Hybrid Bicycles - 2013 Trek DS

I was just browsing around in my LBS since I was thinking of getting a DS 8.4 next season, and found that they were just unloading and setting up a shipment of 2013s. I could see some minor frame changes and of course new color schemes, but the thing that struck me right away is that the 2013s no longer have a bottle mount on the seat tube.

What they did is put the 2nd mount on the underside of the downtube, but IMO that's a really bad place for a water bottle if you're riding on dirt at all! I've seen a few road bikes with this mounting position used for a 3rd bottle, but I'd really like to carry two bottles on my DS in the conventional locations.

Anyone else seen these new bikes? Does Trek assume that everyone uses a Camelbak and no longer needs bottles? This seems like a needless change to have made.

They all currently have mounts on the down tube.
https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/304020_10150413038783491_1006651765_n.jpg
They just eliminated the seat tube mount to be more cost effective. I don't think they intended to use it for water bottles. I used mine to mount my pump. Honestly, if you are riding under 2 hours, all you need is one bottle. If you are going 2 hours plus then you should use a Camelback. Just my opinion though. There is no right or wrong in this scenario.

My 2012 8.3 has 3 mounts, one on each side of the down tube, one on the seat tube. It looks in the pictures like the 2013 8.3 has cables routed on the bottom of the down tube, where mine are all on the bottom of the top tube. The picture also make it look like the down tubes are smaller in diameter.

What I'd love is to find a pump for that bottom tube location that doesn't sit off to the side to accommodate a water bottle. All of them I've seen have the side mounts though.

Well, every bike I've ever owned has had two bottle mounts and I've used them both. I really just don't like the idea of a Camelbak for several reasons. But in any case, I see that Specialized has really upgraded the 2013 Crosstrail series so I will probably give them a good look again before deciding.


My 2012 8.3 has 3 mounts, one on each side of the down tube, one on the seat tube. It looks in the pictures like the 2013 8.3 has cables routed on the bottom of the down tube, where mine are all on the bottom of the top tube.

You're correct that the cables are routed along the downtube, right past the mounting points. Seems like interference would be a possibility, but not sure about that.

You're correct that the cables are routed along the downtube, right past the mounting points. Seems like interference would be a possibility, but not sure about that.

Wow. That seems weird, not sure if I'd like that. If I were to add a second water bottle it would be on my seat tube. I'd use up the one on top of my down tube, then swap them. I'd also be concerned about dirt on the bottom of the down tube.

That does seem like a poor change. I like using two bottles myself and I wouldn't want one of them under the downtube.

You could always get a Trek 29er mountain bike at a similar price point and then put some 700x38 tires on it. That's essentially what I elected to do instead of getting a DS.

The Trek website says the 2013's have internal cable routing. The pictures sure don't look like it. I picked up a 2012 8.4 last week and so far am happy with it. It complements my Madone that I love but cannot use for family rides and don't want to use for commuting. I actually tested one of the 2013 8.2's just for sizing purposes but don't remember whether the cables internally routed or not. My 2012 8.4 fits great, but I see from Trek's website that the 2013's have slightly different geometry so I guess I got lucky and cannot feel whatever the difference between the two is.

Posted this in another thread, but seems more relevant here.

My 7.4 FX also does not have a seat tube bottle mount (could be because of size), so I got one of these:

http://bontrager.com/model/07758

I actually prefer it to frame mounted bottles. It is easier for me to reach and holds 24oz Camelbak Podium Chills without issue. Plus wearing a backpack of any sort is a real bad idea here since we are routinely over 100 and it would be just too hot to wear. Here it is on the bike:
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=262443&d=1342738261&thumb=1 (http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=262443&d=1342738261)http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=262444&d=1342738266&thumb=1 (http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=262444&d=1342738266)

Nice ride. I had a Brooks on my FX, too. It was a fun bike.

And yeah, the FX only has seat tube mounts on their 20" and larger sizes.

I'll have to remember this thread - my 2013 8.4DS should make it's way to the LBS in about 2 weeks. I did all my looking at the 2012, then checked out the differences on the spec sheet for the 2013. SO I didn't notice the water bottle mounts. If what you all are saying is true, that's a bit of a bummer - I like the water bottle mounted on the top side of the lower frame. But I'll live, as I normally use a camelbak. (Getting a 2012 in my size was going to take as long as getting a 2013, so I jumped to the 2013.)

I'll try to remember to report back...

I think you guys are missing the fact that the 2013 Dual Sport is a totally different bike from last year's model. The frame appears to have smaller diameter tubing and the overall dimensions are different. Compare the dimensions with a 2012 and you find they made the top tube shorter among other things. It also no longer says "Gary Fisher" collection on the bike from what I can tell from the picture. Personally I like the changes including the shorter top tube. When I have looked at previous year models I have felt I was stretched out on a DS. So if you want a mountain bike with hybird tires you may want to hurry up and buy a 2012. If you want a fitness bike (FX) with a suspension fork, hold out for the 2013. Specialized appears to be doing the opposite with the Crosstrail for 2013.

I think you guys are missing the fact that the 2013 Dual Sport is a totally different bike from last year's model.

The other day I compared the geometries on the Trek site and this appears to be very true, as well as the difference in tube size you also mention. The new ones are much more relaxed, almost to the point of being a frame size smaller than the 2012 in some areas, especially the top tube. They also have a bit less clearance below the bottom bracket. It does appear they are more road oriented now.

Personally the more aggressive geometry is one reason I liked the DS more than the FX line.

The other day I compared the geometries on the Trek site and this appears to be very true, as well as the difference in tube size you also mention. The new ones are much more relaxed, almost to the point of being a frame size smaller than the 2012 in some areas, especially the top tube. They also have a bit less clearance below the bottom bracket. It does appear they are more road oriented now.

Personally the more aggressive geometry is one reason I liked the DS more than the FX line.


The head tube length is longer making it more upright like you said. The "reach" for the handlebars are much shorter. I know when i first got my 2012 DS 8.4, i had some sore back issues because of the longer top tube and eventually got myself a shorter stem. Not only was it easier on my lower back, but the bike reacted much quicker too. I think the chain stay length has been lengthened i am assuming for people who use saddlebags for more leg clearance, although i don't really know too many riders here who use saddle bags on their DS'. I can't really see any other advantage of lengthening the chainstay other than making the bike a little less nimble and more comfortable for the less aggressive leisure rider. The interesting part though is that the overall wheelbase is shorter than the the 2012 model so i guess overall, they are just playing with numbers to get similar performance at a more comfortable riding position.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/elite_adventure.htm

My brother ordered one of these, arrived last Friday and after I got home from OT work (8:30 PM) we built it up. VERY nice bike, and literally over half what a specialized/Trek of the same component set will cost (making even a bike shop set-up worth it). It definitely needs a FULL set-up, but at the price, even throwing another $100 or so for a bike shop set up is WORTH IT! He took it for a spin finally today (weather has either HOT or windy here) and he said it rides real nice. Tell ya, if I needed a bike of this type (and I dont...) I would buy one in a heartbeat. Same quality as the specialized/trek, with a really good component set at half the cost or less. Gorgeous bike, its a white pearl coat, looks very very nice in person :)

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/elite_adventure.htm

My brother ordered one of these, arrived last Friday and after I got home from OT work (8:30 PM) we built it up. VERY nice bike, and literally over half what a specialized/Trek of the same component set will cost (making even a bike shop set-up worth it). It definitely needs a FULL set-up, but at the price, even throwing another $100 or so for a bike shop set up is WORTH IT! He took it for a spin finally today (weather has either HOT or windy here) and he said it rides real nice. Tell ya, if I needed a bike of this type (and I dont...) I would buy one in a heartbeat. Same quality as the specialized/trek, with a really good component set at half the cost or less. Gorgeous bike, its a white pearl coat, looks very very nice in person :)
I wonder what kinda warranty they offer and if the you have to send the bike back, would you have to pay to ship it back to them? Looks like a good buy though..just like the security of my LBS i guess. They take care of everything for me.

Seems an odd choice to me too. Does it cost that much in factory production to add a set of bosses? I usually set up my bikes up with two cages. That lets me use the 2nd one for one of those plastic bullet small cases for my keys, phone and stuff, or for a second water bottle for the 7 year old on the trailer bike.

The bullet case wouldn't mind riding under the tube, but the second bottle would sure get gritty.

You can always add one where you want it with a Topeak CageMount (http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-TCM01-CageMount/dp/B003SOROKE/ref=sr_1_3?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1343429681&sr=1-3&keywords=Topeak+bottle)

Seems an odd choice to me too. Does it cost that much in factory production to add a set of bosses? I usually set up my bikes up with two cages. That lets me use the 2nd one for one of those plastic bullet small cases for my keys, phone and stuff, or for a second water bottle for the 7 year old on the trailer bike.

The bullet case wouldn't mind riding under the tube, but the second bottle would sure get gritty.

Do you have a link to a "plastic bullet small cases"? Sounds like the kind of thing I am looking for.

I just purchased a 2012 8.4 DS and really like the bike. I will be changing to more "road friendly" tires soon as most all of my riding is on pavement. There are some good deals on them. I saw the 2013 and preferred the 2012 to it but that's my opinion. The dealer let me test ride it and I loved it. Good luck with your choice!

My 2013 DS 8.3 has 2 water bottle mounts. One on the seat tube and one on the top side of the down tube. They eliminated the one on the underside because the cables run on that side. They did not eliminate the one on the seat tube.

My wife's 2012 8.2 has all 3 mounting points but her cables run underneath the top tube.

My 2013 DS 8.3 has 2 water bottle mounts. One on the seat tube and one on the top side of the down tube. They eliminated the one on the underside because the cables run on that side. They did not eliminate the one on the seat tube.


That's interesting because the one I saw at my LBS definitely did not have a mount on the seat tube, but still had the 2nd one on the underside of the downtube. Likewise on the Trek web pages you can see that it is not there.

I wonder if it's related to frame size. With a sloping top tube, the seat tube location often has limited clearance for a bottle. On two of my bikes, I can only put a smaller size bottle into the rear mount. I don't recall the size of the bike I saw at my LBS, but maybe in the larger sizes they kept the mount.

I recently was at a shop with a 2013 DS 8.4. 19" IIR. No mount points on the bottom of the down tube, just cables. It did have a mount point on the seat tube for two total. So it sounds like different frame sizes have different setups.

I just got a 2013 DS8.3 17.5" frame and it has two mounts, both on the down tube. The one on the underside is between the cables. I love the bike so far(I've only done one 10 mile ride). I test rode an 8.4 and I was just blown away. That bike is awesome but it was even farther out of my price range than the one I bought. :-)

It's a little off to the left, but you can JUST see the lower mounts. The mounts on the top are being used by the water bottle cage. Those are the only mounts. None on the other bars.

2013 8.4 DS
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It's a little off to the left, but you can JUST see the lower mounts. The mounts on the top are being used by the water bottle cage. Those are the only mounts. None on the other bars.

2013 8.4 DS


What size of frame did you end up getting?

Geez! This is getting complcated!

I just rode a DS 8.1 and it felt really good. But I never asked if it was a 2012 or 2013. I've been debating on saving money on the 8.1 or upgrading to 8.3 or 8.4. The different geometry and absence of a second bottle mount concern me.

I believe the 8.1 is new for 2013. The lowest model in 2012 was the 8.2.

It appears the all have two water bottle mounts, but depending on frame size the second might be either under the down tube, or on the seat tube.

Edit: sorry for the bad pic, but this is the 2013 8.4 I saw. Pretty sure it is a 19". http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/7742691000_d383aa2628.jpg

Another change/downgrade from 2012 to 2013: According to the Trek website, only the 2012 models -- not the 2013's are "Fender Ready"...

From looking at the website, it seems that the 2012's and 2013's are both the same price, but the 2013's have:
-- smaller frames
-- smaller diameter tubing
-- a bottle mount was eliminated from the seat tube
-- fender mounts were eliminated

Have there been any other changes/downgrades?

For me, the smaller frame size could be a problem: I have scoliosis and, unlike most riders, an upright seating position gives me a back ache. I need to stretch out a little and form a triangle between the seat and handle bars to provide support for my back. When I'm sitting up straight I can't do that and my back muscles start to cramp up.

Also, I go through a bottle about every 10 miles: only one water bottle just isn't enough for me...

And, I am thinking of a DS as complement to my road bike that I can use in wet conditions -- so I wanted to mount fenders...

So, for me, these are NOT good changes!

What size of frame did you end up getting?

I got a 17.5" frame. So not very big. I'm 5'8".

Another change/downgrade from 2012 to 2013: According to the Trek website, only the 2012 models -- not the 2013's are "Fender Ready"...

From looking at the website, it seems that the 2012's and 2013's are both the same price, but the 2013's have:
-- smaller frames
-- smaller diameter tubing
-- a bottle mount was eliminated from the seat tube
-- fender mounts were eliminated

Have there been any other changes/downgrades?

For me, the smaller frame size could be a problem: I have scoliosis and, unlike most riders, an upright seating position gives me a back ache. I need to stretch out a little and form a triangle between the seat and handle bars to provide support for my back. When I'm sitting up straight I can't do that and my back muscles start to cramp up.

Also, I go through a bottle about every 10 miles: only one water bottle just isn't enough for me...

And, I am thinking of a DS as complement to my road bike that I can use in wet conditions -- so I wanted to mount fenders...

So, for me, these are NOT good changes!

If you want to stretch out more, just get a longer stem(100-120mm) and have a offset Seatpost.

Trek's website was updated today to include the 2013 8.5 as well as an 8.6. The 8.6 seems identical to the 8.5 except it is ten speeds instead of nine, and has an MSRP of 1369.99 instead of 1189.99.

Trek's website was updated today to include the 2013 8.5 as well as an 8.6. The 8.6 seems identical to the 8.5 except it is ten speeds instead of nine, and has an MSRP of 1369.99 instead of 1189.99.

... And they upgraded some components. Trek always seems to mix and match components instead of going with a complete groupset. That being said: the 8.5 is essentially a Deore groupset and the 8.6 is slightly higher. The easy way to see that is to do a "compare" of the two bikes on Trek's website and scroll down into the the details.

The new 8.5 and 8.6 also have some sort of rear suspension built into the seat stays called IsoZone.

My New 2013 8.6 DS

I just purchased a 2012 8.4 DS and really like the bike. I will be changing to more "road friendly" tires soon as most all of my riding is on pavement. There are some good deals on them. I saw the 2013 and preferred the 2012 to it but that's my opinion. The dealer let me test ride it and I loved it. Good luck with your choice!

I also like the 2012 DS8.4 better. I like the larger frame and the higher bottom bracket. In addition I like that the cables are routed on the underside of the top tube where they are less likely to get dinged/snagged on things. I am 190cm (6'2?) and the larger frame is much more comfortable. Thinner tubes would be nice if you ask me, but heh.

I also like the 2012 DS8.4 better. I like the larger frame and the higher bottom bracket. In addition I like that the cables are routed on the underside of the top tube where they are less likely to get dinged/snagged on things. I am 190cm (6'2?) and the larger frame is much more comfortable. Thinner tubes would be nice if you ask me, but heh.

I jumped on it and got one of the last 2012 8.5's. The frame is clearly bigger than the 2013, this one barely fits while the 2013 gives me plenty of standover height. I don't like where the cables are because they are always catching on the plastic straps of my car carrier.


But, my ONLY complaint is the cheap, LT3 tires they put on the 2012...


Oh! and they advertised it as 'rack and fender' ready and it does have fender mounts. But my LBS could not get a fender to squeeze between the rear tire and the front derailer. He swapped me the top fire Deore for a bottom pull SLX and the fender went on just fine.

The new 8.5 and 8.6 also have some sort of rear suspension built into the seat stays called IsoZone.

Thanx for that..i noticed it and wondered if it was indeed some sort of suspension built in. I guess it would be fine now as a TRUE Hybrid. As a performer, i don't think i would like the Flex especially on the trails. Oh well..gotta love Evolution!

I think it is more of a ruber elasomer that absorbs vibrations, not really inteded to absob big bumps.

I think you guys are missing the fact that the 2013 Dual Sport is a totally different bike from last year's model. The frame appears to have smaller diameter tubing and the overall dimensions are different. Compare the dimensions with a 2012 and you find they made the top tube shorter among other things. It also no longer says "Gary Fisher" collection on the bike from what I can tell from the picture. Personally I like the changes including the shorter top tube. When I have looked at previous year models I have felt I was stretched out on a DS. So if you want a mountain bike with hybird tires you may want to hurry up and buy a 2012. If you want a fitness bike (FX) with a suspension fork, hold out for the 2013. Specialized appears to be doing the opposite with the Crosstrail for 2013.

I just saw the complete line except 8.5 yesterday. There's now a 8.6 which is an 8.5 with a 10 sp.

I just picked up my 2013 DS 8.4. It is a 21" frame and has mounts on the down tube and the seat post tube. One thing I have seen complaints about is the lock out cap popping off. I can verify that within 4 minutes of riding the bike it did. I pulled into my driveway and there is a dramatic incline from the road. I had the cap in the locked out position and as soon as I hit the driveway, the cap went flying off. Very disappointing. I can see this cap is going to go missing. I am thinking about taking a small piece of Kevlar string and attaching it to the cap with a drop of super glue and attaching the other end to the frame. That way when it does pop off again, it won't be lost. I absolutely love everything else about the bike, I just can't believe they haven't figured out how to keep that cap from popping off.

yea mine popped off within minutes as well, i used some PVC cement (the stuff for gluing the sewage and central vac pvc piping). a drop of the stuff holds more than one would need