Trek is one of the last brands that still makes frames that dont look like other bikes.
However, it doesnt mean they're better.
In fact, they probably aren't. There are Trek fans out there, but most people just moved on.
My point: this is a really weird design (seat post). Trek is asking for trouble. And buying a copy is asking for extra trouble. Think about the forces on the seat post area. heavy rider on potholes. The insane lever effect the carbon has to endure. Why take the risk? Also, there's no way this will ever look like anything but a Trek, but it won't be a Trek.
The factory is probably adding a bunch of material in the unusual areas hoping the frame doesnt disintegrate. Trek fans praise ride quality. I think it's foolish to expect the same from this.
Also, that sales rep is almost certainly lying to you. The thing is, with China, it's often really hard to avoid miscommunication. They have little to no concept of IP. The mere way they think /speak / write is very different. I stopped counting how often i'd get different answers to the same question, depending on how i asked the question.
