Trek bikes
 

Update: Thank you for the info guys. I realize there is not much of a difference between the Emonda vs Tarmac( unless I am a tour rider, which I am not :)), I think that clears my doubt. I wanted to find out why people love Specialized so much more when compared to Trek. Considering they are similar priced products, I am trying to figure out if I am making a mistake choosing one over the other, but from the comments below, they are more of the same and difference is more on the marketing.

Mulberry20 Emonda SL6 is in my radar. Thanks for the the suggestion.

I see quite a few people not liking trek bikes and would prefer specialized in an instant. Just trying to understand the real reasons beneath the fanboy/girl talk. Without mentioning any riders like Sagan or Armstrong, can you please share the merits/ demerits of trek vs specialized from road bike category?
madone/ emonda vs tarmac and venge.

Ps: just trying to understand the real reasons with open mind and not trying to start a thread for marketing discussion.

thank you in advance.

I prefer something less mainstream than either Trek or Specialized. Not saying anything against either make, but they don't do it for me

Well, the Venge is gone unless some models from last year are around. When the new Tarmac was released in July they killed it.

I would gravitate to Trek because in my experience the dealer situation is better than Specialized. Trek has dedicated shops and lots of them. They willing share inventory with each other.

The Emonda is one hell of a bike and the SL6 Pro is very good deal IMO. I liked it better than the Tarmac I rode.

They both have threaded bottom brackets which is a plus.

I don't see much of a quality difference between the two, so it would come down to personal preference on the styling and your choice of store. Specialized styling is less generic and more creative than Trek's. The Emonda, Madone and Domane all look pretty similar.

They're both American companies that design frames and specify parts, practically all of which are produced and assembled in the far east. It's like buying a GE appliance at Xmart, although neither bike company are quite as focused on low prices as Xmart.

thanks. I am not much into styling. Looking for one that can last a few years when properly taken care of and not too brittle. thanks again for the info. My lbs sells both of them and want to check if it’s just marketing hype or if there are technical reasons to choose one over the other.

I can't think of any but the Emonda and Tarmac are pretty serious bikes. If you are looking for something more compliant and relaxed look at the Trek Domane and Specialized Roubaix.

In terms of longevity they certainly will last you and the two are among the very few carbon bikes with a reliable bottom bracket.

I thought Trek only made 520s. Who knew?

Look at steel frame/fork bikes then ..
Many brand names are applied under contract by big Taiwan manufacturers there too .
@ the prices you are likely willing to pay..


Trek: 520 tour 820 mountain are steel frames ..






...

My first recent bike was a 2011 Madone 4.6. I got it because it fit my son worked at a LBS and got a killer discount. When I decided to replace it I test road a Cervelo, Trek, and Cannondale and went with the Trek because the geometry was so close to my Madone that it was a no brainer. And 26,000 miles later I still love it.

For my second bike I wanted one that can handle trails, roads, have hydro disc and 1x drivetrain, so I got a Cannondale because that checked all the boxes and I bought it sight unseen.... I love it.

I buy what fits and what work. And I don't care about the name. So when someone looks down at me that I ride a Trek.. I don't care.

And unless you're within 5 feet, you won't see the name.
https://i.imgur.com/MCqFIR7.jpg

Love my Trek...with Specialized Roval parts too!

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...00a83bcbb.jpeg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0ddf1cafc.jpeg

The only thing I dislike about Trek and some of the other manufacturers are the size and number of logos. That's why i went Project One to minimize them.

BTW.. bike looks awesome.

Thank you sir for taking the time in responding to me. I am not much of a touring rider :). Thats the reason for my Emonda vs Tarmac question.

Even though its not a deal breaker for me, I agree with you about Trek. Their logos are way over the top.

Maybe it looks worse because there's only 4 letters.

https://racycles.azureedge.net/asset...o_S5_FS_15.jpg

https://velobest.bike/image/cache/da...1-1280x853.jpg

I am sure that's a factor. In order to keep the same amount of margin above and below the logo, it looks like they have about a half-dozen different size logos, all used depending on the size of the downtube.

Cutting edge - avant garde is a moving front. so your un crashed carbon bike will probably last those few years

until you get bored, seeing thje latest stuff wanting that, start asking about component upgrades

Outside of Trek, There are many Hand made custom frame-builders making artisinal steel frames in the lightest materials ..

& Titanium..



...

Do you like the logo on my bike?

They are there.
.

Then there is the Eroica crowd , where no carbon fiber may pass inspection ..

There tends to be a bit of animosity toward Trek because they did so much to support and promote Armstrong, even to the point of cancelling their contract with Greg Lemond. And they ended up on the wrong side of that. Also, their BB standard kind of sucks. And there was a thread on here years ago that had a lot of life because someone bought a Trek used, broke it, then complained because Trek wouldn't support the warranty because he was not the original owner.

Specialized also has its haters, and it has been criticized for its heavy handed business practices - e.g. suing anyone who used the name Roubaix in a bicycle context.

That said, both companies make very solid bikes.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...92fd499263.jpg
I'll see your logo and raise you a few, 2007 Look 595

The BB standard is now T47 on the Emonda and Domane.

How about my previous Trek I call the "billboard"?
https://i.imgur.com/a9ssuFT.jpg

Think I have you beat on frame logos, I counted 19

If I remember correctly there were 26 logos and trademark symbols.

Did you get the one on the bottom of the down tube? Not like it's a mountain bike so I don't know when anyone would see it.

For those who don't have enough logos, there is always the vinyl sticker route:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/TREK-Sticke...gAAOSw445fDx2f

I think they are available for most brands too if one wants something different.