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Introducing the Trek Lush

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Not one to forget the women cyclists out there, Trek is reaffirming its dedication to producing the best WSD equipment with the all new Trek Lush. Replacing the Fuel WSD, the Lush is a completely new from the ground up 120mm full suspension bike with an new design that incorporates what is now the lowest standover height in its class.

Not only is this a new model for women out there, but it is also the first time Trek has produced a 120mm WSD platform that included an OCLV Carbon top level bike. In 2011, the Fuel WSD didn’t even get up to the EX 9 level, so the Lush Carbon and Lush SL will certainly be good new for women looking for a top quality ride.

Jump past the break for more on the new Lush!

After doing some market research, Trek found that for most women a good mountain bike had to have great balance and control. More so, the bike had to be confidence inspiring with the right fit, and feel. Part of dialing in the comfort and confidence of the Lush meant lowering the top tube substantially from the Fuel EX. The biggest hurdle to overcome in this process was making room for the shock with such a low top tube. Eventually, Trek decided to run a shorter shock, which in the end turned out to be a bonus for the rider.

Typically, a lot of small women’s bikes are set up for fairly light riders when compared to many men. This means running the shock at much lower pressures to get the right suspension set up. However, most shocks have a minimum air pressure for optimal performance in order to overcome the stiction of the seals to provide a plush ride. Using a smaller shock on the Lush meant Trek’s engineers had to use a higher leverage ratio, that allows lighter riders to use more air pressure to overcome the higher leverage. This of course means the shock will be run at a better pressure to ensure optimal performance.

Not only is the top tube lower, but the entire bike has a lower center of gravity than the old Fuel to add to rider control. Bottom bracket and axle height stay the same, resulting in WSD Pro geometry that is easier to ride, and more confidence inspiring for shorter riders.

 

The Lush will be offered in 4 different models, including the top end Lush Carbon at the top. Women will get all the new tech the men do, including the all new DRCV Fox forks on both the Lush carbon, and Lush SL. Every Lush will be speced with a DRCV rear shock, with the top two models getting the new DRCV RP3, with CLimb, Ride, and Descend modes. Also, all Lush models will feature an ABP Convert rear end, with the top end Lush Carbon coming stock with a 142×12 set up. You’ll notice in the photos that Lush Carbon features Bontrager wheels, due to the fact that this is the first year Bontrager Rhythm wheels will be available with a 142×12 rear hub in 26 inch. Up front you’ll find a tapered E2 head tube along with a QR15 fork in all but the lowest end model, to guarantee the best handling possible.

Availability and pricing is not yet available, so check back after Trek World US!

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Alex
Alex
12 years ago

The top tube look ugly!

Samuel J. Greear
12 years ago

My girlfriend (who works at a Spec/Giant dealer) has been on a 2011 Fuel EX 8 since late Sept. or early Oct. of last year. She is in love with the bike, especially considering the alternatives, and these improvements address several of her very few criticisms. Not mentioned in the article but it looks like they may have shortened the head tube a fuzz too, which will also be an improvement for the vertically challenged. New riders and women seem to feel very at home on the DRCV suspension vs other configurations, I can only prognosticate as to why that is the case, but Trek’s EVO/ABP/FullFloater/DRCV rear end is indeed quite uncompromising.

ted
ted
12 years ago

Did they mention the target weight for their mens bikes?

Mike
Mike
12 years ago

I do not understand at all why woman need more than men “lower standover heigh”. Are our “parts” harder than theirs? I want “ugly” VERY LOW STANDOVER top tubes for men too (even more if they are on 29er bikes).

Bob Barwick
Bob Barwick
12 years ago

LUSH……………..??????.what is Trek saying about women??? How about just call it Wineo! Ha Ha… Nice updates except for the name guys and gals!

matt
matt
12 years ago

“Not only is the top tube lower, but the entire bike has a lower center of gravity than the old Fuel to add to rider control. Bottom bracket and axle height stay the same, resulting in WSD Pro geometry that is easier to ride, and more confidence inspiring for shorter riders.”

How do you lower a center of gravity while keeping everything at the same height????? That makes no sense.

rhyspekt
rhyspekt
12 years ago

Matt, the picture clearly shows a lower toptube, seatstay and linkage plate, so existing mass is obviously being lowered, lowering center of gravity. Pointing out that no changes have been made to the lower half of the bike is to assure that there will not be increased pedal strike. Tbh, this makes perfect sense. A steeper seat tube angle and shorter toptube are also correct for WS geometry. Picture also indicates identical, not taller head tubes, which is also correct. Lowering top tubes is a perfect example of catering to perceived need instead of actual necessity, as greater standover height is not needed for women. Can’t argue that it doesn’t lower center of gravity though, so not totally useless. It does bear an unfortunate resemblance to a giant trance, but luckily will be a whole lot better.

PMN
PMN
12 years ago

Lush

a. Luxurious; opulent: the lush décor of a grand hotel.
b. Extremely pleasing to the senses: a lush scent; lush fruit; the lush sounds of an orchestra.
c. Voluptuous or sensual.

whedbee
whedbee
12 years ago

I test rode a LUSH recently at a SBC Trek demo day in Harrisonburg VA. The bike was a little heavy compared to my GF Pro Cal but that can be addressed with diferent components. It climbed great and responded well and on the down hill handled extremely well. I could go faster and felt more confident. It chewed up the rock gardens and roots, didn’t bounce me all over the place. Stuck in the corners and put a smile on my face from ear to ear!! I loved the downhill on that bike. What a ride!! The name is a little cutsie… women mtn bikers don’t need gimicky or girlie. We just want an awesome bike. I suggest that pLUSH may be a better name.

Caden
Caden
8 years ago

I’ve looked so much but can’t find the standover hight just asking 27″ at the most

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