50 bikes that built Trek
From silver-brazed to moulded carbon, these are the bikes that defined Trek's first 50 years.
See the bikes50 years of Trek | A timeline of innovation and impact
Fifty years ago, a small team in a Wisconsin barn set out to build beautiful bicycles. What followed is a story of bold innovations, hard lessons and big wins – and a growing conviction that bikes could serve a greater good.
This timeline captures the defining moments of our journey and the evolution of a purpose that now drives everything we do: changing the world through bikes.
50 years of iconic photography
50 years of Trek, captured through the iconic images that defined a brand, a culture and a movement.
See the gallery1990
The all-carbon 5000
Trek hires an outside firm to develop its first full-carbon bike – a project so secret the engineers used code names. When the 5000 rolled out, it was light, fast – and rode like a 2x4. But it proved the potential of carbon and taught Trek a critical lesson: if we wanted to do it properly, we had to build it ourselves.
1990
Bigger than a bike ride
A few hundred riders gather to raise money for childhood cancer at the first-ever Trek 100 charity ride, an event that would become the single-largest contributor to the MACC Fund. Decades later, Trek 100 has raised more than US $24 million – proof that a bike company can move more than product.
1999
The ElecTrek
Nothing about it was quite as great as the name, but Trek's first electric bike was way ahead of its time. At a svelte 25 kg, it had a Yamaha PAS motor system with a 20-mile range. It may have taken 3 1/2 hours to charge, but it was the beginning of a revolution.
1999
The 5500
From shop floor to the Champs Elysees. A fully production Trek 5500, available in local bike shops since 1992, wins cycling’s biggest race. From the beginning, it blurred the line between professional technology and the bikes that everyday riders can buy.
2002
Passport, meet performance
Trek Travel opens its doors and introduces a whole new travel experience built around the idea that the best way to see the wonders of the world is from the saddle, blending bike tourism with five-star hospitality.
2002
A güt deal
Trek acquires Diamant – Germany’s oldest bike brand and a cornerstone of European cycling history. The partnership brings 125 years of heritage, a factory in Hartmannsdorf, and a bridge between Trek’s Midwestern roots and Europe’s rich riding culture.
2002
Snuff 'em out, everyone
After a rash of tragic health incidents with Trek employees, Trek President John Burke puts his foot down. Trek closes the smoking cafe and launches a wellness programme that includes on-site check-ups, healthy food and yeah – no more lighting up. The big message: whatever your job, we care about your health. You should, too. It turns the culture on its... butt.
2006
Time for recess: Trek turns its surrounding area into a proving ground for MTB
On its quest to stoke an internal mountain bike culture, Trek builds 18 miles of private singletrack across from its Waterloo HQ, turning lunch breaks into test sessions and providing employees with a much-needed sanctuary during the workday.
2016
Trek shines a light on safety
Trek ushers cycling out of the dark ages with an entirely new concept of bike lights – Daytime Running Lights that stand out even when the sun is shining.
2016
Trek donates US $1 million to NICA
Trek invests US $1 million in the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, planting the seed to help grow youth mountain biking across the country. The ongoing funding helps build new leagues, train coaches and help thousands of kids build strong minds, bodies and communities through cycling.
2019
Supercaliber Gen 1
Trek debuts an integrated rear suspension that blends hardtail speed with full-suspension control. The design wins world titles and redefines what a cross-country race bike can be.
2021
Our world, our responsibility
Trek unveils the first impact report by a major player in the bike industry, setting a new standard for transparency and accountability. The report details Trek’s full carbon footprint and outlines a bold plan to cut emissions, reduce waste and drive change across the cycling industry and beyond.
Read the report2021
Protecting land. Building trails.
Trek dedicates funding to protect land and build public trail systems through the Trek Foundation. The programme supports projects that create more places to ride while keeping natural spaces open, protected and free for everyone to enjoy.
2021
The first Pathfinders
Trek and NICA launch the Pathfinders Scholarship to bring greater diversity to youth mountain biking by providing young riders of colour with the bikes, gear and support they need to thrive.
2023
Trek tells customers to stop buying new bikes
Operating in the original red barn where Trek began, Red Barn Refresh begins restoring and reselling used bikes from its original red barn, reducing waste and making cycling more accessible. It proves that sustainability and sentiment can coexist.
2023
Not your typical 9 to 5
Trek makes the the Great Place to Work/Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For List for the first time, and follows it up with consecutive inclusions in 2024 and 2025