2011 Trek Scratch 9: First Look
For 2011 Trek has split the Scratch line into two distinct categories, one being the air sprung Scratch Air and the other the burly coil sprung and freeride intended Scratch 8 and Scratch 9 models. The coil sprung versions have a different goal than their air sprung brethren: these are machines designed to spend all day in the bike park, spend all weekend shuttling, and session the biggest jumps. While the geometry differs from the Session DH race bike, the Scratch can handle the same terrain, impacts and speed. Fast riders who are looking for a smaller travel bike should take note.
The Scratch 9 and 8 are coil sprung and come fitted with chain guides - Park rats rejoice.
2011 Trek Scratch 9 details
- Coil sprung front and rear
- 170 mm of rear wheel travel
- Uses Trek's Active Braking Pivot
- 12 x 142 mm rear axle (convertible to 135 QR with supplied hardware)
- Adjustable geometry allows for head angle and B.B. height variation
- Custom tuned Fox DHX RC4 shock
- 180 mm Travel Fox 36 Van FIT RC2 fork
- ISCG03 chain guide tabs
- Two models: Scratch 9 (shown) and Scratch 8
- Available as a frame only
Trek Employs their Full Floater system on the Scratch
Trek's entire lineup, including the Session, uses their Active Braking Pivot (ABP) to keep the suspension free moving under heaving braking. ABP actually pivots concentrically around the rear axle with the goal of lessening the amount of rotation between the rear axle and brake caliper. The less movement that there is, the more active the suspension under braking. This is especially important on the bike like the Scratch the will see a lot of time at higher speeds and on rougher terrain.
The Scratch comes stock with a 12 x 142 mm rear wheel, but standard 135 QR wheels can be made to fit using the supplied ABP Convert hardware. While the new and stiffer 12 x 142 mm axle size is gaining ground quickly, being able to easily use a standard quick release rear wheel if need arises is a big plus.
Just like you'll find on the Session and Remedy, a one piece Evo Link
The rear shock is a standard looking Fox DHX RC4, but inside Fox has done some custom tweaking to wring the most out of the damper. The result is a shock with a more controlled mid stroke. This is important because the mid stroke of a shock is where a bike will spend the majority of it's time.
The downtube is protected by Treks Aluminum Armor that can be retrofitted to older Scratch's as well
The geometry on the all Scratch models is adjustable via Trek's Minnow Link system. Simply flip the direction the the pivot hardware and you can alter the head angle by half a degree and the bottom bracket by 7 mm. Small adjustments for sure, but entirely useful to dial the bike in to your riding style. A nice touch that can go a long way in protecting the frame from accidental rock damage is Trek's add-on Aluminum Armor. This easily attached pad protects the downtube from flying rocks that may be kicked up by your front wheel. It's also worth noting that the Aluminum Armor is retrofitable onto older Scratch models as well.
| 2011 Trek Scratch Coil specs | |
| Frame and Size | Trek Alpha Red Aluminum •E2 Headtube, EVO Link, ABP Convert, Full Floater •170 mm |
| Rear Shock | Fox DHX RC4, Custom tuned •8.5" x 2.5" |
| Fork | Fox 36 Van FIT RC2 •E2 tapered steerer •180 mm travel |
| Headset | Cane Creek Frustrum SE Light Edition |
| Crankarms | Race Face Atlas |
| Chainring | Race Face 36t |
| Chain Guide | MRP G2 SL Mini |
| Bottom Bracket | Race Face |
| Cassette | SRAM PG-970 11-34, 9 Speed |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM XO |
| Shifter Pod | SRAM XO 9 speed |
| Handlebar | Bontrager Rhythm Pro |
| Stem | Bontrager Rhythm |
| Brakes | Avid Elixir CR |
| Front Wheel | Bontrager Cousin Earl Elite Disc •20 mm thru-axle |
| Rear Wheel | Bontrager Cousin Earl Elite Disc •12 x 142 mm |
| Tires | Bontrager FR4 Team, 2.35" |
| Saddle | Bontrager Ryhthm |
| Seatpost | Bontrager Ryhthm Elite •31.6 mm |
Up front you'll find a burly tapered E2 headtube
Just as Trek has used in the past, the Scratch employs their tapered E2 headtube that focuses the strength where it's needed most, but keeps the weight low and allows the use of standard 1 1/8th stems. While there was resistance a few seasons ago to the new tapered standard, it makes so much sense that nearly all fork manufacturers are now offering models with taperer steerer options. The long travel Scratch uses Fox's exciting new 180 mm travel 36 Van FIT RC2 to handle anything that a rider can dish out.
Fox's new 180 mm travel 36 handles front suspension duties
2011 Trek Scratch 9
All photos by Sterling Lorence
Visit the Trek website to see their entire lineup.
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hagoromo.blogspot.com/2010/07/2011-trek-scratch.html
www.pinkbike.com/photo/5320233
Anyway, I welcome the comments, both good and bad. I've learned a thing or two from them, and had plenty of laughs to go with it.
On a much better note, 22 days until I'm riding the first lift up silver star!!!!
The picture I found on Fox's website really differs a lot from the one on the Scratch...
www.foxracingshox.com/bike/11/forks/36_VAN/180_FIT_RC2
hagoromo.blogspot.com/2010/07/2011-trek-session-88.html
loving the aluminium guard to stop the frame denting
whole bike looks so sick
Beautiful stuff...
c25porter (10 hours ago)
Trek is animate about not posting weights. For 2009 the Scratch 9 was 34lbs in a medium, and The Scratch Air 8 was 32lbs. So they are plenty lite. This year they are probably within a pound of last year.
[Reply]
C25 porter wrote this but didn't click on reply, so don't know if youbwould of gotten it...
nice work Trek
What "designs" on the bike are cool to you? The paint-job? Check out the picture below, the old Enduro does have the capability of a coil shock, where have you been? its been done....
Why is Trek chasing other manufacturer's old designs? I am sure they can come up with something creative... but as long as you guys buy sugar coated old bike designs why should they change?
www.pinkbike.com/photo/5341949
And why, you ask, do people like this design? To me, the lines are elegant, and I think it looks great. I ride a Fuel EX, I like the way it rides, and I am generally very impressed with Trek's design and build quality. It may not be your cup of tea, but I don't understand why you can't come to terms that others might actually like it.
What I'm saying is that Trek is lacking this identity.... please don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with that. But when you're the equivalent of a Ferrari (Trek that is) why the hell aren't you creative enough to lead the pack instead of just remain amongst the pack.... others have.
By you're technical and emotional responses I'm willing to bet my bank account you don't drive a Fiat : )
Im not saying every bike.. but most cases.
Giant has no pivot on the rear axle. No extended chain stay with shock mount but direct shock mount to frame.
Actually it has a extra linkage to the BB as well as the rocker arm at the top.
All in all compelty different suspension designs.
Just because they look simmilar, doesn't mean they are.
Read en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_suspension>>; for some high level differences between suspension designs.
Murses, chick pants and shoes, hipsters and emos... the "new" generation is definitely the most disgraceful one so far with their "fads". What is wrong with parents these days. Do they not know how to straighten their kids out? lol.
f*cking Tool.
oh yah i started dirt jumping on a huffy dont you be talking shit on my huffy!
Scratch and this new Enduro have to be my favourite bikes at the moment. I saw another photo with an RC4 in it but can't find it now.
I agree with you though about the colors they are a little industrial looking
Please fill out and come again
www.pinkbike.com/photo/5320233