Review: Trek Stache 9
For the last few months, the Stache has been constant companion of The Angry Singlespeeder (click to enlarge).
The Lowdown: Trek Stache 9
Despite the sighs and guffaws at yet another wheel size, the whole plus-size segment is gaining a lot of traction (lame pun intended). Although the Surly Krampus started this trend a few years back, the most recent addition to the 29+ segment is the 2015 Trek Stache.
After seeing the Stache for the first time at Sea Otter, I took both the 27.5+ and 29+ models for a spin in the hills above Laguna Seca and was quite impressed. The ride was so good that I wanted to log more saddle time to see if this bike could be a simpler, less expensive alternative to a full-suspension trail bike.
For the last two months I’ve been logging some big miles on the Stache 9 in a variety of terrain. Most of it has been in the ultra steep, rocky, technical and primitive trails around Downieville, California and the Lakes Basin — a region that pushes every mountain bike to its limits. Typically, places such as the Lakes Basin is no place for a hardtail, but I wanted to see how the monster truck 29×3.0 Bontrager Chupacabra tires would fare on trails better suited for a capable mid-travel full-suspension bike.
Fork spec is the Manitou Magnum 34 Pro with 110mm of travel (click to enlarge).
So with its big, meaty Bontrager tires, nimble hardtail design with stubby 420mm chainstays, and attractive $3700 price tag, is the Stache 9 an affordable alternative to a full-suspension trail bike?
| Drivetrain: SRAM X1 1×11 speed | Frame Material: Aluminum |
| Suspension: Manitou Magnum 34 Pro (110mm) | Weight: 27 pounds (as tested) |
| Wheel Size: 29+ | MSRP: $3,700 |
| Hubs: DT Swiss 350 Boost compatible |
Rating:  5 Chilis-out-of-5 |
| Rims: SunRingle Mulefüt 50mm |
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Full Review: Trek Stache 9
The Lakes Basin region near Downieville is one of the rockiest and most technical places I’ve ever ridden. Around the Lakes Basin, riders measure distance in “dog miles” — for every mile you ride, it feels like seven. In the Lakes Basin, hike-a-bike is common, even with a capable full-suspension trail bike like an Ibis Ripley or a Pivot Mach 429.
Weight: 27 pounds. MSRP: $3,700 (click to enlarge).
So you could imagine my surprise when I suddenly found myself climbing up rockier stair-step features on the Stache than I’ve been able to clean on my Ibis Ripley. Even more surprised were the riders behind me pushing their full-suspension rigs while snacking on my dust.
Continue to page 2 for more on the Trek Stache 9 and full photo gallery »
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