The first rule about track bikes is they must be stiff. The second rule about track bikes is they must be stiff. You get the idea. Track racing being the niche sport it is means it’s largely ignored by many of the big manufacturers, but last year Trek stepped onto the boards, so to say…
The T1 is made from Trek’s own Alpha SL aluminium, and the top and down tubes are hydroformed – fatter at the head tube, a distinct ‘hump’ on the down tube – all contributing towards a stiff frame, helped further by fat seat and chain stays.
Propping the front end up are a pair of carbon forks, and handling the rotational duties are a pair of Bontrager Select Track wheels, with just 20 spokes apiece and wrapped with Bontrager triple compound tyres. A Bontrager Race crankset spins on outboard bearings, with a 49t ring. And we were delighted to find a Shimano Dura Ace sprocket, showing no signs of skimping.
Finishing kit is all from the Bontrager department, and is all nice kit. We’re not sure about ergo bars on a track bike, but we’re willing to try them out. And the saddle might have to be swapped for a more svelte item though.