![]() The Stache 8 comes with a well thought out parts package. The chainstays are 445mm, and have plenty of clearance to run even fatter tires than the Bontrager 29-3's which are spec'd. The Stache has a relatively slack head angle of 68.3° or 68.6° depending on the frame size. Reducing the trail of a bike should allow for quicker handling despite the longer wheelbase that comes with bigger wheels. Trail is the horizontal distance between a bike's steering axis and where the front wheel touches the ground ( the contact patch). ![]() 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. 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. ![]() 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 has a 142x12 rear axle, but adaptors are available that would make it possible to run a conventional 135x10 axle. ISCG 05 tabs are included for those who want to run a chain guide. 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. 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 seat tube shape is unique, flattening dramatically as it nears the bottom bracket, which increases rear wheel clearance. The Stache 8 is constructed of hydroformed Alpha Platinum aluminum, which is Trek's highest level aluminum alloy. Our 17.5” test bike weighed in at a very reasonable 25.8 pounds without pedals. 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. 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. 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.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. 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. Unfortunately, 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.
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