#TREK STACHE 7 DROPPER TRAVEL PATCH#
#TREK STACHE 7 DROPPER TRAVEL CRACK#

Tyre pressure setup on the Stache is more critical than for most other bikes, so we’ve been experimenting with different setups to get the best combination of traction, tyre stability and rolling efficiency.Ģ9+ wheels means the 3″ tyres are meatier than the barbeque on Australia Day.

#TREK STACHE 7 DROPPER TRAVEL PATCH#

The huge contact patch of the tyres, which can be run at very low pressures when setup tubeless (the Stache ships with rim tape installed as well as tubeless valves) gives insane cornering grip as well as small bump sensitivity to compensate somewhat for the rigid rear end. What advantages do the 29+ wheels provide? The Stranglehold Dropout’s elevated chainstay features a protective layer to protect the chainstay from the chain slap. Tensioners for singlespeed setup as well as chainstay length adjustment allows for multiple wheel sizes and gearing options.

#TREK STACHE 7 DROPPER TRAVEL CRACK#

Yes! The Stache’s ‘Stranglehold’ dropouts allow for the bike to be configured in 29+, 27.5+, regular 29”, and even as a singlespeed!ĭespite the Stache being more open to change that Donald Trump’s policies, we would definitely recommend giving the Stache a good crack in its original 29+ guise, as the benefits of the 29+ tyres are really what make this bike shine.

Is there an option to swap wheel sizes if I don’t like the 29+ wheels? The Bontrager Chupacabra tyres are named after the legendary Latin American goat-slayer, and hold the key to slaying trails aboard the Stache. Is this even possible? Could Trek be onto something here? Stay tuned for the review where we’ll discuss this further. These attributes mean that the riding style required to get the most out of the Stache is different to how you would ride a standard dual-suspension trail bike. The Stache’s strengths include insane levels of traction and a geometry aimed at being able to throw those big hoops around at will. This is a question we’ll answer more in-depth in the review, however, what we’ve learned in our time on the Stache so far is that asking if the bike replicates the abilities of a dual suspension trail bike is not the right question to be asking. The chunky 120mm Manitou Magnum fork isn’t for the racetrack.Ĭan 29+ wheels give this bike a degree of suspension? Trek’s Travis Brown on the Stache under sunny Stromlo skies. The Stache also runs a 120mm Manitou Magnum fork with beefy 34mm stanchions, further signaling the disorderly intentions of this bike.

Whilst the Stache is a hardtail, its unique 29+ tyres with massive volume are paired with slacker geometry angles than you would regularly see on a hardtail, such as a 68.4-degree head angle, as well as crazy short 420mm chain stays (which are adjustable depending on wheel size and rider preference).

The Trek Stache 7 is designed to be an alternative to a dual suspension trail bike in the 110-130mm travel range. Note the elevated chainstay made possible by the 1x specific design, and the curved seat tube for tyre clearance. If you want to know more about why Trek decided on 29+ wheels, rather than the more common ‘plus size’ industry standard of 27.5+, check out our interview with Trek’s Travis Brown about the development process for the Stache.ĭespite the enormous wheels, the Stache’s creative rear end allows for 420mm chain stays. Mounted to 40mm wide rims the wheels look huge and could probably float if we dropped it into the lake while taking pretty photos, we didn’t though, promise. The Trek Stache is a quirky beast, an aluminium hardtail from Trek that rolls on with ginormous 29+ wheels, that’s a 29″ wheel with 3″ tyres.

Say hello to this funky little beast from Trek. Oh, and does anyone know what a Chupacabra actually is? As we’ve learned over the past few weeks, however, first impressions aren’t everything, but we certainly have done a lot of laughing whilst riding this thing, it’s a whole lot of fun!Īhead of our review, here is a little preview of this very unique bike.

Trek stache 7 dropper travel