OK experts...
I'm shopping for a new ride. I fell in love with the ride of the Trek 8.5DS...and the color scheme isn't bad either.

What is the difference between the DS models...I know it's components!
But what kind of components should I be looking for?
Should I spend the $$$ on the 8.5 or but something a little bit cheaper?

Any, and ALL help is appreciated!!!

Jeff

Figure out which bike you want the most, and buy the best you can afford. Make sure the suspension can be locked out on suspended models

The suspension lockout is a HUGE selling point...it makes for a much more effortless ride when ascending hills.
Wanderer...thanks so much for your input!

I have a 8.4 DS and absolutely love it..... that said, I looked at the 8.5 and quickly dismissed it. It is starting to get a bit much for a bike that is really a master or nothing. Come up with a list of what you would like from a bike and that should be it.... for me the remote lockout on the 8.5 is not worth it, reaching a few inches to the 8.4 fork lockout is more than fine given that it is really is not the kind of bike you would be riding on a technical trail. Components may be better, but again, you may want to consider a more specialized bike for the type of riding you do if you are looking at over $1K

When buying a new bike, you first must consider your budget. Next, the type of roads you'll be traveling on, and how long you'll be riding on them. Personally, I think that front suspensions are only good with the lockout feature. A rigid fork would usually be my first choice, unless I'm mtbikng.

THANK YOU...this is where I should have come to in the first place!!!
Lesson Learned; thanks again gang.