Monday, July 12, 2010

2011 Trek Scratch

 2011 Trek Scratch 9

"For 2011 Trek has split the Scratch line into two distinct categories, one being the air sprung Scratch Air and the other the burly coil sprung and freeride intended Scratch 8 and Scratch 9 models. The coil sprung versions have a different goal than the their air sprung brethren: these are machines designed to spend all day in the bike park, spend all weekend shuttling, and session the biggest jumps. While the geometry differs from the Session DH race bike, the Scratch can handle the same terrain, impacts and speed. Fast riders who are looking for a smaller travel bike should take note.
The Scratch comes stock with a 12 x 142 mm rear wheel, but standard 135 QR wheels can be made to fit using the supplied ABP Convert hardware. While the new and stiffer 12 x 142 mm axle size is gaining ground quickly, being able to easily use a standard quick release rear wheel if need arises is a big plus. 
The rear shock is a standard looking Fox DHX RC4, but inside Fox has done some custom tweaking to wring the most out of the damper. The result is a shock with a more controlled mid stroke. This is important because the mid stroke of a shock is where a bike will spend the majority of it's time.
The geometry on the all Scratch models is adjustable via Trek's Minnow Link system. Simply flip the direction the the pivot hardware and you can alter the head angle by half a degree and the bottom bracket by 7 mm. Small adjustments for sure, but entirely useful to dial the bike in to your riding style. A nice touch that can go a long way in protecting the frame from accidental rock damage is Trek's add-on Aluminum Armor. This easily attached pad protects the downtube from flying rocks that may be kicked up by your front wheel. It's also worth noting that the Aluminum Armor is retrofitable onto older Scratch models as well.
Just as Trek has used in the past, the Scratch employs their tapered E2 headtube that focuses the strength where it's needed most, but keeps the weight low and allows the use of standard 1 1/8th stems. While there was resistance a few seasons ago to the new tapered standard, it makes so much sense that nearly all fork manufacturers are now offering models with taperer steerer options. The long travel Scratch uses Fox's exciting new 180 mm travel 36 Van FIT RC2 to handle anything that a rider can dish out. "

Trek Scratch Air
Links:

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Fine way of describing, and pleasant paragraph to obtain
data on the topic of my presentation subject matter, which i am going to deliver in university.


Here is my page; how much should i weigh for my age and height