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Trek Bicycles – A Brief History

Image Courtesy of Trek Bicycles

The Birth of the Trek Bicycle Brand

It began in a barn….

The story of Trek bicycles began in 1976 when Richard “Dick” Burke and Bevil Hogg founded the company in a small red barn in Waterloo, Wisconsin.

With a mission to build the best bikes in the world, they chose the name “Trek” to evoke the spirit of adventure and exploration that cycling represents.

In the early months of 1976, fueled by ambition and armed with a team of just five dedicated individuals, Trek embarked on its journey of crafting steel touring frames.

With a clear vision and a mission to challenge the dominance of Japanese and Italian models in the mid to high-end market, Trek set out to create exceptional bicycles.

The inaugural year proved to be a testament to their craftsmanship as nearly 900 meticulously hand-brazed framesets were crafted. Each frame found its way into the hands of eager cyclists for just under $200.

As the year drew to a close, the success and recognition of Trek’s work led to the incorporation of Trek Bicycle.

A significant milestone arrived in 1977 when Penn Cycle in Richfield, Minnesota became the first authorized Trek retailer in the world. This paved the way for future partnerships.

The ensuing years witnessed an incredible surge in sales, with Trek’s revenue approaching a staggering $2,000,000 by 1979! This was the start of the brand’s relentless pursuit of excellence.

Global Reach and Recognition

From its roots in Wisconsin, Trek has expanded its reach to become a globally recognized brand.

Trek bicycles are now available in over 90 countries, with a vast network of dealers and distributors worldwide. The brand’s dedication to excellence has been acknowledged through numerous industry awards and accolades, further solidifying its position as a leader in the cycling industry.

Innovations that Transformed the Industry

Trek quickly established itself as a pioneer in bicycle technology, introducing groundbreaking innovations that revolutionized the cycling world. Some notable milestones include:

• The introduction of the first lightweight steel touring bike, the 720, in the early 1980s, providing riders with a versatile and durable option for long-distance adventures.
• The development of the Trek 2000, one of the first affordable carbon fiber road bikes, in the late 1980s, marking a significant leap in performance and weight reduction.
• The iconic OCLV (Optimum Compaction Low Void) carbon fiber manufacturing process, debuted in 1992, setting new standards for strength, weight, and ride quality.
• The invention of the IsoSpeed decoupler in 2012, a suspension system that provided increased comfort and performance on rough roads, making Trek bikes more versatile and enjoyable.

Expanding Product Range and Technology

Trek has continually expanded its product range to cater to a wide variety of cycling disciplines and rider preferences. From road bikes and mountain bikes to electric bikes and gravel bikes, Trek offers a diverse lineup designed to meet the needs of every rider.

The brand has embraced cutting-edge technologies, including electronic shifting, advanced suspension systems, and integration of smart features, ensuring that riders can experience the latest advancements in cycling technology.

Racing Success and Partnerships

Trek’s commitment to performance has been reflected in its successful partnerships with world-class athletes and teams. The brand has witnessed remarkable victories in various disciplines, including road racing, mountain biking, and cyclocross.

Trek’s partnerships have included collaborations with top athletes and teams who have showcased the brand’s capabilities on the global stage. From thrilling road races to exhilarating off-road challenges, Trek has been a formidable presence in the racing world.

Trek’s collaborations with professional cycling teams have seen them achieve outstanding results across a range of competitions. These partnerships have showcased Trek’s dedication to developing bikes that excel in demanding racing environments.

Community and Philanthropy

Trek understands the importance of giving back to the community. Through initiatives like the Trek Foundation, the brand has supported numerous charitable organizations and causes, including youth cycling programs, environmental conservation, and healthcare access.

Trek’s commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond their products and into the communities they serve.

Commitment to Sustainability

Trek has long been dedicated to environmental stewardship and sustainability. In 2007, the brand launched its “One World, Two Wheels” campaign, pledging to help create a more bicycle-friendly world. Trek has also made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint through initiatives such as recycling programs, responsible manufacturing practices, and support for bicycle advocacy organizations.

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Trek Bicycle History: A Journey of Innovation & Triumph

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Trek Bicycle Corporation was founded in 1976 in Waterloo, Wisconsin. It initially produced steel touring frames before expanding into other cycling categories.

Embarking on a journey that revolutionized the biking industry, Trek Bicycle Corporation emerged from a small barn where the first frames took shape. At a time when the demand for quality bicycles was on the rise, Trek’s commitment to manufacturing excellence set it apart.

With a sharp focus on innovation and craftsmanship, the company quickly pedaled its way into the hearts of cycling enthusiasts. Today, Trek stands as a global leader in bicycle design and manufacturing, offering a diverse range of bikes for casual riders, adventurers, and professional athletes alike.

Every model released reflects Trek’s dedication to creating an exceptional riding experience , backed by cutting-edge technology and a sustainable approach to the environment.

Credit: eurekabike.com

Table of Contents

The Birth Of Trek Bicycles

Exploring the root of this renowned brand reveals a story that’s as captivating as the winding trails their bikes are designed to conquer. Let’s pedal through time to the remarkable inception of Trek Bicycles.

From A Barn To A Bike Empire

The year was 1976 , and in a humble red barn in Waterloo, Wisconsin, the first frame of a Trek bike came to life. What started with  five employees  in that barn went on to become a symbol of innovation and craftsmanship in the cycling world.

Trek’s founders aimed to construct high-quality, hand-crafted bicycles that could rival the best European imports. Using  steel tubing  and the most deliberate of designs,  each bike was a testament to detail . Attention to performance and durability quickly established Trek as a frontrunner for American-made bicycles.

The  initial Trek bicycle lineup consisted of steel touring frames , and it wasn’t long before these bikes hit the trails and the hearts of riders.

Growth was inevitable . From a barn-based workshop, Trek expanded, shifting to a larger factory to meet demand. The simple goal of producing quality bicycles propelled the brand into a renowned bike empire.

The Vision Of Bevil Hogg And Richard Burke

The masterminds behind Trek Bicycles, Bevil Hogg and Richard Burke, shared an unwavering passion for cycling and a clear vision. Focused on  revolutionizing bike manufacturing , they set their sights on building frames that rivaled the best globally.

Hogg and Burke  observed a gap in the market  for mid to high-end bicycles, particularly those made in America. This observation sparked the inspiration to start Trek Bicycle Corporation.

Hogg’s expertise in marketing and Burke’s financial acumen created a powerful synergy. Together,  they invested in the latest technology  to craft bicycles that  exuded quality  and  durability .

Their commitment to excellence was uncompromising, attracting a devoted following from both recreational cyclists and professionals.

As their bikes began to garner attention, Trek’s reputation soared. The company quickly evolved,  expanding its range from touring to racing bikes .

The founders’ vision had not only created a new standard in biking but also laid the groundwork for a brand that continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible on two wheels.

Early Struggles And Successes

Trek Bicycle Corporation  began its journey in 1976, in a small barn in Waterloo, Wisconsin. With limited resources but a clear vision, Trek’s early days were marked by  persistence and innovation .

These characteristics paved the way for its initial breakthroughs in the bicycle industry. Despite numerous obstacles, the company took on the challenge of revolutionizing bike design and manufacturing.

Mastering The Steel Frame

Trek’s dedication to  craftsmanship  was evident in its first products. The team sought to master the art of the  steel frame , the backbone of any bicycle.

Early attempts involved trial and error, with many designs falling short. Yet, the persistence paid off. Trek engineered a steel frame bicycle that stood out for  reliability  and  performance .

By combining traditional techniques with innovative thinking, Trek overcame the odds. They developed signature steel frames that were not only  durable but also sleek  in design. This technological edge helped Trek gain recognition in the competitive cycling market.

Trek’s First Road Bikes

Quality and endurance  were the benchmarks for Trek’s first line of road bikes. As the company moved forward, the mission was to produce bikes that could handle  long distances  and  high speeds  with ease. In 1980, Trek launched its first series of hand-built road bikes.

• Introduction of models such as the  520  and  720 , which offered unparalleled  aerodynamics  and  comfort .
• The use of  4130 Chromoly tubing  in frames, redefining industry standards for lightweight and strength.

These road bikes signified Trek’s commitment to quality and set the stage for future success. The cycling community responded positively, and demand for Trek bikes began to surge. This era marked a significant milestone as the company cemented its reputation in the marketplace.

Expanding The Range

As Trek Bicycle grew, they aimed to cover every rider’s needs.  The ‘Expanding the Range’  tells of how Trek didn’t just settle with road bikes. They charged into new territories, crafting bikes for all sorts of trails and riders.

Mountain Bikes Revolution

In the 1980s,  Trek launched its first mountain bike . This wasn’t just any bike; it was a durable, off-road beast that could handle tough terrains.  Mountain biking became a sensation , and Trek was at the forefront, with bikes loved by both beginners and pros.

Pioneering Aluminum And Carbon Frames

Pushing the boundaries , Trek innovated with aluminum and carbon. The  aluminum frames  were light, yet strong. But Trek didn’t stop there. They introduced  carbon frame technology , setting new standards for lightweight and performance. These bikes weren’t just fast; they were revolutionary.

Credit: bicyclebounty.com

Technological Innovations

Trek Bicycles  stand as a beacon of  innovation  in cycling history. The company’s relentless pursuit of excellence has led to groundbreaking  technological advancements . These advancements not only improve ride quality but also push the envelope in what is possible in bicycle design and customization.

Advancements In Frame Design

Trek’s journey of innovation is visible in its  frame design . Early models introduced  aluminum frames , shifting away from traditional steel for a lighter ride. Modern Treks boast  carbon fiber  technology. This material offers  strength  and  flexibility , optimizing performance .

• Alpha Aluminum  – Superior power transfer and lightweight agility.
• OCLV Carbon  – Revolutionary process that sets the standard in carbon bikes.
• IsoSpeed Technology  – Enhanced comfort on rough terrain.

Customization And Project One

Customization reflects Trek’s commitment to the rider’s individual experience. With  Project One , cyclists can tailor their bikes down to the finest detail. Project One stands as a celebration of personal expression on two wheels.

Triumph In Competition

Trek Bicycle’s legacy  echoes through the annals of  competitive cycling . This section dives into how Trek made a mark in the racing world.  In international competitions , Trek’s innovation and dedication shine bright. It continues to  empower riders  to claim podiums across the globe.

Trek On The Global Racing Stage

History was made when Trek bikes first entered the global racing circuit. With  state-of-the-art technology  and  exceptional design , Trek bicycles became a force to reckon with. Athletes riding Trek have  conquered mountains ,  dominated trails , and  blazed through city circuits  with extraordinary prowess and grit.

• The introduction of  carbon fiber frames  revolutionized bike weight and durability.
• Trek’s customization  for each race terrain gave athletes a tailored edge.
• Riders propelled Trek to victory,  collecting titles  in the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and more.

Sponsorships And Victories

Sponsorship deals  with elite teams thrust Trek into the  spotlight of victory . Trek sponsored teams not only displayed outstanding performance but also brought home  top honors across various competitions .

Endorsements by  world-renowned cyclists  further affirm Trek’s presence in the sphere of  professional cycling . Through these partnerships, Trek has developed a stronger, more competitive range of bicycles. This reflects in the  countless podium finishes  achieved by sponsored athletes.

Sustainability And The Environment

Trek Bicycle Corporation  doesn’t just ride the path of innovation in cycling; they pedal fiercely on the route to sustainability. They show deep respect for our planet in every gear and turn taken.

Trek understands that the future of biking includes the responsibility of caring for the environment. This segment dives into how Trek integrates green practices into their business model and product designs.

Eco-friendly Initiatives

Trek has always believed in a greener world. They know that every sustainable act counts. Trek takes the lead in eco-friendly initiatives to help protect nature. Their key strategies include:

• Recycling Programs:  Trek recycles defective parts and encourages customers to do the same.
• Reducing Emissions:  They work to cut down carbon footprints in manufacturing.
• Green Buildings:  Their workspaces and stores follow eco-design principles.

The eco-endeavors of Trek aren’t just about immediate solutions. They’re long-term pledges to sustain our planet.

Trek’s Commuter And Electric Bikes

Trek’s commuter and electric bikes reflect their dedication to a healthier planet. These bikes are designed for efficiency and to encourage non-car travel:

Trek’s innovative bikes strive to reduce reliance on cars. They aim to make riding accessible and enjoyable for all. Their electric bikes bring the joy of cycling minus the strain.

This lets more people opt for an eco-friendlier mode of travel. As such, Trek propels us toward a greener, more sustainable future on two wheels.

Trek In The Community

Trek Bicycle Corporation  doesn’t just create bikes — they foster community. Through their actions, Trek uplifts the spirit of togetherness and public welfare, engraving a positive impact within various communities. ‘Trek in the Community’ is not just a statement; it’s a testament to the brand’s ethos of paying it forward.

Charity And Advocacy

Trek’s commitment to charity  is evident in its numerous initiatives. The company not only recognizes its social responsibility but actively shapes it through strategic partnerships and advocacies that support both local and global causes.

• Bikes Belong  – This initiative aims to enhance bicycle infrastructure, making it safer and more accessible to everyone.
• Trek Travel  – With every trip booked, a donation goes to a fund promoting world-positive biking initiatives.
• PeopleForBikes  – Trek supports this movement to improve cycling infrastructure and policies nationwide.

Promoting Cycling Culture

Trek breathes life into cycling culture by organizing events and campaigns that celebrate the joy of riding. They also invest in trail building, and maintaining cycling paths for safe community use.

As  Trek nurtures cycling culture , it reinforces the belief that bicycles are more than transportation — they’re instruments for positive change.

The Future Of Trek Bicycles

Trek Bicycles  continues to pedal fiercely into the future. With a history steeped in innovation and achievement, the road ahead looks just as promising. Riders worldwide anticipate the company’s next moves. Trek is set to define the cutting-edge of cycling, delivering advancements that will transform the riding experience.

Innovations On The Horizon

New technologies  and designs are brewing at Trek’s headquarters. Expect groundbreaking bikes that redefine speed, comfort, and efficiency.  Electric assist technology  will evolve, allowing riders to conquer hills with ease.  Aerodynamic designs  will cut through air, and  lightweight materials  will lighten the load.

• Smart bikes  with integrated technology for navigation and fitness tracking.
• Improved battery life  in e-bikes for longer adventures.
• Adaptive suspension systems  that adjust to terrain changes in real-time.

Maintaining A Legacy

Trek honors its heritage by sticking to its roots.  Quality craftsmanship  remains at the heart of every bike.  Cycle enthusiasts  can trust that tradition blends with innovation in every pedal stroke. Trek will stay true to creating bikes that last and perform.

Frequently Asked Questions Of Trek Bicycle History

Where did trek bikes originated.

Trek bikes originated in Waterloo, Wisconsin, U. S. A. , founded in 1976.

How Can I Tell How Old My Trek Bike Is?

Check the serial number on your Trek bike’s frame, usually under the bottom bracket. Enter this number on Trek’s website or contact customer service to determine the bike’s age.

What Nationality Are Trek Bikes?

Trek bikes are an American brand, originating from Waterloo, Wisconsin. They are known for high-quality bicycles worldwide.

Trek’s journey stands as a testament to innovation and passion in bicycle manufacturing. From a small start-up to a global leader, their story inspires cyclists and entrepreneurs alike. Remember, every ride on a Trek bike is a chapter in their ongoing legacy.

Keep pedaling forward to see where their history takes you next.

Steven is a professional cyclist and his passion is cycling. He has been cycling for the last 6 years and he loves using bikes while outing as well. Based on his experiences with the different types of bikes; he is sharing his opinions about various bikes so that a beginner can start right away. Find him on Twitter @thecyclistguy Happy Biking.

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Trek Bikes – The world's best bikes and cycling gear

Category : Trek bicycles

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• Bicycles of Trek-Segafredo in 2016 ‎ (2 F)
• Bicycles of Verva ActiveJet in 2016 ‎ (1 F)
• Trek-Segafredo ‎ (17 C, 2 F)

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Where Are Trek Bikes Made? 2024 Overview

As the largest bicycle company in the United States, Trek manufactures nearly 50 percent of all the bikes sold in the USA. They make all styles of bikes, including mountain bikes, road bikes, professional-grade bikes, and bikes for kids. Understanding the scale of its operations, you may wonder where they make Trek bikes and if they produce them in the United States.

In the rest of this guide, we’ll explain exactly where Trek bikes are made and other interesting information about the company.

Trek bikes are made in China, Taiwan, Cambodia, and other countries. Trek Bikes are no longer fully produced in the USA; however, they do assemble some of their bikes in the United States.

Which Trek Bikes Are Made in the USA?

Despite having an awesome American legacy, less than 1 percent of all Trek Bikes today comes from the United States. In 2014, they made somewhere between 20,000 and 25,000 bikes in the US , but in 2013, they made around 50,000. We have continued to see a steady decline in the number of bikes that they make in the United States. Let’s have a look at the bikes made in the US:

• Madone 6 series
• Trek Madone 5.2
• Trek Emonda SLR 8
• Project ONE

Even these bikes, we would exercise caution in thinking that they fully make them in the United States because we get the feeling that they only assemble them here. Every bike that they make in the US will come from its sole factory in Waterloo, and it will have a label on it that says, “Handbuilt in the USA.”

Unfortunately, due to the lack of manufacturing that this company now does in the US, you have reason to exercise caution. For example, they say that only the red and white bike frames for the Trek Madone 5.2 were made in the USA.

Made in Waterloo

At the manufacturing facility in Waterloo, Wisconsin, they continue to build Trek bikes, but we would advise caution about believing in this too much. Unfortunately, we believe it is quite little in comparison to the past.

Believe it or not, like many American-made companies, Trek started from humble beginnings in a big red barn. They chose an operation that sat in the middle between Madison and Milwaukee. One of the funny things about this company comes from how they will occasionally put the face of their employees on coffee mugs as they did with their road bike manager .

When you buy the more quality Trek bikes, that would show you where you get the American-made bikes from Trek. For example, look for custom-built bikes as well to receive the ones made in Waterloo.

Some of the things that they do at the factory in Waterloo include sanding, bonding, and painting bicycle frames. They also assemble the chains and tires on the bicycles. Many of their US-made bikes will consist of carbon fiber since these are more high-end materials.

All of the carbon fiber frames come from Hexcel, a company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, so as long as you buy a carbon fiber framed bike, you will have an American-made frame. Hexcel has provided its services to Trek for over 25 years.

Along with the original factory in Waterloo, Trek also has its headquarters in Waterloo, where they hire 1,000 employees. Anyone interested in the history of this brand may want to tour its headquarters in Waterloo. You can learn more about their visitor tours here , where you will learn about their history.

Here is a cool video showing just how passionate Trek is about their bikes.

Why Did Trek Bikes Stop Making in the US?

We saw the manufacturing numbers halve from 2013 to 2014. It dropped from 50,000 bikes per year down to 25,000. Today, only around 10,000 Trek bikes get produced in the United States. Once upon a time, all Treks came from the United States, but you can’t say that anymore.

Trek first began building its bikes in 1976, but over the years, as the bicycle industry has outsourced its manufacturing more and more, we saw Trek do the same.

The increased labor costs and lower profit margins meant that they sent the jobs overseas to stay competitive with other companies. We do like that this brand appears to have held out longer than most. The first bicycle brand to start manufacturing overseas was Schwinn in the 1980s, and we saw a gradual slide from there where all the other companies followed.

Gradual Decline in US Manufacturing

Instead of an instant halt to production at Trek, we have seen a slow and gradual decay of its US manufacturing. Trek continues to this slow decline, and we don’t know where it will end and if all bikes will eventually be made overseas.

In either 1994 or 1995, we started to see them making most of their welded frames, such as the aluminum frames in Taiwan. The only exception to this was their tandem bikes. We believe that the real transition started in 2007 to 2008 because this was when their bikes stopped showing the “Made in X” stickers. Still, we think they held out longer than some of the other biking companies.

Be Careful About “Made in the USA” with Bikes

Don’t be taken in at the first sight of “Made in the USA.” Now, we’re not necessarily talking about Trek Bikes but the biking industry in general. Many times, they made put “Made in the USA,” but if you look closer, you will see the fine print that says, “Frame designed in the USA.”

Another trick that companies will sometimes use is to import the frame unpainted, and once they have painted them, they can claim that they were made there. Every country will have different laws on what is and is not acceptable for things like this.

One of the recent tricks that they use is to say, “Manufactured in America,” which means the same thing as “Assembled in the USA with Domestic and Foreign Parts.” You want to stay hip to the games that companies will play if you want a true American-made product, rather than some company padding its pockets of well-intentioned patriots—it’s more unacceptable than stating the true origin upfront, in our opinion.

Popular Related Article: What Air Compressors Are Made in the USA?

Made in the USA – Getting the Custom Bike Experience

Custom-made Trek bikes offer a one-of-a-kind bicycle that differs from all the rest. You have two options, but both of them involve American made bikes. First, you can head to the headquarters in Waterloo, Wisconsin, to meet the individuals who brought your bike idea to life. Before that, you order it from your local Trek retailer.

Upon buying a custom bike in this way, you receive the VIP tour of the Trek headquarters and have a look at the design and manufacturing of your bicycle. You take a group lunch ride with the employees, which has become a personalized and favored experience unlike anything the competition offers. The Trek Race Shop will also provide you with tips on how to race better.

For the second custom-made option, you order the bike from the factory by visiting it onsite to discuss how you would like it built. After you order it, they will ship it to your retailer for pickup. You receive a personal design and spec consultation with this choice and a factory tour. In many ways, they’re kind of the same, but the second option offers you one-on-one support when ordering. Whatever option you choose, they will handle assembling the bike, but they don’t do this with a mass assembly line.

Here is a cool video showing custom Trek bikes being made:

Touring the Factory in Waterloo

You don’t necessarily need to buy a custom-built bike to tour the factory in Waterloo. You can schedule a tour on Wednesdays if interested in better understanding what they do at the facility there. For example, you will learn how they don’t manufacture the frame at that location, but you see the painting booths, the wheel manufacturing, and the design area.

The tour doesn’t cost anything, and the guides are incredibly knowledgeable about the facility and willing to answer questions. You will see every phase of the bike manufacturing process that they control in Waterloo. It’s also a fascinating way to learn the history of Trek and how it began. We wouldn’t recommend taking this tour in groups larger than 12 since it can be difficult to move around.

Made in Taiwan

In the last couple of decades, Taichung, Taiwan, has exploded into the bicycle manufacturing scene. The whole of Taiwan has become a major producer of bikes, including Trek Bikes, usually through Giant, a biking company that produces parts for most bicycle brands. Giant has the world’s largest bike manufacturing facility in Taichung.

Trek does its manufacturing in Taichung. Many would award this city with the title, “Bike manufacturing capital of the world.”

Let’s have a look at what Trek Bikes does in Taichung. At this factory, under the label Giant, they produce one million bikes, and in total, they produce 6.3 million every year at all nine of their factories. This shows you the deplorable state of US manufacturing, where they only now produce an estimated 10,000 bikes per year.

We would say that Taiwan and China produce lower-tier to mid-tier bikes. Giant produces more of their low-level bikes in China. We did hear that Giant shuttered a factory in China in 2019 due to the 25 percent tariffs on Chinese goods. The production rate in Taiwan doubled as soon as this happened.

Giant went on to blame former President Donald Trump—as if everyone should be outraged about a Chinese factory closing—since it was no longer profitable to produce the bikes in China. While there are plenty of legitimate reasons that someone could pick a bone with any US president, the only people upset about a Chinese factory closing down are the ones profiting off it.

Since the late 1980s, Giant has produced bikes for Trek as it has for many other biking companies, and today, they build many of the Trek bikes. Follow where Giant produces its bikes, and you will often find that they make Trek bikes there. Despite some of the negative connotations about foreign manufacturing, we wouldn’t necessarily say that bikes made in Taiwan would be the worst thing ever. You have many specialists here that understand how to build a quality bicycle. While it may not be American-made, it does have its advantages.

Made in China: Trek Bikes

All of the big bicycle brands have a manufacturing presence in either China or Taiwan—Trek manufactures in both. The lower-end Treks will often come from China since it costs less to produce them here, and they use lower-quality materials. Some of the locations where we believe that they manufacture Trek in China include:

• Jiangsu, China
• Guangdong, China
• Heibei, China
• Zheijiang, China

Most of the Trek bikes come from Taiwan, not China, but you still have some that come from this country. In the past, they produced more in China, but because of US tariffs, they now produce bikes in Taiwan. They have six factories in China where they produce bikes .

Trek Bikes does have a manufacturing presence in China, but they don’t make all of their bikes there.

Most of the Components are Made in China or Taiwan

Trek commonly produce the components for their bikes in countries like China or Taiwan. Even if you have a bike that says, “Made in the USA,” we would advise caution on thinking of it as fully American-made since that rarely happens with this brand anymore. The only exception to this would be their carbon frame bicycles, but many of the components will come from China and Taiwan.

Trek Bikes Go to Cambodia

In 2018, Trek Bikes announced plans to move the production of 200,000 of its bicycles from China over to Cambodia. We believe this decision came at the heels of the US tariffs against China. Many of the bikes with aluminum frames now come from Cambodia. They make them at the A&J Factory, which first opened in 2006. This is, in fact, a Taiwanese-owned factory.

Along with Trek Bikes, they make Kona, Norco, and Kent there as well. The choice to move production from China marked a deliberate action to take production from Giant in China and put it elsewhere due to the Trade War.

This is a 500,000-square-foot facility in Cambodia, and it sits near the nation’s capital of Phnom Penh. We found this an interesting choice because most bike manufacturing in the country happens closer to Vietnam in the north.

Behind Taiwan and China, Cambodia remains a popular manufacturing spot for bikes, but it struggles with the infrastructure. Because of that, many of the components must be imported to build them. That could be one of the reasons that we don’t see more manufacturing of bikes here.

Like with China, you can expect more entry-level and lower-priced Trek bikes to come from here. The one issue that has come up often with manufacturing in Cambodia comes from its poor treatment of factory workers.

Trek Bikes and Manufacturing in Germany

When we say that Trek makes its bikes in Germany, we mean their subsidiary Diamont Bicycles, a German brand of bikes. Trek first acquired the brand in 2002, and they make a stylish city bicycle. The brand has a history in Germany that goes back to the late 19th century. They manufacture in Hartsmanndorf, Germany, where they employ an estimated 250 workers.

Unfortunately, like with the US, we have seen Trek gradually lower the amount of production in Germany. They once employed 600 workers, but they now only employ 250 in the country.

The facility in Hartsmanndorf shows you the only directly owned factory under the Trek Bikes label. All of the other manufacturing comes from third-party factories like Giant. Diamont gives you an example of one of the oldest bike manufacturers in Germany. The factory does appear to have a decent output of 150,000 bikes.

Made in Hungary

Along with its manufacturing switch to Cambodia, Giant, Trek Bikes’s manufacturer, announced plans in 2018 to switch over to Gyongos, Hungary. This decision came during the US Trade War with China, and they lobbed high tariffs on goods. Giant has said that it will construct a $72 million facility with the aim of better serving the European market and reducing its dependence on Chinese manufacturing.

The choice to manufacture nearby will reduce the cost of taxes and transport. Building the new factory in Hungary will allow them to produce one million more bikes next to its market.

Are Trek Bikes Made in India?

While Trek does sell its bikes to the Indian market, they do not produce bicycles in the country. They have also said that they have no plans to produce in India. It first entered the market there in 2018, and they have said that they plan to sell to over 125 cities in India.

Favoring Countries with Cheap Labor

Unfortunately, we don’t see Trek Bikes bringing back manufacturing to the United States any time soon because it appears to favor the countries with cheap labor the most. For example, China, Taiwan, Cambodia, and Hungary pay lower wages than countries like the USA or Germany.

We were even surprised that they have kept as much manufacturing in Germany as they have because outsourcing to countries with cheaper labor appears to be the norm. We believe that even their manufacturing in Germany could change with Hungary 494 miles away.

For those who want American-made products, as Americans, we can only blame ourselves that the manufacturing has gone to places like this because of how we often go for the cheaper products despite them being made elsewhere. If we want American manufacturing to return, we must make it clear that we support American-made products rather than those made in other countries. Your money is a vote for American manufacturing.

Considering how Trek Bikes receives 60 percent of its business from the United States, we think that they should do a lot more manufacturing in the United States, but we can only fairly ask that of them by supporting the American-made bikes that they produce.

What Trek Does Do in the US

While they don’t have a great record of manufacturing in the US, especially in the last decade, we wouldn’t write them off completely. The brand hires American workers for its engineering, testing, and design. We respect that the brand has at least kept that much in the United States over choosing to send it elsewhere.

Don’t See a Barn, See Something Bigger

Trek has a saying at their factory in Waterloo that we find inspiring. The American heritage of this company has separated it from the other choices because it all started in something so humble as a big red barn and grew from there. Over time, the company expanded to become a billion-dollar business that has a presence around the world. Trek has since outgrown the barn that it started in, but the founding principles of “Don’t see a barn, see something bigger” have always guided the mission of the brand.

Conclusion:

That does it for this guide, if you have further questions about where Trek bikes are made or if you know any information we should add to this guide, let us know in the comments below. Like some of the other brands in the biking industry, Trek doesn’t do much production in the United States, but they do have a history in the United States. You can still buy bikes from Trek that were made in the United States, but we would advise heavy research in advance to make sure that you bought one made here. Beware as well of how a higher cost on the bikes doesn’t always mean that they made them in the United States.

Hi, my name is Kevin and I’m from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Choosing products made in America is important to me because it supports local economies, creates jobs, helps the environment, and ensures ethical labor practices. I also find that American made products are usually of higher quality so although they’re a little more expensive, you save money in the long run. Before starting this website I was in the USMC infantry and nowadays I work on this website as a hobby.

2 thoughts on “Where Are Trek Bikes Made? 2024 Overview”

I’ve been looking for an American made bike but can’t seem to find any that meet my needs. What would you recommend for someone who is an intermediate mountain biker?

Hey Matt, there are a lot of good alternatives to Trek. We have a full article on bikes and there are plenty of mountain bikes on that list that would be suitable for an intermediate lever rider. After checking it out if you have any questions just let me know.

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