The majority of full suspension bikes are coming with 142x12 rear ends, so the inclusion of this standard on a hardtail like the Stache means riders with more than one bike in their quiver will be able to swap wheels without encountering compatibility issues. The Stache has a 142x12 rear axle, but adaptors are available that would make it possible to run a conventional 135x10 axle. ISCG 05 tabs are included for those who want to run a chain guide. The tapering does necessitate a direct mount front derailleur, since it's not possible to run a traditional style clamp around a squared off tube. This tapering does decrease the amount of seat tube available for raising and lowering the seat, but with a dropper post ( the frame includes routing for a stealth post) this would not be an issue. The seat tube shape is unique, flattening dramatically as it nears the bottom bracket, which increases rear wheel clearance. The Stache 8 is constructed of hydroformed Alpha Platinum aluminum, which is Trek's highest level aluminum alloy. Our 17.5” test bike weighed in at a very reasonable 25.8 pounds without pedals. Not intended to be a featherweight race bike ( although it's certainly race worthy), the big wheeled Stache is aimed squarely at riders seeking the simplicity of a hardtail with modern amenities like a 2x10 drivetrain, 142x12 thru-axle rear, and the option to run a dropper post. Hardtails seem to be experiencing a resurgence lately, as riders seeking a low-maintenance departure from creaky pivots and loose bearings return to their roots. But, if you are going to lace up a Rohloff you can go with 36H spoke wheels and all is good for us Clyde’s.While Trek has been making headlines more for their long-travel DH bikes piloted by a certain redhead, the Waterloo, Wisconsin, based company has continued to refine their short travel and hardtail offerings. The curved down tube isn’t great for mid-drive conversion ground clearance either. The negatives of this bike for conversions for me (100% Clyde) are the 28H spoke wheels and 299lb weigh limit. That makes the EXPENSIVE Rohloff a natural for BBS# conversions. A Rohloff and Gates Carbon Drive on this new offering from Trek would be sweet! Note: The Rohloff rear hub has a very wide chain line (IIRC about 54mm).
I believe it is only a matter of time before some manages to install a Rohloff 12mm thru-axle hub on the Trek 148mm stranglehold rear drops. In addition it can accept a belt drive Gates 39T carbon drive CDX front belt ring a feature it shares with the Trek Stache playful short chain stay ripper hard tail. That may make it easier to fir larger deep offset sprockets.The raised rear chain stay gives easy access chain removal without having to break the chain.
Debt free under the sun is the only way to live. A purchase like this is simply one months non-existent anymore house payment here in SoCal. Love my 2013 Niner Jet 9 full suspension XC bike, although it is a very different animal than this. I'd like it better under $2K, but sometimes you have to pay up for a bike that doesn't need anything other than sweep handlebars to float my boat. I initially made the huge jump in quality and price to a Santa Cruz Hightower after my first eMTB used to get myself back in shape, but it really didn't ascend nice enough for my ability level down hill it was the bomb! This 29+ full-hard is just what I wanted at that time, but wasn't available. If this was available years prior I might never have gone back to electric assist after my initial physical therapy eMTB recovery purchase.
I've learned to appreciate a well purpose built and well equipped pedal bike. IMHO this is serious competition with the Surly ECR for my next pedal (and possibly electric conversion) bike money.So many bikes. IMHO this is serious competition with the Surly ECR for my next pedal (and possibly electric conversion) bike money. People are already putting Jones Loop H-Bars on them for more upright comfort and multiple hand positions. You can run a Gates Carbon Drive to a Rohloff or other IGH without having to mess with a frame break to get the belt on. I like the raised right chain stay on the Stache and this bike. Might not be suitable for BBS#'s, but freewheel crank electric applications may work. I think it's a winner!Īppears to have a Press Fit (PF) bottom bracket though. Now for 2018 they have produced the Trek 1120 Adventure 29+ full-hard aluminum framed, carbon forked and fully racked off-road adventure touring bike. Next they eliminated the full-hard Stache and put suspension forks on all of them, so my interest faded. I wish Trek would have built the new 1120 two years ago when I really wanted a Stache 5 full-hard, but couldn't find a 21.5" XL.