Review: Trek Speed Concept
images by Nick Salazar
Oct 21, 2010  hits 247,110

We think there are a few too many bolts up front, but that's the price of the incredible adjustability in the extensions.
We think there are a few too many bolts up front, but that's the price of the incredible adjustability in the extensions.
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Tags » frames,  speedconcept,  trek
  • The Trek Speed Concept 9.9
  • Without a doubt, the Speed Concept is quite alluring from the front.
  • Trek has integrated more parts on the Speed Concept than any bike before it.
  • We think there are a few too many bolts up front, but that's the price of the incredible adjustability in the extensions.
  • This is the minimum stack the pads can have over the base bar. We wish they could go a little lower to accomodate athletes in need of very low positions.
  • Again, the key word is 'Integrated.' Trek's custom stem hides all the cables going into the bike, and provides a more aero solution than standard round stems.
  • The stem consists of an alloy underside responsible for all clamping duties, and a plastic cover that just hides everything going on beneath it.
  • These are the low-far and mid-far stem options. It'd be nice to see an option between these two, or a way to stack the pads lower relative to the base bar.
  • The front brake is both beautiful and highly functional.
  • The rear brake originally came with some very small, easily-rusted bolts which we replaced with sturdier socket-head stainless ones. Definitely do this if you get the bike.
  • Trek has made a very simple, functional seatpost clamp. It looks like a very durable piece of kit.
  • Trek's four-position seatpost allows triathletes to dial in almost any preferred position.
  • The Kammtail Virtual Foil, or KVF, is Trek's new claim to aerodynamic superiority.
  • Trek is quite proud of their new shape, claiming it's more aerodynamic and stiffer to boot.
  • We don't have equipment to test the bike's aerodynamics, but we can confirm that this machine is stiff in a very good way.
  • One thing's for sure about that bottom bracket: it's beefy, and stiff.
  • BB90 has strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately works very well, as long as you don't plan on changing out your stock cranks.
  • Trek's integration philosophy extends to the bike's accessories; the black Speed Box mates beautifully with the back of the seat tube, and the Bontrager Aero Bottle fits nicely in the main triangle.
  • The Speed Box provides a more aero storage alternative than the standard saddle bag.
  • The box basically extends the airfoil of the seat tube, taking advantage of the bike's existing aerodynamics.
  • When bolted to the seat tube, Bontrager's aero bottle tucks down nicely into the bottom of the main triangle.
  • The Bontrager aero bottle just barely peeks out beyond the width of the frame tubes.
  • It looks good, and it's pretty easy to access too.

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