Trek's industrial designer Kyle Neuser has developed a steel version of the Top Fuel mountain bike, named the PipeDream, using 4130 chromoly steel for the front triangle and aluminum for the rocker link and rear end. While lacking some features of the current Top Fuel, such as the geometry flip chip, it offers adjustable suspension kinematics and external cable routing. This prototype has garnered positive attention, suggesting a market for durable and affordable steel full-suspension bikes from major manufacturers.
Trek introduces the CarBack Radar rear light, featuring inbuilt radar technology, as part of its ongoing product development in the bike lights category, challenging Garmin's offerings.
Trek introduces the CarBack bike radar, a compact and lightweight unit that detects rear-approaching vehicles up to 240m away and features a visible daytime running light, smartphone integration, and a USB-C rechargeable battery with a four-bar LED indicator. Priced at $200, the CarBack is praised for its size, weight, and performance, making it a recommended option for cyclists prioritizing safety on the road.
Trek's redesigned Kovee Pro clipless pedals, developed in partnership with Look, offer improvements over previous models with widened platforms and a modern appearance. However, they are smaller and narrower than the Look X-Track Carbon pedals they are based on, leading to compatibility issues with certain shoe models. While the Kovee Pro pedals are a step forward, they face tough competition from the Look X-Track Carbon and Shimano Deore XT pedals, which offer better performance and value for the price.
Specialized and Trek have released new cross-country race bikes that aim to provide the efficiency of a hardtail with the comfort and traction of a full-suspension bike. The Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup features 75mm of rear suspension and offers the feel of a hardtail when pedaling, while the Trek Supercaliber SLR 9.9 XX AXS Gen 2 has 80mm of rear travel and is designed to handle impacts and compressions on XC tracks. Both bikes have been tested and compared, with the Specialized offering a more solid and stable feel, while the Trek provides a sprightly and eager climbing experience.
Trek has announced a recall of all Allant+ 7 models with Tektro brakes due to a risk of brake hose malfunction. The issue arises from the rear brake hose being routed around the headlight, which can cause damage and result in a loss of rear brake function. Owners can have the headlight mount and rear brake cable replaced at a local Trek dealer, and will receive a $10 credit. This is the latest in a series of electric bike recalls, including those from Lectric eBikes and Rad Power Bikes.
The Trek Domane+ SLR 9 e-bike is a top-of-the-line gravel bike with a 50 Nm electric motor and a 360 Wh battery in the downtube. With boosts up to 28 mph, the Domane+ is a Class 3 e-bike. The bike has three assist modes, Eco, Mid, and High, and an LED screen that can display speed, battery level, estimated range, and how many watts you're cranking out. The Domane+ SLR 9 starts at $12,999.
Trek has released a new line of cycling apparel made from recycled materials, diverting 800,000 water bottles from landfills. The collection features earth-tone colorways and simple designs, with pieces such as the Evoke Tech Tee, Evoke Short, Quantum Fitness Short, and Rhythm Short. Trek has partnered with Alvanon to improve their sizing scheme, and all apparel is covered by a 30-day unconditional guarantee. While it's great to see eco-conscious apparel, the most sustainable option is to get the most out of what you already have.
Trek has launched the latest version of its highest-value road race bike, the Emonda ALR, which features a completely redesigned frame with integrated cabling and aero tubes. The aluminium-framed bike has a race-specific geometry and uses Trek's Alpha Aluminium tubing with 'Invisible Weld' technology. The Emonda ALR will be available with Shimano 105 in mechanical and Di2 versions, and will feature a threaded T47 bottom bracket to minimise creaking. The frame will also have 100/142mm x 12mm thru-axle frame spacings and will be disc brake compatible only.
Trek has launched the third generation of its Émonda ALR, which is the brand's lightest alloy road bike and "highest-value road race bike". The new Émonda ALR frameset includes features found on Trek's carbon road bikes, including Kammtail tube profiles and integrated cables, and uses the same racing geometry. The bike will be available as a frameset and in two builds, the ALR 5 and ALR 6, with prices starting at £2,325/$2,300. The new Émonda ALR is Trek's lightest aluminium road bike, and features a threaded T47 bottom bracket and aero profiling on the frame tubes.
