2004 model released in fine fashion

by Kurt Feavel, PCI #537
IPMBA Industry Relations Committee
University of Wisconsin at Madison (WI)

Because my department is located in Trek's backyard, I am often asked why we don't have Treks for every officer. (Presently, my department has two 2001 models which are ridden extensively.) The reason is that until recently, our local dealer did not carry Trek, but that has changed, and none too soon. Trek has released the new 2004 Public Safety Bicycle and done so in fine fashion. I spent a month evaluating the new bike, and I am quite pleased with the changes. I had a difficult time completing this report because the 2004 was so sought-after by many of my officers that I sometimes had to pull rank just to ride it!

Having high quality components that you can depend on is important in police work. Trek obviously had that in mind when they replaced the Judy TT front shock (used on the 2003 model) with the Manitou Public Safety Black. In my opinion, the TT was a very mushy shock that did not provide much support, even when it was dialed up tight; the slightest bump or braking action would cause it to mush down.

The new Manitou provides a very strong, stable platform. Handling the many bumps, curbs and stairs here in Madison was a breeze. Moving through large crowds during football games, I had great control and did not need to worry about the front end dive each time I touched the brakes. The upward tilt of the stem provided me with a more upright position and was very comfortable.

The aluminum frame is light and nimble. I could easily manipulate the bike and travel over and around objects and obstacles with ease.

The test model that I was provided had a Bontrager saddle which I found too hard and uncomfortable for daily patrol use (maybe I need to toughen up my seat...). The standard saddle for the Public Safety model is the Oasis Dual Density. Not my first choice, but I found it more pleasing to the rear end than the Bontrager.

The 2004 comes standard with the following items:

Drivetrain
Crankset: Bontrager Select, ISIS BB 48x38x28t
Front: Derailleur Shimano Nexave
Rear: Derailleur Shimano XT
Shift Levers: Shimano Alivio Rapid Fire
Cassette: Shimano HG-50 11-30, 8 speed
Chain: Shimano IG-313
Other Components
Brakes: TX 22 Alloy
Pedals: System aluminum cage & body
Handlebars: Bontrager Sport
Stem & Seatpost: Bontrager Sport
Saddle: Oasis Dual Density
Rear Rack: Topeak Gorilla rack
Standard Equipment: Bar ends, kickstand, toe clips, and police decal
Front Shock: Manitou Public Safety Black Fork
Wheels
Hubset: Nexave with silent clutch rear
Spokes: 15g stainless steel
Rims: Bontrager Clyde triple walled 36h
Tires: Bontrager Invert 2 w/ SV+

The 2004 model is Gloss Black with white decals and uses Alpha SLR aluminum tubing for the frame. It comes in the following frame sizes: 15.5", 17.5", 19.5", 21.5".

The suggested retail price for the 2004 model is $769.99. Visit your local Trek dealer for more details, or email Trek's law enforcement rep at police@trekbike.com.

Sgt. Kurt Feavel, PCI #537, is a 20-year veteran of the University Police Department in Madison, Wisconsin. He is a founding member of the UW bike patrol, and has served as the unit coordinator for 11 years. In addition to his Bike Patrol duties, he is assigned to the Department's Planning and Development Unit and is responsible for departmental marketing. He can be reached at kdfeavel@wisc.edu.

© 2004 IPMBA. This review first appeared in the Winter 2004 issue of IPMBA News.