The 920 is the off-road touring bike of choice in the Trek catalogue, given its low gear ratios and ability to fit 29 x 2.2″ knobby tyres. Not only is the 2018 Trek 920 off-road capable, but you can fit some fast-rolling touring slicks and fenders, and it’ll be ready for a big road tour.

The Trek 920 uses aluminium for the frame and fork construction (as opposed to steel) in order to shed weight. Although we don’t have the exact numbers, the difference could be as much as 1000g (2.2lbs) depending on frame size.

There’s been a few changes to the 920’s specification this year – let’s take a closer look. 

The 2018 Trek 920 Off-Road Touring Bike

The biggest change to the 2018 Trek 920 has been the switch from barend shifters to integrated road levers. SRAM S-700 levers make the gears much more accessible when cycling in the brake hoods, bringing the 920 more in-line with the specification of other off-road adventure bikes. It’s important to note that the brakes remain hydraulic (SRAM S-700) despite this change.

Despite now employing integrated road levers, the bike still uses a 10-speed SRAM X7 mountain bike rear derailleur. Trek can do this because SRAM, unlike Shimano, uses the same shift-ratio between their road shifters and mountain bike derailleurs. With the SRAM S1000 42-28t crankset, the drivetrain achieves a 22.5″ climbing gear, and will have a big gear capable at rolling at over 40km/h (26mph). If you require smaller gear ratios, a 22t granny ring will bolt right onto the crankset (I recommend changing the big ring too).

Otherwise, the frame, fork, wheels and components remain the same. The 2018 Trek 920 with front and rear racks (uncommon on a stock bike!) is available for US $1999.

Want To Compare The Trek 920 With Dozens of Others?

Check out the Touring Bicycle Buyer’s Guide which compares touring bike steering, sizing, gear ratios, specification, pricing and more. The Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guide does the same thing, however, with a focus on lighter bikes and models with more off-road capability. Both of these guides are updated annually with the latest models at no extra cost!

Helpful Resources

All About Touring Bike Brakes
Frame Materials for Bicycle Touring
How to Select Touring Bike Gearing
Understand Bicycle Frame Geometry
What’s the Difference between Cyclocross and Touring Bikes?

Touring & Bikepacking Bike Overview

2016 Advocate Lorax
2018 All City Gorilla Monsoon
2016 Basso Ulisse
2016 Bianchi Volpe and Lupo 2016
2016 Bombtrack Beyond
2017 Bombtrack Beyond
2018 Bombtrack Beyond
2018 Bombtrack Arise Tour
2019 Bombtrack Beyond
2016 Brodie Elan Vital
2016 Cannondale Touring
2019 Cannondale Topstone
2020 Cannondale Topstone
2016 Cinelli Hobootleg Geo
2018 Co-Op ADV 4.2
2017 Curve Grovel V2
2017 Diamondback Haanjo EXP Carbon
2016 Fuji Touring
2017 Fuji Touring
2018 Fuji Touring
2018 Fuji Touring Disc
2016 Genesis Tour de Fer
2016 Giant ToughRoad
2017 Giant ToughRoad
2018 Giant ToughRoad and ToughRoad GX
2016 Jamis Aurora and Aurora Elite
2019 Jones Plus SWB
2020 KOGA WorldTraveller-S
2016 Kona Big Rove
2016 Kona Roadhouse and Sutra LTD
2016 Kona Sutra
2017 Kona Sutra
2018 Kona Sutra
2018 Kona Sutra LTD
2019 Kona Sutra and Sutra LTD
2020 Kona Sutra and Sutra LTD
2020 Kona Unit X
2016 Marin Four Corners
2017 Marin Four Corners
2018 Marin Four Corners
2016 Masi Giramondo
2018 Masi Giramondo
2016 Niner RLT9
2016 Rawland Ulv and Ravn
2016 Salsa Deadwood
2017 Salsa Fargo
2018 Salsa Fargo Ti Frameset
2018 Salsa Journeyman
2016 Salsa Marrakesh
2017 Salsa Marrakesh
2018 Salsa Marrakesh
2020 Salsa Marrakesh
2017 Salsa Vaya
2019 Salsa Warbird
2016 Specialized AWOL
2017 Specialized AWOL
2017 Specialized Diverge
2018 Specialized Diverge
2019 Specialized Diverge
2017 Specialized Sequoia
2018 Specialized Sequoia
2019 Specialized Sequoia
2018 Surly Bridge Club
2017 Surly Troll
2016 Traitor Wander
2019 Trek 520
2016 Trek 920, 720, 520 & CrossRip
2017 Trek CrossRip
2018 Trek 920
2018 Trek 1120