Frequently Asked Questions

We have included below some of the most common questions we receive during the tour. For questions about a specific event, such as the availability of bike model or sizes, kindly use the contact information listed beneath the event details. For more information on Women's Specific Design bicycles by Trek visit trekbikes.com. For other questions please contact us.

View Answer

QUESTION: How do I know if you will have the right size bike for me at the demo?

ANSWER: Please contact the demo representative who will be onsite at your selected demo and she will let you know what sizes and models are available.

View Answer

QUESTION: Can I get help with a fit on my bike at the demo?

ANSWER: The WSD demo team can certainly assist with a fit at the demo, but due to time constraints at demos we also recommend spending time with your local dealer for a fit.

View Answer

QUESTION: What is the difference between a standard bike and a WSD bike?

ANSWER: A women's physical structure is very different from a man's structure. A Woman's pelvis is tilted forward which ultimately causes 15% more pressure on her lower back when in the same bent over position as a man. The soft tissue on a female has a different density and distribution than a man's which requires a slightly different saddle position and shape. Women's hands are not only smaller than men's, but generally not as strong as men's therefore women benefit from shorter reach break levers and smaller diameter grips. Ultimately, Trek WSD Geometry addresses these differences by shortening the reach and balancing a woman's weight more evenly between hands and hips providing better comfort and control on the bike. We also provide women's specific design comfort on all contact points alleviating discomfort and increasing control and power.

View Answer

QUESTION: My shoulders start to hurt after about 1 hr of riding my road bike. Is this normal? And, is there anything you can suggest to alleviate this soreness?

ANSWER: A proper fit combined with correct riding style, should allow you to ride according to your fitness, not the soreness in your shoulders. It is normal to get sore and tight shoulder muscles if we are riding an improperly fit bicycle, or have incorrect posture on the bike. The good news is that there are a number of things we can look at to try and help alleviate this soreness.

First, we should check your fit setup. If you are not sure how to do this, make an appointment with your authorized Trek dealer for a bike fit. Bring your bike, biking shoes and shorts you normally ride in. Things to look for in a bike fit are; seat height, cockpit length, and height of handlebars. For more detailed information check out this link link to this section on the website.

Next, analyze your riding style. It's very important to have a straight back with shoulders rolled slightly back. While riding, your grip on the handlebars should be light, but firm. Keep your arms slightly bent and relax your arms and shoulders. Use your core muscles to hold you up right, not your arms.

View Answer

QUESTION: I don't like the color of this bike, is there an option to choose my own color?

ANSWER: Trek has a custom bike program where you can choose your own colors. This program is called Project One, from Trek. Log on to www.trekbikes.com and follow the directions. Once you have chosen your bike model and colors, you bring the printout to your authorized Trek dealer and they will order the bike for you.

View Answer

QUESTION: I'd like to switch to clip pedals, but I'm nervous about falling and hurting myself. Can you suggest any tips?

ANSWER: Congratulations! Riding with properly fit cycling shoes and clips tremendously increases your efficiency on the bike. The first few rides can be a little daunting, but there are a few tips to help you along the way:

  • Adjust the tension on your new pedals to its easiest position. (Instructions should come with the pedals)
  • Starting: Step over your bike, clip in one foot, push off and start riding without worrying about clipping in your second shoe. Once you get going it easier to clip in your second shoe.
  • Stopping: When approaching a stop, unclip the foot you normally put down, at least 30 ft from the stop. Soft pedal to the stop, put down your free foot.
  • Eliminate panic by being prepared.
View Answer

QUESTION: I just bought a new bike and now I get a lot of soreness in my soft tissue area. The saddle is women's specific, could it be the saddle? Do you have any other suggestions?

ANSWER: Soreness in your soft tissue can be caused by a number of different factors. Our soft tissue is delicate and if we are riding an improperly fit bicycle, or have incorrect posture on the bike, this area can get very sore and raw.

Here are some suggestions on how to eliminate this soreness:

First, inspect your saddle. Is the nose pointing straight forward? Is the level of the saddle (from the tip of the nose to the base) level? If your saddle is crocked or not level, this could be the source of the problem. Always start with a level, straight saddle.

Next thing to check is your bike fit. If you are not sure how to do this, make an appointment with your authorized Trek dealer for a bike fit. Bring your bike, biking shoes and shorts you normally ride in. Things to look for in a bike fit are; seat height, cockpit length, and height of handlebars. For more detailed information check out this link link to this section on the website.

Next, analyze your riding style. It's very important to have a straight back with shoulders rolled slightly back. Don't sit directly with your soft tissue on the saddle. Be light on your saddle and stand up over bumps and railroad tracks. While riding, your grip on the handlebars should be light, but firm. Keep your arms slightly bent and relax your arms and shoulders. Use your core muscles to hold you up-right, don't relax and slouch on your saddle.

If checking your bike fit and riding style does not alleviate the soreness, then it is time to try some new saddles. This can be the fun part. First, book an appointment with your local Trek dealer to test ride some saddles. Bring your bike, bike shorts and biking shoes. Pick out about 5 new saddles. Have the mechanic install each one on in the exact same spot as your original one. Give it a 5-10 min test ride. Either put it in the "maybe" pile or the "no-way" pile. Hopefully at the end, you will have 2 or 3 in the "maybe" pile. Buy one of them, and write down the model and style numbers of the rest. Now, go home and give this new saddle the ultimate test. Ride with it on your daily/weekly routines. Most stores have a 30-day money back guarantee on their saddles, and Bontrager has a 90-day money-back guarantee. (This gives you 30-90 days to fully test this saddle). Continue this until you find the perfect fit for your body type.

View Answer

QUESTION: I recently crashed wearing my helmet. How long is a helmet good for?

ANSWER: Crashing on your helmet affects the integrity of the materials in your helmet. Definitely replace this helmet before you do another ride. A helmet is good for one impact or 3 years from first use or 5 years from manufacture date, which ever comes first. Trek has a fantastic crash replacement policy if your Trek helmet is less than one year old. Contact your local Trek authorized dealer for more information on this policy and getting your replacement!

View Answer

QUESTION: What do I need to do to demo a bike?

ANSWER: Check out our calendar of upcoming events and select one to attend. Allow yourself plenty of time to check out our inventory and give us some time to fit you on the selected model you would like to try. You will need to fill out a quick registration/waiver form and provide us with a valid ID (driver's license) and Credit Card. (Of course your credit card will not be charged, unless of course you disappear or damage the product.)

View Answer

QUESTION: What if I am under 18, can I still demo a bike?

ANSWER: Yes! But you will need a parent to fill out your registration/waiver form.

View Answer

QUESTION: Do I need cycling shoes?

ANSWER: We recommend that you use the shoes that you typically ride in or most comfortable in.

View Answer

QUESTION: Do I need to bring my own helmet?

ANSWER: We do have a limited number of helmets available for use, but is best to bring your own personal riding gear if possible.

View Answer

QUESTION: Do I need to bring my own pedals to the demo?

ANSWER: While we stock a number of the most common clipless pedals, we don't have every brand and so it is always a good idea to bring your own just in case.

View Answer

QUESTION: How long can I test ride the bike?

ANSWER: We generally request test rides of no more than thirty to forty minutes so everyone gets a chance to ride their desired model. This is flexible to some degree based on trail options and rider turnout.

View Answer

QUESTION: Can I ride more than one bike ?

ANSWER: Sure, as many as you want! We would love you to try all of our inventory and we will do our best to get you on whatever you want to ride. We appreciate your patience, sometimes we get busy.

View Answer

QUESTION: Why isn't the demo tour coming to my town?

ANSWER: Even though the demo program is bigger and better than ever, we still have many events we would like to be at but can't. We do our best to mix it up and change venues, but there are only so many weekends every year! The drivers cover a large territory but managed to do a ton of events in the past year and have even added demo drivers. Please check for the closest event, try to make it out and have a great time.

View Answer

QUESTION: Why is there a limited selection of models on the trailer?

ANSWER: Although we would like to have a sampling of more bikes, there is only so much room on the trailer! We are also trying to promote our newest products or high end products that demand a test ride but your dealer may not have a full size run in stock. We also have more bikes than we can fit in the trailer so we may change out the bikes we are carrying depending on the event. Please contact your local demo driver for specifics on the event you are interested in.

View Answer

QUESTION: The demo truck is coming to my town, but the event listed is a charity ride (MS150 ride, Tour De Cure, RAGBRAI, Ride the Rockies, or other week long touring ride, etc..) Can I ride without participating in the event?

ANSWER: Most of these events have a marked course, number tagged riders and the demo teams are often moving around to different rest stops making it difficult to do an individual test ride. If there is any question, or this is the only chance for you to see a particular bike, please contact the appropriate demo driver for the event to see if any arrangements can be made.

View Answer

QUESTION: Do you sell these bikes?

ANSWER: You can test ride the bikes but they aren't for sale. We are here to support your local Trek dealers, so you can purchase any of these bikes/products at your local dealer.

View Answer

QUESTION: How often do you do demos at each location?

ANSWER: Generally once (maybe twice) each year, so if you are interested in test riding a bike put the demo date on your calendar so you don't miss the opportunity.

View Answer

QUESTION: Where is Trek?

ANSWER: Trek headquarters is located in Waterloo, Wisconsin for more information please check our website at www.trekbikes.com

Graciously sponsored by:

Trek Women
Gary Fisher
Bontrager
Shimano
Rock Shox
Sram
Sherpani
JBL Audio
Trek Travel