So What's Happened to Trek?

[pjmsj21]

This past weekend, we spent time on Bainbridge Island which is a popular place for Seattle cyclists to head over to and ride as it has a good cycling environment.

So while out walking and doing some riding, I am a bit surprised to see almost every road bike being a Specialized and I don't think I saw a Trek in three days. If my experiences and observations about market share are even remotely reflective of what is happening in the market, Specialized seems to be eating Trek's lunch. Is this really the case?

BTW; I do not own either brand.

[melonyogloo]

Come to the Midwest. I see Treks everywhere in Milwaukee, Chicago, and Minneapolis. Maybe the West Coast thing.

[FlashUNC]

My guess is location more than anything.

See a fair share of Treks, Specs and Cannondales on rides here every weekend.

[AngryScientist]

i think a lot of it has to do with what the best local shop sells.

[ceolwulf]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

i think a lot of it has to do with what the best local shop sells.

That's pretty much it I think.

My area will likely be filled with Scotts soon as the one good local shop has started carrying them. Most mountain bikes are already Rocky Mountain for the same reason.

[oliver1850]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

i think a lot of it has to do with what the best local shop sells.

Not necessarily the best.........

All three shops closest to me are Trek shops. Two used to be exclusively Trek, but one has just picked up Colnago.

[William]

I see a lot of Spec-ed and Felt around here, Trek a distant third. Passed a guy on a Spec this morning on my way to the gym, said "Hi" and I rode past went on my merry way.





William

[hida yanra]

Originally Posted by pjmsj21

Bainbridge Island
<snip>

Specialized seems to be eating Trek's lunch. Is this really the case?

Right- a few thoughts.

Seattle is an odd spot for Trek (and also Giant, FWIW)
It is absolutely true, there aren't many Treks around, that's accurate. But that is mostly to do w/ which shops Trek has exclusive agreements with in this area- and what those Treks sit next to in the showroom.
In a show room w/ Madone, Tarmac/Roubaix, Dogma, & SuperSix/Synapse... those Madones aren't the ones standing out in a crowd.
Whether or not it is a good long-term business plan for them, eh, not a big worry in my world.

To your second question- 'S' & Cervelo have eaten into Trek's dominance of the American market in a big way. 10 years ago Treks were ubiquitous (see your local Cragslist for confirmation), and now they are a major brand. This certainly isn't the end of the world for them, but it isn't great news either.

[thirdgenbird]

Originally Posted by oliver1850

Not necessarily the best.........

All three shops closest to me are Trek shops. Two used to be exclusively Trek, but one has just picked up Colnago.

This.

[CunegoFan]

Trek needs to find a new doper to support. That will bring in the sheep.

[GeorgeTSquirrel]

I think it's a Bainbridge thing... I don't recall seeing a disproportionate number of Specialized bikes when I lived in Fauntleroy. Perhaps take a ride on the Burke-Gilman for comparison? FWIW, I was riding a Kona when I lived out there. I mostly ride a Trek at the moment.

[MattTuck]

Perhaps they're not trademarking generic terms and then suing people frivolously enough...

[Keith A]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

i think a lot of it has to do with what the best local shop sells.

This is true in my area. I would say that almost half of the guys/gals that do our local "A" rides are riding a Trek with most of these being a Madone. And with no strong Specialized dealer in our area, you rarely see one on our group rides.

[Lewis Moon]

Used to be Colnagos, Masis and the stray Paramount.....

[biker72]

Trek and Specialized are still selling well where I work.