In the house: Trek Stache 8
Originally posted on December 17, 2012 at 12:18 pm
By Karl Rosengarth. Photos by Karl Rosengarth and Adam Newman.
If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll have noticed the parade of long-travel 29er hardtails that have recently marched into DRHQ. My 2013 Trek Stache 8 test bike joins the ranks of the Diamondback Mason, Kona Honzo and Carver Ti 420 that are currently under scrutiny by our crack team of dirt slingers. Sensing a trend here? We at DRHQ certainly are.
Trek’s Stache is designed for "trail riding," as the marketers are wont to say. How convenient, I like to ride trails!
The 120mm-travel Stache measures in with a 68.6 degree head angle, 17.52-inch long chainstays, and a 12.4-inch high bottom bracket. There’s nothing shocking about those numbers. They represent a logical extension of Trek’s 29er hardtail geometry, adjusted for an additional 20mm of fork travel, compared to the company’s XC hardtails.
The frame on the all-new-for-2013 Stache was designed from the ground up. The large hydroformed main tubes, tapered head tube, 142x12mm thru-axle rear, and press-fit bottom bracket let you know that Trek built the Stache to be strong and stiff. Other highlights include ISCG tabs, dropper post routing, sloping top tube, and plenty of tire clearance (see photo below). I don’t want to spill the beans on my upcoming print review, but let me assure you that frame flex was not an issue.
The $2,420 Stache 8 comes with a solid 2×10 kit. Proven Shimano SLX parts include brakes, shifters, and front derailleur (there’s a nice a XT upgrade on the rear derailleur). Bontrager parts quite capably take care of the tires, wheels, saddle, seatpost, bar, and stem.
The green anodized Race Face Turbine cranks and FSA headset coordinate with green highlights on the frame, fork and other components. The graphic package has a certain pizzazz, and the bike has garnered praise from onlookers on more than a few occasions.
With my Time clipless platform pedals and a bottle cage, the Stache 8 (size 19") weighed in at 27.5 lbs. That’s all I’m going to say at this point. I’m such a tease. I know. But that’s the point. I’m hoping that you’re now psyched to read my full review in Issue #168. Perhaps I’ve even to tempted you to subscribe to our fine publication? Happy trails (biking) to you.