Trek's new Stache 29+ hardtail looks to push the trail hardtail in a new direction, offering a more forgiving ride and more traction. From the XC-oriented Stache 5 with a rigid fork to the more aggressive Stache 9 sporting 110mm travel up front, the Stache line comes in a wide variety of builds.
Considering the massive 3.0-inch width and diameter of the 29+ tire, it's impressive how short Trek was able to keep the chainstays on this bike. They were able to pull it off thanks to the "elevated mid-stay" design, one-piece forged BB area, Boost 148 standard, and 1X drivetrain, all of which provide more room for the tire.
Over three years ago Trek began building prototype 29er hardtails with the intent of finding how short was too short for a chainstay. During this experimentation they discovered the need for Boost 148, the comfort 29+ can provide, and the unique benefits of a big wheeled bike that could manual and corner well. In they end they ended up with an adjustable 405-420mm chainstay length, which is among the shortest we've seen.
While the bikes will be spec'd with 29+, the "Stranglehold" dropout design and frame can accommodate 27.5+ and 29-inch wheels/tires as well. Trek says to choose 29+ for an "ultimate trail-crushing ride," 29+ rigid for demanding XC, 27.5+ for a more playful setup, or standard 29-inch wheels for XC performance.
Trek's wider Boost 148 rear hub standard is claimed to create a 29-inch wheel that's 20-30% stiffer than is possible with 12x142mm - or something roughly equivalent to a 26-inch wheel in terms of lateral stiffness. The standard is quickly being adopted by several other bike manufacturers.
The 850 gram 29+ Chupacabra tire plays a massive roll in how the bike rides. It was developed with Bontrager, a Trek company.
Why 29+ and not 27.5+? According to Gary Fisher, 27.5+ is a "compromise." Trek also cited 27.5+ as still being in infancy while 29+ technology and tires have had a little more time to develop. The larger contact patch (traction), more evenly dispersed pressure, and improved rollover were additional reasons for the 29+ preference.
The Stache uses Manitou's new Magnum fork with 110mm travel and 110mm dropout, which you'll learn more about deeper into this photo gallery.
The Stache will be offered in three complete build kits (Stache 5, Stache 7, and Stache 9) ranging from $1760 to $3880 and as a frame only for $940.
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