First Look | Trek Lush Carbon 27.5 2016

Last weekend Trek World in Ulm, Germany staged the scene for the presentation of Trek’s 2016 bikes. Alongside a host of exciting fresh models stood the Lush Carbon, the female trail bike counterpart to the Fuel EX with its 120mm travel. But don’t be fooled, the designers at Trek have thought about much more than just adjusting the standover height!

The Lush is intended to score as high as possible when it comes to providing a fun and confidence-inspiring ride. Alongside the proven rear end concept that’s also employed on the male-orientated, 120mm-travel Trek Fuel EX, the designers at Trek have dug deep and thought hard about this design.
The significantly lower standover height is one of the first visible factors, created with a fluid dip in the top tube. A closer look reveals certain distinctive features, like the so-called Women’s Specific Design [WSD] suspension system. To guarantee control, performance and comfort, it’s essential to define the suspension to suit the rider’s weight and Trek have paid close attention to this.
Further back there’s more change afoot, as the DRCV damper, which was created exclusively for Trek by FOX, has been replaced by the new EVOL rear shock. With just one chamber, the new EVOL should match its predecessor’s performance but forsake the labors caused by the secondary air chamber.


Unlike the rear shock’s replacement, the geometry of the Lush has remained the same and any other alternations when it comes to the spec have centred exclusively on the suspension. And after checking out the well-considered and consistent components, we wouldn’t consider it necessary.




With its super cool dipped frame, brilliantly thought-out spec and clever features, the Lush is not a bike to hide away – and although this matt black version is nicely understated, it could be far brighter! And if that’s what you’re after then Trek’s Project One gives you the opportunity to combine pretty much any colour of your choosing. Below is an example of just one of the many colour schemes (example bike: Trek Top Fuel).

(example: Trek Top Fuel)
Coming in four sizes, the Lush Carbon will retail at 5,499€. The more affordable aluminium models are already available, with prices from 3,199 € to 2,099 €. All of the Trek Lush models can be pre-ordered from your chosen dealer. We haven’t yet had chance to test the Lush out, but as soon as we get it rolling, you’ll be the first to hear about it on ENDURO.
More information will soon be available here: trekbikes.com/lush
Words: Daniel Schlicke Photos: Klaus Kneist
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