Product: Trek Soho S
MSRP: $549.00
Specs:
Sizes 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5″
Frame Alpha Black Aluminum
Fork Cro-Moly w/lowrider mounts
Wheels
Wheels Alloy flip flop high flange hubs; alloy rims
Tires Bontrager Race Lite, puncture resistant, 700x28c; 60 tpi
Drivetrain
Shifters n/a
Front Derailleur n/a
Rear Derailleur n/a
Crank Bontrager Nebula 44T w/chainguard
Cassette Shimano 17T freewheel/16T cog
Pedals Nylon body w/alloy cage
Components
Saddle Bontrager Select City
Seat Post Bontrager Satellite Nebula
Handlebars Bontrager Crowbar Sport, 25mm rise
Stem Bontrager Soho, 15 degree
Headset Aheadset Slimstak w/semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakeset Alloy dual pivot w/Tektro alloy levers
Extras Chainguard
Sweet chain guard to keep your slacks free of grease.
I really dig the matte/flat/gloss finish. Gives it character and makes it less of an attention whore for thieves.
First Impressions:
The Trek Soho S retails around $549…not bad for this kind of bike. It’s a single speed/fixie with the flip flop hubs. The setup of the Soho S reminds me of how I’ve set up my Redline 925. I’ve never been a fan of drop bars, and flat bar road bikes have always been my favorite because of the geometry and overall riding position that tends to be more comfortable. One of the comforting aspects of this bike is the Bontrager Race Lite tires that are puncture resistant. I HATE getting flats and having these type of tires not only peace of mind, but it will also prevent you from being late to the office because you didn’t have to hassle with a flat tire.
The sidepull Tektro brake and levers provided enough stopping power without any strain on my hands.
One of the other small details that I liked about the bike was the bar ends. Check out how they have a reflective sticker on it. I thought that was pretty cool. Oh and the bell is an added bonus!
The gearing ran at 44/17t on the freewheel and it was easy enough to start at a dead stop and get on cruising speeds within a few seconds. I rode with the fixed gear for a bit, but when I did try it, the lock ring slipped. I quickly fixed that but rather than riding it as a fixed, I opted for the freewheel since my knee has had problems from stopping fixed gear bikes.
Summary:
I actually liked the Trek Soho S. I rode a 17.5, which made it just right for my height, 5’7″ on a good day. The bike felt comfortable, I didn’t feel that I was leaning over too much or had that aggressive race geometry. But don’t get me wrong, the Trek Soho S can dish out some good speed. Just a few pumps of the pedals, then this baby is hauling.
There was one thing I didn’t particularly care for about this bike, its the pedals. They had these weird open cage design that felt like my foot was falling off. I think a good pair of platform pedals or even clipless pedals(even better) would have solved this issue. Other than that, the bike is fun to ride, it would make a great commuter and is relatively priced low.
Beautifully designed, affordably priced canvas and leather bicycle bags.
Popularity: 100% [?]
Quick question: I understand that last year’s Soho S (2008) came with disk brakes and that Trek removed that feature in 2009. Before I buy one, should I care? Should I try to hunt down a 2009 or not worry about it? Is there a functional difference? I’ll be commuting 15 miles each way to work. Thanks.
JT, other models of the Soho came with disc brakes in 2008, but to the best of my knowledge, the Soho S never did.
Functional difference? Yes. PRACTICAL difference? Hardly. Discs excel in sloppy conditions (mud, excessive rain, etc.) but certainly aren’t crucial for a good commuter bike. Rim brakes are just fine for the overwhelming number of commuting applications.
Hi there !
I’ve just bought a Trek Soho S. What a light bike !
It’s a pleasure to ride: fast, agile.
And the look is great.
I’m happy to discover singlespeed on such a bike.
I just bought one of these bikes and like it quite a bit. I live in the Arts District of Los Angeles and ride downtown every day, to grab coffee and take in the city. I purposely bought this bike because it did not look like a fixie. I am not in that crowd, nor do I want to be. I have nothing against them, just not my scene. I had a really bad motorcycle accident and have made commuting around town part of my rehab from my injuries. The bike has been great. Some of the components suck (pedals for sure), but will upgrade those along with bars. I think what really counts is riding every day. People will talk all kinds of crap, but ride for you, and ride what makes ya happy. Peace.
See above, at 27. I’m *still* in love with this thing – for more than a year! And I’m amazed that still new comments come in for this review. Impressive bike – or impressive website?
Since in Kiel there’s rainy weather all the time I got detachable fenders, works perfectly for me.
I will shorten the handlebar with a saw right now, since I have to put it in the hallway.
By the way: I see more and more singlesspeeds in Germany – even in this little… I guess the expression is “one-horse town”.
thank you all for your feedback on this bike i too am now sold on it although i want to change the bars and put on some drops… i love my drops!
i have this bike too, and my lock ring is slipping on the fixed side. how do i fix it?! please let me know.
Does the 2010 model only come as free spinning without the flip fixie option? That’s how mine is that I just got this December. Any other way to tell what year model it is?
When I bought my Soho S, it came with a flip flop hub, just didn’t have the cog on the fixed side. I love the bike…
thanks for the review! im interested in purchasing this bike, but my shop doesnt have em in stock so im unable to ride it
but this review helps, especially the photos!
Can anyone help me find someone willing to sell me the black handlebars from the 2008 Trek Soho 4.0… with the second straight bar attached? If new, I’m willing to pay full price and the price of another handlebar to be put in place of the original handlebar I would be buying from the seller.
Please respond back with a picture of the handlebar. It has to be the exact match.
Rodney
I’m looking hard at this bike for my daily, 8 mile commute to work. There is a big/steep bridge during the ride. Would I be able to handle it w/ the single gearing? I’m not avid biker.
1. Can I do 25-30 miles on this soho ?
2. Is there a SALE expected soon ?
Thanks
In response to Larry… my local retailer just dropped the price to $499. Not a sale, said that was the price from here on out. With all the overwhelming comments, I think I have to go and buy one today! I’m going to try it fixed at first, but guessing I’ll end up switching it to the flywheel.