It's strange how the 8.4 compares to the 8.3 which I own a used one. Gear shifting cables are internal on the 8.3 and it actually also has two bottle cage mounts. Grantedy my used one came with tires so fat, the edges scraped the chain stay in the back on the tread corners for a bit. No damage there though.
Depends on the size and the years of the bikes, the newer bikes have internal cables, vs the older ones do not. The bigger frames have 2 bottles, smaller ones do not, newer models geometry changed and now they all have 2 I beleive.
You mentioned the bike was heavy, over 30 pounds; did you weigh it after you replaced the Seatpost and handlebars? You also mentioned the bike may be a little big for you; how tall are you (inseam)? I’m a tweener height for frames, and that info would help...thanks!
Richard E hi Richard. I am 5'7" and a 32" inseam I think. A 52" frame seems to be my sweet spot. Even though 31 pounds is not considered heavy to all I am more used to lighter carbon bikes
Actually, I have a medium, and the frame is a wee bit on the small side. I am 5-10, 32" inseam. I'm a tweener on some frames, but most of the time I'm a large. I have an older (2001) Bad Boy that I was thinking the 8.4 might replace. The 31 pounds my 8.4 weighs is stock; I didn't try to make any weight reducing changes. My Bad Boy, with 26" wheels, all stock, is just over 26 pounds. It's pretty easy to get it in the low 20's with some changes. The Bad Boy can be a road bike by putting on 700C wheels - that's the beauty of that bike. It can be both a lightweight agile mountain bike with 26" wheels, and as a pretty speedy road bike with the 700c wheels. But, the Bad Boy requires two sets of wheels to fill that "dual" role. I was hoping the 8.4 with its 29" wheels would be a similar bike to the Bad Boy - the dual sport bike - but simpler by using just one set of wheels. The DS is a solid choice is a person is looking for a one quiver bike, but I'm probably going to dust off the old Bad Boy and sell the 8.4.
Jeff I bought the Trek Dual Sport 2 (2017). I took off the 700x38s and put on rather smooth 700X32s. I ride the KATY trail which is hard packed limestone. I have always inflated them to the top end 80 psi rather than the 60 psi the bike shop did because I also ride a lot of asphalt trails. Do you have any thoughts on this tire combination and pressure?
You live in Orlando huh? I used to ride the Katy Trail and loved it. That tire size and pressure is going to make it feel more like a road bike, especially if you lock out the forks. Nothing wrong with it if you are looking to go fast, just be careful as you will be more prone to getting flats. That's the great thing about the dual sport, just change the tires back and lower the pressure when you feel like going off-road and into rugged trails.
Thanks for the reply Jeff. I ride the KATY in Missouri. When I'm on any rough surface I do unlock the forks. So, I think based on your comments when on a rough trail I should set the tires at 60 psi. Again, thank you.
I have this bike. Why did they recall the forks ??? I still have the original forks from 2012 on this and they have seized up now which makes for a really rough ride.
