Trek’s Farley fat bikes have impressed us with their thoughtful features and geometry that makes them fun to ride in any season. Trek is upping the ante, by introducing a full-suspension version of the Farley. The Farley EX will come in one carbon and one alloy version this August.
Highlights
- 120mm of front- and rear-suspension travel
- 197mm rear end
- 121mm press-fit bottom bracket
- 27.5 and 26in wheel compatible
- One carbon and one alloy version
- Available in August
Fully fat
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The carbon Farley EX 9.8 as well as the alloy Farley EX 8 use front ends that bear a striking resemblance to the Fuel EX. Like the Fuel EX, the Farley EX has 120mm of front- and rear-suspension travel. Both models feature Trek’s usual range of suspension technologies, including the ABP rear suspension, a Full Floater lower shock linkage and RE:aktiv tuning on the Fox float shock.
Both the bikes have 197mm rear hub spacing and use 121mm press-fit bottom brackets. The Farley EX 9.8 has internal routing through the carbon front triangle, while the alloy Farley EX 8 has external routing, save for the dropper seatpost.
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A Pike or Yari for fat bikes would be a welcome addition
Both models use the RockShox Bluto SL fork with 120mm of travel. We’ve been critical of the Bluto in the past, particularly on other full-suspension fat bikes, such as the Salsa Bucksaw. Add suspension to traction-grabbing fat tires and this 32mm stanchion fork quickly feels outclassed. Trek hinted at the possibility that more robust offerings may exist at some point.
Wheelsize compatibility
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Time will tell if 27.5 fat bikes gain traction with other bike companies
Trek’s in-house component brand Bontrager pioneered the 27.5in fat platform last season. The Farley EX comes equipped with 27.5 wheels with 3.8in-wide tires on 80mm-wide rims. According to Trek, the Farley EX can also accept 26in rims with slightly more voluminous 4in tires.
Pricing and availability
The Farley EX 9.8 will retail for $5,499 while the Farley 8 will set buyers back $3,499. Somewhat disappointing is that there is no frame-only option available.
Both models will be available this August in the US as well as Europe.
[Editor's note: we previously wrote that the Farley EX would only be released in the US. According to Trek, the Farley EX will also be available in Europe.]