trek 5000 oclv review

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Trek 5200 Road Bike

Frame Material: carbon fiber composite Frame Angles: 73.8 head, 73.5 seat Sizes: 50cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm, 60cm, 62cm Colors: Blue/Pearl/Carbon, Carbon Fork: Bontrager Race Lite Carbon Rear Shock: Not applicable Brake Levers: Shimano Ultegra STI Dual Control Handlebar: Bontrager Race Lite Stem: Bontrager Race Lite Headset: 1 1/8" threadless Cane Creek S-2 Front Der: Shimano Ultegra Crankset: Shimano Ultegra, 39/53 teeth Rear Der: Shimano Ultegra SS Pedals: Not included Tires: 700 x 23c Bontrager Race X-Lite

• USER REVIEWS

I never regret choosing this. I love the fixed hanger on the back, geometry, and old school smooth carbon transitions, especially on the rear stay. I've been using this when doing Emergency Tree Service in a nearby area.

Nothing weakness found.

Excellent Bike. In my third season on it and I absolutely love the carbon frame for the chip and seal roads in Western PA. The carbon frame removes all of the harshness from the ride and still has the stiffness of aluminum. I came from riding an all aluminum Cannondale and I can't believe the difference in ride quality.

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Had it for 17 years since new in 2003 and its never let me down, smooth and comfy, perfect fit, enjoy climbs with it and it has a good kick/acceleration.. upgraded wheels and put carbon seatpost/stem and bars on it and it made it purr even more! Long Live the 5200!

I guess todays ultralight superbikes make it seem like a heavy old doddering relic but it really isnt..I've tried the odd lighter frame but they seem to lack something the 5200 has always had, it always feels like it wants to give me back more which is why ive always loved it.

I bought a Trek 5200 OCLV used as a form of exercise but started to ride as a commuter (26 miles per day). At the time, I weighed 240lbs and would carry a backpack with clothes. I gave this bike hell and did for two years as a daily commuter. It's a strong bike, light enough for commute and race, durable enough for an overweight guy like me (50 lbs lighter from day one of commuting).

Wish it would last forever

My 5200 is a 2006 triple chain ring Ultegra gruppo model that has performed flawlessly for nearly 10 years. For its era, it is very light, stiff, but with enough compliance to feel smooth at full gas speed. It has good power transfer to wheel when compared with my recent purchase of the Trek Emonda SL5. It does not quite have the climbing giddy-up that I note with the Emonda, but then it rides much smoother. The only improvement made was to switch out wheel set for Mavic Open Pro with Ultregra hub.

There is no weakness in my opinion!

After thousands of mile on the "52" I still get a kick out of how it performs.

Sure, stead, fast

3-4 pounds heavier than some of the newer bikes out there.

Bought this bike close to ten years ago. It does close to everything very well. The only way it's shown it's age is in the weight area where newer technologies have resulted in lighter frames. Recently swapped out the wheels which has breathed new life into it. Came with Ultegra 6500 which continues to perform very well despite only having 9 gears(who needs more?)

Climbs extremely well - descends even better :-). I love the fixed hanger on the back, geometry, and old school smooth carbon transitions, especially on the rear stay. I can also sit on the top tube and pose like a pro racer, which is easier than the new compact frames.

It's not a fair comparison, but I ride a Speed Concept most of the time, and can definitely tell the ol' 5200 has a little flex in the BB under extreme load (for me, that's north of 350 watt efforts for short duration) but not enough for me to want to switch to a newer frame or one of the open molds (although I have been tempted by the FM028 and FM015...)

I purchased my 5200 (the nude carbon model) in 2003 and am the original owner. I ride and train primarily for long course triathlon, but the 5200 gets a few races and events each season and is my go-to for technical rides or mountain climbing. This past winter I pulled the entire grouppo and replaced with the dark glossy ultegra 10 speed. Also just mounted new Zipp 101's with Michelin Pro Race 3's. This baby will move. I've dropped newer bikes, and have also been dropped myself by steel bikes, old Serrottas, etc. (at least no one with a burley trailer has passed me yet.) From a reliability perspective - the 52 has never let me down.

Great on Century Rides

On slow rides not the best road feel

Have this bike for 8 years. It's phenomenal

Fast light, agile. Great ride.

Poor customer service, weak frame that'd broke after 5 years. The bontager race liters almost killed me when the rim crack on a step downhill. I 've heard that many people had similar experiences. Trek should have recalled these and instead they wait for them to fail.

Great bike that trek has ignored its faults. I think trek has figured we have the reputation, let's not fix the flaws, make money and let people assume it is their fault.

Hard fast accel smooth ride

Bottom bracket flex even though it is lateral stiff and its not really a problem

This is a Trek 5900 found this ultra lite with less than a 100 mi on it. Been sitting in garage for years had orginal tires dry rotted but still ridable. What a great bike 15lbs 4oz 56cm will upgrade to sti new tires convert to 9sp . I ride ti most of time wanted to try carbon without big cash outlay wow!

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Our strongest, lightest carbon yet

OCLV Carbon is Trek’s patented carbon fiber process, the result of more than 25 years of experience building the world’s finest carbon fiber bicycles in Waterloo, Wisconsin, USA. Experience matters, especially when working with a material that holds seemingly endless possibilities but presents such unique challenges as carbon fiber. To understand the best technology, you have to build it, and we’ve been doing just that since 1991.

Why OCLV Carbon?

A well-built carbon frame dramatically reduces weight compared to metallic materials, while maintaining the strength and stiffness that high performance bicycles and their riders demand. This is where Trek’s pioneered and patented OCLV Carbon—an acronym for Optimum Compaction Low Void—process comes in. OCLV Carbon frames begin with the best material available. Trek has spent countless development hours perfecting the construction of a variety of weights and types of carbon (cloth, unidirectional, etc.). The OCLV process is best explained when broken down into two parts:

Optimum Compaction: Carbon is layered into a series of plies compacted to the ideal fiber-resin ratio. The process starts with cutting carbon fiber from large sheets to a specific shape which is then placed into a mold. A combination of heat and pressure then compresses the sheets of carbon into a carbon lug. This combination of heat and pressure is OCLV’s most essential and closely guarded equation. Low Void: Voids are the spaces that exist between the layers of carbon fiber that comprise a component or frame. Minimizing these voids is the primary goal of quality carbon engineering, as more voids translates to reduced strength and durability of the composite material. OCLV Carbon exceeds aerospace standards regarding the number of voids in its material.

Shapes matter

In addition to sizeable reductions in weight, the largest advantage of carbon fiber frames over another material are the limitless shapes that the material can be molded into. Different shapes exhibit different strength, stiffness, and aerodynamic properties. Trek utilizes Finite Element Analysis, a comprehensive software simulation toolkit, to tell us exactly how different shapes will respond to different riders and riding surfaces. We utilize proven theories of fluid mechanics through Computational Fluid Dynamics in order to explore the aerodynamic properties of various designs. Our bikes are conceived with computer-generated designs, fluid-dynamically assessed and finite analyzed, and the resulting shapes appear seamlessly machine-made. At the end of the day, these complex scientific investigations are applied in a hands-on, ground-up process that combines multiple molds with a variety of carbon materials to result in a magnificently engineered and largely hand-built product.

OCLV Mountain

Mountain biking is about pushing the limit of where your bike can take you. Riding on every conceivable surface in hostile conditions takes a toll on any material. To develop OCLV Mountain, Trek’s engineers developed a methodology borrowed from the aerospace industry to ensure our frames were up to the challenge: Retained Strength. The philosophy is simple and based around the single question of how durable a frame remains following impact. By employing different composite materials in unique layups specifically in typical high damage areas, Trek’s engineers have created frames that now retain their ability to bear load after an impact surpassing even their aluminum counterparts.

Carbon armor

Taking durability to another level, Trek’s development team created Carbon Armor, a highly refined elastomeric designed to slow down and spread the distribution of a sharp impact to the frame. Carbon Armor essentially decreases the immediate impact of a rough hit the frame feels, leaving you feeling more confident than ever to go after that next drop.

Built to last

Trek builds bikes to last and we stand behind every one that we bears our name. Just as the first Trek hand-welded over forty years ago in a red barn, our first full carbon frame is still under warranty. All OCLV Carbon bicycles come with a limited lifetime warranty, because we believe that more people riding bikes is in everybody’s best interest.

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Trek bikes range: which model is right for you?

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The humble beginning of Trek bicycles took place in the "red barn" - once a carpet warehouse - in Waterloo, USA. The first bikes were steel touring frames , but within three years the brand had expanded substantially.

Eventually outgrowing the barn, Trek moved into a much larger headquarters - still in Waterloo - in the year 1980. From there it began to manufacture road racing bikes, then in 1983 created its first mountain bike before moving into accessories come 1984.

Having started out in steel, Trek moved into developing aluminium bikes in 1985. The first Trek branded full carbon frame came in 1989 - the Trek 5000 had a frame weight of 1.5kg. It was built by an outside manufacturer and discontinued after a year. Trek made its own efforts at carbon, with an in-house production, in 1992 to much greater success.

>>> Trek mountain bikes: which model is right for you?

Now, Trek offers the Madone (aero bike), Domane (endurance bike), Emonda (lightweight race bike) and Checkpoint (gravel bike) as well as the Boone cyclocross and Speed Concept time trial machine.

Trek's OCLV Carbon

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Trek's carbon bikes have always used their own patented 'OCLV carbon' - this stands for Optimum Compaction Low Void. It believes this carbon creates the best compromise between low weight and high strength and stiffness.

Optimum Compaction refers to the way sheets of carbon are layered into the mould, and optimised via heat and pressure - in Trek's opinion the two treatments are administered to the perfect ratio. Low Void refers to the minimisation of space between the layers of carbon, which might otherwise reduce strength and durability.

In 1995, Trek opened an independent facility inWhitewater, Wisconsin. The idea being that the Waterloo factory would work in frame development only. For those who want to customise their ride, the'Project One' custom paint programme arrived in 2001.

Trek's pro cycling support

Trek supported now disgraced American cyclist, Lance Armstrong, through his peak years. In 1997, it helped him sign with their sponsored team, US Postal Service Pro Cycling. He won his seven editions of the Tour de Frances on bikes bearing the brand name, but all of said wins were later taken from him following doping violations.

In 2014, the brand sponsored the Trek Factory Racing Team, now calledTrek–Segafredo. In that role, it provided bikes for high profile winners such as Fabian Cancellara and Alberto Contador,as well as Jens Voigt, and notably his Hour Record in September 2014.

In 2020, Trek continued to support the Trek-Segafredo men's and women's race outfits, two highly successful teams.

Trek's acquisitions

Over the years, Trek has made a number of high profile acquisitions. The most famous, perhaps, Gary Fisher bicycles - the mountain bike brand which it took over in 1993.

Later came Bontrager Cycles in 1995 and Electra Bicycle Company in 2014. Bontrager, now Trek's component and apparel brand, maintains the same name as does Electra, the creator of leisure bikes and accessories.

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Trek's road bike models

Trek is able to offer a wide range of different bikes, each tuned to a slightly different purpose. Some model families are available in a selection of standards (SLR premium carbon, SL carbon, ALR premium aluminium and AL aluminium), and then these come with assorted levels of componentry to suit your price bracket.

To add even more depth to the range, Trek offers many models in two different 'fits'. The Madone and Émonda come as standard in an H2 (traditional) fit, but there are versions in what it calls 'H1' fit. This is more aggressive, shaving off about 30mm on the head tube to create a longer, lower ride. The Domane comes in an H2 'Endurance' fit, with a few models in 'Pro Endurance', again with a longer and lower stance on offer.

Here's a look at the key model families...

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Trek Domane

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

The Trek Domane was introduced in 2012. It was created to offer a comfortable ride, the key feature being an IsoSpeed decoupler which separated the seat tube from the top tube, thus reducing vibrations and fatigue.

In 2016 it gained theFront IsoSpeed, which helps to reduce vibrations at the front end without impacting handling. This came alongside a new slider, which alters the level of dampening offered by the rear.

In its most recent update , the Domane took notes from the Madone with an aero fork profile, whilst becoming more versatile thanks to clearance for 38mm tyres (without mudguards, 35mm with). It also gained a downtube compartment for stashing tools (or snacks!).

Though comfort is important to the Trek Domane, it's still a racing frame, and its prowess has been demonstrated by UCI WorldTour riders at major one-day Classics, such as Strade Bianche and the Tour of Flanders. The top Domane bikes come with an H1.5 fit, which was developed with the Trek-Segafredo teams to offer the optimal balance between aerodynamics and endurance.

The Trek Domane - available as a men's build or with women's specific componentry - is a fast selling model, which comes in a range of frame materials.

The Domane SLR uses the lightest carbon Trek offers, the SL is one step down, whilst the AL uses aluminium and is the cheapest of the range.

Trek Madone

The Trek Madone is quite another beast, and the bikes come built for men and women; the latter's models with women's saddles and narrower handlebars . With an aggressive geometry and stiffness to boot, it's a road race hero, and aerodynamics have become part of its lifeblood. When we tested five aero bikes , head to head, the Trek Madone came out fastest.

Modern Trek Madone's feature a high level of integration, with the cables tucked away yet reachable via an access point at the top of the down tube.Wind tunnel testing has helped Trek to create theirKVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shapes, used on the frame and fork. These unconventional tube shapes are designed to further reduce drag, helping the rider/bike unit to slice through the air efficiently.

Because being bumped around doesn't make you faster, the Madone also features an IsoSpeed decoupler at the seat tube and more recently an adjustable one at the head tube, which offers greater compliance whilst still being integrated to prevent adding drag.

The newest model, according to Trek, can offer 17 per cent more compliance through to 21 per cent more stiffness, depending upon your chosen setting. A damper at the seatpost is also said to cut rebound by 13 per cent. All of these stats add up to a bike that can be comfortable and stiff at the same time - and one that earned a place in our 2018 Editor's Choice awards.

The majority of the bikes come in a more relaxed 'H2' geometry, save for the Madone SLR, which is in an 'H1.5' fit - this is designed to allow riders to achieve an H1 fit or an H2, depending upon their set up.

Trek Émonda

Adding more depth to the Trek family is the Trek Émonda, launched in 2014. Designed to be a climbing bike, newer adaptations are capable of negotiating mixed terrains - with disc brakes available and tyre clearance to 28mm.

>>> Trek Émonda range explained

Trek continues to work on developing the Émonda, dropping the weight of the top end Trek Émonda SLR to 640g in a size 56cm (665g with discs) and 1091g for the Trek Émonda SL (1149g with discs). The weight difference is largely achieved by the use of700 Series OCLV carbon on the SLR, as opposed to 500 series on the SL.

The aluminium model has seen some major work and the result earned it a place in the Editor's Choice 2019 awards. The key characteristic we loved was the way it simply didn't look, or ride, like aluminium. A lot of this is down to Trek's 'Invisible Weld Technology' which increases the surface area of the frame, adding to strength and reducing weight. The ALR model's frame weight comes in at a competitive 1112g, or 1131g with discs, and it uses the brand's 300 Series Alpha Aluminium.

The carbon models are available in 'SLR' build or 'SL', the former being the lightest and the latter more affordable. The majority of Trek Émonda bikes cone in an 'H2' fit, but they can be purchased in an 'H1' geometry, if you choose the top end 'Race Shop' version.

There are a few nods to neatness and integration around, such as the use of 'Blendr Integration' which seamlessly mounts Bontrager’s cycling computer, Ionbike lights or even Garmin computers directly to the handlebars. On SLR versions there's ‘Control Freak Cable Management’ which allows for shifter and brake cables to be housed through the frame.

Trek Checkpoint

With gravel and adventure bikes a fast growing category, the Checkpoint is Trek's offering to fill that sector. The crucial element here is that both the SL and ALR frame options come fitted out with 35c gravel tyres, and can accommodate rubber up to 45c. They've all got internal cable routing, to ensure much stays out, whilst the higher end models use 'Control Freak' routing which is neater.

>>> Best gravel bikes: the top models reviewed

If you opt for the carbon SL model, you get vibration dampening from an IsoSpeed decoupler at the rear, too.  To provide stability and confidence on light trails as well as comfort on all-day adventures, the geometry is not as aggressive as the road bikes elsewhere in the range. Such all-day rides warrant plenty of kit, so there's mounts for racks and mounts. Similar to elsewhere in the range, there's AL, ALR and SL models.

Trek Speed Concept

Trek's Speed Concept time trial bike has been raced by the pros yet is still seen on the amateur race scene as a popular option.

>>> Check out Fabian Cancellara's 2016 Speed Concept

The frames use 500 Series OCLV Carbon, boasting the KVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shapes described in the Madone, plus a carbon fork with integrated brake and stem - the key goal being cutting through the air quickly.There's space to fit Trek's SC Draft Box and SC Sped Box, largely used by triathletes carrying snacks.

Trek Boone 5

Trek's got plenty of experience in the muddy realm of off-road cycling - and they've got a selection of cyclocross bikes. The Trek Boone 7 model comes with hydraulic disc brakes, a one-by crank and 12-speed cassette and they've all got Bontrager's own 33c cyclocross tyres.

The frame material is Trek's 600 series OCLV carbon, and there's front and rear IsoSpeed decouplers to help riders negotiate the mud without excess transfer of vibration. Combining the mud ready tyres, disc brakes, 'cross focused cable routing and geo into an aluminium package is the Trek Crockett family.

They key differentiation is the frame material, which is300 Series Alpha Aluminium, and there's no decoupler. However, it's still a performance bike that's ready to race.

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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.

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Is anything wrong with early OCLV frames?

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Is there anything really wrong with the early generation Trek OCLV frame, back when they were made with the cable running across the top of the top tube? Are they essentially the same frame as newer 5200, 5500 and even the current 5000? Do they ride the same? Has anything been breaking down on them? Thanks, Chris  

From 1998 and early they had a softer bottom bracket. Everyone complained and in 1999 they changed the construction to make the bottom bracket stiffer. As for the earlier models they had problems with tubes coming apart because they used to much glue. They came apart at the rear triangle and the top tube going into the head tube. If you are looking at an older model why bother. I would suggest that you bite the bullet spend some money and get a 2004 or 2005 OCLV 5000 model. You can get one around $1700.00 new if you look around. Road bikes don't wear out. Most people think they need to buy new bikes every two years or so. I would suggest that you buy a new bike that you like and keep it forever. The problem with buying an older model is that you will some how find that you need to up grade everything and at that point it will cost you more money that a new bike. It is always cheaper to just buy a new bike in the begain. Just trying to help good luck.  

Thanks That's exactly the kind of information I was looking for.  

How can I identify a '99? I see what you mean and I would have little problem parting with the cash for a new 5000. But my wife might. How can I identify a '99 or newer model...is that when they started running the brake cable along side rather than along the top edge of the top tube? Thanks, Chris  

Bikerchris said: I see what you mean and I would have little problem parting with the cash for a new 5000. But my wife might. How can I identify a '99 or newer model...is that when they started running the brake cable along side rather than along the top edge of the top tube? Thanks, Chris Click to expand...

bas said: I once found some information about the changes to the oclv 120's The newer frames are warranted lifetime, and they have that chain catcher on the bottom bracket. Click to expand...

It is not too hard to figure out what year you have. First, you can email TREK the serial number by going to Treks website and they can tell you what year it is. 1999 Trek OCLV 5000 came in Red with White/ Black stickers with 1in threaded fork. 1999 Trek OCLV 5200 came in the Postal Colors and I think White Black stickers 1in threaded fork. 1999 Trek OCLV 5500 came in Black with silver stickers and a 1in threadless fork. 2000 Trek OCLV 5000 was dropped. 2000 Trek OCLV 5200 and 5500 came in 1in Threadless fork. 2001, 2002, 2003 Trek OCLV 5200 and 5500 came in 1 1/8 threadless fork. I might still have some old brocures still sitting around might have to double check about colors, but that should get you started.  

I have been riding the OCLV frames since almost the beginning. I believe the earlier models (1996 and older) had a problem breaking at the chain stays. Pre 1999 had problems with the metal sleeve in the bb coming unglued. They changed the design and put a metal face place on the metal insert. And i believe 2000 was the first year for non-threaded headset, except the first couple of years had non-threaded headset(ahead of their time). Trek usually is pretty good about fixing these known problems even if you are not the original owner. Only problem is that warranty has to go through a dealer first, and if they might stop the process if you are not the original owner.  

I ride a 96. It had good mileage put on. Then it sat for 6 years while I went into MTB in WV. Picked it up again 2 years ago, rode it since, including through a car accident which broke my rear wheel, and still haven't seen any structural damage. I've upgraded everything except the crank, bb, headset, and brakes. I love the frame so I'm refreshing it until it dies. I've read a lot about problem others have had with older OCLV but I have not experienced any. And since I spent so much time riding MTBs, my road riding style is very similar.  

AsianPersuasion said: I ride a 96. It had good mileage put on....I've read a lot about problem others have had with older OCLV but I have not experienced any. And since I spent so much time riding MTBs, my road riding style is very similar. Click to expand...

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Trek's OCLV Carbon

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How is it? Being a Trek fan I have always liked to pretend that it is better than most other companies but after watching a video of the guys at santa cruz trying to destroy one of their carbon frames I want to be sure that Trek has the good shet too. Anyone ever have any problems with their OCLV parts? Unexpected cracks appearing on their own or from small accidents? How is the longevity? Anyone notice their OCLV parts wearing over time more so than alloy? Yes I have seen the Trek 50lb anvil test or whatever it was called. Asking for first hand experience with OCLV.  

From my experience, working in a Trek shop, OCLV is not any better than anyone else's carbon. This is not to say it isn't good, but it is not leaps and bounds ahead of other carbon manufactures like Trek claims. It is just a marketing gimmick  

Is that how you sell it to customers too? Really convincing.  

Figured about as much. It would be fun to have someone (rich) do a video comparison of the destructibility of several brands' carbon frames.  

I have owned and own a few Trek carbon bikes. Never had any problems with them. Most of Trek's bikes have a lifetime warranty. So if something does happen. I am not worried  

I have owned two of Trek's OCLV framed bikes. The first was a 2012 Superfly 100. After one full season (about 2500 miles) it developed a de-lamination at the top of the seat tube, at the expansion seam. Trek replaced the front triangle under warranty in less than a week. That same bike also developed a crack on the chainstay just behind the crank the second season (about 5000 miles). It was also replaced under warranty in less than a week. I now have a 2016 Fuel EX 9.9. So far, nothing to report (about 2000 miles). From my experience, I would say Trek will stand by their products. That said, you are riding a "plastic" bike! Things can happen. Carbon is less fatigue-prone than most metals (Ti possessing the best anti-fatigue properties). Carbon has incredible inherent properties that make it a perfect material for mountain bike frames. Wait until you ride one for 1000's of miles and you will see. These days, almost all major bike manufacturers use very high quality carbon fiber (different types in specific areas to 'tune' the chassis), special resins for bonding the materials, and hi-quality production techniques to mold these frames. For me, buy a bike for the kind of riding you do the most. Buy a bike made by one of the major bike makers. Do your research and get a bike with the least known problems. MTBR has a thread on all of them! Buy that bike from the shop you like the most--the LBS with the best reputation in your town. We are living in the Golden Age of mountain biking; you really can't go wrong!  

In addition to the above, buy from a LBS that you've built a relationship with as well. They are who you'll be dealing with for any warranty issues.  

I've got an amazing LBS so not worried there! Riding a brand new alloy FS right now but thinking for next year that I may finally move into carbon (wife and wallet pending). Asking about OCLV now though because I am considering a pair of carbon bonty rims as the next toy for my current bike.  

drdocta said: I've got an amazing LBS so not worried there! Riding a brand new alloy FS right now but thinking for next year that I may finally move into carbon (wife and wallet pending). Asking about OCLV now though because I am considering a pair of carbon bonty rims as the next toy for my current bike. Click to expand...

Trek markets/sells it's OCLV as being superior because it's "made in the USA", personally, I don't think there's any better work being done by people in a US factory compared to an Asian one, in fact I'd wager you're getting better product out of Asia than the US, where people actually really have to work for their $$, it's all BS. The big problem with overseas production is QC and having someone on site making sure things are done right, that's it.  

I don't think they still market it this way. They try to keep it quiet, but all their carbon frames are now built in Taiwan with exception of Session and top-of-the-line Madone, Emonda, and Speed Concept. Not completely sure, but it looks like they build in Waterloo only frames that utilize 700 series carbon. Project One is only painted in Waterloo. Bontrager carbon rims are usually either built by Zipp (clinchers), or in Waterloo ( tubulars). All molds are made in Warerloo though. IMHO, OCLV is now just a marketing gimmick similar to Bontrager's Profila.  

OCLV is fine and Trek warranty is bombproof if the frame break from normal use like a crack in the BB or anywhere else, or glue separates...Trek replaces with equal or higher. but....Giant makes better and cheaper composite frames nowadays. I say better in that for a mass produced frame, they have the best source material and best machinery to do it. also the sheer numbers in the testing and destruction goes beyond anyone else budget could stand. Giant is the only manufacturer that produces their carbon fiber from scratch giving them excellent quality control throughout the process nothing wrong with OCLV though. But Giant hands down can crank out composite frames that rock the house and are sweet riding. they also make the frames for many big bike brands...like some alu frames for trek and whatnot they have the most advanced and efficient manufacturing facilities in the bicycle industry. in terms of size, Giant is #1 and Trek is #2 in overall bike sales. but no one can beat Giants Carbon/composite manufacturing, no way no how. they lead the industry on innovation in material science and mass production of that....they got the facilities and loot to get 'er done. I've owned a ton of high end bikes over the last 30 years, and when I put my legs over my new Giant carbon bikes I got in 2015 I knew right then and there Giant has this dicked. they ride amazingly well and are tough as nails (so far) my Trek OCLV's were great, rode them for years and years..but Giant is..somehow better.  

The quality of Trek's OCLV ranks right up there with Time, Giant and Easton composites. Just take a peek inside the smooth tubes.... Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk  

I have broken every single frame I have ever owned, except my OLDEST two Treks. A 5500 road, and my '96 Y33. The Y bike was absolutely THRASHED and abused. Both of those frames were USA made (5500 and Y). All of my "non-USA" frames have broken within 3 months. I am hard on bikes apparently, and I will still run Trek carbon. One of those failures was not a Trek, and was catastrophic. I think the "OCLV" was initially a valid sales notation. Carbon WAS very new in it's cycling development when Trek monikered it's carbon as "OCLV". The OCLV was honestly VERY important for proper carbon manufacturing. Lots of "V" in the carbon is a failure going to happen. I can safely say however, I am disappointed that an $8000 bicycle, or a $5000 frame is made in Taiwan. It's actually one reason why I put up a little more money for my Madone 7, because it was USA made, not Taiwan made like the Madone 6 was.  

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2007 Trek 5000

A carbon frame endurance bike with high-end components and rim brakes. Compare the full range

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