trek bike manufacturing

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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Where Are Trek Bikes Made? Are They Made in USA?

I don’t know about you, but I’m always curious to learn where my bikes and gear are made.

As cyclists, we like to nerd out over not just riding bikes, but how they’re designed and manufactured.

And if you’re like me, you probably ride or dream about riding a Trek at some point.

But where exactly are Trek bikes made? Have manufacturing operations stayed in the USA or moved overseas?

I decided to really dive into the details on where Trek frames and bikes are produced.

In this in-depth article, I’ll share everything I uncovered about Trek’s manufacturing processes and locations over the years.

There’s some fascinating history and details here!

Table of Contents

Brief history of trek bicycle corporation.

Before we get into current manufacturing, let’s do a quick recap of how Trek Bicycle Corp began.

Trek’s roots trace back to 1976 when it was founded in Waterloo, Wisconsin by Dick Burke and Bevil Hogg .

In the early years, Trek only had a handful of employees building steel-framed touring bikes.

But by the 1980s and 90s, Trek shifted into high-performance road bikes and mountain bikes.

Trek broke into the mainstream with iconic models like the Trek 970 hardtail MTB.

Their bikes were ridden to Tour de France victories and Olympic gold medals.

Brands like Gary Fisher mountain bikes were also acquired.

Today Trek is one of the largest bike makers in the world.

They produce around 1.5 million bikes globally per year across their factories.

Their flagship location is still in Waterloo, Wisconsin.

Okay, now that we’ve covered some Trek history, let’s get into where current production takes place.

Where are Trek Bikes Made Today?

Trek has expanded from its roots in Waterloo, Wisconsin to become a global operation.

But where exactly are Trek bikes manufactured today?

Trek’s Global Factories:

• Waterloo, Wisconsin – Trek headquarters and main US factory
• Germany – Secondary factory in Europe
• Holland – European R&D and manufacturing
• Taiwan – Main Asian factory and carbon production

So in summary, Trek now produces bicycles in multiple countries spanning North America, Europe, and Asia.

But the heart of their manufacturing is still in the USA at the Waterloo HQ.

Waterloo, Wisconsin – This is where Trek got its start back in 1976.

The Waterloo factory employs over 1,000 American workers today churning out around 1,000 high-end bikes daily.

Trek Waterloo occupies over 950,000 square feet.

It’s here that Trek produces their top-tier road, mountain, electric, and kids bikes to this day.

Germany – Trek has a secondary factory in Germany that handles distribution for the European market.

Some assembly and paint operations take place in Germany.

Holland – Trek’s facility in Holland focuses on research and design.

Prototypes are built here to test new concepts before mass production.

Taiwan – Trek’s Asian factory is located in Taiwan and operated by manufacturing partner Giant.

Carbon frame production and more affordable alloy bike assembly takes place here.

So in summary, while Trek has expanded globally, Waterloo is still the mothership producing Trek’s flagship bikes.

Overseas production handles more affordable models and meets international demand.

Are Trek Frames Made in Taiwan?

A common question I get is whether Trek frames are made in Taiwan.

The answer is yes – many of Trek’s alloy and carbon fiber frames are produced in Taiwan.

Giant Manufacturing, a major Taiwanese bicycle company, is contracted to produce frames for some Trek bike models in their Taiwan factories.

For example, many of Trek’s entry-level and mid-range road and mountain bikes have frames manufactured by Giant.

This includes bikes like:

• Trek FX Sport hybrid
• Trek Roscoe & Marlin hardtail MTBs
• Trek Domane AL road bikes
• Trek CrossRip gravel bike

Producing frames with Giant in Taiwan allows Trek to control costs while still getting high-quality frames.

Labor and manufacturing in Taiwan are generally cheaper compared to the United States.

However, Trek’s top-end road and mountain bikes are still handmade in Waterloo, Wisconsin.

High-performance models like the Madone, Emonda, and Session are all labeled “handbuilt in the USA.”

So in general:

• Affordable alloy and carbon frames = Made in Taiwan
• High-end carbon superbikes = Made in the USA

This allows Trek to balance cost control and prestige through a mix of international and domestic production.

Does Trek Still Make Bikes in the USA?

With so much manufacturing outsourced, you might wonder: does Trek still make bikes in the United States?

The answer is yes.

While production has expanded globally, Trek Waterloo is still highly active with US bike manufacturing.

Some of Trek’s highest-end road, mountain, and electric bikes are still made completely in Waterloo.

For example, the popular Domane SLR , Madone SLR, and Emonda SLR road bikes are made entirely in Waterloo from design to final assembly.

High-end MTB models like the Session , Fuel EX 9.9 , and Remedy 9.9 are also labeled “handbuilt in USA.”

Trek also announced in 2019 that US manufacturing will include electric bikes.

The Trek Powerfly eMTB line is now made in Waterloo rather than sourcing motors and batteries from Asia.

So why does Trek still manufacture high-end bikes in the US?

There are a few key reasons Trek maintains US production:

• Quality control – When the bikes are made domestically, Trek can closely monitor production quality and training.
• Speed – Made-to-order bikes can be built faster in Waterloo to meet customer demand.
• Prestige – For the premium prices of pro-level bikes, “handbuilt in USA” cachet is important to buyers.
• Agility – Trek can rapidly prototype and update bike designs at Waterloo HQ.

Made-in-USA gives Trek a production and marketing advantage in the high-performance bike segment.

It makes sense the SLR superbikes are carefully crafted by expert welders and technicians in Waterloo.

When Did Trek Shift Manufacturing Overseas?

Trek has been manufacturing bicycles in the United States since they were founded in 1976.

Even with global expansion, they never fully stopped making bikes in the USA.

However, the proportion of bikes made domestically vs overseas has shifted over the years as manufacturing costs increased.

In the early years, almost all Treks were made in Waterloo, Wisconsin.

But by the 1990s and 2000s as Trek grew rapidly, more manufacturing was outsourced to Asia to control costs.

Rather than outright close US production, Waterloo focused more on high-end bikes.

Rise of Asian Production

Trek expanded their overseas facilities in the last 20-30 years, especially partnering with factories in Taiwan.

Trek pioneered the use of oversized aluminum frames which were easier to produce in Taiwan.

By the 2000s, Trek’s Waterloo headquarters centered on carbon fiber bikes, with aluminum and entry-level bikes coming from Asia.

Overseas production allowed Trek to scale and meet demand growth.

So Trek never outright stopped manufacturing in the US.

They simply scaled back and shifted priorities as the bike business became more competitive and globalized.

Reshoring Initiatives

More recently, Trek has talked about “reshoring” certain manufacturing to the US.

Their Waterloo factory produces select high-end alloy frames again along with carbon fiber.

E-bikes are also now made in the US to control quality and intellectual property.

Expanded use of robotics and automation has improved productivity at the Waterloo plant too.

Trek’s story reflects wider trends of globalization, offshoring, and more recently restoring.

It’s a complex manufacturing evolution!

My Takeaway Thoughts on Trek’s Manufacturing

Analyzing where Trek bikes are made was an insightful dive into the nuances of globalized manufacturing.

Here are my big takeaways:

• Trek today blends international and US production to balance cost, quality, and prestige.
• Entry and mid-level bikes are largely Asian (mostly Taiwan). High-end superbikes are still “handbuilt in USA”.
• Trek Waterloo is still the mothership churning out some of the world’s best high-end road, MTB, and e-bikes.
• Offshoring to Taiwan enabled Trek’s growth . But some high value production is now “reshored”.
• Made-in-USA cachet matters for high-end buyers and product development.
• Trek’s manufacturing footprint reflects the evolving landscape of global trade and localization.

It’s cool to see Trek is still committed to domestic manufacturing, even at smaller volumes.

And their bikes speak for themselves in terms of quality.

Well, that covers my bike nerd deep dive into how Trek bikes are made!

Let me know if you have any other bicycle manufacturing questions. I’m always happy to chat about this stuff with fellow cycling geeks.

Now it’s time to get out and ride!

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Where are trek bikes made? (is it really American?)

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In recent years, buying locally has become important for many people for various reasons: employment, environment, quality, etc. But have you ever wondered where trek bikes are made?

Trek bikes are manufactured 99% overseas in places like Germany, the Netherlands, Taiwan, and China. Whereas the majority of bikes are made in Asia, Trek does make some high-end carbon fiber bikes in the USA in Wisconsin, but that represents only 1% of the 2 million bikes sold per year.

But, not all high-end carbon Trek bikes are made in the USA, some are also made in Taiwan. Nevertheless, Trek emphasizes a lot on the quality of their products, and that’s why all their bikes have a lifetime warranty, build in the USA or not.

To explain things deeper, this article will cover which models are made in the US, and how to recognize them. Does buying from china necessarily mean bad quality, and what is all the fuss about giant making Trek bikes? Many interesting things, so keep reading!

Which Trek bikes are made in the USA?

All Trek bikes made by Project One program are handbuild in the United States. There are currently eight Trek models available: Madone, Domane, Emonda, Checkpoint, Speed concept, Supercaliber, Fuel EX, and Slash: all high-end models above $10k.

Note that not all these bikes are made in the USA. Only the “Project One” ones do. Therefore, it is entirely possible to find an Emonda made in Taiwan for instance.

Project One is a premium program where you can customize the paint and all the parts (wheels, handlebars, etc). It is packed with a superior quality standard where nothing is done on a “mass assembly line”. It’s all hand-painted, and hand-assembled on US soil.

How to recognize bikes made in the USA?

Trek bikes made in the US have “Handbuild in the United States” written on their frames.

Where is the Trek factory?

The USA Trek factory is located in Waterloo, Wisconsin. This is also the place of their headquarters and R&D facilities. As of 2014, they were making between 20,000 and 25,000 bikes a year in Wisconsin.

In the same year, trek manufactured 1.6 million bikes worldwide. These 20k on US soils represent thus only 1% of worldwide production. BUT, these 20k represent a big part of the 56k bikes manufactured annually on US soil. That’s why Trek claims to be the first “made in USA” bike manufacturer, even if the numbers are quite low.

Are Trek Bikes made by Giant?

Giant does manufacture some Trek bikes in Taiwan, but these bikes are still designed and engineered in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Moreover, Trek is only outsourcing at Giant facilities and can therefore specify their own requirements to them, especially in terms of quality control.

What that means is Trek may oblige Giant to very strict quality checks, more than Giant may do for other bikes. Moreover, Trek designs cannot be used by Giant for its own bikes, they are Trek’s property. Therefore, you cannot say that, because Giant and Trek bikes are made in the same factory, it’s better to buy the cheaper Giant bikes because that’s the same bikes. This is just not true!

Good quality controls mean you will have two very good bikes if you buy two Trek bikes. They will be very similar because quality control ensures they do. On brands with less strict controls, it’s more like the lottery. You may have a very good bike for cheap but another time have a bike that won’t last long.

Having bikes built in the same factory means absolutely nothing. It’s not proof the bikes are identical by any means. In fact, it’s not rare to see entry-level products produced on the same assembly line as the high-end ones in many industries!

What does Trek do on US soil?

On US soil, Trek hand assembles all the Project One bikes. All the research and development is performed in Waterloo. So every Trek bike is designed and engineered in the United States of America. Their headquarters are also located in Waterloo.

Trek is also very proud of its retail network, which is orchestrated from the US. They only work with the world’s best bike shops; people they believe can deliver the quality service they aim for. Trek sells in 5,000 retailers globally and owns about 100 stores. 

Is Trek bikes a good brand?

Despite producing mainly in Asia, Trek has strict control over quality. Quality control is in their DNA and among the values they convey to customers. That’s the reason why their bike frames have a lifetime warranty. Trek bikes are without a doubt very good bikes.

They do not compromise on quality and that’s how they become one of the top brands worldwide with an excellent reputation. They have 5000 retailers globally, a strong network to ensure very good after-sales services.

I also personally like the fact that they decided to never go public on the stock market because they “don’t need the money and (they) don’t the headaches” [Burke, CEO]. To me, it shows their aim to do quality products instead of just doing money for shareholders.

Trek bikes are the largest bicycle company in the US. While selling bikes for the masses, they also develop high-end products for professionals with cutting-edge technology. You can see Trek bikes on the famous Tour de France for instance. They really know everything about bikes and that’s why I have confidence in the quality of their products.

It’s no surprise that my main road bike is a Trek!

Related questions:

Are Trek bikes made in China?

Yes, the majority of Trek bikes are made in China and Taiwan. This is a common trend among many bike manufacturers. Despite this, the quality of Trek bikes is top-notch thanks to very thorough quality control. All their bikes have a lifetime warranty, even those made in China.

https://www.cnbc.com/2014/08/01/in-waterloo-wisconsin-a-passion-for-made-in-usa-bicycles.html https://www.bikeradar.com/features/inside-treks-project-one-semi-custom-operation/ https://onmilwaukee.com/articles/trekwisco https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/project-one/

Avid triathlete, I love to write about my passion and share knowledge than can benefit others. I admit I consider my bike my best companion after so many miles done together both indoors and outdoors: training, racing, as well as bikepacking and commuting.

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Where Are Trek Bikes Made? – [Complete Guide]

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Are you an avid cyclist looking to invest in a new bike? Or are you curious about the origins of Trek bikes? From the rugged mountains of Taiwan to the bustling factories of Wisconsin, we’ll take you on a journey across the globe to uncover the secrets behind Trek’s world-renowned bikes.

So buckle up, grab your helmet, and ride into the fascinating world of Trek bike manufacturing.

Table of Contents

Where Are Trek Bikes Made?

Trek bikes are made in Taiwan, China, Vietnam, the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Most Trek bikes are manufactured in Asia, with Taiwan being the primary location for production. Trek has had a long-standing relationship with Giant, a Taiwanese bicycle manufacturer. They have been producing Trek bikes since the early 1990s. In addition to Taiwan, Trek also has factories in China and Vietnam.

Despite most of Trek’s manufacturing being done in Asia, they also have production facilities in Europe and the United States. Trek’s Waterloo, Wisconsin factory has been producing bicycles since 1976. The facility produces a variety of Trek bikes, including some of their high-end models.

Trek’s German factory is located in Hartmannsdorf and was opened in 2011, producing bikes for the European market.

Trek also has a manufacturing unit in the Netherlands that primarily produces bicycles for the Dutch market.

Is Trek Bikes a Good Brand?

Trek Bikes is a great brand that produces high-quality bicycles with innovative technology and reliable components. Their range of bikes caters to a wide range of cyclists, making them a popular choice for beginners and professionals.

One of the best features of Trek Bikes is its innovative technology. The Trek Domane SL6 is a shining example of its excellent artisanship. It features an IsoSpeed decoupler, which isolates the seat tube from the rest of the frame to absorb road vibrations and provide a more comfortable ride.

The Trek Fuel EX 9.8 is another popular model featuring a RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft technology to provide a more responsive and controlled ride on rough terrain. These features are unique to Trek Bikes and demonstrate the brand’s commitment to producing top-of-the-line bicycles.

Another appealing aspect of Trek bikes is their high-quality components. From Shimano drivetrains to Fox suspension systems, Trek Bikes use parts that are reliable, durable, and perform well.

For instance, the Trek Verve 2 has a Shimano Acera drivetrain for reliable shifting and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes for responsive stopping power. Such components ensure that Trek Bikes are enjoyable and safe, and dependable.

Trek Bikes produces bicycles for various disciplines, including road cycling, mountain biking, and recreational riding. No matter what type of cycling you enjoy, Trek Bikes has a bike that will meet your needs. Trek Bikes has a bike whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting.

Why Did Trek Bikes Stop Making in The US?

Trek Bikes stopped manufacturing in the United States in the early 2000s. While they still have a headquarters and design center in Wisconsin, their bicycles are now produced in other countries.

One of the main reasons was the high manufacturing cost. Manufacturing bikes in the United States was significantly more expensive than outsourcing production to other countries like Taiwan or China. It is due to labor costs, taxes, and regulations. By outsourcing production, Trek Bikes was able to significantly reduce its manufacturing costs and remain competitive in the global market.

Another factor was the availability of skilled labor. While the United States has a skilled workforce, the demand for skilled labor in other industries has made it difficult for companies like Trek Bikes to find enough workers with the necessary expertise.

It has led to longer lead times, higher costs, and more logistical challenges in production.

Does Giant Make Trek Bikes?

No, Trek Bikes are not made by Giant. Trek Bikes has worked with Giant as a contract supplier in the past. However, this was a relatively small part of Trek’s overall manufacturing process and was not a long-term partnership.

According to a statement made by Trek Bikes in 1995

 “ We work with Giant as a contract supplier, but we control the product design and have our quality control staff in place to monitor and maintain our standards.”

Trek Bikes is an independent bicycle manufacturer that designs and manufactures its bikes in-house.

Who Owns Trek Bikes?

Trek Bicycle Corporation is a privately held company owned by the Burke family. The company was founded in 1976 by Dick Burke and Bevil Hogg, and it is still run by the Burke family today.

John Burke, Dick Burke’s son, has been the CEO of Trek Bikes since 1997. Under his leadership, the company has grown significantly, expanding its product line and distribution channels to become one of the largest bike manufacturers in the world.

In 2013, Trek Bikes also acquired the Electra Bicycle Company, a California-based manufacturer of lifestyle bicycles. This acquisition allowed Trek Bikes to expand its product line and reach new customers in the cycling market’s rapidly growing “lifestyle” segment.

10 Facts About Trek Bikes You Don’t Know

Trek Bikes was founded in a barn in Waterloo, Wisconsin, in 1976.

• The first Trek bike was a steel touring bike called the 520.
• Trek Bikes sponsored the first American team to compete in the Tour de France in 1984.
• In 1993, Trek Bikes developed the first full-suspension mountain bike, called the Y-33.
• Trek Bikes was the first company to introduce a carbon fiber mountain bike called the OCLV in 1992.
• Trek Bikes has a women’s advocacy program called “Trek Women,” which aims to get more women involved in cycling.
• Trek Bikes has a fleet of mobile bike shops that travel to cycling events and races to provide on-site service and support.
• Trek Bikes has a pro cycling team, Trek-Segafredo that competes at the sport’s highest level.
• In 2019, Trek Bikes launched a line of electric bikes called the “Powerfly,” designed for off-road use.
• Trek Bikes has a sustainability program called “We Believe in Bikes,” which focuses on reducing the company’s environmental impact and supporting cycling advocacy efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is trek bikes oclv carbon fiber technology.

OCLV, “Optimum Compaction Low Void,” is a process that Trek Bikes uses to create high-strength, lightweight carbon fiber frames.

Does Trek Bikes Offer Electric Bikes?

Trek Bikes offers a line of electric bikes called the Powerfly designed for off-road use.

Why Is Trek Bikes Isospeed Technology Important?

IsoSpeed technology helps reduce vibrations and increase riding comfort, making for a more enjoyable experience on the road.

Final Words

Choosing a Trek bike is a safe investment in a reliable, high-quality product that will serve you well for years. While they may no longer manufacture bicycles in the USA, they have remained committed to producing durable and functional bikes with features that cater to a wide range of cycling needs. So whether you’re buying a new bike for your next bike competition or just starting, the Trek bike is best for you.

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Tonny is an active cyclist with 7+ years of experience in coaching. With over 500 trained students, he is currently promoting safe cycling around the globe.

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Get an Inside Look at Trek's US Factory

Trek is one of the few companies producing carbon frames in the United States. Here's what goes on in its Wisconsin headquarters.

Trek History

Carbon Gets Its Start

Adapting to carbon fiber bike frames was a change for the entire industry, but Trek is proud of the company's early work with the material, especially its innovative joint processes.

Mountain Bike History

Trek has a long history of producing carbon fiber  mountain bikes . Several current models, including the Remedy 9.8 , have won Bicycling Editors' Choice Awards, but it's still well known for some of its earlier models, including the Y-frame bikes it produced in the 90s. 

Your Mug on a Mug

There are about 1,000 employees at Trek's Waterloo headquarters, but only a few get their faces on coffee mugs. This one belongs to the road bike brand manager.

Employees Bike to Work

Nearly all of the employees commute to work at least occasionally, and many ride in daily. The company encourages to ride during work, too. It has a spacious bike room, private mountain bike trails, and during the fall a practice cyclocross course on which it hosts the Trek CXC Cup. Then there's also gorgeous, nearly empty roads that stretch in all directions.

Bikes for a Good Cause

Employees donate used bikes and parts to charity, and many end up with Dream Bikes, a Trek-funded collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club of America. The organization works with two shops located near at-risk neighborhoods in Wisconsin. The stores teaches kids from the Boys and Girls Club how to build and maintain bikes and give them retail experience. The kids fix up donated products  and sell them cheaply, making it easier for people to access quality bicycles.  

Employees Stay Healthy

Trek is ultra-committed to employee health. The company offers morning CrossFit sessions and afternoon yoga , plus plenty of spin classes for when the weather in Wisconsin gets rough. It also has a room full of trainers and weights that employees can use anytime. The yoga classes get pretty crowded, Bjorling says—especially as the temperatures drop.

Raw Carbon Joints

Trek is one of the few companies producing carbon bicycles in the United States. These frame pieces might look like weird cartoon characters, but they contain the critical bottom bracket junction of a bike, where as many as four frame tubes come together. Epoxy resin goes into the joints, they’re pushed together, and then slow roasted in an oven at around 250 degrees to set the resin.

Carbon Sanding

After the glue has set and the carbon frame is intact , employees sand each tube by hand so it's perfectly primed for a basecoat and paint. It's a time-intensive process that can't be done by machine. 

High-Tech Painting

“Born in a barn, raised with rocket science,” is a popular saying at Trek that refers to the company's humble beginnings in a barn. It might not be rocket science, but this robot, which applies the base coat and top coats of paint, certainly looks like alien tech. 

Custom Project 1 Paint

If you’re a top-level Trek pro or you’ve ordered a Project One bike, it will get made, processed, and, of course, painted here in-house.

Incredible Customization

“Millenials love customization,” Bjorling says. Black-on-black paint schemes may be right for some, but if you’re looking for something bold, Trek’s Project One bikes with custom paint and decals are one option. Decal work is more tenuous than it looks: One wrong move and the bike needs to be stripped, sanded, and completely repainted.

Made in the USA

You can still get a made-in-the-USA bike from Trek, if you’re willing to shell out for the Project One frames made in Waterloo. “A number of years ago, we found there were a lot of people looking for custom, who wanted something unique, and we were in a good position to do everything here,” Bjorling explains.

Katie Compton’s World Championship Bike

Katie Compton is the winningest female cyclocross racer in the US, with 11 national championship titles to her name. Proudly displayed in between road bikes is her still-dirty, cantilever-equipped cyclocross bike from the 2013 World Championships in Kentucky.

Jens Voigt’s Hour-Record Bike

Last September Jens Voigt broke the world hour record  (which is currently owned by Bradly Wiggins). This is the bike he rode to claim the record. The gear ratio alone is enough to make even the strongest of cyclists wince.

A Company for Bike Lovers

As we walked out of the building, we spotted one employee rolling out of the woods after a mountain bike ride, another circling the burned-in lines of the cyclocross course, and another three rolling up on road bikes. It's clear that Trek’s headquarters is full of bike lovers.

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[2023] Where Are Trek Bikes Made? Unveiling the Origins of Your Favorite Ride

• August 20, 2023
• Bike Brand Guides

Quick Answer: Trek bikes are proudly made in the USA, specifically in Waterloo, Wisconsin. However, Trek also has manufacturing facilities in other countries to cater to global demand. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Trek has become one of the most trusted and popular bike brands worldwide. Read on to explore more about Trek’s American-made bikes, popular models, and alternatives if you’re looking for something different.

Table of Contents

• Quick Answer

Quick Tips and Facts

Are trek bikes made in the usa, popular american made trek bikes, popular trek bikes not made in the usa, american made alternatives to trek bikes, recommended links, reference links.

• Trek Bikes Origin: Trek Bicycle Corporation was founded in 1976 by Richard Burke and Bevil Hogg in Waterloo, Wisconsin.
• Global Presence: While Trek bikes are primarily made in the USA, the company also has manufacturing facilities in other countries to meet the demands of riders worldwide.
• Commitment to Quality: Trek is known for its dedication to producing high-quality bikes that offer exceptional performance and durability.
• Innovation: Trek has a strong focus on research and development, constantly pushing the boundaries of bike technology to enhance the riding experience.
• Wide Range of Bikes: Trek offers a diverse range of bikes, including road bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes, and more, catering to riders of all levels and preferences.

✅ Yes, Trek bikes are made in the USA. The company’s headquarters and primary manufacturing facility are located in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Trek takes pride in its American-made bikes, ensuring that each one is crafted with precision and attention to detail.

Trek’s commitment to manufacturing in the USA allows for better quality control, faster response times to market demands, and the ability to support local communities. By producing their bikes in the USA, Trek can maintain stringent quality standards and ensure that their customers receive top-notch products.

Trek offers a wide range of American-made bikes that cater to various riding styles and preferences. Here are some popular models:

1. Trek Domane SL 6

• Price: Check price on: Amazon | Walmart | eBay
• Description: The Trek Domane SL 6 is a versatile road bike designed for long-distance comfort and performance. It features Trek’s innovative IsoSpeed technology, which provides a smooth and compliant ride even on rough roads. With a lightweight carbon frame and high-quality components, the Domane SL 6 is a top choice for road cyclists.

2. Trek Fuel EX 9.9

• Description: The Trek Fuel EX 9.9 is a high-performance mountain bike built for tackling challenging trails. It features a full suspension system with Trek’s exclusive Active Braking Pivot, providing excellent control and stability. With its lightweight carbon frame and top-of-the-line components, the Fuel EX 9.9 delivers an exhilarating ride for avid mountain bikers.

3. Trek Verve+

• Description: The Trek Verve+ is an electric bike designed for comfortable and enjoyable city commuting. It features a powerful Bosch motor that provides smooth and effortless pedal assistance. With its upright riding position and suspension fork, the Verve+ offers a comfortable and stable ride, making it an excellent choice for daily commuters.

While Trek primarily manufactures its bikes in the USA, the company also has manufacturing facilities in other countries. Here are some popular Trek models that are not made in the USA:

1. Trek Marlin

• Description: The Trek Marlin is a versatile entry-level mountain bike that offers great value for money. It features a lightweight aluminum frame and a range of components designed for off-road performance. The Marlin is a popular choice for beginners and riders on a budget.
• Description: The Trek FX is a popular hybrid bike designed for fitness and commuting. It offers a comfortable and efficient riding experience, thanks to its lightweight frame and versatile components. The FX is a great choice for riders who want a bike that can handle both city streets and light off-road trails.

If you’re looking for American-made alternatives to Trek bikes, here are some brands to consider:

1. Specialized

• Shop Specialized on: Amazon | Walmart | eBay
• Description: Specialized is a renowned American bike brand known for its high-quality bicycles. They offer a wide range of bikes, including road bikes, mountain bikes, and electric bikes, catering to different riding styles and preferences.

2. Cannondale

• Shop Cannondale on: Amazon | Walmart | eBay
• Description: Cannondale is another popular American bike brand that produces a variety of high-performance bicycles. They are known for their innovative designs and cutting-edge technology, making them a favorite among cycling enthusiasts.

Is Trek an American bike?

✅ Yes, Trek is an American bike brand. The company was founded in the USA and continues to manufacture bikes in Waterloo, Wisconsin. While Trek also has manufacturing facilities in other countries, their commitment to American-made bikes remains strong.

Read more about “[2023] Where Are Trek Bikes Made? Unveiling the Origins of These Iconic Bicycles”

Are Trek bikes good quality?

✅ Yes, Trek bikes are known for their excellent quality. The company has a reputation for producing bikes that offer exceptional performance, durability, and innovation. Trek’s commitment to research and development ensures that their bikes are at the forefront of bike technology.

What Trek bikes are made in Wisconsin?

Trek manufactures a wide range of bikes in Wisconsin. Some popular Trek models made in Wisconsin include:

• Trek Domane
• Trek Emonda
• Trek Madone
• Trek Checkpoint
• Trek Top Fuel

Trek bikes are proudly made in the USA, with their primary manufacturing facility located in Waterloo, Wisconsin. The company’s commitment to American-made bikes ensures high-quality standards and supports local communities. Whether you’re looking for a road bike, mountain bike, or electric bike, Trek offers a diverse range of models to cater to your riding needs. If you’re interested in American-made alternatives, brands like Specialized and Cannondale are worth considering. Happy riding!

• Shop Trek Bikes on: Amazon | Walmart | eBay
• Explore Bike Brand Guides on Bike Brands™: Bike Brand Guides
• Discover Bike Reviews on Bike Brands™: Bike Reviews

Visit the official Trek Bikes website for more information: Trek Bikes

• Trek Bikes Official Website
• Trek Bikes – Wikipedia
• Specialized Bicycles Official Website
• Cannondale Bicycles Official Website
• Image source – Trek Bikes

Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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Doing it Our Way: Trek Factory Visit

Cool Features

Ever wonder, when you look at your bike, what's hidden beneath the paint? Once upon a time, a simple tubing sticker would affirm the pedigree of the steel tubes a builder had used, Reynolds or Columbus perhaps, with the paint concealing the hours of craftsmanship put in. Today, Trek's carbon fiber bikes share that hidden handiwork with their steel forebears, not that you'd guess. The bikes are conceived with computer-generated designs, fluid-dynamically assessed and finite analyzed, and the resulting shapes appear seamlessly machine-made. The carbon bike production process at Trek's Waterloo headquarters has changed over the years, from gluing preformed carbon tubes into aluminum lugs in 1988, to a ground-up process that combines multiple molds with multiple carbon materials to create a masterfully engineered end product. Yet despite the aerospace technology, the bikes are actually built from a sheet of flat carbon fabric, completely by hand. There are no third party tube or lug manufacturers involved here and, somewhat paradoxically, what happens now at Trek is a more hand-built bicycle than it's ever been.

We're not simply talking about pressing carbon shapes into a jelly mold with some epoxy resin, though molds are where the process begins. Custom mold-making for Trek is done by a team of engineers run by Jay Thrane. The mold-making facility is run out of the original Trek red barn in Waterloo, the place where Dick Burke and Bevil Hogg started their company, and where thousands of steel bicycles were made in the 70s. Now in this old barn, molds are made that help make thousands of carbon frames. Each of these molds comes out of a solid lump of aluminum or steel, depending on the application, and is CNC machined on site to suit the desired component shape. Then the hard part starts. As frames are getting into more involved shapes, so the molds are getting more and more complicated. At the beginning, the mold cutting facility was turning out five molds a week. Now, despite more machines and a 24-hour running, they're managing just one or two, such is the complexity of the new designs. Every surface of the mold that will come into contact with carbon has to be sanded by hand and polished to a mirror finish. The molds are then plated (to aid longevity) and fitted with hinges, springs, and associated hardware. It takes experienced engineers like Bill Frix, previously a welder and a carbon lay-up operator at Trek, a good half day to prepare one mold. Each frame size needs up to six component molds to make a complete frameset. All the parts of these complicated molds have to fit together perfectly, and the preformed inserts (pieces that add structure on the inside) need to be able to slot in without compromising closure, because the molding process will find the faults, as Jay points out. With heat and pressure, the epoxy resin portion of the carbon liquefies, so if you've got the slightest crack you'll get something in it. Basically, when you turn up the heat, resin turns into coffee. So the molds have to be perfect from the start.

Once the molds are shipped the mile or so west to the carbon lab, the magic black stuff can be cut and picked. Engineering aside, the process involved when laying up a carbon frame has a lot in common with dressmaking. In fact, as processes go, it probably relates more to the art of the seamstress than the traditional way of building a steel frame from tube and lugs. Jim Colegrove, composites manufacturing engineer, explains: “We have some very advanced software. First, we use CAD and make the 3D shape that is the frame. I can split this part into specific regions and then flatten them out into a net shape, a perfect pattern that I can then put back into the mold, and I know will fit exactly into the shape. We call this pattern a flat preform, which is then cut out on our CNC cutting table.” Preforms are the key to building strength where it’s needed and saving weight where it’s not, as engineers select the right type of material for each shape and application. Carbon specialists Hexcel make all of Trek's Waterloo carbon material, and have done so for nearly 25 years. It's all USA-made carbon fiber from Salt Lake City, Utah, supplied in standard modulus, intermediate modulus, high modulus, or ultra-high modulus. It can be cloth or uni-directional, depending on intended usage. Former aerospace engineer Jim explains their respective properties. "We use cloth—that standard checkerboard carbon fabric—in specific high-stress or high-impact areas, because cloth has a unique property. Think of it a little like ripstop nylon: it can be more damage-tolerant. It is also much more conformal in very tight, surface contours. Uni-directional stuff is just as it says—fibers that run in one direction. It is flexible too, in the plane of the fibers, but it makes more complex shapes quite difficult. Each material has strengths and weaknesses, and it takes experience and engineering to get the structures built optimally. For example, Hex-MC is a unique material of shorter, chopped fibers. They are thrown down onto a sheet in a very randomized pattern that would simulate a lay-up. We can then mold that into really complex shapes very effectively, because we don’t have long continuous fibers. But it doesn’t have quite the strength or stiffness that uni-directional or cloth does. For contrast, look the bottom bracket. It sees a lot of torsion and bending, because of the head tube load and the load that the rider puts in, so it needs both high stiffness and high strength. So we add small strips of high or ultra-high modulus material in those specific areas to help us out.”

Looking at a carbon frame, it’s so easy to think it’s made like a plastic model airplane, but it’s a complicated business. A Madone road frame has around 180 preforms, or individual pieces of carbon sheet, which can be layered up to increase strength where needed. A Session downhill bike will have 238 preforms, with each being between two and 12 plies of carbon material (either uni-directional, cloth, or Hex-MC). That's a complex cutting list. Carbon is a wonderful material, but it takes good engineering to do right. Without the right expertise you end up with structures that are either heavy or not structurally sound. To add to this complexity, preforms generally grow in size as the frame size increases, and they may need additional material to allow for the loads that larger riders apply to the bikes. But even the most beefed-up parts of a frame are still only in the region of 1.5mm wall thickness. The true artisans of the Trek carbon prototyping facility are Kelly Stone and Sue Moe, who have 50 years experience between them in molding carbon fiber. The material is rather like a sheet of toffee, in that it's sticky to touch and bendable, and gets softer when warmed. As Kelly explains, she only has to get the sheets of carbon in her experienced hands to gauge whether it is fit for purpose. "You can definitely tell the difference between the types of material and what's not right, and whether there's enough resin or too much. The engineers always tell us the lay-ups to use, the ingredients for each test, but after evaluation, we can make extra pieces for here and there and then test them." Kelly and Sue know the process inside out: the cooling times, the ideal temperatures, how far you can push the material. Trek has always recognized that engineers need to get their hands dirty too. No matter what the computer says, the hands-on judgment is the true test, and Jim’s happy to get his gloves on and show us how it’s done. He might be slower than Kelly and Sue, but Mr. Plaid, as they affectionately call him, can turn his hand to most things. They can give experienced feedback to Jim and his engineers as to what will and won't work during the lay-up. A lot of this isn't just science—experience is everything at Trek. They have produced and tested so many frames that they have a huge head start in frame development, all that data.

Mr Plaid spreads mold release around a mold and places a preform into the cavity. He talks us through the next steps. Depending on the shape, bladders are added and the whole lot is closed up and placed into the presses. These literally squash the fibers and set the material into shape, at the same time removing excess resin. The new Session downhill mountain bike race frame has 40 individual preforms in one rocker arm alone. In the same way that a dressmaker might use the bias of a fabric to create just the right fit or texture, carbon is laid into the mold to create the strongest (and lightest) results. Just laying up a mold for a single piece like a swing arm takes around 10 minutes, so the idea that mold-produced carbon is faster and easier to produce than a CNC-machined aluminum part isn't even close. Once all the bits are cleaned up and placed to cool, the next stage of the process can begin. In the case of a Madone, assembling the molded components into a road frame is remarkably quick. Epoxy glue is used to bond the individual stays, bottom bracket, and front triangle pieces with a proprietary Step Joint design that creates joints of the same thickness as the contiguous tube, so there's no added weight or difference in ride quality caused by the joint. The whole lot is then loaded into a jig to be baked hard in an oven. Once set, the frame can be checked for tracking alignment and sent off to the next stage: adding the finish and the paint—and concealing all that handiwork and technology, in a market that demands more for less as Jim explains. “I often get asked: why does Trek continue to build frames here when the entire industry has moved offshore, including, to be honest, a good percentage of Trek frames? Why do we still have this factory? And my answer is always the same. You can’t build different products, better products, when you don’t completely understand the science. And the only way to understand the way frames and carbon structures really work is to build them yourself. Having our engineers cutting molds, laying in carbon, seeing their structures come to life is crucial to pushing designs forward. It is really expensive to build things here in this factory, but the products are better because of it. All of our products are better, because we know how things should be built, can be built. And that's because we do it ourselves. We can’t wait for someone else to move the meter and show us how to do it. We are going to lead. That’s been the Trek way since I started here in 1990, and it’s the reason I come to work.”

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Trek Bicycle History: A Journey of Innovation & Triumph

As an affiliate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. You can read more on our Affiliate Disclaimer here.

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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Overview of Trek Bicycle Corporation

Trek Bicycle Corporation is a prominent leader in the design and manufacture of bicycles and cycling products, establishing a strong industry presence with a rich history and a commitment to innovation and quality.

Company History

Trek Bicycle Corporation was founded in 1976 by Dick Burke and Bevil Hogg. Their journey began in a small barn in Waterloo, Wisconsin, where they started by building steel touring frames. Over time, Trek evolved from a domestic leader to a globally recognized name.

Brand Philosophy

Trek stands for creating the best cycling experience possible , focusing on craftsmanship, performance, and innovation . The brand is dedicated to building only products it loves, providing incredible hospitality to its customers, and changing the world for the better through advocacy.

Global Reach

The company’s international footprint extends beyond its Wisconsin roots , with manufacturing and assembly facilities in various countries, including the Netherlands and Germany, to cater to a global market. Trek bikes are a common sight on streets and trails worldwide, testament to their expanded global operation .

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A peek behind the scenes at Trek Bikes HQ

America’s last large-scale domestic bicycle manufacturer

Jeff Kennel / Trek Bicycles

Aoife Glass

Trek Bicycle Corporation’s headquarters in Waterloo, Wisconsin is an impressive place to visit. The 205,000 sq ft facility houses 900 employees and is one of the only large-scale bicycle manufacturing factories left in the US. On the walls hang bikes and images that span the breadth of Trek's rich history, and in the offices and work spaces the bikes of the future are being developed.

• Highlights from the 2017 Trek mountain bike range
• Specialized Roubaix vs Trek Domane: battle of the plush
• Women in the bike industry: leading the way at Trek

Comprising various offices, testing labs, training spaces, a gym, bike fit facilities, workshops and manufacturing areas — not to mention its very own private mountain bike trail network — the Trek HQ has pretty much everything covered. It's huge. But walk through the corridors and you get the sense that despite its size and standing, it's a company that takes as much care and consideration with its employees as it does the bikes it creates. Staff bikes line long corridors, and regular gym and fitness classes are timed to allow everyone to join in.

At the heart of its Wisconsin headquarters is Trek's carbon manufacturing. All of the Madone 9 Series road bikes are made in Waterloo

The employee roster breaks down roughly 50/50 when comparing white to blue collar workers, illustrating that Trek's domestic production is more than a token effort. The 400-or-so-strong white collar workforce makes up the vast majority of Trek’s engineering, product management, graphic, marketing and business support staff. However, Trek also maintains a three-person suspension development lab in Southern California, run by Jose Gonzales .

Why buck the trend and manufacture in the US? Trek says that while it's admittedly costly, having the connectivity and communication between the engineering and manufacturing departments is an important element of the company's success and development. Designers, developers and engineers can talk to each other face to face.

There's also a significant female presence in the workforce, and while not quite a 50/50 gender split, there's good representation of women working at every level of the company, from the workshop floor to engineering and design , management and beyond.

While there's plenty to see, there are also areas that are hush-hush, and understandably so. Much as we'd love to have nosed around the prototype lab, for example, it was no go.

Home of the high-end carbon frame

At the heart of its Wisconsin headquarters is Trek's carbon manufacturing. A number of the high-end road models including the H1 fit Madone and Domane and Session 9.9 downhill bike are made here . The rest of Trek's bikes are made in Asia, where most of the bike industry sources its manufacturing.

Sheets of impossibly light carbon-weave arrive frozen to avoid damage or warping and are machine cut. The patterns are created by computer programs that translate 3D designs into 2D patterns, and once the carbon is CNC machine cut to size it's hand-placed into moulds. Trek favours a single unit production line, where all the constituent parts of a frame are assembled at the start of the process: one barcoded tray has a jigsaw of carbon sheets that will go through the manufacturing process to emerge at the other end of a bike, making it possible to track an individual frame from start to finish.

Trek opts to make its bikes in pieces, rather than the monocoque or one-piece construction that is industry standard. This allows for greater quality control, Trek claims, done by visual and manual inspection of each part before they are bonded together using a structural epoxy adhesive.

Once moulded into shape, the various parts are bonded together — again by hand. What's amazing to see is how much work, both human and robotic, goes into creating just one bike.

Add a little colour

The Wisconsin HQ is also the home of Project One, which allows customers to pick custom graphics and paint packages, in addition to the sizing and spec of their new bike. All Project One bikes worldwide are painted in the Wisconsin facility; decals and templates are painstakingly applied by hand on site, with various layers of paint and varnish applied by hand, or with the help of high-tech robots.

The robots are something to behold, and allow an incredibly efficient painting system that takes just 100cc of paint to cover a bike, reducing both wastage and weight — the vapour coating system means, Trek claims, a final weight of 5g on average for paint and finish.

More complicated paint jobs are done by hand in one of four paint booths, each with a downward airflow that prevents micro droplets of colour contaminating other bikes.

Racing forward

What do Rachel Atherton, the Drops women's cycling team, Fabian Cancellara, Tracy Moseley, Brook McDonald and Emily Batty have in common? They're all Trek sponsored athletes and part of Trek Factory Racing, which covers road, triathlon and mountain biking.

Racing is an expensive thing to support, but there are tangible benefits, according to Trek. Having its own teams means having access to riders at the top of their game, pushing riding to the limits and as a result able to help feed into the design process. It also, of course, means that Trek's products are seen at the most prestigious events and under some of the best riders.

Back to school

Trek also runs what it calls its Trek University: training facilities for retailers and mechanics covering maintenance, product training, essential shop management skills and bike fitting.

The Wisconsin HQ has a Precision Fit studio, with three fit bays, a motion capture device and a number of fit cycles to train retailers and bike fitters in the Trek Precision Fit system. There's also a training facility, the School of Certified Service, which has room for up to 20 people and offers a range of courses from technician training to operations and management.

Trek also offers a number of scholarships to support female mechanics to acquire and develop their skills and progress through the industry.

Testing the limit

Compliance is a word that gets thrown around a lot with a bike's performance, but in the world of manufacturing it also refers to international safety standards. Trek has its own testing facility, putting each part of the bike through a brutal program of stresses and strains to ensure the bikes are safe and fit for purpose.

But the testing facility is also about pushing the limits of what's possible and seeing what can be done better. Being based on one site means that designers, engineers and researchers from various departments can work together more easily, and create some interesting and — at first sight — slightly out there things.

One great example is the giant treadmill that sits in the middle of the testing facility with a rider harness that dangles from the ceiling. Designers from Trek wanted to develop a way of testing how bikes respond to uneven terrain, but with as few variables as possible. The result is a treadmill, adapted from one commercially available, with an uneven slatted surface. It's big enough for a rider and bicycle, the speed and incline can be controlled, and the slats can be changed to simulate different types of terrain.

A visit to Trek HQ isn't complete without a side visit to The Farm, Trek's very own private trail centre. Imagine creatively designed trails snaking through woodland, complete with drops, jumps, North Shore (man-made) features and more. The only downside are the aggressive mosquitos.

Enjoy the gallery!

Check out our image gallery at the top of the page for a photo tour of Trek’s facility.

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Trek bicycle corporation.

Trek Bicycle Corporation is the world's largest manufacturer of bicycles sold by specialty retailers. Founded in 1976, the company sells close to a million bikes a year, as well as full lines of bicycle accessories and clothing. In addition to bicycles bearing the Trek brand name, the company also markets a line of mountain bikes named after Gary Fisher, one of the inventors of the mountain bike, and a line of bikes named for racing star Greg LeMond. Trek has several European subsidiaries, and its equipment is distributed in over 60 countries across the globe. In the United States, Trek maintains five Wisconsin manufacturing plants and four distribution centers. In addition to its manufacturing operations, Trek sponsors a number of racing teams, an on-site repair program, and an annual fund-raising ride for Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer.

Early History

Trek was established in 1976, at the peak of the 1970s bicycle boom. Its founders were Dick Burke, president of Milwaukee-based appliance and electronics distributor Roth Co., and Bevill Hogg, the proprietor of a chain of bike stores, one of which was located in nearby Madison. With financial backing from Roth's parent company, the Brookfield, Wisconsin-based Intrepid Corporation, Burke and Hogg launched Trek in an old warehouse in Waterloo, Wisconsin, located halfway between Milwaukee and Madison. With a work force of about five, the company began making high-quality, lightweight steel bicycle frames by hand.

From the outset, Trek committed itself to selling bicycles primarily through specialty bicycle stores, rather than through general retail outlets. This decision helped the company to maintain its image as a supplier of equipment for serious bicycling enthusiasts. Trek quickly became a favorite brand among that connoisseur market, and independent bicycle shops have remained Trek's most important outlet.

Competing primarily against European and Japanese manufacturers, Trek began to have an impact quickly, gaining industry attention both for the quality of its bikes and for being an American company. Trek bicycles were especially popular in the Midwest, the company's own backyard. By 1978, however, Trek was distributing to both coasts, as well as to other bicycling hotspots, such as Colorado. After only three years in business, the company's annual sales had grown to $750,000.

By 1980, Trek had outgrown its original plant. The company moved to a new facility in Waterloo, and there it began mass-producing bicycles. Sales were so brisk that Trek also contracted a Taiwanese firm to produce some of the company's bikes. Among bicycling enthusiasts, Trek was quickly gaining a reputation as a producer of the very highest caliber of bicycles available, and its sales reflected that reputation. During the early 1980s, sales virtually doubled each year.

The Age of Mountain Bikes

In 1983 Trek became a fairly early entrant into the mountain bike market, with the introduction of its 850 model. Developed in California in the late 1970s, mountain bikes featured more comfortable seats, fatter tires, and more gears than the ten-speed road bikes that dominated the market at the time. Fueled largely by the surging popularity of mountain bikes, Trek sold more than 45,000 bikes in 1984. The company also launched its Trek Components Group that year.

During the 1980s, Trek was one of the very few American companies that stood in the way of an all-out takeover of bicycle manufacturing by Taiwanese factories. Although even Trek continued to import some of its bikes from Taiwan, the company found that it was able to offset the somewhat higher costs associated with manufacturing in America by saving on ocean shipping and cutting out other middlemen. Even labor costs proved to be a relatively minor problem, since making bikes was seen by young employees, many of them avid bicycling hobbyists themselves, as a fairly glamorous job, and those employees were therefore willing to work for rather modest wages. As Trek expanded its facilities over the next several years, it was able to rely less and less on imports.

After a conflict with cofounder Burke, Hogg left Trek in 1985 to start his own bicycle company in California. In spite of the changes, Trek continued to grow at an impressive rate. In 1985 the company introduced its first aluminum road bike, Model 2000. Its first carbon composite road bike, Model 2500, hit the market the following year. By 1986 sales had soared to $16 million, and surging demand led to the addition of 75,000 square feet to the company's Waterloo manufacturing facility.

A New Philosophy for the Late 1980s

Ten years of startling growth did not come without problems, however. As Burke explained in a 1996 Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin) interview, "In all fairness, Bevill [Hogg, company cofounder] was more of a dreamer than a manager." Although sales remained solid, Trek began to experience difficulties in a number of areas. Unsold inventory began to pile up, and as a result the company was losing money. With morale nearing rock bottom, Burke decided to take over the day-to-day management of the company. He instituted a "back to basics" approach, emphasizing sensible business practices and quality service. His new mission statement had four components: "Produce a quality product at a competitive price, deliver it on time in a positive environment."

Burke's new approach began to pay off quickly. Improved efficiency and marketing, combined with Trek's ongoing reputation for turning out quality products, breathed new life into the company's sagging bottom line. Sales doubled in each of the next three years. In 1987 Trek successfully introduced a new line of mountain bikes, and their popularity helped the company sell a total of about 100,000 bicycles in 1988.

Trek continued to find innovative ways to make money during the last years of the 1980s. In 1988 the company introduced a line of bicycling apparel. The following year, Trek entered the stationary bicycle market with Trek Fitness bikes. In 1989 the Jazz line of children's bicycles were introduced, and the company opened subsidiaries in Great Britain and Germany. Within five years, international sales accounted for about 35 percent of the company's business. By 1990 mountain bikes made up nearly half the bicycles sold in the United States, and Trek was prepared to claim a strong share of those sales. The company sold 350,000 bikes altogether that year. Trek's sales grew to about $175 million for fiscal 1991, and the company had about 700 employees by that time.

The High-Tech 1990s

During the first part of the 1990s, Trek remained at the technological forefront among bicycle manufacturers. Throughout the 1980s, the company had succeeded in developing advanced materials that enabled it to maximize the lightness and strength of its bicycle frames. These breakthroughs led to the 1992 development of the Optimum Compaction Low Void (OCLV) carbon fiber lamination process. Using the OCLV process, Trek was able to make the lightest production frames in the world, weighing in at a mere 2.44 pounds. Trek's first OCLV carbon road bike, Model 5500, was introduced in 1992, and its first OCLV carbon mountain bikes, Models 9800 and 9900, were unveiled a year later.

Meanwhile, another expansion project took place at Trek's Waterloo plant, which now measured 140,000 square feet. During the early 1990s, the bicycle industry in the United States experienced a bit of a sales slump. To compensate, Trek looked to boost its sales in other areas. The company continued to emphasize international growth during this period. Sales in Japan, for example grew by about 40 percent per year from 1991 through 1993. Trek also concentrated more on sales in Europe, where it was gaining a solid reputation among bicycle buyers who had long thought of American bikes as heavy, clunky monsters built for kids.

In addition, the company began to focus more on the sale of bicycling accessories. Beginning in 1992, Trek assembled helmets at a new plant in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, out of parts purchased from other companies. By 1993 the plant was making helmets at a rate of about half a million a year, double its total from 1992. Trek also launched a small line of tandem bikes in 1992. Although a relatively small market, the tandem bikes proved popular among family fitness buffs.

In 1993 Trek acquired the Gary Fisher Mountain Bike Company, the company founded by and named for the originator of the mountain bike. Gary Fisher's sales increased tenfold in its first year as part of the growing Trek empire, from $2 million to $20 million. Altogether, company sales reached $230 million for 1993, a $20 million increase from the previous year. That modest increase was impressive considering that it came during a period so difficult for bike makers that it saw longtime industry giant Schwinn sink into bankruptcy. Having passed competitors Specialized and Cannondale, Trek was now the clear market leader in specialty bike shop sales. By this time, exports generated $80 million of Trek's sales, and the company maintained seven overseas distribution operations--one in Japan and the other six in Europe.

Trek passed the $250 million mark in sales in 1994. By that time, the company was manufacturing 65 different models in its Wisconsin plants, including road bike, mountain bike, hybrid, and tandem styles. Trek expanded its children's bicycle business that year with the introduction of a line called Trek Kids. A number of major developments took place at Trek in 1995. That year, the company opened a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Whitewater, Wisconsin. The Whitewater plant, capable of producing 3,000 bicycles a day, dwarfed the company's other factories.

Acquisitions in the Mid-1990s

Trek also bought out two smaller niche-market competitors in 1995--Bontrager Bicycles, based in Santa Cruz, California; and Klein Bicycles of Chehalis, Washington. Those companies' plants remained in operation after the purchases. On top of those additions, Trek also signed a ten-year licensing deal with bicycle-racing superstar Greg LeMond to use his name on a line of road bikes. Additionally, the company introduced a new line of mountain bikes featuring an innovative Y-shaped frame. Trek's Y-frame received an "Outstanding Design and Engineering Award" from Popular Mechanics magazine, and the U.S. Secret Service even bought a few Y-frame bikes for patrolling the grounds of the White House.

Largely on the continuing strength of mountain bike sales, Trek's revenue grew to $327 million in 1995, a jump of nearly 19 percent. In early 1996, the company announced plans to add another 45,000 square feet to its Oconomowoc distribution center. It also announced its intention to build a distribution center in Atlanta to go with its existing centers in New Jersey and Southern California. Around the same time, Trek revealed that it was joining forces with Volkswagen of America to form a professional mountain bike team. The Trek/Volkswagen alliance went further yet, with the introduction of the Volkswagen Jetta Trek, a car that comes equipped with a mountain bike and rack.

In 1996, Trek also began planning a retail "superstore" on the west side of Madison, Wisconsin. The announcement did not sit particularly well with the specialty retailers already selling Trek bikes in the area. Although the company had dabbled in retail operations before--Trek has another retail store already operating in Madison, and flirted briefly with part ownership of a chain of stores in northern California--Burke insisted that it was not about to plunge into retail as a major part of their operation.

Meanwhile, Trek continued to beat out much of the competition in terms of quality and service, as it sought to solidify its position at the front of the high-end bicycle pack. Its ability to thrive during a period in which the bicycle industry as a whole was more or less stagnant suggests that Trek is poised to maintain its dominant position.

Principal Subsidiaries: Fahrradhandel Gesellschaft GmbH (Austria); Bikeurope BV (Netherlands); Trek Denmark; Trek Bicycle GmbH (Germany); Trek Japan; Bike USA S.L. (Spain); Trek Fahrrad AG (Switzerland); Trek UK.

Source: International Directory of Company Histories , Vol. 16. St. James Press, 1997.

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Green Energy

Electrek green energy brief.

• Solar power

In 2023, investment in clean energy manufacturing shot up 70% from 2022

Booming investment in solar and battery manufacturing is rapidly becoming a powerful global economic driver, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA).

In a first-of-its-kind analysis from the IEA, “ Advancing Clean Technology Manufacturing ” finds that global investment in the manufacturing of five key clean energy technologies – solar, wind, batteries, electrolyzers, and heat pumps – rose to $200 billion in 2023, an increase of more than 70% from 2022 that accounted for around 4% of global GDP growth and nearly 10% of global investment growth. 

Spending on solar PV manufacturing more than doubled last year, while investment in battery  manufacturing rose by around 60%.

As a result, solar PV module manufacturing capacity today is  already in line with what is needed in 2030 based on the IEA’s net zero emissions scenario. For battery cells, if announced projects are included, manufacturing capacity is 90% of the way toward meeting net zero demand at the end of this decade. 

The report finds that many projects in the pipeline will be operational soon. Around 40% of investments in clean energy manufacturing in 2023 were in facilities that are due to come online in 2024. For batteries, this share rises to 70%.

Clean energy manufacturing is still dominated by China, which is currently home to more than 80% of global solar PV module manufacturing capacity, followed by the US and India with 5%, and Europe with just 1%. That’s not expected to change this decade.

However, the report finds that the manufacturing of battery cells could become less geographically concentrated in China by 2030. If all announced projects are realized, Europe and the US could each reach around 15% of global installed capacity by 2030. 

New data and analysis based on plant-level assessments of more than 750 factories indicate that  China remains the lowest-cost producer of all clean energy technologies. Battery, wind, and solar PV manufacturing facilities are typically 70-130% more expensive to build in the US and Europe than in China.

However, the vast majority of total production costs for these technologies (70-98%) is estimated to come from operational costs that include energy, labor, and materials. The IEA says the implication is that current production cost gaps can be influenced by policy.

“While greater investment is still needed for some technologies – and clean energy manufacturing could be spread more widely around the globe – the direction of travel is clear. Policy makers have a huge opportunity to design industrial strategies with clean energy transitions at their core,” said IEA executive director Fatih Birol.  

The report, produced in response to a request from G7 Leaders in 2023, is designed to provide guidance for policy makers as they prepare industrial strategies with a strong focus on clean energy manufacturing.

Read more: The US just proposed 18 GW of new offshore wind sales

To limit power outages and make your home more resilient, consider going solar with a battery storage system. In order to find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage , a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and you share your phone number with them.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here . – ad*

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Electrek Green Energy Brief: A daily technical, …

Michelle Lewis is a writer and editor on Electrek and an editor on DroneDJ, 9to5Mac, and 9to5Google. She lives in White River Junction, Vermont. She has previously worked for Fast Company, the Guardian, News Deeply, Time, and others. Message Michelle on Twitter or at [email protected]. Check out her personal blog.

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The Best Road Bike Wheels of 2024

When it comes to road bike components, a quality set of wheels is one of the biggest performance upgrades you can make . Whether you’re looking to improve aerodynamics, reduce weight, or simply improve the ride feel of your bike, there are lots of great options to suit every need and preference.

Of course, having all those options can make deciding which road bike wheels to buy a challenge, especially when every brand and model claims to be better than the next. And, the rapid evolution of road bike wheels in recent years means that choosing the right wheels has gotten even more confusing than it used to be. Carbon, aluminum, disc brake, rim brake, rim depth, rim width, hookless tubeless, hooked tubeless, or clincher? There are so many options these days it could make your head spin.

To help provide some clarity, we’ve tested a huge selection of the best road bike wheels on the market to provide honest feedback about how they perform in the real world. Each set of wheels was tested by review author Bennett Shane or another member of our editorial team. Over hundreds of miles of riding, we examined and scrutinized each model’s performance while considering important factors like weight, stiffness, stability, vibration damping, aerodynamics, tire compatibility, and overall build quality.

Whether you’re a climber looking for a snappy and feathery set of low-profile rims, a breakaway addict looking for a set of “deeps” to save every watt of drag possible, or a roadie with an uncanny knack for getting lost on gravel, we’ve tested many of the most popular models and some lesser known newcomers to help you decide on this crucial upgrade.

Among the models we’ve tested, we zeroed in on our favorites which are listed below, followed by the best of the rest which are also great options we feel are worthy of consideration. To see all the models we tested at a glance, check out our comparison chart, and if you need help deciding what you need, take a look at our buying advice and FAQ section.

• Best All-Around Carbon Road Bike Wheels: Reserve 40|44 DT 350
• Best Value Carbon Road Bike Wheels: Hunt 44 Aerodynamicist Carbon Disc
• Best Carbon Disc Climbing Road Bike Wheels: Cadex 36 Disc
• Best All-Around Aluminum Road Bike Wheels: Roval Alpinist SLX
• Best All-Around Road Bike Wheels for Rim Brakes: HED Ardennes RA Black
• Best Climbing Road Bike Wheels for Rim Brakes: HiFi EP30 SL Rim Brake Carbon Clinchers
• Best Entry-Level Race Wheels: Vision Trimax 35 DB CL
• Most Elegant Road Bike Wheels: Chris King ARD44

Reserve 40|44 DT 350

• MSRP $1799 (DT 350, as tested), $2,199 (DT 240), $2,499 (DT 180)
• Weight 1534g (other hub options are lighter)
• Tubeless Yes, Hooked Tubeless Ready
• Rim material Carbon
• Brake Type Disc, Centerlock
• Depth 40mm (front) / 44mm (rear)
• Width 25.5mm internal/33mm external (front), 25mm internal/31mm external (rear)
• Plush ride quality
• Responsive performance
• Choice in hub spec
• Minimal branding
• Not the lightest
• No stock Campagnolo freehub option

Reserve is the wheel supplier of Team Visma-Lease a Bike, whose riders won the general classifications of all three grand tours in 2023. So, it’s safe to assume their latest road wheels, including the brilliant 40|44 DT 350 wheels, are fast enough for the rest of us. While the 40|44 are speedy and efficient, Reserve touts comfort as the most compelling attribute, and we strongly agree. These are the most buttery-smooth and pleasant carbon wheels we tested and are an ideal choice for racking up big miles on any road, from minty fresh tarmac to aged and weathered pavement, even dirt and hardpack gravel. With internal rim widths of 25 mm in front and 25.5mm in the rear, they are optimized for tires no smaller than 28mm, all the way up to 45mm, making them a solid choice for those with all-road intentions. 

Another reason to love the 40|44 and all Reserve wheels is the choice of pricing, based on the hub spec. Our test set featured the workhorse DT Swiss 350 Staightpull hubs, and retail for $1799. The DT 350 packs a huge amount of performance, reliability, and serviceability into the 40|44 while allowing the weight to remain respectable at just over 1500g with tubeless tape and valves installed. At an additional cost, Reserve also offers the 40|44 with DT Swiss 240 (1445g) and DT 180 (1381g) hubs for weight savings, but realistically, hubs are about reliability and quick cassette engagement, both of which the 350 has covered and then some. 

As the name denotes, the 40|44 are a mixed-depth wheelset, meaning the front rim is shallower than the rear. Reserve designs all of their road wheels this way because, in reality, the demands and conditions affecting front and rear wheels are slightly different. Up front, turbulent air is hitting a lighter wheel that is bearing far less of the rider’s weight and is free to rotate along with the fork. So, the shallower 40mm rim offers more stability because it catches less airflow. The taller 44mm rear rim makes for a slightly stiffer wheel build, for more responsive acceleration. Bearing more of the rider’s weight, shielded from the wind by the rider’s lower body and locked into the rear triangle of the bike, the rear wheel is much less of a liability in blustery conditions, so there’s no downside to the increased depth.

Straightpull spokes are another great choice for this wheelset, allowing for very high spoke tension, which creates plenty of responsiveness during accelerations and lateral stiffness during aggressive maneuvering. 

Reserve also made the 40|44 easy to get along with. The hooked tubeless-ready rims are compatible with any tubeless tire or clinchers run with tubes. DT Swiss’ hubs are reliable and easy to service. There is also no weight limit and Reserve offers a lifetime warranty and crash replacement discount for added peace of mind to protect your investment. And, our experience with Reserve’s warranty department has always been good. 

While other wheels might stand out more in certain situations, the Reserve 40|44 is a super capable all-arounder that has you covered on any ride, pace, surface, or distance. At $1799 US, they are moderately priced (compared to some premium options) and a great performance and comfort upgrade for any disc brake road bike.

Read our full review of the Reserve 40|44 Road Wheels .

Hunt 44 Aerodynamicist Carbon Disc

• MSRP $1,279
• Weight 1528g (including tape, valves, and rotor lock rings)
• Tubeless Yes, Hooked Tubeless
• Ri Material Carbon
• Width 20mm internal / 29mm external
• Affordable for carbon
• All the freehub body options
• Come with rotor lock rings, tape and valves
• Great ride quality
• Quick engagment
• Test wheels trapped water inside
• 240 lbs weight limit

Hunt Bike Wheels have made a name for themselves and become synonymous with value in the cycling wheel market. The Hunt 44 Aerodynamicist Carbon Disc wheels are a great example. This is a quality carbon wheelset with virtually no drawbacks that performs nearly on par with models that cost as much as double the price.

As the name suggests, the 44 Aerodynamicist Carbon features a Carbon rim with a 44mm depth. This depth strikes a good middle ground between super-deep aero rims and shallower rims where they still slice through the air efficiently but avoid getting pushed around in variable winds. The hooked rims are 20mm wide internally and 29mm wide externally, and Hunt claims they are aero-optimized for use with 25c-28c tires. That said, they should work with any tires between 23-50mm as the hooked rim is compatible with tubeless-ready tires or clinchers with a tube.

The rims are laced with straight-pull aero spokes to Hunt hubs with center lock brake rotor interfaces, plus they come with rotor lock rings, which is a nice touch. The freehub features three pawls and a 48-tooth ratchet for quick 7.5-degree engagement. Hunt has also accounted for all freehub styles, and you can pick between Shimano HG, SRAM XDR, Campagnolo, and Campagnolo N3W (Ekar), so drivetrain compatibility shouldn’t be an issue. They also include a spacer for 8/9/10 speed cassettes along with a few spare spokes, nipples, and washers.

Beyond the build, the performance of the 44 Aerodynamicist is also great. They feel lighter than their weight suggests when climbing and getting on the gas, yet reassuringly stable at speed and generally unfazed when subject to crosswinds. They also provide a good amount of comfort over less-than-perfect road surfaces like weathered pavement or the occasional detour down a gravel road. They also look fantastic, with a matte black finish and subtle logos that look classy and will go with any bike build.

At $1,279, the Hunt 44 Aerodynamicist still are no drop in the bucket, but they’re hundreds less than most moderately priced carbon road wheels. On top of that, Hunt offers a 3-year warranty and riders can purchase the H_Care lifetime crash replacement policy for $69. They also have a 60-day Ride and Return Policy, so you try these wheels with confidence knowing that you’re not committed if you don’t happen to like them. But, you probably will because these are excellent wheels, especially for the price.

Read our full review of the Hunt 44 Aerodynamicist Carbon Disc wheels .

Cadex 36 Disc Tubeless

• MSRP $2500/set (or $1400/front and $1800/rear)
• Weight 1354g (including tape and valves)
• Tubeless Yes, Hookless
• Width 22.4mm internal / 26mm external
• Incredibly responsive
• Predictable and confident handling
• Comfortable ride
• Tire choice is limited to hookless tubeless only

If you aren’t familiar, Cadex is the component division of Giant Bicycles, and they produce a wide range of bike parts and accessories including premium wheels like the Cadex 36 Disc . Given their reputation for delivering exceptional performance and featuring the specs to support that, we were excited to see how good they really are. 

Big Gains for Big Days is the Why behind the 36 Disc, according to Cadex. At 1354g with tape and valves installed, the Cadex 36 is an impressively light wheelset but delivers more than just uphill speed. With a 22.4 internal width and a hookless rim, the Cadex 36 Disc are also optimized for running bigger tires at lower pressure, which makes big days on the bike less exhausting through improved rolling efficiency and enhanced comfort. 

High tensile strength carbon spokes are a big part of the weight savings achieved in the Cadex 36 Disc but also make for an incredibly stiff and responsive wheel. The spokes are bladed for improved aerodynamics and stability in windy conditions. Cadex’s own R1-C30 low-friction hubs feature precision-machined internals and ceramic bearings which they claim roll up to 50% more smoothly than steel hub bearings. Additionally, Cadex uses what they call “Custom-Tuned Dynamic Balanced Lacing” to achieve a wider bracing angle and higher spoke tension to bolster stiffness and responsiveness.

Setup was quick and easy as the wheels come with tubeless tapes and valves installed. Tires seated easily with just a floor pump, but be aware that the Cadex 36 Disc rim is hookless, so it is absolutely critical to run compatible hookless approved tires. No clincher tires are compatible with hookless rims, and a fair number of “tubeless-ready” tires are not compatible with hookless rims, either, so it’s best to do some research prior to choosing your rubber. (They are currently selling the wheels as a set with tires included for $2,500)

“Big gains” is something that can be felt from the first pedal stroke. The Cadex 36 spin up very easily and hold speed incredibly well uphill. Stomping on the pedals, the lateral rigidity reminds one of a deeper rim, but with the responsiveness and zest of a wheel this light. Whether tapping out a deliberate, measured cadence or dropping the hammer, these wheels are happy to do whatever you please. And despite their stiffness, at 36mm deep, the Cadex 36 do still offer some forgiveness over road chatter, cracks, and bumps in the road. Handling at all speeds is predictable, precise, and they feel stable at speed and virtually unaffected by crosswinds.

While it can certainly be hard to justify the premium price tag of the Cadex 36 wheels at $1,400 and $1,800 for the front and rear, respectively, they are currently being sold for $2,500 as a set with a pair of Cadex tires. While that clearly isn’t inexpensive, it’s an easier pill to swallow and even undercuts the price of several other premium wheelsets. And, Cadex’s Composite Confidence Guarantee covers damage for the first two years, along with a 5-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

So, if you’re looking for some light, stiff, and classy-looking wheels to help make hills feel flatter, the Cadex 36 is worth a serious look. They don’t come cheap but these wheels offer premium performance for those seeking the best.

Read our full review of the Cadex 36 Disc wheels .

Roval Aplinist SLX Disc

• Weight 1485g
• Rim material Aluminum
• Width 20mm internal / 23.5mm external
• Excellent hubs
• Great handling
• Comfortable
• Reasonably lightweight
• Could be wider

Roval touts the Alpinist SLX as the best aluminum wheelset the company has ever produced for road riding. By combining tubeless ready rims laced to excellent DT Swiss 350 hubs with Sapim spokes and nipples, they’ve created a respectably lightweight wheelset that does everything well. At $800, the Alpinist SLX sits at a price point a few hundred dollars below entry-level carbon fiber wheels, which in many cases are less inspiring to ride than premium aluminum, being heavier or built with lower-quality hubs.  

The Alpinist SLX rim is made from 6061 aluminum aluminum alloy with a shot-peened finish. The rim is a hooked and tubeless-ready design with a moderate internal width of 20mm and an external width of 23.5mm that will work great with tires from 25 to 30c. While a touch narrower than what is quickly becoming the norm, these rims still work great with the vast majority of tires most people are using for pure road riding. That said, the Alpinist SLX rim still manages to feel plush and maneuverable, especially when set up tubeless with 30c rubber. With aluminum rims and a lightweight overall build, it’s critical to choose the best tires, otherwise, the ride quality and rolling resistance will be less than ideal. And, being a more affordable aluminum option, it leaves room in the budget to upgrade tires as well. 

Moving away from the rim, it’s clear that Roval was committed to making intelligent choices in selecting the parts for the Alpinist SLX wheelset, making them as well-rounded as some more expensive custom-built wheels. First, we find Sapim D-Light spokes, which aren’t the lightest or most aero spokes, but do enhance the ride quality of the Alpinist SLX. Those are laced to the legendary DT Swiss 350 hub with a 36-tooth star ratchet system for solid 10-degree engagement under power. The DT 350 is also one of the most reliable and easily serviced hubs ever produced.

Setting up the Alpinist SLX tubeless was fairly easy, with both tape and tubeless valves supplied inside the box. We did need to use an air compressor to pop the tire beads into place, but once that was done, the tires held air perfectly. 

On the road, the Alpinist SLX were pleasant to ride at a steady pace across any terrain. Only during the most extreme maneuvers and accelerations was it evident that they weren’t quite as stiff and snappy as some carbon options we tested. It’s no surprise that many of the professional teams that Specialized sponsors use the Alpinist SLX as training wheels between races. These are comfortable, predictable, and stable wheels for munching up big miles.

If you want an affordable, comfortable, and worry-free upgrade to your stock aluminum wheels, the Roval Alpinist SLX are a smart pick. Just be sure to match them with a high-end tubeless tire to realize their full potential.

HED Ardennes RA Black

• MSRP $1,300
• Weight 1475g
• Tubeless Yes. Hooked Tubeless Ready
• Brake Type Rim
• Depth 24.5mm
• Width 21mm internal / 25mm external
• Serious braking power
• Exquisite ride quality
• Looks the business
• Perfectly built

For the rim brake holdouts, we feel the HED Ardennes RA Black is one of the best wheelsets available, regardless of rim material. With a great design and all-around performance, the aluminum-rimmed Ardennes avoid many of the compromises and shortcomings of carbon fiber rim brake models that cost significantly more.  

The “Black” in HED Ardennes RA Black is a reference to its namesake, the textured black braking surface that features “Turbine Braking Technology”. The main benefit of Turbine Braking Technology is that the textured surface dramatically reduces stopping distances and the force required at the brake lever, which is of particular importance when running rim brakes. HED makes some lofty promises that these wheels will stop up to 25% faster in dry conditions and as much as 70% faster in wet conditions compared to other rim brake wheels with carbon brake tracks. The other obvious benefit is that the black brake track looks super stealthy, just like carbon rims, but without the concerns around heat buildup at the brake track, and poor wet-weather braking performance.

While controlling your speed is obviously super-critical, these wheels are also focused on ride quality and performance. The rims themselves are designed and constructed to provide a comfortable yet lively ride with an internal width of 21mm that is well suited to pure road riding tire widths between 23 and 30c. Unlike disc brake wheels, brake track width and tire volume are more of a consideration, and here the HED Ardennes hit the sweet spot.

Those rims are laced to HED HU216 (f) and Sonic 545 (r) hubs with Sapim CX-Ray bladed spokes. The front wheel uses straight pull spokes and radial lacing while the rear uses J-bend spokes in a 2x cross pattern. These spokes are light, aerodynamic, and provide a great ride quality in addition to being relatively easy to find should you need to replace one. And, in our experience with HED Ardennes wheels, you may never need to replace one or even true your wheels. The 5-pawl freehub engages quickly, and while it has a somewhat aggressive freewheeling sound, it isn’t over the top.

HED includes tubeless rim tape with the wheels, but you’ll need valve stems to complete the system which they sell separately for $15 a pop on their site in a range of lengths. Outside of that, setting up tires proved to be super easy and only required the use of a floor pump.

On the road, the HED Ardennes RA Black feel efficient and comfortable and not far off from more expensive deep-section carbon hoops. Super discerning riders might feel a slight reduction in efficiency, but the ride quality, responsiveness, and comfort these wheels provide over rough pavement is hard to ignore. Likewise, the rim brake stopping power is the best we’ve ever experienced, competitive in power and modulation to hydraulic disc brakes.

So, if you’re not convinced that carbon fiber rims or disc brakes are for you, the HED Ardennes RA Black is our top recommendation. While $1,300 isn’t exactly cheap, they cost less than most carbon options while providing a nicely balanced ride quality, excellent stopping power, and good looks.

Read our full review of the HED Ardennes RA Black wheels.

HiFi EP30 SL Rim Brake Carbon Clinchers

• Weight 1320g
• Rim material Full carbon
• Width 19mm internal / 25mm external
• What is gravity?
• Micro-hooked tubeless rims for the win
• Sensible width for rim brake frame clearances
• Replacement spokes may take time to source

HiFi Sound Cycling Components is based in Portland, Oregon, and has focused on hand-built wheels for every major cycling discipline since 2013. Since bike racing is about going fast, it’s no surprise that HiFi remains committed to offering high-end rim-brake wheelsets, like the EP30 SL .

Setting up the EP30 SL with tubeless tires was a cinch, thanks to nice and sticky tubeless tape that only requires one layer, and high-quality tubeless valves, which are included with purchase. Since the EP30 SL rim is hooked, you can run any tire under the sun with or without an innertube, which we love and applaud. While the rim is hooked, the hook is less pronounced than traditional clincher rims, a design HiFi terms “micro-hook”. The benefits are the tire security and compatibility of a traditional hooked design, with a more advanced rim/tire interface that allows the tire to better protect the top edge of the brake track from impacts with potholes and other road debris.

The EP30 SL’s 19/25mm internal/external width is a bit narrower than most road wheels being developed at present. Keeping in mind that the tires must safely clear rim brake calipers and narrow parts of the frame and fork, 19/25mm is a smart choice from a compatibility standpoint. Thanks to a ride quality that balances stiffness with a good amount of compliance, we found that with 25c and 28c rubber installed, the EP30 SL had a nice balance of speed and comfort, and allowed the tire to grip confidently at all times.

At 1320 grams, the EP30 SL is an ideal choice for hilly terrain, but far away from a niche wheelset for pure climbers. Not only were the 395g rims quick to spin up, but the 30mm deep profile was tenacious at high speed, helping us bomb down descents and charge across flat terrain like much deeper options. The EP30 SL rim offers plenty of stiffness, providing pinpoint maneuverability and surefooted confidence with the bike leaning through fast turns. Climbing on them is special, though. We set numerous personal best times on local climbs that we’ve ridden dozens of times while testing these wheels.

The braking performance of the EP30 SL rim was excellent, with zero shuttering, squealing, or brake fade. While we don’t recommend any carbon brake track wheel for day-in and day-out riding in wet and grimy conditions, we can confirm that the EP30 SL is ready to descend aggressively and ride in traffic with total confidence, in dry and slightly damp conditions. They also come with carbon-specific brake pads that we found to work great for slowing down in a hurry.

The EP30 HiFi Fidelity R36SL straight pull hubs feature high-quality Japanese steel bearings and use a 4-pawl system engaging with a 36-tooth ring. The R36SL hubs offer quick and reliable engagement, lightweight, and long-term dependability. The R36SL hubs are laced by hand to the EP30 SL rim with Sapim CX-Ray straight pull spokes. and Sapim Secure Lock Alloy nipples. The front wheel features an 18-spoke radial lacing pattern, while the rear utilizes a 24-hole 2:1 lacing pattern with 16 spokes on the drive side and 8 on the non-drive.

In the case of major incidents, HiFi offers a generous crash replacement policy that provides a 50% off MSRP discount on any wheel and necessary parts that are structurally damaged in a crash or accident. HiFi also guarantees their wheels to be free of manufacturing defects for 24 months from the date of purchase by the original owner. 

At $1970, the HiFi EP30 SL is a significant investment but will have you setting new personal bests and keep your beloved rim brake race bike on the road for many more years to come, instead of spending a lot more money to ride a different bike that is heavier and more complicated to maintain.

Vision Trimax 35 DB CL

• Weight 1650g
• Width 19mm internal / 23mm external
• Excellent lateral stiffness
• Affordable speed
• Narrow by today’s norms
• 3-pawl freehub engages less quickly

The Vision Trimax 35 DB CL wheelset represents an affordable upgrade in aerodynamics and lateral stiffness, making it a great choice for those just getting into road racing or time-trialing. 

The Trimax 35 rim features a slightly more aggressive 35mm depth and material is milled away around the spokes nipples, ensuring a race-worthy strength-to-weight ratio and creating a striking aesthetic. While Vision offers no specific aerodynamic claims about the Trimax 35 rim, it’s documented that deeper rims provide an advantage when riding at higher speed, by giving the air more surface to flow across, thus reducing the turbulence and aero drag that slows the rim down.

The rim is wide enough across the spoke bed to work well with 28c tires but for the best aerodynamics, a 25c tire is ideal and will create a smooth transition from the rim to the tire sidewall. Thankfully, the Vision Trimax 35 is tubeless ready, so those smaller 25c tires will still be comfortable and fast-rolling because they can be run at lower pressure without a tube inside. 

While the Trimax 35 DB CL wheelset isn’t a featherweight option at 1650 grams, when set up tubeless and paired with a lightweight and supple tire, it’s a fast set of wheels. The deeper rim and shorter spokes react with vigor to sudden spikes in power. The only thing that holds these wheels back a bit at times is the 3-pawl freehub, which takes a moment to engage the rear wheel during sudden accelerations, which we found most noticeable when climbing. Once the climbing is done, the Trimax 35 wheels are more than ready to rip descents, corners, and long flat stretches of open road. 

We were honestly quite pleasantly surprised by the Vision Trimax 35 DB CL given their reasonable cost of just $550. Sometimes it’s easy to get swept up in all the latest and greatest tech when testing the best of the best. To their credit, Vision has created a fast and nice-looking set of wheels that won’t break the bank but might help you break away from the pack.

Chris King ARD44

• Weight 1525g
• Tubeless Yes, Hookless Tubeless
• Rim material Fusion Fiber
• Width 25mm internal / 30.5mm external
• Flat out gorgeous
• Unbeatable comfort
• Built to last – lifetime warranty
• Recyclable rims
• Made in USA
• Your new bank balance
• A tad heavier than similarly priced options

Chris King has been making some of the most lust-worthy components in the cycling industry for many years, but the ARD44 is the brand’s first dedicated wheels for road cycling. These also happen to be the first road wheels made with Fusion Fiber , a US-made carbon fiber that has previously been applied in both gravel and mountain bike wheels. Built around Chris King’s excellent R45D hubs, these hookless tubeless wheels come at a premium price but back that up with amazing craftsmanship, stellar ride quality, and an outstanding lifetime warranty.

One of the standout features of the ARD44 wheels is the Fusion Fiber rims. Made in Utah by CSS Composites, Fusion Fiber has been used by Forge+Bond and in Chris King’s other recent complete GRD and MTN wheelsets. Using a thermoplastic resin, Fusion Fiber is not only recyclable but claims to absorb vibration better than traditional carbon fiber as well. On the road, the comfort is readily apparent as they soak up road buzz and impact as well as any other wheels we’ve tried. That smoothness translates directly to grip and rolling efficiency since everything seems less affected by imperfections in the road surface, handling is super calm and predictable, and the wheels are surprisingly quiet and damp sounding too (other than the freehub).

With a 44mm depth, the ARD44 rims offer a moderate level of aero advantage, which is enhanced by the hookless design for a smoother transition at the rim-tire interface. Despite the 44mm depth, we found them to be impressively stable in crosswinds where some deep section rims can feel sketchy. In varying winds, they did not waver or get pushed around and felt more similar to shallower designs. The hookless design and 25mm internal/30.5mm external width have been “aerodynamically tailored for 28mm-30mm tires”, meaning tires of those sizes will be the most aero-efficient. That said, they are claimed to work with tires up to 47mm wide, meaning they also have your all-road and gravel needs covered.

At the center of those rims are Chris King R45D hubs which are made in their factory in Portland, OR. These stunning hubs are available in a range of color options, have a center lock brake rotor interface, and can be purchased with Shimano HG, SRAM XDR, or Shimano Microspline freehub bodies. The house-made stainless steel bearings are ultra-smooth (plus you can upgrade to ceramic for $110) and feature King’s RingDrive system which has 45 points of simultaneous engagement, or 8°, for a zesty, precise feel. Twenty-four bladed, J-bend Sapim CX-Ray spokes connect the rims and hubs together.

At 1525g, the ARD44 isn’t the lightest wheelset around, but what little additional weight they have goes virtually unnoticed on the road, much the same way that cracked and weathered pavement seems to disappear beneath you. Should you manage to damage your wheels, Chris King’s Lifetime Warranty has your back, and they really mean it. If you damage your rim, they will pay for shipping both ways, a new rim and rebuild, plus a hub service. It doesn’t get much better than that.

At $2850, the ARD44 wheelset is well within premium-priced wheelset territory. While they aren’t the lightest, they offer a beautiful ride quality through their Fusion Fiber rims, bombproof Chris King hubs, excellent craftsmanship, and attention to detail. They are also great looking, with a raw carbon finish and subtle, matte King logos. For those in search of an elegant carbon wheelset to grace your forever bike and who value comfort and stability over outright speed, then the Chris King ARD44 may well be worth the cost.

Read our full review of the Chris King ARD44 road wheels.

Best of the Rest

Zipp 303 firecrest tubeless disc.

• MSRP $2,046
• Weight 1352g (no tape or valves included)
• Tubeless Yes. Hookless Tubeless
• Brake Type Disc, Centerlock (also comes in rim brake version)
• Depth 40 mm
• Width 25mm internal / 30 mm external
• Lighting quick acceleration
• Balances aerodynamics and handling
• Tire options limited to hookless tubeless

The latest version of Zipp’s 303 Firecrest marks a few significant changes for this venerated line of wheels. Most notably, the 303 has become even more versatile, by adding width and adopting a hookless rim profile. While that does limit you to fewer compatible tires, the hookless design actually opens up more possibilities for the 303, as an “all-road” wheelset, capable of being fast, smooth, and comfortable while standing up to abuse from unruly and unpaved roads. 

A hookless rim is an interesting choice for a wheelset so steeped in road heritage, as the technology was first developed for mountain bike rims before becoming commonplace on gravel and cyclocross-focused designs. While it is true that tire options become limited with hookless rims, nearly all leading brands now offer a road tire that is hookless compatible. For a sampling of these, check out our Buyer’s Guide to the Best Road Bike Tires of 2024 .

For a road wheelset, the primary claimed benefit of hookless is the more aerodynamic and efficient profile that the tire assumes when installed. By smoothing the transition from rim to tire, airflow is less disrupted and the rim itself is less exposed to impact. Additionally, manufacturers claim the rim itself can be kept lighter without adding hooks. Yet despite these claimed advantages, there are plenty of riders who are opposed to hookless rims in road riding.

So, how does this new-school philosophy in rim design affect the ride characteristics of the 303 Firecrest? When paired with 28c tires (the minimum volume that is compatible, according to Zipp) and inflated to 70 PSI, the 303 Firecrest feels so smooth, that it takes some getting used to. On a few occasions during the first ride, we were compelled to look down to ensure there wasn’t a puncture. In reality, the 303 Firecrest and the wider tires were doing their job in perfect harmony, soaking up road buzz and decreasing rolling resistance, which in turn preserves more speed and more energy in the rider, a win-win! While that level of smoothness doesn’t always translate well to cornering, we found it felt natural, confident, and precise. This is due to the 30mm external rim width, which prevents the tire from deforming under the lateral force generated by leaning the bike into a turn. 

Climbing, the 303’s low weight was readily apparent, and they made easy work of even double-digit gradients. The rear hub’s 66-point engagement helps here as there is no lag when your cadence drops or pedaling gets choppy. At high speed, the 40mm deep rim was surprisingly efficient, reminiscent of a rim with greater depth. With the 303 Firecrest, it’s easier to hold onto higher speeds, because the entire wheel and tire (+ bike and rider) system is suspended more efficiently above the road, so the road is essentially smoothed out, and watts are thereby saved.

Testing this wheelset wasn’t as much an “ah-ha” as an “uh-huh”, as the 303 Firecrest has been and will remain on the short list of the best-performing road wheels available. Zipp realizes that their bread and butter – aerodynamics – has hit a plateau in development, and smartly pivoted to rolling resistance to stay ahead of the pack with the 303 Firecrest. At $2046, they are actually competitively priced compared to many top-tier models. It’s a hard wheelset to look away from and was even harder to send back to Zipp.

Bontrager Aeolus Pro 49V Disc TLR

• MSRP $1,800
• Weight 1555g
• Rim material OCLV NEXT Thermoplastic Carbon
• Width 25mm internal / 32mm external
• Wide rims for higher volume tires

The Bontrager Aeolus Pro 49V is an aerodynamic road disc upgrade that’s within reach for more riders compared to the brand’s premium Aeolus RSL model. Bontrager’s use of OCLV NEXT thermoplastic carbon makes the Aeolus Pro 49V rim more durable and better able to dampen vibrations, resulting in a lower rolling resistance for a smoother and faster wheelset. The aerodynamically-optimized 25mm internal width rim is ideal for pairing with higher volume road tires size 28c and above. Because of the added width, the Aeolus Pro 49V rims allow those larger tires to run at lower pressures, enhancing traction and comfort. 

We had the chance to test the Aeolus Pro 49V back-to-back against the range-topping Aeolus RSL 51. On the same bike, with the same tires and tire pressure, riding the same 15-mile loop, it was honestly challenging to identify a difference in performance. If the test had been blind, we’re not sure we could have correctly which was the $1800 wheelset, or the one costing $1,000 more. Safe to say that whatever difference could be measured by CFD analysis, or by a truly rigorous road test using a power meter, the differences would be marginal. 

So, where exactly do the cost savings come from? The most direct cost-saving difference is the level of carbon fiber used in the respective rims. While the Aeolus RSL range features Bontrager’s lighter top-tier “RSL OCLV”, the Aeolus Pro range uses the  slightly heavier “OCLV Next” carbon, to match the same level of strength as the RSL. The heavier rims are part of why the Aeolus Pro 49V weighs 1555g, while the Aeolus RSL 51 wheelset is just 1410g. 

Moving away from the rim, the Aeolus Pro 49V uses heavier hubs, which don’t use the same DT-Swiss internals as the Aeolus RSL 51. Still, the Bontrager Rapid Drive 108 hubs found on the Aoelus Pro 49V offer excellent engagement and a precise, snappy feel when accelerating and climbing. They also feature the same DT Swiss Aerolite Spokes, which can withstand super-high tension and have been tested to be one of the most aerodynamically efficient spokes available. 

Next to the Aeolus RSL 51, the Aeolus Pro 49V has a less refined finish, but it’s certainly still a classy-looking wheelset. As someone who likes to occasionally throw fast wheels on my gravel bike for a race, the extra 2mm of internal rim width and the extra $1000 in my bank account would choosing between the two super easy. While weight is what a lot of folks fixate on when upgrading wheels, in our experience this year testing wheels and tires, we’ve downgraded its importance somewhat, assuming it’s under 1600g. Aerodynamics and low rolling resistance are where it’s at for us, and the Aeolus Pro 49V delivers both in good measure. 

All Bontrager carbon wheels are warrantied for life for the original purchaser and come with the added protection of Carbon Care. If you structurally damage your wheels while riding in the first two years of ownership, Bontrager will replace them. This is a significantly more generous offer than what most carbon wheel manufacturers list as “protection”. So, if you’re looking for a versatile aero wheelset that is comfortable and reliable and has an excellent warranty, the Bontrager Aeolus Pro 49V is a winning pick.

ENVE SES 3.4

• MSRP $2,850
• Weight 1455g
• Rim material Carbon fiber
• Depth 39mm front / 43mm rear
• Top-notch handling
• Compliant ride quality
• Hookless rims limit tire options
• Internal nipples not ideal with tubeless tire

The ENVE SES 3.4 is a versatile, aero, light, and fast wheelset, according to ENVE, and we agree that it’s one of the best all-around wheelsets available. While it doesn’t stake a claim as the best wheel in any particular category, it excels across the board, making it a true all-rounder and a great pick for those of us who want one carbon wheelset that can do it all quite well. In the real world, where the dynamics of road cycling are constantly changing, the ENVE SES 3.4 adapts seamlessly to whatever’s up the road, from steep climbs to twisty, pothole-riddled descents, to windblown straightaways.

At 25mm wide internally, the SES 3.4 is wide enough to support huge gravel tires but is also aerodynamically optimized for 28c road tires designed for road racing. Speaking of tires, the ENVE SES 3.4’s hookless rim is only compatible with approved hookless tubeless-ready tires. It is possible to run the ENVE SES 3.4 with tubes, but those tubes will still need to be used in conjunction with a hookless tubeless-ready tire. In most cases, such a combination will be heavy and add significant rolling resistance, so we recommend the ENVE SES 3.4 only for riders who intend to use tubeless tires. 

The SES 3.4 rims are different depths, but only marginally so, with a 39mm front and 43mm rear. The added depth bolsters responsiveness in the rear and the shallower front rim is more easily maneuvered, and also easier to hold steady in windy conditions. Responsiveness also gets a boost from the excellent ENVE Premium Road Hubs, which feature flange diameters, spacing, and spoke hole lacing that are all intended to maximize torsional stiffness, spoke tangency, and power transfer. 

Until a few competitors updated their wheels recently, the SES 3.4 were the most comfortable wheels we had ever tested. While they are no longer alone at the top in terms of ride quality, they’re still at the top. The SES 3.4 has an uncanny ability to ride pitch-perfect relative to whatever tire size and pressure is installed. Whether shod in 29c ENVE SES race tires at 68PSI, or a set of knobby gravel 42s, the ride is always responsive but well-damped, inspiring you to take any type of ride you choose.

The one thing we don’t like about the ENVE 3.4 also goes for every wheel ENVE makes, and a few other brands as well, and that’s internal nipples. This design saves a couple of watts of drag and gives ENVE wheels a sleek appearance, but truing the wheels becomes considerably more difficult when it involves tearing apart a complete tubeless tire setup, including removing the tape, before even beginning to adjust the spoke nipples. It’s not a huge issue, but most of the industry sticks with external nipples, for easy spoke tension adjustments that don’t involve tire and tape removal. 

That one issue aside, the ENVE SES 3.4 is everything we want a quiver-killer, all-around wheelset to be. As ENVE says, they are versatile, thanks to their width, aero of course (this is ENVE we’re talking about), light at 1455g, and fast, thanks to their low rolling resistance and excellent hubs. At $2850, they’re also expensive, but that’s no surprise with ENVE, a company that is still batting .1000 after a long time in the game.

Shimano Dura-Ace C50 Tubeless Disc

• MSRP $2,100
• Weight 1461g
• Width 21mm internal / 28mm external
• Priced less than many high-end competitors
• Fast everywhere
• Look the business
• Compatible with any road tire
• Compatible only with Shimano cassettes
• Hubs require proactive maintenance
• Not as wide as many compeititors

Looking at Shimano’s latest Dura-Ace C50 Tubeless Disc Wheelset, one might think that these race-bred deeps are among the most expensive carbon road wheels available. The Dura-Ace moniker, painted no less than six times on each rim, is synonymous with cost-no-object bike builds. Aside from the Dura-Ace branding, the C50 wheelset strikes a stance that looks seriously fast and thoroughly refined, as we’d expect of any wheelset at the top of the Shimano range.

And yet, the Dura Ace C50 cost $2,100 which is less than many of the other premium options on the market. It’s an interesting price point, just a few hundred dollars more than some newcomers without the race-winning pedigree, and nearly 15-20% less than other premium offerings from ENVE, Chris King, Zipp, and Roval. For racers running the requisite Shimano drivetrain, the allure of the C50 combined with its pricing makes them impossible to ignore. 

The C50’s 50mm rim is an all-around aero rim that has tangible watt-saving benefits when pedaling at high speed and also gives a huge boost on descents but never feels sluggish to spin up or maneuver. Its depth is only noticeable when starting from a complete stop and during very slow-speed maneuvers. Once you’re rolling, the C50 feels eager to attack any terrain or situation. For riders wanting a shallower rim that is quicker to spin up and change direction at high speed, Shimano offers the 36mm deep Dura Ace C36 . For racers, and I do mean racers, wanting the most free speed available, the Dura Ace C60 takes it even deeper, for high-speed races on flat to rolling terrain. Of course, most of us only want to have one high-end wheelset that can do it all, and of the Dura-Ace range, the C50 is that wheel. 

We thoroughly enjoyed riding the Dura Ace C50, which is something that isn’t always the case with wheels this deep. While it’s nice knowing on a scientific level that wheels are fast because they are deep and aerodynamically optimized for slightly wider tires, often wheels of this depth feel cumbersome to spin up and less than eager to change direction quickly, and can be less than plush throughout long rides on rough roads. The C50s offer a damped ride quality and hum happily across broken pavement. They are nimble, allowing for easy course correction at high speed when the need arises. Climbing is surprisingly nice, with a direct, eager response to accelerations and a smooth and easy efficiency during steady seated efforts. All these things are great and should be checked off by any high-end 50mm wheel, but are all outshined by how the Dura Ace C50 responds to all-out throw-downs of power. These wheels light up and burn across the tarmac.

High praise aside, an important consideration with these or any road wheels from Shimano is that Shimano hubs are now only compatible with Shimano cassettes, and it’s not possible to run these wheels with any 12-speed drivetrain from SRAM or Campagnolo. Next, Shimano hubs use a cup-and-cone style bearing system that needs to be serviced at more frequent intervals than the much more common cartridge bearing hubs. Lastly, these are road wheels, not gravel-sometimes, do whatever wheels. They do not have the ride quality and handling characteristics that work well on super rough terrain, and what little gravel we did ride rendered them less than potent weapons.

So, for those running a Shimano drivetrain who want to race or just shred aggressively on paved roads, and who ride in dry climates or don’t shy away from a little proactive hub maintenance, the Dura Ace C50 wheelset is a clear winner in the all-around deep section carbon wheel category.

OTHR Anywhr 40

• MSRP $1,749
• Weight 1360g
• Tubeless Yes, Micro-Hooked Tubeless Ready
• Rim material Toray T800s carbon fiber
• Width 24mm internal / 31mm external
• Top-shelf build
• Still moderately expensive
• Silver Holographic decals are super flashy (also come in black)

OTHR is the component division of Ritte Cycles, much like Bontrager is to Trek or Roval is to Specialized. I mention these other brands because some of their top-tier carbon wheels are priced such that not many of us can afford, or justify them. Dissatisfied with other options, the Ritte engineers set out to make wheels for the “meat of the bell curve”. So, Ritte created OTHR and went to work picking apart the most advanced wheels, in a quest to come up with something competitive with these top-tier offerings, at a more reasonable price, resulting in the brilliant Anywhr 40 Wheelset .

“Anywhr” is a fitting name for this wheelset, as it performs well on any surface, gradient, and wind condition. For us, the Anywhr 40 is most impressive on long rides where tapping out a steady pace over varied terrain is key, and wheels must balance aerodynamics, low inertia, and comfort. These wheels make sense for a large segment of riders, from dedicated road and crit racers, to endurance-focused g-roadie, or recreational riders who want to have fun and ride great wheels.

The Anywhr 40 were a breeze to set up tubeless, thanks to OTHR mounting and seating Vittoria Corsa Pro Control 30c tires before shipping the wheels. If you’re not a fan of doing tubeless setups at home, we recommend purchasing new tires with your Anywhr 40, to enjoy this convenience and get on the road quickly. 

Climbing and descending on the Anywhr 40 was dreamy. Uphill, the wheels held speed easily, seeming to smooth out the small acceleration and deceleration of each pedal stroke. This is made possible by not only the low rim weight of 395g but also the 36-tooth ratchet system in the rear hub, which engages the cassette quickly. On descents, the 24mm wide rim maximized the tire’s grip but also held shape perfectly to quickly change direction when needed. At high speed, the 40mm depth means the front wheel was stable and predictable, allowing us to descend aggressively with total confidence. 

The situation we weren’t blown away by the Anywhr 40 was in all-out sprints. These wheels feel more about consistent speed by way of low rolling resistance versus short bursts of acceleration. While some other wheels were a bit spicier than the Anywhr 40 when we had the urge to throw down our max power, those wheels’ deeper, heavier rims were also less comfortable, and not as easy to maneuver as the Anywhr 40.

After testing and loving the OTHR Anywhr 40 , we’re scratching our heads and trying to understand why many of the high-end wheels we tested cost almost double. While they may not dominate the best wheels from Zipp, ENVE, and the like in any one area, they are equal to all these wheels in that  “meat of the bell curve” Ritte references, where we do 95% of our riding. For this reason, we think they are a solid value and are worth a serious look for anyone looking to upgrade this year.

Shimano 105 C32 Tubeless Disc (WH-RS710)

• MSRP $1,050
• Weight 1504g
• Compatible with Shimano cassettes only

The Shimano 105 C32 Tubeless Disc wheelset may not be all that exciting on paper, with higher weight than some of its shallow carbon competitors, and a respectable but safe internal width of 21mm. At $1049, the price itself may even cast doubts on its ability to perform against many other wheels costing double that and beyond. 

In reality, the Shimano C32 is one of those rare but glorious products that receive very little hype and attention but deliver astonishing performance and value. On the road, the C32 is impressive, climbing much better than its weight of 1504g would suggest, gliding over weathered pavement with reassuring stability, and maneuvering precisely and confidently at any speed. 

Only at high speeds above 30 mph does it become obvious that the Shimano C32 are not as aero as some slightly deeper options in the 40mm range. That said, the C32 feel so stable and easy to maneuver at speed that it lends confidence which will in turn enable you to maneuver the bike more efficiently and go plenty fast. And, for those seeking a slightly more aero version, Shimano also makes the C46 with a 46mm rim depth.

Shimano lists one of the key features of the C32 as its ability to “be easily matched to any bike”. While it’s true that these wheels will work with any disc brake road frameset using 12×100 and 12×142 thru axles, and their subdued aesthetics won’t clash with any other equipment, the C32 is not currently compatible with bikes running SRAM or Campagnolo drivetrains. Without getting into the weeds, when running a 12-speed drivetrain, Shimano hubs are now only compatible with Shimano cassettes, and this is due mainly to SRAM’s adoption of a 10-tooth cog and development of their own “XDR” freehub system to match their 12-speed cassettes. If you’re running 11-speed SRAM and your cassette bottoms out with an 11-tooth cog, you do have the option to use the Shimano C32. 

In addition to limited compatibility, Shimano hubs use a cup-and-cone style bearing system that needs to be serviced at more frequent intervals than the much more common cartridge bearing hubs found in other wheels. Lastly, these are road wheels, not gravel-sometimes, do whatever wheels. While their moderate width and shallow depth could work well on well-packed gravel, with tires up to about 40c, we wouldn’t want to constantly expose the hubs to dust and grime that come with gravel riding. 

Those concerns aside, ride quality, precise handling, and easy acceleration are all reasons why this wheelset that costs just over $1000 is a great investment in your Shimano-equipped road bike. With the money saved by avoiding far more expensive wheels, you’ll be able to easily upgrade to a great set of tires to help the Shimano C32 Tubeless Disc wheels ride their best.

Reynolds AR 58

• MSRP $1,450
• Weight 1700g
• Brake Type Rim (Disc option available)
• Width 19mm internal / 28mm external
• Aero gains you can feel
• Fair price for a carbon wheelset
• Heavier than some of the competition
• Narrower internal width

The Reynolds AR 58 feature the same highly aerodynamic rim that is used in the more expensive AR 58X but saves $250 and adds a few grams by using mid-range Sapim Sprint spokes, brass nipples, and economically-designed hubs. While that extra mass might be noticeable on the first few turns of the pedals, once the AR 58 are up to speed, they perform just like their more expensive counterpart, the AR 58X. 

The AR 58 rim measures 58mm deep, positioning the AR 58 in the class of aero wheels that don’t just look fast, but offer a tangible feeling of free speed. The rim is optimized for 23-28c tires, although with a relatively narrow 19mm internal width, we found they handled and rolled best when shod with 25c tires. 

Out of the box, our test set of AR 58 was perfectly true and round, and the spoke tension was even. Setting the AR 58 up tubeless was a breeze, as the rims come pre-taped, and required only a floor pump to seat the tires. 

Braking is excellent on the rim brake version we tested, which is no surprise as Reynolds has long been a leader in carbon brake track performance. Reynolds’ proprietary Ctg2 brake track offers tremendous heat resistance, to prevent the dreaded loss of power and resin-melting that can occur quickly with carbon rims of lesser quality. Reynolds also includes a pair of Cryo blue brake pads, so you can be sure to have the best possible braking performance.

That said, these wheels aren’t for scenarios where braking is a priority. They wouldn’t be our first pick in mountainous terrain or urban settings. It’s not a knock on these wheels specifically, but if you’re considering a carbon rim brake wheelset upgrade, and like to climb and descend, or need to repeatedly accelerate and then stop, something with a shallower depth will fit the bill better. The AR 58 are about holding onto more speed with less effort. Group rides, flat-to-rolling road races, time trials, and high-speed KoM hunting are the realm of this seriously fast aero wheelset. 

At 1700g, with a narrower-than-average width, the AR 58 is ideal for a powerful rider who wants to turn a big gear quickly. If keeping the weight of your bike down is a priority, Reynolds also offers the AR 41, which offers significantly less aerodynamic advantage but sheds over 250g. 

The Reynolds AR 58 is a narrowly focused wheelset for a specific type of riding on roads that allow the speed to remain high at all times. That said, when used in its element, it’s one of the fastest and most fun-to-ride wheels we’ve ever tested, at a moderate price, comparatively speaking.

HED Vanquish RC4 Performance Series

• MSRP $1,750
• Weight 1542g
• Brake Type Disc
• Width 21mm internal / 30mm external
• A bit heavier than other 40mm deep options

The HED Vanquish RC4 Performance wheelset is a responsive and predictable wheel that feels ready to race anything from a gran fondo in the high mountains to an urban criterium. At 40mm deep, the rims offer a moderate aero advantage, but compared to most wheels with deep carbon rims, the Vanquish RC4 feels more eager to accelerate. This is most noticeable on steep pitches of climbs, or when pounding the pedals to gain speed out of corners. 

The Vanquish RC Performance lineup of wheels features the same rim profile as the more expensive and lighter Vanquish RC Pro lineup but uses a less expensive carbon fiber and slightly different hub internals to keep the price more approachable at $1,750 US. After spending time on a variety of HED wheels over the years from both the Performance and Pro levels, we feel that HED does an excellent job of preserving all the critical aspects of the Pro Series when tweaking the finer points to create the Performance line. Ride quality, handling, and reliability are all top-notch, just in a slightly heavier overall package. And, although the 1542g weight might make the bike feel a tad heavier to hold than some other mid-depth carbon wheels, the Vanquish “ride light”, meaning they feel quick to accelerate and hold speed well when working against gravity. 

Ride quality is direct but refined. With a 21mm internal width, the hooked, tubeless-ready Vanquish rim is optimized for tires from 25 to 30c and is compatible with both tubeless and clincher road tires. We found that the RC4 rode best with 28c tubeless tires at around 75 PSI (160lb rider), balancing low rolling resistance with razor-sharp handling. To be clear, these are road wheels, and while certainly compatible with larger gravel tires, are not as compliant as HED’s “Emporia” line of gravel wheels. We appreciate this, as we found that some wheels we’ve tried that are designed to ride well on both road and gravel lack the on-road responsiveness of the HED Vanquish. 

HED’s in-house designed GP Performance hubs feature stiff axles and a 5-pawl freehub for quick acceleration. Sealed cartridge bearings are easily replaced when the time comes. Sapim CX-Ray spokes complete the build and offer excellent ride quality and responsiveness. The HED Vanquish RC4 Performance wheelset is built by hand at HED’s facility in Roseville, Minnesota. In our experience, every HED wheel that comes out of this facility is perfectly built and runs for thousands of miles with zero issues. 

At $1,750, the HED Vanquish RC4 Performance has some stiff competition at that price point, and we feel it performs right alongside them. Sure, some options at this depth are lighter, but with the right tires at the right pressure, the extra 100g or so won’t factor into speed all that much.

Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 TLR Disc

• MSRP $2,700
• Weight 1410g
• Rim material OCLV Carbon fiber
• Width 23mm internal / 30.5mm external
• Lightweight and aero
• Razor sharp handling
• Lifetime warranty
• 12 speed freehubs sold separately

Using advancements in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling, Bontrager has created its fastest lineup of carbon road wheels ever, with the Aeolus RSL 51 TLR Disc anchoring the range as a versatile all-around aero option weighing just 1410 grams and delivering a super smooth ride. Previously, CFD modeling was limited to two-dimensional simulations of air turbulence, but now, according to Bontrager, engineers “run the whole design process in three dimensions. Now we can account for every gram of drag in every direction through every plane across all aspects of the wheel.” 

The benefit is a rim that is not only better in calm conditions but also more stable in the wind and offers lower tire rolling resistance. Reduced rolling resistance is now the primary driver of increased speed, and while a lot of the gains are from tire compounds, rims like the Aeolus RSL 51 TLR Disc have grown wider – 23mm internally in this case –  to spread and support the tire so it can work as efficiently as possible. How efficiently you might ask? Well, according to Bontrager, when tested with a 25c Bontrager tubeless clincher the Aeolus RSL 51 TLR Disc saved 6.3 watts at 28mph, over the outgoing Aelous XXX 47mm with a sew-up tubular. 

Moving away from the exceptionally fast rims, Bontrager continued to choose the best for the Aeolus RSL 51 TLR Disc, building them with DT Swiss 240 hubs. The DT 240 is a step up from the venerable DT 350, providing a reduction in weight and offering good engagement in the rear by way of a 36-tooth star ratchet EXP freehub system. 

The Aeolus RSL 51 TLR Disc wheels feel incredibly fast on the road. The gains in aerodynamic and rolling efficiency are especially evident on downhills where even a moderately fit rider can easily hit or exceed the types of speeds for which these wheels are optimized. Even steep climbs were a welcome sight, as the responsiveness of the entire wheel system, and especially the rapidly engaging rear hub, seemed to flatten and shorten every steep pitch. 

At $2700, you’d expect nothing less, but it’s fair to say that it’s easy to spend as much or more and not get as much speed as the Aeolus RSL 51 TLR Disc delivers. Knowing that these wheels are easy to service, with external nipples, DT Swiss sealed bearing hubs, and come with a full crash replacement guarantee for 2 years, as well as a lifetime warranty, you can rest easy, knowing your money was spent on new PR’s, not gimmicks, and your investment is protected in the event of a crash.

HiFi The 45 Disc Carbon Clinchers

• MSRP $2,090
• Weight 1520g
• Balanced aerodynamics and
• Heavier than other 45mm options

HiFi’s The 45 Disc Carbon is an all-around race wheelset that delivers free speed, comfortable ride quality, and predictable handling across a wide spectrum of riding, from criteriums to fast-paced gravel races. At 45mm deep, the Anti-flutter (toroidal) carbon rim provides a noticeable and measurable aero advantage without the impact on low-speed acceleration, comfort, or maneuverability that accompany much deeper rims. 

At 21mm internal and 25mm external width, The 45 rim also supports the larger 28c and beyond road tires that have become the norm since the advent of disc brakes. Since the rim is micro-hooked, The 45 is compatible with any clincher or tubeless-ready tire on the market. The micro-hook offers the tire security of a traditional hooked rim but also smooths out the rim-tire interface for better aerodynamics and impact protection. Tubeless tape and valves are included with each set of The 45 Clincher Wheels.

Setting up The 45 tubeless was easy, with a single layer of HiFi’s own tubeless tape, and a standard floor pump. The 45 were shod in Vittoria Corsa Pro Control 28c tires, which measured 29.3mm when inflated to 75 PSI. 

On the road, The 45 Carbon Clinchers inspire the confidence to get up to speed and stay there, whether on windy flat sections, climbs, or descents. The Sapim bladed spokes and Japanese-manufactured stainless bearings inside the HiFi R36 hubs ensure that the entire wheel system runs comfortably and smoothly. Freehub engagement is rapid, thanks to a 4-pawl system engaging a 36-tooth ring in the rear, making those steep pitches and sudden surges of speed things to relish. 

At $2090, HiFi’s The 45 Clincher sits at a competitive price point alongside Shimano’s Dura-Ace C50 ($2099) and a few hundred dollars more than other high-achieving wheels in this test, like the HED Vanquish RC4 ($1750). Since you can’t really go wrong, the decision between these three wheels should be made based on the marginal differences. For instance, while the Dura-Ace C50 might have a bit more bling and carry a smidge more speed on the fastest routes, the cup-and-cone bearings in the hubs require more proactive maintenance and are only compatible with Shimano freehubs. While the HED Vanquish RC4 is less expensive and feels a bit more pugnacious on grippy climbs, the HiFi are more compliant and potentially a bit more aero thanks to 5mm of additional depth. 

In other words, HiFi’s The 45 Disc Carbon are a balanced, versatile, all-around great set of wheels that competes with some of the best around. They also happen to look great, in our opinion, and pair particularly well with HiFi’s black/gold handlebar tape .

Ritchey Classic Zeta Disc Wheels

• Weight 1750g
• Brake Type Disc, 6-bolt
• Depth 23.4mm
• Width 19.5mm internal / 24.4mm external
• Classic aesthetics
• Smooth handling
• Affordable quality
• Not ideal for tires >28c
• 6-bolt disc rotor interface only
• Heavier weight

The Ritchey Classic Zeta Disc wheelset stands out from the stealthy masses of disc brake wheels, built with high-polish components that are also high-performance and high-value. For 2024, Ritchey engineers have upgraded the Classic Zeta disc with a 4-pawl freehub for faster drivetrain engagement, and DT Swiss Competition spokes for reliable performance mile after mile. 

The Classic Zeta Disc features a shallow aluminum rim that is compliant, easy to maneuver, and quick to spin up. The rim width is a conservative but reasonable 19.5mm internally, and 24.4mm externally, which means that the Classic Zeta Disc will work best with tires ranging from 25-28c. The Classic Zeta disc will safely accept tires larger than that but will create a bit of the lightbulb profile that wider rims prevent. If running wider tires in the 30-35c range is important, the Ritchey WCS Zeta Disc wheels are worth a look. 

For recreational road riding, the Classic Zeta Disc is a blissful mixture of smooth and compliant ride quality, easy acceleration, and stable handling. Compared to an OE (Original Equipment) wheelset, The Classic Zeta Disc is an impactful upgrade and well worth the cost of $449 US. 

The disc brake interface is 6-bolt, which is a less common spec of disc rotor, and something to be aware of when setting up the Classic Zeta Disc. It’s fairly unlikely that the rotors that are coming off of OE wheels are compatible, so factor in the expense of a pair of 6-bolt rotors into the setup cost of the Classic Zeta Disc. 

Aside from that small compatibility issue, the Classic Zeta Disc is an easy wheelset to own and ride. If you plan to use them on paved roads only, we recommend setting the Classic Zeta with innertubes, to avoid the additional expense of tubeless tape and valves, neither of which are included. In our opinion, the benefits of tubeless road tires are marginal at best with tires under 30c, which is simply a bigger tire than what is optimal for the Classic Zeta Disc rim. 

The hubs use sealed cartridge bearings which run smooth and are easily replaced when the time comes. Brass spoke nipples won’t corrode and lend a stout reliability to the build of the Classic Zeta Disc.

At 1750g, one could label the Classic Zeta Disc as a heavy road wheelset, but we take a more nuanced view, which is that it’s important to avoid compounding the weight of these wheels by pairing them with heavy tires. This is another reason to go with a lightweight 25-28c clincher and lightweight innertube, versus a likely heavier road tubeless tire setup. 

The Classic Zeta also makes a great workhorse training or winter wheelset for a classy metal bike, so you can preserve your carbon deeps for summertime when fitness and riding conditions are at their peak. At $449.00, the Ritchey Classic Zeta disc is a robust and classic wheel that will carry you through countless rides in efficient comfort with money left in your bank account.

Comparison Chart

Why you should trust us.

At Bikerumor, we love riding our bikes and we’re always seeking out the latest and greatest products to help improve our performance and enhance our experience out on the road. And, we know that a quality set of road bike wheels is one of the best performance upgrades you can make. Fortunately, we’re always testing out fresh new wheels, and we get to try just about everything on the market. This gives us the opportunity to pass along our experience and help you navigate the myriad options that are out there.

For this buyer’s guide, author Bennett Shane did a large group test including the majority of the models included, supplemented by a few models that our editorial team has tested and loved. Bennett is an avid road cyclist who has been riding seriously for over two decades. Though his racing days are largely behind him, he still rides obsessively for fun, fitness, and to test out a huge range of cycling products for reviews. Bennett spent many years working at various prominent brands in the cycling industry and is about as knowledgeable as one can be about cycling products and technologies from apparel to components. His road cycling and industry experience combine to give him a keen ability to analyze the gear he tests, and we’ve called on that skill a lot lately for a huge range of road cycling-specific buyer’s guides. In addition to road bike wheels, Bennett has tested apparel like cycling bib shorts and jackets, components like road bike pedals , and accessories including road bike shoes and helmets.

To test wheels, we received each model and set up each wheelset tubeless. For the vast majority of the wheels included here, we used the Vittoria Pro Control TLR in 28mm as a control tire, although a few models were tested with other road bike tires for various reasons. We used Silca’s Tire Pressure Calculator to ensure that tire pressure was optimal and in most cases rode the wheels over the same test route to compare them in the same scenarios and surface conditions. The primary test route features flat, rolling, and hilly terrain with climbs topping out at around the 25-minute mark for a well-trained rider. We also intentionally rode deeper wheels whenever windy conditions arrived, to test their stability. We did not use a wind tunnel to verify any aerodynamic claims made by manufacturers, instead, we chose to focus on the tangible things that most riders care about, such as ride quality, handling, acceleration, durability, and serviceability, including warranty and crash replacement provisions.

Buying Advice: How to Choose Road Bike Wheels

With so many road bike wheels to choose from, finding the right set of new hoops can seem like a daunting proposition. Some considerations are pretty straightforward, like choosing wheels for disc or rim brakes, but there are many other factors to weigh when making a purchase decision. Below, we provide a little explanation about choices in rim material, rim width, rim depth, tire compatibility, freehub bodies, and more.

Rim Material

The material used in the construction of the rims is one of the biggest factors separating aftermarket road bike wheels. Most road bike rims are made from either aluminum or carbon fiber and there are great wheels being produced in either material.

Carbon Fiber

Since carbon wheelset pricing starts above where aluminum wheels typically max out, it’s fair to assume that simply by choosing a carbon fiber wheel, your bike will instantly be much lighter. In reality, carbon fiber rims are often no lighter than aluminum rims, and depending on the depth of the rim, can often result in a hefty wheel that won’t be particularly fun for climbing. Of course, aerodynamics are a bigger concern than weight for many riders, and here carbon fiber has an undeniable advantage over aluminum, in that it can molded into an array of shapes to cheat the wind.

While rim material has only a fraction of the effect on ride quality as tires do, carbon rims do typically give any bike a more damped, efficient ride quality, most noticeable on rougher surfaces. Carbon fiber, and more specifically the interfaces in the composite structure, have a greater ability to absorb high-frequency vibration than aluminum. This feeling has been enhanced by the advent of disc brakes, as engineers are now free to design the rim/tire interface with no braking in mind. With the brake track out of the picture, the trend has been to use less carbon at the outermost edge of the rim, and to size and shape the carbon such that it promotes better shock absorption and lower rolling resistance through the tires.

The primary downside to carbon fiber is that it is expensive, with carbon wheels often costing double that of their aluminum counterparts. And, until very recently, carbon fiber rims haven’t been the most environmentally friendly given the difficulty of recycling the material. A small handful of brands are now making carbon fiber rims with thermoplastic resin that makes them more easily recyclable including the Chris King ARD44 wheels which are made with thermoplastic Fusion Fiber .

Aluminum has been used for many years in the production of road bike wheels and is generally much more affordable than carbon fiber. Not only is the raw material less expensive, but the production costs are also typically much lower. As a result, most aluminum road bike wheels are less expensive, though there are still plenty of premium aluminum options. Due to the lower cost, many low to mid-range complete bike builds will usually come with aluminum wheels/rims. This is not to say that wheels made with aluminum rims won’t be a performance upgrade over a set of cheaper stock wheels, far from it. In fact, there are aluminum wheels that rival their carbon counterparts in terms of both weight and ride quality, while beating them handily when it comes to price. A prime example is the Roval Alpinist SLX , which at $800 are much more affordable than premium carbon options without giving up much in terms of performance.

Road rims have grown in width recently to improve their compatibility with the corresponding growth in the width of road bike tires. Some brands and models are now at 25mm in internal width, a 20% increase in some cases from just a few years ago. The width refers to the internal distance between the bead hooks on the inside of the rim, not the external width including the bead walls. Increasing internal width improves the relationship between the rim and tire, particularly when using wider tires. Wider modern road tires in the 28-32c range will take on a more domed shape with slightly larger air volume when mounted to a wider rim, thus improving the aerodynamics of the rim/tire system as a whole, while reducing rolling resistance, improving handling, and boosting comfort through a larger volume of air.

In our opinion, rims narrower than 21mm (internal) are almost outdated at this point. Rims in the 21-23mm wide range are adequately wide for any true road tire. Rims with 25mm internal width are designed and intended to be able to accommodate road and gravel tires that are upwards of 40mm in width, so while not any disadvantage, per se, this rim width means those rims will typically only work for tires 28c and wider. That said, those who like to explore smooth gravel or poorly maintained paved mountain roads may enjoy the benefits of a wider rim paired with a plumper all-road tire. It is worth mentioning that since older frames, whether made for rim or disc brakes, may be designed to only clear a maximum of 25mm, you’ll want to check out the areas of your frame and fork where clearance is tight, to ensure that newer, wider rims will be compatible and safe to ride.

With many aftermarket road bike wheels being made for purposes like aerodynamics or climbing/lightweight, the rims themselves are being designed differently for their specific use cases. One of the most obvious and visible differentiators is the depth of the rims which range from deep to shallow, and everything in between. In general, the deeper a rim gets, the more aerodynamic it becomes, so aero wheels typically have a taller rim profile, usually 40-50mm and above. While deep section rims can provide aerodynamic benefits, the extra material needed to construct them can add weight and the additional structure can present as stiffer and less forgiving than lower-profile options. Aero rims are also more susceptible to the effects of cross winds which can impact your bike’s stability and handling in gusty conditions.

Shallow section rims typically don’t provide the same aerodynamic benefits as deeper aero rims, but they are generally lighter-weight and the lower profile of the rim allows them to be a bit more compliant. While that is a very broad generalization, most super light climbing wheels also happen to be relatively low-profile. Many modern all-around wheels have a mid-section depth, 30-40mm or so, which aims to balance the attributes of low weight, ride quality, and aerodynamic benefits. These are often the best choice for riders who want a wheelset that performs day in and day out on any type of ride.

Tire Compatibility

Virtually all road bike wheels being produced these days are compatible with some tubeless road tires. However, you need to be sure that you use tires that are compatible with your specific rims. Each type of rim has advantages and drawbacks. This is particularly true of hookless tubeless rims which are not compatible with all tubeless tires and are wholly incompatible with clincher tires. Hookless tubeless rims have comparatively limited tire options and should only be used with ETRTO-approved hookless tubeless tires, but provide the best impact protection for the rim, and complement larger, 28-32c tires best. While many of the best road bike wheel manufacturers in the business are making hookless road rims and wheels, there is plenty of lively debate about hookless rims and tires for road riding.

Hooked tubeless-ready rims feature a small bead “hook” that is intended to provide added security with the bead of the tires. Hooked tubeless rims offer compatibility with any tire, but are slightly more vulnerable to impact and may incur a very slight aero penalty at the rim-tire interface in some cases. Clincher rims may still be available but have dwindled with the industry-wide transition to tubeless. Clincher tires are compatible with tubeless-ready hooked and micro-hooked rims but require a tube. Clincher rims and tires are easy to set up and maintain if you’re okay with foregoing tubeless technology. 

-Hookless tubeless rim compatibility: APPROVED hookless tubeless tires (with or without inner tube)

-Hooked tubeless-ready clincher rim compatibility: ALL tubeless and clincher tires (with or without tube)

-Clincher rim compatibility: ALL tubeless and clincher tires (WITH innertube)

Brakes and Axles

Almost every new bike released in 2023 and 2024 is being made for use with 12mm thru-axles and disc brakes with a few exceptions. And after years of mixing road and MTB technology together to form a maelstrom of “standards”, things have settled down and are more straightforward in terms of wheel-to-frame and hub-to-brake compatibility. The standards are below.

-Axles: 100mm x 12mm front; 142mm x 12mm rear. 

-Brake rotor interface: Center lock is the most common by far, although there are some 6-bolt hubs available as well.

There are still plenty of folks who prefer rim brakes and there are quite a few rim brake frames in use (and some still being produced), so they are still relevant but less common. Fortunately, there are still quite a few wheels being produced for rim brakes, and we tested a few of the best options available. The HED Ardennes RA Black and the HiFi EP30 SL Rim Brake Carbon wheels are a couple of our favorites.

Many of you reading this may have bikes made from 2013-2018 that use disc brakes but also have dropouts made for traditional quick-release skewers (9mm) to hold the hub axles in the frame and fork. Therefore, you’ll need to confirm that any wheel you purchase to upgrade this bike can be converted to quick-release axles with different end caps. This is done by changing the end caps and is an easy job, assuming that quick-release end caps are included or available for the wheels you are choosing. 

When selecting wheels online, the vendor will typically present a menu of freehub options that correspond to the type of cassette that will be mounted on the hub rear wheel. Options will include Shimano HG, SRAM XDR, Campagnolo, and possibly Shimano Mircospline. If the option you need isn’t available at the time of purchase, it likely can be ordered directly from the manufacturer separately, at an additional cost. Most wheel and hub manufacturers make a full assortment of freehub bodies, with some notable exceptions, the most glaring of which is Shimano, which only offers freehubs that are optimized for its own Hyperglide and Microspline cassette interfaces. While other 11-speed cassettes, and 12-speed cassettes from alternative brands, like Rotor and KMC, are compatible with Shimano wheels, SRAM and Campagnolo 12-speed cassettes are not. 

Freehub Engagement

Freehub engagement is an often overlooked aspect of road wheel performance and is a big deal for riders who like to ride in hilly terrain or race. Without getting too technical, higher engagement hubs decrease the number of degrees between engagement points and therefore the delay from when your power hits the pedal to when the cassette engages, and that power is translated into forward progress. While freehub engagement speed is arguably less important in road cycling where riders typically spin the pedals at a smoother, more even cadence than mountain bikers or gravel riders, quick engagement is appreciated by many on the road as well. Hubs using at least 5 “pawls” or a “ratchet” system will provide this rapid engagement, and you’ll feel it working when hopping out of the saddle on a steep climb or accelerating hard out of a corner. 

Hub Bearings

The majority of road bike wheels spin on steel bearings because they are more affordable, work well, and typically last a pretty long time. Ceramic bearings are a popular upgrade option in ultra-premium wheels. Harder than steel, with a smoother surface and more uniform dimensions, ceramic bearings distribute the load equally across every ball while also reducing friction. The result is less power required from the rider to spin the bearing. Without exposure to extreme contamination from road spray or pressure washing, ceramic bearings may outlast steel bearings in most situations. Good thing, too, as they cost as much as some nice wheelsets to replace if they ever do wear out. The bottom line is that cycling never gets easier, you just go faster, so if you’re looking for wheels to change the way your bike rides, ceramic bearings are not necessary. If you’re looking for every possible efficiency gain for your next race, or to own every piece of bling kit under the sun, then go ceramic. If you’re ceramic-curious but it’s not an option at the time of purchase, you can typically upgrade down the line. 

Spoke count refers to the number of spokes connecting the hub to the rim. Generally speaking, the more spokes used to build a wheel, the stiffer, more durable, and heavier that wheel is. Spoke quality, nipple material, build quality, rim design, rider weight, and especially use case all factor into determining the correct spoke count for your next wheelset. But spoke count alone should not be used as a threshold for a wheel to be considered durable, stiff, or safe. High-quality spokes, laced to well-designed rims by hand will often facilitate a lower spoke count with no compromises on stiffness and durability. 

Internal nipples on tubeless rims can be problematic from a maintenance standpoint. While this design may offer a small aerodynamic advantage and offer svelte aesthetics, it also requires removal and reinstallation of the tubeless tire system to make adjustments to spoke tension. It’s an added cost or time requirement that is something to be aware of. 

Carbon spokes are becoming more prevalent, and while they tangibly improve responsiveness, the potential downtime to source replacements makes this a choice worthy of shrewd judgment. If you’re on the lighter side, tend to ride smooth roads that are close to home, and have the budget to preemptively order some compatible spares, carbon spokes are a nice upgrade. All mid-range and high-end spokes are bladed or butted to varying degrees. These features help increase strength, improve ride quality, save weight, and enhance aerodynamics. Straight pull spokes also bolster responsiveness and overall wheel strength. Top spokes include Sapim CX-Ray and Sprint, DT Swiss Aerolite, and Aerocomp, but numerous options compete with these. If a wheelset doesn’t disclose the type of spoke used in the build, or only the brand, it’s worth digging to find out, as this part of the wheel is sadly often used as a cost-control measure, and yet is critical to how a wheel feels, performs, and holds together long-term. 

While a nice set of aftermarket wheels can absolutely be a major performance upgrade, many premium options cost more than some complete bikes. Fancier materials, high-end hubs, ceramic bearings, carbon fiber production costs, and lots of engineering may factor into the price of many wheels to make the price higher. Of course, if cost isn’t a concern, then some of the super-premium wheels like the Chris King ARD44 or the Cadex 36 Disc may be just the ticket to transform the way your bike rides. Still, many of the performance gains may only truly matter to high-performance cyclists and racers.

If, like most people, you aren’t swimming in cash, then there are some better values to be found in more moderately priced wheels with performance differences that will likely be negligible. Of course, when we say “moderately priced” we are talking about wheels in the $1,500 to $1,800 range, like the Reserve 40|44 DT 350 , or the OTHR Anywhr 40 , which still probably sounds expensive to lots of people. But, when compared to wheels that cost $2,500 or more, they are certainly more affordable, comparatively speaking.

Since even mid-range road bike wheels will still be out of many people’s budget, it’s good to know that there are quite a few aftermarket options that will blow the performance of most stock wheels out of the water. A couple of good examples are the $800 Roval Alpinist SLX or the $550 Vision Trimax 35 DB CL wheels. These wheels may be made with aluminum rims, but they perform well while costing a fraction of the price of many of the high-end competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

The wheels on your road bike are one of the components that can have a noticeable impact on the performance of your bike and your comfort and enjoyment on the road. The stock wheels that come on many complete bikes, particularly low-mid priced builds, are often chosen not for their performance, but as a way for brands to save money. By investing in a quality set of aftermarket wheels, you can choose a model that offers specific performance benefits to suit your needs and preferences.

Deep-section aero wheels can provide improved aerodynamics to help powerful riders or racers move faster. Feathery climbing wheels can help riders get up hills faster. Mid-depth all-around wheels can do everything pretty darn well and many wheels can enhance the ride quality of your bike through vibration-damping, resulting in a smoother, faster ride with greater control, comfort, and less fatigue.

When considering a road bike wheel upgrade, that usually means spending money with the goal of improving your bike’s performance and enhancing its ride quality. More often than not, this means shelling out big bucks for a wheelset with carbon fiber rims. While there are plenty of excellent aluminum wheelsets on the market, carbon fiber does have some advantages.

Carbon rims are generally lighter than comparable aluminum rims. Carbon fiber absorbs vibration more readily than aluminum for a smoother, more comfortable ride. Carbon can also be manipulated in ways to produce specific shapes and performance characteristics. Carbon is also very strong, and many rims come with exceptional warranties (lifetime in some cases) that can help justify the higher price. And, while carbon wheels have traditionally been very pricey, some brands and models are now only just a little more expensive (or less) than nice aluminum models. Hunt is a good example, as their Aerodynamicist wheelset costs $1,279 .

There’s a reason that time trialists wear silly helmets and ride deep-section wheels when they’re racing. Aerodynamics matter. The benefits of aero road wheels may not be worth the cost for purely recreational riders, but racers who are seeking to squeeze out every marginal gain possible can often find some extra speed and time on the clock by riding them. While the deeper rims add some weight, that is typically offset by the rim’s ability to cut more smoothly through the air. These benefits are most tangible in race situations, flat and rolling terrain, and over time. There are numerous studies and testing results that can be found online that back this up.

That said, deep-section aero rims are often less ideal for climbing due to the added weight, and they can sometimes be less stable in cross-winds compared to shallower rim profiles. For this reason, many manufacturers are producing mid-depth rims in the 40mm range that provide a slight aero advantage while keeping weight lower and reducing cross-wind instability.

The best road bike wheels are the ones that are geared towards the type of riding you do most of the time . Do you spend significant amounts of time climbing big hills? Then a light, feathery, responsive wheelset can help reduce the overall weight of your bike and rotational mass, and make climbing more enjoyable. Do you ride mostly on flat or gently rolling terrain? Then perhaps a deep-section wheel is a good choice to help maximize your aerodynamic gains.

Do you ride all types of terrain? The happy middle ground between the lightweight climbing wheels and the aero wheels is probably the best bet for finding a well-rounded wheelset that does everything pretty darn well. Do you ride rough pavement, sometimes find yourself on well-maintained gravel roads, or switch it up between gravel and road riding? Some of the new, wider (25mm internal) wheels on the market might be the best fit. These wheels work well with bigger all-road and gravel tires which can enhance comfort and control on mixed surfaces.

Hookless rims gained popularity in the mountain and gravel worlds but have recently caught on in road cycling as well. Traditionally, road rims had small hooks on the bead wall (and many still do) that are intended to interface with the bead of the tire for a secure connection between the two. More recently, many road rim and wheel manufacturers have done away with the bead hooks, hence the term hookless, as it makes the rims slightly easier to produce, is claimed to make them more resistant to damage from impact, and the lack of the bead hook provides a smoother transition between the tire and rim and can improve aerodynamics slightly. Without the bead hook, however, hookless rims are only intended for use with ETRTO-approved hookless compatible tires that have been produced to meet higher tolerances on hookless rims. Hookless tubeless rims generally have lower maximum pressures and there is guidance on tire compatibility from ETRTO and from the brands themselves.

Does anyone need to ride hookless tubeless road wheels? Not necessarily, but many of the best road bike wheels on the market use hookless rims. That said, this technology is hotly debated and many riders believe it is unnecessary and unsafe. Regardless of public opinion, hookless tubeless wheel and tire combinations are ridden safely by many thousands of cyclists, and it is here to stay.

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