Strengths: The Superfly 100 really shines in technical terrain and flat out pedaling. The 2x10 drivetrain just works; the right gear is always there. The addition of the QR 15 fork and the Maxle 142x12 rear end on the 2012 model is a nice touch and gives me more confidence in the bike's overal capabilities.
Weaknesses: The stock tires aren't great for wet conditions, but in medium and dry conditions they hook up, roll fast, and corner very well.
Out of the box the Shimano XT Shifters were set for a 3x10, and it took me a few rides to realize that I needed to change the front shifter over to the 2x10 setting and adjust everything accordingly. Once that was sorted, the chain rubbing issues I had with the front derailleur were completely gone. I also believe that Trek should have included the Shimano iSpec brackets for the shifters because the bike is equipped with full the XT line. A small, but nice refinement.
Trek's suspension calculator seemed a bit off as I couldn't get anywhere near recommended sag with the recommended air pressure (roughly rider weight plus 10 percent). Pressure matching body weight seems to be about perfect and I haven't bottomed out.
The stock bar width is also a bit light at 690mm. 720mm would have been greatly appreciated on my 23" frame.
The Fox suspension is all non-Kashima. A small detail, but important considering they are all at the "Factory" level of Fox's line.
Bottom Line:
I bought the Trek Superfly 100 Elite to be my endurance racing rig for the 2012 (and beyond) season. However, now that I have it, I can't put it down. My biggest concerns with the bike were that the 29 inch wheels wouldn't be that fun on the tighter, more technical trails in the Pacific Northwest. However, I feel that the bike actually handles tight, technical XC better than my 26 inch bikes do. It seems as though the G2 geometry with the short stays, long top tube, and custom offset Fox Fork, is completely dialed in for my 6'5" self.
This is also my first time working with the Shimano 2x10 drivetrain, which is a huge improvement over previous generations of XT. I also feel that it is a huge improvement over the 3x10 system that is offered concurrently in Shimano's line. The shifts are solid and precise like my former favorite SRAM X9 systems, and you can drop two gears in one swipe on the rear. Not only can you drop two on the rear, but the release is instant instead of on the rebound as was the case with previous systems. Faster, more precise shifts are always welcome.
Once I had the suspension dialed in using and then modifying the settings suggested by Trek's suspension calculator, the bike really came alive. On flat ground the bike feels efficient and fast, taking everything you can give it to go faster. On technical trails the bike eats terrain, flows well, and feels lively enough to take to the air quite easily. Because the bike uses its 110mm of rear travel and 100mm of front travel so well, it feels capable of much bigger and faster things.
The bike's cockpit is made up of Bontrager bits and pieces. All of which work very well, look refined, and keep the weight down. The handlebar looks slightly goofy out of the box as its sweep is a bit more than others, but after riding it for a few weeks it really does feel very natural. I just wish the stock bar was a bit wider for my broad shoulders.
My 23" weighed in at 26 pounds out of the box with pedals (Crank Brothers Candy in blue). While the bike almost looked like it had too much blue out of the box, once it was outside it just looked perfect. Changes I've made since getting the bike include adding Bontrager's tubeless kit, Shimano's iSpec adapters, and a Bontrager RXL bottle cage. The bike sits now at 25.5 pounds.
Would I purchase this bike again? Yes, in a heartbeat. The bike is fun. Pure fun. I have to keep reminding myself that the bike is a cross country bike and not something bigger.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Stumpjumper, Trek Top Fuel
Bike Setup: 2012 Trek Superfly 100 Elite
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Submitted by
E. Guido Soda
a Cross Country Rider
from Bham, AL
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2011
Strengths: This is a review for the Supefly 100 Elite AL:
Relatively light for a FS bike, good looking frame, very stiff, beautifully performing bike.
Weaknesses: Out of the box components; Bontrager tires that came on this bike feature very low-profile, thinly spaced knobs; heavy Bontrager rims w/ front BR hub and cheap Shimano rear hub; I don't mind the SLX shifters and brakes, but with all the money they save stuffing Bontrager bling on there, they should up you to XT shifters, brakes, cranks and derailleurs, IMO. Also, I personally could use 120mm of travel, but that's just a personal choice, not necessarily a weakness. Maybe more colors to choose from? The step-down Superfly 100 AL is, IMO, a better looking bike which will hide scratches, dents and dings better. Oh, and the stock Bontrager saddle sucks, too.
Bottom Line:
This is a great frame; very stiff and relatively light for full squish, extremely fast and looks pretty good. Take the Bontrager stuff and put it on the shelf for backup purposes...upgrade the wheels/tires and seat and you'll have a super-b*tchin' ride. The bar is a bar is a bar, and it's a Bontrager something-or-other with Bontrager lock-on grips - nothing bad...or good to say about that. I went with the Spank bar because it looks _awesome_, it is white and it is a high-riser. The Peatys are bombproof, and get tackier the older they get...there's bling there, too, don't get me wrong!
Similar Products Used: Cannondale Raven, Cannondale Jekyl 800
Bike Setup: 100 Elite AL frame, Spank Spike EVO 777 (cut down 2.5"), one SLX brake and one XT brake (endo on first ride - Shimano does not sell the SLX shifter only), Lizard Skin read, white and blue Peatys, stock drivetrain - SLX front derailleur, XT rear derailleur, SLX shifters, ZTR Arch rims, Chris King hubs, Schwalbe Nobby Nics front and back, Fox Evolution 32 100mm, Fox DP2
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Submitted by
browsielover
a Cross Country Rider
from Elkhorn WI
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2011
Strengths: Overall - Amazing. The fastest bike I've ridden.
Weaknesses: Low BB - lots of pedal strikes.
Bottom Line:
It took me about 5 pedal strokes to realize that there was really something special about this bike. I just feel at home on this thing. There is no question, that for fast and flowing trail, this bike flies. It is also pretty good on the rough and technical stuff too, but overall its just plain fast. Huge upgrade in rear susp over the GF branded SF100 and HIFI line. It's just cushier and smoother. Over most terrain, there is generally no reason to get out of the saddle. you can really just keep the power on all the time, and that's a huge advantage. Rough rock-strewn up-hills are in-the-saddle. Let the susp take up the rough stuff and keep the power on, and your buddies will just watch you hammer up. Also very confident decending - lets you make mistakes without punishing you.
Given the superb ride, I'm surprised I'm the first to review! I'm not sure about the pedal strikes. I've changed my style while on this bike just a bit and haven't hit too many lately, but it's a combination of cush 4" of travel and a bike that was designed to be snappy with a lower center of gravity and when susp is slung in a corner, you can hit stuff so a bit more easily. Not a big deal for me...
