With its new 1120, the US manufacturer Trek presents its idea of the perfect bike for long journeys. And sets more than just an unusual accent. Because the new Trek 1120 is anything but just a sturdy trekking bike with knobbly tyres. Trek clearly lets the mountain bike shine through in its approach and promises "limitless off-road characteristics" in addition to stability, reliability and plenty of space for luggage. This may be the slightly exaggerated language of marketing, but it clearly shows where the Trek 1120 feels at home.
Aluminium frame, carbon fork, 29 inch plus and compatible with suspension forks
The frame is made of aluminium, and an unsprung carbon fork also adds a sporty touch, especially in comparison to the steel frames and forks that are usually used in bikepacking bikes. Special eyelets on the fork accommodate the lowrider luggage rack, while 29-inch tyres in the rather unusual Plus format ensure a minimum level of comfort. However, if you prefer, you can also fit a 29+-compatible suspension fork to the frame. With the large, wide tyres and the fork option alone, the Trek will find many fans.
The wheels are centred around hubs in the contemporary Boost standard, which should ensure stability even with 29-inch wide rims. The rear rack offers space for at least two waterproof eight-litre panniers plus a tent or similar and, like the front rack, should be easy to dismantle in a few simple steps. Its shape should favour both the load and the riding experience. The handlebars and frame triangle can also be loaded with luggage using appropriate systems. In terms of geometry, the decision was made to keep the geometry as far as possible from the Trek Stache frame in favour of smoothness and long-distance suitability. With adjustable dropouts, the Trek 1120 can also be customised according to personal preferences.
Eleven gears, high gear range, retractable seat post
Trek relies on modern and proven components. A Shimano SLX drivetrain sorts the available eleven gears, while the large 11-46 chainring provides the necessary gear range so that you don't need a front derailleur. One less thing that can cause problems on long journeys. The bike is slowed down by Sram Level-T brakes with 180 mm discs, while a Race Face Affect crank with a cinch chainring propels the bike forward. Another special treat for off-road use: the retractable Drop-Line seatpost from Bontrager. This means that nothing stands in the way of a long journey over difficult trails.
According to the manufacturer, the bike weighs around 14 kilograms with pannier rack, costs 2699 euros and will be available from specialist dealers from April 2017.
