The Trek Bicycle Corporation was founded in 1976 in Waterloo, Wisconsin, by Richard Burke and Bevil Hogg. In its beginning it was a small-scale business, making hand-built steel touring frames but by the early 1980s, Trek expanded its production to making complete bicycles rather than just frames. In 1983, as mountain bikes grew in popularity, Trek launched its first mountain bike, the 850 and then in 1985, Trek introduced its first aluminium-framed bike, marking a shift from steel to lighter materials. The 1990s saw further innovation, including the development of carbon fibre frames.
In 1997 Trek partnered with Lance Armstrong and the U.S. Postal Service team. Armstrong’s multiple Tour de France victories (later stripped due to doping scandals) brought much attention to Trek’s advanced racing bikes. Trek acquired Gary Fisher Bicycles in 1993, to enhance its mountain bike range.
Today Trek has continued innovating with electric bikes (e-bikes), its road bikes, and advanced suspension mountain bikes.
The company has focused on sustainability, reducing waste and improving environmentally friendly production.
Some of the bikes and cycling technologies that Trek are renowned for include
Madone – Aerodynamic road bike
Domane – Endurance road bike.
Émonda – Ultra-lightweight road racing bike.
Fuel EX & Remedy – High-performance full-suspension mountain bikes.
Trek Rail & Trek Allant+ – Popular electric bike models.
