A cyclocrosser’s long-term review of the Trek Boone
For the uninitiated, cyclocross can seem like a really odd sport. It’s a throwback endeavor, a European pastime that brings together the perfect mix of road biking, mud, obstacles, cold weather, and extreme intensity. Those who love it, really love it, and pretty much everyone else thinks we’re crazy. Oh, and it’s the fastest-growing cycling endeavor the world over.
I’ve been racing CX for 5 seasons now here on the East Coast, with middling results, but it’s great fall/winter fun with each early September serving as a prelude to get into shape for the 45 minutes of full-on effort. The season lasts thru December, with each Saturday and Sunday promising another bout of pain, then, in a fashion that only the Belgians and Dutch could have created, comes the beer. It’s a ritual, and a good one for those who tend to otherwise find themselves on the couch during the colder months.
This year was to be MY year. I wanted to make a play for the Top 10, and who knows, maybe a podium. With the right training and timing on fitness, it seemed doable. So, I 
took a long look at what I could control and what I couldn’t, and that led to me one key variable: tech. I needed a better bike. I’d been riding a serviceable CX rig for 4 years, and while fine, it was outdated. I was losing points on a number of fronts because of my bike (and let’s be honest, what’s more fun than buying speed????) So, I hit up Patrick, and the good folks at Chainwheel, to help me with my dilemma. I wasn’t ready for what they conjured.
To call the Trek Boone a “game-changer” would be plagiarism, but it would be the most accurate term. Nevertheless, let’s just say that the bike Chainwheel delivered up opened the aperture of what I deemed possible on a CX bike. For the Boone, Trek borrowed from their super-popular, endurance/Paris Roubaix/Cancellara rig, The Domane, to create a dialed-in, incredibly-forgiving, speed-accepting CX bike. At its core, the Boone, like the Domane, has Trek’s patented bump/vibration dampener: the IsoSpeed decoupler. The details are out there if you want to know more, but suffice it to say, the technology is driven by the placement of a XX at the juncture of the seatpost and downtube. It does exactly what you’d think, and a few things that might not readily occur.
On my first ride, it felt a bit like walking on ice. The IsoSpeed decoupler allows you to float a bit (but nothing like an actual suspension, it just passes along an almost imperceptible feeling of gliding). After about 20 miles or so, I began to realize just how special this was. I finished a 40-miler on the new bike and was as fresh as I had started. Areas where I might have felt fatigue in the shoulders and neck were noticeably absent. I found this translated perfectly to races too. The bike is exceedingly forgiving, and CX races are exceedingly not designed to be. After about 40 minutes in a CX race, my back starts to hurt. No longer. The bike was serving its purpose. You can imagine how this benefit would translate into gravel grinders, endurance events, etc.
Then there’s the stability of the Boone. It is remarkably dialed-in. In CX races, so much time is gained (or lost) in the corners. They can be 180’s w/ a muddy line at the apex making for exceedingly dicey stuff in the best of conditions. The Boone allowed me to float in a much more confident approach while on course. Further, the bike handled choppy, rough courses with aplomb. That extra sense of balance really helps when negotiating difficult conditions. 
The geometry for the Boone is slightly more aggressive than the Domane, but I didn’t find it uncomfortable. I knocked out a 60-mile gravel grinder on it and was none the worse for wear. I climbed countless hills in Vermont on it, so it’s plenty light. As far as spec: I was running SRAM’s Force CX-1 gruppo, which I highly recommend mostly because it brings an awesomely simplified approach to shifting. One ring on the front. Lots of gears on the back. Excellent shifting. What’s not to like? I ran Bontrager’s TLR 5 wheels and found them fine. Maybe a little lighter set of wheels would’ve transferred a bit more oomph over 45 minutes, but mostly they were serviceable.
One final thought: I don’t necessarily view this bike as simply a CX bike. Given the gravel/endurance craze of late, I’d give the Boone a proper look if that’s your jam. It’s well-priced, and up to the task of all-day riding, especially if you like a slightly more aggressive layup. It’s available with disc brakes, and will accommodate much wider tires than a standard road bike. If you’re looking for a bike that will do most anything (and want to avoid the jeers you’d receive if you bought a hybrid bike—jeers you would most richly deserve), buy this one.
So, about that season of mine…two young kids, a knee injury, and holiday beers relegated me to respectable finishes, but outside the Top 10. Can’t blame the bike. On to 2016!
About guest writer Velo_DCA
Our man in DC, when he’s not tending to life (herein defined as family, work, and happy hours), is on the bike. He lives for the road, but has a significant CX problem. Often friendly, nothing to prove, always chasing. Bikes: always n+1.
He lives in DC and their huge cycling scene. Sees a lot and writes really well.
beginner cyclist (and new employee) walking up to you and saying “I want to turn pro!” My reaction might be, “Um, you’re crazy!” Ok, maybe Pat said that once or twice. But Chainwheel supported my vision. They allowed me the flexibility to do the Saturday morning rides, where I learned the fundamentals of riding in a fast-paced group. Chainwheel allowed me to try different seats (that’s an gross understatement – I’ve tried at least 28) when I told them I was having saddle issues. Pat has allowed me to use his Retul when I’ve had to correct fit issues (I highly recommend this service). The list goes on…
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