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 DesignThe 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 GeometryComponent CheckThe 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
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Release Date
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2013 |
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Price
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$2419 |
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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 |
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Cassette |
Shimano HG62 11-36, 10 speed |
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Crankarms |
Race Face Turbine, 38/24 |
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Rear Derailleur |
Shimano Deore XT Shadow Plus |
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Front Derailleur |
Shimano SLX, direct mount |
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Shifter Pods |
Shimano SLX, 10 speed |
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Handlebar |
Bontrager Race Lite Low Riser, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 9 degree sweep |
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Stem |
Bontrager Rhythm Pro, 31.8mm, 7 degree |
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Grips |
Bontrager Race Lite, lock-on |
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Brakes |
Shimano SLX hydraulic disc |
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Wheelset |
Bontrager Duster Tubeless Ready 28-hole disc rims |
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Hubs |
Bontrager sealed cartridge bearing 15mm alloy front hub, Bontrager sealed cartidge bearing, alloy axle, alloy freehub, 142x12 rear hub |
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Tires |
Bontrager 29-3, Expert, 29x2.3" |
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Seat |
Bontrager Evoke 3, hollow Ti rails |
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Seatpost |
Bontrager Rhythm Elite, 31.6mm, zero offset |
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| |
How Does the Stache Ride?ClimbingOur 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.
DescendingRiding 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 ImpressionsThere'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.
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.
Pinkbike's take: | We 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 |
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.
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.
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.
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
@ 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.....
: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.
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.
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!
bikejerksmpls.blogspot.com/2010/02/peacock-groove-gold-plated.html
www.bikerumor.com/2010/03/02/nahbs-peacock-grooves-gold-plated-cut-out-29er-mountain-bike-others
www.cxmagazine.com/wp-content/gallery/2012-nahbs-peacock-groove-custom-steel-cyclocross-bikes/peacock-groove-steel-cyclocross-nahbs-2012-cxmagazine_7_1.jpg
www.pinkbike.com/news/Movember-3-Tips-for-Mustache-Maintenance-from-Ross-Schnell.html
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.
www.on-one.co.uk
lololol
www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/YBSH234481/on_one_456_evo_x5_sektor_bike__matt_raw_with_orange_decal___18_inch
Kona Honzo > +
I can't see myself getting a hardtail for any other reason than weight savings, I much prefer having my two wheels stickign to the ground on climbs, thank you very much.
Since this bike is a capable "all mountain" rig, capable of attacting the " I care more about durability than weight " and " I like to have on my rides rather than shave my legs for aero dynamics and increased uphill traction" - it's also entirely reasonable that the rider pictured is shredding on flats.
//rant
www.pinkbike.com/photo/9076290