yossia

I own 2012 DS8.5. The crankset is Shimano FC-M431 48/36/26 (ALVIO) 9sp. The 48T outer ring is ts not true (due to small accident). It is difficult to find a replacement ring, but possible. I am thinking about replacing the whole crankset.
My questions are:
1. Recommendations for crankset? May be better (lighter).
2. Do I have to replace the bottom bracket. I think that mine is BB-UN26 Not Hollowtec.

I guess I can change to Shimano Alvio M4000, But I'll have to change the BB and I am not sure if the frame will fit.

hokiefyd 

It sounds like you currently have a square taper bottom bracket, which threads into the frame. There are other bottom bracket specifications that use those same threads (like Hollowtech and others), but few of us are probably experts on it. The bike mechanics over in https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/ may be able to provide more targeted recommendations.

shakyfromwakey

ready for summer with an xt drivetrain and dt swiss e1700 wheels for my 8.5 2015

reedpgh

Would this bike be good for college in pittsburgh? I plan on riding it as a commuter but I want to be able to switch the tires out and ride some mtb trails. Would it hold up? Right now I'm looking at the 2019 ds 1

yossia

Hi
I wish to upgrade the FD on my DS8.5. Am I correct that I need the type with the High Clamp (Top pull or Dual Pull)? is there enough room on the tube between the BB and the lower boss of the water bottle?

ColonelSanders

What XT model crank do you have on your bike?


With the benefit of hindsight I realise now that I made a mistake in not buying the 2015 DS 8.5.


I held off at the time due to not liking the crank on it, but I should have just upgraded that crank and a few other things.


That colour scheme is one of the best I have seen on a hybrid.

hokiefyd 

I think the factor that would hold me back on a brand new bike for college as the act of locking it up due to threat of theft. You'll invariably get a lot of scratches on the paint from bike racks and such. And Pittsburgh weather won't be friendly to it, either (y'ins get snow and all!). I think if I were buying a bike for college use (commuting, etc), I'd find a used bike on Craigslist. If you really want disc brakes for all-weather conditions, you do have used options:

Here's a Gary Fisher: https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/bi...617274181.html

Less expensive Diamondback: https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/bi...608478874.html

Even less expensive Mongoose: https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/bi...606083557.html

Don't get me wrong -- there's nothing wrong with a new DS -- it's just a lot of money to spend on a bike that you'll have locked up out in the weather.

shakyfromwakey

the crankset is SHIMANO Deore XT FC-T781 Hollowtech II with I think 44-32-22 rings had this on my fx3 but after putting bontrager race wheels on the fx3 was much faster making the gearing a bit low so put the xt-t8000 groupset on the fx3

hokiefyd 

Trek used to have some downright attractive paint jobs on their bikes. My 2015 Verve 3 has a beautiful gloss black and metallic blue color combo that is really striking to me. I think they've lost a bit of their "art" in the last few model years.

hokiefyd 

What is the current front derailer on it? Depending on the model year, your cable may come from the bottom or the top, and a down swing (high mount) derailer may or may to interfere with your bottle cage mounts, depending on your frame size and cage mount placement. I think the best advice is to try to match the style as best you can (I think you probably have a top swing derailer, which has the low mount).

ColonelSanders

That is a really good looking crank.


I may still be purchasing it for one of my bike projects I have in the works.

ColonelSanders

Keeping in mind that correlation does not necessarily mean causation , it seemed that Trek may have been disappointed with the sales figures for their chrome 8.6DS and decided to play it safe afterwards for the top DS model(s).

Brooke1687

Dannye23

Brooke1687

Eric91Z

hokiefyd 

I have the Kool-Stop Dual Compound Mountain pads on my Verve. They're great brake pads, and much better than stock.

good4u

While cleaning my 2017 DS 2 I found one broken spoke on the rear wheel. On my last ride I thought I heard a creaking noise from the back that was unrelated to me sitting or standing and unrelated to pedaling; I guess it wasn't creaking. My theory as to the likely cause is that I tweaked the spoke while hanging or retrieving the bike from the hangers in the garage. I don't remember hitting any large holes lately and the bike hasn't been on a car rack for a long time. Maybe a Clydesdale did it. Or maybe failure over time/miles but my belief is that I did it in with a false move while hanging the bike.

On Monday I will make some calls and take the wheel to a LBS for repair. Is there any thing in particular I should be aware of regarding the repair?

canyonblue737

I see the 2019 Trek DS frame has changed and is a more modern / smoother looking design in particular where the top tube meets the head tube and a slightly bump/arch to the top tube. Much classier and modern looking to my eye. The entire range now has disk brakes and push button shifting. I am so tempted to replace my low mileage and perfectly fine 2012 8.4 for the 2019 Trek DS3 in Volt Green, that looks SOOOOOO nice to me.

Anyone with any comments or info on the changes to the DS for 2019 and how it compares to other hybrid bikes from other companies?

hokiefyd 

That should be a pretty straight-forward job. They'll find a spoke of the correct length, probably use a new nipple, and true the wheel. It'll probably take them 30 minutes tops.

Palden

out for a little ride this morning

travbikeman

That looks like a great way to spend the morning!

good4u

My 2017 DS 2 went over 1,000 miles on this morning's ride. It's been good to me so far with just one flat tire and one unrelated broken spoke and one adjustment to the front derailleur. A recent significant addition has been an adjustable stem to raise the handlebars to the level of the seat. Other items added and subtracted:

• Two color-matching bottle cages.
• I lost the first LBS-bought mini pump when its rubber strap broke. Replaced with a Topeak Turbo Morph G which I haven't yet attached.
• Ergon GP1-L ergonomic grips. Nice but I wish I had gone for the grips with ends for an alternative grip.
• I replaced the stock saddle with an Ergon SFC3 and that in turn with an impulse purchase of a Serfas saddle and back to the Ergon. But a Selle Anatomica is on the way.
• I replaced the LBS-bought saddle bag because I was worried about its fragile looking rubber straps. Now using an xxx xxx but I don't like how it attaches or hangs. I carry a spare tube, tire levers and a multi-tool.
• I added an Axiom handlebar bag recently which seems pretty OK to date. Carries a bike lock, phone, snacks and whatever.

jdt1217

Went for a great ride today!!



'The Fork on 5'


Alongside hwy 5.


Loved the shaded parts.

razltrek

I recently upgraded my heavily ridden 2014 DS 8.3 to a 2019 DS4. One thing that I thought going in was that I would miss the top end gearing of the 3's 9-speed 48/38/28 since the 4 has 10-speed 42/28 and, yep, I really miss it. I've never migrated a crank from 2x to 3x and am thinking I'm going to have a boat load of questions for y'all about that soon.

@#$% rats, wanted to post pics of her but can't until I get 10 posts.