Trek Road Bike Guide and Sizing

When we think about Trek, the first thing that comes to the mind is the quality and performance. It reminds us the Lance Armstrong era when he dominated the world stage and consequently winning 7 Tour de France. Or even the image of Fabian Cancellara dancing on the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix with sheer pace. No matter what's the terrain, the performance and the reliability is astonishing because the Trek Philosophy is to produce a quality product for a competitive value. It's such attitude which established them as one of the leading bicycle manufacturing company in the world.

Trek was founded in 1976, at the peak of the 1970's bicycle boom by Dick Burke and Bevill Hogg. Burke and Hogg launched Trek in an old warehouse in Waterloo, Wisconsin, located halfway between Milwaukee and Madison and currently the headquarter resides in here.  From the outset, Trek committed itself to selling bicycles through specialty bicycle stores, rather than through general retail outlets. It proved to be the right decision as it helped the company to maintain it's image as a supplier of equipment for serious bicycling enthusiasts. Trek quickly became a favorite brand and independent bicycle shops have remained Trek's most important outlet.

As mentioned earlier, Trek needs no introduction in Road racing scene. It has a strong pedigree in competitive cycling. The Road Range can be summarized as followed (as of 2014 range)

--Performance Race ("Conquer the highest climbs, attack off the front, fly down the steepest descents, all on the fastest, lightest machines on the road.")

1. Madone 7 Series (700 Series OCLV Carbon, KVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shape)
2. Madone 6 Series (600 Series OCLV Carbon, KVF tube shape)
3. Madone 5 Series (500 Series OCLV Carbon, KVF tube shape)
4. Madone 4 Series (400 Series OCLV Carbon, KVF tube shape)
5. Madone 3 Series (300 Series OCLV Carbon)
6. Madone 2 Series (200 Series Alpha Aluminium)
7. 1 Series (100 Series Alpha Aluminum)

Pic: Madone 7.9 (2014)

--Endurance Race ("Turn rough roads and gravel into miles of pleasure as you drop the hammer on your best ride ever."

1. Domane 6 Series (600 Series OCLV Carbon)
2. Domane 5 Series (500 Series OCLV Carbon)
3. Domane 4 Series (400 Series OCLV Carbon)
4. Domane 2 Series (200 Series Alpha Aluminium)

Pic: Domane 6.9 (2014)

--Traithlon ("Absurdly aerodynamic machines that cheat the wind, transfer all your power to the road, and carry what you need to stay on course.")

1. Speed Concept 9 Series (600 Series OCLV Carbon, KVF tube shape)
2. Speed Concept 7 Series (500 Series OCLV Carbon, KVF tube shape)

Pic: Speed Concept 9.9 (2014)

--Cyclocross ("Designed for the rigors of cyclocross racing with a light, responsive and rugged frame, fork and wheels, plus wide gearing, grippy tires and ample mud clearance.")

1. Cronus CX (500 Series OCLV Carbon)
2. Crokett (200 Series Alpha Aluminium)
3. CrossRip (100 Series Alpha Aluminum)

Pic: Cronus CX Ultimate (2014)

Now comes the crucial part of bike sizing. Please note that these are general guidelines.  If you are between sizes, choosing the smaller bike will give you more stand-over clearance and choosing the larger will give you more room for your upper body.

For Performance series (i.e. Madone and 1 Series), the sizing chart is as follows

Height             Size
5'4"-5'8"           52 Standard
5'7"-5'9"           54 Standard
5'8"-5'11"         56 Standard
5'11"-6'1"         58 Standard
6'1-6'3"            60 Standard
6'2"-6'4"           62 Standard

For Endurance Series (i.e. Domane Series), the sizing chart is as follows

Height              Size
5'3"-5'6"           52 Standard
5'6"-5'9"           54 Standard
5'7"-5'10"         56 Standard
5'09"-6'0"         58 Standard
6'0"-6'3"           60 Standard
6'3"-6'6"           62 Standard

For Traithlon Series (i.e. Speed Concept), the sizing is bit more complex. You need to measure and analyze frame geometry before you get one. following is the rough size guide to get you started

Height              Size
5'2"-5'6"           Small
5'6"-5'10"         Medium
5'10"-6'2"         Large

So here it is, the estimated frame size for Trek Road bikes. Here I used the word "estimated" because Trek sizing is dependent on another key feature. Trek call this the "H" fit. This is their exclusive frame technology. There are 3 "H" fits that are available.

H1: "H1 was developed for athletes with extraordinary range of pelvic rotation, superior core stability, and the desire to get low and aero. It offers the lowest hand position options available for Madone."

H2: "H2 features a slightly higher head tube to put less strain on your back and neck. With no need for high-rise stems or spacer stacks, the look is nothing but pro."

H3: "Increases head tube height a bit beyond H2, with a slight geometry adjustment to increase the bike’s stability. Perfect for those who need a back-saving, neck-saving, more upright position, but still want pro-level performance and a pro look."

Pic: H1, H2 and H3 Geometry

So in short we can say that H1 is more aggressive with a lower head tube and mostly for competitive environment. Whereas the H2 has a taller head tube, allowing a more upright position without running a large amount of spacers. Finally H3 fit which is the most comfortable of the lot.

After reading all those terminologies and size chart you may feel that choosing the right Trek Road frame is a bit daunting. But beneath all those there lies a simple fact, and that is the advancement of technology by them. They are manufacturing frame size for every suitable geometry without compromising the performance and reliability which says a lot about their reputation. All you need to do is to select which geometry suits you and choose a frame according to the specifications. 

If you want a bike with proven racing heritage, or a bike with no compromise on the quality or comfort, then look no further, Trek is definitely the way to go.