Few names in cycling are as well known as Trek Bicycles. Founded in a Wisconsin barn in 1976, Trek has grown into the largest bicycle company in the United States and one of the most recognized brands worldwide. With a presence in nearly every category — road, mountain, gravel, e-bikes, kids’ bikes, and commuters — Trek has positioned itself as a brand that can serve any rider, at any level.
But does being the biggest also mean being the best? Trek’s reputation includes Tour de France victories, cutting-edge innovation, and a deep dealer network, but also criticism that its bikes can be expensive compared to direct-to-consumer rivals.
Trek was founded in 1976 by Dick Burke and Bevil Hogg, who set out to build high-quality road frames in the U.S. Their early steel frames carried a reputation for craftsmanship, but the company soon expanded into mountain bikes, hybrids, and eventually every cycling niche.
