![]() An elevated drive side chainstay that allows for maximum frame stiffness and strength, while allowing just about the shortest rear end we’ve ever seen on a test bike, regardless of wheelsize, at 420mm. The Stache features Trek’s patented Mid-stay. Some, like the Santa Cruz Heckler, are still around today. Cast your mind back (if you remember such things) to the 1990s and the myriad of elevated-chainstay bikes available. #Trek stache 7 review plusOne problem that Plus bikes, and mountain bikes in general, have struggled with is the question: “How do we keep the rear end super short, but still have room for tyre, frame and chain ring all in that compact little zone around the drive side bottom bracket?” The removal of allowances for front derailleurs on many bikes over the last couple of seasons has helped - but clearances always walk a fine line with Plus bikes. The 29x3.0” rubber is the first thing that will grab the attention of riders and passers-by alike, but there are some very interesting details in this thing that you may not have ever seen before in a bike. The Stache is an interesting looking beast. We got our hands on the mid-spec alloy Stache 7 and got busy finding out how they went. With their Stache models, Trek aim to redefine the 29+ genre with a range of bikes that are super comfortable and roll extremely well - but handle like a trail bike should and don’t weigh a tonne. The options have remained slim since then however, mostly due to the lack of suspension fork options, and 29+ has been the domain of the bikepacker who had very little need for a light, nimble bike as long as it could roll through hell and back. In truth the 29+ category predates the rise of other Plus bikes by some years, first being brought to life by Surly in 2012 with their Krampus. I highly recommend you talk to your local Trek dealer about a demo because the total package creates an experience, and value, beyond the sum of its parts.Words: Adam Macbeth Photos: Tim Bardsley-Smith If the Trek Stache looks like a bike that would be fun where you ride then it's probably one of the most fun bikes for where you ride. ![]() We're well over a decade removed from the idea that everyone needs a burly bike with lots of travel and as much as I'm passionate about hardtails with bleeding edge slack head tube angles, hugely aggressive (slow rolling) tires and DH brakes, I recognize that that's not an ideal setup for most places. Maximizing the Stache experience is all about being honest about where and how the bike will be ridden. ![]() Or maybe call it $3000 (USD) with an X-Fusion Manic dropper post and the air system in the fork upgraded to Manitou's awesome Dorado air system. It is dialed out of the box and I think it offers a lot of value for $2700 (USD). Location dependent I could definitely see it being my only bike - with a 3" DHF 3c on tap for road trips and I know a lot of riders for whom it would be a great second bike. It sacrifices some level of intuitiveness for a very clean appearance and excellent performance and after I'd used it once it was fast to adjust the wheelbase at home in the shop. I did play around with the Trek's wheelbase via their Strangehold system. This is unfortunate because the conditions where it shines parallel perfect trails for one gear riding. #Trek stache 7 review driverUnfortunately, the stock XD driver wheel and a lack of a Boost replacement of sufficient rim width prevented me from testing the Stache as a single speed. ![]() The ultimate mix of traction, support and comfort comes from airing the tires down until they feel a bit squirrely pushing into corners and then adding a few pumps of air at a time until they don't. At this point, I was bottoming the ultra supple Chupacabra tires onto the rims more often than I would have liked on my personal bike but the ride quality was excellent. With the Huck Norris system installed I kept the air pressure in the same zone and rode on with a feeling of impunity. The Chupacabra tires perform best with pressure in the mid-to-low teens. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |