An Amusement & Diversion for The Genteel Cyclist. Daily.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Richard Burke, the founder of Trek, dies


Dick Burke founded Trek Bicycles in Waterloo, Wisconsin in 1976. For someone who claimed he wasn't much of a cyclist, he sure knew how to build a brand. He died last night in Milwaukee after complications following heart surgery.

My brother had one of these puppies -- roughly a 1980 touring model with Campy Record and (I distinctly remember) dry graphite chain lube, which I got a great kick out of putting down the back of his pants.


I stupidly waived my hand-me-down rights.

Probably what best explains the success of Trek is the high quality frame builders Burke employed through the early years. Tesch, Medici, and even American-made Masi's were all created by alumni of Trek's brazing brigade.

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