Trek's latest model is called the Scratch and is designed to fill the gap between the shorter travel Remedy and the downhill monster Session. Probably the most spectacular trail in Moab proved to be an excellent route for a bike in this league. It is called The Whole Enchilada and includes epic sections such as Porcupine Rim and Kokopelli.
The frame of the Scratch is made of aluminium and works with a similar linkage of the rear triangle as the Remedy: "Full Floater" is what Trek calls it in marketing language. This is a multi-link system in which the shock sits floating in the main frame. According to Trek, decoupling the suspension from braking influences was particularly important during development. This goal has been noticeably realised; even under hard braking, the suspension absorbs deep braking bumps sensitively.
In the Scratch 9 tested, the front and rear are Fox models with steel springs. The Scratch Air 6 and 8 models have air suspension. However, this has no effect on the stroke; 170 mm at the rear and 160 mm at the front are available to the rider on all four model variants. The steel suspension can be adjusted to suit the terrain in question.
On the trail, the Scratch was lively and agile, if you can still claim that with a total weight of 16 kilos. It feels very stiff and is hardly fazed by rough rocky tracks and hefty drops. The remarkable joy of climbing is astonishing. Of course, the weight is a hindrance, but the Scratch masters steep climbs, aggravated with steps and heels, with flying colours.
In terms of equipment, Trek leaves nothing to chance on the top model. Everything looks very well thought out: the Race Face double chainrings with guide on the ISCG-3 mount and the Joplin seatpost are perfect partners. The newly developed Bontrager components put durability before weight optimisation. However, a slightly wider handlebar and thicker grips would improve control even more.
Who rides the Scratch? Clearly: the enduro rider. There is no way it can completely bridge the gap to downhill bikes and at the same time compete with freeride bikes in the 180 mm travel class. In the enduro camp, steel spring suspension is becoming increasingly rare, so the majority of customers will probably opt for the air version and be happy to save a kilo. Anyone looking for an enduro coil spring bike with top tuning options and great performance will be happy with the Scratch 9.
Price: 4999 Euro
Spring travel front/rear: 160/170 millimetres*
Weight16.0 kg incl. pedals
Frame sizes15.5/17.5/19.5/21.5 inch
Fork/damperFox 36 Vanilla RC2 Fit/Fox DHX-RC4
BrakesAvid Elixir CR Mag
TyresBontrager FR-4 2.35 inch
Seat postCrankbrothers Joplin Remote
*Manufacturer information
Web: www.trekbikes.com
Photos: Craig Glasspell, Sterling Lorence, Stephan Ottmar
