trek farley 3

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Trek Farley 5

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / SM, MD, LG, XL

Weight / 14.66

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame Alpha Platinum Aluminum, tapered head tube, internal derailleur & dropper post routing, rack mounts, 197x12mm adjustable horizontal sliding dropouts
• Fork Bontrager Haru, tapered alloy steerer, OCLV Carbon lowers, 490mm axle-to-crown, 15x150mm thru axle
• Hubs Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Rapid Drive 108, Shimano 10 freehub, 197x12mm thru axle
• Wheels SUNRingle Mulefut 80 SL, 32-hole cutout
• Wheel Size 27.5"
• Spokes 15g stainless steel
• Tires Size: S, M, L, XL, Bontrager Gnarwhal Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, studdable, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5x4.50''; Size: S, M, Bontrager Gnarwhal Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, studdable, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5x3.80''
• Chain KMC , KMC X10, 10 speed
• Crank Race Face , Size: S, Race Face Ride, 28T steel ring, 170mm length; Size: M, L, XL, Race Face Ride, 28T steel ring, 175mm length
• Bottom Bracket Race Face , 121mm, PressFit
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore, Shimano Deore M5120, long cage
• Shifters Shimano Deore, Shimano Deore M4100, 10 speed
• Brakeset SRAM Level, SRAM Level hydraulic disc
• Handlebar Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width
• Saddle Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138mm width
• Seatpost Size: S, TranzX JD-YSP18, 100mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 361mm length; Size: M, TranzX JD-YSP18, 120mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 403mm length; Size: L, XL, TranzX JD-YSP18, 130mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 425mm length
• Stem Size: S, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 60mm length; Size: M, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 70mm length; Size: L, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 80mm length; Size: XL, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 90mm length
• Grips Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on
• Headset FSA IS-2, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom

Q: How much is a 2022 Trek Farley 5?

A 2022 Trek Farley 5 is typically priced around $1,949 USD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2022 Trek Farley 5?

The 2022 Trek Farley 5 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: How much does a 2022 Trek Farley 5 weigh?

A 2022 Trek Farley 5 weights 14.66.

Q: What size wheels does the 2022 Trek Farley 5 have?

The 2022 Trek Farley 5 has 27.5" wheels.

Q: What size 2022 Trek Farley 5 should I get?

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Trek’s Farley 7 Is an All-Season Fat Bike

A dropper post, suspension fork, and exceptional handling help this fat bike perform long after the snow melts.

The Takeaway: The Farley 7 is a fat bike built for all-season riding.

• Dropper post provides more control on downhills
• Suspension fork offers enhanced traction and control on hard surfaces
• Adjustable dropouts let the rider fine-tune the Farley's handling

Price: $2,600 Weight: 34.8 lb. (M)

When you hear the words “fat bike,” you likely picture a bundled-up rider atop massive tires traversing snow. But those fat tires, primarily designed to improve flotation over soft surfaces, can offer sure-footed traction on other types of surfaces, as well, and plow over and through obstacles that bog down many mountain bikes. Fat bikes are the ultimate no-road touring bikes. And though they may not be the first choice for shredding summer singletrack, with the right build and handling, they can be more than just a snow bike. Trek’s Farley 7 is the fat bike you don’t put away for the summer.

2020 Farley 7

The Farley Lineup

Trek’s Farley line currently consists of four complete bikes priced from $1,800 to $5,150. The line is split evenly between aluminum framed models (Farley 5 and Farley 7) and carbon (Farley 9.6 and Farley 9.8). You can also purchase the Farley as a frame only in either material—$1,000 for aluminum, $2,200 for carbon—both of which include a carbon rigid fork. For anyone who wants suspension at both ends, Trek also offers the 120mm-travel, carbon Farley EX frame, with a Fox Performance Float EVOL shock (front suspension is up to you). Geometry is almost the same in both materials (there are tiny differences), and all come in sizes small through extra large.

All Farley models roll on 27.5 wheels wrapped in 4.5-inch wide tires. Just like its dirt-focused cousins, a fat bike with larger wheels is faster because the wheels roll over things more smoothly, but bigger wheels are also heavier. Fat bikes on 26-inch wheels will be lighter and livelier, but the bigger-wheeled fat bikes will roll more efficiently.

The Farley 7 reviewed here is one of two models with a dropper post (the other is the $5,150 Farley 9.8) and the only model with a suspension fork—a Manitou Mastodon Comp with 80mm of travel, 34mm stanchions, and hydraulic lockout. Other specifications of note include tubeless-ready rims and tires, SRAM Eagle drivetrain with 11-50 cassette, and SRAM Level disc brakes.

.css-1hhr1pq{text-align:center;font-size:1.1875rem;line-height:1.6;font-family:Charter,Charter-roboto,Charter-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq em{font-style:italic;font-family:Charter,Charter-styleitalic-roboto,Charter-styleitalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq strong{font-family:Charter,Charter-weightbold-roboto,Charter-weightbold-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:bold;} —5 Things We Love About the Farley 7—

Fast 'n Floaty

The 27.5 x 4.5-inch tires roll fast and offer great flotation.

Suspension Fork

An 80mm-travel suspension fork provides more control on hard surfaces.

Adjustable Dropouts

Sliding dropouts let you tune the handling, or run the Farley as a singlespeed.

Double Ready

If the 1x12 drivetrain isn’t for you, you can add a front derailleur.

Add studs to the Farley’s tires for better grip on slippery, icy surfaces.

Built for More Than Snow

The Farley comes built to ride all year long. On the front is a Manitou Mastodon suspension fork with 80mm of travel. This may seem like an unnecessary feature when the bike has 4.5-inch wide tires. But as cushy as the tires are, they don’t behave the same way as a good suspension fork. A suspension fork’s action is more damped than the basketball-like bounce of big tires. This damped and controlled action provides better traction and stability, particularly on harder surfaces and at higher speeds. If you’re using a fat bike only for riding slow(ish) on soft snow or sand, a suspension fork probably isn’t necessary. But if you like riding a fat bike on harder surfaces like dirt-covered and rocky trails, a suspension fork can be a huge benefit.

The dropper post is another feature that gives the Farley 7 increased versatility. Like the suspension fork, if your fat bike adventures are limited to cruising groomed and packed snow-covered roads and trails, a dropper post won't make a major difference. It’s when riding becomes faster and more technical that getting the seat out of the way so you can lower your center of gravity makes the biggest difference.

As a final nod to multi-season use, the Farley has adjustable dropouts which provide 15mm of chainstay length adjustment. They can be used to fine-tune the bike’s handling—longer, more stability; shorter, snappier feel—or to tension the chain if you want to run the Farley as a singlespeed.

How it Rides

True to the Farley 7’s multi-season build, testers rode it on dirt, sand, mud, and snow. Early on, one tester got rowdy on a rocky trail and dented the rim. We were able to pound out much of the dent, and the tubeless seal held for the remainder of the test period.

One of the first things that jumped out at testers was the riding position. With a few exceptions, the fat-bike category has yet to embrace the longer/slacker trend, and that's certainly the case with the Farley. A size medium’s reach is just 410mm—that’s several centimeters shorter than a modern trail bike in the same size. I’m on record as saying that longer and slacker isn’t always better, and I still believe that.

However, if you’re used to a modern mountain bike, the Farley will feel short when you first get on it. But that feeling fades the longer you spend time on the Farley, and some riders did comment that the shorter position helped offset some of a fat bike’s inherent sluggishness.

Still, at almost 35 pounds (set up tubeless), the Farley 7 is heavy, even for a fat bike—something all testers noticed. “Switching directions quickly, through switchbacks for example, is seriously tough. After long descents, I found my upper body and arms were on fire from having to muscle the bike around,” read one tester’s notes.

But if you’re able to get over the weight, the Farley 7 is a nice-riding, all-season fat bike. Though heavy, it’s geared low enough that it climbs reasonably well. And it corners very well on many surfaces as well. In higher-traction situations, the Farley’s bar wants to keep turning once a turn is initiated. All fat bikes do this to some degree, but on the Farley it was less pronounced than most and it required less-aggressive counter steering. This made the Farley’s handling more stable and predictable, which in turn made it easier to ride. Contributing to the good-handling vibes were the Farley’s Bontrager Gnarwhal tires, which got praise from testers for their superb cornering and braking traction in all conditions. Testers also called them out for excellent flotation in soft snow.

Though testers were pretty “meh” on the benefit of a suspension fork for soft snow, they all agreed that it became a huge bonus when riding on firmer ground. The Manitou Mastodon performed well too, and proved reliable and consistent across a wide range of temperatures.

The TranzX dropper post worked well throughout testing also. Most testers found it more beneficial when riding on firmer ground and faster trails. However, some testers did note its benefits for riding in deep snow: “If you come off in those conditions, it’s very difficult to get back on, as your feet sink into the unpacked powder off the sides of the trail. This positions your feet lower than the tires and the packed singletrack, so it’s really hard to get your butt back on the saddle. [If] you have a dropper, problem solved.”

Overall, testers found the Farley 7 was a good fat bike for snow riding. But in these conditions, the bike didn’t stand apart from many other good fat bikes. It is the Farley’s performance away from the snow, as well as its overall versatility, that testers really appreciated. The Farley 7 is better in more conditions, handles better at more speeds, and is more capable than the typical fat bike. It’s a fat bike you’ll continue to ride long after the snow melts.

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

.css-1t6om3g:before{width:1.75rem;height:1.75rem;margin:0 0.625rem -0.125rem 0;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-background-size:1.25rem;background-size:1.25rem;background-color:#F8D811;color:#000;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-position:center;background-position:center;}.loaded .css-1t6om3g:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/bicycling/static/images/chevron-design-element.c42d609.svg);} Bike Reviews

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Trek Farley 5 Review – Is This Bike Worth Buying?

Fat bikes are here to stay. From a niche market among riders who wanted to explore the limits of biking snow, ice, and sand, they’ve expanded into the mainstream, taking over a significant share of the mountain bike market. Fat bikes don’t just offer the ability to ride with security on loose or slick surfaces. They can ride anywhere a conventional mountain bike can. Those huge tires soak up bumps without the need for expensive suspension. Beginners love the stability and traction, and a lot of people just love the look.

Image: Trek Farley 5

The Farley is Trek’s entry in the fat bike market, and the bikes in the Farley series show all of the experience and sophistication of the Trek brand. The Farley 5 is an affordable fat bike that brings real value to the table.

Let’s see how Trek’s entry in the sub-$2000 fat bike market stacks up.

Quick Overview: What I Think of the Trek Farley 5

Simple answer: it’s a great bike. It’s all you’d expect from Trek. The frame is well designed and beautifully built. The components deliver high performance at an accessible price. The whole package is a first class blend of performance and affordability and it will certainly satisfy anyone who buys it and rides it.

The Farley 5 is a great bike for the price, but it sits in a market niche that is absolutely saturated with great bikes. The $1500-2100 range is a sweet spot for fat bikes, with numerous contenders from reputable manufacturers. The Farley 5 is a fine bike for the price, but whether it’s the best bike for the price is less certain.

Let’s take a closer look.

What You Get

Like every bike, the Farley 5 is a package of components. Let’s see what this $1799 fat bike brings to the table.

Trek’s aluminum frames are of the highest quality, and the Farley frame is no exception. The design is sleek and understated: no swirly hydroformed tubes, just a well, built, businesslike frame.

The Farley’s geometry is designed for versatility and all-around use. The welds are flawless and the paint job superb. Shifting cables and the dropper post hydraulics are internally routed. The horizontal dropout is ready for geared or single speed use and allows some tweaking of the wheelbase. You can lengthen the distance between the wheels for greater stability or shorten it if you’re after quick handling. The small size will fit riders down to 5 feet tall and the XXL will accommodate riders up to 6’8”.

Like most fat bikes at this price range, the Farley 5 mounts its front wheel on a rigid fork, relying on the monster tires to soak up trail bumps. The Farley 5 carries a Bontrager carbon fork, which is solid and durable and peels a bit of weight off the full package relative to aluminum-forked competitors.

The drivetrain is built on mid-range products from premier manufacturers. The crankset is the Race Face Ride, the chain is from KMC. For the critical shifter, derailleur, and cassette, Trek turns to Shimano’s Deore series components.

Premium drivetrain manufacturers Shimano and SRAM have long used a trickle-down approach to technology: the latest developments go into the most expensive products, and the technology they replace is passed on down the chain. That process has left the mid-range products performing so well that many riders are questioning the need to pay the very substantial price premium on the high-end component lines. These components may not have high-end bling but they are reliable, effective, and easy to use.

Some riders might question the use of a 1×10-speed drivetrain when 1×11 or 1×12 are preferred by many competitors. In practice, the range of gears makes more difference than the number of choices within that range. The 1×10 drivetrain on the Farley 5 has a range from 11 teeth on the smallest rear ring to 46 teeth on the largest ring. That is only marginally different from the 11-50 range on the 12-speed drivetrain featured on the $2600 Farley 7. If climbing very steep hills is on your agenda you might want those 4 extra teeth but most riders will barely notice the difference.

The SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes and 160mm Avid CleanSweep rotors on the Farley 5 are not top-of-the-line models, but it would take a very demanding rider to spot the differences. You will have no problem controlling your speed.

Choosy riders who ride at high speeds or on steep terrain might want to swap the 160mm rotors out for larger models, particularly in the front. It’s an easy upgrade, but for most riders it won’t be necessary. Remember that braking technique gives you a lot more control than pure stopping power.

The Farley 5 carries 27.5” wheels. Add the extra diameter of the oversized tires and the total functioning diameter will be close to that of a conventional 29” wheel. That lets you hold momentum and roll over obstacles, but may compromise nimble handling. That won’t bother most riders: fat bikes are designed to plow over obstacles, not to dodge around them.

The wheels are built around Bontrager hubs, which carry Bontrager’s Switch through axle system for extra rigidity, and SunRingle Mulefut rims. The Bontrager Gnarwhal 4.5 tires are serious pieces of rubber even by fat bike standards, and get high marks for traction and stability. These are fairly aggressive tires aimed at trail or soft-surface riding, and if you plan to use them on cement you may experience noticeable tire drag.

Other Components

Trek sticks with Bontrager to fill out the parts catalog, sourcing the saddle, handlebar, grips and stem from the same manufacturer.

There are two notable components in the cockpit. The TranzX dropper post lets you raise and lower your saddle on the fly, a great feature on rolling terrain with frequent transitions between climbing and descending. The Bontrager Blendr stem allows easy mounting of accessories like lights, GPS, bike computers, or a GoPro or similar camera.

Some user reviews have mentioned that the saddle is uncomfortable, but saddles are very personal and no saddle will please everyone. If you have a favored model of saddle it’s always worth fitting it on a new bike, especially if the stock saddle doesn’t agree with your backside!

Component Roundup

The components on the Farley 5 are what you’d expect from a mid-range bike from a premium manufacturer. They are of high quality and they will do their jobs very well. If you get a chance to try out the top of the line models you may wonder if the difference in performance justifies the difference in price.

Let’s rate the Farley 5 component mix relative to other fat bikes in the $1500-2000 range.

Performance

The trail is where it all comes together, and specifications don’t matter if performance doesn’t match up. The Farley 5 lives to its specifications. It feels comfortable from the start and invites you to push it. It won’t accelerate like a greyhound – no fat bike will – but the 27.5” wheels hold momentum and if the big wheels carry an agility penalty it’s barely noticeable.

One of the highest praises you can give a bike is to say you hardly notice that it’s there. When you’re riding, you don’t want to think about your components. When everything is right, you forget the bike and focus on the trail because you trust the bike to do what it’s meant to do. The Farley 5 fits into this category. Take it for a trail spin and you’ll probably come back without much to say about the bike, because the bike lets you focus on the trail. That’s what you want it to do.

The drivetrain and brakes on the Farley 5 will come as a pleasant surprise, and you might find it hard to believe that you’re riding a bike with mid-range components. The shifting is smooth and precise, the gear range is entirely adequate, and having 10 gears instead of 11 or 12 is not a noticeable liability.

There are a few potential limitations to recognize. The Gnarwhal 4.5 tires are truly beefy. You’ll appreciate them on rough, loose, or slick surfaces, but they may feel like tank treads on cement. If you’re looking for a trail/town combo bike you might want to use some less aggressive rubber. The gear range might be a limitation if your riding includes a lot of steep climbs.

The Competition

The Farley 5 is a fine fat bike, but it sits at a price point that embraces quite a few fine fat bikes. Let’s look at some of the other players and how they stack up compared to the Farley 5.

The 2021 Norco Bigfoot 2 is hitting retailers at $1600 and carries specifications very similar to those of the Farley 5: 27.5” wheels, aggressive tires, SRAM Level brakes (with a 180mm front rotor), a Shimano Deore 1×12 drivetrain, and the same TranzX dropper post. You won’t get a carbon fork, though.

The Kona Wo gets a price hike for 2021 and comes in at exactly the same price point as the Farley 5. It carries an 11-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain, an aluminum fork, and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. It carries 26” wheels, which could be an advantage to some riders and a disadvantage to others.

The KHS 4 Season 1000 includes a carbon-fork model for $1599 and a model wearing a Manitou Mastodon suspension fork for $1899. The drivetrain is an 11-speed Shimano SLX, a step up from the Deore, and the Shimano hydraulic disc brakes have a 180mm front rotor. There’s a KS dropper post, but some other components, notably the crank, are a step down. Wheel size is 26”.

The Salsa Mukluk has dropped to $1699 for its entry level model. The bike comes with an aluminum fork, 11-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain, Tektro hydraulic brakes, and 26” wheels with the highly regarded 45NRTH Dillinger 4.6” tires.

The Giant Yukon 1 pushes the price envelope slightly at $2100, but carries an upscale component package that includes a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, SRAM Level T brakes, carbon fork, dropper post, and 27.5” wheels with Maxxis Colossus 4.5” wheels.

All of these are good bikes. Trek’s Farley 5 is a strong contender in this niche, but you’ll have to decide whether it’s the best choice for you. It’s a fun choice because you really can’t go wrong: any of these bikes will serve you well!

The Bottom Line

If you’re shopping for a fat bike and you have $1799 in your pocket you can buy a Farley 5 and ride away happy. If you’re shopping, though, you’ll still have to decide whether you could get a better deal elsewhere.

The Farley 5 has plus points: a carbon fork, 27.5” wheels, a dropper post, solid components, and an outstanding level of design and build quality. There are also features that could push you toward the competition. If you’re looking for 26” wheels, a wider range of gearing options, a bigger brake rotor in front, or even a suspension fork, you can find all of them on a bike in the same price range.

The choice comes down to which features are most important to you. The best option is narrow your list down to a few choices and test ride the contenders, if you can. Your final decision is likely to come down to personal feelings about each bike’s handling and looks.

If you’re not a selective shopper and you want a good fat bike fast, you could just grab a Farley 5 in your size. You’re not likely to regret the choice!

Let’s evaluate the Farley 5’s overall quality relative to other fat bikes in its price range.

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Trek Rolls Out a New Farley Fat Bike

• Designed around 27.5x4.5" tires
• Lightweight, low-offset carbon fork with 150x12mm thru-axle
• 197x12mm rear thru-axle
• Mounts for integrated racks, frame bags and fenders
• UDH derailleur hanger
• Price range:
• Availability: Mid-March through mid-2023 for select builds

• SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain
• SRAM Level Bronze 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes
• Tranz X dropper seatpost
• SUN Ringle Mulefut 80 SL, 32-hole cutout rims
• 27.5x4.50'' Bontrager Gnarwhal Team Issue Tires, 120tpi
• Claimed weight: 40.35 lbs (with tubes)
• 80mm Manitou Mastodon 34 Comp suspension fork
• SRAM NX / GX drivetrain
• SRAM Level T hydraulic disc brakes
• Claimed weight: 37.59 lbs (with tubes)
• microSHIFT Advent X SL-M9605, 1x10 speed drivetrain
• SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes
• Claimed weight: 35.72 lbs (with tubes)
• Alpha Platinum Aluminum Frame​
• Short-offset (42mm) OCLV carbon fork​
• FSA integrated headset​
• Tapered head tube​
• Top tube bag mounts, strapless full frame bag mounts, downtube fender mount, lower downtube accessory mount, seat stay rear rack mounts​
• Internal rear derailleur and dropper post routing​
• Threaded BB​
• UDH derailleur hanger​
• 197x12mm thru-axle​
• Claimed weight: 8.71 lbs​
• Top tube bag/box
• Inside of the front triangle for custom strapless frame bag or bottle cages
• Downtube mounts for accessory cages or fender with multiple positioning options.
• Updated rear rack mounts with more secure attachment
• Steeper seat tube angle (~1-degree)
• Slacker head tube angle (~½ degree)
• Shorter fork offset (from 51mm to 42mm)
• Longer reach (~2cm)
• S – 5288902
• M – 5288903
• L – 5288904
• XL – 5288905
• Aftermarket rigid carbon fork with mounts - 5311796
• Aftermarket black front Farley rack - W545223
• Aftermarket black rear Farley rack - W5288432
• Aftermarket Farley downtube fender - W5289946

Attachments

bcriverjunky

So Trek went out and built themselves an Ice Cream truck.....  

Darth Lefty

I really figured before reading it would just be a wide Roscoe, but they were way more thoughtful  

Why do the bike weights get lower as the build level gets cheaper. Seems kinda odd.  

Josh Patterson

Jeremy05 said: Why do the bike weights get lower as the build level gets cheaper. Seems kinda odd. Click to expand...

While I am not Trek Bike's biggest fan, I applaud them for keeping their niche bikes alive and well.  

mohrgan said: While I am not Trek Bike's biggest fan, I applaud them for keeping their niche bikes alive and well. Click to expand...

Curious if the longer / slacker changes are helpful (or harmful) for purely snow riding, or if they’re mainly there to satisfy people who ride their fat bikes on dirt, too.  

The carbon Farley is a great riding bike. It is faster and more stable than my Fatboy, though takes a little more finesse around tight switchbacks. Way more fun too!  

Dirt or Die

jhair said: Curious if the longer / slacker changes are helpful (or harmful) for purely snow riding, or if they’re mainly there to satisfy people who ride their fat bikes on dirt, too. Click to expand...

Dingleberrry

72.5 seat tube angle? That’ll be a no from me dawg.  

Dingleberrry said: 72.5 seat tube angle? That’ll be a no from me dawg. Click to expand...

“Claimed weight: 8.71 lbs” for the frame or the frame/fork?  

Tinshield said: “Claimed weight: 8.71 lbs” for the frame or the frame/fork? Click to expand...

Josh Patterson said: Frame + Fork + Headset + Thru-Axles Click to expand...

singletrackmack said: The effective is 74*. Also, with it not having a rear suspension there is not as much need to have the seat tube super steep. Plus if you get the version with a sus fork the seat tube will steepen even more. Click to expand...

I love seeing the frame only option as well.  

dsciulli19 said: If you actually are riding the bike in the snow you need a slightly more rearward weight bias compared to a regular bike. Hence why most fat bikes haven't adopted the steep STA that most other bikes have. Click to expand...

How did miss this? I bought a 2022 Farley 7 and just got used to the Olive Grey fade to black color, but I love yellow bikes! Dang it! *  

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Trek Farley 5 vs. 7 vs. 9.6 – 2021

As Trek fat bike riders get ready for 2021, the big debate is surrounded around which one makes the most sense. Every person has different needs, and it can be challenging to find what bike fits into a particular lifestyle.

All three Trek Farley options are great to have, but getting too much of a bike can be a quick way to spend a lot more money than anybody wants to spend.

When looking at the Trek Farley 5 , 7, and 9.6, are they all worth the investment in 2021? All bring different qualities to the table with different price points.

It is a matter of finding a quality fit for each individual, and then graduating to something better when the time comes. Some will start at the Farley 5, while seasoned riders will jump to a more sophisticated option.

Trek Farley 5

The 2021 Trek Farley 5 is expected to be a big seller once again thanks to its affordable price, brand name recognition, and overall performance.

Like previous models from Trek, this one is all about getting people into fat bike riding with a durable entry-level option. Some people will stick with this for quite a while, while others will use it as simply a bike to get started before graduating to something else.

Riders love the fact that they will be able to get quite a bit of value out of a bike like this without having to spend a ton of money. It does not have the best components ever, but it is still a lightweight aluminum frame including a dropper post that is pretty comfortable.

The carbon fork smooths out the ride, and other high-level components make this a bike that seems well worth the money. Some people have a very hard time finding anything like this under $2000, but Trek has always made the Farley 5 a pretty affordable option overall.

Who Is The Farley 5 for?

Anyone who is getting into fat biking for the first time does not need to spend an arm and a leg on the best of the best. This is affordably priced for people who want to ride all year round, as they can handle the snow or the dirt with ease.

The traction is outstanding, the geometry of the bike is great, and it just feels very comfortable no matter where a person goes.

Even advanced riders could find a lot of value in the Trek Farley 5, as it could be used as a training bike or one that does not have to be treated quite as well.

Having multiple bikes can preserve the better one’s life, and it still provides a good amount of value for riders who want something consistent. It is always worth checking out if this is something that can financially be accomplished.

Is It Worth The Price?

Having a fat bike that can truly be ridden during all four seasons certainly helps. Some fat bikes are a little more geared towards a specific type of riding, and it can be frustrating for people who are starting out. This will not necessarily replace every other need for a bike, but some people will only use this one no matter what they are doing.

The components that a person gets with this Farley 5 is certainly great as well. The Shimano Deore 1×10 drivetrain is outstanding, and the wheels that come with the bike by default work very well also.

The components will not really be that much of a difference compared to some of the higher-level options, making it a great bang for the buck overall.

Is The Farley 5 The Best Fat Bike For The Price?

If the goal is to stay on budget, the Trek Farley 5 is the way to go. It is going to be one of the best value fat bikes out there, and it still provides enough benefits that people will use it for a long time without issues.

Those looking for a more specific type of fat bike riding, or wanting better components overall, will be better off looking at the Farley 7 or the Farley 9.6.

It is not as though the Farley 5 is terrible, it is just not going to get that same level of overall feel and grip that people are hoping for.

Trek Farley 7 2021

The best way to describe the Farley 7 is that it feels a lot like a traditional mountain bike, but with a fat bike build overall. It handles very well on all different types of surfaces, but it has that ability to feel very comfortable on sand or snow.

The geometry is a little sportier compared to the Farley 5, and better components across-the-board make it a solid option as well.

It is a matter of making a few sacrifices with any mid tier range and hoping that it works out for the best. People know that they are not going to get the fastest fat bike out there. But they are still going to control the weight and get to where they want to be in an efficient manner.

Being able to climb and go downhill makes a big difference for riders as well, and the Trek Farley 7 2021 does exactly that.

Who Is The Farley 7 For?

People who really want versatility will love this mid-tier option from Trek. It can perform well in just about any situation, and it really keeps a person on the right track when going downhill. With a strong all-around build, it is something that is definitely one of the best values out there.

Another huge positive with this bike is that it has a great suspension fork that provides good overall comfort. Having a fork that can be very dependable on all different types of rides truly helps out.

It is not the most agile fat bike a person can find in this price range, but its versatility with a fork and a dropper post makes it one worth testing out.

It is still user-friendly enough for beginners, but the price range might be a little too much for people to jump on right away. This is why the Trek Farley 7 caters to a slightly more sophisticated crowd, but one that does not feel like they need to go all the way to the top in the price range.

Is The Trek Farley 7 Worth The Price?

The price is very much justified because of all the different components that make up his bike. Not only does it perform well from a cruising and exploration standpoint, but the little things like the tires they come with and the crankset matter as well.

People sometimes find it very difficult to find a bike that is ready to go from the very beginning, but a person does not need to make any other upgrades to get it going as it should.

Durability also makes it a true one-time investment for a lot of people, which certainly makes the price point that much more tolerable.

It is never easy to make a huge purchase for any type of bike riding, even if a person knows they will use it almost every day. Getting quality components from the very beginning ensures that a person does not have to replace components and make some tweaks along the way constantly. That can make an already expensive bike that much tougher to maintain.

If the bike has a little bit more carbon on it, it would be the best value out there. Some companies out there do put a bit more carbon on their mid tier option, which means a slightly lighter and more comfortable ride.

With that being said, it is still one of the best options out there with the Alpha Platinum Aluminum Frame.

Is the Farley 7 The Best Fat Bike For The Price?

The Farley 7 is a little bit more expensive than some of the others in this price range, but its versatility and well-rounded performance make it one of the very best.

There might be companies out there that offer better fat bikes at a lower cost, but brand recognition does make a bit of a difference.

One thing to keep in mind is that getting the opportunity to get this fixed at a local bike shop is much easier thanks to the Trek brand. Since so many places are very familiar with the brand, it is easy to slip in and get work done correctly right away.

Trek Farley 9.6 2021

As the most expensive of the three options in 2021, the Trek Farley 9.6 better live up to expectations. The good news is that this carbon fat bike is one of the best options for its price, even if it is over $3000 retail.

It is not for everyone, as beginner riders will not get that much value out of it, but it definitely brings a lot to the table.

Is The Farley 9.6 Worth The Price?

It really comes down to how often a person rides a fat bike, and if they are looking for performance that can take things to another level.

Spending over $3000 on a fat bike might seem absolutely crazy to some people. For others, they know that this is a pretty expensive sport overall, and a person needs to pay for quality.

Considering all that it brings the table, getting some of the top technology out there right now and a fat bike is worth the extra price.

The first thing people notice when they get a chance to ride the Farley 9.6 is that it is built for speed on any surface type. It is a very light and fast ride overall, and the tires are built to handle just about anything thrown its way.

Being able to knife through different surfaces is certainly a huge advantage, but will keep things lightweight because there is all sorts of carbon on the bike.

Having a bike that is truly built for all four seasons helps tremendously. Some people will invest in two different fat bikes so that they can go riding throughout the year.

That is not necessary in the scenario, as the bike can do just about anything so the riders are having a fun time.

Little things such as the dropper post that allow for a way to lower the saddle, and horizontal sliding dropouts that can help people get the right geometry make a difference.

There are plenty of customizable options with this bike, and anyone who really wants to take their riding to the next level should make sure that they are giving every single thing a try.

Who Is The Trek Farley 9.6 For?

Performance riders in the fat bike community will love how this bike is positioned to succeed at all costs. It really feels like a totally different bike compared to some of the entry-level options, as the Farley 9.6 can make a huge difference with all the carbon. Not everyone is going to appreciate the difference truly, but people pay a premium for a reason.

Even beginners will still find it to be fairly nice to ride around since it does not have a huge learning curve. The 27.5-inch fat bike tires are very efficient, as people want to roll fast and have that level control they are looking for.

It does not overcomplicate fat bike riding in general, which is great for people who just want to go out there and tackle what is in front of them.

Price will hold up some people, but what they are paying for mostly comes down to the OCLV Mountain carbon. This is a mountain-specific carbon fiber with a few unique materials thanks to what Trek has worked on over the years.

They went through a lot of testing to make sure that this is a build that a lot of people will get plenty of use out of.

What Makes The Farley 9.6 Worth The Price?

Carbon is hard to argue with when it comes to any bike out there. Having carbon fiber built specifically for mountain bike riding makes this a fat bike worth checking out.

It is nearly indestructible and will provide a comfortable, lightweight ride, and it keeps people stable at all times. That for many is worth the price alone, as people are pushing speeds and trying tough trails to push their limits.

This is a bike with all the premium touches, and that is just about anything that a person can ask for. There are fat bikes out there that charge more, but no one will have a usable bike out there that does much better than this.

Trek has been able to fine tune the 9.6 over the years, and now they feel like it is one of the best values a person could find as long as they are willing to push the limits and see what it brings to the table.

Is The Trek Farley 9.6 The Best Fat Bike In That Price Range?

The usual competitors are once again putting up strong challenges to the Trek Farley 9.6. Whether it is Salsa, Giant , Rocky Mountain, or any other company for that matter, competition continues to get tougher and tougher.

Just like all the other Farley options, there is something to be said for buying such an expensive bike that is also well known in case anything goes wrong.

Repairs can get pretty expensive if the bike is really rare as it is much better to go with a trusted brand that has years of reputation delivering what people have come to expect.

Final Comparison

It can be confusing for some people to try to figure out what Farley bike from Trek makes the most sense for them. They all bring something different to the table, but those who can afford it should probably look at the Farley 7.

It seems to be the most versatile option overall, and it is a bit cheaper than the Farley 9.6. It is not going to be perfect for every type of rider out there, but enough people will get value out of it that makes it worthwhile.

If possible, try to get a chance to ride on any of these fat bikes first to see how they feel. There will always be opportunities to make some tweaks along the way, but a person can get a pretty good idea with an easy ride.

Most bike stores will allow this, and there is not a need to buy the bike from them in the end. The best prices are found online in most cases, but getting a chance to at least see the style up close is worthwhile. Since Trek is such a popular brand, a lot of companies carry these bikes as well.

Whatever a person goes with, they will have the opportunity to have a solid fat bike for a long time. They can hold up for very long periods of time, and that is all people can ask for in the end.

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Plough through slow sand deep snow aboard a bike with monster truck tires

Best Fat Bike available today

Fat bikes are for those who want to keep riding through hell or high water. Snow covering your local trails? No problem. Does your weekend adventure take you through a mud bog? A 5in fat bike tire will glide over the top, hardly leaving a mark. Fat bikes are also the perfect tool for those who live on the coast to rip out beach miles over hard and soft sand.

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With their monster truck tires, fat bikes are also popular for bike packing, because the high volume tires can be run at such low pressures the tires will float over just about any soft surface, and dampen vibrations from rough surfaces and square edges.

Read on for our favourite fat bike available today.

Specifications

Reasons to buy.

With some clever wordplay in the name, Pivot’s Les Fat is a rigid fat bike that comes stock with 27.5in wheels and tires, but thanks to the Swinger 2 dropout, it can adjust the chainstay length to accommodate different wheel and tyre sizes. At the front, Pivot offers headset options allow you to run 29+ wheels with a rigid fork or fat suspension forks like the Manitou Mastodon or RockShox Bluto. Slot in the 18mm cup and you can run up to a 27.5in wheel with 3.8in tires, or 26-inch wheel with 4.8in balloons. 

The frame is made using Pivots hollow-core carbon fibre moulding and is backed by the brand's 10-year warranty. The Pro XT build uses a mix of Shimano’s 12-speed XT and SLX components to provide braking and shifting accuracy while saving money. Sun Ringle provides the wheels while Pivot's own carbon components make up the rest of the build kit. 

Reasons to avoid

The Wazo is based around mid-fat 27.5-inch x 3.8in tires, which still provide plenty of flotation, reduces some of the rotating weight, and makes the bike feel more spritely than some of its lumbering slow 26-inch x 5in relatives. The frame is aluminium, which keeps the price and the weight low, the chassis is stable and precise when the trail transitions from snow and ice back to rocks and roots. 

We really love the Wazo because it doesn’t bear the old school geometry other fat bikes do, with the bike featuring a 450mm reach in a size medium and slack (for a fat bike) 68.5-degree head angle. The bike comes stock with a Manitou Mastodon fork for a bit of extra squish and comes with Trans-X dropper post to keep you out of trouble when things get rowdy. 

Trek Farley 5

Winters in Wisconsin are harsh and cold, and so it’s no surprise to see a bike rolling out of the big red barn designed to excel in snowy conditions. The bike is based around a 150mm hub and the front and a 197mm hub at the rear, allowing a 26-inch x 5in tire to plough through soft snow like an icebreaker boat, or a 27.5-inch x 4.5in tire is still massive, adds a bit of rolling speed. 

Made from Trek’s Alpha Platinum Aluminium, some of the Farley's wheel and tire size adaptability is thanks to the sliding dropout, which allows riders to customize handling characteristics. Should you like the Farly to accompany you on a multi-day adventure, there are rack mounts throughout, so the bike, not your body, can carry the weight. Best of all, it comes with a dropper post. 

Norco Bigfoot 2

Norco has revamped all of its bikes based around keeping the rider's weight centred between the wheels. Everything from it’s XC to Enduro bikes have grown longer, slacker and more capable, and the Bigfoot fat bike is no exception. With a 68.5-degree head angle and 440mm reach in a size medium, it’s ready to charge through snow-covered technical lines, without leaving you with brown snow pants. 

Rolling on 26-inch x 4.6in Terrene Cake Eater tires, they are stud friendly if you have to contend with ice on your winter rides — Norco says the frame has clearance for 5in tires should you want to go fatter. The structure and fork are made of aluminium, and the cables are internally routed for a clean look. Norco says it chose the SRAM brakes and TranzX YSP18 130mm dropper post because they maintain performance when the temperatures plummet.

Salsa Mukluk

A Mukluk is a high soft book worn by Arctic Aboriginal people and is traditionally made of reindeer or seal skin; it’s also what Salsa calls its do-everything adventure bike. The frame is tuned to provide max comfort and is equipped with Salsa’s Alternator 2.0 Dropouts, which allow for chainstay lengths from 432-450mm, and tires from 26-inch x 5in to 29-inch x 2.3in.

The frame comes with Salsa’s Kingpin carbon fork, with two sets of three-tack bosses for bottle cages or the brand's Anything Cages. The axle to crown height is the same as a 120mm suspension fork so that you can slot in a RockShox Bluto or Manitou Mastodon should you want to soften the front end.  The frame is 1x and 2x compatible, and the brand has used a 100mm threaded bb and 197mm symmetrical rear end, to keep the Q-factor manageable for riders with sensitive knees and hips.

Surly Ice Cream Truck

With modern geometry and an aggressive feel, the Surly Ice Cream Truck is a steel fat bike that is anything but boring. With steel tubing and 26-inch x 5in wheels and tires, the Ice Cream Truck is hefty on the scale, but the frame dampens vibration like…well, steel. 

The fork is suspension corrected, and there are provisions for a stealth dropper post and a front derailleur if 2x is your thing. With a 68.0-degree head angle, and 427mm reach in a size medium, it rides a lot like your trail bike, but can steamroll through snow and sand; Surly even says you could jump a grizzly aboard the Ice Cream Truck if the situation arises.

Canyon Dude CF 8.0 Trail

With it’s direct to consumer sales model, Canyon can offer deals that that most other brands just can’t match, and the Dude CF 8.0 is the perfect example. For $3,000, you get a full carbon frame, Manitou Mastodon Pro, SRAM Eagle NX 12-speed drivetrain, and Shimano MT420 brakes. 

The frame sees a sliding dropout and comes spec’d with DTSwiss BR 2300 80mm rims, complete with milled cutouts, which are finished in Schwalbe Jumbo Jim 4.8in tires. What’s most impressive is the weight claimed at 14.96kg. 

Born and bred in Colorado, and now based in Australia, Colin comes from a ski racing background and started riding as a way to stay fit through the summer months. His father, a former European pro, convinced him to join the Colorado State University collegiate cycling team, and he hasn't stopped since. It's not often he pins on a number nowadays, and you'll likely find him in search of flowy singletrack, gravel roads and hairpin corners. Colin has worked at Bikeradar and is a regular contributor to Australian Mountain Bike and Cyclist magazines. 

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The 5 Best Fat Bikes of 2024

Are you looking for the best fat bike for riding on the snow, sand, and everything in between? Over the past several years, we've ridden over 17 of the most intriguing models on the market. This review focuses on 8 of the best models available. Our testers have spent countless hours riding these fat bikes on everything from buff snowmobile trails to rocky singletrack and ice-coated downhills. We tested these bicycles back-to-back to gain the best understanding of the comparative strengths and weaknesses of each model. Afterward, we rated each bike on predetermined performance metrics, including downhill performance, climbing abilities, versatility, and build kit. We present our findings in this review.

Although fat bikes aren't just for wintertime riding, you'll likely have more fun on another style of mountain bike once the weather warms and the trails dry out. We've purchased and ridden the best mountain bikes , from top-rated trail mountain bikes to the best hardtail mtbs on the market. We're constantly busy testing various new mountain bike gear , so no matter your needs, we've got you covered.

Top 7 Product Ratings

Best overall fat bike, trek farley 7.

• Downhill Performance 9.0
• Uphill Performance 7.0
• Versatility 9.0

The Trek Farley 7 quickly rose to the top in our testing. This bicycle shreds downhill with supreme confidence and comfort thanks to a suspension fork, dropper post, and enormous 27.5 x 4.5-inch tires. The Farley lays waste to snowy descents but also feels quite capable on some rocky and rough terrain. The updated geometry chills out the front end but maintains the bike's overall agility. The ride quality is comfortable and stable, given the reasonably long wheelbase and neutral geometry. Cornering abilities are sharp, and traction is heroic; the Farley reacts quickly to rider input. The climbing performance was better than expected and accentuated by the incredible grip from the studable Bontrager Gnarwhal tires.

Earning top marks in many categories, the Farley 7 isn't all roses. Our large aluminum test bike weighed over 38 pounds with tubes installed and no pedals. That's a lot of bike to manage off-road; its weight doesn't feel apparent on the snow but becomes noticeable on steeper dirt trails. Riders who frequent steep climbs might find the combination of the slack-ish seat tube angle and short chainstays problematic. While the Farley 7 is also one of the most expensive bikes in our review, its versatility, performance, and quality build justify the price tag.

Read more: Trek Farley 7 review

Best Fat Bike for Aggressive Riders

Fezzari kings peak comp.

• Downhill Performance 8.0
• Uphill Performance 8.0

The Fezzari Kings Peak Comp was one of our very favorite bikes to ride. It rolls on 27.5-inch wheels with 4.5-inch wide tires, providing excellent floatation and reliable traction. It has longer, more slack geometry that is comfortable and confidence-inspiring on the descent. At 31 pounds, this bike is lighter than it looks, and it feels relatively efficient while pedaling and climbing thanks to the stiff frame and steeper seat tube angle. Mountain bikers who enjoy modern trail geometry will appreciate how the Fezzari can get funky with fat tires. The Kings Peak also has abundant mounting options on the frame and fork, so it's a great choice for bikepacking or adventure riding. While the build kit isn't flashy, it gets the job done with little to complain about. Fezzari offers another (pricier) complete build and a variety of options for component upgrades at checkout.

We found very little not to like about the Kings Peak , and our gripes are fairly nit-picky. The ergonomics of the SRAM SX shifter are not ideal, as it ends up too far or too close to the thumb when the brake levers are in the ideal position. The slide-on grips are also not our favorite, making it more difficult to install and remove them or change the position of shifters and levers on the bar. The Clarks M2 hydraulic disc brakes are a fairly uncommon specification, and we are curious how they perform in the long term. Otherwise, we loved riding the Kings Peak and think it's a killer value. If you'd like to save a couple hundred bucks and ride a similar carbon-framed bike, check out the Canyon Dude CF 7 ; we liked that bike almost as much as this one.

Read more: Fezzari Kings Peak Comp review

Best Bang for Your Buck Carbon

Canyon dude cf 7.

• Downhill Performance 7.0
• Uphill Performance 9.0
• Versatility 7.0

The Canyon Dude CF 7 is an affordable carbon fat bike that performs well in the snow or steamrolling some trails. The frame design is sleek and lightweight, weighing just 30 pounds and 5 ounces (with tubes). The bike is efficient on the climbs and pedals well in the flats. The geometry is pretty standard for fat bikes, with a slightly longer reach and wheelbase that enhances stability and feels familiar to mountain bikers. Although it is a rigid-framed bike, the fork and tires provide enough dampening that it performs well on descents when ridden within safe speed and terrain limits. It also has adjustable rear dropouts, allowing you to change wheel and chainstay settings. The build quality isn't exciting or flashy, but it works well and doesn't distract us from how well the bike rides.

The limited number of bottle bosses and accessory mounts on the frame and fork is our biggest complaint about the Dude CF 7 . It has only one water bottle mount on the frame's down tube, which restricts its ability to carry bike-packing gear to bags that strap or clamp to the handlebar, frame, and seatpost. This detracts from its versatility. Additionally, we don't love the ergonomics of the SRAM SX shifter, which is hard to position ideally on the handlebar. Despite our minor gripes, the Dude is a great value and an excellent choice for anyone looking to ride in the winter months. Comparing this bike to the Fezzari Kings Peak Comp is worthwhile as they are close in price and specs.

Read more: Canyon Dude CF 7 review

Best Fat Bike for Pure Snow Riding

Giant yukon 1.

• Versatility 8.0

It took Giant quite some time to enter the fat bike market, but they did their homework when they created the Yukon 1. This fat bike is our top pick for riders specifically looking for a fat bike for snow riding. This rigid bike features a sleek aluminum frame and a composite fork. The moderate geometry of the bike feels just right and is perfect for snow riding. It is stable at moderate speeds yet maneuverable and capable enough on steeper and rougher terrains. The bike is equipped with a dropper post, which enhances the fun factor and takes its performance on the descent to the next level. The Yukon 1 climbs as well as it descends, thanks to the excellent body position and quality component specification. The massive tires of the bike offer decent rolling speed and loads of climbing traction.

We enjoyed riding the Yukon 1 as a fat bike on snow, but it's not the best option for regular trail riding. Although it descends competently, it is still a rigid bike and can be rough on bumpy terrain. Its weight is reasonable, but it lumbers sluggishly in conditions outside the typical fat bike terrain. Nevertheless, the Yukon 1 impressed us with its overall performance and shredded on the snowy trails.

Read more: Giant Yukon 1 review

Best Bang for Your Buck Alloy

Salsa heyday advent.

• Downhill Performance 6.0

The Salsa Heyday Advent is all most people need for a great day gallivanting around in the snow. The bike's relatively conservative geometry works well at the slower speeds where fat bikes spend the majority of their time. The component spec is really solid and works well for this bike, it's nothing flashy but completely adequate for quick rips or bike packing adventures. Adding a dropper post would increase this bike's usability in steeper terrain and help us get started uphill.

More aggressive riders would be better served with a suspension fork or a slacker front end. The Trek Farley 7 's Mastodon fork does wonders to increase comfort and control. The slack front end on the Rocky Mountain Blizzard A20 also contributes to comfort and control but with less weight. While there are myriad offerings in the fat bike market, most riders would be perfectly served by the Heyday, and snow biking is an awesome way to maintain fitness in the white season.

Read more: Salsa Heyday Advent review

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Why You Should Trust Us

Senior mountain bike editor, Joshua Hutchens heads up the testing and writing for our fat bike review. Joshua is a South Lake Tahoe, CA resident and a year-round cyclist. Not content to hang up the bike gear when his world turns white, Joshua uses fat bikes all winter for cardio, sport, and utility. His years of experience as a professional mechanic, mountain bike coach, and bike tester make him perfectly suited for evaluating our fat bike selection. Hutchens was joined by our former Senior Mountain Bike Editor, Jeremy Benson , for testing. Jeremy's primary focus is on gravel and mountain bike racing. Living in the often snowy Sierra Nevada mountains, Benson's appreciation for extra-wide rubber has grown over the years, and he often uses fat tires in the winter months as a two-wheeled alternative to backcountry or resort skiing. His extensive mountain bike testing experience makes him well suited to examining differences in geometry, components, and all-around performance of all types of bikes.

We spent hours researching the best reasonably priced fat bikes available online. We purchased eight models and tested them on snow, dirt, and mixed terrains to see how they performed in different conditions. We found excellent packed snow and frozen dirt conditions on the local trails in early winter. Additionally, we visited the foothills for hero dirt once the snowpack arrived. We had a lot of fun pushing these bikes to their limits and analyzing every aspect of their design, build, and performance to compare them.

Analysis and Test Results

Over several months, our testers rode each bike numerous times and often back to back for comparison. The greater Lake Tahoe area served as our testing ground, where we could take advantage of the full complement of trail, surface, and weather conditions. We rode each bike on groomed and packed snow, mixed snow, and dirt. During testing, we scrutinized every aspect of each bike's performance, focusing on their uphill and downhill capabilities. We also analyzed each bike's geometry and component specification and their relation to the comfort, quality, and performance of each model. Read on to see how the bikes in this test compare.

Most of the bikes included in this review are all relatively affordable and fall within a several hundred dollar price range. Most of these bikes are a pretty good value, but there are price differences that tend to correlate directly with their frame material or component specification. This is a breath of fresh air at a point and time when full suspension bikes and electric mountain bikes carry price tags resembling that of a nice used car. Given their relative simplicity, most fat bikes are relatively inexpensive compared to the rest of the mountain bike galaxy.

The best value is found in the Salsa Heyday Advent and the Canyon Dude CF 7 . Despite being the least expensive model in the test, the Heyday still impressed our testers with a solid all-around performance. Similarly, the Canyon Dude costs only a bit more, but we feel it is a great value for a bike with a full carbon frame.

Downhill Performance

Fat bikes are typically used as a way to keep riding outdoors in the snowy and icy winter months. More recently, they've been adopted by some riders as all-around bikes for use in all conditions and all seasons, and modern models are becoming increasingly more versatile. Most fat bikes are fully rigid, meaning they have no suspension except for the cushion of the girthy fat tires. This lack of suspension is a limiting factor in how a bike handles rough terrain and demands a more calculated approach to technical sections of trail. Many brands make models with front or even full suspension, and not surprisingly, these bikes tend to offer a plusher ride than their rigid counterparts. With or without suspension, companies have been slowly but surely tweaking the geometry of these bikes to enhance their downhill performance and to create bikes that are more comfortable and capable on descents.

Without a doubt, the most capable and fun bike to descend on was the Trek Farley 7 . As the only bike in our test with a suspension fork, it had a serious advantage over the competition. The 80mm Manitou Mastodon fork takes the edge off rough sections and helps smooth out the chatter in a way that most rigid bikes simply can't. In addition to the suspension, the Farley 7 has a dropper seatpost that gets your saddle out of the way so you can manipulate the bike better. It also has huge tires that allow you to run very low pressures, which provides extra cushion/damping and tons of traction.

While the Farley and its suspension stole the show on the descents, the Fezzari Kings Peak Comp wasn't too far behind. Fezzari gave this bike a more modern geometry (for a fat bike). Compared to the competition, it's more similar to a normal mountain bike. It has a longer wheelbase and a slacker 67-degree head tube angle. It feels more composed and confidence-inspiring when rolling down anything steeper than the typical moderate fat bike terrain. It also feels more stable and familiar than its rivals' steeper and shorter geometries. The Giant Yukon 1 was also a comfortable and capable bike on the way down. Though it lacks a suspension fork or an aggressive geometry, it boasts a just right geometry that performs very well within the typical fat biking application. It's stable at speed yet surprisingly maneuverable, plus it comes with a dropper post, which instantly makes it more comfortable and user-friendly to ride downhill.

The Rocky Mountain Blizzard A20 is another model that brings modern geometry trends to fat biking. This bike is the longest and slackest of all the models we tested. It doesn't flinch or hold you back when things get steep or rough, though it does sacrifice agility as a result. It's also quite heavy.

Uphill Performance

All of the models in this test are hardtails, most of which have rigid forks, making them inherently pretty good at riding uphill. Though some perform a little better than others, these bikes are all relatively efficient and responsive on the climbs. Regardless of the bike you're riding, there are limitations when it comes to riding uphill in snowy or sandy conditions due to the soft and often slippery nature of the surface. In addition to packed snow, our testers rode each of these bikes uphill on dirt trails, mixed conditions, and even pavement to assess their climbing capabilities. The primary factors affecting each bike's uphill performance are their weight and geometry.

The Salsa Beargrease is a quick and responsive climber. It is the lightest bike we tested by a slim margin, the carbon frame is stiff, and pedaling input is transferred very efficiently into forward momentum. The geometry lends itself to a comfortable seated pedaling position with a moderate reach measurement along with a shorter wheelbase and moderate-length chainstays. Whether you're looking for a fast and efficient ride or toeing the line at a fat bike race, the Beargrease is a great option.

The Canyon Dude CF 7 isn't far behind. This carbon-framed bike weighs just over 30 pounds and feels quick and efficient when pedaling in the flats or uphill. The geometry is fairly typical, and it has snappy, predictable handling. Likewise, the Fezzari Kings Peak has a stiff carbon frame and a reasonable weight (31 pounds) given its massive rubber (and tubes). Pedaling and climbing efficiency feel great, and the seated position is super comfortable with its steeper seat tube angle and riser handlebar.

The Giant Yukon 1 is another comfortable and efficient climber. It weighs a bit more than the models mentioned above, but it has an equally comfortable seated pedaling position, a quality drivetrain specification, and loads of traction. The Heyday isn't too far off in terms of uphill performance. It's got relatively standard geometry numbers, it's reasonably lightweight, and it has excellent traction thanks to its 4.6-inch 45NRTH Dillinger tires. The Salsa Heyday slots right in there with a neutral and comfortable geometry, predictable handling, and moderate weight. It may not be the fastest uphill, but it works well on moderate terrain and a huge range of conditions.

The Trek Farley 7 performs relatively well on the uphills. Given its lofty 38 pounds and 2 ounces of mass, it relies primarily on its insane traction thanks to the ultra-grippy 4.5-inch tires and low air pressures. This bike can work up any climb effectively, but the heavier weight means it's not the peppiest climber. The short chainstays can also create some problems on super steep pitches where the front wheel is prone to wandering.

Versatility

Fat bikes have traditionally been used for snow biking or soft conditions where the added width of the tires is beneficial for floatation and traction. Over the years, these bikes have become increasingly more versatile, and many riders use them for year-round riding on dirt as well as snow. Some models also come equipped with mounting options on the frame and fork to accommodate additional water bottles or gear for bike packing and adventure riding.

Fezzari intends the Kings Peak to be a do-anything fat bike, and they've designed it to cover all the bases. Its more progressive geometry works better on the descents than most while still performing well in typical fat bike situations. Loads of frame and fork mounts also make it ready for loading up with all kinds of gear for any bike-packing adventure you can dream up.

Similarly, the Salsa Beargrease can seriously do anything you want with its lightweight and efficient frame and wealth of accessory mounting options. You can take it for a ride on packed snow one day, rip it on smooth singletrack the next, then load it up for a week-long bike-packing adventure in the desert. We feel the same about the Giant Yukon 1 . Snow, sand, smooth dirt, you name it. This bike would be great for bikepacking in extreme conditions or jumping into your first fat bike race.

The Trek Farley 7 offers versatility in a different way than the bikes mentioned above. It may not have a super quick and agile attitude on dirt, but it does have a suspension fork, dropper post, and updated geometry. These features make it more fun to ride on dirt than any of the other models we tested. This bike is equally at home riding snow as it is on an all-day trail ride. Plus, it is fun to ride rough or technical sections of trails thanks to the front suspension. If bike packing is your idea of fun, this rig does have plenty of space for a frame bag, handlebar bag, and top tube bag. It does have mounts for a rear rack.

Every bike in this review comes with a different component specification or build, that is chosen by the manufacturer. Generally speaking, more expensive bikes come with nicer components and vice versa, but most of the bikes in this review have somewhat comparable builds, and all fall within a similar price range. It has taken a little while, but higher-end technology has been slowly but surely trickling down to the less expensive components, and nowadays, the budget builds are on par with higher-end builds of several years ago. The most common component of the models in this test are the wheels. It seems that the rim and wheel manufacturer SUN Ringle has cornered the fat bike market, and almost every one of these bikes comes with SUN Ringle Mulefut rims.

The build of each bike plays a role in how each model performs and how comfortable it is to ride. The Trek Farley 7 has the nicest build kit. This bike runs an 80mm Manitou Mastodon suspension fork and a 150mm dropper post. The Bontrager Gnarwhal tires offer absurd traction and are stud-able. It runs a 12-speed SRAM NX derailleur with a SRAM SX shifter. Perhaps the most impressive component is the Bontrager rear hub, which has 108 points of engagement. This means the freehub engages extremely quickly when you start putting down the power.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Rocky Mountain Blizzard 20 has a very budget-minded component specification. This build includes a 12-speed SRAM SX drivetrain and Shimano MT200 brakes, both of which work admirably but lack the bling factor of the higher-end competitors. Rocky Mountain saved a little additional money by spec-ing house-branded wheels with old-school quick-release hubs.

The rest of the bikes fall in between the above-mentioned models with their component specifications. The Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore came with, not surprisingly, a Shimano Deore 1x11 speed drivetrain. Like several other models in this test, it has SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes; Salsa branded cockpit components, and 80mm rims. While the build isn't exactly flashy, Salsa did a great job keeping the price of this full carbon model fairly reasonable.

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The Trek Farley Winter Edition has a new Rack and Harness System

Previous Dispatch From Thu Mar 2, 2023

Wizard Works Launches AllBlack Collection for NZ Cyclone Relief

The new Trek Farley Winter Edition is kitted out with a complete rack system, custom frame bag, downtube fender, and slick rear rack harness system. Check it out here…

Trek turned heads in 2017 with the 1120, a 29+ adventure bike that came with a set of vibrant, unique racks for loaded adventures. It was (and still) is a promising option for bikepacking, but we’ve been waiting to see an update to the rear rack’s harness system. While the 1120 appears to be unchanged for 2023, the new Trek Farley Winter Edition (Farley 9) uses a similar rack system and an entirely new rear harness setup that looks more functional at first glance.

The new Trek Farley Winter Edition is a special version of their Farley fat bike platform but comes kitted out with their minimal front cradle, a burly looking rear rack, a bolt-on frame bag, downtube fender, and a new rear rack harness setup. It features an Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame with a tapered head tube, internal rear derailleur and dropper post routing, a threaded BB, and a 197x12mm rear dropout. For bikepacking provisions, it has mounts for a top tube bag, strapless full frame bag mounts, a downtube fender mount, lower downtube accessory mounts, and seat stay rear rack mounts. The fork is Trek’s Farley carbon model with a tapered alloy steerer, crown rack mounts, three-pack cage mounts on both legs, and a 150x15mm thru axle.

As far as the parts kit, it’s built up around a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, SUNRingle Mulefut 80 SL rims, Bontrager Gnarwhal rubber, a TranzX dropper post, and four-piston SRAM Level brakes. The frame bag is size-specific, ranging from 3.8L to 5L, and the rear harness system holes up to 15L of gear. The total weight a complete medium build with tubes comes in at a hefty 40.35 pounds (18.3 kilograms).

Trek Farley Winter Edition Build

Here’s the full build kit from Trek…

• Hub front: Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, 15x150mm thru axle
• Skewer front: Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable lever
• Hub rear: Bontrager alloy/sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Rapid Drive 108, Shimano freehub
• Skewer rear: Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable lever
• Rim: SUNRingle Mulefut 80 SL, 32-hole cutout
• Tire: Bontrager Gnarwhal Team Issue, 120 tpi, 27.5×4.50″
• Shifter: SRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed
• Rear derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle
• Crank: SRAM X1 1000 Eagle, DUB, 30T ring, 170mm S/M/L, 175mm XL
• Bottom bracket: SRAM DUB, 100mm, BSA threaded
• Cassette: SRAM PG-1230 Eagle, 11-50, 12 speed
• Chain: SRAM NX Eagle, 12 speed
• Pedal: VP-536 nylon platform

• Saddle: Bontrager Verse Elite, austenite rails, 145mm width
• Seatpost: TranzX JD-YSP18, 100mm (S), 130mm (M), 150mm (L/XL), 31.6mm
• Handlebar: Bontrager Rhythm Comp, alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on
• Stem: Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 7°, 50mm/60mm/70mm (S/M L-XL)
• Headset: FSA IS-2, 1-1/8″ top, 1.5″ bottom
• Brake: SRAM Level Bronze 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Brake rotor: SRAM CenterLine, 6-bolt, round-edge, 160mm
• Rear Bag: Farley compression harness, up to 915 cu in (15L)
• Frame Bag: Adventure Boss full-frame bag
• Front rack: Farley custom front rack, Lava gloss
• Rear Rack: Farley custom rear rack, Lava gloss
• Weight: M – 18.30 kg / 40.35 lbs (with tubes)
• Weight limit: 300 pounds (136 kg) – combined weight of bike/rider/cargo

The Trek Farley 9 Winter Edition costs $3,999 USD and can be purchased through your local Trek dealer. For folks who aren’t interested in the racks and extras, there are also new builds and frame colors of the standard Farley available. Head over to TrekBikes.com to see the entire lineup.

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2023 Trek Farley 9.6 Review

Are you looking for a high-performing fat bike that can provide you with a great riding experience?

Trek’s Farley 9.6 is one of the most popular fat bikes on the market. It offers an all-around great ride, thanks to its reliable frame, top-notch components, and versatile geometry.

This year’s model was updated with several new features, making it one of the best fat bikes available.

If you are looking for a comfortable and durable fat bike, the Trek Farley 9.6 is worth your consideration – but how well does it really compare to other models on the market?

In this review we will take an in-depth look at all aspects of this bike to help you decide if it is right for you.

Trek’s Farley 9.6 fat bike is designed for comfort, stability and durability on any terrain.

It features a lightweight carbon frame with internal derailleur & dropper post routing, 197x12mm adjustable horizontal sliding dropouts, double-wall rims and upgraded components.

We’ll be diving deep into the details of this bike in this review to provide you with an accurate picture of what it has to offer.

Take your fat biking and bikepacking adventures up a notch and immerse yourself in the experience aboard the 2023 Trek Farley 9.6.

With its lightweight carbon frame, wide-tire clearance, and adjustable dropouts, you can count on an unbeatable ride quality as you blaze through even the toughest terrains.

Load up your gear with ease – the frame has lots of mounts that give you loads of options for customizing how you carry your stuff.

– Lightweight OCLV Mountain Carbon frame

– 197x12mm adjustable horizontal sliding dropouts

– Farley carbon fork with crown rack mounts, lower leg cage mounts, and 150x15mm thru axle

– Sram GX Eagle 12 speed drivetrain

– Sram Level TL hydraulic disc brakes provide superior stopping power

– SUNRingle Mulefut 80 SL wheelset for lightweight performance

– Tubeless ready with Bontrager Barbegazi Team Issue tires

– Multiple mounting points on frame for accessories such as racks, fenders and bottles

The Trek Farley 9.6 frame is made from lightweight, durable OCLV Mountain Carbon. With generous standover height, even taller riders can fit comfortably on the bike without worry of toe overlap issues while pedaling or cornering fast.

This also provides riders with a sense of security when descending steep sections of trail or navigating difficult obstacles like tree roots or rock gardens.

Fork and Drivetrain

The Farley 9.6 includes a Farley carbon fork for optimal control over rough terrain. It combines well with the 1×12 Sram Eagle drivetrain to give you plenty of gearing options whether climbing hills or flying down descents.

The 10-52t cassette paired with a 30t chainring provide a good range for both technical climbing and flat trail cruising without sacrificing chain retention reliability via Sram GX Eagle derailleur.

Wheelset & Tires

The Farley 9.6 comes standard with SUNRingle Mulefut 80 SL rims mated to 27.5×4.50″ Bontrager Barbegazi Team Issue, Tubeless Ready tires providing an excellent balance between riding comfort, grip, traction and cushioning across any type of surface.

The tires feature large lugs throughout the tread pattern providing great all-round performance in both dry conditions as well as wet mud and snow conditions where most other heavier biking setups can often get bogged down easily. 

Bottom Line

Trek’s Farley 9.6 is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable fat bike setup that can handle anything from weekend singletrack trips up to tackling long days out in the mountains packed full off steep ascents and carrying heavy loads down rocky trails thanks to its proven performance.

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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• Rider Notes

2024 Trek Farley 5

A 27.5″ aluminum frame rigid fat bike with upper mid-range components. Compare the full range

In Stock: SM, MD, LG, & XL

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Oct 2023 · Jeremy Benson

The Trek Farley 5 is one of the least expensive models in this review and a great value for a capable fat bike. Price aside, this bike has a solid...

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Last updated April 18

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The model first came through the offices of Heritage Auctions, who worked to confirm its authenticity before it docked at the Roddenberry home. From today’s Associated Press report:

Heritage’s executive vice president, Joe Maddalena, said the auction house was contacted by people who said they’d discovered it a storage unit, and when it was brought into their Beverly Hills office, he and a colleague “instantly knew that it was the real thing.”   They reached out to Roddenberry, who said he appreciates that everyone involved agreed returning the model was the right thing to do. He wouldn’t go into details on the agreement reached but said “I felt it important to reward that and show appreciation for that.”   Maddalena said the model vanished in the 1970s after Gene Roddenberry loaned it to makers of “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” which was released in 1979.   “No one knew what happened to it,” Rod Roddenberry said.   This USS Enterprise model would easily sell for more than $1 million at auction, but really “it’s priceless,” Maddalena said. “It could sell for any amount and I wouldn’t be surprised because of what it is,” he said. “It is truly a cultural icon.”

Notable  Star Trek production experts have also been up close and personal with the recovered  Enterprise , including Doug Drexler, Mike Okuda, and modelmaker Gary Kerr, all key members of the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum’s conservation efforts on the full-sized Enterprise model back in 2016.

  It’s not yet known where or when the model may make its way into public view — after nearly 60 years, it’s quite fragile and in need of some repair work (as Kerr notes above) — but when we know more, you’ll certainly learn about it here at TrekCore.

Come back to TrekCore for the latest in Star Trek franchise news!

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Long-lost first model of the USS Enterprise from ‘Star Trek’ boldly goes home after twisting voyage

The first model of the USS Enterprise is displayed at Heritage Auctions in Los Angeles, April 13, 2024. The model — used in the original “Star Trek” television series — has been returned to Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, the son of “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry, decades after it went missing in the 1970s. (Josh David Jordan/Heritage Auctions via AP)

Joe Maddalena, executive vice president of Heritage Auctions, left, and Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, the son of “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry, shake hands over the recently recovered first model of the USS Enterprise at the Heritage Auctions in Los Angeles, April 13, 2024. The model — used in the original “Star Trek” television series — has been returned to Eugene, decades after it went missing in the 1970s. (Josh David Jordan/Heritage Auctions via AP)

Joe Maddalena, executive vice president of Heritage Auctions, left, and Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, the son of “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry, view the recently recovered first model of the USS Enterprise at Heritage Auctions in Los Angeles, April 13, 2024. The model — used in the original “Star Trek” television series — has been returned to Eugene, decades after it went missing in the 1970s. (Josh David Jordan/Heritage Auctions via AP)

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DALLAS (AP) — The first model of the USS Enterprise — used in the opening credits of the original “Star Trek” television series — has boldly gone back home, returning to creator Gene Roddenberry’s son decades after it went missing.

The model’s disappearance sometime in the 1970s had become the subject of lore, so it caused a stir when it popped up on eBay last fall. The sellers quickly took it down, and then contacted Dallas-based Heritage Auctions to authenticate it. Last weekend, the auction house facilitated the model’s return.

Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, CEO of Roddenberry Entertainment, said he’s thrilled to have the model that had graced the desk of his father, who died in 1991 at age 70.

“This is not going home to adorn my shelves,” Roddenberry said. “This is going to get restored and we’re working on ways to get it out so the public can see it and my hope is that it will land in a museum somewhere.”

AP AUDIO: Long-lost first model of the USS Enterprise from ‘Star Trek’ boldly goes home after twisting voyage.

AP correspondent Margie Szaroleta reports on the return of the original model of the USS Enterprise from the TV show “Star Trek.”

Heritage’s executive vice president, Joe Maddalena, said the auction house was contacted by people who said they’d discovered it a storage unit, and when it was brought into their Beverly Hills office, he and a colleague “instantly knew that it was the real thing.”

They reached out to Roddenberry, who said he appreciates that everyone involved agreed returning the model was the right thing to do. He wouldn’t go into details on the agreement reached but said “I felt it important to reward that and show appreciation for that.”

Maddalena said the model vanished in the 1970s after Gene Roddenberry loaned it to makers of “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” which was released in 1979.

“No one knew what happened to it,” Rod Roddenberry said.

The 3-foot (0.91-meter) model of the USS Enterprise was used in the show’s original pilot episode as well as the opening credits of the resulting TV series, and was the prototype for the 11-foot (3-meter) version featured in the series’ episodes. The larger model is on display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.

The original “Star Trek” television series, which aired in the late 1960s, kicked off an ever-expanding multiverse of cultural phenomena, with TV and movie spinoffs and conventions where a fanbase of zealous and devoted Trekkies can’t get enough of memorabilia.

This USS Enterprise model would easily sell for more than $1 million at auction, but really “it’s priceless,” Maddalena said.

“It could sell for any amount and I wouldn’t be surprised because of what it is,” he said. “It is truly a cultural icon.”

Roddenberry, who was just a young boy when the model went missing, said he has spotty memories of it, “almost a deja vu.” He said it wasn’t something he’d thought much about until people began contacting him after it appeared on eBay.

“I don’t think I really, fully comprehended at first that this was the first Enterprise ever created,” he said.

He said he has no idea if there was something nefarious behind the disappearance all those decades ago or if it was just mistakenly lost, but it would be interesting to find out more about what happened.

“This piece is incredibly important and it has its own story and this would be a great piece of the story,” Roddenberry said.

Thankfully, he said, the discovery has cleared up one rumor: That it was destroyed because as a young boy, he’d thrown it into a pool.

“Finally I’m vindicated after all these years,” he said with a laugh.

Screen Rant

Star trek: discovery season 5, episode 3 ending explained.

Star Trek: Discovery season 5's treasure hunt brings the USS Discovery to Trill for the next clue, but Moll and L'ak may be one step ahead of Burnham.

Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Discovery Season 5, Episode 3 - "Jinaal"

• Moll and L'ak are setting a trap on the USS Discovery - Adira may be in danger.
• The Progenitors' treasure was safeguarded by six secret scientists in the 24th century.
• Commander Rayner struggles to connect with the crew - Burnham seeks answers beyond the treasure.

Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 3, "Jinaal", brings Captain Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and the USS Discovery one step closer to finding the Progenitors' treasure, but little do they know Moll (Eve Harlow) and L'ak (Elias Toufexis) are making insidious moves against them. Written by Kyle Jarrow and Lauren Wilkinson and directed by Andi Armaganian, the third episode of Star Trek: Discovery season 5 splits the action between the planet Trill and Commander Rayner (Callum Keith Renne) and Ambassador Saru (Doug Jones) having difficulty adjusting to their new assignments.

Captain Burnham and Cleveland Booker (David Ajala) pass a test created by Jinaal (Wilson Cruz) with flying colors. Jinaal was the host of a Trill symbiont who was alive in the 24th century, and he was part of a coalition of scientists, which included the Romulan Doctor Vellek (Michael Copeman) who hid the Progenitors' technology to protect the galaxy. A Trill ritual allowed Jinaal to occupy the body of Dr. Hugh Culber (Wilson Cruz), and the Trill took steps to ensure Burnham and Book were "worthy" of finding the Progenitors' treasure. However, Discovery's crew may unwittingly be walking into a trap set up by Moll and L'ak.

Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Returning Cast & New Character Guide

What did moll attach to adira at the end of star trek: discovery season 5, episode 3, moll and l'ak are making a move on the uss discovery.

After Jinaal departed Dr. Culber's body and he, Captain Burnham, and Cleveland Booker beamed back aboard the USS Discovery, Moll secretly placed a device on the arm of Ensign Adira Tal (Blu del Barrio). The Trills were warned by Burnham that Moll and L'ak would come seeking the clue hidden on Trill, but Guardian Xi (Andreas Apergis) was certain Trill would withstand any aggressive act. But what the Trill didn't anticipate was Moll, who is human, infiltrating the Trill during their ritual and planting something on Discovery's young Ensign.

32nd-century technology in Star Trek: Discovery is made of programmable matter, which explains why Moll's device disappeared.

The tiny device Moll hid on Adira's arm quickly vanished, but there are a few possibilities for what the tech could be. The device could be a tracker of some sort ; since Moll knows Burnham found the clue on Trill, she could be ensuring that she and her lover, L'ak, will be able to follow the USS Discovery wherever it jumps to next. The device could also be some kind of communicator or a weapon that could incapacitate Adira. It may also be a tiny transporter that would allow Adira to be beamed to L'ak's ship where they could be held hostage.

Moll, who likely was incognito in the Trill caves for the duration of Star Trek: Discovery, probably overheard Adira's conversations with their love interest, Gray Tal (Ian Alexander), and their decision to break up. Adira, who is young and inexperienced, is the ideal target for Moll and L'ak to plant a device on. This may be the end of Adira and Gray's Star Trek: Discovery love story . Their breakup is also an interesting juxtaposition to Moll and L'ak, who are lovers themselves but are committed to each other and are on the same journey, unlike the young Trill and Ensign.

Everything Star Trek: Discovery Season 5, Episode 3 Revealed About The Progenitors' Treasure

Great steps were taken to protect the ancient power to create life.

Jinaal provided a wealth of new information about what happened to the Progenitors' treasure after the events of Star Trek: The Next Generation 's "The Chase." According to Jinaal, in the 24th century, the President of the United Federation of Planets - possibly Jaresh-Inyo (Herschel Sparber) from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - secretly assembled a team of 6 Federation and non-Federation scientists , including Jinaal and Dr. Vellek. After years of researching the Progenitors' message, they found the ancient technology in a sector of deep space. One of the scientists died horribly when they tried to activate it.

The scientists made it their life's work to safeguard the Progenitors' technology.

The scientists decided to hide the Progenitors' treasure instead of turning it over to the Federation. At this point, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 's Dominion War engulfed the Alpha Quadrant, and anyone could be a Changeling. Jinaal and his colleagues made a pact and lied to the Federation about the treasure while redacting themselves from every database. The scientists made it their life's work to safeguard the Progenitors' technology, eventually creating a series of clues which they determined would deem whoever could find the treasure "worthy" of having it.

Meanwhile, on the USS Discovery, Commander Paul Stamets (Anthony Rapp) decoded Dr. Vellek's Romulant tricorder and learned more about the Progenitors' treasure. Stamets was excited about the applications of the Progenitors' technology, which is billions of years old. The Progenitors could "design new lifeforms, accelerate evolution, modify ecosystems." Stamets added, "If it can create life, then, in theory, it might also be possible to re-animate dead organisms."

The Progenitors' technology sounds like the Genesis Device from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan but with even more potential to create - or destroy - life.

Saru Made A Faux Pas About Announcing His Wedding To T'Rina

Saru has a lot to learn about love and politics.

The newly-minted Ambassador Saru performed well in his first delegation meeting about the rising threat of the Breen , but he made a faux pas when it came to announcing his engagement to President T'Rina (Tara Rosling). T'Rina's political aide, Duvin (Victor Andres Trelles Turgeon), became concerned about the optics of the President of Ni'Var siding with the Kelpien Ambassador, especially when the news of their engagement becomes public. Saru listened to Duvin and got cold feet about announcing his engagement to T'Rina.

Duvin feared T'Rina's Presidential power weakening among Vulcan purists if she marries an offworlder.

Ultimately, T'Rina made Saru realize that making a public announcement is better than news of their engagement leaking out, which would make it seem like the couple were hiding something scandalous. Saru confessed his inexperience in romance and politics, but T'Rina has enough savviness for them both. Saru and T'Rina's wedding is on, and will likely take place sometime during Star Trek: Discovery season 5.

Commander Rayner Will Have Trouble Fitting In With The USS Discovery Crew

Rayner's not looking to connect and make friends on discovery.

Now demoted to Commander as the new First Officer of the USS Discovery, Rayner was ordered by Captain Burnham to meet with and forge connections with the USS Discovery's crew. But Rayner was more interested in hunting Moll and L'ak , and he only met with Discovery's crew members for brief, unfriendly intervals, to the disgust of Lieutenant Sylvia Tilly (Mary Wiseman). Rayner made no real inroads in connecting with Discovery's personnel, although he paid attention and made insightful observations about each Starfleet Officer.

Commander Rayner not immediately fitting in on Discovery is more realistic.

Tilly was right that Commander Rayner, who was on a new ship after an embarrassing demotion, compensated by acting boorishly to hide how difficult it was for him. To Star Trek: Discovery season 5's credit, Commander Rayner not immediately fitting in on Discovery is more realistic than the Kellerun Starfleet Officer being welcomed with open arms. Rayner will have a long road to earning the respect of the USS Discovery's crew, and vice versa, although Captain Burnham may not be pleased with how her new Number One alienated himself from her friends and family aboard the Disco.

Rayner explained he purposely kept a professional distance from his crew when he was Captain of the USS Antares.

Captain Burnham Is Searching For Something Bigger Than The Progenitors' Treasure

Michael has big questions she needs answered.

At the start of Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 2 , "Under the Twin Moons," Captain Burnham confessed that she used to find purpose in her missions, but now she is searching for something more. A greater meaning. Jinaal assessed this about Burnham on Trill, and Michael related the same to Dr. Hugh Culber. For Burnham, the Progenitors' treasure isn't just technology that can alter the destiny of the Federation, but it could mean answers Michael is seeking about the meaning of life, itself.

Captain Burnham's quest may reflect Star Trek: Discovery looking inward for something more profound.

Interestingly, Captain Burnham's spiritual journey in Star Trek: Discovery season 5 loosely echoes someone from her adoptive Vulcan family: Sybok (Lawrence Luckinbill). In Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, Spock's criminal older half-brother sought God in the mythical world of Sha Ka Ree. Sybok's quest was fueled by his own hubris, but the Vulcan truly did want to see and gain answers from the divine. Michael wants different answers than Sybok did, and Captain Burnham's quest may reflect Star Trek: Discovery looking inward for something more profound than its nature as an action-adventure Star Trek series.

Where The Next Clue To The Progenitors' Treasure Will Take Discovery

Discovery may take a pause in the treasure hunt.

Interestingly, Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 3's ending, doesn't directly lead to the USS Discovery's next destination after they depart Trill. Captain Burnham told Dr. Culber that the clue Jinaal gave them was being analyzed, but leads to the Tzenkethi system . However, Discovery is stymied by red tape as diplomats sort out the legalities of entering the Tzenkethi system. This could indicate a pause in Star Trek: Discovery season 5's treasure hunt in episode 4, "Face the Strange."

The Tzenkethi were a race that was never seen but was mentioned as enemies of the Federation on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , furthering Star Trek: Discovery 's DS9 connections.

However, it's a safe bet whatever Moll planted on Adira will lead to the next crisis Captain Burnham will have to contend with . With three more pieces needed to complete the map to the Progenitors' treasure and 7 more episodes to go in Star Trek: Discovery season 5, Captain Burnham's hunt may take its first, strange detour.

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‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Renewed for Season 4; ‘Lower Decks’ to Conclude With Season 5 (EXCLUSIVE)

By Adam B. Vary

Adam B. Vary

Senior Entertainment Writer

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“ Star Trek : Strange New Worlds,” currently in production on its third season, has been renewed by Paramount+ for Season 4. Meanwhile, “ Star Trek: Lower Decks ,” the first animated “Star Trek” comedy, will conclude its run on the streamer with its fifth season, which will debut in the fall.

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“Lower Decks” charted brand new territory for “Star Trek” when it debuted in 2020, as both an animated comedy and a series that focused on the junior officers of the USS Cerritos: Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome), Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid), D’Vana Tendi (Noël Wells) and Sam Rutherford (Eugene Cordero). Set in the years following the feature film “Star Trek: Nemesis,” the series has included voice cameos from many beloved “Star Trek” alumni, like George Takei, Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, John de Lancie, Will Wheaton, Armin Shimerman, Nana Visitor and Robert Duncan McNeill.

Given its premise, concluding “Lower Decks” make sense considering the main four characters all received promotions in Season 4. But in a message to fans, Kurtzman and executive producer and showrunner Mike McMahan left the turbolift doors open for continuing the characters’ stories following their time at the bottom of the Starfleet pecking order. 

The “Star Trek” TV universe, overseen by Kurtzman through his Secret Hideout production company and produced by CBS Studios, has enjoyed a robust expansion since “Star Trek: Discovery” first premiered in 2017. Along with “Strange New Worlds,” the made-for-television movie “Star Trek: Section 31” recently concluded production with star Michelle Yeoh, and the new series “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” will begin shooting later this year.

“It has been incredibly rewarding to continue to build the Star Trek universe, and we’re so grateful to Secret Hideout and our immensely talented casts and producers,” said Jeff Grossman, executive vice president of Programming at Paramount+. “‘Strange New Worlds’ has found the perfect blend of action, adventure and humor. Similarly, ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ has brought the laughs with an ample amount of heart to the franchise across its four seasons. We can’t wait for audiences to see what is in store for the crew of the U.S.S. Cerritos in this final season.”

“‘Lower Decks’ and ‘Strange New Worlds’ are integral to the ‘Star Trek’ franchise, expanding the boundaries of the universe and exploring new and exciting worlds,” said CBS Studios president David Stapf. “We are extraordinarily proud of both series as they honor the legacy of what Gene Roddenberry created almost 60 years ago. We are so grateful to work with Secret Hideout, Alex Kurtzman, Mike McMahan, Akiva Goldsman, Henry Alonso Myers and the cast, crews and artists who craft these important and entertaining stories for fans around the world.”

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