If You Ride Where You Want to Have Fun, This Bike is Likely a Trek Stache 8 Hardtail

For over a decade now, there's been a shift away from the idea that every rider needs a burly bike with plenty of travel. While I'm passionate about hardtails with modern slack head tube angles, aggressive tires, and downhill brakes, I recognize that this setup isn't ideal for most places. The Trek Stache 8 Hardtail is all about being honest about where and how the bike will be ridden.

This bike offers a lot of value for its price tag of $2700 USD with an X-Fusion Manic dropper post and upgraded Manitou Dorado air system in the fork. It's dialed out of the box, making it suitable as both a primary and secondary bike. With a 3' DHF 3c tire option available for road trips, I can see why this bike would be a great choice for many riders.

One of the standout features of the Trek Stache 8 Hardtail is its excellent performance and clean appearance. However, it does sacrifice some level of intuitiveness in favor of these qualities. Adjusting the wheelbase at home was fast and easy using the Strangehold system.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to test this bike as a single speed due to the stock XD driver wheel and lack of a Boost replacement with sufficient rim width. However, the ultimate combination of traction, support, and comfort comes from airing down the tires until they feel slightly squirrely when pushing into corners, then adding air in increments until they don't.

When riding, I found that the ultra-supple Chupacabra tires would bottom out on the rims more often than I would have liked, but the ride quality was still excellent. With the Huck Norris system installed, I was able to maintain the same level of air pressure and ride with a sense of impunity. The Chupacabra tires perform best when inflated in the mid-to-low teens.

Overall, the Trek Stache 8 Hardtail is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fun bike that can handle various terrain and conditions. Its clean appearance, excellent performance, and value for money make it an attractive option for many riders.

Trek stache 8 hardtail