While the new super light weight SL versions of the Superfly and Superfly 100 are likely to garner the most attention, Trek’s 2013 MTB line is about more than just light weight. Sure, Trek implemented the Apollo project for “a start-from-scratch, no-holds-barred, no-detail-too-small initiative to create the ultimate cross country race machine from the ground up,” but the all new Stache shows they’re thinking about riders who aren’t racers as well. With needed improvements to the Fuel EX, reduced weight and increased compliance of the Superfly’s, and the all new Stache, Trek looks to have a very potent offering of bikes again, for 2013.
Check out the new bikes after the break.
Trek’s 896g hardtail 29er frame is a pretty big deal, but we’ll get to that in a second – let’s talk about the Stache first. Presumably named for the incredible handlebar mustache Ross Schnell has been sporting for some time now, the Stache is all about what Schnell does best: having fun on a bike. The Stache is an all new 29’r hardtail with a purpose build trail geometry built around short chain stays, 120mm fork, and a 2×10 drivetrain. Add in stealth dropper post routing, ISCG 05 mounts, pressfit BB, tapered head tube, a 142×12 rear thru axle and you are left with one rad stache, er, bike. When it comes to 29ers, the Stache marks a departure from Trek’s XC oriented bikes of the past, in favor of a more capable, fun, 29’r do-it-all hard tail.
Initially, two models will be offered, one with a Fox QR15 fork and XT Shadow Plus rear derailleur and matching green Race Face Turbine crank, while the other will be equipped with a RockShox Maxxle 15mm, Shimano SLX Shadow Plus rear derailleur, and Race Face Ride cranks.
Strangely, there is still no mention of the rumored Roscoe long travel 29er. Does Trek have something up its sleeve for later in the year? Or has the Roscoe 29 been shelved for eternity? Stay tuned on that one.
Now, about that lightweight stuff. Trek states that in order to take as much weight as possible out of the Superfly and Superfly 100, a holistic approach was needed. Meaning, that simply tinkering with one or two parts at a time, trying to trim as many grams as possible from each simply wouldn’t work. The Apollo project meant the entire bike was subject to scrutiny, and eventually change. As a result, the changes to the Superfly SL meant a 30% reduction in surface area and a resulting weight of just 896 grams.
Of course, just because it’s lighter doesn’t mean it’s flimsy, as Trek claims the carbon wonder bike boasts increased stiffness thanks to a 142×12 rear thru axle, and a repositioned brake mount that bridges the gap between the chain and seat stays. While more stiff, supposedly both Superfly SLs are more compliant as well, thanks largely to the new roll-wrap seat tube which apparently doubles (!) the frames vertical compliance. Top it all off with a new carbon (yes, carbon) seat post clamp, and you have what is sure to be one of the lightest production 29’r hardtails on the market.
Not to be left out, the Superfly 100 was put on a similar diet, resulting in the 1650g Superfly 100 SL. That’s a 22% reduction in weight if you’re counting. Granted, the frame’s rear wheel travel did come down from 110 to 100mm, in order to provide a more race oriented full suspension rig, none the less, it’s still impressive. As noted, the Superfly 100 SL also receives the roll-wrap seat tube and carbon seat post clamp to keep things compliant, and snug out back. In addition, the Superfly 100 SL touts the ability to run either RockShox or Fox remote shock lockouts, internally through the frame. Three carbon Superfly 100 SL models will be offered, with the aluminum Superfly 100 AL models still offered with new colors and components.
Last, but not least, the venerable Fuel EX. We’re slightly surprised to not see a 650b version of the Fuel, but it still receives some nice upgrades such as ISCG 05 tabs and stealth dropper post routing. This is all in addition to the travel being bumped back up to 130mm front and rear which just serves to increase the Fuel’s trail worthiness. Of course suspension duties are taken care of by Trek’s excellent DRCV shocks and forks – which apparently Trek offers volume adjusting spacers for now, which will allow you to custom tune the fork’s spring curve.
Seeming to illustrate that Trek believes that 29ers are still the best choice for really tall people, all of Trek’s 29ers shown here will be available in a XXL 23″ size, including the SL Superflies. The 26″ bikes? They still are only offered up to 21.5″.
