About The Trek Stache AL Frameset

The Trek Stache AL Frameset is a 29+ hardtail built from Alpha Platinum Aluminum, designed around the aggressive volume and grip of 29+ tires on an elevated mid-stay design that clears the oversized rubber. Horizontal sliding dropouts allow single-speed or geared builds with precise chain tension adjustment. At 67.8° head angle and 420mm chainstays, the Stache is short-travel XC geometry that trades outright climbing efficiency for tire volume, grip, and the ability to roll over trail features without a suspension fork to depend on.

The Boost148 rear spacing is wide enough for the wider 29+ tire clearance without wheel dish compromise. Internal routing for derailleur and dropper post is built in. The elevated mid-stay architecture creates clearance for 29+ rubber without resorting to a chainstay design that sacrifices stiffness. The FSA IS-2 headset (1-1/8" top, 1.5" bottom) accepts current tapered fork standards. This is a niche platform — 29+ is not mainstream, but for riders who know what they want, the Stache is the only Trek hardtail that does it.

Who It's For

  • Riders who want the grip and float of 29+ tires on a rigid or hardtail platform
  • Gravel and mountain bike riders who want to run 29x2.4"–3.0"+ tires for traction on loose or soft terrain
  • Single-speed enthusiasts who want horizontal dropouts and a clean, simple drivetrain
  • Not ideal for: riders who want standard 29" XC geometry, riders who need full suspension, or riders outside a 29+ compatible trail network

What to Look For

  • Tire clearance: Verify maximum tire size compatibility for your specific size — clearance varies slightly across sizes; 29+ sizing means tires wider than standard 29er
  • Horizontal dropouts: Chain tension adjustment is manual — plan for a proper chainstay length and chain sizing at build
  • Fork: Elevated mid-stay requires a fork with sufficient clearance for 29+ tires — not all forks with 1.5" crown are 29+ compatible
  • Boost148: 148mm rear spacing — verify hub compatibility for your wheel choice; Boost148 hubs required

Key Features

Frame — Alpha Platinum Aluminum, 29+ Hardtail: Elevated mid-stay design for 29+ tire clearance, horizontal sliding dropouts for single-speed or geared builds, 67.8° head angle, 420mm chainstays, internal routing for derailleur and dropper. Boost148, 36.4mm bolt-on seat collar.

Fork — Not Included: Tapered headset (FSA IS-2, 1-1/8" top, 1.5" bottom). Source a 29+ compatible fork with sufficient crown clearance for the tire size you plan to run.

Compatibility — Boost148 / Horizontal Dropouts / 29+ Tires: Boost148 rear spacing, horizontal sliding dropouts for chain tension adjustment. Internal routing for 1x drivetrains and dropper posts. 36.4mm bolt-on seat collar.

Routing & Mounts: Internal routing for derailleur cable and dropper post. Horizontal dropouts allow single-speed conversion. No rack mounts on this hardtail — 29+ trail-specific design.

Rider Intent Summary

  • Biggest strengths: 29+ tire clearance, elevated mid-stay, horizontal dropouts, short 420mm chainstays, internal dropper and derailleur routing, Boost148
  • Tradeoffs: 29+ is a niche wheel/tire category — fewer tire options than standard 29"; single-speed setup requires manual chain tension management; aluminum weight
  • What makes it different: The Stache is the only Trek hardtail purpose-built for 29+ tires — the elevated mid-stay and horizontal dropouts are specific to this platform and cannot be replicated on a standard 29er hardtail

Victory's Take

At Victory Bicycle Studio, the Stache AL is a frame we build for riders who have specifically decided that 29+ is their thing — the tire volume, the grip, the float on loose terrain — and want a hardtail designed around that choice rather than adapted to accommodate it.

What you get

  • Frame - Alpha Platinum Aluminum, 29+ hardtail, sliding dropouts
  • Fork - Not included, 29+ compatible
  • BB - Boost148
  • Tires - 29+ tire clearance
  • Axle - Boost148 12mm thru axle
Stache AL F/S L Matte Trek Black

Trek

Trek Stache AL Frameset

Regular price $499.93 USD
Sale price $499.93 USD Regular price $1,199.99 USD

Specifications

Frameset
Frame

Alpha Platinum Aluminum, tapered head tube, internal derailleur & dropper post routing, elevated midstay, horizontal sliding dropouts, Boost148

Max Compatible Fork Travel

120mm

Wheels
Max Tire Size

29x3.00"

Drivetrain and Brakes
Max Chainring Size

1x: 34T

Cockpit
Headset

FSA IS-2, 1-1/8" top, 1.5" bottom

Additional Information
Weight

M - 1.99 kg / 4.39 lbs

Weight Limit

300 lbs (136 kg)

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the bike packaged and how long does delivery take?

All bikes are securely packaged to ensure that damage doesn't occur during shipping. All parts of the bike are padded and if needed, zip tied to minimize or eliminate movement inside the box. Once a bike is handed to the shipping company (usually Fedex or UPS), depending on your location, delivery will range from 1 day to 8 days. If you do choose the option for Professional Assembly or White Glove Delivery, this can add anywhere from 2 days to 5 days to the lead time.

Can I finance the purchase of my new bike?

Yes.  Simply select the Shop Pay Installments option which will allow you to buy now and pay later.  Shop Pay Installments is powered by Affirm.  If you would like to determine your spending limit, simply download the Shop app or the Affirm app on your smartphone and after you create an account on one of these apps, the app will let you know what is your spending limit.

Can I return the bike if it doesn't suit my needs?

Our return process is as follows. The customer is responsible for the return label ($150). Once the returned bike arrives at our warehouse, our team will inspect it and make sure it is in new condition and undamaged. Once we verify, we will process the return and issue a refund to the original payment method on file. To clarify the amount refunded, it would just be the amount of the bike (and tax if applicable) less the $150 shipping label that we provided, but the original shipping is not refunded. So if the original bike cost $4,500 and shipping was $150 (so you paid $4,650), you would be refunded $4,350 (the $4,500 less $150 for the return label) assuming the bike was returned in new and un-used condition and within the 30 day return period.

What does the warranty of my new bike or product cover and what is the warranty period?

Depending on the bike or any product, different companies have different warranty policies.  If you do ever have an issue with your bike or any product, simply email us at online@victorybicyclestudio.com and we will assist with any warranty issues and clarify the warranty for the affected product.

Can I have my bike serviced at any bike shop?

Typically, to avoid any issues with your warranty, you should bring your bike to a certified mechanic or bike store for that bike (i.e. if you have a Trek bicycle, you should bring the bike to be serviced to a local bike store that is an authorized Trek dealer).  If you need assistance, simply email us at online@victorybicyclestudio.com and we can direct you to a certified dealer of your bike.

Do you ship bikes internationally?

We unfortunately do not ship bikes outside of the 48 contiguous states of the United States. We do recommend for international customers to open (or use a current account) account with a freight forwarding company. If you use a freight forwarding company located in the U.S., make sure to put your billing address for a dedicated credit card as the same address as the freight forwarder so that you don't have any credit card or payment method issues).

Once you do this, simply place an order with us and we can ship to the U.S. address as long as the credit card doesn't get rejected. Once the freight forwarder has the box/order/shipment, you would instruct them to then ship to you in your home country and they would charge you their own shipping charge to ship to your international address.

Do you offer free shipping?

We do offer free shipping on non-bike orders over $100. We do not offer free shipping for bicycles unless it is a one time promotion. Generally, bike shipping will cost $150 and that covers just the shipping of the bike with no assembly. If you were to bring that bike to your local mechanic or bike store, you would pay them their assembly fee. If you choose our Professional Assembly option for $200, our service technicians would assemble the bike before shipping and then re-pack the bike safely for transit. When you receive the bike you would attach the front wheel, attach the seatpost/saddle, and raise the handlebars and clamp them. Those three items do have to be detached to minimize or eliminate the chance of damage in transit.

How much does shipping cost?

For orders of parts, accessories, apparel, etc. on orders under $100, shipping is a flat rate of $9.99. Regular bike shipping without assembly is $150, bike shipping with Professional Assembly is an additional $200 (so $350 in total which includes the $150 of regular shipping). Our White Glove Delivery option is $699 and that will cover the assembly of the bike and our White Glove Delivery partner delivering your dream bike to your front door, ready to ride!

How can I track my order?

When you place your online order, you will receive an instantaneous email update with your order number and order details, and shortly after, you will receive a follow up order email with the tracking number for your order.  If you still need assistance with your order, feel free to email us at online@victorybicyclestudio.com and we will respond asap.

What happens if my package arrives damaged?

If your package arrives damaged, email online@victorybicyclestudio.com with pictures of all angles of the box and pictures of the damaged product and we will work with you to either send a new replacement asap and coordinate return (or re-imburse you for labor or costs incurred to fix the issue at your local bike store).

Are pedals included with the bike?

If you do not see pedals in the bullet point product specs on the product page, the bike does not come equipped with pedals.  Many manufacturers do not spec bikes with pedals, so they are often purchased separately.

If I only pay the $150 for bike shipping, can I assemble the bike on my own?

Victory Bicycle Studio highly recommends that you bring your bike to your local certified bike store for the brand of the bike that you purchased. If you do attempt to assemble the bike and damage occurs, this may result in your warranty not being honored. For that reason, we do highly recommend to select our Professional Assembly option for $299.