The genie is out of the bottle, which is to say that Trek has just rolled out its online sales platform, Trek Connect.
In August, Trek announced it would begin selling its bikes and accessories online via a program known as Trek Connect. Trek spokesman Eric Bjorling recently announced that the program would launch before the end of 2015. It appears that time is now.
The new program allows US customers to purchase the full line of Trek bicycles and Bontrager parts, accessories and apparel from Trek’s website.
Bikes must ship to an authorized Trek dealer for assembly and pick-up, though some retailers will offer to deliver the bike to the buyer. Components and accessories purchased through Trek Connect can be shipped directly to the buyer.
"Parts and accessories can ship to either a consumer's home or to a Trek retailer of the consumer's choosing for pickup. If a consumer chooses to send the order to a retailer for pickup, Trek will pay for the shipping. Bikes must be shipped to a retailer for assembly and pick up. All sales on the site result in a service commission for the retailer regardless if they ever see the order," said Bjorling.
Time will tell if Specialized and other brands follow suit with similar online sales models.
