Submitted by
noobrider
a Weekend Warrior
from akron, ohio, usa
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2010
Strengths: strong, light, affordable, made in the US.
Weaknesses: bontrager fs+10 saddle (ouch!)
Bottom Line:
My first "real" bike. pick up used for $300. had all the employees mad because they wanted it themselves.im just starting out riding but, i love my bike man. i always thought people who spent hundreds and hundreds on bikes were retarded, i thought they could be any better than my huffy! i was retarded. the first time i shifted this bike i thought it was broken because it didnt rattle and clunk for 5 mins until it found a gear! it is super comfortable (now that i replaced the saddle), it rides smooth, handles the single track very well i think. overall A+ from me.
Similar Products Used: crappy dept store and rental bikes.
Bike Setup: stock
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Submitted by
Danny Ledbetter
a Cross Country Rider
from anaheim Ca USA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2008
Strengths: I have ridden this american built Trek for nine year's in several types of environments. It lost a crankset the first day and never a problem since.
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
I ride this bike each day for exercise only and try for 14 miles per day weather permitting. It is kept in door's and I bought it because it was made in the USA. Sorry you don't still do that with this model. Overall I am very proud that I made this choice and would consider another trek. Anyone who has a desire to buy a mountain bike should go for this model as it is durable and won't leave you walking.
Bike Setup: as shown at store w/brake pad upgrade from stock.
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Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Bolton, UK
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2008
Strengths: Frame, frame, frame and frame! 9 speed cassette, good quality bb (still going strong in 2008) and fairly decent spec components. Good wheelset.
Weaknesses: If you want to thrash it hard you will need to upgrade the components (forks, wheels, brakes and drivetrain)
Bottom Line:
I fell in love with this bike from the first time I rode it and I just can't bring myself to part with it, so I have just upgraded the components as they have worn out (or broken). Fitting a disc brake to the rear in Jan '08 was a challenge as there are no IS disc tabs on the frame, but an A2Z adaptor came to the rescue. I have hammered this frame for years and it just takes it all!
Similar Products Used: Specialized rockhopper comp
Bike Setup: Tora 318 forks (10mm travel), XT shador rm, LX fm, Original Deore crank & BB, mavic crossride disc wheelset, XT shifters & Hope mono mini disc brakes. Maxxis high roller tyres.
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Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2003
Strengths: Incredible frame. Light and strong. I'm 6'4" and 210lbs. and I ride hard (lots of jumps). Frame is light (21.5") and moves nice. Great Black and red paint. Nice Bontrager stock wheels- still use ocasionally with Panaracer trailblaster 2.1 tires and stock casette.
Weaknesses: Frame has none. Depending on the rider, some components could use upgrading.
Bottom Line:
Down tube is nice and fat. Frame is definately worth all of the upgrades. Stock components are pretty decent except for toe clips. Definately outgrew the Judy C fork. Great bike for all around rider. With some simple upgrades, can be a super racing bike with a real sharp and unique look.
Similar Products Used: Ridden GT, Kona, and Trek Fuel.
Bike Setup: Still have stock drive train- will switch to XT this summer. RockShox Duke XC U-Turn fork (great!!!). XT Rim Brakes and levers, Thompson Elite post, Easton EA70 stem and bars, Yeti bolt-on Grips, SPD 959 clipless, Mavic '03 crossride wheels, Kenda fat 2.35 tires (tubed tires installed w/o tube). Just got xt 8 speed cassette. Selle Italle ti gel seat.
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Submitted by
Jason Happ
a Racer
from Oakton, Virgina, USA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2002
Strengths: Solid component choice for a stock bike- Trek put the good stuff where you need it (for the most part)
the frame is sweet, i've never had any kind of problems with it and i have put it through hell
Weaknesses: The Bontrager Mavrick wheelset sucks- the spokes always come loose, and then bend and the rim is really weak- also easy to bend the rings on the crank set
Bottom Line:
It was my first good bike, i started racing on it. Then i started getting into this sport, i then started to become not satisfied with not having the top of the line parts, so i am slowly upgrading. If you want a good upgrade-able bike this is the one to get-if you can still find them.
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Hookooiekoo- Raleigh M80- Trek 930, 6000
Bike Setup: 1999 6500- Race Face Next LP crankset with Time ATAC Aluminum pedals- Rolf Urraco disc wheels with Avid Mechanical discs- Manitou Mars Super- Shamano XTR rear derailure (sometimes i think that i should've just bought a really nice bike to start)
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Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Sault Ste. Marie
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2001
Strengths: The frame possesses great geometry for the entry level rider. It is light and stiff for the price paid. Good shifting, fork and wheelset for the money.
Weaknesses: Crank and chainrings are weak. Front derailleur also low quality and sloppy.
Bottom Line:
Great entry level cross country bike. A little heavy. If you want to race it would be well worth your while to swap out the fork and wheels for lighter ones. A more stretched out geometry would also be nice for racing but the 6500 geometry is efficent and comfortable for everyday riding. The stock Jones are great for all condition riding; much better than the Jones AC that Trek now stocks on many of its bikes. The Revolt SS that I just got are super fast(at least 2km/h faster than Jones overall) and handle well in all except excessive mud.
Best bike available for the price in my opinion. Don't buy a full suspension in this price range. Hard tail in this price range blow them away.
Similar Products Used: GT backwoods, Rocky Mountain Oxygen Race
Bike Setup: Bontager Racelite bar and stem. Titec seat post. Selle Italia Trimatic saddle. XT derailleurs. Bontrager Race crank. Bontrager Revolt SS or Jones Tires. Rock Shox Judy Race.
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Submitted by
Dave Ashton
a Cross Country Rider
from dg,il,usa
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2001
Strengths: It is a very solid frame with the perfect weight and geometry for the price range. It is also good to upgrade on and it has good components for the price.
Weaknesses: It has great handling, but can be a little too solid on rocky decents, I have a suspension seat post. I didn't like the judy so I had a jett xc put on so it had a little more response, it was also cheaper.
Bottom Line:
This is a great beginer bike for all ages and is very responsive. If you don't have alot of money but you want a sweet ride, this is it.
Bike Setup: Now I have a Manitou Mars C-1, XT v-brakes and ceramic Bontrager mustang wheels on it which make it so much more supple
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Submitted by
Beau
a Cross Country Rider
from New Ulm , Minnesota
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001
Strengths: Hi....this is a pretty nice cross country bike...if ur a first year person and like hardtails this would be the frame 2 go with...this was my first mountain bike frame
Weaknesses: it's soooooo damn weak.....after a while when u jump ds or just down at the track in a esitmate....4 weeks the frame begins 2 flex a lot...and make creeking noises....if u buy this bike it's not 2 smart 2 jump with it....
Bottom Line:
This bike is very nice for cross country.....but ONE thing IF u USE V-BRAKES GET A BREAK BOOSTER....when I was my brakes....i can see the frame flex when i pull the lever....in the rear
Favorite Trail: mad squrril or pink poddle at mt.kato
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Bike Setup: xt/xtr, king, I used 2 have sids but went with a judy cause they are easy matnince, strong , don't need flex, and good for jumping.....time carbon clibs (just for races) ( I used platforms for jumping....
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Submitted by
jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Montana
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001
Strengths: FRAME,you cant do anything to that beast.
Weaknesses: brakes are weak, the crank is a little heavy
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is the bike kicks a$$ for the money. It will last you a life time. Upgrade the brakes and maybe the crank, but not a necessitie. I've only had it about a month, and it already has me hooked. For the money, you wont get a better bike. Great for xc. If you are a beginner or a pritty solid rider, the bike will do it for you.
Bike Setup: Sid shock, to the most part deore components,
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Submitted by
Jam Der
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario Canda
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001
Strengths: IS a great all around cross country bike
Weaknesses: Icon clipless cleats ware quickly. Shimano A centre cog bent.
Bottom Line:
My first reliable, good quality, tough bike that deserves respect. I ride fairly often through wet muddy conditions and some dry hilly ares. Ny bike holds out really well and I am completely satisfied with the deal I recieved.
Bike Setup: LX components, A-headset, Mavik rimes, Icon clipless pedals
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Submitted by
Hesse Hertgers
a Weekend Warrior
from Lumby, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001
Strengths: Got a nice solid frame, the Judy C's are nice and plush.
Weaknesses: The Corvairs suck, very weak, the brakes perform very poorly on downhill.
Bottom Line:
The bike has nice geometry, good for climbing those big heavers and technical riding, although it may be a little too upright for technical as I have some trouble on the tight corners.
Weaknesses: You get what you pay for. Bottom of the line BB and crankset are hella heavy. Lots of generic parts (stem, calipers, etc.)
Bottom Line:
I'm very pleased with my decision to pick up a Trek. I was a little strapped at the time I got it, so I kept it pretty much stock until recently. Aside from being a bit hefty, the bike has served me well. The LX rear derailleur has given me a couple of issues, but a visit to East Coast Bicycles took care of that. I'm a big guy (6'2", 215lbs) and have not had any issues with durability. The Corvairs are solid and I've never bottomed out the Judy C.
I'll check in after I get all my new goodies bolted on. Next upgrade will be XTR brakes and calipers, XT rear derailleur, and XT shifters. I thought about trading up to the 8500, but the frame is pretty much the same. Once my Judy C gives up on me, I'll upgrade that and have pretty much the same bike. When I do get another bike, it will be a Trek.
Bike Setup: Upgrading (as we speak) to a Rolf Urraco wheelset w/ Mich Comp S tires, Thomson Elite post and stem, XT BB and hollowtech crankset, XT 8spd cassette, SRAM chain, XT front derailleur. Shimano 858 pedals, RS Judy C.
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Submitted by
Jeff
a Racer
from Lynchburg, Virginia, USA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2001
Strengths: Very strong frame....have whiped out many times and it keeps on goin. Good weight too....the Alpha ZX frame is light.
Weaknesses: Chain hangs but not often at all. With a new crank...weight would be much less. Tires are good but I hate wire bead.
Bottom Line:
Awsome beginner bike!!!Makes a great racer with some upgrades...
Bike Setup: PORC Classic kevlar tires, Clipless pedal setup..
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Submitted by
Big G
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, Ca
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2001
Strengths: Very good frame design. Comfortible. component selection for this bike is very good.
Weaknesses: They should put a shimono crank on to mach with the front derailer, back, and cassett.
Bottom Line:
This bike for only 525 is a real butt kicker. I love this bike and wouldent trade it for anything! I am a weekend xc rider and beet the cra* out of this bike. I have only had one problem with this bike which is that the cranc has a tendence to cause chain suck. first thing you should do to this bike is get the all travel spacers for the shox and then get a better crank.
Bike Setup: Bontreger wheel set up. deore shifter, and front der. lx rear and cassette. Judy xc.
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Submitted by
Chris Tatum
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland Oregon
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2001
Strengths: Frame is Great!!
Weaknesses: Tires suck.Brakes mushy.
Bottom Line:
After a few minor changes this bike is great!New brake pads help a lot and tire change should make a huge impact.Ride with guys on FSR sports, Raliegh M7000,GT's ect. and i'm right with them(they crash i pass). LOVE THIS BIKE!! Will buy a TREK again . If you see one in the paper Grab the phone!
