Please talk to me about the new Trek District.

PostieJohn

As I have just seen my 1st one, and what a cutie it was.
Quite how this bike has popped up, from under my radar, I don't know.
I love the look of it, the retro styling, wheels etc.

But naturally the mech is a little eye opening hence the need for the opinion of others.

biondino

I saw a guy on a Cannondale with only one fork leg today and thought about the Trek! The one fork thing just makes me nervous, even though I'm sure engineers can ensure me it's actually stronger and safer that way.

The belt drive looks ace - I wonder how it actually feels?

drumon

Belt drive very interesting.

I'm investigating retro fitting belt drive to my old mtb, which would obviously require some smart frame redesign to open and close the chain stay - as the belt must be fitted around the chainstay.

Think it would be great for a hassle free single speed commuter. Mud dirt dust no problem.

http://www.carbondrivesystems.com/overview.php?lang=us

alfablue

Looks good to me, maybe I would prefer a darker paint job. As for the belt drive, should be good - James Bowthorpe is using one on his round the world record attempt (albeit with a Rohloff hub), so the reliability will get a good test.

PostieJohn

Apparently there is a hub version to come.

The guy in my local LBS said it's runs silently, like I wasn't interested enough!.

il_principe

Oh come on - it's an abomination.

Kieran_Burns

jashburnham wrote:

Oh come on - it's an abomination.

Ah.

A marmite bike

PostieJohn

jashburnham wrote:

Oh come on - it's an abomination.

You sir require glasses.

I can see how it would divide opinion, but the moment I saw it, I though it looked fantastic.

Gilbie

Interesting to hear your comments, its definitely a Marmite bike.

I placed an order for one Dec 12th last year due to the winter off road commute taking its toll on the bike, washing machine and me. Not using a road bike for 20+ years I was intrigued how much more efficient the road setup would be. My District must have been one of the 1st batches to hit the UK (still only available in 60CM at the mo) picked it up nearly 2 weeks ago. The contrast between a knobbly MTB and a SS road bike is something else, took a good 40 odd miles to feel confident with the skinny tyres and the ratio but I think I like it - no, I freaking love it! The District has been a long wait but worth it.. Its silent / fun / no fuss / smooth / light. The Soho has the benefit of gears but I just love the simplicity of belt SS.

Here's a couple of pics of the new toy, just writing this I wanna go out for a quick blast! 8) If you get the chance, try one. Loads more info http://trekdistrict.com/

PostieJohn

The last one, is a great photo.

I've popped over here from 'Road', so I'm used to 'skinny tyres'.
The guy in the shop knew full well the moment I got my ass on the saddle, I'd be buying one. Sadly for him so did I, to a 3rd party it must have been an amusing conversation.

The really poohie thing is, being a postie my cycle2work scheme only covers Halfords.

Gilbie

When Trek first put details on their site the retail price was £399 It was frustrating to see the delivery date go out to the right and the price creep up. Most shops are now advertising for £599. In the 7 months of waiting, Trek probably realised how much hype the bike would get and priced accordingly. There has been some component changes to what was first advertised, I don't think they could have marketed a bike with carbon forks and component level for the original price.

Good luck if you go for one, 1st thing most people are doing is ditching the pedals, they are horrible!

Stuey01

PostieJohn wrote:

The last one, is a great photo.

I've popped over here from 'Road', so I'm used to 'skinny tyres'.
The guy in the shop knew full well the moment I got my ass on the saddle, I'd be buying one. Sadly for him so did I, to a 3rd party it must have been an amusing conversation.

The really poohie thing is, being a postie my cycle2work scheme only covers Halfords.

Rumour has it that halfords can get most bikes in for you. Apparently you speak to their C2W hotline.

jedster

Oh come on - it's an abomination

What's the matter Jash? Forks not wibbly wobbly enough for you?

I quite like it although I'd never actually choose day glo orange rims. I do reckon belt drive single speed is probablythe optimal drive chain for central London though.

J

il_principe

jedster wrote:

Oh come on - it's an abomination

What's the matter Jash? Forks not wibbly wobbly enough for you?

I quite like it although I'd never actually choose day glo orange rims. I do reckon belt drive single speed is probablythe optimal drive chain for central London though.

J

I just dislike the whole FakeFakenger vibe it gives off (neon rims, riser bars), sorry but there you have it. Customising your own bike is one thing, but this OTP ready customised thing is just a bit weird.

Not convinced by belt drives either, how do they cope with sprints etc, and is it easy to change the gearing? I'm assuming that it requires special chainrings/freewheels so must be a faff if you want to great up/down? I certainly wouldn't be able to fit my love ENO 16T to it would I? As for the silent running, a well tuned SS will run silently, my Pearson certainly did until the damn BB started creaking.*

Nope, sure it's a fine bike, but not for me.

*note to self, get BB serviced.

lost_in_thought

Yeah, my SS is pretty well silent since I changed the wheels and lubed the chain...

I have to say, if I were in the market for a new SS I wouldn't get one of these until the belt drive is a bit more popular, I do like to mess about with gearing and I don't know if it would be possible to do so at the moment, or indeed in future if the technology doesn't take off.

That said, I do like the look of it. It could do with some drops, with some nice leather bar tape like Littigator's 'gareth' had.

andy83

why did i look at this thread??

now i want one

roger_merriman

lost_in_thought wrote:

Yeah, my SS is pretty well silent since I changed the wheels and lubed the chain...

I have to say, if I were in the market for a new SS I wouldn't get one of these until the belt drive is a bit more popular, I do like to mess about with gearing and I don't know if it would be possible to do so at the moment, or indeed in future if the technology doesn't take off.

That said, I do like the look of it. It could do with some drops, with some nice leather bar tape like Littigator's 'gareth' had.

most bikes are fairly quiet, the drive chain makes little or no noise, unless it's rusted squeaky...

the only thing i tend to hear is the fulcram freewheel....

Gilbie

lost_in_thought wrote:

I do like to mess about with gearing and I don't know if it would be possible to do so at the moment, or indeed in future if the technology doesn't take off.
.

If you have a look at http://www.carbondrivesystems.com/support.php?lang=us# there is a section on differing sprocket / belt combinations. Hopefully it wont be a white elephant and takes off!

Gilbie

jashburnham wrote:

I just dislike the whole FakeFakenger vibe it gives off (neon rims, riser bars), sorry but there you have it. Customising your own bike is one thing, but this OTP ready customised thing is just a bit weird.

Not convinced by belt drives either, how do they cope with sprints etc,

The belt is said to have a breaking strain of over 3 tonnes and there is no stretch at all. As for the neon rims, it gets you seen on the road which can only be a good thing? Agree with your OTP comment, but as a second bike I dont have the time and knowledge to work out what fits, whats in at the moment and whats not.