Trek has just released details of a trio of 2016 mountain bike models. The biggest news, at least when judging by size, is a redesigned Stache built around the 29 tyre platform. The Waterloo, Wisconsin-based company has also reworked its fat bike, the Farley, and has a new full suspension model that will enable kids to keep pace with their parents on the trails.
Stache goes 29
Trek introduced the Stache platform for the 2012 model year. For 2016, this trail-oriented 29er hardtail has been redesigned around 29 tyres. Trek sought to make the Stache more capable by incorporating plus-sized tyres into the redesign and experimented with 27.5 and 29 sizes. According the Trek, the company chose 29 because of the significant increase in traction that 29 provided.
Related reading: Exploring 29
The Stache is the first Trek mountain bike to get ‘Boosted’ at both ends, meaning the frame features 148x12 rear spacing paired with a 110x15mm fork. In each case, the goal is to widen the bracing angle between the spokes in order to bolster wheel stiffness.
Related reading: Boost 148 explained
In addition to wider hub spacing, the Stache incorporates the sliding Stranglehold dropout system currently used on the Superfly SS, allowing the Stache to be run either geared or singlespeed.
This sliding dropout system provides 15mm of fore/aft adjustment and also allows the chainstay length to be adjusted to accommodate 29 as well as 27.5 and traditional 29in tyres. Riders can use a 29 wheel and tyres setup in the Stache for maximum traction and floatation, or downsize to 27.5 for more playful handling. Last but not least, standard 29er hoops and tyres can be used for a faster, cross-country ride experience.
Frame geometry will change depending on wheel size, tyre size and fork choice
Trek has sought to keep the ride of the Stache lively by keeping the chainstay length as short as possible. The shift to 29 meant that the driveside chainstay had to be repositioned in order to provide chainring clearance while maintaining chainstays that can be adjusted from 420mm down to 405mm. The use of this driveside midstay means that the new Stache is 1x-specific.
Specs, pricing and availability
For the 2016 model year Trek will offer the Stache in three build levels as well as a frame-only.
The Stache 5 is the most affordable and cross-country-oriented version of the bunch, with a rigid carbon fork. The Stache 5 is available now and retails for US$1,760. It is only be available in the United States.
Next up is the Stache 7. The Stache 7 will come with a 110mm-travel Manitou Magnum 34 Comp suspension fork and a SRAM’s new GX drivetrain. It will be available this July in the US and UK. Pricing is set at US$2520 / £1,900.
The Stache 9 is the flagship model, featuring a the top-end 110mm Manitou Magnum 34 Pro suspension fork, and a SRAM X1 drivetrain. The Stache 9 is available now in the US and UK for US$3,880 / £2,800.
Last but not least, Trek will offer the Stache as a frame for riders looking to choose their own kit. The Stache frame will be available this June in the US and UK and will retail for US$940 / £700.
All versions of the Stache come in five frame sizes and share the same alloy frame with an E2 tapered head tube, internal derailleur and dropper post routing, press-fit 92 bottom bracket, Boost 148 spacing and Stranglehold dropouts.
A fatter Farley
Trek’s fat bike, the Farley, gets even fatter for 2016. The current Farley can accommodate 4in-wide fat bikes tyres, but the version that will be hitting stores this fall will be able to handle the largest 5in treads.
This increase in tyre clearance means the new bike uses a 197x12mm rear thru axle, but Trek was able to maintain the same Q-factor as the current Farley. Like the redesigned Stache, the new Farley makes use of Trek’s Stanglehold sliding dropout system. In the case of the Farley, this enables the chainstay length to be adjusted from 455mm down to 440mm.
This isn’t just about singlespeed compatibility: as with the Stache, Trek incorporated the sliders in order to optimise the Farley for 26x5in tyres as well as its new 27.5x4in fat platform. Riders can now choose the lighter and faster-rolling 27.5x4in option for groomed terrain as well as summer riding, or opt for a 26x5in setup for maximum traction and flotation in unpacked snow.
Fatter doesn’t mean heavier in the case of the new Farley.
The new alloy frame with hardware has a claimed weight of 1,935g. Trek will also offer a carbon version of the Farley, which has a claimed weight of 1,325g. Both versions are based on the same geometry and frame features.
Trek is also rolling out a new 27.5 fat carbon wheelset, the Wampa, which has a claimed weight of 2,500g. This new wheelset is tubeless-ready and features a hookless rim profile. The Wampa will come stock on the top-end Farley 9.8.
To keep fork weight in check there’s the new Haru rigid carbon fork available in a full carbon version and a version with carbon legs and an alloy steerer. The claimed weight for the full carbon Haru Pro is 575g. The Haru with an alloy steerer has a claimed weight of 635g.
Specs and availability
The entry-level Farley 5 features Bontrager’s new Barbegazi 26x4.7in tyres, a rigid alloy fork and 2x10 Shimano Deore drivetrain. It will be available this August.
The Farley 7 will come with Barbegazi 26x4.7 tyres, the Haru carbon/alloy fork and SRAM’s GX drivetrain. It will also be available in August.
The Farley 9 sees the addition of a 100mm-travel RockShox Bluto suspension fork, 27.5in Hodag tyres mounted to Jackalope wheels, and SRAM X1 drivetrain. The Farley 9 will be available this September.
Trek’s entry-level carbon Farley 9.6 will come with a Haru carbon/alloy rigid fork, 27.5in Bontrager Jackalope wheels and Hodag tyres, and a SRAM GX1drivetrain. It will be available this September.
The flagship Farley 9.8 has a full carbon Haru fork to match the carbon frame. It comes equipped with the 27.5 carbon Wampa wheels with Hodag tyres, a SRAM X01 drivetrain with a Race Face Carbon Next SL crankset. The claimed weight for the Farley 9.8 is 23lb (10.4kg).
All versions of the Farley feature E2 tapered head tubes, internal derailleur and dropper post routing, press-fit 121 bottom brackets, 197mm rear axle spacing and Stranglehold adjustable thru axle dropouts, and come with tubeless-ready tyres. Pricing is TBA.
Kids bikes done right
Trek didn’t forget about the next generation of mountain bikers, either.
For 2016, the Farley will come in a version with 24in wheels for pint-sized monster trucking. The Farley 24 features a lightweight aluminium frame, a 1x9 drivetrain and 24x3.8in tyres.The Farley 24 will be available in August. (Pricing TBA.)
Last but certainly not least is a new youth mountain bike model that takes its cues from the Trek’s popular Fuel EX line.
For many years Trek employees have created custom, one-off mountain bikes for their own children; now the company has an off-the-shelf model that mimics the performance of one of its best-selling full suspension bikes.
The Fuel EX JR is a scaled down version of the adult bike build around 26in wheels and features all the technologies we’ve come to expect on Trek’s full suspension rigs including an ABP rear suspension, 142x12mm rear axle and an E2 tapered head tube on the aluminium frame.
The Fuel EX JR has an X-Fusion fork and shock for 90mm of front and rear suspension that has been custom-tuned for sub-80lb riders.
The Fuel EX JR comes in a single frame size designed to fit 4’4” to 5” riders. The Fuel EX JR will retail for US$1,980 / £1,400 when it becomes available this June
