layz1eviet

Pretty much a Trek vs Specialized thread.
Let me start with I'm a bit of a fanboy and pretty loyal to my LBS which is mainly Specialized. The local competitor carries Trek and is completely stocked with Bontrager. I've curious as to who makes better accessories for there flagship bikes. I'm tempted to give Trek/Bontrager a try, not to say I haven't been satisfied with my Specialized/S-Works gear. Which brand has everyone had a better experience with? And has anyone been with one and switched to the other?
I understand there may be better brands for specific items. I'm interested in everyone's experience with Bontrager or S-Works accessories. Doesn't necessarily have to be used on a Specialized or Trek bike.

Dirt Farmer

I love my Bontrager mountain bike tires, and my commuter Bontrager fenders. I also love my Bontrager mountain biking shoes. That's all of my experience.


I usually avoid Specialized products, but would like to try their helmets.

Dan333SP

What accessories are you looking at specifically? S-works are usually the highest end Specialized products (so shoes/saddles/helmets ect.), while Bontrager makes products at all levels down to the lowest price point. I've been perfectly happy with the Bontrager parts that came on my Madone (stem, bars, seatpost, the wheels were crap but I sold them). I've also got a Bontrager computer (Node 2.1) that I am happy with, and various other doodads like a multi tool. Don't care for their saddles, but YMMV.

PepeM

Pepsi.

Noctilux.95

Both brands suck

cydewaze

Bontrager tires are good as long as you get the right one for the job. My Top Fuel came with XR1 tires, which ended up not being aggressive enough for the trails I usually ride on, especially in the damper sections. Others I know who ride the same trails far preferred the XR3. I ended up getting Maxxis Ardents because I'd liked them before and wanted to go with a 2.4 width, which seemed to be forever out of stock in the XR3.

sh00k

I Pepsi what you did there.

WhyFi

Unless we're talking about saddles or shoes, I would think that, on the whole, they'd be comparable enough that I wouldn't worry about it if I already have a good relationship with my LBS. When it comes to saddles and shoes, though, you've just gotta go with what works (for me, that's Specialized - their shoes work pretty well for me and I don't anticipate buying a non-Toupe saddle in the foreseeable future).

Ajkollme

I like specialized saddles, but I would not limit myself to either of these two brands for any other accessories (clothing, shoes, helmets, tires, etc.). There are so many better brands out there.

eyeheartny

I'm riding a Trek but am planning on putting Specialized tires on a new wheelset I have coming. There have been great independent tests on rolling resistance and Specialized were three of the top 5. They've hired some great tire engineers and the tests back that up. The Bontrager stem that came on my new Domane is fine and I never used the saddle. I've heard good stuff about Specialized saddles.

datlas 

Honestly both have a mix of good and and not-so-good products. I would go item-by-item rather than generalize about a whole brand being better/worse than another.

mpath

Their accessories aren't exclusively for just their flagship models. Which is "better" is a futile discussion, as like most companies they have product offerings for a wide range of budgets.

SkepticalOne

I have had excellent results with Bontrager for lights (Flare R, ion 700) and clothing such as jerseys and shoes. Having visited the Waterloo WI factory, and seen the Bontrager operation, I was surprised to see just how much of an emphasis they put on product performance superiority.

Having not had the chance to sample Specialized to the same extent, I am not able to definitively put one over the other. I'm particularly keen to try Specialized shoes at some point soon.

Dopefish905

I love Bontrager, wheels saddle bags, bottle holders, clothing, shoes, lights everything I have purchase from them has never let me down, never tried anything specialized stuff except tubes so can't comment on that, I'm a big BontrAger fan though and never have actually owned a trek bike

layz1eviet

Thanks all for the responses.
Both brands make products at almost identical price points. I think its pretty fair to compare the two. My main interest would probably be things like saddle, helmet, shoes, and shorts. I'm very happy with my Specialized/S-Works gear. I like my toys match. Not many other competitors offer the same range of parts and accessories.
Has anyone had experience with both Bontrager wheels and Roval Wheels?
Yes I agree that there are plenty of "better" options out there. Looking for those who have experience with both.

layz1eviet

Any reason why?

Maybe a quick trip to Morgan Hill, CA is in order.

MRT2

Sometimes I wear my Bontrager shoes, Jersey, and baselayer with my Specialized socks and shorts. Along with a Cannondale Helmet and Giro gloves.

Dirt Farmer

Why do I like Bontrager, or why do I avoid Specialized?

If it's the latter, Specialized is too frivolously litigious for my tastes

NealH

You are in good hands with either company, as both make top shelf products and are quality companies. I would probably give the edge to Specialized since they seem to always be on the front of innovation. But both are very good.

Doug28450

Sheesh...

Take a stand man. Tell us one or the other is junk.

bbattle

These are totally personal preference items; you'll just have to try them yourself.

I've got some Specialized shoes; they work fine.

I've got no complaints with my Bontrager Race wheels or their higher end road tires.


Sorry, not much help to you but I think that'll be the summary of this thread.

Van Goghs Ear

I'm not a product loyalist as it doesn't really make much sense to me to invest so much support in a faceless corporation (although most of my bikes are giant because they're pretty cheap for what you get, though I despise some of the proprietary items like their non standard seatposts).

all that said, I really like Specialized saddles and the body geo concepts behind the sizes and sit bone sizing and honestly can't understand why that isn't a standard for all companies like handlebar sizes or any other sizing, especially considering it's one of the key contact points.

jordanair45

Specialized hands down. I honestly believe S-Works is the best you can get.

Literally, Specialized makes anything and everything you can think of. From their bikes to the gear, they make everything you could want to make everything perfect. Specialized is very innovative.

TMonk

I like most of the Specialized products that I've owned. Esp shoes and clothing.

TMonk

helmets too