Originally Posted by
ColonelSanders
I think it is difficult to say if the 2015 Trek 8.5 is worth the extra money over the 8.4, as the 8.4 may be the sweet spot in the DS range.
What you get for your extra money is a remote lock out on the fork and the fork is meant to be better too(same fork as on the 8.6), but better to the point of being noticeable? Who knows?
The hubs are step up, you get two grades higher in Shimano's range for Gear Shifters & Front Derailleur, one grade higher for rear derailleur.
The hydraulic brakes are Shimano on the 8.5 vs Tektro on the 8.4, but I can't imagine there would be a big difference here.
Colour scheme could be an influencer, although I think both colour schemes on the 8.4 are pretty good, I actually think the 8.5 has the best colour scheme in the whole DS range.
I don't think you could go wrong either way.
That's kind of what I'm seeing. I don't think with my riding style I would get any real benefit spending above the price point of the 8.4 and unless I wanted the different color. The Red doesn't do it for me, the satin black is nice and I like the Ink Blue but I don't think I would jump the step for the color change alone.
Originally Posted by
Striper4
Hello Jehd,
I just purchased the 8.5 model year 2014 (Came new from the Factory in New Jersey) I paid about nine something. They knocked a little more than 200 bucks off the price as it was a 14 model vice 15 model year. The difference in the new model from what I am being told is they made a slight change in the geometry of the frame. No big deal to me as I love the one I have. Taking it for its first 20-25 mile ride in the morning.
Good Luck !!
^ Come to think of that I did see that mentioned in the DS owners thread, but I haven't found out what the changes are. I cant imagine its that dramatic. Though I would love to hear if its a worthwhile consideration.
One big change at least as far as the 8.5/8.6 was the removal of the "ISO ZONE". I usually keep bikes a long time and wonder about the durability of a "rubber chunk" especially in the dry Southwest and more so that its been dropped after only 2 years.