We've already shown you a host of Trek's new models, including the revised Top Fuel, the lighter Fuel EX and new carbon fibre Remedy. Also on show at their annual Trek World show in Waterloo, Wisconsin was a range of new urban bikes and products, created in response to a surge in bicycle commuting and recreational cycling in the US.
From cradle to grave with Trek's new Eco line
Trek's designers adopted a 'full life cycle' approach to their new Belleville and Atwood bikes. The steel tubing requires less energy to produce than other common materials, more environmentally friendly powdercoat paint processes are used, and parts are clearly labelled for recycling.
Wherever possible, suppliers are selected based on proximity to the factory to minimise emissions, and even the rubber used in the tyres is a mix of reground materials plus virgin rubber sourced from a certified sustainable plantation.
Trek hope to make the bikes' useful lives as long as possible, with a focus on durability and utility. The top-end Belleville will come fully equipped with mudguards, racks, chainguards and hub dynamo-powered front and rear lights, while the more bare-bones Atwood does without most of the extras.
Styling is decidedly retro across the board and strongly reminiscent of what we've seen in past years at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show for a classic look that's likely to stay fresh for some time.
The Atwood is part of Trek's new Eco line, which features steel frames and recyclable parts
Trek partner with BionX for 'sweat-free commuting'
Newer commuters, those living further away from the office or anyone needing to arrive at work looking – and smelling – a little more presentable can also look to Trek's new Ride range, all of which use BionX's motorised pedal-assist system. According to Trek, electric-assisted bikes are now the most popular type of commuter in Holland and they're hoping the trend will catch on in the US, too.
Trek's new Ride line features a motorised pedal-assist system from BionX
In its maximum boost setting, the rear-hub-mounted electric motor can churn out double the rider's pedalling effort up to 350W. Power is drawn from a rechargeable battery located on a proprietary rear rack. Users do have to pedal – the motor won't drive the bike on its own – but 32kmh (20mph) maximum assisted speed has never come so easily. And yes, it's quite fun to ride.
The Ride 's LCD display indicates battery charge, boost level, speed and distance
The system does add about 7kg (15.5lb) in total, however, so you wouldn't want to spend very much time on one with a dead battery. Thankfully, claimed range is 24-64km (16-40 miles) per charge, charge time is about 3.5 hours and the battery can supposedly survive 600 charge cycles before a replacement is needed. A regenerative braking feature kicks in automatically when you hit the rear brake, and the charge mode can be manually selected on long downhills.
When you hit the rear brake, the system automatically switches into regenerative mode
Trek will include the system on its new 7200 (in men's and WSD versions), FX and Valencia models, the latter of which will come equipped with disc brakes, mudguards and lights. Prices top out at about US$2499.99 (approx £1,530).
District and Soho carry on for 2010
Trek's popular District and Soho urban bikes will continue on for 2010, and belt drives are available throughout the range for quiet, clean and maintenance-free running. Topping the belt-equipped range is the new District Carbon, built around a modified 5 Series Madone Pro fit and sporting a 100 percent blacked-out colour scheme.
We first showed you this over-the-top commuter back in April at Sea Otter: the District Carbon
New for 2010 are the 2nd and 3rd District models, both swapping the standard District's carbon-fibre-reinforced belt for a more conventional chain-driven singlespeed setup. Both bikes are nearly identical save for drop bars on one and flat bars on the other, and the same split dropouts used on the standard District will allow for a belt upgrade down the road.
The 3rd District is essentially the same as the 2nd District but with a more upright position
Gary Fisher delves further into the commuter game
The Gary Fisher lineup has long contained commuter elements but 2010 will see a big push in that arena. Highlighting the range are the Simple City 8 and 3 models with multi-speed internally geared rear hubs, mudguards and chainguards. The Simple City 8's front rack is perfectly sized for two paper (or reusable!) grocery bags, and there's even a Euro-style tripod kickstand as well.
The Gary Fisher Simple City 8 is styled after Dutch commuters, with comfy upright positioning
The Lane and Triton models are based more on road bikes, with narrow 700c tyres and drop bars for those who need to get to work a little faster. Steel frame tubes provide good long-term durability and both will accept racks and fenders for hauling cargo and weather protection.
The Gary Fisher Triton offers fixed or singlespeed flexibilility straight out of the box
One of the most interesting models is the bargain basement Gritty, which carries a price tag of just US$399.99 (approx £250). Though built around 700c wheels, the steel frame is more akin to a BMX bike with heavily gusseted head tube and seat cluster areas plus rear-facing horizontal dropouts. A BMX-style stem and brake levers are used too, and there's even a three-piece steel crank.
Gary Fisher aim their new Gritty at commuters on a budget who want a tough-looking machine
Coming up next: Bontrager’s extensive range of parts, accessories and clothing for 2010.