#Stache 7 18.5 plus#

Cast your mind back (if you remember such things) to the 1990s and the myriad of elevated-chainstay bikes available.

#Stache 7 18.5 plus#

One problem that Plus bikes, and mountain bikes in general, have struggled with is the question: “How do we keep the rear end super short, but still have room for tyre, frame and chain ring all in that compact little zone around the drive side bottom bracket?” The removal of allowances for front derailleurs on many bikes over the last couple of seasons has helped - but clearances always walk a fine line with Plus bikes. The 29x3.0” rubber is the first thing that will grab the attention of riders and passers-by alike, but there are some very interesting details in this thing that you may not have ever seen before in a bike. The Stache is an interesting looking beast. We got our hands on the mid-spec alloy Stache 7 and got busy finding out how they went. With their Stache models, Trek aim to redefine the 29+ genre with a range of bikes that are super comfortable and roll extremely well - but handle like a trail bike should and don’t weigh a tonne. The options have remained slim since then however, mostly due to the lack of suspension fork options, and 29+ has been the domain of the bikepacker who had very little need for a light, nimble bike as long as it could roll through hell and back. In truth the 29+ category predates the rise of other Plus bikes by some years, first being brought to life by Surly in 2012 with their Krampus.

Words: Adam Macbeth Photos: Tim Bardsley-Smith