just checked and you are correct! assembled in the USA. No idea why i thought it said made in wisconsin.

I can relate.

I wanted some small front end parts for an Argon 18 E-114. About $50 worth of parts if I recall.
Couldn't order through the Argon 18 website. Had to call up an Argon 18 dealer in another city to order the parts for me... then mail them to me!
Absurd.

I understand the whole go to the LBS thing, but small replacement parts (special bolts, stems, seat clamps, maybe even proprietary seat posts(?)) should be available to order online from the manufacturer.
Use a third-party to pack and ship if it's a hassle... but give bike owners the option.
Are you listening bike manufacturers?

The problem with your assessment of buying factory direct is: the factory/manufaturer has a dealer agreement. They agree that they will stay out of the retail business and for that agreement, the dealer pays them a lot of money to have the rights to sell their product. The dealer not only pays for the rights to sell said product, they also invest in brick and mortar, store front. They are also the ones that help sponsor all of the local triathlons and provide race support.

Seeing as they make such a substantial investment, I don't mind buying everything from them

However, all of the Trek SCs are manufactured in Wisconsin.

thanks for your contribution to this meaningless thread

1. Giant is bigger than Trek. It's not giant, but it is bigger in the miniscule market of selling bicycles.
2. Yes, but at least the P5's proprietary stem doesn't force you so high you're catching wind like a sail
3. And ensure you are high and slow, and buy high margin bento boxes and bta setups, along with the new model in two years, to make you less slow
4. Local bike shops are terrible. All of them.
5. Giant is the only one forcing exclusive Giant-only shops, and they're smart to do it. Why would I want my SC 9.9 next to a QR? Someone who knows something might actually sell the latter to someone who wants to be fast.
6. You'd be amazed what people who sell the 9 series don't know, let alone the people who buy it.
7. But it wasn't until 2014 that they cut the balls off previous generations of SC owners by making almost everything new on it proprietary.
8. False. See: Felt IA. There are lies and there are damn lies.
9. Agree

1. Giant is bigger than Trek. It's not giant, but it is bigger in the miniscule market of selling bicycles.
2. Yes, but at least the P5's proprietary stem doesn't force you so high you're catching wind like a sail
3. And ensure you are high and slow, and buy high margin bento boxes and bta setups, along with the new model in two years, to make you less slow
4. Local bike shops are terrible. All of them.
5. Giant is the only one forcing exclusive Giant-only shops, and they're smart to do it. Why would I want my SC 9.9 next to a QR? Someone who knows something might actually sell the latter to someone who wants to be fast.
6. You'd be amazed what people who sell the 9 series don't know, let alone the people who buy it.
7. But it wasn't until 2014 that they cut the balls off previous generations of SC owners by making almost everything new on it proprietary.
8. False. See: Felt IA. There are lies and there are damn lies.
9. Agree