Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - does anyone have a trek soho s?

Does anyone have a trek soho s? If so, please reply or pm me.
I'm going to be picking one up next week @ cost to use as a fendered/fully racked/panniered (http://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Rear-Grocery-Baskets-Folding/dp/B000AO5G32/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1204123901&sr=8-1)/etc grocery bike, but i had a few questions about components.
trek's site is junk, and gives me no info on things like crank length or bb size/type, let alone chainline, etc.
(a link to a page with actual info would be helpful too)

thx.

Why did you settle on this bike as opposed to the other options?

Treks don't make good grocery bikes because of $$$

Check out the Raleigh One Way first. The 2008's are a bit more (Brooks saddle and leather bar tape). You can get a 2007 for about the same price as the Soho - and they already have fenders.

Why did you settle on this bike as opposed to the other options?

1) price (at cost, we're looking at just over $300 complete)
2) chainstay length (445mm)
3) weight (light)
4) front and rear rackmounts, dual mounts on dropout for fender and rack
5) price (at cost, we're looking at just over $300 complete)
6) little things like chainring guard and chain guard (the idea of my pants or anything getting caught in my drivetrain with a full load of groceries makes me sad)
7) price (at cost, we're looking at just over $300 complete)


Check out the Raleigh One Way first. The 2008's are a bit more (Brooks saddle and leather bar tape). You can get a 2007 for about the same price as the Soho - and they already have fenders.

i can't find the 07 in my size anywhere for under 680. granted, 680 isn't expensive, but it doesn't beat $310.

the soho s is ugly. very ugly.
but after adding black front/rear fenders (i already have a pair), black folding panniers and moustache bars, it might not look all that bad.

i support the soho idea. i was looking at one recently and thought it would make a great work bike, with the addition of a front rack.

1) price (at cost, we're looking at just over $300 complete)
2) chainstay length (445mm)
3) weight (light)
4) front and rear rackmounts, dual mounts on dropout for fender and rack
5) price (at cost, we're looking at just over $300 complete)
6) little things like chainring guard and chain guard (the idea of my pants or anything getting caught in my drivetrain with a full load of groceries makes me sad)
7) price (at cost, we're looking at just over $300 complete)



i can't find the 07 in my size anywhere for under 680. granted, 680 isn't expensive, but it doesn't beat $310.

the soho s is ugly. very ugly.
but after adding black front/rear fenders (i already have a pair), black folding panniers and moustache bars, it might not look all that bad.

Cost aside, is it really what you want in a bike? It seems quite different form what you originally posted about. How much will a new rear wheel cost?

the new rear wheel is going to be an issue no matter what bike i get. like i said, i'm looking for fixed/fixed so my gf and i can share the bicycle with the gearing that works for each of us. i've accepted that, and am not factoring it in when comparing bike costs because it's going to be an issue regardless.
as far as what i'm looking for, on the surface it doesn't match. but once you look at the details (long chainstays, front and rear rackmounts, ample fender mounts, lightweight frame), it's not far from what i need.
like, at all.

it sounds like you'd avoid the soho s-- what are your reasons?

1) price (at cost, we're looking at just over $300 complete)

That is a good price.
It is kind of ugly stock. Might look better with fenders and a basket.

yep.
that and moustache bars might actually make it look kinda hot. gonna mock something up in photoshop later because i'm an obsessive nut with no concept of patience.

the new rear wheel is going to be an issue no matter what bike i get. like i said, i'm looking for fixed/fixed so my gf and i can share the bicycle with the gearing that works for each of us. i've accepted that, and am not factoring it in when comparing bike costs because it's going to be an issue regardless.
as far as what i'm looking for, on the surface it doesn't match. but once you look at the details (long chainstays, front and rear rackmounts, ample fender mounts, lightweight frame), it's not far from what i need.
like, at all.

it sounds like you'd avoid the soho s-- what are your reasons?

Because it doesn't sound like the bike you truly want judging by your other post. And I seriously question is you'll actually use a front rack. A basket I could see, but not a rack.

Also, I think you are swayed by the cost, not the bike itself. I was looking for something similar and after much searching settled on an IRO Rob Roy. What don't you like about the Rob Roy? For one, you can get it with the wheels you actually want....and for two I'm willing to bet those handbuilt wheels will be a lot stronger than any machine built Trek wheel.

I rode one of the older models (which I guess is the Soho 4.0 now) at the LBS once. It was the model with the EBB and disc brakes, anyway.

It rode like a 29er with slicks. It's got suspension-adjusted geometry, so don't expect it to ride like a road bike.

Because it doesn't sound like the bike you truly want judging by your other post. And I seriously question is you'll actually use a front rack. A basket I could see, but not a rack.

Also, I think you are swayed by the cost, not the bike itself. I was looking for something similar and after much searching settled on an IRO Rob Roy. What don't you like about the Rob Roy? For one, you can get it with the wheels you actually want....and for two I'm willing to bet those handbuilt wheels will be a lot stronger than any machine built Trek wheel.

you're right, cost does factor into it.
the way i'm looking at it, the rob roy would be a good choice, but what does it bring to the table that the soho s doesn't? that's what it comes down to right now. regardless of what i wanted initially, there's no reason to spend more on a bike. the soho s has everything i needed, period.
and like i said, regardless of what frame/bike/etc i went with, i'm rebuilding the rear wheel to my specs, so that's a non issue.
when you consider the cost of the rob roy frame (is it 300?) plus parts, you're looking at lots more money for something that doesn't give me any advantage.
but seriously, wheel aside, what would something like a rob roy offer that the soho s doesn't?
remember, this is a bike i'll only use once or twice a week to go grocery shopping, maybe grab a case of beer occasionally, etc.

*ed: in fact, i just double checked. i thought the bike had 700x28c rims with 32 spokes; turns out it has 36 spokes. so really, my rear wheel issue is partly saved with the soho s-- all i need is a new hub and for my lbs to re-lace the wheel and i'm set.

I rode one of the older models (which I guess is the Soho 4.0 now) at the LBS once. It was the model with the EBB and disc brakes, anyway.

It rode like a 29er with slicks. It's got suspension-adjusted geometry, so don't expect it to ride like a road bike.

This has me intrigued. Does it have clearance for knobbies? If so, 300ish dollars would be a killer deal for jumping into that market.

Edit! I just googled the Soho S and it has caliper brakes. That answers my question.

note, that's dealer cost price, not retail. they retail for five plus, i'm getting a "family discount" (though everyone knows someone, so that might not be too hard)

note, that's dealer cost price, not retail. they retail for five plus, i'm getting a "family discount" (though everyone knows someone, so that might not be too hard)

:(

you're right, cost does factor into it.
the way i'm looking at it, the rob roy would be a good choice, but what does it bring to the table that the soho s doesn't? that's what it comes down to right now. regardless of what i wanted initially, there's no reason to spend more on a bike. the soho s has everything i needed, period.
and like i said, regardless of what frame/bike/etc i went with, i'm rebuilding the rear wheel to my specs, so that's a non issue.
when you consider the cost of the rob roy frame (is it 300?) plus parts, you're looking at lots more money for something that doesn't give me any advantage.
but seriously, wheel aside, what would something like a rob roy offer that the soho s doesn't?
remember, this is a bike i'll only use once or twice a week to go grocery shopping, maybe grab a case of beer occasionally, etc.

*ed: in fact, i just double checked. i thought the bike had 700x28c rims with 32 spokes; turns out it has 36 spokes. so really, my rear wheel issue is partly saved with the soho s-- all i need is a new hub and for my lbs to re-lace the wheel and i'm set.

If it's a bike you only plan to use once a week for hauling stuff I'd just as soon convert an old road bike. You never mentioned just how little you'd actually use it......

Oh, and 700x28c refers to tire, not rim size.

If it's a bike you only plan to use once a week for hauling stuff I'd just as soon convert an old road bike. You never mentioned just how little you'd actually use it......
??
it sounds like you're just upset that trek made an affordable bike that makes the most sense for this application.
for the price i'm paying and what i'm getting, converting an old road bike makes less sense than going with the soho s.

anyway, back to the topic: does anyone have one? i have a few questions.

??
it sounds like you're just upset that trek made a bike that makes the most sense for this application.
for the price i'm paying and what i'm getting, converting an old road bike makes less sense than going with the soho s.

anyway, back to the topic: does anyone have one? i have a few questions.

Huh? Why should I care who makes the frame?

Experience has taught me that trying to make something that isn't what I wanted in the first place work, but I bought because it was a 'deal', almost always ends up costing more in the long run.

i'm not buying it because it's a deal.
i'm buying it because it is what i need.
-445mm chainstays
-rackmounts
-dual fender/rack mounts on dropouts
-extras like chainring and chain protectors
-light weight
the bike isn't lacking. you still haven't given me a reason that this bike isn't ideal for what i'm doing. honestly, i'm curious. i've never done touring, so i don't know why you're so against this bike. where does it fall short?
in fact, i found the bike and decided it was a good idea before i even knew the price-- that was just what sealed the deal.
i can get what i need and pay 6-700 dollars, or get what i need and pay 300.

i'm not buying it because it's a deal.
i'm buying it because it is what i need.
-445mm chainstays
-rackmounts
-dual fender/rack mounts on dropouts
-extras like chainring and chain protectors
-light weight
nothing is lacking. you still haven't given me a reason that this bike isn't ideal for what i'm doing. honestly, i'm curious. i've never done touring, so i don't know why you're so against this bike. where does it fall short?
in fact, i found the bike and decided it was a good idea before i even knew the price-- that was just what sealed the deal.
i can get what i need and pay 6-700 dollars, or get what i need and pay 300.

The biggest advantage to the Rob Roy is that it can fit wider tires and fenders. In my experience the major bike makers leave little room for tires larger than stock on their frames.

The RR is also a much more versatile frame should you decided that hauling crap isn't for you. And it's made of steel, which you said you wanted. It'll also have a higher resale value should you need to sell it.

IRO doesn't even sell the Rob Roy now. It seems like sp00ki has his mind made up.

That bike is perfect for his purpose and he's not going to need wider tires so the point is moot. At the price he is paying if he ever wants to sell it he'll get most of his money back.

The biggest advantage to the Rob Roy is that it can fit wider tires and fenders. In my experience the major bike makers leave little room for tires larger than stock on their frames.

The RR is also a much more versatile frame should you decided that hauling crap isn't for you. And it's made of steel, which you said you wanted. It'll also have a higher resale value should you need to sell it.

I think a better question is why the hell are you so set on him getting a rob roy? Who cares what he rides, he didn't ask for your imput on what bike to buy, he asked for info from soho riders...

That bike is perfect for his purpose and he's not going to need wider tires so the point is moot. At the price he is paying if he ever wants to sell it he'll get most of his money back.

I was going by his other thread where he said he wanted 700x35mm tires.

If you look at his other thread, this bike does seem to kind of sound like a compromise.

However, if you look at this thread alone, it sounds like he's going to be happy with this bike.

I personally don't care either way. Let the dude buy whatever he wants.

the tire size was an issue because i went into this not really understanding how tire size vs rim size worked on rims larger than 25mm. the info i got from the thread i started on wheel size answered that for me.
the bike can take fenders and has rackmounts and pretty much everything else i wanted in m initial thread.
this bike works.
i really just had some questions about it...
if anyone has experience with the soho s, can you pm me? thanks.

the tire size was an issue because i went into this not really understanding how tire size vs rim size worked on rims larger than 25mm. the info i got from the thread i started on wheel size answered that for me.
the bike can take fenders and has rackmounts and pretty much everything else i wanted in m initial thread.
this bike works.
i really just had some questions about it...
if anyone has experience with the soho s, can you pm me? thanks.

It's not tire vs rm size which you should be worried about, but rather how much clearance there is for larger tires on the frame and brakes.

one of the reasons i started this thread, believe it or not.

If the bike is being made in China, ( I think that is where Trek's now come from) does this pose any ethical issue for you?

no.

If the bike is being made in China, ( I think that is where Trek's now come from) does this pose any ethical issue for you?




Most Treks are made in Taiwan, actually. Where was the computer you are typing on made?

Or the TV you are probably watching, or most of the innards and electronics of your car, or etc....

Its a global economy, some manufacturing jobs may be off shored, but we keep a lot of the R&D in house. R&D is a export in my opinion and we sure have a lot of it to export.

Another thing, having used the Wald grocery basket I can tell you that they don't hold very much (they seem to have been designed to carry one 3/4 full paper grocery bag. Remember those?), and what they do hold bounces around terribly, bruising and breaking things when you go over bumps or rough ground. They are also damn noisy when you are riding with them, heavy, and they rust.

Try looking at some of the many grocery getter panniers which are available, they hold more, actually detach from your rack so you can carry your stuff to where it needs to be (the Wald baskets aren't detachable), and many have compression straps and at least a top covering so your stuff doesn't go bouncing around everywhere.

Another thing, having used the Wald grocery basket I can tell you that they don't hold very much (they seem to have been designed to carry one 3/4 full paper grocery bag. Remember those?), and what they do hold bounces around terribly, bruising and breaking things when you go over bumps or rough ground. They are also damn noisy when you are riding with them, heavy, and they rust.

Try looking at some of the many grocery getter panniers which are available, they hold more, actually detach from your rack so you can carry your stuff to where it needs to be (the Wald baskets aren't detachable), and many have compression straps and at least a top covering so your stuff doesn't go bouncing around everywhere.


Ziemas is correct about the Wald folding baskets. I had a set and grew to hate them very quickly. The rust factor can make them stick and hard to fold/unfold. I use an arkel utiltiy basket pannier instead and it woorks very well. Easy on & off, holds a lot.

Oh come onnnn, I thought you were making a moral stand here! On with the crusade!