Submitted by
Sparky8
a Cross Country Rider
from DFW, Texas
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2008
Strengths: Looks, components, price
Weaknesses: None yet..
Bottom Line:
OK, I was looking for a bike to get my wife into mtb riding.. I had her demo the Specialized Myka and Trek 3900, 4300 and 4500 WSD's. I was about to pick up a 4300WSD and found this in the local paper. I was unsure if the geometry would work for her, but non-the-less for a C-note how could I go wrong.
So for the $100 initial investment the bike was in OK condition. The frame has a few scratches on it, but nothing that effects perfomance (and my wife doesn't care) I changed the rear derailleur with a new XT ($55), New Sram 951 chain ($13), new brake pads ($12), new grips ($3)and switchewd the stem to a shorter one, so for under $200 This is a great bike and much better components than she would have got. As for the geometry, between the stem and seat adjustments, that is a non issue. Only downside is now the set up is way too small for me to ride it.
Trek built a winner here, at least for year 2000...
Bike Setup: manitu forks, wtb rims and tires, shamon darailers and crank sets
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Submitted by
ANDREW
a Weekend Warrior
from BATON ROUGE, LA. USA
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2005
Strengths: BULLETPROOF, LITE, BEAUTIFUL
Weaknesses: HARD TAIL
Bottom Line:
BEST BIKE I HAVE OWNED. ABUSED IT FOR FIVE YEARS WITHOUT A WHIMPER. STILL ALL STOCK INCLUDING TIRES. I WEIGH 245 LBS! RIDE ROUGH AND DON'T SERVICE BEARINGS OR SUCH. I RIDE ABOUT 4 HOURS A WEEK AND NOTHING HAS FAILED ME. THIS BIKE IS REALLY AN AWESOME PERFORMER TOO. I DON'T KNOW WHY PEOPLE TALK CRAP ABOUT BONTRAGER COMPONENTS BECAUSE THEY JUST ROCK! NEVER TRUED THE WHEELS!
Submitted by
Phil Dipietro
a Cross Country Rider
from Abingdon
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2004
Strengths: This bike is very durable and easy to use in tight places. It is light and designed very well. It is an awesome bike to climb with.
Weaknesses: The bike is equipped with Rock Shocks and they suck. Not much travel at all. Also I tried to put a seat quick release on the bike and it was impossible to find one at a local dealer, even where I purchased the bike didnt have one. I had to order it specially for this frame. That always sucks.
Bottom Line:
Overall it is a good bike but like every other bikes the manuafacturer gets money some way or another
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Charles, MO
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003
Strengths: Climbing and acceleration were top notch; very stiff tail. Handled exceptionally well. Good componentry. Odd but cool bright yellow and purple paint job.
Weaknesses: Icon crank, Bontrager tires (although they were pretty good in sand), Bontrager clipless broke in a few weeks
Bottom Line:
Bang for the buck, there was no topping this machine. It did well; I only wish I hadn't traded it for an 8000 a few years ago. I wish I still had this bike.
Similar Products Used: Trek 8000, Klein Attitude Comp
Bike Setup: Stock, except I replaced the handlebar because I bent it up on a sic drop off (admittedly it was a good yard sale), put some specialized clipless on and changed to Michelin Comp and occassionally Conti Twister Pros
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Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Charles, MO
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003
Strengths: Climbing and acceleration were top notch; very stiff tail. Handled exceptionally well. Good componentry. Odd but cool bright yellow and purple paint job.
Weaknesses: Icon crank, Bontrager tires (although they were pretty good in sand), Bontrager clipless broke in a few weeks
Bottom Line:
Bang for the buck, there was no topping this machine. It did well; I only wish I hadn't traded it for an 8000 a few years ago. I wish I still had this bike.
Similar Products Used: Trek 8000, Klein Attitude Comp
Bike Setup: Stock, except I replaced the handlebar because I bent it up on a sic drop off (admittedly it was a good yard sale), put some specialized clipless on and changed to Michelin Comp and occassionally Conti Twister Pros
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Submitted by
marino the man
a Cross Country Rider
from edmonton
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2003
Strengths: this bike is a frickin' steal of a deal for the price that they were bening sold for... like some other people have said, instead of blowing a wad on a nice derailer trek spread the dough around very nicely and put together a very competent spec!!!!
Weaknesses: one thing that felt awkward is the long feel in the top tube, just means that you have to be more aware of your body position on the downhill stuff, as mentioned above if I really had to complain there was a lot of flex in the cranks and the components could have been lighter and nicer but I am really starting to dig for stuff to complain
Bottom Line:
for the kind of price range that this bike fit into, it was an absolutely incredible deal... you get decent components, a solid, no bs frame with some standard proven geometry. and a cool paint job that you won't see on many bike ( mine was the flake yellow)... however you have to keep in mind that it is an aluminum bike and although it has barely any detectable flex in the frame it has absolutely no give either ( none of the resiliency of the newer alu frames or steel or ti ) but we are talking about an alu bike and as far as this bike goes it is awesome, it cooks on the single track is a capable downhiller and will get you through some technical single track... I would say this bike is probably one of if no the best bikes for those of you whom are the weekend warrior, or just want to dip your feet into the world of mtbing... you can get this bike feel what you like and don't like and then you have a wicked ass frame to build up if you wan't or you can keep it the way it is and you have a great bike
Similar Products Used: merlin echo, rocky vertex, specialized s works ( stump jumper and rockhoper )kona hei hei
Bike Setup: stock
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Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from OKC, OK
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2003
Strengths: quiet, stable, economical, out of the box racer.
Weaknesses: sloppy shifting on the rear der. Bontrager's not the best in mud
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this:
There is NO bike, i mean NO bike better for under a $1000, and probably better that some bikes that cost $1500-1700. This is the best setup you can get for a $1000 no question. If you're looking to upgrade and you can only spend a $1000, stop searcing the websites and reading the magazines, this is the only bike. Too bad Trek realized they had such a bargain racer that they pulled it from production. i have a 2000 with the metal flake yellow frame and cobalt decals.....sweet. I will ride it forever.
Similar Products Used: giant rincon, specialized rockhopper
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Submitted by
JR
a Weekend Warrior
from Groton MA
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2002
Strengths: Great bike for the buck. Has the frame of the Trek 8000 just without the name. Can take pretty good abuse. It is a sturdy and liteweight bike. 25 pounds is what it weighs in at. Definently the best bike for under a grand. 00' model is definently a better model cause in 01' they downsized it to the Trek 6700 which in my opinion is not as a good a bike for the money you'll pay for it. This bike is a great bike for beginning racers.
Weaknesses: It's a little heavy in the back. XT rear derailer sucks at shifting in mud but is smooth as ever all the same. Judy XC shocks are great but the adjustment doesnt work as well as it should.
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike, take a look at it if youre a rider on a budget, not made anymore but you can still find them. Trek makes a great frame.
Similar Products Used: Trek 6700, Specialized Rockhopper, Gary Fischer Tassajara
Bike Setup: Judy XC front suspension, Icon crank, Icon seatpost, Bontrager tires and wheels, Bontrager FS+10 seat, Cateye Enduro 2, Avid 2.0 V-brakes, LX front components, XT rear components, Icon handelbars, Trek 7000zx frame.
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Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlottesville VA
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002
Strengths: Ride like aluminum is supposed to. Very responsive, Light, durable. Great for the serious rider on a serious budget.
Weaknesses: The shifting sucks when muddy (albeit this is more due to the 9 rear gears, what ever happened to the 7?), toeclips are second rate and crank has flex.
Bottom Line:
This is a very light, fast, well built rig. I weigh over 200 lbs and ride very aggresively and it has continued to hold up (except for those damn chain rings). I would recommend it to anyone who liks the stiffness and response of traditional aluminum and is more accustomed to the older geometry of the longer top tube. Hands down the best ride under a grand
Bike Setup: stock, with flipped stem, brake stiffeners
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Submitted by
Makena Forestell
a Cross Country Rider
from Southampton, NY, US of A
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002
Strengths: A great bike. Especially for the price I paid for it. very cut and dry componants, easy to get used to and learn on.
Weaknesses: broke the chain 3hrs after i bought it. next week broke the pivot on the front derailleur. and the front brake went crappo on me. all of this was before i even hit a single trail.
Bottom Line:
I grew up in the mountains of British Columbia, the Rockies and the Cacade mountian ranges have served as backyards at many different times in my young life. So when I went to look at bikes, even on this flat island, my heart was drawn to the MTB section at my local Church...Er...Bike Shop. This bike is great dispite the constant breaks. I would suggest this bike to anyone who is just getting into the sport, or for someone who wants to add a hard-tail to their collection and don't want to spend too much. It is also very easy to work on, I have been riding for only a couple of monthes and have already fixed minor things with ease. It isn't by any means "Top-Of-The-Line" but you get an excellent bang for the buck.
Favorite Trail: The trails near Easthampton Airport
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At: Rotations, in Southampton
Similar Products Used: I demo'd a Cannondale Scalpal 1000. The price was right for the trek though.
Bike Setup: stock except for the front/rear T.H.E. fenders, trek bar-nds, and a bontreager seat.
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Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Germany
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2002
Strengths: Very Strong rims I egged the front but the bike shop guys fixed it. Also a very good frame it stood up to over 4ft drops and I weigh about 220lbs.
Weaknesses: Tires get rid of them buy some Hutchinson Gold pythons or Alligator 2.0's. Get rid of The Icon Stem, cranks, and handlebars. the seat post is optional I still have mine and it still works fine. Also git rid of the peice of crap bottom bracket and get a Real ti bb.Manitou needs to address the SX preload adjuster, it has stripped out on me 3 times.
Bottom Line:
This is a great hardtail as far as the bike weighing too much mine is 25lbs if i didden't put slime and heavy duty tires and a few other things i could have dropped about 2lbs. Buy the bike !!! 10 Flaming cow pies
Similar Products Used: Trek 930, Gary Fisher Mt.Tam, Trek 8900,SHWN Moab2
Bike Setup: Profile Design "STIFFY" stem Bontrager race Cranks w race light Rings. Time Alu pedals Bontrager racelight seat, xtr cassett Real ti bb, Hutchinson python in the front and alligator in the back.
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Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Westford, Ma, USA
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2002
Strengths: Practically the whole bike is amazingly good.
Weaknesses: First of all, the cockpit is a little bit too long for me. I feel the need to reach a lot, and comfort is a little bit of an issue. I might switch to a riser and shorter stem. Also, i would have rather gotten avid levers rather than the LX. Avids are more powerful and have better modulation. And last, the Deore front derailleur is a piece of ass. They should have stocked it with an LX.
Bottom Line:
For the price you pay for this bike, it is an incredibly good value. The Icon parts themselves are not the strongest, but all together, they make up a pretty good component set. you cant wish for much more when buying a bike in this price range. The frame is amazing being as how is 7000 series aluminum, and comes with a life time warranty. It holds up well to the abuse mtb, and even a little mild freeride. As far as ride goes, this thing is super solid. It climbs like a mad mofo, and descends just as good. Some people think that the ride is harsh, but you get what you pay for. This is a snappy hardtail. Little or no flex is the name of the game. This has taken everything from cross country, to freeride, and has performed strongly no matter what i do with it. The manitou sx front shock is perfect for me, and i need it on the lightest setting to receive a plush ride. It has very little flex, i am 135 lbs, and i have never bottomed out. I have had no problems with it. Another thing that is not a major issue, but it is still sometimes a piss off, is the durability of the paint. It seems like my white paint cant hold up to even a little torture. Another issue that many people complain of, that has not been much of an issue with me has been the re-1 pedals. To me, they have been nothing but good. I have beaten them on rocks, and to this day, work as good as the day i got them. Overall, this is an incredibly strong bike. Every part that it comes with is not the strongest that it could be, however Trek did a great job with the parts selection. Rather than giving it one or two high end products, they spread the money around to create a well rounded bike that does what it is supposed to. It can be upgraded to your liking and become pretty much anything you want it to. I am very dissapointed that Trek pulled this bad-ass off of the market however because it was an amazingly good deal. It is too bad, because if you did not get the 2000 model, you get stuck with the now 6700, a pretty shi*ty(freakin dumb ass censor thing) compliment to this thing. Whether you are just a cross country rider, or maybe even a mild freerider, this bike is one of the best deals out there. You break something, just replace it and this thing becomes even more fun to ride. What more could you want in a bike. In conclusion, this is probably the best bike that i have ever tried, and i am damn glad that i bought it.
Similar Products Used: 2000 Trek 6500, 2001 Trek 6700, and 2000 Gary Fisher Big Sur
Bike Setup: pretty much stock, but probably not for much longer. The only thing that i have replaced to this point is the grips. I have changed them to Profile Designs. I am looking to get a riser, a shorter stem, and maybe some avid levers, possibly some new pedals, seemingly as how many people have experianced breakage.
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Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Libertyville
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2001
Strengths: Very light and can move around well and not too expenxsive
Weaknesses: doesn't always shift to well
Bottom Line:
Very good bike and i would suggest it to anyone who has some money and wants to get into mountain biking