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Trek DS4 as a mountain bike?

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Trek DS4 as a mountain bike?

Old 07-24-20, 09:49 PM
  #1  
FyrGuy176
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Trek DS4 as a mountain bike?

Hello,

I would like to start some trail riding, nothing extreme, but more than bike paths and rail trails. There are some local trails rated easy/intermediate that I would like to hit, but not sure if the DS4 would be up to the task. Maybe beef up the tires? Not sure if this is something worth pursuing, or should I be looking to a comparably spec'd true mountain bike.

Thanks for any insight!
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Old 07-25-20, 06:51 AM
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I haven't ridden a DS, but if I was riding intermediate trails, I'd want a dedicated trail bike. Might be OK on easy trails-hopefully someone with first hand experience on a DS 4 will chime in. One of the bike shops in our area rents bikes. Maybe check with one in your area to see if anyone rents? On trails, I'm using an old but upgraded mtn.bike with what today is relatively short (80mm) travel, and if I planned on riding trails more often, I'd probably spring for a more up-to-date, longer travel, dedicated mtn.bike.
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Old 07-25-20, 08:10 AM
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Trek DS4 would be a good trail bike... or Cross Country type bike, or gravel/dirt road bike. Says on internet it comes with 40mm tires.
See if 2.1 or 2.25 inch 29r tires will clear the frame and fork.
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Old 07-25-20, 05:02 PM
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Website says 1.8” tires max.

Back in tje 90s many folks were riding 1.8-2.0 tires on single track, so its not like you can’t do it.

But it kicked our asses and we crashed a lot.
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Old 07-26-20, 09:20 PM
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So...I added to the stable.

While weighing my options, searching facebook market place, other similar sites and looking around at the LBS, I considered purchasing a new Cannondale Trail 6. Most shops are out of stock on pretty much everything but the owner had one on order in the my size. When looking at the specs and reading the descriptions, I was starting to feel that that bike wasn't much more capable than what I already had, and was spec'd a bit lower in the component area. The owner asked if I would consider a used bike and showed me a 2013 Scott Spark 910. One spin around the parking lot was all it took to make up my mind and go for it. I'm sure I now have enough bike to start hitting the trails.

Thanks to those who offered some insight.
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Old 07-27-20, 06:32 AM
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Congrats on the bike! Time for rocks, roots, and all that fun trail stuff now!!
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Old 07-30-20, 06:51 PM
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Took the new bike out today to the local single track. I had great time and got a heck of a workout!

Looking forward to honing my skills and hitting some more trails in the area.
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Old 07-31-20, 07:22 AM
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It should be fine. Be careful not to pinch flat in the rock gardens.
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Old 08-02-20, 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by FyrGuy176
Took the new bike out today to the local single track. I had great time and got a heck of a workout!

Looking forward to honing my skills and hitting some more trails in the area.
Awesome.
If you do want to upgrade, I would recommend getting better tires.
The tires make a massive difference to the feel and performance of the bike.

Enjoy the trails!
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Old 08-05-20, 07:12 PM
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Avoid rocks and potholes, it's not a mountain bike, have fun! It already sounds like you will want a mountain bike - "Looking forward to honing my skills and hitting some more trails in the area.", been there, done that, got a mountain bike.
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Old 04-01-21, 01:38 PM
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Originally Posted by FyrGuy176
Hello,

I would like to start some trail riding, nothing extreme, but more than bike paths and rail trails. There are some local trails rated easy/intermediate that I would like to hit, but not sure if the DS4 would be up to the task. Maybe beef up the tires? Not sure if this is something worth pursuing, or should I be looking to a comparably spec'd true mountain bike.

Thanks for any insight!
I'm running WTB Riddlers 700x45's on my 2019 DS4. Just like you, I wanted a wider tire for off-road trails. I now ride with much more confidence off-pavement. My LBS was unsure if they would fit, but after putting them on, it was a go, fully cleared, no rubbing. These tires are also fast rolling on pavement, so you get the best of both worlds!
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Old 04-06-21, 12:13 PM
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Originally Posted by FyrGuy176
So...I added to the stable.

While weighing my options, searching facebook market place, other similar sites and looking around at the LBS, I considered purchasing a new Cannondale Trail 6. Most shops are out of stock on pretty much everything but the owner had one on order in the my size. When looking at the specs and reading the descriptions, I was starting to feel that that bike wasn't much more capable than what I already had, and was spec'd a bit lower in the component area. The owner asked if I would consider a used bike and showed me a 2013 Scott Spark 910. One spin around the parking lot was all it took to make up my mind and go for it. I'm sure I now have enough bike to start hitting the trails.

Thanks to those who offered some insight.
Nice shopping story, Guy: Excellent, wise choice, and kudos to that shop owner who sized you up good and figured you'd know how to appreciate what he had in that used Scott. Enjoy your new ride.
(I opened the thread because I own a DS 5, but you made the right choice.)
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