As of August 2022 Trek started to launch their 2023 model year bikes. A lot, but no all, of the 2023 bikes come with Gen 2, Gen 3, Gen 4 or Gen 5 in the name. This stands for Generations and is a new approach designed to ensure more continuity in bike supply.
Stretched Supply Chains
The Covid pandemic has stretched supply chains to breaking point and beyond. Many brands have realised that the only way to keep bike supply going is to carry over, or carry forward, bike models. So instead of changing every bike every year, they simply make some of the same bikes for 2 or 3 years. If you are looking at a simple hybrid bike there is not much technology that is going to change every year. So, you can produce the same bike for several years in a row. This makes life easier for parts suppliers, factories and bike shops as everyone can plan their stock much better and keep bikes flowing into the market.
Generations
With Trek Generations they are continuing to make their 2022 bikes on many models and making them available as a Gen 3 or 4. They are then introducing a new 2023 bike with updated tech as a Gen 4 or 5 bikes. This can be most easily seen with a few examples:
Trek Marlin Gen 2 versus Marlin Gen 3
The Gen 2 Marlin is the same bikes as 2022. It comes with an XC race orientated frame which is fast and has quick handling. The Gen 3 bikes come with a new more trail orientated frame with more relaxed and confident handling. In most cases they have the same forks, gears and brakes. Just the style of frame is different. So you can pick the one that suits your riding style.
Trek Dual Sport Gen 4 versus Dual Sport Gen 5
The Gen 4 Dual Sport is the same bike as 2022 and comes with a front suspension fork and 700c wheels. The new Gen 5 bike comes with a rigid fork and smaller 650b wheels with wider tyres. This makes the bike lighter but many riders will still prefer a suspension fork. So, you can choose the one you want.
Trek Powerfly Gen 3 versus Powerfly Gen 4
The frame, forks and gears on the Gen 3 and Gen 4 Powerflys are basically the same but they come with different electric motors and control units. So the Gen 4 bikes have the very latest, cutting edge tech, and the Gen 3 bikes have a slightly older version at a cheaper price. Both versions work great, so it comes down to a personal choice of whether you want to spend an extra couple of hundred pounds for the latest motor.
With Trek’s generations there will be more bikes available to buy, but also a broader choice of models. So all types of riders can get the bike they want at a great price.
