Trek Stache 8 Review

Jan 7, 2013
by Mike Kazimer  

TESTED
Trek
Stache 8
WORDS: Mike Kazimer
PHOTOS: Ian Hylands

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. 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. 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. Our 17.5” test bike weighed in at a very reasonable 25.8 pounds without pedals. MSRP for the Stache 8 is $2419 USD.

Frame Construction and Design

The Stache 8 is constructed of hydroformed Alpha Platinum aluminum, which is Trek's highest level aluminum alloy. The seat tube shape is unique, flattening dramatically as it nears the bottom bracket, which increases rear wheel clearance. 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 tapering does necessitate a direct mount front derailleur, since it's not possible to run a traditional style clamp around a squared off tube. ISCG 05 tabs are included for those who want to run a chain guide. The Stache has a 142x12 rear axle, but adaptors are available that would make it possible to run a conventional 135x10 axle. 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 features what Trek calls G2 Geometry, which was originally introduced by Gary Fisher (whose brand Trek absorbed in 2010) to improve the handling of 29 inch wheeled bikes. To achieve the goals of this geometry, on the Stache 8 the fork is offset 51mm in order to reduce the trail of the bike. Trail is the horizontal distance between a bike's steering axis and where the front wheel touches the ground (the contact patch). Reducing the trail of a bike should allow for quicker handling despite the longer wheelbase that comes with bigger wheels. The Stache has a relatively slack head angle of 68.3° or 68.6° depending on the frame size. The chainstays are 445mm, and have plenty of clearance to run even fatter tires than the Bontrager 29-3's which are spec'd.

Trek Stache 8 Geometry
Trek Stache 8 geometry

Component Check

The Stache 8 comes with a well thought out parts package. Acid green Race Face Turbine cranks (with 38 and 24 tooth chainrings) spin on a press fit bottom bracket, while shifting duties are handled by a Shimano XT Shadow Plus rear derailleur and SLX front derailleur. We were glad to see a set of Shimano SLX brakes on this bike, as we continue to be impressed by their consistent, low maintenance stopping power. A 120mm Fox Evolution Series 32 Float fork with CTD provides the Stache's front suspension. The 720mm wide Bontrager handlebars have very little (5mm) rise, with 9 degrees of backsweep. Our test bike came with a 90mm stem, which we found to be a bit long for our liking and switched out for a shorter, 50mm stem. Tire duties are handled by Bontrager's 29-3 tires, a reasonably wide tire designed to work well in a variety of trail conditions.

Specifications
Release Date 2013
Price $2419
Fork Fox Evolution Series 32 Float w/CTD (climb-trail-descend) damper, rebound, E2 tapered steerer, 15QR thru axle, custom G2 Geometry w/51mm offset, 120mm travel
Headset FSA NO.57E, E2, sealed bearings
Cassette Shimano HG62 11-36, 10 speed
Crankarms Race Face Turbine, 38/24
Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore XT Shadow Plus
Front Derailleur Shimano SLX, direct mount
Shifter Pods Shimano SLX, 10 speed
Handlebar Bontrager Race Lite Low Riser, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 9 degree sweep
Stem Bontrager Rhythm Pro, 31.8mm, 7 degree
Grips Bontrager Race Lite, lock-on
Brakes Shimano SLX hydraulic disc
Wheelset Bontrager Duster Tubeless Ready 28-hole disc rims
Hubs Bontrager sealed cartridge bearing 15mm alloy front hub, Bontrager sealed cartidge bearing, alloy axle, alloy freehub, 142x12 rear hub
Tires Bontrager 29-3, Expert, 29x2.3"
Seat Bontrager Evoke 3, hollow Ti rails
Seatpost Bontrager Rhythm Elite, 31.6mm, zero offset
Trek Stache 8. Photo Ian Hylands.



Trek Stache 8
Trek Stache 8. Photo Ian Hylands
  With its tapered head tube, Shimano SLX brakes, routing for a stealth dropper post, 142x12 dropouts and a 2x10 drivetrain, the Stache 8 is equipped with the latest in 'must have' trail bike technolgy.

How Does the Stache Ride?

Climbing
Our rides on the Stache took place on the technical trails of Sedona, many of which contain extended sections of unevenly spaced rock steps. The Stache was a surefooted and stable climber, whether seated or out of the saddle. The big wheels were definitely an advantage in some sections, spanning the distance between rocks where smaller wheels would have hung up. One persistent stereotype about 29ers is that they accelerate slowly and take longer to get up to speed. While this may be true on paper, the Stache responded quickly to our pedaling input, clambering up the climbs like an aluminum mountain goat. Even with a shorter stem, the bike felt well balanced, and it was easy to lift the front end over the square edged sandstone outcroppings we ran into. Slow speed, technical climbs were handled with ease - even with the big wheels, we were able to pick our way through steep sections filled with chunky rocks without needing to put a foot down or losing traction.

photo
  The big wheels were never a hindrance, even on slow speed, meandering climbs.

Descending
Riding an aluminum hardtail on hardpacked trails full of square edged rock ledges sounds like a teeth-rattling horrorshow, but this prediction proved unfounded. The Stache descended just as well as it climbed, with the big wheels rolling over everything in their path. The advantages of bigger wheels were most noticeable in rocky, uneven terrain; the Stache stayed above the chunder, maintaining forward momentum without getting sucked into holes that would likely have snagged a smaller wheeled bike. Long, steep rock rolls were also no problem for the Stache 8, as the combination of its predictable handling, slack head angle, and the Shimano SLX brakes made it easy to keep our speed under control.

Cornering performance was excellent—the Stache moved quickly through the turns, and was easy to maneuver on twisty sections of trail. Despite the slack, 68.3° head angle, the steering never felt sluggish or too raked out, which can probably be attributed to the dedicated fork offset. On high speed descents where we were riding flat out, we did find ourselves wishing for wider handlebars. The 720mm bars were adequate, but on extended downhills we would have liked a wider hand position for more control. While not as quick to take off as a bike with 26 inch wheels, the Stache wasn't afraid to get airborne, and the bigger wheels provided a large platform to touch back down to earth on.

Overall Ride Impressions
There's not one riding characteristic of the Stache 8 that stands out over the others, but that's not a negative. Rather, it means that this is a well rounded, capable bike that didn't flinch no matter the terrain it was subjected to. From our very first ride on the Stache we felt comfortable - there was no awkward learning phase where we had to adapt to some odd handling trait. Of course, being a hardtail, the Stache does require a slightly different riding style than you might have aboard a full suspension bike. Charge full speed into a rock garden and you'll be quickly reminded of the lack of rear suspension, but that certainly doesn't mean you can't ride aggressively. We were able to charge with confidence aboard this bike, drifting around corners and sprinting the straightaways, a cloud of red desert dust behind us.

photo
  The Stache 8 wasn't afraid to put some space between the tires and the ground.

Component Report:

•Fox's Evolution Series Float 32 had noticeable stiction out of the box, but this went away after a couple of rides, and the fork worked without complaint for the duration of the test. We rode mainly with the fork in the Trail setting, as the Descend setting felt like it didn't have enough compression damping to keep the fork from diving.

•Shimano's SLX brakes were quiet, fade free and offered excellent modulation and stopping power.

•Despite having a clutch-equipped rear derailleur, we managed to drop the chain on two separate occasions. Granted, this occurred while riding at high speeds through very rough terrain. If this was our personal bike we'd likely utilize the ISCG 05 tabs and install some type of chain guide.

•The Bontrager 29-3 tires worked well in the trail conditions we encountered, which were a mix of hardpack and loose sand. They were fast rolling, yet had enough tread to be predictable during hard cornering.


photo
  Up or down, the Stache proved to be a well rounded performer.


Pinkbike's take:
bigquotesWe came away thoroughly impressed with the Stache 8's performance. It's highly capable out of the box, and with a few small, easy changes (the addition of a dropper post, short stem and wide bars), it gets even better. The handling characteristics of this bike were admirable - riders who swear by their 26" wheels owe it to themselves to take a ride on the Stache. Up or down, we found Trek's big wheeled hardtail to be an incredibly versatile bike. Over the past few years there's been a movement to categorize mountain bikes into an ever-expanding list of sub-genres. All-mountain, trail, enduro, xc, dh...the list goes on. So where does the Stache 8 fit on this list? Truth be told, we'd rather not try to pigeonhole it into a category some marketing team dreamed up. If it was up to us, we'd simply call it a mountain bike. Mountain biking is about having fun, and Trek's Stache 8 left us smiling. - Mike Kazimer


Author Info:
mikekazimer avatar

Member since Feb 1, 2009
1,716 articles

125 Comments
  • 55 5
 This is EXACTLY what I'm looking for in my next bike. Low maintainance, as little faff as possible, quick and comfortable whilst still being able to get a bit lairy, and not looking like an XC racing wannabe. Kudos to you Trek. I'm impressed!
  • 16 1
 They land in the UK next month! Check with your local retailer to see if they have one on order in your size.
  • 7 3
 I'm agree with you, quiet, simple, strong... Not for a super agresive riding or extreme trail... but to have fun in a confortable nice way !
  • 12 0
 Ooh, nice to see ISCG mounts on this sort of bike.
  • 12 0
 This is interesting: "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."
Is it riders returning to their roots, or riders who never started on a hardtail, riding full-suspension from birth, now looking into the benefits of a shorter-travel, simpler ride? This "resurgence" fits in with that earlier piece on riding shorter-travel bikes, emphasizing skills over travel.
I'm no expert but I've ridden mountain bikes for close to 20 years, and started out on a hardtail with rigid fork. I didn't go fast over the tech stuff but I did it, because the only option for more squish was 2.3" tires or a Rock Shox Mag 21.
  • 1 3
 Your analogy can be true...
  • 2 0
 Interesting comment twozerosix... so do you think that using a "larger" wheel is any different than opting for a bike with more travel or a better suspension design?
  • 3 5
 If you want a lightweight 29er it makes more sense to go with a hardtail because of the rolling advantages of the big wheels.

I'm not a Trek fan, but I would love to own one od these, mainly because of the G2 geometry, it turns so much better than any other 29er out there, and the slack head angle is great for the downhills. I'm surprised other companies such as Specialized, GT, Cannondale, and Niner haven't experimented with 29er geometry, they've all stuck with standard 71/73 geo for the most part. I think Gary Fisher really nailed it with the G2.
  • 3 1
 Yes Protour, trek has the headtube angles down pretty nice are there bikes. I always hated having a 70* headtube angle even on an xc race bike
  • 2 0
 @dingo-dave I guess I wasn't even thinking about this as a 29r, just a mildly slacked, built tough hardtail. My point was that this resurgence could partially be riders who had maybe never really tried riding a hardtail, maybe were brainwashed from the beginning that they needed 4 or 5 or 6 inches of squish on both ends, but are now discovering the merits of no-squish.

But yeah I think a larger wheel is different from more travel or better suspension, at least from the couple 29'rs I've tried. I don't own one and probably won't anytime soon.
  • 2 3
 @Protour

This bike is nothing new.

Please reference Canfield Bros. Yelli Screamy and Diamondback's Mason as two prime examples of Trek playing catch up/copy. The two bikes I mentioned appear to have shorter chainstay lengths, similar (or slacker) head angles running similar forks (120mm or 140mm) and similar wheelbases without an custom offset fork.

-Cheers
  • 14 1
 I still don't understand the hate on different wheel sizes. I have a steel xc 29er hardtail, which is great for real xc type trails, up and down. I also have a 160mm 26 inch am bike, that I can ride almost everything on. Different machines, but I have learned to appreciate both bikes. The choice of which bike I take comes down to terrain and who I'm riding with.
  • 13 1
 It's because people hate the idea that there's the even the tiniest of chances that some one is telling them 'they're not doing it right'. Even if that means doing it a different way and keeping it to themselves. I've never hated on anyone on Pink Bike for riding 26 but the level of vitriole that all of the 'militant 26ers' brings up everytime anyone breathes a word of 29 is f*ckin ridiculous and pathetic; "put that on your moustache... enjoy your lycra balls... you're just buying into hype, idiot... oh you're gonna need to buy new forks, wheels and tyres... blahblahblaaaahhh..." Change the f*cking record!!! It never occurs to them that some people like to ride different bikes than you, and I will keep saying this till I'm blue in the teeth. TOOLS FOR THE JOB!
  • 3 0
 Yep, you are right Jack. Maybe if people don't like what PB is reviewing, they should start up their own super rad DH FR 26inch 4 lyfe!!11 website. Nobody stopping them.
  • 2 0
 We despise what we cannot or will not understand. I probably won't get a 29er but that's just me - I like have a slew of wheels that will fit most bikes with minimal effort (change a disc brake mount or axle here and there). Between 700c and 26" there's plenty of clutter in my shop.
  • 1 0
 Smash that bro
  • 1 0
 Ride whatever the heck you want for the situation...a bike is a bike no matter what the wheel size.
  • 14 4
 OK i might get some crap for this but IMHO i think paying $2500 for a HT is a little much, even if its a 29er, and that is what my big grip about 29ers is that they price them so high that to me its not worth the extra money, i am just a poor old mt biker, i cant afford those bikes
  • 7 10
 Who exactly is holding a gun to your head forcing you to buy ANY $2500 bike ? There are much cheaper 29er hardtails out there similar in purpose to this Trek offering. And if you think $2500 is "a little much", you really haven't ever priced out what actual expert/elite racers spend on their bikes.
  • 7 10
 yeah... exactly HOW do they justify this price point? I mean a comparable 26'er is gonna be like HALF that price...
  • 9 1
 In what universe is a comparble 26er half that price ? Certainly not here in canada it won't be.
  • 3 4
 Hes just posting his opinion angry canadiens..
  • 11 1
 That's exactly what I was thinking. It's a sweet bike, but for like $200 more, you can get a nice full-suspension Remedy.
  • 3 0
 Regardless of wheel size the price seems a bit much for sure. Even taking into account the components (and it isn't even spec'd with a dropper). I wonder what the msrp of the frame alone would be? I would really love to upgrade to a HT with a thru axle because I feel like that is what worries me the most about pushing my limits on my current HT. The new Diamondback Mason is at the same price level and it doesn't even have a front mech, although it does come with the dropper. Which in my opinion is much more useful than the extra gears.

@ deeeight don't want to get involved in the gun to the head chat but in an effort to be lazy where have you found these "similar" bikes for "much cheaper"???? Not even trying to be wise or anything man I really would love a HT, regardless of wheelsize but a 29" is preferred, for under 2k with the thru axle and other aggressive traits like wide tire compatibility and slightly slacker geo. I have a feeling I'll have to wait until these bikes become available used.....
  • 1 0
 Didn't realize they offer a Stache 7 for just under 2k, which isn't too bad I suppose. Still would rather see a dropper than front mech, especially since they designed the frame to basically require a dropper post....or so it sounds.
  • 1 0
 Give me this bike www.jensonusa.com/All-Mountain-Trail-Mountain-Bikes/Diamondback-Mason-29Er-Bike-2013 with a cheaper derailleur, cheaper brakes and cheaper fork at $1500-$1700 and I'll start to get excited.
  • 2 1
 A Santa Cruz Highball with the RXC29 Kit is $300 less and is all name brand parts.
  • 2 2
 re: dropper posts...i'd rather see them put a braze-on mount in place on the frame to secure a hite-rite... and then actually equip it with one... there isn't much more reliable and proven in dropper post concepts than the original. The patent on them expired more than a decade ago so any frame manufacturer could just have them produced cheaply themselves to use on their models. What's gonna be better? A $200 dropper that won't last a season or a $5 steel spring and some clamp hardware that never fails and only requires opening/closing a QR seatpost clamp.
  • 10 2
 There is so much negative stigma with 29ers! If you don't like them that's fine, there's no need to bang on about riding a 26 til you die and 29ers are poison etc. Most of the people hating on them haven't even ridden one ha..
  • 14 16
 I think thate towards 29ers is caused by the hype how the 29'' wheels are the future and how they are the best. They are just not, and IMHO they just make riding easier, which means less fun.
  • 8 20
flag trailstar2danman (Jan 7, 2013 at 5:32) (Below Threshold)
 what you can do on a 26", I can do better on a 29er!
  • 5 2
 @trailstar2danman. I ride a 26" trials bike. Can you do that better?
:P haha, I really like the look of 29ers, they're so smooth and when i rode one briefly the other day i was blown away. But personally i want a 26" MTB too so that i can flick it about and play around.
  • 9 1
 Yep, there's no way a 29er with 445 mm chainstays can ever have the pop that a 26 with 420mm stays will have. Simple physics. Sure 29ers would roll over small stuff better, but I ride bikes that have some pop on the jumps, and that I can hop over a decent sized log at trail speeds. A bike with long chainstays (29er) makes me feel like I'm going to endo every time I try to get in the air, and that is no fun.
I'm not hating on 29ers here, if a 29 is better for you, fine, great, put on your moustache! I do have a problem with the hype though, and I think that some get seduced by it that would be better off sticking with 26.
  • 9 0
 @Lehel-NS "IMHO they just make riding easier, which means less fun."

Looking at your profile, I see your bike has front and rear suspension. That makes riding easier, so by your logic I'd suggest you swap for a rigid bike. Then you'll have more fun! Big Grin
  • 12 1
 No 31ers and 36ers are the future.
  • 2 0
 Foghorn: I agree, I have a Canfield brother Yelli Screamy and that thing is the best 29 anything I have ever ridden. However, I have had a Remedy and a similarly equipped Rumblefish. I will ride a 26" or 650B for my squishy forever.
  • 1 1
 yeah! 36ers!! for a short man like me, i can setup my saddle lower than wheels, so it lowered my COG! hahahaha LOL i bet the chainstay and lower tube will looks like 'V' shape
  • 7 1
 got to ride my buddies Trek Stache 8 and could not agree more with this article. It felt amazing to have so much power go to the wheels on the climbs and when the descents got technical i just pointed it to were i wanted to go. Handled so well left me wanting more. If you are used to full suspension bikes like I am, hopping on this bike was definitely worth the while. Granted my buddy had carbon wheels and a dropper post on his bike Smile
  • 5 0
 oh, dat chainstay length. Canfield and Transition and Kona have it right, for an "aggressive" hardtail. Let's get on board, trek! I had a 29er XC race hardtail that had shorter chainstays (scott scale)! Handled like a riot.
  • 10 3
 kona honzo...beats this bike to the ground all together in price..and geo. and parts package!
  • 2 0
 Trek runs the same geometry on all thier HTs. Tested the Superfly Expert which the only diff was the 135x10 rear and some beauty pieces. I'd say that while it was a fun, stable HT it wasn't a riot like the Honzo. Maybe part of this is due to my 5' 8" stature, but a 16.3 CS is flickable. Still a good bike and getting back to the basics personalizes the trail all over again.
  • 2 0
 Ordered myself a 2013 Slash 8 but decided to switch to Reign X0 after yet another month delivery delay (form mid november initially now stated to possibly be mid januari) decided to switch to the Giant on december 19th received the bike december 20th, that's what I call service. I used to like Trek but since they cant deliver their goods I decided to switch to Giant
  • 1 0
 Good choice. I preferred my son's Reign 1 over my Slash 8 for climbing, jumping and general trail fun but my Slash does descend a bit better.
  • 2 0
 This review sounds almost word for word how you could describe my Yelli Screamy. Similar geometry (with a shorter chainstay) and mine is spec'd with very similar components, but with a 50mm stem and wide bars. Great bike. But if want a similar ride but don't want to build it up from a frame like the Yelli, the Stache 8 sounds pretty cool.
  • 2 0
 Beautifull frame and I like treks raw/green color style.looks clean and fresh. However it's hard to say that this bike is low maintenance,single speed is allmost maintenace free... with this one you still need to think about chain,chainring condition ... gearing and these small things. Maybe 11speed Alfine would make this one even better
  • 1 1
 Better = heavier?
  • 3 1
 Put me in the camp that is loving this article. I may not get the Stache 8 (price wise I am leaning towards the 7) but I wanted to know more personal experiences with GF's 29er hardtails. I may go with the Stache over the X-Caliber for the features (RF cranks, 12 axle, etc). Worth the few hundred more.
  • 7 2
 is 'stache' short for 'moustache' ?
  • 5 2
 It's a reference to Gary Fisher, who is always sporting a stache, usually of the handlebar variety.
  • 1 0
 That's My Dogs name!
  • 2 0
 im sure everyone wanted to know that
  • 2 1
 Does it have the option for the Stealth Reverb? I think that option cleans the bike up as a whole if you are going to run a dropper post. I am looking for a bike that will get me up the mountain fast and down fast. I like it all and can take a beating. This could be my next bike...
  • 1 0
 "With its tapered head tube, Shimano SLX brakes, routing for a stealth dropper post, 142x12 dropouts and a 2x10 drivetrain, the Stache 8 is equipped with the latest in 'must have' trail bike techonolgy."
  • 1 0
 Yup. The exit for the stealth remote is visible in this photo between the seat tube water bottle mounts: www.pinkbike.com/photo/8996115
  • 1 0
 Thanks. Just found it. Didn't read the captions. I am a DA
  • 1 0
 29" hard tails definately have a place. They are simple to maintain and cheap to build and they can be quite light (mine is 22# with a 20" frame and no carbon). No where does the big wheel make more sense than on this type of bike. If you like to trail ride, don't rule one these out.
  • 1 0
 another bike thats simliar handling and purpose is the Kona Taro for about 900 bucks less. now of course everything is downgraded to deore and avid elixer 1's and a rockshox sektor fork.. but for the money cant beat it... I got mine in november and love it.. now im putting slx brakes on it for more stopping power and more upgrades will be comin in the future. for now ill just ride n beat it up till it needs new stuff.. the stache is pretty tempting but for the price trek can keep it even though its actually a decent value for offereing slx and a fox fork..
  • 1 0
 I think this bike with Srams XX1 would be a killer combo, all the range you need, and even less complication/weight, But I can't decide on the Stache 8 (and sell of the bits I dont like) or just a frame-set and build it myself. Maybe throw an X-Fusion Slide or Trace on the as the geo is the same as G2 on those forks.
  • 1 0
 I like the idea of 29er hardtail trail bikes but they seem to be asking more for the privilege compared to the equivalent XC. Secondly, they are heavy. Any hardtail should not be 30 plus pounds in my mind. A that weight you are taking away handling and flickability and fun.
I went a different route and granted it won't have the slack ha it is a great trail bike with far better components plenty tough and light. What is it? The latest BD Fly ti 29er. It's 70* ha isn't that bad and 435mm cs are quite short. Threw on a short stem and wide bars with fatter tyres and it's very capable only it has XTR shifters and derailleur, Reba fork, powerful Trail 9 brakes. I did upgrade the wheels too but I'm sitting at less than 24lbs with the smooth springy ride of ti for the dry Creek bed runs. If I see a log or short Rocky section I have the options of plowing through or simply flicking over it all. Ya, it cost more when all was said and done it's pretty much top of the line components and a titanium frame.
  • 6 1
 Compared to Diamondback Mason?
  • 2 1
 ok...no comparison
  • 1 0
 This paint scheme looks like a DB Sortie 2 29er, yet it's set up more like the Mason. Funny!
  • 1 0
 @hamnchez....The Mason has a 1x10 setup with a top chain guide and hydro post. The Stache has a 2x10 setup with a front mech and no guide or hydro post. The geometry on the Mason is quite a bit more aggressive. They both sport a rear thru axle and nice components. The Mason comes with Sram and the Stache comes with Shimano. The Trek seems to be a few hundred more which I would say is in the name....and by that I mean Stache because that is a way cooler name HA!
  • 2 0
 I can read the specs. I want a shootout! Both ridden and compared!1
  • 1 0
 Sounds like a great comparo, @hamnchez!
  • 1 1
 Yo TrekUK-Are you gutted that Giant got one over you guys on this one???It would have been SO GOOD if you had purloigned a Stache from Holland,kept the waiting customer happy AND got him out on the trails bright and early-things have gone so downhill since Woody went to Extra...who is actually writing the Pinkbike stuff,let me guess...Dan the Man?Love you guys,man!
  • 2 0
 I think all of the arguments made recently for riding a shorter travel bike could also be made for riding a 26" bike vs a 29" bike.
  • 2 0
 No big fan of Trek, but almost a perfect bike (for me and my riding, of course). I would have put a 34mm stanchion fork, at least on the L and XL, though.
  • 5 5
 Is it me or all the reviews in the last couple of months are all about 29ers ? Seems there is nothing good anymore about 26ers... man i am so "out" riding a 26" wheels what am i going to do ? Personally i just don't get 29ers. If you want to ride a bike and roll over stuff effortlessly then you should stick to the road. I'll wait for the 48ers motor operated remote controlled bike, so i can stay home while my bike do it's thing so i don't get exhausted. But don't get me wrong i am sure 29ers are good bike, it just seems to me as a solution for a non-existing problem. So we would buy another bike again, till the next new thing comes up, and so on
  • 4 1
 There was a 29er Yeti tested before this (www.pinkbike.com/news/Yeti-SB95-Tested-2012.html), but the three reviews before that were all 26" wheeled bikes. The Liteville (www.pinkbike.com/news/Liteville-301-MK10-Tested.html), the Shan (www.pinkbike.com/news/Production-Privee-Shan-Tested-2012.html) and the Transition Bandit (www.pinkbike.com/news/Transition-Bandit-26-Tested-2012.html) all roll on 26" wheels.
  • 2 1
 You really have no room to make a statement like that unless you ride a rigid 26er.
  • 1 1
 Dirt Rag seems to review 29 over 26 by a ratio of at least 70/30.
  • 1 0
 So you're upset because you ride a 26" and there are 29ers that people like? Aw Frown . Nobody is forcing anybody to buy a new bike. It's not a "solution", it's an OPTION. You're no different than all the other kainotophobes who are too immature to try something they don't quite understand.
  • 1 1
 This thing looks fantastic, I have been so tempted to order one since I first heard about the Stache, I'm just not sure how much riding a HT would get from me as I normally opt for the full squish when I go out for a ride...
  • 1 0
 Saw a couple of these in person over the weekend. Really is a very sharp looking bike. Construction quality is great and the kit is pretty good.
  • 3 0
 what?! i have not seen a bicycle with no rear shock?!?! wuuut!?
  • 1 0
 also i think the kona is a lil more descending friendly with a 760mm handlebar combined with the 68 degree headtube angle and short rear end..
  • 2 0
 I would rather go with a 2soulscycle slim jim..much more of everything (pedaling uphills, downhill capacity, etc.)
  • 1 0
 Awesome frame and company, but their frames are heavier than the Kona Honzo which is already quite portly.
  • 1 0
 I've been waiting for a long time. I was convinced the second i saw it. have had mine on back order since October. can't wait!!!
  • 1 0
 I was lucky enough to ride one of these on a Trek demo day and I fell in love with it. Definitely saving up for one in the near future!
  • 5 4
 Never thought a 29er can be made with a good-looking geometry. 650B has a more promising future, in my opinion.
  • 4 1
 Yelli Screamy is better
  • 3 3
 I'm in the market for a hardtail, if this was 26" and had 160mm up front I'd be completely sold! still wouldn't mind giving it a ride one day.
  • 3 0
 Have a look at a On-One 456 if your looking a All-Mtn hardtail. Steel. Lovely bike to ride.

www.on-one.co.uk
  • 1 0
 yeah I'm currently looking at the Transition TransAm 26". Just like having the 12x142 rear (or was it 140?) and the ISCG tabs so I can choose to run a single up front if I like. The onone does look pretty damn good though. thanks for the suggestion.
  • 2 0
 you should never manicure a mustache.....Magnum P.I. mustache or nothing!
  • 1 0
 I thought for a second you had to ride it with no pedals... whatever next I thought..... big wheels....
  • 1 0
 Looks sweet...probably worth the price tag if I were an avid rigid xc racer
  • 3 0
 As in moustache?
  • 2 0
 I can DIG it.
  • 1 0
 like the bike and the price just not the 29er wheels
  • 1 0
 Bike looks huge in those pics!
  • 1 1
 Looks a lot like the Santa Cruz Highball. I like it! Keep these kind of bikes coming.
  • 3 5
 Might as well just opt for a lower end Superfly for that price, for the lower end carbon it only 300ish more. Not speced as great, but a much better frame.
  • 2 1
 Better frame?
  • 2 0
 Superfly is race based geo.
  • 1 1
 Wow, it's a rip-off of the Banshee Paradox V2.
  • 2 0
 no not really... the features on the stache are up to date. for example the rear axle, stealth routing, etc. the stache will blow the doors off the Paradox. not even close to being a rip off dude
  • 4 5
 With those chainstay lengths its still an xc bike, trek isn't fooling anyone here.

Kona Honzo > +
  • 3 1
 the stock honzo is soooooo heavy. i'm not a staunch weight weenie, but i can't ride a hardtail that easily outweighs my 6" full sus. I do agree with another post that these hartail 29ers seem to be extremely expensive. trek's x-caliber, for example, retails for $1600ish and runs some real middle of the road parts with elixir 1's, shitty wheels with rims that are not tubeless compatible and tires that are useless for anything other than groomed xc courses. maybe i'm wrong but that seems like a lot of money for mid-range hardtail. and $1900 for that Honzo.........yeeesh.
  • 1 0
 The Honzo's frame weight is on par with every other AMHT in the segment that's cromoly. The biggest boat anchor on the stock build are the wheels then drivetrain. I've built my Honzo from the frame up and it's 31 lbs, stout build and Fox 34. My Transition TransAM 26er with a Float 36, same drivetrain and brakes was pushing 34 lbs.
  • 1 1
 Just for a fair comparison, my Stache 8 19.5" with a few mods from stock (time pedals, xt shifters/rotors/pads, tubeless) comes in at 26.5lbs. With plenty of room to go down from there with better wheels.
  • 1 1
 That's an awesome weight. For an XC geometry based hardtail which the Stache really is. Close to 18" CS lengths. Ha.Do not want.
  • 9 12
 26 till i die.
  • 5 1
 Go ride with an equally fit and skilled buddy on his 29er - you will!
  • 1 0
 I also thought the same. I still have a 26ers (hardtail and FS as well) but I like more and more my On-One Inbred 29er, especially on technical stuff. As mentioned above, I like that I don't need to check the bearings regularly, I can use chain guide (Inbred 29er has ISCG05 tabs also) and it's cheap. Really. Smile
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