging their tethered shadows through the wildflowers, searching for the panicked scramble of a field mouse. Eventually, the family conceded the sandy, rocky soil. They stopped their farming efforts and struck a deal with the bike manufacturers up the road who were looking for a place employees could test their
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new mountain bike models. The family was happy let Trek build trails under one condition: For two weeks a year, during turkey and deer season, the trails would close and the land would be theirs once again. Good deal. The prairie, even then in its depleted state, was beautiful, though in a way that most Midwestern farmland is geometrically beautiful. But despite whatever balance was suggested by the remnants of the evenly plowed furrows, the land was out of whack. And so when Trek set out to build a local mountain bike testing ground, the trail architects envisioned the land in its native state. Restoration, they decided, would be just as important as recreation, and the two seemingly divergent endeavors would come together in a symbiotic relationship. To begin nurturing the prairie back to a healthy state, Trek enlisted the help of EC3 Environmental Consulting Group Inc. and the Aldo Leopold Nature Center. We seeded over thirty different varieties of native grasses and wildflowers and reintroduced thousands of native trees. The land’s varied topography called for varied seeding, so that the prairie and woodlands could both thrive within one border. In winter, deer tracks carve winding paths beneath the snow-covered white oak and pine. In spring, the prairie bursts with black-eyed susans, wild white indigo, ox-eye sunflower, and wild bergamot.
The Farm was a project founded on balance. To consider the trails without considering the prairie and woodland restorations, or to consider the restorations without the trails, would be to register only half the intent. The goal had always been for this land to be as self-sustaining as possible, and restoration was the only way this could be achieved—it reduces run-off, provides a safe and healthy habitat for the native wildlife, and creates a setting that makes you wonder how you ever got along without it. Nick Robinson, Trek’s Director of Environmental Initiatives, says, “The beauty of this entire project is that we are blending green activities and projects that create a better workplace.” By design, The Farm is as much a sanctuary for the land as it is for the employees who test bikes there. We wanted to provide the land and its wildlife with the best opportunity to be happy and healthy, and that’s exactly what we wanted for our employees, too. We give to the land, and the land gives back. Here, we realize our harvest will not be measured by bale or by shock. We seek, instead, to cultivate a community that suits the land just as well as it suits us—and even though our efforts might not be realized tomorrow, we’re on our way to balancing everything out.
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Matthew Wight Brianรงon, France
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FUEL EX THE PERFECT TRAIL BIKE Want a rugged, capable long-travel trail bike, and a nimble XC bike? Get both with Fuel EX. Whether it’s your millionth mile on the trail or your first, you’ll love this bike.
Available in 29” and 27.5” wheel options Fuel EX is available in 10 models beginning at $1,990
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IT ’S GOING TO BE A GREAT YEAR How do we know? Because it started with a ride, and that’s exactly how every great year begins. Make sure you have the gear to make it your best at trekbikes.com.
R I D E I T A N D L O V E I T. I F Y O U D O N ’ T, W E ’ L L T A K E I T B A C K . If for any reason you’re not satisfied with your Bontrager purchase, return the item (along with the original sales receipt) to the place of purchase within 30 days for exchange or store credit.
O U R B I K E S B U I L D T R A I L S . We give $10 from the sale of every Trek full suspension bike to help the International Mountain Bike Association create, enhance, and preserve great mountain biking experiences throughout the world. Since 2008, these funds have built 153 new trails in 37 states.
O U R H E L M E T S B U I L D T H E F U T U R E . $1 from the sale of every Bontrager helmet supports Bicycle Friendly Communities, which provides a roadmap for the improvement of bicycling conditions through projects, policies, programs, and plans designed to make cycling better for your community. Through 2014, 332 communities in 50 states have become more bicycle friendly, improving the lives of millions of Americans.
L O V E Y O U R B I K E S H O P. A website can’t fix a flat, tune your derailleur, correct your saddle height, pour you a cup of coffee, or wax endlessly about that one time when you almost won that one thing. Locally owned bike shops are the heart and soul of cycling, and that’s why Trek is only available at the very best ones.
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Rachael Gurney Post-ride reflection Brianรงon, France
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Trek Bicycle
TrekBikes.com LLC 801 West Madison Street Waterloo, Wisconsin 53594 USA
T R E K CA R E C O N F I D E N C E We cover our bikes with Trek Care, the best warranty in the business.
B O N T R AG E R G UA R A N T E E Ride it and love it, if not we’ll take it back. It’s that simple. Details on page 72.
FLEXIBLE SHIPPING Details on shipping and in-store pickup options available on trekbikes.com
RISE AND SHINE The essential upgrade for every bike Spring has sprung, which means everyone’s coming out of hibernation. Motorists may not be used to sharing the roads with cyclists. See and be seen with Ion 700 and Flare R, the keystone models in Bontrager’s collection of lights designed to keep you riding safer.
ION 700 R 427426 | $119.99
Kyle and Jaden Ward Trek Athletes Wollongong, Australia
FLARE R TAIL LIGHT 515813 | $59.99