If your idea of a great day is testing the limits of your skills on a bike that can take you up, down, and wherever you want to go, Remedy is your ride.
Submitted by
K7GD
a Cross Country Rider
from NEVADA
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2012
Strengths: THE 2012 MODEL HAS THE BEST OF TECHNOLOGY FOR THE MONEY. ESPECIALLY IMPRESSED WITH THE DRCV SHOCK AND FORK. ALSO, THE SHADOW PLUS DERAILLEUR IS QUITE IMPRESSIVE. I TOOK A RIDE OVER A VERY NASTY ROCK GARDEN AND EXPERIENCED ZERO CHAIN SLAP. THE SHADOW PLUS IS A LITTLE TRICKY TO DIAL IN, BUT ONCE DIALED, PERFORMS AS ADVERTISED. THE HANDLEBAR IS 720mm, HAS AN 80mm STEM ON THE 18.5 INCH FRAME. THE SADDLE IS SURPRISINGLY COMFORTABLE AND THE WEIGHT OF THE BIKE WITH ONE WATER BOTTLE CAGE AND CRANKBROTHERS EGGBEATER 3 PEDDLES SHOWED 29.1lbs. I AM SURE ONCE I SWITCH TO TUBELESS THAT WILL DROP TO LESS THAN 29lbs. THE DRCV SHOCK AND FORK ARE INTUITIVE TO DIAL IN AND PERFORMED FLAWLESSLY. I APPRECIATE THE STOCK CHAIN STAY PROTECTOR BUT IT TOOK NO HITS FROM THE CHAIN DURING AN EXTREMELY ROCK RIDE IN THE NEVADA DESERT
Weaknesses: I WILL POST ANOTHER REVIEW AFTER THIS SUMMER. TIRES THAT CAME WITH THE BIKE WERE NOT TLR. I WILL RUN THE STOCK TIRES UNTIL WORN AND SWITCH TO WTB BRONSON TUBELESS USING SUPER JUICE.
Bottom Line:
AFTER RIDING THREE HARDTAIL 29ERS, I DECIDED TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT MOUNTAIN BIKING. fOR YEARS I HAVE PRIMARILY TRAINED AND COMPETED ON ROAD BIKES...I NO LONGER RIDE ROAD BIKES...FULL TIME MTB. I CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT I HAVE BEEN MISSING WITH FULL SUSPENSION. HARDTAILS HAVE THEIR PLACE, AS DO 29ERS, BUT I CANNOT SEE A LOSS IN SPEED AND CLIMBING WITH THIS BIKE VS MY FISHER PARAGON.
THE COMFORT AND INCREASED SPEED THROUGH ROUGH TERRAIN AND DOWNHILL MORE THAN OFFSETS PERCEIVED HARDTAIL SPEED OVERALL. I CAN'T DESCRIBE WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO RIDE FOR TWO HOURS AND NOT FEEL BEAT UP. FOR THE MONEY, THIS BIKE HAS IT ALL.
Similar Products Used: MY PREVIOUS MTB BIKES WERE GARY FISHER X CALIBER, A SECOND X CALIBER AND MORE RECENTLY A GARY FISHER PARAGON.
Bike Setup: STOCK SETUP. CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT I WOULD IMPROVE UPON. I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO RIDE TO THE FULL MECHANICAL ABILITIES OF THE BIKE. I BOUGHT A SECOND BONTRAGER WHEELSET WITH 26X2.2 STREET TIRES (BONTRAGER HANKS) FOR URBAN USE.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Damoridesbikes
a Weekend Warrior
from Canberra
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2012
Strengths: Great Pedaler, Light, Handles well, Good Value,
Bottom Line:
Great Bike, Well Suited to technical fast trails and inspires Confidence. There is also so much room to upgrade, Not that you need too. The whole package is also topped off with a Shimano XTR Shadow Plus Rear derailleur and some great Bontrager Rhythm Elite Wheels.
Submitted by
brainer101
a Weekend Warrior
from Toront, ontario
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2011
Strengths: Everything. I've been riding a Kona Kula for years and bought the remedy 9 for some more extreme riding. Great bike, definitely boosts your confidence and lets you tackle anything. Really gnarly technical stuff that would give me a hard time on the Kula is no problem, i just smash at it full speed and the Remedy just ploughs through it with no problem. I use it for some freeride type stuff, and if i fall off elevated planks it doesn't matter cause the suspension absorbs everything. It's a great bike.
Weaknesses: None that i've come across yet. Really who cares about the cost, if you're considering this bike then money isn't of concern to you. It's expensive yes, but if you buy this
bike you will not regret it. Everything is so adjustable and well put together. The bike looks like a beast ,but honestly, based on feel i don't think it weighs much more than my Kula!
Bottom Line:
If you've been looking at this bike just buy one, if you can find one. It's a great bike and you won't regret it. This bike is definatly more than capable to handle anything i plan on throwing at it. Suspension is rediculous, there is no pedal bob, and the elixir CR brakes are super adjustable (easy to adjust the calipers to stop brake rub, no tool reach adjustment, no tool contact adjustment, just great). Buy one, it is worth the money no question.
Submitted by
Tony Green
a Weekend Warrior
from Melton, Victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2011
Strengths: Even speccing of parts ie: no cheap cassettes etc
The technology they have actually works. Geometry is very good, though I think the 2012 changes will perfect it.
Fox fork is phenomenal at speed.
- Stiff chassis
- Through axles front and rear
- Shimano drivetrain shifts very smoothly and is wearing well.
Weaknesses: intrupted gear cables ( fixed by drilling ot the guides and running a full length housing ( again, fixed on 2012 model.) The fork feels noticably more flexy than the Rock Shox Lyric on my '10 Enduro. Its fair to say that the fox Fork is a trail/all mountain fork and nothing beyond.
Bottom Line:
After riding Specialized bikes for a decade, I reluctantly made the switch to Trek. Since then, I've never regretted it for a moment. This is a thoroughly developed and well sorted bike. Particularly good is the even quality of parts throughout, rather than a fancy derailer, brakes and the rest being a hit and miss pick of hubs, cassette, chain etc as I've found on my other bikes.
If you're after an all round bike that's extremely versatile, I highly recommend this bike. I think it stops short of being a freeride bike though ( the fork is a bit light for that ) . If your after something with more freeride intentions, try swapping to a 160mm fork.
Similar Products Used: 2000, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2010 Specialized Enduro's
Bike Setup: I run around 30% sag in the rear and the fork at about 20%. This helps keep it a little more stable.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
norcal77
a Cross Country Rider
from Chico
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2011
Strengths: 12mm rear through axle, Fox Talas 120-150mm shock, Fox rp 23 rear shock
Weaknesses: handle bars, seat post and stem could be lighter for the $$
Bottom Line:
Your may feel a little Bro buying a trek, however the money they have to spend on R&D is obvious. The geometry in this bike is leaps and bounds ahead of the competition and its obvious as soon as you get on it. Sometimes you can buy a product that isnt the big name brand, this isnt the case this time. Trek is dominating all the races in 2011 and this bike is a great example.
Submitted by
frickinGUY
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2011
Strengths: solid build, top components, relative light weight (for AM machine), pedal efficiency
Weaknesses: put on a chainguide to help with chain slap and dropped chains. Bottomed out the DRCV shock a few times on relatively small drops.
Bottom Line:
came from the 2010 fuel ex to the remedy 9. felt like i outgrew the fuel ex and wanted something more well rounded for the technical terrain i'm riding. the extra travel was welcomed with not much notice of weight gain or pedal efficiency loss. as a matter of fact i believe i can climb easier on tech because of the bottom bracket clearance. i've cleaned sections i was never able to do on my fuel ex. got tired of dropping the chain so opted for dual ring chain guide. haven't dropped a chain since.
CLIMBING
Fox talas is nice for extended climbing, drop it to 120mm and it just works. not much of a xc climber but i can keep up with most.
DESCENDING
isn't this the reason why you haul an AM bike up the hill? this thing SCREAMS downhill. it just rips. cleared many sections i was never able to make. stable in the air, soft on the landings, and plush all around. ABP is legit. have bottomed out the DRCV shock a few times. think i need to mess with the air pressure.
BOTTOM LINE
over $4k for a non-carbon bike? WTF? i got a deal on it so i can't complain. if you can afford it, you won't regret it. this is my ONE bike quiver. i'm going to use it for everything (xc, trail, dh). minus the price and the dropped chains, this is a stellar bike that will be hard to beat if you like technical ups and downs.
Strengths: Solid front to back. Thru axles make all the difference. Good component spec. Light!!!
Weaknesses: Saddle. Some getting used to the bar. That's it.
Bottom Line:
This is the one bike. Has a similar feel from the saddle to the bars as a Kona Coiler but way lighter. I'm 6' with 32' inseam and the 18.5 is perfect with the stock stem and bar. Rode the 9.8 all day on the trails and the 8 at Ray's indoor for seveal hours. Since Trek bought Ray's they keep some demos there. Big thumbs up to Trek for doing this because now I'm certain the Remedy rocks. Does the skinnys, ladders, drops, and jumps like no trail bike should. The only thing is I think Trek raised the prices on the '11 line. This puts them in the price range of Pivot. But with all of the Trekk dealers you should be able to find a deal. MB Action mag (May '11) review was a little harsh on this bike with their statement on the pedaling. It's not as firm as a Pivot, but definitely not soft with Propedal off and their is no real bob to speak of. Especially when it's ripping a trail at a speed you've never imagined on a 6' bike. 3 chillis since they raised the price.
Strengths: Possibly the world's greatest bicycle. Mine is a 2009, the last year of the good Remedy's. Great travel, the XV can really absorb bumps. The ABP suspension really makes a difference when you're flying down hills. Mine weighs in at 28.7 lbs, and I don't care what you say that is crazy light, especially for a bike with this much travel. I really don't think there are any other bikes out there that offer this much in such a light package.
Weaknesses: I would say the biggest problem with the Trek Remedy is that it got replaced in 2010 with a much sadder version, that ways nearly the same with less travel. Sad Face.
Bottom Line:
I've had the opportunity to ride a lot of great bikes, and this one is absolutely the best. I guess I haven't ridden it everywhere, but I've ridden it where it counts. I've had the opportunity to take it up to Jackson for world famous downhill, bike parks at Sol Vista, Winter Park, and Angel Fire. It really does incredibly well bombing down hills. The front and rear suspension just soak up bumps, it's ridiculous. I've never had any problems with the talas or the rp23. I've also had to take it on some epic treks through Moab, Slick Rock and whatever that one is by the Monitor and Miramack (something creek). This thing cranks on all day marathons.
Similar Products Used: Yeti 575, Santa Cruz Nomad, Scott Nitrous
Bike Setup: Stock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Scary Old Man
a Weekend Warrior
from Spokane, WA
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2011
Strengths: The perfect balance of XC and Freeride. A great climber for it's weight and an unstoppable decender for a 6" travel bike.
Weaknesses: The stock fork should have been a Fox Talas. An all-mountain bike needs adjustable travel up front. The stock bars should have been wider. you can always cut them down if you don't like it. And on a personal note, I don't like white bikes.
Bottom Line:
So far this is pretty hard to beat. I have other bikes, but even on an XC ride I find myself taking the remedy. My DH skills have always been fair, but this bike inspires me to be a better rider. Drops look smaller, Gaps look shorter and ridiculous steep slabs of rock with sh***ty exits, well they look the same, but I ride them faster now. I think that anyone looking for an all mountain ride should put the Remedy on their short list.
Bike Setup: Mine is a 2008, so off came the float 160 to be replaced by a Talas 36. The Bontrager bar and stem went too. Now it has a Thompson 80mm with a salsa Whammy bar cut to 755 or 29.5". The tires it came with were Nevegals, and I know people love them but I think they ride slow. Now it has Schwalbe Knobby Nicks 2.25 set up tubeless. I replaced the big ring with a salsa ring dinger. (no fireroad flying here, our descents are more gnar and less spin) I also swapped the rotors to 6 back 7 front. I might smoke a rotor once a year on a big descent, but otherwise 6" is plenty and they stay straighter. I've been really happy with the stock wheelset, light, wide, stiff and tubeless ready.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
shademan50
a Cross Country Rider
from Farmington, CT
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2010
Strengths: Gets me over most anything. Light for a 6 inch travel bike, but not that light. It has a high bottom bracket that doesn't hit rocks, able to ride faster. The geometry inspires confidence....I'm back to enjoying mountain biking.
Weaknesses: It's light, but not that light (29 pounds)the hills hurt. Expensive, but it was my choice to buy it, at this point I have no regrets. The tire are big and heavy, but they seem to hook up on everything.....so I'm giving them a chance
Bottom Line:
I've had the pleasure of riding all the country, Moab, Sun Valley, Durango, The Northeast Kingdom, South Carolina, West Virgina. Only W.V can compare to the trails we have here in CT. The trails here are consistently rocky, they just beat you up. After riding the Scalpel for the last 5 years,I wanted a totally different bike. One with more travel, a higher bottom bracket, and bike that's forgiving if you pick the wrong line. Most of all I wanted a bike that would will make the most out of my mediocre skills and bring back the enjoyment of mountain biking. I knew whateve bike I picked it would be heavier than the Scalpel's 25 pounds.
I certainly feel I picked the right bike; the Remedy 9 is an awesome machine, and it's only 2 pounds heavier than the 9.9 which a couple grand more. Since getting the bike I have cleared sections of trail that I have never cleared before; sections that cleared 50% of the time are now easy. I can now hang with faster riders....most of the time. Although the hills hurt a bit more, it's worth it to be on a bike that enjoy riding. Over all I feel the Remedy has made me a better rider. If you live in area with lots of loose rock, trap rock and baby heads, etc.....then you can't go wrong with the Remedy..
Similar Products Used: My last bike was a Cannondale Scalpel. It's a light weight racing bike and for that purpose it rocks. I don't have the option or time to test a multitude of bikes. I just have read reviews and just make a choice....
Bike Setup: Full XT, Avid CR brake, XR4 tires
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Vagabond Son
a Weekend Warrior
from SouthCoast,
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2010
Strengths: Stiff rear end, great pocket for agressive downhill, 150mm travel perfect for my height and weight. DRCV and front FIT are the bombe. Confidence inspiring on larger drops since I've switched from my XC ride.
Weaknesses: Original price (however, got it on sale pre-2011 line release)
Bottom Line:
Weight to performance ratio; take this on if you want to bomb down mixed trails, and not want to expend too much energy going up the hill. Ability to modify/tweak the front and rear shocks to suit is perfect for passing through rooty trail sections and rockgardens like a hot knife through butter. Looking forward to Moab next year.
Strengths: * Great angles
* Superb pedalling platform for a 160mm travel rig
* Climbs as well if not better than similar priced short travel trail bikes
* Descends like a rocket - be prepared to wait a long time for your mates at the bottom
* Great bb clearance
* Superbly stiff chassis
Weaknesses: * High bottom bracket can make you feel 'perched' on slow, tight, techy,sections, other than this I can't honestly say anything
Bottom Line:
* This bike might just make you that rider you always hoped you'd be - Hoofing ride!
Similar Products Used: Santa Cruz blur LT
Cove Hummer
Lapierre Spicy
Santa Cruz Nomad
Bike Setup: SRAM X-O
Shimano XTR Mechs
FOX RP23 Shock
FOX RLC 36 Talas
Thomson
Avids
Bonty finishing kit
Maxxis High rollers 2.35 for hard riding duties
Schwalbe Nobby Nics if you want to rip the legs off your XC mates
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
philcruz
a Downhiller
from derbyshire
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2010
Strengths: i ride this bike most days and i must say its brilliant at everything cant fault it at all,uphills are really easy with talas set properly and pro pedal set up
Weaknesses: had to rebuild all rear free hub but think that was due to pessure washer dont use them any more,
Bottom Line:
i bought this at xmas off a ladf that had it as a insurance replacement and never used it,im so glad its goes down hill a dream and i use it for xc too just done a 32 miler without a problem,all mountain being the best words to describe this bike,just ordered some crankbrothers opium dh in red for it and gona run tubeless,if you have the money get one you wont be disapointed
Similar Products Used: santa cruz blur,scott ransome,scott carbon scale
Bike Setup: hayes brakes,bontrager rythm pro,carbon xc monkey bars,100mm carbon headstem,joplin remote post(worth its weight in gold lol)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
B Rad
a Cross Country Rider
from Bow NH USA
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2009
Strengths: I did a 27 mile ride at Otis and another 21 miles at Trail of Tears. It does it all very well. At 5 or 6 pounds lighter that my Rocky it climes better and this was with the fork up all the way. If the Talas was working I can amagine nothing can touch this bike on climbing.
Weaknesses: THE PRICE!!!! are you kidding? Talas fork did not come back up after lowering without stopping and lifting up the front end and waiting a few seconds. This was a big bummer as it kept me from using the fork lowered to climb. I hate bikes that klank on the way downhill. This bike rattles and is noisy on the downhills. After 50 miles I was likeing the bike so much it stopped bugging me, however....one of the first things I noticed on my next ride was the bike I was now on was quiet!!!! My ratings are only low because the price is a bit far fetched. Totally capable bike and I would have rated it very high if it were a bike in the $3000-$4000 dollar class.
Bottom Line:
let me say it again. THE PRICE!!!! are you kidding? I have 3 killer bikes all that I like more than the Remedy and I will just say at $2200, $1950, and $3500 they cost me a lot less. Heck the 2 Less expensive ones totalled only $4150!!!! With all the whining done about the price it is a very Ripper bike. And I am very glad to have had the extreme pleasure of going on two huge rides on it. Thank you Tim and all the guys at S&W for letting me test ride this bike while My other ride was Kaput!
Similar Products Used: Rock Mtn. Slayer 50 2006. Gary Fisher 2010 Rumblefish.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Shane Fever
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2009
Strengths: Lightweight 6" travel "All Mountain" trail bike. The 2009 Remedy 9 is the ultimate single track machine, providing excellent no bob pedalling capability with its "Evo full floater" rear suspension. The Fox RP23 & Talas 36 are quality components.
Weaknesses: The only weakness I can think of is the rear suspension being too plush for my style of riding, I had to increase the air pressure in the rear shock well above recommended settings for any type of dirt jumping / BSX. This also helps reduces the steering rake which is why Trek have gone to 150mm travel forks for 2010.
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike, still getting used to the rear suspension geometry. Would definately recommend the 2009 Trek Remedy 9 to anyone who does a lot of single track riding mixed with some tricky downhills. The 2010 Remedy 9.8 would be the one to get.
Looking at picking up a 2011 9.9 Remedy frame, and the shop couldn't give me the answer's I was looking for.
1. Does the frame come with the adapters to run the ABP skewer with Read More »
Sam Shultz's Remedy 9.9 was stolen out of a garage in Tucson where he is training for the winter.
Check out his tweet feed.
[url]https://twitter.com/#!/sam_schultz[/url]
s Read More »
OK, so I went out to put a new part on my bike yesterday and it was gone... bastards! So someone lifted my Heckler out of my garage yesterday around 1PM while I WAS HERE! Pisses me Read More »
Can anyone confirm that the 9.9 is compatible with the Cane Creek Angleset, I tried to have the shop (Trek Franchise) install the CC AS that I bought from CC for my Remedy 9 and th Read More »
