Pricing will range from $1,579.99 for the Stache 5 alloy, to $4,699.99 for the Stache 9.8 carbon with a Bontrager Line Pro parts kit, SRAM X01 1×11 drivetrain, and Bontrager Drop Line post. Trek points out that the maximum chainring size is 32t, though all bikes ship with a 30t. Carbon Stache will be available in 15.5, 17.5, 19.5, and 21.5″ frame sizes, while the Alloy Stache models add an 18.5″ size. While the aluminum bikes use unaltered frames, the new longer 120mm suspension forks join new color schemes for the Stache 5 (black) and 7 (green) Alpha Platinum Aluminum bikes. That results in a claimed weight for the Stache 9.8 of 27.2 lbs (12.33kg). Compared to the alloy counterpart, Trek claims the carbon frames are almost a pound lighter, shaving 400g. Stache framesets will also be offered but only of the carbon variety. The geometry of the aluminum Stache will remain unchanged. The Stache 9.6 carbon (above) runs the RockShox Yari, both forks run Trek’s G2 geometry with a 51mm offset. Both aluminum and carbon bikes now offer 120mm front travel with the top end Stache 9.8 (top) receiving the new RockShox Pike 29+ fork. The carbon frames also grow at the top tube with a 15mm longer reach. The only difference between the carbon and aluminum bikes out back is a 5mm lower BB on the new carbon frame for more aggressive handling. Part of the tire clearance equation is Boost 148 dropouts matched with the PF92 bottom bracket. Both bikes feature the Stranglehold adjustable dropouts which allow for multiple tire sizes or for the use of single speed drivetrains (even belt drive thanks to the elevated stay). The elevated chain stay allows for a 405-420mm chain stay length while maintaining proper clearance for the chainrings and wide 29 x 3.0″ tires. In terms of the frame details, the Stache 9.6 and 9.8 carbon frames are very similar to their aluminum counterparts. Built with the same features, the carbon bikes do offer improved geometry which will make them even more capable as all around rippers… Now, Trek is expanding on that initial Stache with the addition of two carbon frames. In the mind of Trek’s designers and engineers, that was the key to making the bigger tires work in a trail capable hardtail. Built with a elevated chain stay and a PF92 bottom bracket, the design allowed for ridiculously short chain stays that would still swallow a 29+ tire. Even though Salsa beat Trek to the punch by showing us the carbon 29+ Woodsmoke at Saddle Drive, Trek has been catering to the 29+ crowd for some time with their aluminum Stache. 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.Showing their commitment to huge tires and elevated chain stays, the Trek Stache is getting an upgrade. 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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