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| The Trek Lync has lights front and back. Photos courtesy of Trekbikes.com |
The 2015 Trek Lync 5 27-speed will go for about $1320; the Lync 3 9-speed will go for around $990. Trek calls the Lync a "dedicated, low-maintenance, tricked-out commuter bike."
Let's start by giving Trek some credit for finally producing an off-the-shelf bike with an integrated light system. These are not dynamo hub powered lights, but are instead powered by a lithium ion battery that is rechargeable by USB. It will be interesting to see the longevity of these batteries.
In any event, when Edwin did his comprehensive post "Lights for the Rest of Us," Trek was one of the big guys that was noticeably absent from the bikes with lights market. So, welcome aboard Trek.
I have minor criticisms of the Lync model. First, why don't they come with integrated racks, like the apparently discontinued Trek Belleville. And why can't it be as stylish as the Belleville? And, as always, I'm not a fan of straight bars that only allow one hand position.
The bike media has greeted the Lync with enthusiasm, including this preview by the Bicycle Times.
Specs for the Lync 5:
Colors Matte Trek Black
Frame Alpha Gold Aluminum with Lync on-board lighting system, DuoTrap S compatible, internal cable routing
Fork Lync, Alloy
Sizes 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25"
Front Hub Formula DC20 alloy
Rear Hub Formula DC22 alloy
Rims Bontrager TLR disc, 32-hole
Tires Bontrager H2 Hard-Case Lite, reflective, 700x32c
Shifters Shimano Acera M390, 9 speed
Front derailleur Shimano Acera
Rear derailleur Shimano Deore
Crank Shimano Acera M391, 48/36/26 w/chainguard
Cassette Shimano HG20, 11-34, 9 speed
Pedals Wellgo track-style alloy
Chain KMC X9
Saddle Bontrager H1
Seatpost Bontrager SSR, 2-bolt head, 27.2mm, 12mm offset
Handlebar Bontrager Low Riser, 31.8mm, 15mm rise
Stem Bontrager Elite Blendr, w/computer & light mounts, 31.8mm, 7 degree
Headset Slimstak, semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakeset Shimano M355 hydraulic disc
Grips Bontrager Satellite Elite, lock-on, ergonomic
Extras Lync front and rear lights, full-coverage color-matched fenders, chain keeper
4 comments:
A bike that comes with lights... a start. But with so many proven models out there (or, um, over there, in Europe or Japan) of bikes that come with integrated dynamo lighting, it is too bad they tried to invent a wheel here.
A little correction. The "Lync 5" is not a 5 speed, but a 27 speed and the Lync 3 is a 1x9... just for the record.
Thanks for the heads up.
Edwin
It looks like there is minimalist a rear rack, though it only has low rails for panniers, not a top deck for other luggage.
Thank you for this post! And Edwin and Joseph, you answered the questions I had in my head.
Edwin: I'd like to think that someone at Trek read your article and realized the need for bikes with lights! I assume they went with batteries as a cheaper alternative to dynamo hubs. And thanks for the correction - the 5 has 27 gear combos and the 3 has 9. I will make the correction.
Joseph: Based on the picture, I think you're right. For some reason it's not mentioned in the specs.
Cuter: You're welcome!
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