Demoing a new bike, a Trek Stache 9.7. I was in the local bike shop to have some repairs done on our son’s bike, and struck up a conversation with the owner. I’ve been thinking of replacing Beastie Bike, and the owner suggested I take his personal ride home for a couple of days to test it. I was rather surprised, but thanked him and politely declined. But as we looked through the various models, he again insisted I needed to borrow his bike and take it out before I decided what I want.
I have talked to this gentleman from time to time as I’ve bought various supplies or had repairs done, but we really don’t know each other well. The Stache 9.7 is a $3,800 Rolls Royce of a bicycle, with full carbon frame, 29 x 2.8 tires, and several other goodies that make it a top shelf ride. It also weighs a svelte 22 pounds, much lighter than my current fat bike’s 40 pounds. Today was the first time I’ve ever ridden any 29er, much less one with Plus tires.
I rode it 14 miles through the trails of a local State Forest. While I still got off and pushed on some really steep, technical climbs I encountered, I was able to stay on the bike through many other trail segments I’ve had difficulty with in the past. Ride comfort and handling were excellent. A few times, when I felt the terrain and trail conditions were safe, I hammered the pedals, and the bike can really get going. It rained during most of the ride, sometimes hard, and both the bike and I were soaked and filthy when I got back to the car. It was an incredibly satisfying ride. I’ll be returning it tomorrow . . . and there’s a very good chance I’ll be returning home with a different bike.
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