The main difference between Trek vs Specialized Mountain Bikes include the price, weight and suspension. Trek mountain bikes are generally more expensive than Specialized mountain bikes. The second difference is the weight of the bike. Trek mountain bikes tend to be a bit heavier than Specialized mountain bikes. The third difference is the suspension. Trek mountain bikes have a bit more suspension than Specialized mountain bikes. The fourth difference is the tires.
Thinking of getting a mountain bike that helps you buzz through every terrain type? Well, you may come across Trek and Specialized Mountain bikes as they are the current users’ hot favorite. Both bikes have a huge customer base due to the impeccable features they offer. As a beginner, you may not differentiate between the two. However, a genuine mountain biker would know both have quite a few differences that make them suitable for different riding styles. Trek and Specialized both have a wide selection of hybrid, hardtail, and full-suspension bikes to choose from. This Trek vs Specialized article will help you make the right choice. We also give you our honest verdict in the end, so enjoy!
Overview of Trek MTB
As a mountain biking enthusiast, it is surprising to know about Trek. Trek is the ultimate bike manufacturer that has been on the market since 1976. They have built a great customer base over the years due to their high quality and excellence. Do you know world-famous bikers have won championships using the Trek MTBs? These bikes were used in France de Tours and had exceptional features. Apart from providing excellent stability on the road, it has a mind-blowing braking system. Let’s have a look at its features in detail:
1. Construction
As a beginner, you tend to focus on the construction more than anything else. Trek is made with a unique lightweight aluminum material that makes it sturdy but durable. The carbon fiber components have a longer shelf-life and do not wear and tear quickly. Overall, Trek MTBs are made to be lost and comparable to any high-end brand.
2. Active braking system
A braking system plays a massive role in making it a hit or a miss in a mountain bike. We can easily vouch for Trek’s braking system. It has a full-floater mechanism with two rear suspensions. The shocks float seamlessly, making bottomless riding a smooth experience. It has mechanical hard disc brakes with impeccable stop acting, making it suitable for championships.
3. Components
All the Trek bikes have SRAM and Shimano components, making switching between brakes easier. You can quickly shift gears and change speed to go as fast or slow. Reinforced rubber is used for tires that elongate in life. Overall, components are sturdy, and less pedal resistance increases its performance.
4. Mountain bike variety
Trek has been ruling the market for years due to its affordable price and impeccable carbon Iso Speed bikes. It has a variety of beginner-friendly, hardtail, full-suspension, downhill, etc., bikes. Affordability and high-quality pro-caliber bikes are Trek’s sphericality.
Overview of Specialized MTB
Trek MTBs were already ruling the market when specialized broke through and created a name for themselves. Specialized as a brand first launched in 1995, their bikes have been selling in high volumes since then. Many players in the downhill championship swear by their bikes as they provide impeccable stopping action. One thing that makes it a user’s favorite is that it caters to all riding styles, beginners and professionals. Let’s have a look at its features:
1. Construction
One thing that Specialized never compromises on is the quality. Specialized uses both aluminum and carbon fiber to construct its MTBs. The aluminum bikes are more lightweight and easier to handle. While the carbon fiber bikes are more high-end and made for professional use. The reinforced rubber tires have exceptional lasting ability.
2. Braking system
Specialized has an excellent braking system that allows a user to have impeccable stopping power. It has used V-brakes, handle brakes, traditional caliper brakes, and disc brakes in multiple bikes. It also has Shimano brake pads which provide excellent grip and immediate action even on wet surfaces. It has a future shock rear, ideal for bumpy roads and rugged trails.
3. Components
The Specialized bikes use forging technologies and 3D printing techniques for high precision levels. Steel alloys, gel paddle, ATB saddle, etc., all make Specialized bikes worth the investment. Specialized bikes source all the high-quality materials from worldwide for better construction quality.
4. Mountain bike variety
The specialized mountain bikes have different varieties, and they cater to all riding types. They make downhill, cross-country, dirt jump, and trail mountain bikes. Even if you are a beginner, you get various options to choose from. Their mountain bikes have unique geometry, which helps in maximizing comfort even when riding on challenging trails. On the other hand, Specialized bikes have remarkable ergonomics that help promote blood flow and performance.
Trek vs Specialized: Similarities
Both Trek and Specialized bikes are exceptional in their ways and cater to various riding styles. We are evaluating a few similarities between the two:
- Both Specialized and Trek MTBs are made of high-quality parts and provide low-paddling resistance.
- Both have Shimano brake shifters, making it very easy to switch between gears and shift speeds faster.
- As a beginner or professional, you will have a great variety to explore as they provide different bike ranges to explore.
- Specialized and Trek bikes use aluminum and carbon fiber in the construction process to be lightweight yet durable.
Trek vs Specialized: Differences Between
Despite having many similarities, Trek and Specialized have stark differences also. Some of them can be a deal-breaker for you. Let’s have a look:
- Both are expensive brands, but specialized has some affordable options, making them beginner-friendly.
- Specialized makes more road bikes with impeccable quality, but Trek makes more cross-road and hybrid bikes.
- Specialized has a future shock rear system, while the Trek bikes have an action braking system and full-floating action.
- Specialized has better geometry for beginners, while Trek is better for professional championships.
Which One Is Better?
Specialized and Trek bikes are the best and have great features that support versatile riding styles. We cannot say one is better than the other as it depends on your level and preferences. However, we think Trek has better variety and ergonomics for professional riding. However, as a beginner, Specialized is better suited.