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The Trek Soho is the base model in Treks Soho line of urban bikes named after the famous SoHo district in Manhattan. This line is designed for style, comfort and utility and is an ideal choice for the hardcore commuter. It uses all weather hardware such as roller disc brakes and built-in fenders for use in any weather conditions. Brake cables travel through the bike's frame for a cleaner look. The Trek Soho uses a belt-drive system rather than typical bike chain eliminating the frustrations associated with chains such as lubrication and chain jams. The belt in made from a carbon fiber composite which prevents stretching and its lightweight design gives a ninja-quiet ride. It uses an 8-speed drivetrain with Shimano shifters that is unique to the 2009 Trek Soho. It uses several parts from Bontrage such as the seat, crank and H2 Plus reflective tires. The Trek Soho features an Alpha Black Aluminum frame with rubber top tube protection in sizes from 15" to 25" and comes in a Rainy Day Gray finish. As an added commuter bonus, it includes a custom built coffee thermos and corresponding holder.

Where to Buy

Trek Soho 1
MSRP $1,149.99
Release date January, 2009
Brand Trek
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Pros & Cons12
Reviews13
Details
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Comments12
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
13 reviews
68
negative
mixed
positive
10 positive
1 mixed
2 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

show me!

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

•
8-Speed drive train
+1agreedisagree

•
Belt drive for cleaner and more silent ride than bike chain
+1agreedisagree

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

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

•
Soho I brought had so many faults - chain, pedals, spokes, and seat bolt broke within 9 months. Eventually a dangerous crack in the frame occured while I was riding. After 9 weeks they sent me the wrong bike under the frame warranty.
+1agreedisagree

•
Only a 9-speed
0agreedisagree

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


15 people added to this review by submitting or voting on pros and cons. Add your say!
See individual votes »

Details

Specifications

  • Frameset:
    • Sizes: 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25"
    • Frame: Alpha Black Aluminum
    • Fork: Bontrager Edge, aluminum w/lowrider mounts
  • Wheels:
    • Wheels: Shimano IM70 front hub, Shimano Nexus 8 rear hub; Bontrager Satellite Nebula rims
    • Tires Bontrager: H2 Plus, reflective, 700x32c
  • Drivetrain:
    • Shifters: Shimano Alfine, 8 speed
    • Front Derailleur: n/a
    • Rear Derailleur: n/a
    • Crank: Bontrager Satellite Nebula w/chainguard, 55T alloy Carbon Drive belt sprocket
    • Cassette: 24T alloy Carbon Drive belt sprocket
    • Pedals: Soho, alloy body w/alloy cage
  • Components:
    • Saddle: Bontrager H1
    • Seat Post: Bontrager Satellite Nebula
    • Handlebars: Trek Urban, alloy, 620mm
    • Stem: Bontrager Soho, 15 degree
    • Headset: Aheadset Slimstak w/semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
    • Brakeset: Shimano IM50, roller brake w/Tektro alloy levers
  • Accessories:
    • Extras: Chainguard; painted fenders; belt drive; nylon cage; Soho mug

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This report was started July 18, 2006 at 10:08 am by Erik
with the last edit occurring November 10, 2009 at 5:03 am by donjanderson
This page has been viewed 22850 times, with 94 edits by 18 contributors.
See the full report history »

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Comments

7 taps
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

haytona

avatar
July 10, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
67
negative
mixed
positive
2 pros
1 con
have ithave it
love itlove it
2 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

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

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

Special K

avatar
September 28, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
2 pros
0 cons

Pros

  • 8-Speed drive train
  • Belt drive for cleaner and more silent ride than bike chain

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

donjanderson

avatar
November 10, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
0
negative
mixed
positive
0 pros
1 con

Pros

Did not agree with any pros

Cons

  • Soho I brought had so many faults - chain, pedals, spokes, and seat bolt broke within 9 months. Eventually a dangerous crack in the frame occured while I was riding. After 9 weeks they sent me the wrong bike under the frame warranty.

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

nullman

avatar
July 1, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
0 cons

Pros

  • Looks very attractive

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No
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