Trek’s Farley fat bikes have impressed us with their thoughtful features and geometry that makes them fun to ride in any season. Trek is upping the ante, by introducing a full-suspension version of the Farley. The Farley EX will come in one carbon and one alloy version this August.
Highlights
- 120mm of front- and rear-suspension travel
- 197mm rear end
- 121mm press-fit bottom bracket
- 27.5 and 26in wheel compatible
- One carbon and one alloy version
- Available in August
Fully fat
The carbon Farley EX 9.8 as well as the alloy Farley EX 8 use front ends that bear a striking resemblance to the Fuel EX. Like the Fuel EX, the Farley EX has 120mm of front- and rear-suspension travel. Both models feature Trek’s usual range of suspension technologies, including the ABP rear suspension, a Full Floater lower shock linkage and RE:aktiv tuning on the Fox float shock.
Both the bikes have 197mm rear hub spacing and use 121mm press-fit bottom brackets. The Farley EX 9.8 has internal routing through the carbon front triangle, while the alloy Farley EX 8 has external routing, save for the dropper seatpost.
A Pike or Yari for fat bikes would be a welcome addition
Both models use the RockShox Bluto SL fork with 120mm of travel. We’ve been critical of the Bluto in the past, particularly on other full-suspension fat bikes, such as the Salsa Bucksaw. Add suspension to traction-grabbing fat tires and this 32mm stanchion fork quickly feels outclassed. Trek hinted at the possibility that more robust offerings may exist at some point.
Wheelsize compatibility
Time will tell if 27.5 fat bikes gain traction with other bike companies
Trek’s in-house component brand Bontrager pioneered the 27.5in fat platform last season. The Farley EX comes equipped with 27.5 wheels with 3.8in-wide tires on 80mm-wide rims. According to Trek, the Farley EX can also accept 26in rims with slightly more voluminous 4in tires.
Pricing and availability
The Farley EX 9.8 will retail for $5,499 while the Farley 8 will set buyers back $3,499. Somewhat disappointing is that there is no frame-only option available.
Both models will be available this August in the US as well as Europe.
[Editor's note: we previously wrote that the Farley EX would only be released in the US. According to Trek, the Farley EX will also be available in Europe.]
