The Trek 8.6 DS Hybrid is what the title claims, a dual sport hybrid. Its comfortable and positive on the road, with the Bontrager LT3 700x38 tyres giving suprisingly good rolling resistance. And off road the tyres performed just as well, dealing with roots and loose stones in their stride. Deep mud also proved no problem. I'm no MTB God, but its certainly good enough for what I want to do. Although I haven't tried (yet), I am sure this bike would cope very well with green and blue runs at some of the trail centres in the UK. With only 63mm of travel on the front forks, its not really designed for anything more.
The
remote lock out Suntour NRX front forks, once I had adjusted them
correctly, work really well, ironing out the bumps off road, and then
locking out for general road riding. This, along with the Isozone
inserts in the rear stays, and ergonomic gel hand grips, certainly makes
this a comfortable bike to ride.
The
10 ring Shimano SLX rear cassette and 3 ring Shimano XT front cassette
gives you 30 gears, which is more than you will ever need, both on and
off road.
You will probably need to change the pedals to your own choice - most people do anyway - as they are a bit flimsy.
It's probably heavier than most hybrids, but there's a comprise to reach if you want the best of both worlds.
However, with hydraulic 160mm discs providing positive stopping ability, this is a bike that is a pleasure to own, and ride.
To
sum up, Trek have come up with a winner again, the Trek 8.6 DS is
equally as good on the road as on mild off road terrain. So if you are
looking for the best of both worlds, and want a bike for the daily
commute, or a fitness bike, as well as a bit of off road adventure at
the weekend, then it will not disappoint.
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| Trek 8.6 DS 2013 |
- Frame: Alpha Gold Aluminium w/IsoZone monostay
- Fork: SR Suntour NRX, preload adjustable w/remote lockout, aluminium steerer, 63mm travel
- Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano SLX M670 Shadow
- Numb of Gears: 30
- Shifters: Shimano SLX
- Chainset: Shimano T551
- Chainrings: 48/36/26 w/chainguard
- Cassette: Shimano HG62 11-36, 10 speed
- Pedals: Wellgo aluminium body w/aluminium cage
- Front Brake: Shimano M446 hydraulic disc brakes and levers, 160mm rotors
- Rear Brake: Shimano M446 hydraulic disc brakes and levers, 160mm rotors
- Handlebars: Bontrager Low Riser, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 9 degree sweep
- Stem: Bontrager SSR, 10 degree
- Headset: Semi-integrated, semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
- Grips: Bontrager Satellite Elite, lock-on, ergonomic
- Rims: Bontrager AT-650 32-hole disc rims
- Front Hub: Shimano RM66 centre lock aluminium hubs
- Rear Hub: Shimano RM66 centre lock aluminium hubs
- Front Tyre: Bontrager LT3, 700×38c
- Rear Tyre: Bontrager LT3, 700×38c
- Saddle: Bontrager Evoke 1
- Seatpost: Bontrager SSR
