This bike is so hot that it doesn't even officially exist. Not in the catalogue. Not in the Project One configurator on the Trek website. Only in response to our test request did the Americans build a custom bike at their headquarters in Wisconsin to meet the requirements: XTR Di2, light, fast. The result is a poisonous green sports machine with all the technical gadgets that freaks currently desire. The full carbon frame weighs just 1.8 kilos. With double Di2, aluminium wheels and the Fox iCTD electronic suspension control, the ready-to-ride Superfly is just under eleven kilos. The technology has its price, even on the scales.
The riding position and geometry show the qualities of the Superfly. The riding position is suitable for long distances and the handling is pleasing. The bike doesn't have the pointed target group of the Cannondale Scalpel. The left thumb controls the suspension mode, and because the iCTD system works so well, you're constantly switching back and forth between modes - accompanied by the typical background noise. Servos and derailleur beep, chirp and chatter. Everyone can hear that you are travelling on high-tech. When it comes to the equipment, the Americans have meant well with light and fast: the narrow handlebars, the narrow tyres and the 140 mm brake disc at the rear enable fast uphill riding, but prevent fast downhill riding. The bike's downhill capabilities are generally superior. However, the tyres react as unpredictably on the damp test trails as summer tyres on black ice. We generously overlook this. Every customer can tick the appropriate boxes in the configurator and choose a different setup. The Superfly scores plenty of points. However, it loses out to the competition in terms of stiffness, brakes, tyres and the fact that the iCTD box under the shock means you can't fit a large bottle in the holder. In our preferred configuration, the bike would have 2.4 Nobby Nic tyres and a 720 handlebar. 130 points would definitely be possible.
PLUS Can be customised via configurator, great handling characteristics, relatively wide range of use, iCTD chassis control
MINUS Moderate braking power (140 rear disc), integration of Di2 not perfect.
Conclusion Project One makes it possible: the Trek Superfly can be transformed into your personal dream bike using the configurator. Even with the luxury Di2 and iCTD gadgets, the Trek remains what it has always been: a very fast sports bike suitable for racing and touring.
The alternative: The Superfly 9.8 SL (4499 euros) offers the same genes, but for less money, with Fox suspension, more powerful XT brakes and Sram X1 gears. The aluminium chainstays make the frame a little heavier.
