For serious transportation there are mountain bikes for trailes and road bikes for streets, however in the mixed pathways of a commute in the real world a more versatile bike is needed. Trek bicycles has expanded their line of bikes with their Urban lineup featuring this Trek Soho. Built specifically for city biking, the Soho is named after the famous SoHo district in Manhattan.

Trek Soho 3-quarter view
MSRP $1,260.00
Release date --
Brand Trek
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
11 reviews
68
negative
mixed
positive
8 positive
1 mixed
1 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

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Pros:
Do you agree?
Looks very attractive
+7agreedisagree

Versatile and is suitable for a variety of biking conditions
+7agreedisagree

Tires are extremely durable and long lasting
+2agreedisagree

9-speed transmission is more reliable and durable than 10-speed, and means less wheel dish
+2agreedisagree

fantastic concept more versatile than a single speed and more practical than a 27 speed.
+1agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
Expensive for the market
+2agreedisagree

the colors available. A nice all black would be great.
+1agreedisagree

Only a 9-speed
0agreedisagree

Jack of all trades, but master of none
-3agreedisagree


13 people added to this review by submitting or voting on pros and cons. Add your say!

Details

Trek has created the Soho to marry the speed that is possible with road bikes to get to your destination in a timely manner, with the maneuverability that a mountain bike offers to dodge the obstacles of the city. As a result the speed and maneuverability doesn't match up with bikes that are created for that particular category, however in unpredictable environments such as a big city, flexibility is paramount.

The frame is manufactured out of Trek's Alpha Aluminum compound which mixes durability with light weight processes, again a compromise for flexibility. The stock tires are Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase which are puncture resistent and made to withstand significant wear and tear.

A 9-speed transmission is standard but can be replaced after market. Commuting bells and whistles come in the form of a custom built coffee thermos and corresponding holder, as well as a rubber protector on the top tube to facilitate leaning the bike against surfaces such as light poles. To handle a variety of wet and dry biking conditions, disc brakes are used which retain consistent stopping power no matter the weather or terrain.

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This report was started July 18, 2006 at 10:08 am by Erik
with the last edit occurring Today, 11:49 AM by nullman
This page has been viewed 20129 times, with 78 edits by 16 contributors.
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Comments

1.  avatar Amanie said:

They should make these commuter bikes with really cushy seats. I know it's not very bike-chic, but if I had enough time to drink coffee while riding to work, I'd want my seat to be comfortable too.
Jul 18, 2006 10:12am
2.  avatar Erik said:

Good point. There are also those ridiculous-looking reclining bikes that you see people riding around the Bay area. You know what I'm talking about.
Jul 18, 2006 10:15am
3.  avatar Manzabar said:

The silly looking bikes are called recumbent bikes. I've thought about getting one (it's supposedly a lot easier on your joints) but they seem to be a bit pricey for my taste.
Apr 03, 2007 3:20pm
4.  avatar Erik said:

Ya, those are the ones. I hate those.
Apr 03, 2007 5:19pm
5.  avatar Amanie said:

Erik, how can you hate those?? They're awesome!
Apr 03, 2007 5:27pm
6.  avatar Manzabar said:

As a car driver, I hate recumbents as they're so low to the ground they can be hard to see. As somebody interesting in getting more exercise and being outside more, I think I'd like them. As a person with a of modicum of fashion/design sense, I think the recumbents look horrible. Of course, those are my reasons and I've not idea why Erik doesn't like them.
Apr 04, 2007 10:17am
7.  avatar Erik said:

Like you, Manzabar. I hate them while driving, because of the visibility issue. Also, I just don't trust the riders. They look so unstable. To top it off, I actually find the aesthetic offensive. It has the same effect as the PT Cruiser or Pontiac Aztec on me. (PT Cruiser fans don't harass me and talk about how great that car is, I will remain unconvinced) Meanwhile, I think this Trek Soho looks fantastic, and I think it would be a great commuter bike, but too pricey.
Apr 04, 2007 10:55am
8.  avatar Pymander said:

I like it verry much, it looks like the ultimate bike for me
Apr 29, 2007 9:58am
9.  avatar gDub said:

I love mine, I commute ten miles a day and I really don't need 27 or 30 different speeds ( I mean really who needs all those unless you are doing alot of hill climbing) believe no front derailer means less noise and rattling and it is easier to change between gears. In San Francisco which is about 40 miles from me there are a lot of hills and there the bike of choice is a single speed. I also like the fact that it comes with nice nice upgraded parts and none of whichh are from the Big Box Shimano Group. It also shidts smoothly & fast(usually half a crank will get you to the next speed. Right now (saw online yesterday) The trek Bike shop in san Diego has the '07 Soho for $799. If I get a second bike it will be a Mission Cycles Fxie. Oh yeah the seat was kind of hard so I replaced it the day after I got the bike.

Aug 15, 2008 5:39pm
10.  avatar andmalc said:

Can this bike be ordered with fenders or a rack? The product description of a commuting bike should say this.

9 speeds is fine unless you're really out of shape or on steep hills.  My commuter is a 9 speed folder.

For you Canadian consumers, the Norco VFR commuter line is similar and supposedly pretty good.

About recuments: I've owned two of them so I can tell you:
1) They're a blast to ride, and quite comfortable.
2) People do not think they look ridiculous. Kids especially dig 'em.
3) I'm an experienced bike commuter but I do feel nervous in heavy or fast traffic on mine. On residential roads you'd be fine. You do need a good mirror because it's harder to look over your shoulder.

Oct 22, 2008 10:30am
11.  avatar haytona said:

2009 model has fenders: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/urban/soho/soho/
Oct 22, 2008 7:46pm
12.  avatar mrgreenguy said:

This is a great bike with a brooks saddle. The upright position makes the leather very comfortable. My Soho came with an 8 speed internal hub.  It has been great on my 10 mile commute.  The coffee cup does not work well on a bike.  This bike is not a great bike but with fenders and a rainy seattle commute ahead, it is a great bike to have in your quiver.

Dec 01, 2008 12:34am
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Reviews

Sort by: Most helpful  •  Newest  •  Most positive

gDub

avatar
August 15, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
2 pros
0 cons
trustedtrusted
have ithave it
love itlove it
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Looks very attractive
  • Versatile and is suitable for a variety of biking conditions

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Comments

"

I love mine, I commute ten miles a day and I really don't need 27 or 30 different speeds ( I mean really who needs all those unless you are doing alot of hill climbing) believe no front derailer means less noise and rattling and it is easier to change between gears. In San Francisco which is about 40 miles from me there are a lot of hills and there the bike of choice is a single speed. I also like the fact that it comes with nice nice upgraded parts and none of whichh are from the Big Box Shimano Group. It also shidts smoothly & fast(usually half a crank will get you to the next speed. Right now (saw online yesterday) The trek Bike shop in san Diego has the '07 Soho for $799. If I get a second bike it will be a Mission Cycles Fxie. Oh yeah the seat was kind of hard so I replaced it the day after I got the bike.

"
Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

mrgreenguy

avatar
December 1, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
60
negative
mixed
positive
3 pros
2 cons
trustedtrusted
have ithave it
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Looks very attractive
  • Versatile and is suitable for a variety of biking conditions
  • Tires are extremely durable and long lasting

Cons

  • Only a 9-speed
  • Jack of all trades, but master of none

Comments

"

This is a great bike with a brooks saddle. The upright position makes the leather very comfortable. My Soho came with an 8 speed internal hub.  It has been great on my 10 mile commute.  The coffee cup does not work well on a bike.  This bike is not a great bike but with fenders and a rainy seattle commute ahead, it is a great bike to have in your quiver.

"
Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

SnackThief

avatar
March 25, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
75
negative
mixed
positive
3 pros
1 con
trustedtrusted
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Versatile and is suitable for a variety of biking conditions
  • 9-speed transmission is more reliable and durable than 10-speed, and means less wheel dish
  • fantastic concept more versatile than a single speed and more practical than a 27 speed.

Cons

  • the colors available. A nice all black would be great.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

Manzabar

avatar
October 24, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
0 cons
trustedtrusted
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Looks very attractive

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Comments

"The silly looking bikes are called recumbent bikes. I've thought about getting one (it's supposedly a lot easier on your joints) but they seem to be a bit pricey for my taste."
"As a car driver, I hate recumbents as they're so low to the ground they can be hard to see. As somebody interesting in getting more exercise and being outside more, I think I'd like them. As a person with a of modicum of fashion/design sense, I think the recumbents look horrible. Of course, those are my reasons and I've not idea why Erik doesn't like them."
Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

Omar

avatar
April 1, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
50
negative
mixed
positive
3 pros
3 cons
want itwant it
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Looks very attractive
  • Versatile and is suitable for a variety of biking conditions
  • Tires are extremely durable and long lasting

Cons

  • Expensive for the market
  • Only a 9-speed
  • Jack of all trades, but master of none

Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

haytona

avatar
July 10, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
67
negative
mixed
positive
2 pros
1 con
have ithave it
love itlove it
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Looks very attractive
  • Versatile and is suitable for a variety of biking conditions

Cons

  • Expensive for the market

Comments

"2009 model has fenders: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/urban/soho/soho/"
Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

Amanie

avatar
April 3, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
33
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
2 cons
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Versatile and is suitable for a variety of biking conditions

Cons

  • Expensive for the market
  • Only a 9-speed

Comments

"They should make these commuter bikes with really cushy seats. I know it's not very bike-chic, but if I had enough time to drink coffee while riding to work, I'd want my seat to be comfortable too."
"Erik, how can you hate those?? They're awesome!"
Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

Dornier

avatar
December 11, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
0 cons
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • 9-speed transmission is more reliable and durable than 10-speed, and means less wheel dish

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

jpsilver

avatar
July 30, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
0 cons
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Looks very attractive

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

nhc620

avatar
June 1, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
0 cons
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Versatile and is suitable for a variety of biking conditions

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No
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