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Trek Farley 5 - 2023

Farley 5 is the ultimate go-anywhere fat bike. Arctic tundra? Farley's game. Sandy desert singletrack? Farley's lofty tires will keep you afloat. A winter bikepacking mission through rugged terrain? Sounds like a walk in the park. Farley's all-new geometry is more capable than ever with a slacker head tube angle for more stability and a steeper seat tube angle for pedaling efficiency and comfortable reach. Up front, its carbon fork is loaded with tons of mounts, so you'll be able to load up gear for the adventure of your dreams. - All the mounts make it easy to add accessories and customize Farley for how you want to roam. - It comes with a carbon fork that has lower leg mounts for gear cages, mounts for our custom front rack, and rubber bumpers to protect the dropouts when the front wheel is removed. - Its huge 4.5-inch tires will keep you floating over snow, sand, mud, and dirt, - The new progressive trail geometry feels more capable and confident than ever. - The internally routed dropper post lets you move around on the bike and get behind the saddle on steep descents.

Due to supply-chain issues, Specs are subject to change without notice.

* Subject to change without notice.

Part Numbers

Trek Farley 5 Review – Is This Bike Worth Buying?

Fat bikes are here to stay. From a niche market among riders who wanted to explore the limits of biking snow, ice, and sand, they’ve expanded into the mainstream, taking over a significant share of the mountain bike market. Fat bikes don’t just offer the ability to ride with security on loose or slick surfaces. They can ride anywhere a conventional mountain bike can. Those huge tires soak up bumps without the need for expensive suspension. Beginners love the stability and traction, and a lot of people just love the look.

Image: Trek Farley 5

The Farley is Trek’s entry in the fat bike market, and the bikes in the Farley series show all of the experience and sophistication of the Trek brand. The Farley 5 is an affordable fat bike that brings real value to the table.

Let’s see how Trek’s entry in the sub-$2000 fat bike market stacks up.

Quick Overview: What I Think of the Trek Farley 5

Simple answer: it’s a great bike. It’s all you’d expect from Trek. The frame is well designed and beautifully built. The components deliver high performance at an accessible price. The whole package is a first class blend of performance and affordability and it will certainly satisfy anyone who buys it and rides it.

The Farley 5 is a great bike for the price, but it sits in a market niche that is absolutely saturated with great bikes. The $1500-2100 range is a sweet spot for fat bikes, with numerous contenders from reputable manufacturers. The Farley 5 is a fine bike for the price, but whether it’s the best bike for the price is less certain.

Let’s take a closer look.

What You Get

Like every bike, the Farley 5 is a package of components. Let’s see what this $1799 fat bike brings to the table.

Trek’s aluminum frames are of the highest quality, and the Farley frame is no exception. The design is sleek and understated: no swirly hydroformed tubes, just a well, built, businesslike frame.

The Farley’s geometry is designed for versatility and all-around use. The welds are flawless and the paint job superb. Shifting cables and the dropper post hydraulics are internally routed. The horizontal dropout is ready for geared or single speed use and allows some tweaking of the wheelbase. You can lengthen the distance between the wheels for greater stability or shorten it if you’re after quick handling. The small size will fit riders down to 5 feet tall and the XXL will accommodate riders up to 6’8”.

Like most fat bikes at this price range, the Farley 5 mounts its front wheel on a rigid fork, relying on the monster tires to soak up trail bumps. The Farley 5 carries a Bontrager carbon fork, which is solid and durable and peels a bit of weight off the full package relative to aluminum-forked competitors.

The drivetrain is built on mid-range products from premier manufacturers. The crankset is the Race Face Ride, the chain is from KMC. For the critical shifter, derailleur, and cassette, Trek turns to Shimano’s Deore series components.

Premium drivetrain manufacturers Shimano and SRAM have long used a trickle-down approach to technology: the latest developments go into the most expensive products, and the technology they replace is passed on down the chain. That process has left the mid-range products performing so well that many riders are questioning the need to pay the very substantial price premium on the high-end component lines. These components may not have high-end bling but they are reliable, effective, and easy to use.

Some riders might question the use of a 1×10-speed drivetrain when 1×11 or 1×12 are preferred by many competitors. In practice, the range of gears makes more difference than the number of choices within that range. The 1×10 drivetrain on the Farley 5 has a range from 11 teeth on the smallest rear ring to 46 teeth on the largest ring. That is only marginally different from the 11-50 range on the 12-speed drivetrain featured on the $2600 Farley 7. If climbing very steep hills is on your agenda you might want those 4 extra teeth but most riders will barely notice the difference.

The SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes and 160mm Avid CleanSweep rotors on the Farley 5 are not top-of-the-line models, but it would take a very demanding rider to spot the differences. You will have no problem controlling your speed.

Choosy riders who ride at high speeds or on steep terrain might want to swap the 160mm rotors out for larger models, particularly in the front. It’s an easy upgrade, but for most riders it won’t be necessary. Remember that braking technique gives you a lot more control than pure stopping power.

The Farley 5 carries 27.5” wheels. Add the extra diameter of the oversized tires and the total functioning diameter will be close to that of a conventional 29” wheel. That lets you hold momentum and roll over obstacles, but may compromise nimble handling. That won’t bother most riders: fat bikes are designed to plow over obstacles, not to dodge around them.

The wheels are built around Bontrager hubs, which carry Bontrager’s Switch through axle system for extra rigidity, and SunRingle Mulefut rims. The Bontrager Gnarwhal 4.5 tires are serious pieces of rubber even by fat bike standards, and get high marks for traction and stability. These are fairly aggressive tires aimed at trail or soft-surface riding, and if you plan to use them on cement you may experience noticeable tire drag.

Other Components

Trek sticks with Bontrager to fill out the parts catalog, sourcing the saddle, handlebar, grips and stem from the same manufacturer.

There are two notable components in the cockpit. The TranzX dropper post lets you raise and lower your saddle on the fly, a great feature on rolling terrain with frequent transitions between climbing and descending. The Bontrager Blendr stem allows easy mounting of accessories like lights, GPS, bike computers, or a GoPro or similar camera.

Some user reviews have mentioned that the saddle is uncomfortable, but saddles are very personal and no saddle will please everyone. If you have a favored model of saddle it’s always worth fitting it on a new bike, especially if the stock saddle doesn’t agree with your backside!

Component Roundup

The components on the Farley 5 are what you’d expect from a mid-range bike from a premium manufacturer. They are of high quality and they will do their jobs very well. If you get a chance to try out the top of the line models you may wonder if the difference in performance justifies the difference in price.

Let’s rate the Farley 5 component mix relative to other fat bikes in the $1500-2000 range.

Performance

The trail is where it all comes together, and specifications don’t matter if performance doesn’t match up. The Farley 5 lives to its specifications. It feels comfortable from the start and invites you to push it. It won’t accelerate like a greyhound – no fat bike will – but the 27.5” wheels hold momentum and if the big wheels carry an agility penalty it’s barely noticeable.

One of the highest praises you can give a bike is to say you hardly notice that it’s there. When you’re riding, you don’t want to think about your components. When everything is right, you forget the bike and focus on the trail because you trust the bike to do what it’s meant to do. The Farley 5 fits into this category. Take it for a trail spin and you’ll probably come back without much to say about the bike, because the bike lets you focus on the trail. That’s what you want it to do.

The drivetrain and brakes on the Farley 5 will come as a pleasant surprise, and you might find it hard to believe that you’re riding a bike with mid-range components. The shifting is smooth and precise, the gear range is entirely adequate, and having 10 gears instead of 11 or 12 is not a noticeable liability.

There are a few potential limitations to recognize. The Gnarwhal 4.5 tires are truly beefy. You’ll appreciate them on rough, loose, or slick surfaces, but they may feel like tank treads on cement. If you’re looking for a trail/town combo bike you might want to use some less aggressive rubber. The gear range might be a limitation if your riding includes a lot of steep climbs.

The Competition

The Farley 5 is a fine fat bike, but it sits at a price point that embraces quite a few fine fat bikes. Let’s look at some of the other players and how they stack up compared to the Farley 5.

The 2021 Norco Bigfoot 2 is hitting retailers at $1600 and carries specifications very similar to those of the Farley 5: 27.5” wheels, aggressive tires, SRAM Level brakes (with a 180mm front rotor), a Shimano Deore 1×12 drivetrain, and the same TranzX dropper post. You won’t get a carbon fork, though.

The Kona Wo gets a price hike for 2021 and comes in at exactly the same price point as the Farley 5. It carries an 11-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain, an aluminum fork, and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. It carries 26” wheels, which could be an advantage to some riders and a disadvantage to others.

The KHS 4 Season 1000 includes a carbon-fork model for $1599 and a model wearing a Manitou Mastodon suspension fork for $1899. The drivetrain is an 11-speed Shimano SLX, a step up from the Deore, and the Shimano hydraulic disc brakes have a 180mm front rotor. There’s a KS dropper post, but some other components, notably the crank, are a step down. Wheel size is 26”.

The Salsa Mukluk has dropped to $1699 for its entry level model. The bike comes with an aluminum fork, 11-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain, Tektro hydraulic brakes, and 26” wheels with the highly regarded 45NRTH Dillinger 4.6” tires.

The Giant Yukon 1 pushes the price envelope slightly at $2100, but carries an upscale component package that includes a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, SRAM Level T brakes, carbon fork, dropper post, and 27.5” wheels with Maxxis Colossus 4.5” wheels.

All of these are good bikes. Trek’s Farley 5 is a strong contender in this niche, but you’ll have to decide whether it’s the best choice for you. It’s a fun choice because you really can’t go wrong: any of these bikes will serve you well!

The Bottom Line

If you’re shopping for a fat bike and you have $1799 in your pocket you can buy a Farley 5 and ride away happy. If you’re shopping, though, you’ll still have to decide whether you could get a better deal elsewhere.

The Farley 5 has plus points: a carbon fork, 27.5” wheels, a dropper post, solid components, and an outstanding level of design and build quality. There are also features that could push you toward the competition. If you’re looking for 26” wheels, a wider range of gearing options, a bigger brake rotor in front, or even a suspension fork, you can find all of them on a bike in the same price range.

The choice comes down to which features are most important to you. The best option is narrow your list down to a few choices and test ride the contenders, if you can. Your final decision is likely to come down to personal feelings about each bike’s handling and looks.

If you’re not a selective shopper and you want a good fat bike fast, you could just grab a Farley 5 in your size. You’re not likely to regret the choice!

Let’s evaluate the Farley 5’s overall quality relative to other fat bikes in its price range.

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Trek Farley 5

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / 15.5", 17.5", 19.5", 21.5"

Weight / 14.54

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame Alpha Platinum Aluminum, E2 tapered head tube, internal derailleur & dropper post routing, PF121, 197mm Stranglehold adjustable thru axle dropouts
• Fork Alpha Platinum Aluminum, IS brake mount, E2 tapered aluminum steerer, 100mm suspension corrected, 5x135mm
• Hubs Bontrager alloy sealed bearing, 197x12 rear
• Wheels SUNringlé Mulefüt 80mm 32-hole cutout rims
• Wheel Size 26"
• Tires Bontrager Barbegazi, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, 120tpi, aramid bead, 26x4.70"
• Chain KMC , KMC X10
• Crank Race Face , Race Face Ride, 36/22
• Bottom Bracket PF121
• Front Derailleur SRAM X5, SRAM X5, low direct mount
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore, Shimano Deore, Shadow Plus
• Shifters Shimano Deore, Shimano Deore, 10 speed
• Brakeset SRAM Level, SRAM Level hydraulic disc
• Handlebar Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width
• Saddle Bontrager Evoke 1.5
• Seatpost Bontrager alloy, 2-bolt head, 31.6mm, 8mm offset
• Stem Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, 7 degree, Blendr compatible
• Grips Bontrager Race
• Headset Integrated, cartridge bearing, sealed, 1-1/8" top, 1.5" bottom

Q: How much is a 2017 Trek Farley 5?

A 2017 Trek Farley 5 is typically priced around $1,729 USD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2017 Trek Farley 5?

The 2017 Trek Farley 5 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: How much does a 2017 Trek Farley 5 weigh?

A 2017 Trek Farley 5 weights 14.54.

Q: What size wheels does the 2017 Trek Farley 5 have?

The 2017 Trek Farley 5 has 26" wheels.

Q: What size 2017 Trek Farley 5 should I get?

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Trek Farley 5 2020 Review – Best Fat Bike For the Money?

Last year, the Trek Farley 5 2019 received a lot of praise for its affordable price and solid all-around performance. Known as one of the best values out there, the company proved that they could provide one of the best fat bike models on the market without forcing people to break the bank.

For the 2020 version, the company has made a few improvements to make customers excited. Even those who currently own last year‘s model will consider upgrading thanks to the subtle changes, the slightly different design, the improved performance and more without seeing a price increase.

First Impressions of the Farley 5 2020

Whether a person is looking at the bike online or in a local bike shop, The promo pictures of the Farley 5 are pretty remarkable. Even though the standard color is very basic, there is a premium look to the bike. This is always a nice, subtle feature for a bike that is otherwise affordably priced. Who doesn’t want to feel like they have a more expensive bike to their name? With a matted solid charcoal color, it can still look as good as new no matter what is thrown its way.

The tires stand out as truly durable options for people to tackle any type of terrain out there. The standard tires are 27.5“ by 4.5” Bontrager Gnarwhal TLR models. They are extremely grippy, and durable according to reviews as well. They set the tone for the rest of the bike, which also has a premium look.

Perhaps the most impressive technology is the Bontrager Haru carbon fork. This is a truly valuable component of this fat bike. Not only are carbon forks virtually essential for any type of fat bike, but this one stands out from others in this price range. It flexes at the right times, while providing excellent stability and support at any temperature.

Even while taking an initial ride or two without any challenging surfaces shows just how great this carbon fork is. It reduces vibration and smoothes out any type of ride.

Other features include a very lightweight Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame, stranglehold dropouts, an internal derailleur & dropper post routing that performs very well, SRAM Level hydraulic disc and a Shimano Deore 1×10 drivetrain.

Each size is slightly different in weight, but it’s one of the lightest bikes in this price range right now. The medium size sits at right around 31 pounds, which makes it a lot easier to take on inclines and tough terrain.

How Does the Bike Perform?

Even at the entry level, a focus should always be on how well a fat bike performs. If the fat bike is unable to live up to expectations, people are going to be frustrated overall. No one wants to spend thousands of dollars on a bike that will eventually collect dust because it can’t truly handle so many different rains.

Here’s a breakdown of how it performs in different scenarios. Depending on where a person plans on riding, certain setups might be better than others.

The Trek Farley 5 is a fairly rigid bike, and the lack of suspension means that it works best on dirt trails and fresh, smooth snow. It makes up for its lack of suspension by having some great tires that can absorb a lot of the shock while riding.

It smoothes out the trail very easily, especially if a person knows how to run their tires at the right pressure. Usually, fat bike riders should be trying to have very low tire pressure (as low as possible depending on the terrain of course) to keep things feeling smooth.

Every rider is going to feel slightly different on the bike, but it is one of the more compact fat bikes in this price range. There is a lack of rolling resistance that makes it very beginner-friendly, and cornering is pretty easy as well.

A problem that nearly every bike in this price range has is the inability to handle the toughest terrains all that well. People will notice that the carbon fork doesn’t do too much to those big nuisances, but most people will know that going in. There’s also a way to upgrade the carbon fork if it is not living up to expectations.

Overall, downhill performance is above average when compared to its main competitors. Shorter riders will like the compact feel of the frame, but overall, that should give everyone a bit more feeling of control. This comes more in handy going downhill , as control is something a lot of beginners struggle with.

The weight of the Farley 5 2020 isn’t that big of a deal. It’s 31 pounds, which is fairly lightweight for its price range, but still a little heavy overall for fat bikes in general. It’s one of those bikes that doesn’t feel as heavy as it is, which is a good thing for anyone trying to ride up any type of incline.

Climbing is as efficient as it can be when working with 4.5″ tires. Anyone who is not familiar with that bike riding will quickly understand that it’s a challenge with these fat tires, but the traction makes it possible in the first place.

The tires on this bike perform best when used off-road. On pavement , the tires don’t do particularly well. If a person is constantly riding his bike only on cement, they might look into other tire options if available.

Frame and Build

The frame and build of this bike is pretty compact overall. It comes down to personal preference, as some people like that somewhat cramped up feel, while others want to spread out a little more.

The build is what makes this bike one of the best in his class. Trek has built up a strong reputation with their bicycles in general, and their fat bikes are no exception. Their in-house Bontrager options are used all over this bike, and Shimano components fill in the gaps.

The build supports plenty of riders of different sizes, weights and more. It’s pretty easy to customize a few things to get a really good feel on the bike overall. Many people are pleased

with how they can adjust so many things to their liking without having to get a professional to do it.

How Durable is the Bike?

The sign of a great fat bike is one that can perform well over and over again without much upkeep. It helps to take care of the bike in some ways, but no one wants to be worrying about it every single time. With just a little bit of basic maintenance, a person can expect to get years out of consistent use, or keep it looking good enough to sell to put money towards an upgraded model.

The components are all built with durability in mind, which is great overall for people who might not know exactly how to properly ride in the beginning. This is certainly a bike a person can learn from and fall with, not fearing any accidents or injuries.

Are There Reasons Not to Buy the Farley 5?

The only people who should stay away from the Trek Farley 5 2020 are those who are looking to upgrade their current set up. Fat bikes have been around for a while now, but there are still a lot of people who have no true set up of their own to ride. Maybe they have tried one once or twice, but it is more than that.

Taking a look at the components used, everything is pretty entry-level. That’s to be expected for a bike in this price range, but it might limit some seasoned riders.

If a person is on the fence, try to find a way to try it out in stores one way or another. It might be the best way to gather information and see exactly how it performs compared to others.

Keep in mind that track also offers bikes for experienced riders, and there are components to upgrade if a person wishes. This bike is designed for the less experienced, but it can be altered in a way that makes it perform well.

Final Thoughts

Anyone who is considering getting into riding a fat bike will have a hard time finding something as affordable and durable as this option from Trek. Even casual bike riders will understand just how much value this name brings to the table. This isn’t going to be something that has the best of the best parts, but it’s a great entry-level option for any type of rider.

The Farley 5 is very easy for beginners, and has enough for those harder rides as well. It’s completely usable right away, and some people take the liberty of upgrading certain components as well.

If the Farley 5 isn’t enough of a fat bike, it’s easy to stay in the Trek family and check out the upgraded models. They get expensive in a hurry, serving the riders who treat this as their main hobby

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Salsa Mukluk NX1 vs Trek Farley 5

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Hi Everyone, I'm looking to get my first fat bike. Planning to get this primarily to use when riding with my kids. Currently I've been riding with my son or daughter on a child seat in the front of my XC bike. My son has just about hit the weight limit for the front seat. In order to move him into a rear-mounted seat I need a bike that can accept the bracket from the Thule Ridealong , or a bike that can handle the Thule rear bike rack for the Thule Yepp Next Maxi . The two bikes I'm looking at are the Salsa Mukluk NX1 and the Trek Farley 5. I'm hoping to get some advice on which build might be better. Also, it's really important that the bike accept a rear rack just in case there isn't room on the seat tube for the Ridelaong. The Salsa can take a rear rack, but I'm not sure about the Trek. One LBS near me is a Trek dealer, but I haven't gotten a definitive answer on whether the Farley can take a rear rack from the salespeople. Anyone know the answer? I couldn't find any info about it on Trek's website. Thanks!  

I have a Farley 5. You can mount a rear rack but you have to buy a seat post clamp with added holes for mounting the upper rack mounts to. If that makes sense 🙂 (Salsa Rack Lock its called) Iv’e mounted a Salsa Alternator rack. But that rack holds max 30 pound / 15 kilogram.  

Dennis1987 said: Iv'e mounted a Salsa Alternator rack. But that rack holds max 30 pound / 15 kilogram. Click to expand...

I have the '17 Mukluk and similarly to the Trek, a salsa seat collar is needed for the upper mount. I think you will struggle on either bike with the Thule Yepp, looking at it mounting below the seat and needing a rack. Which is a better bike, the farley is 27.5 inch wheel, which 'limits' you tyre choice slightly. I was considering the Farley 5 myself, until the Salsa came up in a bargain discount sale. I was really surprised by the Salsa's (I have a carbon everything 9:zero:7 as my primary bike) straight out the box capabilties, I have changed is front and rear rotors to 180mm, tubelessed the tyres and swapped the grips.  

Flying_Scotsman said: I was really surprised by the Salsa's (I have a carbon everything 9:zero:7 as my primary bike) straight out the box capabilties, I have changed is front and rear rotors to 180mm, tubelessed the tyres and swapped the grips. Click to expand...

Personally I'd get a trailer for taking your kid(s) along. The seats are quickly out grown and also result in a higher center of gravity that makes riding more difficult for you. I used a burley trailer for my kids (room for 2), and now have used it for touring/bike packing. Its also very flexible to move between bikes. As for the better bike, they are both good. I have the slightly older Mukluk GX1. Love the bike and ride it year round. Agree that the 26" wheels have more tire choices. Both bikes are flexible to take a second wheelset such as a 29+  

The reason I'm attracted to the bike seats is that the kids get a feel for leaning and balance on a bike. At least that's my hope. This Burley is pretty tempting though. This can be attached to any bike with a 12mm thru axle regardless of frame material or suspension, right? My XC has an aluminum rear triangle and is full sus. Thanks  

This looks pretty cool too. Does that attach to the seat post? Or the collar?  

Has anyone used a Burley Trailer with either of these fat bikes?  

Not used it but having had a quick look it should work out fine on the mukluk, you just need the thru-axle adaptor that looks like its a Robert Axle project piece. You might need to also slide the drop outs back slightly, but thats straightforward.  

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2020 Trek Farley 5

A 27.5″ aluminum frame rigid fat bike with upper mid-range components. Compare the full range

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The Farley EX doesn't need your snow or your sand- but it'll handle it just fine - while being a dirt and rock shredder with little compromise...

Jun 2017 · Russell Eich

The most mountain bike feeling fat bike yet. Buy if you want one bike for all seasons, or an extremely stable trail bike, and aren't concerned about pure dry trail performance

Impressive rear suspension, has a very mountain bike feeling, wheelies and manuals with ease

Bluto fork overworked, small tire knobs, busted rear rim

Mar 2017 · McCoy

Traction To The Max!

Last updated 16 April Not listed for 1,182 days

Farley lets you go further and farther than ever before — it’s your overnight adventure rig, your off-season ripper, and your snowy singletrack surfer. With tons of mounts for gear, an incredible carrying capacity, and loads of add-ons like frame bags and racks, Farley makes every dream expedition possible.

• Watch the Walkthrough

Haul of the wild

Mounts all over the frame let you carry a wide variety of gear with endless customization options.

New carbon fork

A new, short offset carbon fork saves weight, improves handling, and has mounts for a custom rack or cargo cages.

Internal routing

Protects Farley’s components from the elements and keeps cables from interfering with accessories

Farley 9.6 utilizes a carry-forward OCLV Mountain Carbon frame with the new carbon fork that makes the rig light and fast — perfect for riders looking to race or just save weight.

Farley 9 comes fully kitted as a utilitarian earth roamer. It includes front and rear racks, a direct mount frame bag, a direct mount fender, and two dry bag holders for your rear rack.

Farley 7 comes with an 80mm Manitou Mastodon suspension fork to take the edge off rough terrain. The suspension fork also gives Farley a slacker head tube angle for more stable steering in steeper terrain.

Farley 5 gives you a blank slate. It has Farley-specific carbon fork and is compatible with all of the Farley accessories and more. It even comes with a dropper post.

Is Trek Farley 5 Worth Buying? [Trek Farley 5 Review]

Table of Contents

Trek Farley 5 Review

• MSRP : $1,999.99
• Frame : Aluminum
• Fork : Carbon
• Tires : M-27.5×4.50” (front), 27.5×3.80” (rear)
• Drivetrain : 1×10

What we like about it : Superb value for money and well-constructed components to match, so you can have the fun of riding on forest roads all year round.

What we don’t like about it : If you like Nautical Navy to Teal Fade, then that’s not its downside.

Rating: (4.7/5)

Introduction

We have to admit that every bike has its strengths and weaknesses, so you have to combine your buying needs. As for the Fat Tire bike, we hope it will give you the most fun riding experience no matter in the snow or sandpit.

Admittedly, the most striking thing is its Trek Farley 5’s very stout, thick tires. But it is also because of them that you can conquer all kinds of forest roads, anytime, anywhere, all year round. Whether it’s snow in the winter or loose rocks or sand in the summer, the fat tires will only be crushed mercilessly. Of course, the Shimano Deore drivetrain is also not to be ignored.

To its credit, the sturdy and durable aluminum frame is perfect for a mountain bike that fights gravel and dirt.

Ride it, let it take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and feel the nature, and simplicity of the mountains.

Below we break down the ride, key features, components, and specifications of the Trek Farley 5, as well as the changes brought about by the model’s version change.

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Trek Farley 5 Snow Riding Review

I believe most people when they think of fat tires, their first thought is probably snow riding. Fortunately, when I first owned the Trek Farley 5, it was also in the middle of winter, so let me take you through the fun of riding in the snow.

Considering that I had no previous experience riding in snow, I chose a park meadow not far from home. As the tires rolled over the snow, I could hear the “crunching” sound of the snow, much like the sound of feet on thick snow, which was interesting. Right after I got on the Trek Farley 5, it made me feel right at home. The near-upright riding position was also comfortable and gave me the courage to take on the challenge of riding in the snow.

When the tires grinded on the thick snow, I could hardly feel the tires slipping. After all, the 27.5×4.50” and 27.5×3.80” wide tires are extremely stable. Looking at such wide tires, made me want to try the wheelie on the trail maneuver. I tried to shift my weight back and slowly lift the front tire, and I did it easily. So kept pedaling and the bike slowly moved forward. It’s cool, friends! It was my first time trying this move, and it was this fat tire that gave me plenty of confidence.

I was a little worried when I first encountered the downhill. After all, the snow was slippery, so I shifted into high gear while keeping my hands on the brakes. But the Trek Farley 5 didn’t shy away. As I eased off the handbrake, the bike soon left long tire marks on the snow and my body slowly relaxed. I could feel the cold wind whistling in my ears, but the VP Components Nylon Pedal Set was great and held my feet steady. At that moment I just wanted to scream and enjoy the pleasure.

Trek Farley 5 Off-road Riding Review

I have to admit that I initially chose to buy the Trek Farley 5 because I wanted to feel the fun of riding in thick snow, but its excellent performance in the mountains made me realize that it is an all-rounder.

In general, fat tires can’t match the excellent performance of hardtail mountain bikes on rocky and misshapen mountain terrain. But it performs well on loose wooded trails or the sand. Whether it’s an XC or full-suspension mountain bike, the Trek Farley 5 is hard to beat when compared to the same price range. I’ve also taken it out in the countryside for fun, and the Trek Farley 5’s overall performance did not disappoint me on the gravel trails of the loose mountain forests.

As you know, the Trek Farley 5 is a Rigid mountain bike, so I had been concerned about its damping before. But the wide and soft Bontrager vacuum tires not only had great grip but also absorbed most of the vibration from the ground. This is what I get when I ride and my hands rarely feel the bumps from the gravel surface.

With the Bontrager Haru carbon fork and the matching TranzX JD-YSP18, 120mm travel (M size) seat post, it also filters out a lot of vibration, so I still feel relatively comfortable. Of course, I can still feel a little bump if I face intense terrain.

Also, the Shimano Deore drivetrain helped me a lot on my wilderness trips. Although there are only 1×10 gears, I can feel significantly faster and less effort when climbing in lower gears.

In addition, its giant truck-like shape looks huge, but it doesn’t weigh as much as I thought it would. After all, the Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame and carbon fork are lighter than the usual aluminum, which makes me feel very relaxed.

To its credit, the sudden rain told me that the bike could handle both potholes and slippery gravel with ease. Stable, safe, and fast is the truest feeling it gave me.

Main Features

Frame group.

It looks bulky, but the Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame and carbon fork, designed by combining a lot of ergonomics, are not only light but strong and durable enough. You no longer have to worry that the frame will break in case of an accidental fall on a mountain ride.

The Trek Farley 5 has a clean and tidy interior alignment, making it easy to clean and maintain daily, and the body looks clean and simple. Unfortunately, the Trek Farley 5 paint job only comes in a cool Nautical Navy to Teal Fade color, but if you like this color as much as I do, forget about it.

To its credit, the designer has reserved a lot of space for the frame to make it more versatile. This can meet your need to bring more adequate equipment when riding off-road. The two water bottle mounting holes at the down tube will ensure that you will never feel the taste of dry mouth again on your next trip.

The fat tires are so striking that most people tend to overlook the Trek Farley 5’s almost perfect geometry.

First of all, the higher Stack/Reach Ratio (1.47, size M), dictates that the Trek Farley 5 has a very comfortable geometry. So you can control it in a nearly upright position. And the shorter Trail (410mm, M size) ensures that the Trek Farley 5 is nimble enough. You can easily make steering movements even in the face of sharp turns on hills.

Secondly, the loosehead tube angle (69°) gives the Trek Farley 5 a more comfortable ride, as well as a more open perspective, than the average fat tire bike. Coupled with an effective seat tube angle of 73°, the Trek Farley 5 excels at climbing.

Finally, the 313mm BB Height is high enough. This is something that allows you to be on rough trails and not have to worry about rocks hurting your shifter or the pedals rubbing against the ground in contact.

Components and Specifications

Bontrager gnarwhal team issue tires.

It must be admitted that all the excellent performance of the Trek Farley 5 is due to the Bontrager Gnarwhal Team Issue tires.

First of all, the tread pattern visible to the naked eye allows the tires to bite into any surface, whether it be snow or sand.

Also, the Aggressive and siped tread provides strong enough traction. Of course, if you’re still not sure how the tires will perform on snow and ice, you can use the Bontrager tire stud tool. Installing the lightweight Bontrager tire studs will ensure that the bike has enough grip. And on ice, studded tires can provide great traction.

Secondly, Bontrager tires support both tubes and tubeless tires and offer industry-leading ease and agility in tubeless conversion. I prefer the Bontrager Gnarwhal Team Issue vacuum tires.

The biggest advantage of vacuum tires is that they can run at the lowest possible pressure because the larger tires give the bike enough traction. If the sealant is then used, it allows the tires to lose about a pound of weight.

Last but not least, the Front Hub has a 15x150mm thru-axle and the Rear Hub has a 197x12mm thru-axle. this means that you can change from 26×4.7″ to 26×5″ or 27.5×4.5 ” tires.

Shimano Deore Drivetrain

I have to admit that although there is only a 1×10 shifting system, this is a common problem with most fat tire bikes. After all, the rider doesn’t have much need for shifting, whether on snow or mountain.

Perhaps it’s not just that the rugged mountain terrain limits the speed of the bike and leaves riders without much energy to perform complex shifting operations. It’s more because Trek Farley 5 takes into account that it is the common wish of most people that the bike can move smoothly and quickly in the mountains and experience the fun of riding.

And with the Shimano Deore M4100, the 10-speed shifting system has an at-a-glance optical gear display. It can be set up for three shifts at a time, making the shifting process quick enough for the rider to complete the shifting operation without distraction. As a result, it has become an old standby for mountain bikers, and the Trek Farley 5 is no exception.

SRAM Level Hydraulic Disc

Claiming to be SRAM’s lightest and most precise two-piston braking system, it is also a presence we cannot ignore.

With stiff two-piece calipers and larger friction discs and a more aggressive organic pad compound, the SRAM Level hydraulic disc will always bring you to an immediate stop, at any moment you want to.

It is well known that disc brakes can provide better braking performance than mechanical disc brakes, and it is simple and convenient to brake with just a gentle toggle.

In addition, the most obvious advantage of disc brakes over rim brakes is that they can brake quickly without fear of rain or snow. Therefore, disc brakes are undoubtedly the best partner for this fat bike.

Other versions of Trek Farley

If you feel that the Trek Farley 5 is not as effective as the shock and want a faster, more comfortable riding experience, consider the Trek Farley 7.

Not only does it have the high-end Manitou Mastodon 34 Comp (80mm travel) fork, but it also comes with the more advanced SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain. If the Trek Farley 5 still gives you bumps when you hit a steep hill, you should be nothing but happy on the Trek Farley 7.

Undoubtedly, faster speed and smoother shifting operation are what the Trek Farley 7 can bring you. Unfortunately, the frame of the Trek Farley 7 is still made of aluminum. If you want a carbon frame the Trek Farley 9.6 will also satisfy you, but that also means you will have to pay more dollars.

If you have a limited budget, Trek Farley 5 is the best choice. Although the speed and comfort, are still almost interesting, dealing with the general mountain is enough.

If you are interested in our other mountain bikes, you can see our related articles.

Learn More: Trek Farley 7 Review-Strong Contenders

What we like about it

• The wide and comfortable tires allow you to have a pleasant riding experience in all seasons without fear of any terrain.
• Bontrager Gnarwhal Fat Bike tires support the installation of tire studs, encountering slippery roads, an additional layer of protection.
• Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame with Bontrager Haru fork is strong, lightweight, and sufficiently shock absorbent.
• Hidden internal alignment.
• VP-536 nylon platform pedal, sturdy and non-slip.
• The Shimano Deore power system is fast and easy to operate.

What we don’t like about it

• The only Nautical Navy to Teal Fade color does not give the color control party more room to choose.
• What are the tire sizes for the Trek Farley 5?

The tire size of Trek Farley 5 is M-27.5×4.50” (front), 27.5×3.80” (rear)

• What does the Trek Farley 5 drivetrain look like?

The Trek Farley 5’s drivetrain is Shimano Deore M4100, 10 speed

• What are the brakes like on the Trek Farley 5?

The brakes on the Trek Farley 5 are SRAM Level hydraulic discs.

• What are the dimensions of the Trek Farley 5?

Trek Farley 5 Specs

Comparison T able

Salsa mukluk deore 11 vs trek farley 5.

Speaking of fat tires, the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 is also well known. Despite having smaller tires (26 x 4.6″), the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 does not have an advantage over the Farley 5 in terms of weight. And in terms of speed performance, the two are not far behind each other.

However, although both are Rigid fat-tire bikes, the latter (Trek Farley 5) has a carbon fork and TranzX JD-YSP18 Seatpost with travel, making it more shock absorbent than the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11. Therefore, it can bring more a comfortable feeling when riding.

Last but not least, the cheaper price of the Trek Farley 5 gives me no reason not to choose it.

Fat Tire Bicycle Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 Review-Sand Buster

Norco Bigfoot 2 vs Trek Farley 5

Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Norco Bigfoot 2, which also has 27.5″ tires and an aluminum frame, is its speed. To be honest, the speed of the Norco Bigfoot 2 is outstanding among fat-tire bikes in its price range.

But that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily perfect. After all, radical geometric poses are not for everyone. At least, I’m still rather worried. Because I like to ride in snow or ice, too fast and too aggressive geometry position can’t give me enough security.

Exactly how you choose depends on how you ride, and what the main riding conditions are. The Trek Farley 5 is not fast enough, but it’s good enough in general mountainous terrain.

Giant Yukon 2 vs Trek Farley 5

What impressed me most about the Giant Yukon 2 is its comforting geometry angle. The near-upright riding position is friendly enough for people who don’t like to ride bent over. But it also means that the Giant Yukon 2 has trouble supporting riders to show off their handling skills in the mountains.

Also, the Giant Yukon 2 didn’t give me much comfort as far as damping was concerned. Maybe it would be better if Giant equipped it with a dropper seat post again.

Kona Woo vs Trek Farley 5

More than its not-quite-perfect geometry, the Kona Woo’s biggest criticism is probably its speed – after all, at $2,499 it’s not cheap.

Honestly, I feel that the Kona Woo’s groupset, tires’ rating, and speed, as well as comfort, may not be worth the price.

After all, users pay more money in exchange for higher comfort, and faster speeds. But clearly, the Kona Woo has not lived up to my expectations.

In case, the above comments are helpful to you, please remember to share the subscription. Have a great day!

Learn more: Top 10 Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes – For Different Budgets

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Screen Rant

"i want to honor him": chris farley biopic star paul walter hauser on challenge of playing snl legend.

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SNL: The 10 Best Chris Farley Skits & Sketches Ranked

This $203 million video game movie failure makes fast & furious’ 20-year success even more impressive, why daniel craig's 007 was so dark explained by a james bond parody franchise.

• Paul Walter Hauser reveals that he expects people to have strong reactions to the upcoming Chris Farley biopic from director Josh Gad due to how beloved the real-life figure was.
• He plans to approach the role with " love and effort ," and will be putting on weight to more accurately portray Farley's physicality.
• Hauser has proven himself a powerful comedic and dramatic actor, and the biopic has the Farley family's blessing.

Paul Walter Hauser discusses his approach to playing Chris Farley in the upcoming biopic about the Saturday Night Live legend . A handful of SNL cast members have gone down in history as not just being the funniest people on the show during their tenures, but some of the funniest comedians, period. Farley, who passed away in 1993 at age 33, is undoubtedly one of these figures, and he's now set to be the subject of a biopic from director Josh Gad.

In a recent interview with Variety , Hauser comments on the challenges inherent in playing a larger-than-life comedy legend like Farley for Gad's biopic. The actor acknowledges that the movie is sure to elicit some strong opinions from audiences, but stresses that he's going to approach the role with as much respect as possible . As far as his appearance, Hauser confirms that, after losing weight for some other projects, he'll " shoot back up to about 250 [pounds] for Chris Farley ". Check out his other comments below:

"Oh no, it’ll make it more difficult just for perception. Everybody’s going to judge the crap out of the movie and have very passionate, hard-line opinions. I’m not worried about playing Chris because I know I’m going to approach it with a lot of love and effort. "At the end of the day, all you can do is work hard and try your best to love the character and the project as much as possible. To me, that doesn’t seem like much of a hurdle with Chris. I adore him. I want to honor him. I want people to leave the theater, having laughed and cried together."

Paul Walter Hauser Is A Great Choice For The Chris Farley Biopic

The actor has an impressive resume.

While exactly capturing Farley's unique comedic energy is likely going to be an impossible task, there's reason to believe that Hauser is the best person for the job. The project, firstly, has been given the Farley family's blessing, and SNL creator Lorne Michaels will serve as an executive producer. Approval from Farley's family and Michaels' involvement is certainly a positive sign right off the bat, and it suggests the project will explore the comedian's life with care and thoughtfulness.

Chris Farley is a legend in the realm of Saturday Night Live, with his best skits often having his co-stars break character due to his outbursts.

From a performance perspective, Hauser has also proven that he's up to the task of portraying the SNL legend. It was Richard Jewell that first put him in a prominent starring role, and he's since appeared in BlacKkKlansman; I, Tonya; Cobra Kai; Black Bird; Americana; Bupkis ; The Afterparty; and Old Dads . He also voices Embarassment as part of the voice cast of Inside Out 2 , which has been a critical and commercial mega-hit in recent weeks.

In addition to starring on SNL from 1990 to 1996, Farley appeared in movies like Tommy Boy , Beverly Hills Ninja , Black Sheep , and Coneheads .

All of these roles have allowed Hauser to show that he possesses not just comedy chops, but he's also a skilled dramatic actor with a compelling screen presence . If reports are to be believed, director Quentin Tarantino certainly thinks so, as Hauser was once apparently being eyed to lead the now-cancelled The Movie Critic , which was expected to serve as the director's final film. Judging from Hauser's latest comments, however, it will likely be some time before the Farley biopic comes together and audiences get to see him in action as the SNL icon.

Source: Variety