The all new 2014 Trek Steel District has arrived! This bike has it all; fenders, Shimano Acera 9 speed drivetrain, front rack with lock holder and matching saddle and grips. It is the ultimate bike for commuters at all levels.
The Steel District has many comfort features that any cyclist can appreciate. The smooth riding 4130 Cromo frame is complimented with matching fenders and leather grips and saddle to keep your whole body comfortable and dry. It also features mechanical disc brakes and the all new the Bontrager AW 1 Tires to make sure you are in control of the bike in any condition! The Shimano Acera 9 speed drivetrain has a great range of gears for those windy days or your hilly commute.
Trek has really put a lot of thought into this bike from front to back. The front rack is bolted to the steel fork and has a built in U-Lock holder with straps to prevent rattling. The frame also features rear rack mounts for additional racks and storage. Want to learn more about commuting by bike?
The Steel District has something for everyone and is the perfect city bike!
10 years ago
Thanks for the pics. This bike looks great! I’m curious how you might compare its ride to the Trek 7.X FX line, which seems fairly similar except for the frame/fork material (steel vs. aluminum for the FX).
10 years ago
Howdy Darryl,
You are correct on frame material differences, steel vs. aluminum. Aluminum tends to be a lighter, yet stiffer material for bicycle frames. Using steel, while the weight is slightly heavier, the ride is more supple do to the steel being able to dissipate some of the vibrations that travel up from the riding surface.
Aside from frame materials, this bike come stock with some great extras for urban use and commuting like the full fenders, front rack and disc brakes. Once you have commuted through the rain with full fenders, you will never go back. It is glorious.
Also there is a slightly different geometry to the Steel District. You will be a bit more upright, in command and in control, able to carry loads on your stable new front rack. While the FX, being a slightly more fitness orientated line, you will be a bit more aggressive in the saddle, with bit more lean forward from of the saddle.
Hopefully I answered your question, if not, or you have more, just post away.
Have a great day,
Anthony
10 years ago
Thanks Anthony, I do appreciate it. I live in the Washington DC region but I haven’t found a local Trek dealer stocking this new bike so thank you for answering these questions.
I did commute on a Trek 7.3 FX bike for a year (6 miles each way through busy suburban streets), but switched to a steel bike (Jamis Coda Comp) for the reasons you mentioned, but I’m looking for a disc brake bike for better stopping in wet weather since I do commute year round in all conditions. The Steel District looks just about perfect and at a good price point for a steel bike. While I did like the FX, I was looking for something with a bit more zip and it sounds like the Steel District might satisfy that. I use a rear rack so I might not use the front basket and I’m also not sure about the curved handlebars — I might want to go with a less-curvy handlebar because I like bar-end extensions. Anyway, thank you again for the information!
10 years ago
Sounds like it may be just the bike for you. I am sure your local Trek dealer will allow for a bar swap at the time of purchase for a minimal charge, I also go with less of a sweep on my bars.
It sounds like you do a bit of riding, so ask the dealer about Trek Care Plus on your new bike. Trek Care Plus will cover wear and tear on your bike, including parts and labor, for three years. Cassettes, chains, chain rings, all covered. All you have to do is provide proper maintenance. Even as an bike shop employee I get it on my bike. I just got a 520 and added it. You can check it out here. http://blog.villagecycle.com/2013/11/2014-trek-520-first-ride/
Have a great day!