trek farley 7 red

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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.

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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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2023 Trek Farley 7 Review

Are you thinking about getting a Trek Farley 7 for exploring the outdoors? Whether you’re looking to hit the trails, bikepacking or just adding something new to your collection, it’s important to research carefully before investing in a new bike.

The Trek Farley 7 is part of Trek’s mountain bike lineup, designed for outdoor adventurers and recreational bikers who love trail riding, off-road biking and gravel rides.

This bike was first unveiled in 2021 as an entry-level version of the popular Farley model and has since been upgraded with lighter materials, a heavier frame and increased durability.

With its high-quality design and superior performance on uneven terrain, the 2023 Trek Farley 7 is one of the best bikes on the market for adventure seekers.

In this review, we will provide an overview of its features, performance and value for money so that you can make a well informed decision when purchasing your next outdoor companion.

The Trek Farley 7 is the newest iteration of Trek’s popular fat bike that has taken the cycling world by storm. With 27.5” wheels and 80mm of front suspension travel, this bike can tackle anything you throw at it. 

The 2023 Trek Farley 7 is the perfect fat bike for hitting the trails and getting away from it all. With its 4.50″ wide tires, hardtail frame, and exceptionally lightweight, aluminum tubing design, you’ll be able to go further than ever before.

Get into bikepacking mode with the addition of your favorite bags for those long term rides. Enjoy the grip of a wide and cushy 4.5″ tire as you tackle technical terrain without feeling weighed down by your trusty steed. The Farley 7 is ready for any adventure!

– Lightweight Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame construction with 197x12mm adjustable horizontal sliding dropouts

– Geometry optimized specifically for fat bikes

– Manitou Mastodon 34 Comp fork with 80mm travel

– Sram Eagle 12-speed drivetrain & hydraulic disc brakes

– 27.5″ (650b) tubeless compatible SUNRingle Mulefut 80 SL rims & Bontrager Gnarwhal Team Issue tires

– Rack & fender mounts

– TranzX dropper seat post

Frame and Suspension

The Farley 7 frame is constructed out of lightweight Alpha Platinum Aluminum and features a tapered head tube, internal derailleur & dropper post routing, rack mounts, and 197x12mm adjustable horizontal sliding dropouts.

Additionally, its 27.5” wheels with 4.5” tires offer excellent handling capabilities while its slack geometry ensures that riders get plenty of cornering confidence when they hit the trails.

The 80mm Manitou Mastodon 34 Comp fork with ABS damper and lockout provides a plush ride without adding much weight.

Drivetrain and Brakes

The Farley 7 comes equipped with a Sram Eagle Groupset for dependable shifting performance and offers users 12 speeds to choose from between shifts, so there’s always something for everyone to navigate tough terrain.

The bike also features Sram Level T hydraulic disc brakes for superior stopping power when needed most on rides that feature descents or technical sections.

And finally, an expanded gear range from a 11-50t cassette paired to a 30T alloy FAT 5 chainring helps you conquer steep hills!

Convenience Features

Trek took care to include some nice touches on the Farley 7 that make it even more enjoyable to ride; including an adjustable chainstay length which makes it easier to tailor your bike’s handling characteristics depending on the terrain or trail conditions you encounter during your ride.

It also has a Boost 148 rear axle for increased drivetrain stiffness in order to handle more powerful pedaling forces efficiently throughout each journey.

And furthermore, internal cable routing helps route cables away from potential damage sources ensuring waterproof performance as well as maintaining organized shifting efficiency even under extreme conditions.

Overall Impression

All things considered, the Trek Farley 7 proves itself capable in nearly any mountain biking environment thanks to its blend of modern frame geometry and techy components such as its adjustable chainstay lengths, excellent gear range, internal cable routing , 80mm of front suspension travel and Sram components among other features that come together quite nicely on this great all-around bike – making it one of our top picks when hitting up trails near or far!

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

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• Rider Notes

2024 Trek Farley 7

A 27.5″ aluminum frame hardtail fat bike with high-end components. Compare the full range

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Feb 2024 · Joshua Hutchens

The Trek Farley 7 is a burly, all-terrain trail bike with capabilities favoring winter. While primarily designed for snow and ice, the Gnarwhal tires...

Read Review

Last updated April 20

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Trek Farley 7

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / 15.5", 17.5", 19.5", 21.5"

At a glance

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Specifications

• Frame Alpha Platinum Aluminum, E2 tapered head tube, internal derailleur & dropper post routing, PF121, 197mm Stranglehold adjustable thru axle dropouts
• Fork Bontrager Haru, OCLV Carbon lowers, E2 tapered steerer, 100mm suspension corrected, 15x150mm
• Wheels Bontrager alloy hubs, SUNringlé Mulefüt 80mm w/cutout rims
• Wheel Size 26"
• Tires Bontrager Barbegazi Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, 120tpi, aramid bead, 26x4.7"
• Crank Race Face , Race Face Aeffect, 28T
• Bottom Bracket BB86/BB92, 121mm, press-fit
• Rear Derailleur SRAM GX, SRAM GX1, Type 2
• Shifters SRAM GX, SRAM GX1, 11 speed
• Brakeset Avid, Avid DB 3 hydraulic disc
• Handlebar Bontrager Rhythm Elite, 31.8mm, 15mm rise
• Saddle Bontrager Evoke 2, chromoly rails
• Seatpost Bontrager alloy, 2-bolt head, 31.6mm, 8mm offset
• Stem Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, 7 degree, Blendr compatible
• Headset FSA IS-2, E2, sealed alloy cartridge

Q: Where to buy a 2016 Trek Farley 7?

The 2016 Trek Farley 7 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: What size wheels does the 2016 Trek Farley 7 have?

The 2016 Trek Farley 7 has 26" wheels.

Q: What size 2016 Trek Farley 7 should I get?

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Trek Farley 7

Farley 7 is a burly fat bike built for roaming trails no matter the season. From dusty summer doubletrack to ice-packed singletrack, the huge 4.5-inch tires give you sure-footed stability and tons of traction. A suspension fork takes the sting out of rowdy roots and rocks while the new, slacker head tube angle gives you more confidence when the trail turns steep. Mounts all over the frame make it easy to equip it with all of your essentials for adventure. - All the mounts make it easy to add accessories and customize Farley for how you want to roam. - The suspension fork eats up rocks and roots for a smooth ride, and it also slackens the head tube angle for added confidence and stability. - You'll stay afloat on snow, sand, mud, and dirt thanks to its huge 4.5-inch tires. - The new progressive trail geometry feels more capable and confident than ever. - The internally routed dropper post lets you move around on the bike and get behind the saddle on steep descents.

* Subject to change without notice.

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2024 Trek Farley 7 Fat Bike Review

When Fall came around this last year, I thought to myself, “why would I stop riding just because the snow is coming?” In comes the fat bike. It’s hard to get very far in the fat bike world before I had to reckon with the Trek Farley . This family of fat bikes is one of the best designed offerings in an increasingly competitive field. We reviewed the Trek Farley 7 with the hopes that its sporty geometry and capable fork would pay dividends on frozen single track. It did not disappoint!

2024 Trek Farley 7 Features:

• Frame features Alpha Platinum alloy with top tube and frame bag mounts, fender mounts and internal routing with a 100mm threaded BB and UDH
• Manitou Mastodon 34 Comp fork
• Wheelset uses SUNRingle Mulefut 80 SL with Bontrager hubs
• Bontrager Narwhal Team Issue 27.5×4.50″ tires
• Mix of SRAM NX and GX Eagle drivetrain with PG-1230 Eagle (11-50t) cassette
• Bontrager Verse P3 saddle with Bontrager alloy riser bars
• TranzX JD-YSP18 dropper seatpost
• SRAM Level T hydraulic disc brakes
• Weight: 37.59 lbs (medium, tubes, stated)
• MSRP: $2999

Boldly go where…. well, anywhere you want really:

The Trek Farley has been around for awhile, and this current iteration is Gen 3. It’s been gradually updated since its release in 2013, and this year’s release generated a ton of buzz as positive impressions came out. For a bit of historical perspective, check out this post on fat-bike.com for a look at the history of the frame. Adding to the fame was a (now-settled) lawsuit brought by the family of the late Chris Farley arguing that Trek used the name Farley to evoke a certain…. burliness? But, let’s just say that if you’re living in a van down by the river, this bike will get you there — no matter the weather.

We’re reviewing the Trek Farley 7, and its sister bikes are the Farley 5 , 9 and 9.6 . It’s not fair to say that there’s a performance hierarchy here. Instead, Trek offers four fat bikes tuned for specific uses. It’s not just higher number = higher performance, although it’s true that the Farley 9.6 sports a carbon frame and a full GX Eagle drivetrain . The Farley 9 has an aluminum frame and a carbon fork but is decked out with a bunch of gorgeous, specifically designed racks and bags. These it ready for hauling right from the factory. The Farley 5 sits comfortably as a wallet-friendly fatty with similar chops to the Farley 7, but no Manitou fork and more modest components.

The first thing to know about the Farley is that it’s a nimble, fun fat bike. We’ll get to that more later. The second thing to know about the Farley is that it’s heavy. It weighs in around 38lbs for the Medium that I tested, which is at the high end of what similar trail-oriented fat bikes come in at. I noticed this on long climbs, but the bike itself doesn’t feel sluggish. The frame geometry is key here. The effective seat tube angle is 73.2º, and I can visually see that the saddle sits well back behind the cranks and over the rear tire. I like this from a stability standpoint, as well as for keeping traction on the rear wheel while I powered up climbs.

The downside to having my weight further back is that, on very steep climbs, I easily felt too far back. Obviously, that’s not ideal. When I think about the trails that most fat bikers tackle, though, steep climbs are probably not the most consistently sought-out feature. I think that the gains in stability, traction and confidence are probably outweighed by the losses on steep climbs.

Power transmission and traction are the other key things here. Trek chose a really capable component mixture of SRAM NX shifters and a GX rear derailleur and rear cassette. I wasn’t sure if the more budget-oriented NX shifters would reduce the quality ‘feel’ of the GX derailleur, but it felt great and the ergonomics are the same as the GX shifters on my other bikes. The shifting felt crisp and reliable, even with loads. Despite some very cold riding, I never had gummy shifting.

On the down:

Our Farley 7 is built from Trek’s Alpha Platinum aluminum frame in a fast-looking yellow paint job. It’s wed to a Manitou Mastodon air spring fork, which is sporty enough to have an ABS damper and a lockout. I have never had so much fun with 80mm of travel. The head tube angle is 67.9º, a touch slacker than the previous iteration’s 69º. The slacker angle helps riders feel more confident and makes the bike less twitchy, but the Farley still manages to feel nimble at low speeds.

I’ve never ridden a fat bike with a suspension fork before, but I loved it. The Manitou Mastodon is not exactly the pinnacle of suspension fork technology, but it doesn’t need to be. Its 80mm of travel offers enough forgiveness to smooth out choppy, icy trails and enough playfulness to make the bike feel more lively, not less.

Another major touch point is the Tranz-X JD-YSP18 seatpost. On my Medium frame, the 31.6mm post has 130mm of travel. For Small it’s 100mm, and Large is 150mm. Sort of like the Mastodon, this wasn’t a post that I’d had experience with before, but it performed super well. Even in really cold temperatures, the actuation was smooth and fast (but not too fast coming back up!). There’s a normal amount of lateral wiggle and wasn’t noticeable when riding. What was  noticeable was the enjoyment of being able to get the seat down and out of the way on the descent, which is a treat on a fat bike.

One weaker part of the downhill experience are the SRAM Level T brakes. The actuation felt a bit on/off to me rather than nicely graduated, and the levers feel like budget levers. The 750mm handlebar is slightly narrow, but again with the slacker head angle it never felt twitchy or unstable to me.

The Bontrager Narwhal tires are absolutely stellar. They’re huge, grippy and studdable. I opted not to stud mine as we more consistently have soft snow than ice, and I never felt like traction was an issue. They’re mounted on SUNRingle Mulefoot 80 SL wheels which are tubeless compatible. My bike arrived with tubes, and I didn’t install tubeless, but doing so would certainly extend the tire pressure range to well below 10 PSI.

Riding Experience:

This is the very subjective, ‘how does it feel’ part of the review. I’m not an expert fat biker and don’t pretend to be, but I am someone who loves to put in long cross country miles as well as shredding enduro lines at Beacon Hill. I did a mix of riding on the Farley, but it definitely leaned cross country as I selected good winter trails. That said, many of my favorite cross country trails have technical sections that keep their flavor in the snow.

The Farley is a really fun, playful bike to ride. I couldn’t actually believe that it weighed nearly 40lbs when I was riding it: it certainly does not feel like that. The granny gear keeps things spinning. As I chugged along in winter boots and heavy gloves, I never really thought about the bike’s weight. The uphill experience is really aided the 73.2º head tube angle, which keeps things feeling very ‘planted’ over the rear wheel. This maximizes traction but didn’t really come at the cost of me popping unexpected wheelies on the climb.

The Farley shines perhaps the most on the down. It’s playful, capable and confident. I loved how the slack head tube angle hit the mark between being nimble and being stable. Some riders might want wider bars than 750mm. Personally I was content with them and appreciated the clearance between some tight Ponderosa and Lodgepole trunks along my favorite routes.

The components hit a nice balance between affordability and function. The shifting was always crisp and clean for me, and the braking was reliable and strong if not particularly refined. Add in a reliable dropper and phenomenally grippy tires and you have a run riding experience.

Buy Now: Available from TrekBikes.com

The bottom line.

The 2024 Trek Farley 7 is a playful, competent fat bike. I think the perfect person for the Farley 7 is someone who goes hard in the summer time, and is looking for a winter option that retains the same riding spirit as a conventional mountain bike. The Farley 7 makes winter riding feel just as playful as summer riding. Its sister bikes can either be more sleek like the 9.6, or more haul-it-all rugged like the 9. The whole family benefits from the same heritage, design and geometry, making the Farley lineup a winner.

• The frame geometry is a rock solid performer
• Component selection is a really nice balance of value and performance
• Plenty of mounts all across the frame
• Manitou Mastodon adds a real performance boost
• Clocks in heavy at 38 lbs
• SRAM Level T brakes can feel unrefined
• A confident frame overall, but the rearward center of gravity can take a little practice
• Handling 10
• Descending 9
• Pedaling performance 8
• Fun Factor 10

Kevin Glover lives, climbs and backpacks out of Spokane, WA. Originally from the Nevada high desert, he moved to the PNW for college and has worked as a glacier and rock guide in the Washington Cascades. When not testing gear, he is a medical student at the University of Washington and will gladly check that rash out for you. (Note: Kevin receives sample products in exchange for authentic reviews. He is not paid, nor influenced to share anything other than his honest opinions.)

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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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Trek Farley 7 Fat Bike 2024

Farley 7 is a burly fat bike built for roaming trails no matter the season. From dusty summer doubletrack to ice-packed singletrack, the huge 4.5-inch tires give you sure-footed stability and tons of traction. A suspension fork takes the sting out of rowdy roots and rocks while the slacker head tube angle gives you more confidence when the trail turns steep. Mounts all over the frame make it easy to equip it with all of your essentials for adventure.

It's right for you if...

You want a bike that's a trail bike first, and a fat bike second. You crave progressive trail geometry and handling, but won't shy away from a snow day. The trails you ride might vary from season to season, but no matter the weather you need a steed you can trust to rally through it all.

The tech you get

A rugged alloy frame with progressive trail geometry that's built for handling it all. Plus, plenty of gear mounts for loading up. Huge 4.5-inch tires that keep you floating over snow, sand, mud, and dirt. An 80mm suspension fork that provides extra cushion and confidence when the trail gets hairy. An internally routed dropper post that lets you get behind the saddle on descents. Plus, a 12-speed SRAM Eagle drivetrain.

The final word

If you're a trail fiend who doesn't limit riding to one season, Farley 7 is your answer. Its progressive geometry and suspension fork is optimized for the trail and its huge tires keep you floating when the mercury dips and the singletrack gets snowy.

Why you'll love it

• All the mounts make it easy to add accessories and customize Farley for how you want to roam
• The suspension fork eats up rocks and roots for a smooth ride, and it also slackens the head tube angle for added confidence and stability
• You'll stay afloat on snow, sand, mud, and dirt thanks to its huge 4.5-inch tires
• The progressive trail geometry feels more capable and confident than ever
• The internally routed dropper post lets you move around on the bike and get behind the saddle on steep descents.

SPECIFICATIONS

*Please note - spec applies to all sizes unless listed separately Frameset expand_less Frame Alpha Platinum Aluminum, 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 & dropper post routing, threaded BB, UDH, 197x12mm Fork Manitou Mastodon 34 Comp, air spring, ABS damper, lockout, tapered steerer, 41mm offset, 150x15mm thru axle, 80mm travel Wheels expand_less Hub front Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, 15x150mm thru axle Hub rear Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Rapid Drive 108, Shimano 10 freehub, 197x12mm thru axle Skewer rear Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable lever Rim SUNRingle Mulefut 80 SL, 32-hole cutout Tire Bontrager Gnarwhal Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, studdable, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5x4.50'' Drivetrain expand_less Shifter SRAM NX Eagle, 12 speed Rear derailleur SRAM GX Eagle *Crank Size: S, M, L SRAM X1 1000 Eagle, DUB, 30T alloy FAT 5 ring, 170mm length Size: XL SRAM X1 1000 Eagle, DUB, 30T alloy FAT 5 ring, 175mm length 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 Components expand_less Saddle Bontrager Verse P3, chromoly rails *Seatpost Size: S TranzX JD-YSP18, 100mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 361mm length Size: M TranzX JD-YSP18, 130mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 425 mm length Size: L, XL TranzX JD-YSP18, 150mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 470mm length Handlebar Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width Grips Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on *Stem Size: S Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 50mm length Size: M Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 60mm length Size: L, XL Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 70mm length Headset FSA IS-2, 1-1/8" top, 1.5" bottom Brake SRAM Level T hydraulic disc *Brake rotor Size: S, M, L, XL Avid G2 Cleansweep, 6-bolt, 180mm Size: S, M, L, XL Avid G2 CleanSweep, 6-bolt, 160 mm Brake Set SRAM Level T hydraulic disc Weight expand_less Weight M - 17.05 kg / 37.59 lbs (with tubes) Weight limit This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 300 pounds (136 kg).

We reserve the right to make changes to the product information contained on this site at any time without notice, including with respect to equipment, specifications, models, colors, materials, and pricing. Due to supply chain issues, compatible parts may be substituted at any time without notice. Bike and frame weights are based off pre-production painted frames at time of publication. Weights may vary in final production.

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