PSYS

I've had my Trek 8.2 DS for almost a year now.
I've been working up to longer rides and mostly ride on the street, but also enjoy longer rides on a few of our state trails (crushed limestone + some packed dirt)
Just a few initial thoughts after having it almost a year:

1.) This mushy front fork that I cannot do anything about it is horrendous. I don't know if I'd say it makes the bike less rideable, but I'm definitely more conscientious of it.
2.) I'm a fairly newbie cyclist but have done some longer rides on the bike just recently. Last Saturday, I did a 68 mile ride (my personal best/longest ride in just a hair under 5 hrs.) and have done numerous 20, 30 and 40 mile rides, as well. Compared to my buddy's Trek FX, my DS feels considerably heavier. It's probably not a big deal for the occasional stroll around the neighborhood, but I'm definitely noticing it on my longer rides.

3.) Not sure of the correct verbiage, but the 'spacing' between 4th gear and 5th gear seems enormous to me. Maybe it's just me, but will a better / higher end component set offer 'better' shifting?
4.) During wet / muddy semi-trail conditions, the pedals aren't great. Even with the aggressive tread of my trail running shoes, my feet slip off the pedals on occasion. Can anyone think off hand of some non-clip in pedals that are better than the ones that came stock on my 8.2?

5.) Shifting now feels incredibly clunky to me. I'm guessing this is just due to the fact that the components are somewhat basic / inexpensive?
6.) I haven't test rode any as of yet, but I'd like to still keep my 8.2 and possibly upgrade to an FX next season. Is the FX more suitable for 'longer' rides than my DS? Or is that more rider specific?

I love my 8.2 DS, but I think I may be ready to step up to something a little better.

BigDB67

For the following items:

1.) The Mushy Front Fork - Suspension forks "eat" a lot of energy when going uphill or pedaling hard, does it have a lock out?
2.) Weight - Suspension forks weigh considerably more than regular forks. Perhaps upgrade it to carbon? (Nashbar sells them for the cheap Nashbar Carbon Road Bike Fork)
3.) Gearing - I have no idea (LOL)
4.) Pedals - I would upgrade to Clip in pedals if possible, but switch to "inserts" for casual rides (Bikedabs pedaldabs platform adapters convert bicycling clipless pedals)
5.) Shifting - Have you had a tuneup in a while?

DorkDisk

Entry level forks are terrible. You can make lemonade out of lemons by perfecting your smooth pedal stroke

steve_cay

Aside from the weight, many of the issues are from going towards the lower end of the DS range. I have a DS8.4 (which I consider the sweet spot).

1) A lock-out suspension is a must to me (starts at the DS8.3 and up). Mine also came with a mushy (when open) Suntour fork, but was then swapped out for a much firmer RST fork when the Suntour was recalled. Hydraulic suspension is also better than your mechanical one (hydraulic suspension starts at 8.3).
2) DS is heavier then FX, no-matter what sub-model. Fork, and beefier frame and wheels/tires are probably a good part of that.
3) Higher sub-models = more speeds = less spacing.
4) All bikes (even much higher end ones) come with "disposable" pedals worth <$20. Since most people will choose a specific style of pedal, they don't bother including good ones. If you don't want clips/clipless ... look into BMX pedals. Large platform with spikes, that will not slip!
5) Try getting derailleurs adjusted if clunky. Most shops have at least 1yr free tuneups. Or takes 10 minutes to do yourself if you learn how. May well improve shifting.
6) FX is more road oriented. Lighter, stiffer, skinnier tires. DS has the advantage of being able to tackle modest trails (heavier, wider tires, suspension). Neither is "better", depends what you want to do. Also one of the reasons for your dissatisfaction may be from going too low in the range. The same will apply to FX, unless you "splurge" a bit more.

intransit1217

All of the above.

Also, I didn't like the RST replacement fork so i sprung for the rockshocks paragon and sprung for the lockout. Being an air adjustable fork, it's lighter AND can be tuned to your bodyweight thereby negating the need for the lockout. Adjusted properly there's very little pogoing.

Rear derailleur. I found mine loose at the hanger once, check there. Also, if hanger is slightly bent, jockey wheels don't line up with cassette gears. But simple first. Clean and lube chain.

The cassette can be changed to a variety of options and is a relatively inexpensive and easy change.

Yes, the DS is a heavier bike. Sick with it and you will be a stronger rider and your new fx/ road bike/ whatever will feel stupid fast.

gpburdell

I'm not sure many folks would consider that to be a good thing...

Otherwise, good advice. My only additions would be:

(2) Weight wise, yes the DS will be heavier than the FX. Probably 3-4lb. My DS weighed in at 28lb, I've not weighed an FX but gather they're in the 25lb range. IMHO I don't think it's a big deal if you're not racing or intending really long distances. Not to mention that most of us probably could stand to lose 3-4lb off our bellies and could do so more cheaply than replacing a bicycle.

Also check your tire pressures; if you're underinflated for the conditions it'll drag down your efficiency and can make the bike "feel" heavier.

(6) When(*) your add a 2nd bike give a lot of thought to what gaps you're looking to fill that your DS doesn't. If that gap is long distance road riding then while the FX may be suitable I'd also suggest looking at drop-bar road / adventure / touring models.

(*) I know you said "if", do feel free to maintain that illusion of possibly not buying a 2nd bike at some point, we won't tell.

MRT2

Please do share with folks considering the 8.2 or any other bike with and entry level suspension fork. That said, maybe consider upgrading the suspension fork or swapping out for a steel or carbon fiber one.

5. RE: Shifting, maybe time to take the bike in for a once over from the bike shop. Possible your derailleurs are out of adjustment?

6. If road biking is your thing, I would urge you to look at a road bike rather than jump a half step up to an FX. The FX series are fine bikes, but not ideal for long distance road rides. if you are looking to do long rides, a road bike, or maybe a light touring bike might be the logical next step.

MRT2

According to the Trek website, the 8.2 uses a 7 speed freewheel, not a freehub. FWIW, this is a place where an upgrade might not be a bad idea.

JG1967

Here is what I did to my 8.5 DS:

Shimano SLX Crank

Shimano XT Front Derailure

Shimano XT Shadow Plus Rear Derailure

Shimano SLX Rear Cassette

Shimano SLX Chain

Shimano XT shifters

Bontrager Race X Lite Carbon Riser Handlebar

Bontrager XXX 31.8 Stem

Bontrager Paradigm Race Saddle

FSA K-Force Offset Seat Post

Trek Crossrip Carbon Fork

Michelin Pilot Sport Tires - 700X25

Shimano MX80 Saint Flat Pedals

You would prob want to skip the fork and the road based tires. Everything else are MTB parts and will fit perfectly. For the fork you can upgrade to a better suspension fork or get a rigid carbon fork like someone else suggested. If you do go with a carbon fork make sure it's designed to replace a suspension fork. Several manufacturers make them. Let me know if you have any questions or want pictures of the parts.

dynaryder

Is this your bike?

2014 8.2 DS - Bike Archive - Trek Bicycle

Most of the issues could be due to the lower end bits. A better fork will improve ride quality,but will be pricey. A cheaper option would be getting a rigid fork;if you're not doing serious off-roading,or don't have physical issues,a rigid fork with the right tires would work. As for gearing,there's not much diversity for freewheels. If you got the wheel rebuild with a freehub(or just got a new wheel),you could swap on an 8spd cassette and shifter and have a plethora of options. For your shifting issues,when was the bike last worked on? A proper tune up could make things better. Finally,for your pedals,plenty of grippy MTB/BMX pedals(make sure you get 9/16" spindle) out there to choose from depending on your budget.

steve_cay

LOL, corrected! Must have been looking at my dirty shirt when writing that

PSYS

That's my bike... looks like the exact color, too.

light gray / silver except mine has orange accents.

PSYS

You guys are fricken awesome. You can quote me on that if you want.

So I bought the bike brand new from a local LBS. I did get one free tune-up with the purchase. Before I put the bike away last year during the last week of October, I dropped it off at the LBS for my free tune-up which they performed. So as far as maintenance goes, it should be fairly well maintained. It's certainly possible something may have gotten tossed out of alignment or whatever have you. I've got about 350 fairly hard miles logged this year on packed dirt, loose dirt / sand, crushed limestone and plenty of pavement. I think the trails can be a lot harsher on the bike than anticipated. Maybe I'll swing it by the LBS this weekend... I just don't want to be without it!

1.) The fork absolutely has to go. I did a short 7-mile ride when I got home from work a few moments ago and that cheap, mushy, non-lockable stock fork is sucking the energy right out of my pedaling. It's on the stiffest setting possible and it's simply useless for my needs. I DO ride bike trails, but I'm not talking about MTB trails. I'm talking about state trails. My buddy who has the FX rides them with me all the time and he manages just fine. What would be some recommended carbon / rigid forks that could replace the stock suspension fork? I'll definitely do a search online. I was just wondering if any of you knew of a few off the top of your heads that you've replaced or utilized in your experience.

2.) The BMX / MTB pedals is a phenomenal idea. And thank you for the 9/16" spindle reminder. I'll be looking into a set of new pedals effective immediately.

3.) New wheel + cassette. I did a little bit of searching before making my initial post and I think I'd need to do more research about this. I'm all for making the DS more efficient / better (while understanding that 'better' is a relative term), but I'm not exactly sure what components would need to be replaced / upgraded. If I replace the cassette, then am I automatically locked in to obtaining a new rear wheel? I'm assuming it's because of the el cheapo components on the 8.2... correct?

4.) I've not really given road bikes a serious thought to be honest with you guys as I simply prefer the feel / ride of a flat bar. I don't intend to do any serious racing or competitions, but I feel I've been serious enough in the sense that I would like to try to do a lot of longer rides on the weekends. I did 68 miles on my DS last Saturday and I honestly felt fine aside from my legs aching which seemed normal. LOL. Other than that, it was fairly comfortable aside from that front fork monstrosity.

5.) Lastly, I made the grave mistake of not following my own advice of 'buy nice, don't buy twice'. My buddy got his FX last year and simply as a matter of convenience so I could ride with him, I got the 8.2 DS (as that was my budget at the time). I should have saved a bit more and stepped up to a higher quality model which would have eliminated this post entirely.

Thanks in advance to all of you.

dynaryder

If you want a CASSETTE,then yes,you have to replace the rear wheel.

Freewheel or Cassette?

Swapping the wheel(or just the hub) to a freehub will allow a wide range of choices. You could just pick a 7spd cassette,or you could get an 8spd cassette and new shifter. Going up to 8spd will offer not just higher quality parts,but more choices. You'll have a better chance at finding a gear cluster to meet your specific needs.

JG1967

I replaced my suspension fork with a Trek Crossrip carbon fork. It does fit but it lowers the front of the bike a little as it not as long as the stock suspension fork. A fork designed to replace a suspension fork like those made by Niner bikes, Enve Composits or something a little more budget friendly from On One Bikes or Nashbar.

vinuneuro

Just out of curiosty how much did this run you?

Thanks.

JG1967

Under $350.00 at Chainreaction Cycles

PSYS

I'm having a helluva time finding a fork. I went to my LBS and it's their understanding that I would need a 700c suspension-corrected fork in order to get rid of the el cheapo suspension fork that came stock on my 8.2 DS.

That being said, the only one they've been able to find is this one made by Dimension:

Dimension 700c Hybrid Fork 1-1/8" Threadless Suspension Corrected Black - Modern Bike


Am I missing something or are their other manufacturers out there who have a fork that will work for my scenario without any insane amount of modification? The LBS said the Dimension would work aside from them needing to cut down the steer tube a bit (their words) I'm looking at $65 for the fork + approx. $25 in labor which is much less than I anticipated.

My only concern is for $65, I'm not sure what kind of quality I'm getting with that fork. Will this suffice or should I be looking elsewhere?

MRT2

It is cro moly steel, which is heavier than carbon fiber, but probably lighter than a suspension fork. If it fits, it should be fine. Steel forks ride better than aluminum and as well or better than carbon fiber. I know Surly makes some suspension corrected forks. Don't know if they make one that will fit your bike, but worth checking into.

Ayers

I went with the Surly fork when replacing the crappy low end suspension fork on my Trek. It's chromoly but still weighs a whole lot less than the suspension one I removed. Price was 100 bucks from Ultimate Cycles. Surly makes several different part numbers for disc or rim brakes and also to compensate for the different length of the old suspension fork. It's called the Surly 1x1 fork, just choose your appropriate part number from the descriptions. In my case, no cutting of the steer tube was needed. It was a simple 15 minute job to install with a couple of Allen wrenches.



Between the weight removal and the gain in efficiency form the loss of the pogo effect, the fork really transformed the bike.

PSYS

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you SO much! I would rather go with the Surly brand vs. the no-name brand that requires cutting of the steer tube.

JG1967

Here is my Trek 8.5 DS with the Trek Crossrip carbon fork. My LBS ordered it and installed it. It's not as long as the suspension fork so it will change the geometry a little bit. I went this route because I wanted a carbon fork but didn't want to spend the $500 - $600 some of the other carbon forks cost and I wasn't comfortable getting a lower end carbon fork from Nashbar or On One Cycles. Cost installed was around $350.00.

PSYS

I don't suppose by any chance you recall what version of Surly 1x1 fork you went with, do you?
It looks as if it comes in either 80mm or 100mm versions.

My 2014 Trek 8.2 DS says it's equipped with: SR Suntour NEX 4610, 63mm-travel

I e-mailed a few online retailers and I got two different answers from two different retailers. LOL.

BigDB67

Cutting the steering tube is not really that big of a deal, don't let that carry much weight as to whatever decision you make!

PSYS

Right. But I still don't want to throw the entire geometry of the bike off-kilter...?
These are the two options listed on their website.
I'll take a quick axle-to-crown measurement when I got home this evening...

80mm
Axle-to-crown: 413mm
Offset: 45mm


100mm
Axle-to-crown: 453mm
Offset: 40mm