I am planning on demo'ing a Trek Stache 8 this weekend, it will be my first ride on a 29er and am looking forward to trying it!
Is there anybody out there who has had a blast on one of these?
I currently ride a Cotic BFe setup with 140mm revs and it is quite a beast however, even after playing with saddles etc, after about 15miles I start to know I have been on the bike for a while, which is why i am looking at 29ers as I have read alot of good things!
Any advice etc would be great.
Adam
Had one on demo last weekend and rode it on the Marin Trail and 2 days at CyB. It's a great bike on paper and has all the right angles for a fun ride. It never felt out of its depth on any of CyB and is certainly better than a 26 hardtail over rocky climbs and descents. The issue I have with the bike is that it felt a bit dull, very competent and easy to ride but I felt quite isolated from the trail. It's certainly worth trying, but try and get some rides on other bikes to compare. I am after trying the Cotic Solaris and a Highball as well as Yeti Big Top. All in all a great bike, but not for me.
Add the Kona Honzo/Taro to that list too...
I'm a few weeks into owning a Stache 7 and so far so good. It's my first 29er and I didn't test ride any.
I've really enjoyed every ride, it does feel a bit different but I can't put my finger on exactly why. It's been plenty responsive and playful enough.
Whilst I can't make any recommendations on what to do on a test ride I would suggest trying others though. As you're looking at the more expensive model the alternative options shouldn't be ignored. As mine started at the lower price (fudged to fit cycle to work) it seemed the best option for what I wanted. At £1,800 ish a decent spec Solaris for example would be easily achievable.
Mate has one thinks its great.
Had my first ride on mine yesterday and its far from dull although I did dump the 90mm stem for a 70mm and that really made a difference to the steering feel, for me the bike feels just right can really rag doll it with confidence, don't think my zesty will be getting much use when I get my new frame back.
replaced my Cotic bfe with this and got to say it made the cotic feel like a dinosaur .
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Probably being a muppet but where can you find out about demo days for the treks. I am in the north east and would love the opportunity. Have these been put on through local shops or are they part of a national trek programme of demo days?
Righty then, I have had the bike for the past 2 days, took it up to Cannock Chase yesterday and then went for a ride on some local easy trails. I am pleasently surprised, the bike never felt slugish at all, climbed very well and was great fun down hill. My only issue was that I had to demo a 17.5 if I were to buy one I would buy a 19 due to my height, I managed on the 17.5 but with the reverb at its limit! The 29inch wheels deffinitely iron out the smaller bumps and make for a slightly smoother ride compared to the 26inch. I am not going to be rushing out and buying one quite yet as I fancy trying a full suspension 29er before deciding what I want, as I am quite keen on the Whyte T129s!
If I was to buy a Stache, I think I would deffinitely go for an 8, but I would fit a shorter stem, my renthal lite bars and potentialy upgrade the brakes by 20mm at each end as it did feel a little under braked (probably more due to my portly stature 🙂 )
Baden: I am fortunate to have a Trek store very close to me who has their own demo fleet, so I was able to pay a deposit and have the bike for the weekend! This is at coventry, so probably a little far for you. Have a look to see if there is one nearer with a demo fleet.
Adam!
My 7 is a 19" and fits me fine at 6'1". Cannock is my local spot so if you were unsure before paying up then I'd be happy to let you have a try.
First thing I did with mine was stick a 50mm stem on and it's nice and that.
Stu at the Dales Bike Centre has one in his demo fleet.
Pity you just missed his demo weekend - a mate rode the Stache and had the "good bike but uninvolving" comment too. I rode the Cotic Solaris and really liked it.