We all like freedom of choice, right? Whether it’s the little things in life, like a latte instead of cappuccino, or the big things like who gets to run the country. Ultimately choice is good, as we all have different needs, desires and preferences. That extends to bike geometry too.
Sure there are bikes with zero adjustment that are great. Great for the rider testing it, on a specific type of terrain, with one goal in mind. And even if that one supposedly optimum set-up proves ideal for 80% of riders, it’s far from ideal if it leaves 20% of riders craving something different.
So why not build in same the degree of adjustability that most brands use when developing a bike into the final product? Well, that’s exactly what Specialized and Trek have done with their latest trail bikes.
The Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Elite Alloy has six different baseline geometric combinations. There’s the adjustable head angle with three settings, that uses a second offset top bearing race that simply drops in. One direction for +1.25º, flip it round for -1.25º. The frame also has flip-chips in the chainstay pivots that simultaneously adjust the chainstay length and BB height, so you can change the weight distribution of the bike too.
Not to be out done, the new Trek Fuel EX 9.7 XT Gen 6 also has adjustable headset cups. But it requires a little more work than the Specialized as you have to knock the standard cups out and press in the +/-1º offset cups. So not really a trail side adjustment then. But that’s not the only way to fine tune the head angle and ride quality of the Fuel EX. Mino link flip chips in the rocker link also adjust the head angle along with the BB height. So again, you have six unique geometry configurations.
Which approach is best remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, with all of the adjustability on offer we should be able to get both of these bikes set up exactly how we want them. Which, if anything, could make them even harder to separate.
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