In a world of increasing complexity, the stripped-down simplicity of the new Trek Superfly SS is refreshing. With zero suspension, one gear, the ability to run a three-inch wide front tire and a stock weight of 20.5 pounds, the Superfly SS an ideal bike for those who want a fun, fast, versatile and low-maintenance bike. For riders who’ve never owned a singlespeed before, Superfly SS will open up a whole new spectrum of riding. Feeling as comfortable at the occasional race as it does exploring rugged terrain or just getting out on a quick after work spin, the minimalist nature of Superfly SS will make you a fitter, stronger and more skilled rider. And thanks to its approachable $1,600 retail price with an outstanding spec list, Superfly SS is a terrific value.

Frame: Alpha Platinum aluminum Seatpost: Bontrager alloy 27.2mm Fork: Bontrager Double Bevel carbon Handlebar: Bontrager Race Lite Low Riser Tire clearance: 3.0 front, 2.4 rear Grips: Bontrager Race Lite lock-on Drivetrain: Singlespeed Stem: Bontrager Race Lite, 7-degree rise Cranks: Race Face Ride 32t narrow-wide chainring Headset: FSA IS-2 Cassette: 18t cog Brakes: Shimano Deore/Alivio hydraulic Chain: KMC Z7 Sizes: 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21.5, 23 Wheels: Bontrager Mustang Elite Color: Matte Black/Gloss Grape Tires: Bontrager XR2 Expert, Aramid bead, 29×2.2 Weight: 20.5 pounds Saddle: Bontrager Evoke 2 chromoly rails MSRP: $1,600 Rating: 5 Chilis-out-of-5

Hydroformed aluminum frame doesn’t beat you up Stranglehold dropouts hard to adjust Excellent value with quality parts spec Stock Bontrager tubeless system suffered from Superb mud clearance front and rear leakdown issues Carbon fork accommodates 29+ tire Narrow 690mm bars Front and rear thru-axles Well-designed Stranglehold dropouts don’t slip

In the last five years the bike industry seems to have gone mental with new standards, non-compatible components, and proprietary technologies that make swapping parts between bikes virtually impossible. For some enthusiasts (like myself), it’s enough of a frustration to drive us backwards in technology, opting for a bike with minimal excess. Take for instance the 2015 Trek Superfly SS, a bike that greatly benefits from modern innovation without any added complexity.

The new Trek Superfly SS is analogous to the 1993 Porsche 911 RS America – a budget-minded 911 that was stripped of everything that didn’t help it go faster; no air conditioning, no rear seats, no stereo, fabric pull tabs for door handles. RS America cost $10,000 less than a base 911, yet had as much or more performance.

Similarly, the Trek Superfly SS does without shifters, derailleurs and suspension for a svelte 20.5-pound weight, and at a $1,600 retail price, Superfly SS is an outstanding value, especially when you consider its spec list. Featuring front and rear thru-axles (15mm and 142x12mm), a Bontrager Double Bevel carbon fiber fork with tapered aluminum steerer, hydraulic Shimano Deore disc brakes, Race Face cranks with narrow/wide chainring, and a lightweight Alpha Platinum aluminum butted and hydroformed frame with press-fit bottom bracket, Superfly SS is a blend of modern innovation and minimalist functionality.

In charge of chain tensioning is a new Stranglehold dropout design, a rather genius blend of modern 142x12mm thru-axle capability and old school functionality via tensioner screws found on most vintage road bikes with semi-horizontal dropouts. True to its name, the Stranglehold layout never slipped a chain across a range of rocky, punchy terrain. The only issue I encountered was not realizing that three bolts must be loosened before chain tension can be adjusted via the tensioner screws, resulting in a broken end cap. Trek immediately sent out a replacement end cap and all was good again.

The only potential issue is that the Stranglehold thru-axle nuts require a 22mm socket to loosen – a total pain for any trail adjustments. But unless you’re planning on swapping gears in the middle of a ride, I don’t see this being a huge issue. And because the revised Stranglehold design on Superfly SS is so stout, so long as it’s properly torqued, it won’t slip.