Submitted by
tallcanslt
a All Mountain Rider
from bishop ca usa
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2012
Strengths: Im brand new at this sport. Well, I always had bikes growning up but must say that at 32 years old I haven't been involved much since the price of bikes shot threw the roof. Anyway, I coworker of mine talked me into buying this bike off of her for 400.00 bucks. After, researching the bike and reading reviews I realized I was gettting a decent deal and decided to take advantage of it.
WOW... Its all I got to say. I already see the benefit to not having the full suspension and must say that this bike will just get me ready for the full suspension in time. Awesome bike to start out with and seems like its hard to find since I rarely see them on ebay. Ive been riding it around in sand for two weeks now and have not been stuck once. That big wheel rocks the rocks.
Weaknesses: For a rider like me who wants to be aggresive and has not been involved and can't blow 2k on a bike I can't think of any weaknesses.
Bottom Line:
If you have an addiction to adrenaline and want to get into this sport but do not want to waste money. Find one of the bikes and buy it. I don't think Ill ever sell mine.
Bike Setup: tek 69er 3x9 used fox forks and super lite.
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Submitted by
trekguy
a Cross Country Rider
from Brielle, nj, usa
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2011
Strengths: light weight, fox fork, tubless wheels, wow factor
Weaknesses: hard to purchase wheel set.
Bottom Line:
what a ride! I have been on the 29er kick since '07 and have not looked back. for the type of riding i do (XC) this bike is just amazing. the bike still rolls over everything but shreds corners like a knife. It takes a few rides to get used to the geometry of the bike, but once dialed in, a truly confidence inspiring ride. I tend to ride the front wheel of my bikes and this suits the 69er very well and the fox fork works like magic. I am surprised this bike never really caught on with people, but am glad I have one. I'll never sell this thing! Don't fall for this 650b marketing ploy, get a Trek 69er. Get one while you can!
Bike Setup: stock accept tires, maddux front wheel, bont. ssr seat, avid juicy 7 front brake
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Submitted by
stifftailer
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Alamos, NM, USA
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2010
Strengths: FAST, solid components, front wheel
Weaknesses: seat is a little hard for my bum. Rides will get lonely in the front.
Bottom Line:
This bike will take what you can give it and beg for more! The Fox in the front with the 29" will get you over anything. You can still make a tight line around corners. Upgrade the seat, get tubeless tires, and hang on.
Similar Products Used: GF, Santa Cruz, Giant, BMC, Kona, Brodie, Devinci.....
Bike Setup: Stock 2008 geared...will be upgrading the shifters and rear derailleur to SRAM. Also, the saddle and seatpost will be dealt with too
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Submitted by
cgrubbs
a Cross Country Rider
from charlotte nc
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2009
Strengths: no need to pick a line this will roll over anything
Weaknesses: it is a hard tail
Bottom Line:
this bike hauls a** it will fly downhill. I am going to kill myself, I am over confident and still i push it faster! it is a little slugish in the technicals but i am learning to shove it around more obsticals. it is a great bike but its taking me some practice being a 69er.
Similar Products Used: i have like six bikes and have ridden a lot more
Bike Setup: mostly stock i switched out the hand grips for some deity and of course cant ride without a wtb under my butt
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Submitted by
ikeman
a Weekend Warrior
from Easley, SC, USA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2009
Strengths: 29" wheel rolls over stuff easily while the 26" rear wheel drives and accelerates well. Handles very well.
Weaknesses: Handlebars uncomfortable and wish it had sram shifting gear.
Bottom Line:
I love the bike, it makes me faster which is important since I bought it to race endurance XC on. It was a great choice. It is fast, predictable, quick, and confidence inspiring. I recommend it for anyone. Great Escape of Greenville SC set it up perfectly, great people and service.
Bike Setup: Specialized Avitar seat prefered for epic riding.
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Submitted by
S2k Dude
a Weekend Warrior
from Georgia
Date Reviewed: December 23, 2008
Strengths: Great bike! Just the right size for me (I'm 5'-11", bike is Large-19"). Bike does everything well, climbs, accelerates, bombs downhill all with great stability. I was looking for a 2nd bike that was substantially different than my Specialize Epic and when I rode it on a demo day I was hooked. The bike is solid, well built. After owning it for 3 months I'm completely satisfied with my purchase and the bike continues to exceed my expectations. Rolls over bumps with much less effort and is decently lightweight.
Weaknesses: Being a hard tail this bike rides stiff on the bumpy stuff compared to my full suspension Epic but that's not really a weakness. I'd bet the full suspension version of the Trek 69er would be nice to have as well. A little less nimble on the tight stuff but that's also to be expected.
Bottom Line:
After riding my 69er, when I go back to my 26" Epic it feels like a kids bike. The hardtail 69er is a great XC bike, I can't say enough about it.
If I could have only one bike, I might trade my Specialized Epic and 69er hardtail for the Trek Fuel 69er, then I'd have the best of both worlds in one bike. In the meantime I plan on riding the 69er on longer less technical rides and ride the Specialized Epic on the really knarley trails that has lots of drops, jumps, and steep climbs.
Similar Products Used: Test rode several other Trek and Gary Fisher bikes 26" & 29", this one out-shined them all, even carbon bikes that cost $5,000!
Bike Setup: Changed out the front derailleur to a (1x9) setup. Carbon bars, and carbon seat post came with the bike.
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Submitted by
moonraker
a Cross Country Rider
from PA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2008
Strengths: Weight, Component Spec, geometry, fit, Fox forx, trek warranty
Weaknesses: Long cage XT's low ground clearance, bontrager seatpost and seat.
Bottom Line:
very fast and light, it has the snap of a bmx bike. It's different and it takes a bit of adjustment, but it is big time fun! It likes the faster, smoother, swoopy terrain. Rides the rocky stuff good, but your reminded it's still and aluminum hardtail. On the smoother stuff it's a little rocket ship. I feel good too knowing that Trek backs it up with a lifetime warranty.
With the frame being made overseas, I feel the component spec could be a little better for the price. But compared to other brands, there's nothing else out there like it. Way more agile than a full on 29er, and rolls over stuff much better than a 26er.
