Inside Trek

Guy Kawasaki recently toured the Trek facility in Waterloo Wisconsin and posted about his visit. With Michael Sagan of the Industrial Design Department as his host for the day, he apparently had a great opportunity to peak into the product development process at the company. Pictured here is part of the product development area, where the designers and engineers get everything started. You can check out many more of Guy’s photos from his day at Trek on his post, which offers a nice glimpse into the company. It is interesting to see the past racing bikes that are on display in the atrium. Let’s just hope that none of the graphic designers are suddenly inspired by the rasta colored paint job on the old LeMond time trail bike. Man, that thing makes me glad the 80s are over. It would have looked good with my neon colored graffiti pattern Bolles though.

Update: I just heard this and thought this was an interesting bit of information. The room with paper-covered windows in this shot is a conference room where some of the top-secret design work happens. The windows are covered with paper so that nobody, not even Trek employees who pass by, can see what is being developed inside. While the new Madone was being developed, this room was off limits for months except to the people who directly worked on the project.


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3 responses to “Inside Trek”

  1. suganick Avatar
    suganick

    I’ve taken the tour, it’s absolutely fantastic, the painting system is really amazing as well. They were a big help in developing my senior thesis.

  2. MarvinK Avatar
    MarvinK

    Well, I’m not hoping that they adopt some 80’s colors, but Trek bikes have among the most boringly plain paint schemes around. 2008 models are a modest improvement.

  3. Paul Frankeq Avatar
    Paul Frankeq

    The working facilities there look pretty nice! I’m a young Industrial Designer thinking of applying for a job at Trek. I was wondering what the surrounding area was like and including Waterloo. email me if you want to let me know
    design@paulfranke.com

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