Are you in the market for your first bike? Sticking to a budget and experiencing an unforgettable ride will be major factors you might consider. So, when we put Cervelo against a Trek bike, we seek to find which option would be perfect for a first ride.
My father owns a huge bike shop in our town and we stock plenty of the best bikes in the world, if I do say so myself.
As head of the Quality Assurance team, one of my designated jobs is to test drive new arrivals to be sure that they perform as expected and to report any imperfections in operation.
I gather a wealth of insight regarding the different brands we have available and rather than keep it to myself, I share it in reviews that get published on our website to help guide interested buyers along.
What is the difference between Cervelo and Trek?
Model |
Cervelo |
Trek |
Brakes |
Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 |
Shimano hydraulic disc |
Shifters |
Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9070 |
Shimano Acera M371 |
Saddle |
Fizik Antares |
Bontrager H1 |
Stem |
FSA OS-99 |
SR Suntour NEX |
Wheels |
Hed Jet 6 Plus SCT |
Bontrager LT2 Comp |
Check Availability |
Cervelo vs Trek: How do they compare?
Frame
Cervelo has a stiff frame that gives you leverage for control while Trek features a light frame built for more speed.
The Cervelo bike features a short head tube that is 35 percent and a fork that is 17 percent stiffer than their other designs.
This allows you to get lower in position putting more weight over the front end without messing up the stem angles.
Trek houses an internal Di2 battery in the down tube and has future-proof cable routing that keeps the bike’s aesthetic clean.
With the weight of the bike under control, and cables out of the way, riders can get a good handle of their bike in all situations that boost riding confidence.
Comfort
Cervelo guarantee aerodynamics using the all-carbon aero handlebar while Specialized is compliant to the Toupe Sport Body Geometry which guarantees generous padding for supreme comfort.
Cervelo road bike is designed to be as comfortable as possible and this has been achieved by running 25-degree fibers down the seat tube and twisting them to reduce the impact felt by the rider.
The seat post clamp has been decoupled from the saddle’s single bolt to add some flexibility to the build. Lastly, they used wider rims that incorporate wider tires that add to the cushioning between bike and road.
Trek bike features a four-bolt bar clamp that holds the flat winged Aerofly II bar in place that gives riders a comfortable bend with an easy reach to the levers in the hood and drops.
Components
Cervelo is loyal to Rotor cranks and they use aluminum cranks that provide the stiffness the bikes require. Cranksets on Trek give you superior and quick gear shifting with up to 9-speeds available.
52/36 chainrings work perfectly with Cervelo bikes and they are reliable regardless of the surface you are riding them on.
On the other hand, Trek is fitted with hydraulic brakes that are resilient and effective in all-weather situations and guarantee superb control on the wheels.
The wheels are Bontrager Tubeless-ready type which makes them super protective of the tires and resistance to punctures.
Users who like to adjust their tires will appreciate Trek’s larger clearance that can fit up to 35mm. the frame being light also adds to the bike’s ease of transportation and makes it ideal for travel or vacation.
The tires are all-terrain LT2 Comp Hard-Case which are puncture-resistant and it comes with tubeless rims. Other features are the ergonomic handlebars and the DuoTrap S app for wireless ride data monitoring and reporting.
Cervelo vs Trek: A Comparison Overview
Cervelo Review
[amazon box=”B00C2TMO0Q” template=”horizontal” ]This brand of bicycles has been around since 1996. They were created in Canada and showcased to the public in Toronto during a Bike Show.
Due to their history, they have a reputation for being the most sought-after bikes in cycling, especially where racing is concerned.
The founders of Cervelo, Phil White, and Gerard Vroomen focused on time trial bikes and triathlon bikes which are still leading the pack in-frame development.
Cervelofeatures a range of bikes in the R-series road bikes, S-series aero bikes, and P-series for all triathlon and professional cycling.
P Range
This range refers to the triathlon excellent bikes that feature a more upright geometry with dropped downtubes that hide behind the front wheels and shield the seat stays.
By using a bottom bracket shell built with oversized tubing and 11mm extended to the left, the bikes are made to be stiffer and lighter.
R Range
These are bikes built to conquer all terrains and they have more clearance to fit larger tires and take up the Squoval Max shape to deliver the right amount of stiffness at lower weights.
Pros
- Great front-end handling
- Quality Di2 components
- Fast handlebar
Cons
- Average wheels
- Uncomfortable handlebar
Trek Review
Trek was founded in 1975 and gives you a range of bike models to choose from with varied standards and features that suit different preferences.
They manufacture quality mountain, triathlon, road bikes, hybrids, cruisers, and kids’ bikes. They also create female-specific bikes and have a custom bike program that encourages you to select your preferred color and component mix for your bike.
Trek bikes are capable of accommodating an individual weighing up to 300 lbs and it comes with an Alpha Gold Aluminum frame, a carbon fork, and a drivetrain that is fast, reliable, and versatile.
You will find them sporting different geometry between the H1 and H2. The unique trait across the two is the longer and lower riding position they give the cyclist for better endurance over long distances.
The drivetrain is Shimano 2×9 offers 27-speeds and a wide range of gears meaning you don’t have to pedal hard or soft to get over hills. The brakes are hydraulic disc which is reliable in all weather conditions.
Pros
- Hydraulic lockout function
- Ease of accessorizing
- Wide gear range
- Internal cable routing
Cons
- No kickstand
- Paint easily scratches off on gravel rides
Conclusion
While the handlebar designed for the Cervelo bike gives good handling and aerodynamic advantage, it lacks grip and proves to be less than comfortable for large-handed riders. The bike’s carbon handlebars lack bar tape and this poses a risk of slipping even in cool weather.
Trek bikes provide a strong, yet lightweight bike frame and offer the rider ultimate control over their bike’s handling. If your concern lies more on stability, pick on the Trek bikes.
Verdict: So, which is better – Cervelo or Trek?
Trek bikes are better than Cervelo. This is because they have been built to accommodate a wider pool of proportionate individuals which is why they are referred to the Cervelo.
FAQ
Is Cervelo good for off-road riding?
Yes, it is. Even as this is a road bike, it performs marvelously in ridges because of its SRAM Red system.
Is the Trek bike suitable for both men and women?
Yes, it is. However, if you like to be bike specific, there is a women’s version as well but the only difference is that it is lighter in weight and it features a slightly different saddle.