Red2 Custom Bicycle: Trek adds 650b (27.5in) wheels to its 2014 line

Thursday, 18 July 2013

Trek adds 650b (27.5in) wheels to its 2014 line

Earlier this summer we gave readers a sneak peek at Trek’s 2014 collection, which includes the addition of 29in wheels to the Fuel EX and Remedy lines. The big news out of Waterloo Wisconsin today is that the Remedy will also be offered in a 650b (27.5in) version, and the long-travel Slash will only come in the increasingly popular middle wheel size. Both models will be available this fall.

650b wheels added Remedy line

It appears that the three 29in Remedy trail bikes we saw in June at Trek’s 2014 product launch in Sedona, Arizona, only constitute one-third of the 2014 Remedy line. There will be six 650b bikes in the 2014 Remedy family – three carbon frames and three aluminum frames. This opens up the possibility that we will see a carbon version of the 29in Remedy at some point in the future.

In addition to the 29in model we previewed earlier this summer, the fuel ex will also come in a 650b version: The 2014 Remedy will be available in both 29in and 650b (27.5in) wheel sizes

Like the 29in Remedy, the 650b version has 140mm of front and rear suspension. For reference, that’s a 10mm decrease in front and rear suspension from the company’s soon-to-be retired 26in Remedy, most likely to create greater separation models.

26in wheels Slashed

While the Remedy offers riders the choice between medium and big wheels, the 2014 Slash will only come with 650b wheels. The 650b Slash will be available in three trim levels, which share the same redesigned aluminum frame.

The 650b slash has a redesigned frame that is lower and slacker than previous versions; trek claims the new chassis is 350g lighter, too: The 2014 Slash is lower, slacker and lighter than its 26in predecessor

The 2014 Slash is designed with an emphasis on enduro racing; it has a lower bottom bracket and slacker head tube angle than its 26in predecessor. (Click through the image gallery at right to see complete geometry tables for the Remedy and Slash.) In addition to these geometry changes, Trek claims the updated alloy frame weighs 350 grams less that the 2013 frame.

Shared features

Like many of Trek’s mountain bikes, the 650b Remedy and Slash use Trek’s ABP suspension design, come equipped with DRCV rear shocks, use Trek’s Mino link to adjust the bike’s geometry, have internal routing for stealth dropper seatposts, use direct mount front derailleurs, and will be offered in a five-bike size range.

For more information visit trekbikes.com.