After some big launches in 2023 with the Marlin+ e-bike, high pivot Slash and the new Madone SL, Trek is heading into 2024 with some small but meaningful tweaks to its existing ranges. This will see exciting tech like SRAM T-type and Shimano CUES gears either introduced or filtering down into lower priced models within their ranges. Here, our all-round expert Olly takes us through them.
Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 in Matte Galactic Grey
The ALR 4 – the entry model into Trek’s superb gravel bike – used to cost £1,850. This has come down to £1,700 for the 2024 bike, which obviously makes the range more accessible. Another change is that all ALR models now run tubeless tyres like the SLs and SLRs so you’re getting better puncture protection and you can play with your tyre pressures to maximise grip and traction. Checkpoint is a brilliant bike if you like riding gravel, fire roads and some normal roads but also if you’re planning a bike-packing adventure.
Trek Emonda SL 6 in Plasma Pearl Grey/Purple Flip
Emonda is Trek’s lightweight road bike that’s great for a variety of riding and racing, especially on the climbs. New for 2024, the Emonda aluminium-framed ALR models have “Invisible Weld Technology” that decreases weight and increases structural integrity. It also means those obvious welds at joints are replaced by seamless transitions which look amazing. With the carbon-framed SL models, these now have digital gears lower in the range, starting with Shimano 105 Di2 on the standard SL 6 (which used to have digital gears as an option), though there is still the option to have cable gears on the SL 5. Now that electronic gearing is trickling down into lower priced bikes we really think it’s a realistic option for a lot of riders, getting top end quality at a lower price point. They are also far eaiser to set up and need no maintenance once done, as well as cutting down clutter in your cockpit and allowing you to focus more on the road ahead..
T-Type rear derailleur on the new Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS
SRAM called their new T-type gears the biggest launch in their history earlier this year. Very much paired with digital gears, T-type improves shifting when force is being applied to the pedals. We would previously recommend customers ease off on the pedalling when they’re shifting to be kinder to their bike and to avoid creating the strain you can hear when changing gears under load. But with T-type there’s none of that. With a derailleur that mounts directly onto the frame, getting rid of the need for a derailleur hanger and adjustment screws, this new style of transmission is really impressive and it does exactly what SRAM claim it does. T-type gears are now available on the 9.8 GX and as an option on the 8 on both the 2024 Top Fuel and Fuel EX ranges and are soon to be an option on Procaliber
2024 Trek Marlin 5 Gen 3
Trek launched “Gen 3” of what is its most popular bike earlier this year. This gave the models higher in the range a handful of tweaks so they’re more capable on the trails, with a slacker head angle and wider tyres to make them more stable on rougher ground and to give you more confidence going downhill. This has now been introduced to the 5 and 6 models, with the 6 also getting an upgrade from the SR Suntour XCT 30 fork to RockShox Judy. With the advent of Shimano’s new CUES transmission, Trek are able to offer 1x gearing at a far better price point, meaning the Marlin 5 now has this instead of the 2x set-up on the Gen 2 model. Having 1x transmission means the bike has a single chainring at the crank, as opposed to the two or three chainrings on most bikes, and results in simpler shifting and less componentry to keep clean and maintained. If you’re looking to start riding more challenging trails, the new Marlin 5 and 6 make this kind of bike more affordable and are a great way to start out on singletrack.
The launch of Trek’s 2024 models also means that a lot of 2023 models will be coming down in price. To find out more about these range tweaks and the new pricing, come and see us in store in Southgate, Pickering, and our team will talk you through it.
