Trek 8.4 DS (2015)

Solid dual sport option from Trek

Pros

* Hydraulic disc brakes
* Tubeless ready wheels
* Tidy all-round package

Cons

* Drivetrain limitations

Review

The dual sport hybrid category is one of the hottest in the cycling market with the key criteria for success being value, quality, and comfort. These traits are well represented here on the Trek 8.4 DS with the added bonus that it also looks tidy and well organized for what is basically an entry to mid-level bike.

The frame has simple lines with a Fisher-esque style to the merging of top and down tube to the head tube area. This design results in a frame that is tall and comfortable from a cockpit viewpoint, and also easy to mount and dismount because of the sloping top tube . The frame also features internal cable routing which may make it difficult to service (you can let your Trek mechanic worry about that), but results in a very uncluttered appearance. This bike, whether in the black or the red, looks good!

Another positive move is the use of a tubeless ready rim system. This technology has been around for years on mountain bikes, but it is a great idea for a commuter (as the 8.4 could well be) as it will prevent basically any puncture you may normally encounter on a ride to work. It is also very useful if you take the 8.4 off-road. The bike comes ready with rack and fender mounts as well.

The only downside, really, is the drivetrain as it is here where the price point is most felt. This will be a reliable bike, but there are weaknesses here if you use it for more off - rather than on - road riding. In saying that, if you take good care, keep it clean and tuned, you shouldn't have too many problems. The fork is coil sprung with hydraulic lockout which is handy for commuting, but a minimal 63mm of travel - as typical on a hybrid bike - is pretty basic. If you want to go mountain biking, get a mountain bike!

The Trek 8.4 DS is a decent bike for all your dual sport activities. This would make a great bike for commuting, light off-road, and all manner of recreational riding. There are more suitable (and more expensive) bikes if you are an enthusiast riding big miles, but for anything short of that, this bike is versatile, dependable, and practical.