Trek has released details of a new addition to the Stache family of 29+ mountain bikes that has caught us by surprise. The next progression in Trek’s 29+ stable is the Full Stache, a 29+ full suspension trail bike with 130mm of matched suspension travel intended to take riders onto rough, backcountry trails.
Trek Full Stache highlights
- Designed around 29x3in tires
- 130mm of front and rear suspension travel
- Ultra short, 430mm / 16.9in chainstays
- Adjustable geometry
- Offered in 17.5, 19.5 and 21.5 sizes
- Available now
A new member of a very small club
The Full Stache is one of only three production full suspension 29+ mountain bikes. Lenz Sport’s Behemoth and Salsa’s Deadwood SUS and the other two members of this small club of full suspension bikes capable of running 29x3in tires.
The Full Stache stands apart by its short chainstays, measuring in at 427mm in the high geometry position and 430mm in the lower, slacker of the Mino Link’s two positions.
Trek managed to keep the rear end tucked by moving the main pivot forward of the seat tube and using an elevated drive-side chainstay — also found on the Stache hardtail — to improve chain and chainring clearance while maintaining space for the massive tire.
The head tube angle is adjustable between 67.5 and 67-degrees with the stock 130mm fork.
While it’s a unique machine, the Full Stache shares many features with the rest of Trek’s full suspension models. It uses Trek’s Knock Block headset system to keep protect the frame from handlebar and fork crown impacts. The 130mm of rear travel is supplied by Trek’s ABP suspension system with a Re:Aktiv-tuned Fox Float rear shock.
Full Stache Q&A
The most obvious question raised by the introduction of the Full Stache is what benefits does this platform bring to the trail? Here’s Trek’s explanation for bringing this beast to market.
Who is the Full Stache for?
“It’s for riders who want trail bike performance from a backcountry-capable rig that lives for exploring primitive trails. It’s for riders who want the traction, stability, and flotation of a fat bike with the speed and momentum of a fast-rolling 29er. Anyone who likes to go long and get weird will like Full Stache.”
Is the frame compatible with other wheel and tire sizes?
“The Full Stache is unapologetically committed to high-volume 29-inch tires. Riders looking for less weight or more agility can run tires as small as 29x2.6, though this will slightly affect the BB height.”
How does the Full Stache compare to the Fuel EX Plus?
“Full Stache’s bigger tires carry more momentum and roll over obstacles easier than 27.5+ or standard 29er tires. That means Full Stache prefers to steamroll over rough, technical trails rather than slowing down to pick a line. Over smoother terrain, that momentum translates into more speed once you get rolling. The larger contact patch of the 29+ tires also provides more traction than other tire sizes, so it’s better at crawling up loose climbs.”
Why isn’t it offered in the 15.5 size?
“The short seat tube on a 15.5 frame would interfere with the tall 29+ tire as it moves through its 130mm of travel. The rider would also have to compromise on fit and handling, which would negate the benefits of this platform. Riders who fit a 15.5 should consider Fuel EX 29 or Fuel EX 27.5 Plus.”
Trek Full Stache 8 specifications, pricing and availability
Given the niche nature of this bike, Trek is only offering the Full Stache in aluminum in a single complete build along with a frameset.
The Full Stache 8 features a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, RockShox Pike RL fork, Bontrager Dropline seatpost, SRAM Guide R brakes and a SUNringlé Duroc 40 SL wheelset shod in Bontrager’s new 29x3in XT4 Team Issue tires.
The complete Full Stache 8 retails for $3,699 / £3,200 / AU$4499 and is available now.
If you’re interested in building up your own Full Stache, the Stache 8 frameset is also available now for $1,999 / £1,800. (Not available in Australia, sorry.)
Visit www.trekbikes.com for more information.
