The Stache 8 comes with a well thought out parts package. The chainstays are 445mm, and have plenty of clearance to run even fatter tires than the Bontrager 29-3's which are spec'd. The Stache has a relatively slack head angle of 68.3° or 68.6° depending on the frame size. Reducing the trail of a bike should allow for quicker handling despite the longer wheelbase that comes with bigger wheels. Trail is the horizontal distance between a bike's steering axis and where the front wheel touches the ground ( the contact patch). To achieve the goals of this geometry, on the Stache 8 the fork is offset 51mm in order to reduce the trail of the bike. The Stache features what Trek calls G2 Geometry, which was originally introduced by Gary Fisher ( whose brand Trek absorbed in 2010) to improve the handling of 29 inch wheeled bikes. The majority of full suspension bikes are coming with 142x12 rear ends, so the inclusion of this standard on a hardtail like the Stache means riders with more than one bike in their quiver will be able to swap wheels without encountering compatibility issues. The Stache has a 142x12 rear axle, but adaptors are available that would make it possible to run a conventional 135x10 axle. ISCG 05 tabs are included for those who want to run a chain guide. The tapering does necessitate a direct mount front derailleur, since it's not possible to run a traditional style clamp around a squared off tube. This tapering does decrease the amount of seat tube available for raising and lowering the seat, but with a dropper post ( the frame includes routing for a stealth post) this would not be an issue. The seat tube shape is unique, flattening dramatically as it nears the bottom bracket, which increases rear wheel clearance. The Stache 8 is constructed of hydroformed Alpha Platinum aluminum, which is Trek's highest level aluminum alloy. Our 17.5” test bike weighed in at a very reasonable 25.8 pounds without pedals. Not intended to be a featherweight race bike ( although it's certainly race worthy), the big wheeled Stache is aimed squarely at riders seeking the simplicity of a hardtail with modern amenities like a 2x10 drivetrain, 142x12 thru-axle rear, and the option to run a dropper post. Hardtails seem to be experiencing a resurgence lately, as riders seeking a low-maintenance departure from creaky pivots and loose bearings return to their roots. While Trek has been making headlines more for their long-travel DH bikes piloted by a certain redhead, the Waterloo, Wisconsin, based company has continued to refine their short travel and hardtail offerings.
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