Trek IsoSpeed
Forgiving Ride, Relentless Performance
Since the invention of the traditional diamond-shaped bicycle frame over 100 years ago, a single fundamental challenge has remained: how to make a bicycle frame stiff enough to be efficient and handle predictably, yet compliant enough to reduce the jarring and fatiguing effects of a rough road.
Dozens—possibly hundreds—of ideas to solving the stiffness vs. compliance tradeoff have been tried and tested with various results, including numerous vibration damping materials and suspension systems. But for all the attempts, noble though they may have been, no options were both effective and efficient to the more discerning tastes of experienced riders. Until 2012. Until IsoSpeed.
IsoSpeed challenges the traditional design of a bicycle frame. Devoid of the more favored approaches to the compliance quandary (such as suspension systems, elastomers, or a vibration damper), IsoSpeed maintains the diamond-shaped frameset geometry but “decouples" the seat tube from the top tube, allowing the seat tube to flex with the forces of the road. The result is a bike that moves with the road while maintaining the feel and efficiency of the traditional race bike design.
This “decoupling” is achieved in two manners, depending on the bicycle model. Both methods are equally effective in delivering a significantly more compliant ride quality.
What does it do?
IsoSpeed diminishes the fatiguing impacts of the road, allowing the rider to remain fresher longer.
Is it proven?
The IsoSpeed development project began when we challenged ourselves to build a faster race bike for our professional racing teams competing on the notoriously rough courses of cycling’s notoriously difficult one-day spring Classics, such as Strade Bianche, Ronde van Vlaanderen, and Paris-Roubaix. Each of these races—all of which are among the world’s most renowned—heavily feature gravel, dirt, or cobblestone roads. Since the 2012 introduction of Domane, our first IsoSpeed-equipped road bike, each of these races has been won on a bike with IsoSpeed.
How was it developed?
IsoSpeed was developed through a partnership between Trek engineers and Fabian Cancellara, one of the world’s most successful Classics riders. Professional riders are a key element in our development process. They spend more time on bikes than anybody else, and they're equipped to scrutinize minute details and provide the valuable feedback that is paramount to creating the best bikes in the world. Who better to push us to innovate than those whose livelihood depends on the performance of our products?
What are the drawbacks?
Honestly, we haven’t found any. IsoSpeed rides with the power transfer and handling characteristics of a traditional carbon frame but with noticeably more compliance. There is no weight penalty, it requires little maintenance, and the frame is included in Trek’s industry-best limited lifetime warranty. If you can find a problem with IsoSpeed, we would love to hear it.
Front IsoSpeed
One of the consistent pieces of feedback from riders that have enjoyed rear IsoSpeed was that even though they could plow unfazed through rougher pavement than ever before, they could still feel the road shock through their arms from the front wheel. Our solution was to take everything that works from IsoSpeed and move it up the bike. The same technology that provides great compliance at the saddle now delivers compliance at the front end. Front IsoSpeed, located at the top of the headset, is captured in a rocker cup similar to rear IsoSpeed. This allows the flex of the steerer tube, providing additional compliance at the front of a bike. The rocker cup of the upper steerer has zero lateral movement, allowing the bike to steer and handle with precision.
700 Series OCLV
The lightest strongest carbon available. 700 Series OCLV is the ultimate combination of superior modulus and superior strength, and it's only from Trek.
Endurance fit
As benifits the world's most advanced endurance racing bikes, we've developed the world's most stable racing geometry. Still racy, but with a slightly higher head tube for better stability and greater comfort through the entire ride.
ISO speed fork
It's a one-two punch: generous ride-tuned sweep and shape increases compliance for a smoother ride, and unique dropout placement optimizes the wheelbase.
Power transfer construction
Get the most out of every pedal stroke with Power Transfer Construction. This Trek innovation connects Treks elusive E2 headtube and BB90 bottom bracket with a wide, ultre-stiff down tube that transfers more of your pedaling power to the road, for more speed out of every pedal turn.
Control Freak Cable Management
Control Freak is the lightest, quickest, most versitile cable management system. It allows any combination of shift and brake housing to be routed through the frame for clean asthetics and an easily customizible set up.
Bontrager UsoCore Bar
Bontragers UsoCore handlebar improves damping of high-frequency vibrations. A continuous inner layer of rubber compound encased in proprietary OCLV reduces vibrations by 20% over standard carbon handlebars
Dirct brake mount
Direct brake mounts connect directly to the frame to reduce redundant parts and increase overall braking performance.
Ride Tuned seatmast
Treks no-cut ride tuned seatmast is designed for the rigors of pro racing. It's the lightest, most comfortable solution for day-in, dfay-out performance and comfort, however rough the roads or hard the riding.
Mudguard compatible
Mudguard mounts allow for full-coverage mudguards so you can ride comfortably in less-than-ideal conditions.
Additional Ture Clearance
Additional tire clearance allows Domane to go where no road bike has gone before. Race, ride, explore.
Blendr-compatible stem
Bontrager Blendr stem technology let you clip your gear directly to the stem for clean looks, maximum user friendliness.