2015 Trek Boone - 5/5 Stars From BikeRadar

For The Latest Rendition, Trek Took Domane Quality to The Cyclocross Realm

"Only once in a great while does a bike come along that truly changes the game. The new Boone does just that.  

 

Not surprisingly, the Boone also has similar frame features [to the Domane], including an extra-wide BB90 bottom bracket shell and tapered 'e2' 1 1/8-to-1 1/2in head tube – both with drop-in bearings – Trek's usual no-cut integrated seatmast, and convertible internal routing that can be used with either mechanical or electronic drivetrains.

Trek has taken some impressive steps toward versatility and component integration, too. In addition to the hidden full fender mounts and dual bottle bosses (which isn't always a given on top-shelf 'cross bikes), there's even a dedicated pocket inside the bottom of the seat tube to affix an internal-style Shimano Di2 battery. Given that the charge port for Shimano's latest electronic drivetrains now conveniently resides on the box beneath the stem, most users will likely never need to access that Li-ion pack at all – and if they do, they'll just have to remove the crank and bottom bracket cover to get to it.


Total weight for the 52cm test sample was 8.08kg (17.81lb) without pedals – hardly a boat anchor but not nearly as light as it could be with a mechanical drivetrain.

We were quite willing to deal with that slight increase in weight, however, as it's currently the only way to get into Shimano's utterly amazing R785 hydraulic disc brakes. Just as with the company's off-road brakes, these offer a light and silky smooth lever feel, outstanding power, and fantastic fingertip control that allowed us to consistently flirt with the limits of traction. They also run virtually silently, even when wet, and given the full-hydraulic design self-adjust for pad wear (which is critical for 'cross racers who regularly tackle wet conditions). Trek specs 160mm rotors front and rear but both ends will accept 140mm ones.


The HED wheels may have been a surprise but they're a pleasant one. The wide-profile rims (20mm internal width) provide a great foundation for bigger tires, they offer confidence-inspiring stiffness, and the front and rear grease ports are a godsend after soupy races.

The matching Bontrager CX3 tires, however, were more of a mixed bag. On the one hand, the aggressive tread pattern is awesome in slippery conditions with stout knobs that bite hard even when there's little traction to be had. However, the casing is surprisingly stiff – and thus, noticeably slow-rolling – for a 120tpi tire and we expected them to measure wider than their 32mm printed width given the extra-wide rims on which they were mounted.

The Race Lite IsoZone aluminum bar features a comfy bend and genuinely effective under-tape foam padding, the matching forged aluminum Race X Lite stem is suitably stiff and secure, and the Evoke 3 saddle is reasonably light and comfy – solid and dependable stuff all around."

• Frame: Trek Boone Disc
• Fork: Trek IsoSpeed Cross carbon disc
• Headset: FSA Orbit integrated, 1 1/8-to-1 1/2in tapered
• Stem: Bontrager Race X Lite
• Handlebars: Bontrager Race Lite IsoZone
• Tape/grips: Bontrager Gel
• Front brake: Shimano BR-R785 hydraulic disc w/ 160mm SM-RT99 Freeza rotor
• Rear brake: Shimano BR-R785 hydraulic disc w/ 160mm SM-RT99 Freeza rotor
• Brake levers: Shimano STI Dual Control ST-R785
• Front derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 FD-6870
• Rear derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 RD-6870
• Shift levers: Shimano STI Dual Control ST-R785
• Cassette: Shimano Ultegra CS-6800, 11-28T
• Chain: Shimano Ultegra CN-6800
• Crankset: Shimano Ultegra FC-6800, 46/36T
• Bottom bracket: Trek BB90 integrated
• Pedals: n/a
• Wheelset: HED Ardennes Plus Disc
• Front tyre: Bontrager CX3 Team Issue, 700x32c
• Rear tyre: Bontrager CX3 Team Issue, 700x32c
• Saddle: Bontrager Evoke 3
• Seatpost: Bontrager Ride Tuned Carbon seatmast