2011 Trek Scratch 9For 2011 Trek has split the Scratch line into two distinct categories, one being the air sprung Scratch Air and the other the burly coil sprung and freeride intended Scratch 8 and Scratch 9 models. The coil sprung versions have a different goal than their air sprung brethren: these are machines designed to spend all day in the bike park, spend all weekend shuttling, and session the biggest jumps. While the geometry differs from the Session DH race bike, the Scratch can handle the same terrain, impacts and speed. Fast riders who are looking for a smaller travel bike should take note.
 |
| The Scratch 9 and 8 are coil sprung and come fitted with chain guides - Park rats rejoice. |
2011 Trek Scratch 9 details
- Coil sprung front and rear
- 170 mm of rear wheel travel
- Uses Trek's Active Braking Pivot
- 12 x 142 mm rear axle (convertible to 135 QR with supplied hardware)
- Adjustable geometry allows for head angle and B.B. height variation
- Custom tuned Fox DHX RC4 shock
- 180 mm Travel Fox 36 Van FIT RC2 fork
- ISCG03 chain guide tabs
- Two models: Scratch 9 (shown) and Scratch 8
- Available as a frame only
 |
| Trek Employs their Full Floater system on the Scratch |
Trek's entire lineup, including the Session, uses their Active Braking Pivot (ABP) to keep the suspension free moving under heaving braking. ABP actually pivots concentrically around the rear axle with the goal of lessening the amount of rotation between the rear axle and brake caliper. The less movement that there is, the more active the suspension under braking. This is especially important on the bike like the Scratch the will see a lot of time at higher speeds and on rougher terrain.
The Scratch comes stock with a 12 x 142 mm rear wheel, but standard 135 QR wheels can be made to fit using the supplied ABP Convert hardware. While the new and stiffer 12 x 142 mm axle size is gaining ground quickly, being able to easily use a standard quick release rear wheel if need arises is a big plus.
 |
| Just like you'll find on the Session and Remedy, a one piece Evo Link |
The rear shock is a standard looking Fox DHX RC4, but inside Fox has done some custom tweaking to wring the most out of the damper. The result is a shock with a more controlled mid stroke. This is important because the mid stroke of a shock is where a bike will spend the majority of it's time.
Watch the video to let Jose Gonzales, Treks lead suspension engineer, explain the why and how of the Scratches custom rear shock tuning
 |
| The downtube is protected by Treks Aluminum Armor that can be retrofitted to older Scratch's as well |
The geometry on the all Scratch models is adjustable via Trek's Minnow Link system. Simply flip the direction the the pivot hardware and you can alter the head angle by half a degree and the bottom bracket by 7 mm. Small adjustments for sure, but entirely useful to dial the bike in to your riding style. A nice touch that can go a long way in protecting the frame from accidental rock damage is Trek's add-on Aluminum Armor. This easily attached pad protects the downtube from flying rocks that may be kicked up by your front wheel. It's also worth noting that the Aluminum Armor is retrofitable onto older Scratch models as well.
2011 Trek Scratch Coil specs
|
| Frame and Size | Trek Alpha Red Aluminum
•E2 Headtube, EVO Link, ABP Convert, Full Floater
•170 mm |
| Rear Shock | Fox DHX RC4, Custom tuned
•8.5" x 2.5" |
| Fork | Fox 36 Van FIT RC2
•E2 tapered steerer
•180 mm travel |
| Headset | Cane Creek Frustrum SE Light Edition |
| Crankarms | Race Face Atlas |
| Chainring | Race Face 36t |
| Chain Guide | MRP G2 SL Mini |
| Bottom Bracket | Race Face |
| Cassette | SRAM PG-970 11-34, 9 Speed |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM XO |
| Shifter Pod | SRAM XO 9 speed |
| Handlebar | Bontrager Rhythm Pro |
| Stem | Bontrager Rhythm |
|
| Brakes | Avid Elixir CR |
| Front Wheel | Bontrager Cousin Earl Elite Disc
•20 mm thru-axle |
| Rear Wheel | Bontrager Cousin Earl Elite Disc
•12 x 142 mm |
| Tires | Bontrager FR4 Team, 2.35" |
| Saddle | Bontrager Ryhthm |
| Seatpost | Bontrager Ryhthm Elite
•31.6 mm |
 |
| Up front you'll find a burly tapered E2 headtube |
Just as Trek has used in the past, the Scratch employs their tapered E2 headtube that focuses the strength where it's needed most, but keeps the weight low and allows the use of standard 1 1/8th stems. While there was resistance a few seasons ago to the new tapered standard, it makes so much sense that nearly all fork manufacturers are now offering models with taperer steerer options. The long travel Scratch uses Fox's exciting new 180 mm travel 36 Van FIT RC2 to handle anything that a rider can dish out.
 |
| Fox's new 180 mm travel 36 handles front suspension duties |
 |
| 2011 Trek Scratch 9 |
Visit the
Trek website to see their entire lineup.
