Specialized to Trek or?

[ChrisF]

Which components on a TREK are proprietery ? I had my Superfly frame replaced by TREK with a 2019 Top Fuel and all the components fitted perfectly including the fork.

 

New frame was boost, my standard SRAM 1 X 12 GX Eagle gruppo with GXP crank fitted without any modifications all i needed was a new BB which again was SRAM standard off the shelf.

 

The only mod i needed was a BOOST kit for the rear hub, which luckily was HOPE so no problem there

 

Maybe the rear shock (New frame supplied with one) but in reality how many of us actually replace a rear shock.

 

On the TREK EX5 they went with a custom designed rear hub, with a counter sunk bearing on the drive side.

 

I heard a "creak" at the back, went home, cleaned and lubed the bike.  Nice and quiet, for the first 5km.  By the time the ride was finished the bearing had collapsed !!

 

Louise from Knipe_Racing had to make a custom tool to extract the bearing-outer ....  TREK's answer: "It is a known problem, so we have stock of new hubs."  My long term solution was a new set of wheels .... damned expensive solution to a stupid design.

 

 

And yes, I wanted to get a rear shock with remote lockout .... Neither Louise nor Mark's Workshop could help me.

 

 

Something as simple as getting a new seat-post clamp (wanted an allen key clamp, instead of the quick-release) .... NOPE !!!  TREK has their own size, and nothing off the shelf fits.  And NO, the TREK dealers could not help.  In the end Mark started digging through his boxes and found one.

 

 

The truly sad bit - I LOVED the handling of the EX5 !!  Took me a long while to get as comfortable on the SCOTT.

 

 

PS - I am only recounting my experience with the EX5.  The other models may well be built stronger and/or better, and not suffer these issues.  There have been other threads debating issues between price models of given brands, even SCOTT suffers from feedback on the 970.

 

Given my experience with this model, and the lack of support from the dealers, I am reluctant to given them any more of my hard earned cash.

 

 

Thus far I have had  only one small issue with the SCOTT.  Took it in to the dealer, they fixed it while I waited.  When I got it back they had given the bike a full wash-and-lube, and a good check-up.  In fact, this SCOTT dealer previously gave my BRILLIANT service for my TREK, when the official TREK dealer in Worcester could not help.

[RobertWhitehead]

https://www.on-lynecomponents.com/collections/the-holy-rail/products/holy-rail-dual-cage-kit - problem solved, get that Trek 

 

Thanks all for the constructive feedback.
I’m leaning to a Trek upgrade, however for the long distance rides that single bottle cage has me wondering if it’s worth it, my Camber is also single bottle and I do prefer to ride without a camelback where possible. Most longer events nowadays have enough water stations to be able to ride with 2 bottles over a 60+km ride. I enjoy the dropper post option for some of the exciting bits on a trail so a bottle cage on the seat post ain’t an option.
Lifetime warranty on Trek frame and rims also got me interested, I just hope their after sales service can top my local Spez dealer......currently I’m not overly impressed.
Next question: in Cape Town, who are the most specialised (note the correct spelling ) and friendliest Trek dealers?
I’m based in Edgemead, so West Coast/North probably easier.

Great forum, thanks for all the feedback
Cheers

[madmarc]

https://www.on-lynecomponents.com/collections/the-holy-rail/products/holy-rail-dual-cage-kit - problem solved, get that Trek 

 

doesn't fit the TREK Top Fuel - Well in fact it does but only with 500 ml bottles - R 900 to carry and extra 250 ml jungle juice - thanks i'll keep my Camelbak 

[ChrisF]

doesn't fit the TREK Top Fuel - Well in fact it does but only with 500 ml bottles - R 900 to carry and extra 250 ml jungle juice - thanks i'll keep my Camelbak 

 

If you use a rail to lower the bottle cage, what is the largest bottle you can fit in the TREK frame ?

 

[DieselnDust]

I think OP needs to list his criteria for the new bike to meet. We've defaulted into a personal likes vs dislikes discussion whichh isn't necessarily helping...

 

for example m critieria would be:

 

1. brand and model of bike that makes me feel excited to ride it as often as I can.
2. A dealer that is passionate about that brand and the components brands (don't want to force a Rock Shox service on Fox store....)
3. it must look good

[Craig Foot]

Am I missing the part you've actually put a Rand number to your budget?

That would make a huge difference.

 

Then: Are you dead set on Carbon or would top-end alloy be cool?

Budget I guess around R70-R80k.

[Hairy]

If you use a rail to lower the bottle cage, what is the largest bottle you can fit in the TREK frame ?

 

Knipe Racing -9.jpg

With a saddle bag that big you should be able to store at least 50 litres of water in it alone 

[ChrisF]

With a saddle bag that big you should be able to store at least 50 litres of water in it alone 

 

Hiehie ....

 

OR, tubes and spares for TWO bikes ..... at least Maritz now carries his own spares, so the duffle-bag has been retired.

[thebob]

Budget I guess around R70-R80k.

 

There is a 2020 Top Fuel for sale in the classifieds that is in your budget. Assuming it is the correct size. Make sure you have a proper fitting done! I was caught with the funky sizing on a Trek Fuel EX and had to pay the school fees. Sizing is by far the most important thing to get right

[madmarc]

If you use a rail to lower the bottle cage, what is the largest bottle you can fit in the TREK frame ?

 

Knipe Racing -9.jpg

 

I use a side entry cage and i can fit in a 750ml bottle - In fact those Camelbak bottles just fit - they are slightly longer than a normal bottle.

 

I printed the 1:1 drawing of the Rail and no matter where you position it on the Top Fuel you cannot fit 2 bottles as the rear shock is in the way.

 

I also have a dropper post and can just fit a cage for those small tool bottles, when my post is down the seat is about 5mm from the lid - But i ride a XL frame.

 

The only solution i found so far is a bottle mount on the rear of the seat like the Tri guys do.

 

The other solution is a dual bladder hydration pack of 2 L ( 1 L water & 1 L jungle juice) but i've never been able to find on locally