ProPerformer

Quick question:
Would anyone NOT recommend switching to a 31.8 stem and bar on my DS 8.3?
The reason I want to go to 31.8 is there are a lot more options for stems and bars. And I feel I need a shorter stem. I raised my seat and now I'm stretched out just a little too far. Bars are a little high already for my liking so I don't want to raise them. I want to go from the stock 105mm stem to a 90mm but in 31.8. Is the only reason why these hybrids run a 25.4 bar is that they just don't need a beefier one?

ROB DS

I would suggest switching to a Bontrager adjustable stem, this will give you lots of options for fine-tuning.

ColonelSanders

Pretty much the only downside is the cost of buying a new handlebar, if you are going to get a new stem anyway.

Apparently there are slightly more vibrations passed on to the rider with a 31.8mm handlebar setup vs a 25.4mm(if all other things are equal), but these extra vibrations would be near impossible to detect and the industry seems to be moving to 31.8mm anyway.

ProPerformer

Thanks for the info fellas. In doing some reading I see the 25.4 is on it's way out hence the lack of options. I am now on the hunt for a 31.8 setup. Liking the Shimano Pro stuff...

Had an issue with the stock Wellgo pedals. My sz. 12 feet didn't fit well and they just weren't working for me. I swaped them out for some Shimano Saint pedals that not only offered me a larger platform for my feet but made those stock pedals seem super cheap.

My ride so far

intransit1217

They make really good grocery getters too. Not that other bikes don't. Glad you're enjoying your DS. Gonna try to get out and put 50 miles on mine tomorrow.

steve_cay

The snow finally melted here!

Just got my 2013 DS 8.4 out of the shed, and went for my first ride of the year. I put some lube on the chain, put air in the tires that went flat over the winter, and it feels as good as the day I got it. Brakes and derailleurs all in perfect adjustment, no rubbing, no noises, wheels still perfectly true.

Question: My LBS offers free tune up in first year. Is it worth bringing in? Will they do anything other than a few basic check, and a few drops of lube on the chain? Do these bikes need any other maintenance? Just wondering if it is worth the hassle, if nothing is wrong ... my gut says I will loose my bike for a few days for no good reason

As for the discussion on mechanical vs hydraulic brakes a page up ... I was first thinking of a DS 8.3 with mechanical disk brakes. When I went for a test drive (first ride ever with discs), I thought the brakes were just not right (i.e. force vs bite). When I asked the sales guy, he said thats the way they are, I would just have to get used to it, and they would develop a bit more bite when broken in. Then I noticed a "prior year" 8.4 on special for the same price. I instantly fell in love with the hydraulic brakes, and was sold ... in fact the brakes where one of the items that gave me the strongest first impressions, and I still get a little thrill every time I use them! IMHO there is a huge difference between mechanical and hydraulic, go for the hydraulic if you can at all.

intransit1217

Call your lbs first. They may have a slower day of the week that would work for you. If the tune up is still free, get it. Then you are sure it's ready to go.

What color did you get and are your brakes hayes?

steve_cay

intransit1217,

Mine is matt white ... pictures on the first post of this thread. It came with the Hayes brakes. Although I recall some mediocre reviews of the Hayes, I have been more than happy with them.

JimLob65

My wife and I just purchased the exact same bikes after having owned Trek 7200 Multitracks for years.. We are still awaiting the arrival of hers. Certainly much more bike than we 'need', but what the heck....it's only money!

I am most impressed with the hydraulic disc brakes over the rim brakes of my last Trek. What an improvement!! Next is how much smoother it shifts. Very nice bikes indeed.

intransit1217

Gave my baby a bath today. Turned her over to get the rear wheel out and get to the grease inside the frame and what do I find ?

Rear derailleur hanger is loose. Nice. Pull it off, clean the frame, reinstall and tighten. Now I have to go for a test ride. That sucks.

Sunsanvil

Its a series thing. The 8.4 and up use 31.8. The lower series, to meet a price point, are fitted accordingly.

Sunsanvil

While I'm sure dealers definition of this service differs, at very least it constitutes a "safety check" in that if anything is obviously askew they should notice it (or I would hope). I never took either my 2013 8.4 or my wife's Neko SL in. At the 1 year mark we admittedly hadn't ridden them as much as we should but moreover everything was perfect in my estimation. At some point the first year I had wonky cassette, second year a loose crank, but these were both dealt with "same day", no charge.

Totally agree. While I cant honestly "justify" them for my riding, they are so smooth, and my understanding is safer in that IF (big IF) they are setup right, they may never need work (other than periodic verification of function and eventual pad/rotor replacement). Mechanical discs on the other hand as subject to all the potential issues of cable operated gear.

intransit1217

My twin ! Ok maybe not but didja notice it's actually a matt white pearl?.

side_FX

I was wondering if anyone has used their DS to do a MS150 type ride? I was curious how it performed doing 70-100 miles. Is it better to lock out the fork for the road? Do you still feel the fork bob a bit when locked? I'm debating if a 520 or a DS is the better choice for me? 520: better aero position, better tires for road....but heavy and not as friendly for lower back issues. DS: lighter bike, but more upright with wider tire. Hmmm.

intransit1217

The two bikes will be close weight wise, the oil shocked DS being the heavier. If you are looking for a back friendly bike, I would go with the DS. The fork will absorb a lot of road imperfections and the wider tires help cush the blows from the rear. Unless you do something drastic with the handlebars, like origin8 drop bar ends or an outright bar conversion (expensive) you will lose aero ability.

Is the ms 150 a timed event? If not, enjoy the ride and go with the DS.

intransit1217

Possible adjustment: Is the ms 150 miles or kilometers? If miles, go with the 520 and have it adjusted to accomodate your back issues.

If KM, the ds will be fine.

side_FX

The MS150 is a two day event, 75 miles each day, with a century option for day 1 - 100 miles. It's a fun ride, not timed and is designed to generate money for charity. it runs along the beach so I wonder if the more upright position of the DS might become a bit of a drag in the wind. The drops of the 520 might be better

Sunsanvil

Just a heads up: both I (2013 DS 8.4) and my wife (2013 Neko SL) got recall notices on the QR front axle last night.

Apparently because it can open beyond 180deg it could in theory reach the brake disc (though why anyone would ride a bike with the QR open, beyond 180 or not, is beyond me). Replacement is to be free of charge plus a $20 Bontrager accessories voucher.

I imagine this affects other models beyond ours as it seems any disc-brake equipped bike with the QRs in question are affected.

GlennR

https://www.trekbikes.com/pdf/recalls...otice_USEN.pdf

Simple fix, move the QR to the opposite side so it can't hit the rotor.

swoodjr1

Got your bike yet? I am curious about what year model showed up and a pic if it was a 2016

gpburdell

Almost. As of my conversation with them yesterday it should arrive today and be ready tomorrow or Friday. It's apparently one of their initial allocation of 2016 models that were already had on order from Trek.

steve_cay

Hmm, my 2013 DS 8.4, with black quick release: does not seem to go back more than 180, and goes nowhere near the disk fully opened. Oh well, no $20 coupon for me
So just because your bike is in the recall model list, it may not necessarily needs the recall ... try before brining it in.

I would guess for the very unlikely case of it popping open while riding, and whipping back into the disk.

Would it not then become the proverbial "stick in the spokes"? Perhaps doing more damage than hitting a rotor?

Sunsanvil

Truth. They may have used a few different QRs on these bikes. Mine, with the inline lever, seems to be ok, but my wife's has the offset lever and can definitely swing right around.

EDIT: my mistake. It was my old Giant I was thinking of. Indeed both our Treks have the recalled QRs.

steve_cay

So you got a letter in the mail specifically for your bike and serial number, even though it appears not to be affected? Can see a lot of people waisting time going to the shop, to get nothing done!

Or perhaps they changed them during our recall service last year???

GlennR

You have to be riding with the QR open.

If you're doing that you have to assume many risks.

You can't fix stupid.