Be79n

Fantastic thank you, so any 700 fork will fit then?. (Same tube etc)

DonMcCleary

I havenarrowed my bike selection to Trek DS 4 or Specialized Crosstrail Elite basedon component levels that I was interested in. They were out of stock so I won’tbe able to ride them until next week. Looking for any advice as far as choosingone over the other. Is Shimano M445 disc brakes any better than the Tektro FlowSet Control? Is the Specialized Fitness Brain suspension better than the Trek SRSuntour NRX ATB rated? Thanks for your assistance.

crodge

Just purchased the Trek DS-4... loving it! I'd like to change the tyres to something more suitable for road use. Maybe a slick or ballon tyre with some kind of puncture protection.

Any recommendations? What is the widest tyre i can get on this bike?

Looking forward to your replies...


Cheers

hokiefyd 

If the current DS frame is the same as 2015's, you should be able to get a 45-622 tire in there. My dad has shoe-horned some WTB Nano 29x2.1s on his, but they're wider than I'd be comfortable with. I think they're marked 52 or 53mm, so a 45 should fit relatively easily. Bontrager has an H5 in 45-622 that they put on the current Verve lineup. Your Trek dealer might be willing to swap for you at little cost.

H5 Hardcase Ultimate on Trekbikes.com

The website says they're out of stock on the 700x45 size (45-622), but your dealer likely can get a hold of some.

I personally like the Continental SpeedRIDE, and have that on my Trek Verve. It's marked 42-622 (for 42mm wide), but it inflates up to only about 38 or 39mm on my AT-750 wheels (you may have the same wheels on your DS). Good for me, as the Verve has a fender mount tab down between the chain stays that would conflict with a larger tire. I don't think you have to worry about that with the DS.

therealjoeblow

Not sure what your DS4 has on it from the factory, but if you are planning any kind of mixed use, then a big +1 on the Conti SpeedRide's, I'm riding them on a Giant Roam which is pretty much the same as a DS, on mixed terrain consisting of half road and half trail and they're just excellent all-rounders. Very fast and silent on pavement, and grip like crazy on gravel and dirt. I just got them this winter and have around 400km's on them now and love them. I wish I would have discovered these beauties years ago to be honest!

Cheers
TRJB

jase33

I have a set of Maxxis Rambler's on my DS4 and love them. I ride some hard pack trails that can shift to loose rock or sand and they dig in very well. On paved rides they are super quiet and fast.

crodge

Thanks for the suggestions. I have been looking at the Schwalbe Marathon Supreme HS 28x2.0

Do you think this tire would fit in the DS-4 ? Don't want to order them only to find that they don't

Cheers

hokiefyd 

They would be tight. If they're the 50-622 tires here:

https://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_t...rathon_supreme

...then they'll probably be pretty tight. My dad's 2015 DS 4 has the tightest clearance at the chain stays, and he runs a 2.1, but he keeps it aired down to about 50 psi so that it doesn't rub. It's REALLY close. Too close for me...I'd prefer something closer to a 45mm tire for slightly more clearance.

It looks like you're going for full-on slick. There's also the Michelin Protek Cross in 700x40, but I understand it's actually a bit larger than its nominal size, more like 43 or 45mm wide.

Be79n

At the moment I have a set of Schwalbe CX Comp 700x30c Cylocross tyres and it flys on the road, managed 41.9mph on a hill last week. (My old LT3s only ever managed 38mph).

aj_4_u

Have anyone tried bontrager H2 hybrid tire, size 700 X 28 on their trek DS? Will they fit?

intransit1217

Yes and yes. I tried an older model h-2 and got exactly what I expected. A good fast rolling tire. I was very happy with them overall, but you will lose some cush in the ride. I also tried a pair of vittoria randonneurs at 37 m. Better riding, but slower.

OTOH, My Masi Giramondo came with clement mso's which seem to be the best of both worlds. The center rib rolls extremely well while keeping the cushy width. Great for crushed limestone. Their caveat is when the substrate gets really loose, not so good.

On a set of kenda 40 m tires on the masi right now. Cushy and fast. But not for off road.

hth!

Be79n

My 700x30s are a tight fit and a little hard to get on and off to be honest but I can't see 28mm being much harder. You really notice them on the hills, you just seem to roll for ever. Of course there much more bumpy and not as comfy.

Brooke1687

Hi Ds owners. Pending a long test ride I hope to be the owner of a Neko in the next few days. I'd like to add a rear rack for hauling my yoga mat, groceries, a 6 pack etc. The amazon reviews I've seen indicate that modification need to me made for Trek bikes, and that they require extenders. They range for $20-$35 on Amazon but that would go up if I have buy extenders, better hardware etc..The rack at Trek is $45 and they'll install it before I pick it up. Seems like that might be the best options but I wanted to get other opinions and options.

jase33

@Brooke1687 My finace has the Bontrager Interchange Deluxe Bag and rack on her Neko 2. She had a Topeak setup on her old bike and says that she likes them both the same as far as functionality and ease of use but she like the look of the Bontrager more. I am not and have never been a user of rear bags or panniers but from what I can tell much of it comes down to how you use it & how it looks to you. There are so many brands and options to choose from that I suggest you just get online and start looking. Find bike shops that carry them and check them out in person. Read product reviews and here on Bike Forums as well. Good luck with the search and the new bike. I hope you enjoy it as much as my fiance does.

P.S. We paid $29 for the Bontrager Back Rack disc at our Trek dealer. Not sure if it was on sale though.

This is how it looks on her bike.

fourwinds

I bought a Neko 3 this spring and I'm fairly happy with it, but I may raise the handlebar angle or go to swept back style. I bought a Bontracker back rack for $32.59 installed. It works fine without extenders and will take panniers if I ever want them. I'm really glad I also got the Bontrager trunk bag for $84 (during a Bike Gallery sale) which with a button push releases easily. It has a spot to mount my rear light. It has plenty of room to store my keys, phone, pump, patch kit, spare tube, tools, U lock, a small medical kit, a jacket, sunblock and some food. I took it on a hill loop and went to the store and by unzipping the expansion I added a large bag of chips, several bunches each of cilantro and mint and a bag of nectarines and nothing was squished.

fourwinds

Here's a photo of my Neko 3 bike rack and pack

jmohme

I have the same rack and bag on my DS. It is a really nice setup.
I also have a briefcase to carry my laptop. It's not the Bontranger, but still locks onto the rail of the rack.

jase33

Good Lookin' Bike

Its4theme

2014 DS 8.5 owner here. I love my bike. I've ridden a couple of thousand miles in Western WA State and in Oahu. Oahu has proven kind of challenging but that's a different story. I am heading back to WA State and have been thinking about a new bike; something more fitted for endurance riding but can go off road as well (gravel, packed dirt trails) and maybe do some commuting as well. A "do-it-all" bike. While I've looked at bikes such as the Crossrip, Felt V85, etc., I realized that the answer may lie in the bike that I already have. My DS is super comfortable and can do all these things. The problem I have, is that it seems to start losing some of that comfort at distances beyond 20 miles. Also, while not looking to break speed records, I'd also like the option to get where I need to go in a hurry, so some extra speed would be appreciated when needed. WA State has quite a few hills. While I generally don't have too many problems climbing on the DS, I'm wondering what options are out there to make it a little easier. Overall, I'm looking at upgrades that can make my DS:

1) More comfortable for longer rides (40-70 miles)
2) Provide a little speed boost (yes....I know I can pedal faster....I'm trying, dangit!)
3) Little easier for hill climbs (under 15%)

Other than the Bontrager Commuter Gel CRZ+ saddle, Ergon GPS3 Grips/Bar ends, and Shimano A530 pedals, the bike is stock.

I'm a newbie when it comes to components (drive trains, cranksets, etc.), and while not opposed to turning some wrenches, I'm looking to avoid difficult DIY upgrades if at all possible. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

zachstep

I'm actually wondering the same thing. I bought my DS 8.4 in 2015 (apparently a 2016 model) and have only gone off road a few times. The guy I used to ride with moved so now I'm mostly on paved bike paths and would love more speed (I've only been able to get up to 14mph on flat ground, I don't count the speed going downhill) and start doing some of these longer rides with some groups. I know most of it is get into better shape and pedal faster but I'm thinking that the bike itself also has something to do with it (that heavy fork for example).

Anyways, what's the fastest anyone has gotten their DS up to? The groups I see posting on facebook in my area seem to stay in the upper teens on average speed.

redfoxdogs

Hi folks! I've had my Neko since last summer and I love everything about it....except for the saddle. It is murder on the seatbones. I have tilted the saddle so the nose is slightly higher and that helps a bit, but it's still murder. I have a Brooks 66 on my Raleigh 3 speed and I have ridden that for 27 miles with not much of a problem, while 13 miles is a bear on the Neko. Has anyone replaced the saddle on a Neko? It is supposed to be comfortable for the female anatomy...not so much. I am 5'7" and weigh 155, which is about 15 pounds overweight for me.

Brooke1687

The dual sport I rented before buying my Neko had a bontrager gel saddle that I really liked. It wasn't overly thick but was comfortable for my 20 mile ride. I haven't gotten a chance to even try the Neko yet, I wanted to give it a try before I spent even more money on another saddle but I suspect I'll be in the same boat as you when I'm finally able to ride it. Anyone have any slightly cheaper options than the bontrager?

Zig2k143

I'm enjoying my new ride... It's a bit larger for me at 22inches but it was free. I cut down the seat post and moved the saddle all the way up. It helped a lot.

1911bg

I have had my DS 2 up to 18 mph on flat ground .

1911bg

Here is a pic of my DS 2