Review: Trek Superfly SS singlespeed 29er
The winding and technical Halo Trail on Peavine Mountain above Reno is a perfect testing ground to see how a bike handles (click to enlarge).
The Lowdown: Trek Superfly SS Singlespeed
In a world of increasing complexity, the stripped-down simplicity of the new Trek Superfly SS is refreshing. With zero suspension, one gear, the ability to run a three-inch wide front tire and a stock weight of 20.5 pounds, the Superfly SS an ideal bike for those who want a fun, fast, versatile and low-maintenance bike. For riders who’ve never owned a singlespeed before, Superfly SS will open up a whole new spectrum of riding. Feeling as comfortable at the occasional race as it does exploring rugged terrain or just getting out on a quick after work spin, the minimalist nature of Superfly SS will make you a fitter, stronger and more skilled rider. And thanks to its approachable $1,600 retail price with an outstanding spec list, Superfly SS is a terrific value.
| Frame: Alpha Platinum aluminum | Seatpost: Bontrager alloy 27.2mm |
| Fork: Bontrager Double Bevel carbon | Handlebar: Bontrager Race Lite Low Riser |
| Tire clearance: 3.0 front, 2.4 rear | Grips: Bontrager Race Lite lock-on |
| Drivetrain: Singlespeed | Stem: Bontrager Race Lite, 7-degree rise |
| Cranks: Race Face Ride 32t narrow-wide chainring | Headset: FSA IS-2 |
| Cassette: 18t cog | Brakes: Shimano Deore/Alivio hydraulic |
| Chain: KMC Z7 | Sizes: 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21.5, 23 |
| Wheels: Bontrager Mustang Elite | Color: Matte Black/Gloss Grape |
| Tires: Bontrager XR2 Expert, Aramid bead, 29×2.2 | Weight: 20.5 pounds |
| Saddle: Bontrager Evoke 2 chromoly rails | MSRP: $1,600 |
Rating:  5 Chilis-out-of-5 |
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Full Review: Trek Superfly SS Singlespeed
In the last five years the bike industry seems to have gone mental with new standards, non-compatible components, and proprietary technologies that make swapping parts between bikes virtually impossible. For some enthusiasts (like myself), it’s enough of a frustration to drive us backwards in technology, opting for a bike with minimal excess. Take for instance the 2015 Trek Superfly SS, a bike that greatly benefits from modern innovation without any added complexity.
Clean lines and graphics with hydroformed tubes make Superfly SS an eye-catcher (click to enlarge).
The new Trek Superfly SS is analogous to the 1993 Porsche 911 RS America – a budget-minded 911 that was stripped of everything that didn’t help it go faster; no air conditioning, no rear seats, no stereo, fabric pull tabs for door handles. RS America cost $10,000 less than a base 911, yet had as much or more performance.
Similarly, the Trek Superfly SS does without shifters, derailleurs and suspension for a svelte 20.5-pound weight, and at a $1,600 retail price, Superfly SS is an outstanding value, especially when you consider its spec list. Featuring front and rear thru-axles (15mm and 142x12mm), a Bontrager Double Bevel carbon fiber fork with tapered aluminum steerer, hydraulic Shimano Deore disc brakes, Race Face cranks with narrow/wide chainring, and a lightweight Alpha Platinum aluminum butted and hydroformed frame with press-fit bottom bracket, Superfly SS is a blend of modern innovation and minimalist functionality.
The new Stranglehold dropout design had zero slip issues throughout the test period (click to enlarge).
In charge of chain tensioning is a new Stranglehold dropout design, a rather genius blend of modern 142x12mm thru-axle capability and old school functionality via tensioner screws found on most vintage road bikes with semi-horizontal dropouts. True to its name, the Stranglehold layout never slipped a chain across a range of rocky, punchy terrain. The only issue I encountered was not realizing that three bolts must be loosened before chain tension can be adjusted via the tensioner screws, resulting in a broken end cap. Trek immediately sent out a replacement end cap and all was good again.
The only potential issue is that the Stranglehold thru-axle nuts require a 22mm socket to loosen – a total pain for any trail adjustments. But unless you’re planning on swapping gears in the middle of a ride, I don’t see this being a huge issue. And because the revised Stranglehold design on Superfly SS is so stout, so long as it’s properly torqued, it won’t slip.
Continue to page 2 for more on the Trek Superfly SS »
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