50 Years of Trek: From a Red Barn in Wisconsin to the Fastest Madone Ever Made

A celebration of the people, stories, and machines that shaped one of cycling’s greatest brands.

In 1976, the world met the Bicentennial, the first Apple computer, and Rocky Balboa. But our favourite underdog story didn’t come from Hollywood or Silicon Valley — it started in a small red barn in Waterloo, Wisconsin, where five employees set out to build silver‑brazed lugged frames that could rival Europe’s finest. That humble beginning became the spark for something far bigger: a global movement built on adventure, innovation, and the belief that bikes can change the world.

Fifty years later, Trek is honouring that journey with a limited‑edition 50th Anniversary Collection, headlined by three special‑edition Madone models available only until 13 April 2026. These bikes aren’t just machines — they’re rolling timelines, tributes to Trek’s founders, and celebrations of the moments that shaped the brand’s identity.

The Story Behind the Celebration

Trek’s history is filled with characters, turning points, and bold decisions that pushed the company forward.

Dick Burke — the steady hand

From sharp business instinct to a belief that generosity should run quiet and deep, Trek co‑founder Dick Burke brought clarity and common sense to every decision. When Trek was deep in the red in 1986, he stood on a stack of pallets and delivered a simple mission that saved the company:
Build quality. Deliver on time. Create a positive environment.
That philosophy still guides Trek today.

Bevil Hogg — the dreamer

Co‑founder Bevil Hogg grew up barefoot in Africa, chased possibility across continents, and brought a love of beautiful machines to America. His obsession with big ideas led him to that worn‑out barn in Waterloo — and helped shape Trek’s creative spirit.

Wisconsin roots, global reach

From the Pine Knoll supper club where the name “Trek” was chosen over a few beers, to the small‑town kindness and work ethic that shaped the brand, Trek’s identity has always been rooted in Wisconsin. Today, Trek has offices in more than 20 countries, showing up in local communities rather than shipping in from afar.

Moments that defined Trek

The Independence Pass photo of Dick and John Burke in 1982 — a snapshot of the adventurous spirit that still drives Trek.
The Y‑Bike, a carbon fever dream that redefined what a mountain bike could be.
The invention of OCLV Carbon, bringing aerospace precision to cycling and paving the way for the world’s lightest production road bikes.
The launch of Project One in 2001, turning mass production into personal craftsmanship.
Trek riders winning nine Tour de France titles, including seven during cycling’s most complex era.
Lizzie Deignan’s fearless 80 km solo break to win the first Paris‑Roubaix Femmes — redefining what support for female athletes should look like.
Trek becoming the first major bike brand to publish a full impact report, pushing the industry toward a more sustainable future.
The creation of the 8th‑generation Madone, combining the fastest and lightest road platforms with the revolutionary IsoFlow design.

Trek was founded in 1976. Now, the focus is on 2076 — building a future with more riders, greater access, healthier minds, and less waste.

The 50th Anniversary Collection

Three special‑edition Madones. One unforgettable milestone.

The 50th Anniversary Collection includes:

The First 50 Project One ICON (Madone SLR 9 AXS)
The First 50 Replica (Madone SL 7)
No. 76 Project One ICON (Madone SLR 9 AXS)
Plus a suite of limited‑edition anniversary components

All models are available for pre-order only until 13 April 2026.

No. 76

First 50 ICON

The First 50 Project One ICON

Available exclusively on the Madone SLR 9 AXS Gen 8

The First 50 ICON is the centrepiece of the anniversary collection — a breath-taking Project One design built on the Madone SLR 9 AXS Gen 8, crafted from Trek’s highest‑level 900 Series OCLV Carbon.

A frame covered in Trek’s history

The artwork features illustrations representing the people, innovations, and defining moments that shaped Trek’s first five decades. Every surface reveals a new story — a hidden reference, a milestone, a memory. Trek’s editorial page breaks down each illustration for riders who want to explore the full narrative.

Tour de France Proven

Lidl‑Trek will race The First 50 ICON in the 2026 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes. By then, the order window will be closed — making this one of the rarest Madones ever produced.

Exclusive anniversary details

Individually numbered frame
Limited‑edition white‑and‑red Aeolus RSL saddle with red rails
New Aeolus RSL 65X wheels with anniversary graphics (launching summer 2026)
SRAM RED AXS E1 drivetrain with power meter
Trek Aero RSL one‑piece carbon bar/stem
RSL Aero Bottles and Cages

This is the ultimate collector’s Madone — a bike that blends speed, artistry, and history.

The First 50 Replica

Available on the Madone SL 7 Gen 8

The First 50 Replica brings the storytelling and visual identity of the ICON scheme to a more accessible platform. Built on the Madone SL 7 Gen 8, it features many of the same graphic elements but without the ultra‑premium additions.

It’s crafted for riders who want a piece of Trek’s 50‑year celebration in a more attainable build — while still enjoying the aerodynamic performance, IsoFlow comfort, and carbon construction that define the Madone.

No. 76 Project One ICON & First 50 ICON

Available on the Madone SLR 9 AXS Gen 8

No. 76 is a tribute to Trek’s founding year — a bridge between the brand’s earliest days and its future. It blends the original Trek logo set and heritage blue inspired by the first Trek frames with the cutting‑edge performance of the Madone SLR 9 AXS Gen 8.