The Trek Remedy 8 is a trail bike by nature but if you want to really want to be technical, this is a model that fits the “all mountain” designation established a few years ago. It boasts close to 6-inches of suspension travel front and rear, aluminum construction, Trek’s Full-Floater suspension linkage and Active Braking Pivot (APB) technology. For $3,150, you can pick up a 2012 Trek Remedy 8 exactly like ours, which consists of 5.9 inches of suspension travel via a Fox 32 TALAS RL fork and Fox Float RP2 DRCV shock. Continue reading →
Strengths: The fact that it can do so much so well
Weaknesses: The only problem I have had with this bike is dropping the chain. put on a chain guide and all is well.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike in the spring of 2010. I have ridden it cross country, Whistler downhill, freeriding on the North Shore and Sumas Mt, and even used for a couple enduro type races (4-5 hour courses). It feels good in the air and climbs admirably. The angles make it a bike that can do lots realy well.
Similar Products Used: Giant Reign X0, Cannondale Gemini
Bike Setup: only thing I put on was an E-Thirteen chain guide and went tubeless with Schalbe Hans Dampf tires
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Submitted by
krs22
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2011
Strengths: Climbing, Cornering, Rock Gardens, Drops and technical trails. I really enjoy the adjustable fork for climbs. Dominates the Downhill with its integrated suspension.
Weaknesses: Have not found one. Maybe a 36 size front fork for Moab.
Bottom Line:
Trek Remedy has proved they are the top mountain bike in this class. The competition is about 3 years behind in research and development in my opinion. The advantages are the ABP braking system, EVO suspension system. 12mm through axle instead of 5mm for a 10% increase stiffness in the rear. DRCV Shock that has a bottomless feel and handles drops like a dream. E2 Headtube for stiffer frame and more response in cornering.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Nomad. Yeti 575
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Submitted by
poppawheeley
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Vegas, NV
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2011
Strengths: Bottomless. Lightweight. Excellent tracking. If you land off camber the bike rights itself instantly.
Weaknesses: Blew through the front travel coming off a big boulder at Gooseberry Mesa. Mostly rider error but really put the front end to the test. Ended up flatting in the process.
Bottom Line:
Confidence inspiring. Lots of smiles. In particular I remember this bike seemed to find itself completely comfortable through every part of the day riding North & South rims of Gooseberry Mesa and bombing down the White Road.
My wife told me I look hot on this bike.
Top Fuel WSD is an excellent choice if you're looking for a bike for your woman.
Strengths: Durable Frame, Great Components, Very Stiff, Decends amazing, fork and rear shock are very plush, rear never bottoms out.
Weaknesses: 2step on lyrik breaks easily, original tires are crap, narrow bars.
Bottom Line:
This bike hits drops very well, and decends like a downhill rig, and even when climbing has a stable pedaling platform, the full floater is the best rear suspension I have ever used for the sole reason that it never bottoms out, and is very solid. On the frontside one could expect the 2step to not break, but the Lyrik is super plush and relatively tunable. This bike is great for any type of trail, espescially coming down. On the climbs it is a bit of a lug,but that is resolved by the propedal and floodgate. Overall this bike is awesome!
Similar Products Used: Jamis Dakar Bam, Specialized Enduro, Specialized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup: Full Deore XT, Big earl Wheels, Panaracer fire FR tires, lyrik and RP23
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Submitted by
Pricey184
a Weekend Warrior
from Glens Falls NY
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2010
Strengths: Outstanding rear wheel tracking...stays planted.
Flickable and yet very stable.
Weaknesses: Way too wide bars for my liking.
Bottom Line:
This bike is amazing thus far. I am alittle rough on equipment....and thus far has handled my riding technique. Rear tire tracks amazingly well compared to a single pivot Santa Cruz. Rear end has yet to feel loose (bolts/bearings or axle) in any way. My Cruz was sloppy side to side, and my Giant wasted Bearings like it was its job in life. So far, Trek really has held together well. From climbing to down hill rock gardens....this bike is great. Climbs very well, bike floats under you with little effort and no energy lost. When pointed down the hills, it shines. I have yet to find something that I would truely gripe about and say that I regret purchasing this bike. Great bang for the buck.
Similar Products Used: 07 1/2 Santa Cruz Heckler, 05 Giant Reign 2
Bike Setup: XT everything, KS seatpost, Talas RL up front RP 2 in the rear.
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Submitted by
jitenshakun
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2010
Strengths: Smooth climber
light weight
value for $$$
solid read end
All mountain geometry
style
Weaknesses: Talas RL
Stock tires aren't ideal for loose dirt, nor rocky terrain
Bottom Line:
This bike climbs better than expected and descends with confidence. Don't fool yourself, it isn't a FR bike so you'll have to slow it down on the rough stuff if you're used to a bigger bike. That said, the comfort with which you'll climb and pedal on the flats will make up for it.
My only beef is that the bike is under forked. The back end is surprisingly smooth and plush, which is a stark contrast to how the Talas RL feels up front. With a slightly bigger fork this bike would be a 5/5 for me.
Similar Products Used: Previous FS rigs include a Knolly DT and a Santa Cruz Superlight
Bike Setup: stock, but for Minion DHF Exo protection tires and Oury grips.
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Submitted by
Chesny
a Cross Country Rider
from Vail, CO USA
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2010
Strengths: Transforms from capable XC bike to freeride bike on the fly.
Excellent cornering and breaking.
Loves anything and everything that's technical.
Very durable, I've only had to replace the chain after 2 years and it still rides like the day I bought it.
Weaknesses: After 2 years of riding still can't find one.
Bottom Line:
I also took a 2010 Specialized Enduro for a 1 month demo and will make comparisons.
The Remedy 8 is a very strong climber that loves technical assents. The suspension and tires keep super sticky grip while going over any roots, rocks or whatever is in front of you. Tight switchbacks are what surprised me most about this bike, it’s just awesome and it doesn’t matter just how quick of a 180 you have to perform. On non-technical climbs the Fox RP23 shock and Rock Shox Lyric 2-Step fork adjust for optimum climbing with no noticeable bob and a very good climbing geometry, the bike is very comfortable to ride. You can really dial the suspension in and ALL adjustments can be done on the fly. It almost feels like a cross country bike except for the stouter and a little heavier frame and fork compared to an XC bike. Compared to the Enduro the Remedy definitely out climbs although my Enduro did not have adjustable fork travel (a major drawback in my opinion). The Enduro does not corner as well either. The Enduro also likes the technical stuff but you will expend more energy on climbs. Compared to an XC bike the Remedy is going to climb a little slower on smoother stuff but will get over the technical stuff with far more ease.
Descents ah yes the reason we all look at All-Mountain bikes. Once you are at the top of your climb take in the view adjust suspension as needed (which again can be done on the fly if views are not your thing). Fork and shock are fully adjustable to suit your needs. With both fully extended and open this bike will just FLY DOWN THE HILL! I work at the base of Vail Mountain’s gondola area and routinely pass people in full downhill bikes. The Remedy soaks up everything and will correct a few of your mistakes. It loves the tight turns and the Kenda Nevegals will grip anything you throw at them. The ABP (braking) on the Remedy will give you a lot of confidence and control up until the last second on fast descents. The large rotors and grippy Nevegals will stop you or allow you to really gain control in any terrain or tight turn situation. At 30lbs it’s a lightweight descender you can control at will and flick around corners. You think it and the bike does it. The Remedy is just tight all around and feels solid with confidence inspiring handling. On descents the Enduro matches up well with Remedy. The Remedy does feel better in tight turns. On descents the Enduro will also fully please you as does the Remedy. I did like the 2x9 drive-train on the Enduro. For descents comparing the two is a toss-up. Both bikes are extremely durable and will provide you with a long smile inducing life.
Bottom line I say buy the Trek Remedy it is 1 bike that does it all. You will get to the top quicker and with more energy to enjoy the downhill. The bike does not have a weakness it transforms from a capable XC bike to a full on Free-Ride bike in seconds and on the fly. Also a good addition to your garage if you are an avid racer with a top of the line XC race bike.
Bike Setup: XT drive train, shifters and disc brakes. Fox RP23 shock, Lyric 2-step fork. Add-ons from stock include Easton Monkeylite DH carbon handlebars and Crank Brother adjustable seatpost with remote setup
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Submitted by
j_h_vance
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Gatos, CA
Weaknesses: horrible seat, seatpost seems to slip even when tight, brakes, esp front, way too quick to engage, stock stem a bit too short for me (5'11").
Bottom Line:
Put your old seat on this bike first thing. After that try to do something with the brakes, esp the front. It is so incredibly touchy (meaning the slightest pull easily locks the front wheel) which is not good for super technical rocky downhill terrain. I endo'd a few times before deciding to use the rear brake almost exclusively on the technical sections of the trail. The tires are ok, but they don't hold well on slabby granite. The stem is too short, though maybe not by much -- I'm 5'11" w/ a 32" inseam on an 18.5" frame.
BUT, other than those complaints it is a *great* bike and I rode some rough, rocky sections that I've previously failed on using my Blur. The suspension is super smooth and the lockouts front and rear really work. The geometry works for my tastes -- slacker in the front. I don't think I was any faster going uphill (though that is more a reflection of my fitness than the bike), but it sure seems faster and is definitely more fun on the downhills!
Similar Products Used: Santa Cruz Blur XC, many others
Bike Setup: stock except swapped out seat after one painful ride
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Submitted by
bullterrier
a Weekend Warrior
from Sheffield, Yorkshire, UK
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2010
Strengths: Lyric Forks, Fox rear, frame, XT Running gear, Geometery, ride, looks and feel.
Weaknesses: seat clamp and seat, awfull, dropped every time I got Big air, so sent email to trek and they replaced clamp with double fix upgrade FOC no quibbles. Side walls on tyres very thin. Cables rub paint on frame paintwork.
Bottom Line:
If you are as mad as me, then get one, if not, don't bother! it has the ability and is capable to do more than you ask it to do, it's a very strong bike, good up hill riding position and dam good on the downs!!!! great suspension all round, the root beer paint work gets looked at in envy too!
Similar Products Used: Pitch Pro, Stumpy, GT I drive. (not as good though)
Bike Setup: As factory plus the new seat and seat clamp.
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Submitted by
SunCoastAndrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Sunshine Coast, Qld, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2010
Strengths: Weight Vs strength and capability, stiffness (frame is a thing of beauty), suspension action (plusher than my 6 inch freeride bike, active under brakes, pedals up hills like a scalded cat!)and it corners like it's on rails! Price drop from last year in Aus was huge. ABP skewer is rock solid and DRCV shock is awesome (easy to set bike up too!)
Weaknesses: original saddle is rubbish, and XT shifting doesn't compare with sram X9. Fox fork could be a little softer on small bumps but it's still bedding in...
Bottom Line:
I sold my other bikes to get the one bike to do it all - this bike will be used for DH shuttles, DH enduro's, weekly trail rides, 50+ klm events and 12/24 hr team races. Had to compromise and get 2 wheel sets which gets the bike down to 12.25 kgs with pedals, 185mm rotors, computer attached and 2.35 maxxis ignitors. Only 3 rides in and I'm already bloody impressed and I'm still getting it set up properly. Cornering is phenominal and it pedals up anything - best with propedal off. Powers through the rough stuff and launches the small jumps hit so far. Loves the berms and snakey single track. I find myself looking for every possible root or lump to launch off - it's just makes everything so much fun. Will have to write another review once something more serious is ridden with the big tyres on!
Submitted by
Jase K
a Weekend Warrior
from Brighton, UK
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2010
Strengths: As mentioned by a few people, the frame feels stiff, including the back end. After coming off owning an Intense 6.6 for nearly 3 years you can certainly notice the difference. Geometry is also great (I have a medium and am 5'11, fits great), again far better than the 6.6! Short and steep back end, fairly relaxed at the front, perfect BB height, very impressive
Weaknesses: Mmm, had SRAM X9 previously and XT just isn't a robust for more aggressive riding (jumps, short DH tracks, etc). There is a bit of bob when compared to VPP set up but can be reduced with pro-pedal lever
Bottom Line:
More and more impressed with the bike as time goes on. Certain the geo is just spot on for almost all types of riding, infact, even started to do a few low speed tricks/trials type riding and it works as good as any sus bike would. Bike flies lovely. Frame stiffness is great, world apart from Intense 6.6 (back end), just wished I had kept my SRAM stuff. Bike also feels very light considering its chunky looks (just wish mine wasn't the white color one), but still wondering how it would compare to a Lapierre Spicy though......???
Submitted by
bk12
a Weekend Warrior
from Southern Cal
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2010
Strengths: I really like this frame! I am coming of a 2008 Fuel EX 9.5, which was a great bike in its own right, and really enjoying the 2009 Remedy. This thing climbs as well as my EX, but inspires a lot more confidence on the descents-it is very capable in this regard. It is a very stiff frame, and the full floater/ABP technologies really work. I am a very big guy using this as a trail bike, and it fits that bill perfectly. I am running tuned Talas 36 on the front, which seems to be a good match for this bike. I really appreciate the feel of the frame on very steep climbs with my Talas cranked to its lowest setting-very helpful. That being said, on anything but the steepest technical climbs, I keep it at 160mm setting, which feels just right on the Remedy. I can't say I have run into a situation yet that makes me miss my Fuel EX.
Weaknesses: None that I have found at this point.
Bottom Line:
If you are in the market for a 6" trail bike, this really deserves a demo. Trek packed a lot of technology into this thing, and they really seemed to dial in the geometry.
Bike Setup: Stock, but heavier wheels, remote seatpost and Talas 36 fork.
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Submitted by
Kiwi MTB
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2009
Strengths: The bike is stable, tracks and brakes well on the fast down hill, climbs well and the bike has good balance for the techincal rides. The front and rear suspension is awesome and soaks up rough stuff.
Weaknesses: None worth mentioning.
Bottom Line:
This bike is outstanding and fun to ride, it is worth every cent.
Submitted by
juice
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2009
Strengths: Great geometry! The rear end is laterally really, really stiff, and the suspension feels great. Lifetime frame warranty, and five year wheelset warranty are unbeleivable.
Weaknesses: The seat feels like a 2x4, stock tires aren't as aggressive as the frame warrants. I prefer SRAM shifters/rear D, but that's just personal preference.
Bottom Line:
What a great bike! I was debating a few bikes, but the Remedy had the right combination of geometry, suspension and a killer warranty. It just feels good, and I'll use it from pretty much everything from xc epics to pedally freeride stuff.
Other bikes I was considering included the Reign X, Enduro, and Rocky Slayer SXC. There's really a lot of good bikes out there these days. The Remedy just fit my needs best with slack geometry, but still light and nimble on the climbs. Uninterrupted seat tube was a huge selling point, plus that killer warranty!
One of the things I'm most impressed with are the wheels. They're light enough, standard 3X lacing, tubeless ready, and wide enough for heavy duty use. Most all other tubeless rims are either too narrow or too heavy (ahem, Mavic). These are just right.
The only complaints are minor. I pretty much only run Nevegals for my trail bikes, I prefer squishy saddles, and I like short stems. I'm also switching to SRAM so that all my bikes have the same shifting system - going back and forth is confusing for me.
Trek really has roared back into the mountain bike scene with these bikes. They obviously put a lot of design time into the Remedy.
