Is Trek popular in your area?

[Bluetree]

There are a ton on racers in my area -- at least 12 large racing teams -- and yet, I see very few Treks on training rides. Specialized, Cannondale, Ridley, Orbea and Giant are the biggest local sponsors, but I don't think there is a single local team supported by Trek. In fact, I see far more Cervelos, LOOKs, Pinarellos and BMCs than Madones.

Is this just a regional thing... or does Trek not focus on the crit/road racing scene? I don't get it. Trek is huge. I know its not considered "fashionable" by the many of the skinny-butt sect, but I'm curious to know if it's because Trek hasn't made inroads as an amateur sponsor, or if it's just regional prejudice/Euro snobbery.

[Mr. Bloom]

Where'd your horse avatar go??? I don't recognize you anymore:p

Trek is immensely popular where we are, but it's because the premiere LBS's in Bloomington and Evansville are trek shops (and I think Trek limits the % of inventory that a dealer can have from other brands).

So, is it the brand or is it the dealer? Probably a little of both

[Lori81295]

Mr. Silver,

I am from Southern Indiana also. I have 2 Treks and am extremely satisfied with them. Do you ride much in the winter? I am having a hard time getting out there.

[Aggie_Ama]

In Austin amongst the casual cyclists yes but I contribute this to the "Lance effect". I have had people tell me he is the reason they got one. Plus one of our biggest local shops sells mostly Trek and Specialized. I see mostly Specialized, Cannondale and Orbea at the races for road but I do go to very few of those. I would say I notice more people racing the SuperSix and Roubaix than a Madone. For mountain it is a mixed bag, a lot of Specialized, Santa Cruz, Titus and boutique brands but yes Trek too. We have a vibrant Tri scene and I see most of those people on Cannondale, Cervelo and the Tri-specific brands like Quintana Roo.

[Mr. Bloom]

Mr. Silver,

I am from Southern Indiana also. I have 2 Treks and am extremely satisfied with them. Do you ride much in the winter? I am having a hard time getting out there.

We're in Newburgh. Silver rides a lot in the winter...and she's always looking for riding buddies.

Last weekend she went from Scott Elementary to New Harmony and back.

The prior weekend, she did Possum Junction (near St. Meinrad) to Leavenworth and back (very hilly).

Then, there are much shorter rides we do around Newburgh.

Also, another member BaCarver is in Perry County.

Where are you?

Silver will drop you a PM to connect...

[Grog]

I think it's a combination of factors.

Most likely the number of local shops selling Trek would have something to do with it.

But also riders who ride A LOT, and race for a lifestyle, and hang out with lots of other similar people, tend to start drooling over less common bikes. It doesn't necessarily reflect the functional performance of the bike - although maybe it does - but there is certainly appeal in getting a bike of a brand that not everyone else gets. And getting a bike from a brand that doesn't sell entry-level bikes. This would apply to Cervelo, Orbea, Guru, etc. but not to Trek, Giant, and Specialized.

Even my husband, who's from a Trek household, is now wanting to get a Cervelo.

[Fredwina]

I would agree with Grog about the "drool" Factor, Plus it seems racers are on what ever the shop deal is Out here - it's mainly Cannondale as both local squads (SC Velo and Citrus Valley Velo) are sponsored by Cannondale Dealers (InCycle and Don's in Rialto).

[Norse]

I agree that the LBO's have a lot to do with popularity of brands in any given area. The two biggest LBO chains in the Twin Cities sell Trek and Specialized, so you see a LOT of these around here. Two of my 3 are Treks and I love them both, but that doesn't mean I am not sometimes seen looking at a bike mag and drooling over the Orbeas.