While carbon is growing in popularity for hardtail's, there remains a strong argument for the durability offered by aluminium, and this 8500 uses Trek's lightweight Alpha Red Aluminium to reduce the weight penalty associated with aluminium.

The Alpha Red Aluminum frameset features a semi-integrated head tube, butted & formed top tube, hydroformed down tube w/integrated gusset, bridgeless seatstay, forged race dropouts & replaceable derailleur hanger.

The frame is complemented by a Fox F-Series Remote RL air sprung fork with air spring, rebound, remote lockout, alloy steerer, remote lockout and 100mm travel, with bespoke colours to complement the frameset.

One of the standout aspects of the 8500 is the Shimano Deore XT 10 speed drivetrain offering 'dynamic power transfer' to quote Shimano, reduced chain tension resulting in minimum power loss and closer ratio's. There are no shortcuts here; all transmission parts are Shimano Deore XT; mechs, shifters, chainset and chain.

The bike is finsihed off with the lightweight Bontrager Race Lite Disc wheelset, Avid Elixir CR hydraulic discs and Bontrager Race X Lite Bars and stem to create an outstanding bike.