Some companies like Kona, Norco, Breezer etc. had come out with 650b hybrids but I did a quick search on Youtube and it looks to me like those brands don't have as many fans (looking at the # of views). I think the idea Trek would do this is fantastic. 2 inches is what they determined would give people enough suppleness with speed at the same time (although I usually posted about 2.4" tires). I could live with 2 inches though. I could also live with the internal cabling although I find it's a horrific decision to make given the amount of work it takes if you wanted to modify the bike.

Now, (talking about the rigid fork models), there's the base model with Shimano Tourney derailleurs and shifters, 46/30T crankset, aluminum frame & steel forks and Tektro mechanical brakes. The second model also has the same kind of crankset but has a mix of Altus and Acera for the shifters/derailleurs, an aluminum fork and hydraulic disc brakes. The Deore model above that has a 1x crankset and carbon fork.

I think they may not have much of a choice with pricing given the after-effects of the pandemic and the on-going Ukraine war but I was almost confused and irked that the Tourney model was so expensive. I thought the Deore model was so cheap compared to it why didn't they do the following: 1st model: same crankset, steel fork but all Acera shifters and derailleurs, Tektro mechanical disc brake, 2nd model same crankset, aluminum fork but all Alivio shifters and derailleurs and hydraulic disc brakes. The Deore model could stay the same although I could care less about 1x or the carbon fork.

I could mind buying the base model since I like the idea of simplicity with the mechanical disc brakes. Besides, if I was biking in the winter I'd prefer that solution anyway. But if the second model had Alivio, I could still live with hydraulic brakes. If I bought the 2nd model and changed the rear derailleurs and shifters to Alivio, added some fenders and front and rear racks though that would make a pretty sweet tourer.

What are your thoughts? I mean with the price you pay for the 1st model do you think they should simply switch to all Acera and raise the price? I mean even if Acera would be 9 speed as well as the Alivio model at least you wouldn't feel like you're getting screwed just because you wanted to buy a Trek. (I'm actually considering one even if it doesn't have 2.4" tires. Although on the 1st model I'd feel compelled to change to Altus shifters for 8 speed compatibility and Acera 8 speed rear derailleur).