ColonelSanders

Crank porn.

GlennR

You need to get out more

ColonelSanders

LOL I don't know why exactly, but the crank is perhaps my favourite part of a bike.

GlennR

What tire pressure off road and on road?

doggiedaddy007

Hi All... I am a newbie to the Bike Forum and very glad to find this community. I have a deposit/layaway on a new Trek 8.5 DS (2013 Model) at Bicycle Village, Boulder CO. I have ridden the 2013 and 2015 versions and frankly like them both pretty much equally. I got a very sweet deal on the 2013 8.5 DS model during the Bicycle Village Spring Tent sale ($859). The 2015 8.5 DS tent sale price was $999. They have different frame geometry (2015 sans Isozone Monostay) and paint. But as far as I can tell, they have very similar components. Before I complete my purchase, my question to my fellow Trek DS fans is: What are the pros and cons of these 8.5 DS Models? Does anyone have ride time experience with both? Apart from the cosmetics, is there a significant advantage that would justify the purchase of the slightly more expensive 2015 model? Thanks for your insight.

intransit1217

I don't but if you dawdle too much you might miss a deal. Ride them again asap ! One of them will "speak" to you in some way the other doesn't. Go now, grasshopper.

doggiedaddy007

You are so right. I am merely waiting for a proverbial check in the mail from one of my clients. I am so excited and ready to get this awesome hybrid bike to begin riding again.

Frankly, I just have some minor reservations about the Isozone monostay. On one hand, I think it's a real advantage to take the edge off of road vibration and bumps. On the other hand, it seems to have some maintenance (elastomer failure) issues. (albeit covered under a lifetime frame warranty) I guess I would like to hear from DS owners who have the isozone monostay with their experience / pros and cons.

intransit1217

Ok now I can help. I don't mean to pry but are you a clydesdale by any chance?

Also, I thought the later models did away with this feature. Does the 2015 still have it ?

350htrr

I specifically went for the 8.5 for the wife's bike instead of the 8.4 last year because of the isozone monostay feature... She seems to like the bike as she put 1,600Km on it in 5 months.

doggiedaddy007

I'm not sure what you mean by 'Clydesdale'. I am 5'8" and tip the scales at 160 lbs. The 2013 and 2014 8.5 DS and 8.6 DS models have the Isozone monostay. The 2015 8.5 DS and 8.6 DS models do not have the Isozone monostay. I have not heard any definitive feedback apart from 2 or 3 posts from riders who have busted elastomers on off road rides. It seems those guys tip the scales above 225 lbs. I am not an aggressive off road rider and don't anticipate this as a problem. But, it is a concern long term.

But, Trek doesn't really explain the advantages or design of the Isozone in a very definitive way. Is it a benefit for off road or onroad. Is it primarily a vibration dampening device or a micro shock? I suspect the benefits of the Isozone would be more noticeable if you were riding on more narrow high pressure slick tires.

Any insight or experience with Isozone?

doggiedaddy007

That's awesome. I have been test riding other aluminum bikes including some road oriented hybrid bikes. (Specialized Crosstail and Sirrus) I now have some experience of the stiffness of aluminum and how that transfers shock and road bump vibration into the saddle, butt and spine. In my brief time 8.5 DS test ride experience, I suspect it is the stock 38mm BONTRAGER LT3s that offer up a fairly equivalent 'plush ride' with or without the IsoZone. But, if you were to put high pressure slicks on there, the Isozone monostay version might be the winning ticket on rough roads.

Your thoughts?

doggiedaddy007

That's awesome. I have been test riding other aluminum bikes including some road oriented hybrid bikes. (Specialized Crosstail and Sirrus) I now have some experience of the stiffness of aluminum and how that transfers shock and road bump vibration into the saddle, butt and spine. In my brief time 8.5 DS test ride experience, I suspect it is the stock 38mm BONTRAGER LT3s that offer up a fairly equivalent 'plush ride' with or without the IsoZone. But, if you were to put high pressure slicks on there, the Isozone monostay version might be the winning ticket on rough roads.

Your thoughts?

350htrr

It would seem that it's a better ride than her other bike was as she only put about 400Km on it in the 3 years she had that one. As to the difference between a DS that has it and a DS that doesn't, I can't say as I never really rode both side by side.

doggiedaddy007

You hit on the most important fact. Does the bike inspire you to ride and spend time in the saddle.

GlennR

Can I get some feedback on this?

350htrr

I don't change the tire pressure, I keep it the same on road or off. But my tires are 2.5 rear and 1.9 front, both 70 PSi. Good rolling resistance on roads and good traction/flotation off road.

GlennR

Thanks....

I'm a road cyclist and they run 110/120 and i knew the DS runs much lower psi.

gjmen003

After talking to a few people at the LBS, it seems Trek believes the Isozone was a mistake. I'm sure that's why it has been discontinued for the 2015 models. Myself, it looks like something that may be hard to service in a few years. gjmen

limbot

About 73kg rider here, running the original Bontrager LT3's on my 2013 DS 8.4 . I pretty much run 60psi and don't vary at all . So road, gravel, singletrack, firetrail = 60 psi.

(Too lazy to keep changing it up and down )

doggiedaddy007

Thanks for your feedback. Did he or she have a reason as to why it was a mistake?

I just spoke to another Trek Dealer in my home town about Isozone. It is not the dealer I am buying my Trek 8.5 from and I did not mention my opinion of Isozone before asking. He said he has not had any returns or service issues with it and thinks it was a good feature.

Everyone Trek DS fan familiar with the Isozone monostay has an opinion. But, almost nobody seems to have an opinion based on it's actual performance ... good or bad.

Surely there must be many people on this forum who are riding a 2013/2014 Trek 8.5 or 8.6 with Isozone and hopefully some who have ridden with Trek 8.5 or 8.6 DS models with and without it.

What is your actual riding experience? On roads? Offroad? On Trails?

doggiedaddy007

TREK DS TIRE RECOMMENDATIONS?

So, Today is the Day that I am actually bringing home my own 8.5 DS / 2013 model. I put it on layaway 2 weeks ago during a spring clearance sale at Bicycle Village.

I am probably going to be riding it mostly on streets and paved trails 75%+ of the time. I would like to upgrade the tires at the dealer today if they will give me some trade in value on the Bontrager LT3 38mm stock tires. I am looking for a more efficient tire (lower rolling resistance) that is still pretty tough and puncture resistant? I don't want to go much more narrow than 32-35mm... (maybe Bontrager LT1 Hardcase Utimate or the H5 Hardcase Ultimate???)

Any tire recommendations out there? Thanks!

swoodjr1

H2's for 95 % street and paved trails. I use the H5's and they are excellent for what you describe.

ROB DS

I've been testing a Bontrager LT1 35C Hard Case Lite (80 psi) on the rear for almost 4 months now and like the feel of the tire and plan to switch out the front Bontrager LT3 (700x38) soon. I also like the reflective strip for an added safety precaution since most of my rides are early in the morning. It has almost 1200 miles on it now and seems to wear better than the LT3 which would typically last only 1200-1400 miles. My rides are all road hill sprints (1200' total elevation for 15 miles) so I've put it through a good tough (torque) workout the last few months and can't wait to see how my bike (8.4 DS 2013) feels/rolls with it on the front as well. I use a Tuffy liner and have never had a flat (4000 + miles) with any of the Bontrager tires.....so far. Keep us posted with what you end up with, I'm really interested in tire reviews for 32-35.

gjmen003

doggiedaddy, honestly, this was a while ago, but If I recall correctly, I believe it was service and reliability issues. I think what we need here is for someone who actually has Isozone to reply. Best of luck to whatever you decide. There is nothing like buying a new bike. gjmen

voodoochile@srv

I pulled the trigger today and bought a 2015 8.4 DS . It should be ready to pick up by mid week. I cant wait ! I have been riding a 20+ year old Schwinn High Plains for years .

It is flat black , I also bought a Bontrager 100 computer, under the seat bag ,clip on flashing rear light, water bottle and mount, and a Bike Eye rear view mirror . I am thinking about adding some bar ends ( any suggestions)