I am looking at Trek DS 8.4, 8.5 and 8.6.
My question: Is it worth the upgrade from 8.4 to 8.5 or 8.6? Is the upgrade that much more significant or marginal?

I like the color of 8.4 but not sure if I should upgrade models. Thank you

Worth is a very subjective question. My bet is you'll get both answers, yes and no. The price differences (which may well be substantially less than MSRP differences) will be more impactful to some people here than to others.

Best thing is go ride all three and see how much you can tell the difference between the models. Where you can discern differences in the various systems/features assess the value to you of those against the price difference in terms of its impact to you.

I ended up ordering an 8.6 a couple days ago and should get it early next week. Would the 8.4 have worked for me? Sure, it's a great bike. However I'd looked at all three models and decided the added convenience of the remote lockout was worth it to me, plus the higher level brakes and shifting just "felt" a bit smoother. Ordering during the TrekFest sale helped also helped as the credit got higher and lessened the price delta.

Just so you know, due to the strike on the west coast, many sizes are not available. I was looking at a 8.5 and 8.6 in a 19" frame. The 8.6 was not available so I took the 8.5.

I am size 19 as well. Guess that limits my choices. I see lots of 8.4 and 8.5 in 19's but none in 8.6

I think the 8.4 is the sweet spot in the range and if you like the color it comes in bonus for you then. Not to say the other models arnt worth the price increase for the better gear, but you may not notice the difference and then have some extra money for some accessories. Pedals, bag, speedo, ect.

I like the look of the 8.6 but I dont think I could justify the cost jump just for the color.

I have the 8.6 and really like the components, not so crazy about the silver color but it shifts great. My Madone is getting a lot of rest since I got my 19" 8.6.

Obviously your Madone will be quicker on the road than your 8.6, but how would you describe the difference in speed on the road between the two of them?

Road trip? Trek 8.6 DS - Atlanta Cycling | Vinings Ansley GA 770-952-7731 - Road, Mountain, and Triathlon

Since the dock strike ended two months ago it's probably best to talk to your local shops. As I mentioned above, mine ordered a 2016 8.6 in 17.5 on Sunday and as far as I know it's still due to come in by early next week.

What colour & are the spec's unchanged?

Color is black on black and I have no info on whether specs have changed. Since the shop has a 30 day guarantee I'm not sweating it, if they're downgraded I'm not locked in.

I'll post actual info when I have it.

Buying the higher cost Bike, will be less than buying Low and then paying for all the Upgrades Later...

One exception is wheels. Check with your lbs on the difference in wheels make sure it has adequate durability for your needs. I popped two rear spokes and my lbs said there was an issue (2013 8.4 ) and to bring in my wheel for warantee which was replaced with a significantly nicer wheel. Zero problems since.

I'm in the east coast and there are plenty 8.6 in 19. I want to a LBS today to buy two bikes but the manger left a bad taste so, I walked out. Took a look at Cannondale Quick CX. I'm more confused now.

+1 !

IMHO:
The non locking "always mushy" fork on the 8.2 is a deal breaker!
The mechanical disk brakes on the 8.3 leave much to be desired.

The 8.4 has hydraulic disk brakes, front suspension that can be locked/unlocked while riding with a small reach, upgraded gear-sets and wheels etc. for a reasonable price bump.

After that you are talking about (for a more substantial price bumps)
- Remote lockout (reaching is easy enough while riding on the 8.4).
- Upgraded accessories (gear-set, brakes, tires), to the already good ones on the 8.4.

If you have money to spare, and want the best bike, go for the 8.5/8.6. If you are value conscious and have reasonable expectations, the 8.4 is a good choice and won't disappoint.

Personally I chose the 8.4, and don't regret "what I am missing".

That is an excellent summation of the differences.

Understandable. I tried both the CX2 and 8.5DS on the same day (different shops) I didn't perceive any real difference in ride. I think one could be happy with either and it comes down to specific features such as remote lockout and the ever-important choice of which shop you prefer to do business with. Take my assessment with a grain of salt though, I haven't ridden for years.


Excellent assessment.

I looked at the CX2 and felt the 8.5 was a superior bike so my decision was easy.

Yep. The CX2 is more comparable to the 8.4 in my opinion. From what I saw the Treks have a little more bang-for-the-buck.

Although it represents 'more bike' than I probably need, the decision to pony up the extra $$ for my 8.6 and my wife's Neko SLX wasn't too difficult as I felt that a couple hundred more for something we will hopefully enjoy for years represented a pretty good deal. I know everyone has their own budget, but often one gets what they pay for. Buy once, cry once;-** Enjoy your new purchase.

What did you guys pay for your DS 8.6?
I assume the silver DS 8.6 on Trek's website is 2016?

I bought during the big Trek sale in April. taking into account the $100 in free stuff I paid about $1100 if I recall correctly. The silver model I bought is a 2014 I believe. I love it, as does my wife with her Neko SLX. We have got more riding in than I would have dared to hope.

Any difference between 2015 and 2015 DS 8.6?

Between the 2015(chrome) & 2016(black), it appears the only difference is colour.

Brushed-aluminum is the old 8.6 2015 color, the new/current color is a metallic slate gray (Dnister Black). I've seen it listed as both 2015 and 2016 on various websites. I posted a bunch of pictures in the DS owners thread a couple weeks ago.


The only component difference I've noticed is that the pedals are black Wellgo M21's, not the red-alloy cage version pictured on Trek's website.

As for price, the 8.6 is going for $1200 in the Atlanta market, your market may differ.

I just purchased my 8.6 last week. It is also the Dnister Black one as well. I agree with gpburdell the only difference appears to be the black pedals. I am in the DFW area and paid $1200 as well.