Is Trek Crockett 5 Disc A Good Bike? [Trek Crockett 5 Disc Review]

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Trek Crockett 5 Disc

• Price: $2,399
• Frame: 300 Series Alpha Aluminum
• Gear: 1 x 11
• Tires: 700c x 32c

What we love about it: The premium Alpha aluminum frame paired with the artistic look gives an artistic visual experience. The 1x drivetrain has a wide range of power settings for a fast ride on long road trips.

What we don’t like about it: The relatively expensive price relative to the components.

Rating: (4.6/5)

Descending

It has to be said that in terms of descending capabilities, the Trek Crockett 5 Disc Review is amazing. This is not only because of its strong body, but also has a great relationship with the Bontrager CX3 tire accessories it is equipped with.

In order to verify its talent in this area, we conducted a month-long off-road test.

The location we tested was on a training track dedicated to off-road racing, and we found that there were countless corners converging on extremely steep gravel roads. I didn’t feel any discomfort during the 45° descent.

The 300 Series Alpha Aluminum played a huge role at the moment, with a stable body for an efficient and comfortable ride.

Even on curved roads, the Trek Crockett 5 Disc, 700c x 32c tires have a small footprint that helps me steer nimbly and efficiently. I’m so addicted to the handling, and the feeling of being in complete control of the bike.

We also chose the dirt after the rain for a test drive, and I can feel that it still has unparalleled power even on the muddy road. The 11-speed is the best choice for a mountain bike on the market, and the SRAM Rival 1’s gearing delivers constant power at your pedaling frequency, allowing me to keep going on mud-filled obstacles.

So I feel like the Trek Crockett 5 Disc is a solid companion for rough terrain.

Climbing

I have to admit, bumps and twists are what the Trek Crockett 5 Disc is all about, and its components are made for it. The good news is that it performs well not only on bumpy descents, but also on jumpy and volatile climbs.

Test

The 2km uphill trail from my home became one of our test sites. I admit that on this road, there is a lot of misery in the gears. However, the Trek Crockett 5 Disc gave me a different experience.

With that in mind, I adjusted the proper seat tube length to fit my sitting position. In addition to that, I went with the largest tires in the Trek Crockett 5 Disc lineup (700×38c), and it turns out I was right. The climbing process is very simple, I can feel it like a beast that I have tamed, leaping upwards under my command.

The Bontrager CX3 is exceptionally tough, and it handles gravel ground like this with ease.

Of course, as an off-road enthusiast, I am picky enough about the design of the body. I think a good bike should have enough riding feel for off-road riders.

Cross-country Training

For nearly a week of daily off-road training, I chose the Trek Crockett 5 Disc. Of course, you can also choose it as a commuter tool for travel, but it will be overkill.

The most important thing on the off-road road is the stimulation. The first and most extensive is the damage of the bumpy road to the cyclist. On five kilometers of singletrack, I could clearly feel the strong damping effect of the Trek Cross carbon fiber fork on the Trek Crockett 5 Disc.

Compared to past bikes, I can feel the body being more stable, even at sharp speeds, and the tapered carbon fiber steerer in the corners gives it more responsive steering. If you have an accurate grasp of the speed, it is difficult to have the risk of overturning.

Main Feature

Frame

Different from a single color matching series of cars, it boldly adopts a mixed color matching design, which makes it more wild and attractive for off-road vehicles, which is more suitable for people who are keen on off-road competitions.

The 300-series Alpha’s alloy frame and 38cm wide handlebar feel like a charging bull. Coupled with the Trek Cross carbon fiber front fork, it has a good shock absorption function and provides the quality required for riding.

Meanwhile, the Seatpost has a two-bolt micro-adjustment clamp to hold a Bontrager Montrose saddle with rails, which was very comfortable for this tester.

The Trek Crockett 5 Disc also has a neat cable management system, the long, intricate crossover design shows plenty of enthusiasm, the aluminum body hides wild performance, and you can ride it and enjoy the thrill of sprinting.

At the same time, water is also an essential substance in off-road competitions. If you need it, you may also add a small storage device to the down tube of the bicycle. It can now accommodate a full-size water bottle, which has been Satisfy your thirst needs.

Geometry

Geometry is definitely a measure of the comfort of a bike, and a good bike must have a comfortable geometry to maintain a comfortable sitting position and a long ride.

The 700c tires have proven to be standard for trail riding, so the Trek Crockett 5 Disc features them. Not only that, but the Bontrager CX3 option, like most options on the market, adds a tighter grip on steeper surfaces. You can also opt for heavier-weight tires that give you a relatively stable way of riding. Of course, I’m afraid it doesn’t apply in this big game.

Steep seat tube angles tend to keep you at a comfortable angle on rock climbs. The Trek Crockett 5 Disc uses an angle of 74° (we chose a medium-sized model in our experiment to verify the universality of the experiment). On steep ascents, I didn’t put much effort into it.

Meanwhile, the Trek Crockett 5 Disc opted for a 72-degree head tube angle. In actual riding, I can clearly feel that the 383mm stack is more suitable for me.

On long runs, I didn’t lean forward too much, but kept a relatively curved angle. It keeps me in a more comfortable sitting position, even on thorny roads.

Not only that, but the 274mm BB center is mid-low in the dirt bike range. Because of this, you can also maintain a more sedate body on the trail.

Components and Specifications

SRAM Rival Braking

The drivetrain from model to model has an impact on your ride for all to see. The SRAM Rival brakes on the Trek Crockett 5 Disc are lightweight and fast carbon construction, allowing us to ride faster for longer miles.

The 1x gearing brings system advantages and is the choice of many mountain bikes. That’s why you’ll often find this setup on mountain bikes or other off-road bikes. It has a simple paddle that allows you to adjust the entire cassette with the flick of a finger, very easily.

In actual riding, the road that encounters the obstruction of silt is a common road condition for mountain biking. In many cases, I was able to perform sequential and agile shifts by pressing the paddles.

By now, I’ve gotten used to the ride shifting that comes with the SRAM Rival.

Trek Cross Carbon Fork

Different from the aluminum alloy structure of the body, in the choice of front suspension, SRAM Rival seems to be compromising shock resistance. Trek Cross carbon fiber is selected. Compared with aluminum material, carbon fiber has a lighter volume and mass.

In addition, I still found in my daily riding that the Trek Cross carbon fiber is indeed very different in terms of shock absorption from my previous choice of mechanical braking.

To confirm the authenticity of this, as a comparison test, I chose another alloy-built suspension bike as a reference. Similarly, on the same bumpy gravel road, Trek Cross carbon fiber has stronger toughness, which is reflected in its strong shock absorption ability. On the same road, the vibrations given to me by the earth are indeed quite different.

After 30 minutes of bumping with the aluminum suspension, I could clearly feel the intense ache on my body on the way downhill.

Brakes: SRAM Rival Hydraulic Discs

Personally, SRAM Rival hydraulic discs are solid brakes. The one thing I’m most sure of is that hydraulic disc brakes are more responsive than mechanical brakes.

In my daily training sessions, I’ve had a plethora of riding emergencies, but with the Trek Crockett 5 Disc I was able to go from fast to stationary in no time, and that happened in a matter of seconds. All thanks to the SRAM Rival hydraulic disc. But mechanical braking will take longer, knowing that a few seconds is very important for safe braking.

Secondly, the hydraulic disc has a lighter volume, which increases the performance and sensitivity of the car without increasing the weight of the body.

I also hope that the car I control can fully understand my commands, and can stop quickly and effortlessly when I want it to stop. Clearly, the SRAM Rival hydraulic disc was more than what I expected.

Bontrager CX3 Team Issue Tires

As the core facade of a bicycle, the importance of tires is self-evident. An excellent high-performance off-road tire, the Bontrager CX3 Team Issue tire has an innate talent for gravel and mud.

As a bike reviewer, it’s important to know how well they work, we have experienced cyclists who I believe are objective. In the actual test, whether it is the wetland in the park or the rough gravel road, the performance of the Bontrager CX3 Team Issue is commendable.

The rugged and wear-resistant outer surface is suitable for different terrains. The 700c x 32c provides extreme grip while giving you a more stable ride.

Of course, you can also go to the flagship store in your area and experience it for yourself.

Previous Versions of The Trek Crockett 5 Disc

Likewise, we measured another version of the Trek Crockett 5 Disc – the Trek Crockett 4 Disc. We also found that in terms of weight, the Trek Crockett 5 Disc made a lighter handle, saving some weight.

But the Trek Crockett 4 Disc chose a more common mechanical disc in terms of brakes. So, in terms of actual braking, there will be a lot of better experience.

In terms of weight, hydraulic disc brakes have a lighter weight volume and can brake quickly in emergency situations. Not only that, it has unique advantages in maintenance. In actual experience, you can clearly feel that the braking is faster and more compact.

Finally, the Trek Crockett 4 Disc has a cheaper price than the Trek Crockett 5 Disc. If you are looking for a higher price/performance ratio, then the Trek Crockett 4 Disc will be more suitable for you. Conversely, if you’re a performance-hungry person, the Trek Crockett 5 Disc will suit you better.

Trek Crockett 5 Disc Specs

Frameset

Frame	300 Series Alpha Aluminum, Invisible Weld Technology, tapered head tube, Control Freak internal routing, 3S chain keeper, flat mount disc, 142x12mm thru axle
Frame fit	CX Race

Wheels

Hub front	Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, centerlock disc, 100x12mm thru axle
Hub rear	Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, centerlock disc, Shimano 11-speed freehub, 142x12mm thru axle
Rim	Bontrager Affinity Disc, Tubeless Ready, 24-hole, 21mm width, presta valve
Spokes	14g stainless steel
Tire	Bontrager CX3 Team Issue, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 700x32c
Max tire size	700x38c

Drivetrain

Shifter	SRAM Rival, 11 speed
Rear derailleur	SRAM Rival 1, medium cage, 36T max cog
*Crank	Size: 47 Praxis Alba M30, 40T, 30mm spindle, 165mm length Size: 50, 52 Praxis Alba M30, 40T, 30mm spindle, 170mm length Size: 54, 56 Praxis Alba M30, 40T, 30mm spindle, 172.5mm length Size: 58, 61 Praxis Alba M30, 40T, 30mm spindle, 175mm length
Bottom bracket	Praxis, T47 threaded, internal bearing
Cassette	SRAM PG-1130, 11-32, 11 speed
Chain	SRAM PC-1130, 11 speed
Max chainring size	1x: 54T, 2x: 55/36T

Components

*Saddle	Size: 47, 50, 52 Bontrager P3 Verse Comp, steel rails, 155mm width Size: 54, 56, 58, 61 Bontrager P3 Verse Comp, steel rails, 145mm width
Seatpost	Bontrager Comp, 6061 alloy, 27.2mm, 8mm offset, 330mm length
*Handlebar	Size: 47 Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy, 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 38cm width Size: 50, 52 Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy, 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 40cm width Size: 54, 56 Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy, 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 42cm width Size: 58, 61 Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy, 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 44cm width
*Stem	Size: 47 Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 70mm length Size: 50 Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 80mm length Size: 52, 54 Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 90mm length Size: 56, 58 Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 100mm length Size: 61 Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 110mm length
Headset	FSA Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8” top, 1.5” bottom
Brake	SRAM Rival hydraulic disc, flat mount

Weight

Weight	56 – 9.02 kg / 19.89 lbs
Weight limit	This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 275 pounds (125 kg).

Video

What do we like about it?

1. A great off-roader with more advanced accessories than its predecessor.

2. The new suspension design makes the shock absorption more excellent.

3. Hydraulic disc brakes are lighter.

What we don’t like about it?

The aluminum frame adds weight to the body.

Comparison Table

BIKE	PRICE	GEAR	TIRE	BRAKE	CLICK VIEW
Kona Jake the Snake	$1,899	1 × 11	WTB Riddler TCS DUAL	TRP HY/RD C	Click View
Trek FX 3 Disc Women’s Stagger	$899	2 × 9	Bontrager H2 Comp	Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc	Click View
Specialized Diverge Base E5	£2,200.00	2 × 8	Specialized Pathfinder Sport, 700x38c	Tektro Mira mechanical disc	Click View
Marin Muirwoods	$999	2 × 8	Schwalbe Citizen	Tektro M275 Hydraulic Disc	Click View

Trek  Crockett 5 Disc vs Kona Jake the Snake

In terms of body manufacturing, the two have adopted a similar material aluminum frame, carbon fiber suspension structure, and 1×11 transmission system. So it’s hard to tell the difference from the outside.

But the Kona Jake the Snake is about $500 cheaper than the Trek Crockett 5 Disc, and that’s all about the type of brakes. Unlike the mechanical disc of the Kona Jake the Snake, the Trek Crockett 5 Disc opts for hydraulic brakes, so it has a lighter volume and better braking performance.

If you need more performance, then the Trek Crockett 5 Disc may be the best choice for you.

Trek  Crockett 5 Disc vs Trek FX 3 Disc Women’s Stagger

Compared to the Trek Crockett 5 Disc with high-end accessories, the low-priced Trek FX 3 Disc Women’s Stagger may be the choice of most people.

A 700c aluminum frame hybrid bike with mid-range components and hydraulic disc brakes at a price approaching the low end of the FX model line. But again, you might lose some extreme riding experience. The stiff suspension causes you to experience a lot of vibration on some rough roads.

Of course, if you’re just using it for a simple road commute, then you can still consider the lower-priced Trek FX 3 Disc Women’s Stagger.

Trek  Crockett 5 Disc vs Specialized Diverge Base E5

The Specialized Diverge Base E5 is also highly valued by bike enthusiasts. At the same time, it can still perform excellent functions on gravel roads, and the tire size of 700x38c can also maintain smooth operation on twisty singletrack trails.

Of course, its downside might be that the 1×10 drivetrain might not be as fast on dirt roads. Overall, it is still loved by most people.

Learn more:Is Specialized Diverge Comp E5 Worth Buying? [Specialized Diverge Comp E5 Review]

Trek  Crockett 5 Disc vs Marin Muirwoods

The Marin Muirwoods is absolutely qualified as a commuter car. A 700c steel commuter bike with a mid-range upper and hydraulic disc brakes is all you need for your everyday needs, and at $999 it’s within the acceptable range.

But you can’t think of it as an off-road vehicle, and the rigid steel frame may not be able to meet your needs for rough roads. If you’re a dirt bike enthusiast, the Trek Crockett 5 Disc will meet your expectations.

Learn more:Is Marin Kentfield 1 A Good Bike?[Marin Kentfield 1 Review]