Submitted by
MTBPhan
a Weekend Warrior
from Wallyworld, CT
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2003
Strengths: I LOVE THIS BIKE! It makes me look like a much better rider than I really am ;) Light, climbs like a giant, handles magnificantly. Looks sharp. Overall incredible value.
Weaknesses: Nitpicking->shifting. Rear deraileur can be choppy, maybe its my shifting though too, but im reading others have the same prob. Still, this is a non-issue imo.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is you can probably get a great deal on this bike, if so, pick it up! Its also got longevity, im straight on needing a new bike for a while. Great for those getting into the sport who want to start with a bike they can depend on for a while, or for the vet who needs a new solid bike.
Strengths: stiff frame decent components, light, tires hook up well
Weaknesses: brakes are mediocre
Bottom Line:
fun to ride fun to race fun to do whatever on, weather a weekend rider or a hardcore racer this is a good value, throw a sid race on and save more than a pound from an already light bike
Strengths: Light weight, stiff, first time I've noticed a significant ability to accelerate on trails. Good quality Shimano XT components.
Weaknesses: Ocassional shifting problems from Large chainring to medium chainring. On dry dusty trails, braking doesn't stop on a dime. Road bike rims seem to be more advanced.
Bottom Line:
I had my mind set on buying a Klein. After test-riding Klein, Specialized and Trek, the Trek 8000 was the most comfortable fit. On moderate difficulty trails around Denver, I can slingshot out of turns and corners, excellent feeling. Great feeling, smooth hardtail bike.
Submitted by
A Carlson
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2003
Strengths: It's a very light weight, excellent parts from XT Gears, Avid Brakes, a Rockshok, and Clipless pedals.
Weaknesses: None at this point
Bottom Line:
Would highly recommend this bike for anybody looking for a good value and quality. I used this bike for two years and had no major problems with the exception of one major crash that my local bike shop, Bayview Cycle was able to save, slight dent - but works great. Highly impressed with the beating it keeps taking.
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from LongGrove IL
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2002
Strengths: components,color scheme, good all around frame
Weaknesses: bontrager seatpost and grips, had to replace
Bottom Line:
Used on a weakly basis and is still holding up very well. The only problem has been the seatpost the kept slipping and I replaced it. The components that came with the bike for the price are a great bargain. The bike looks really good with the rolf wheels and the paint job. The fork is holding up but planning to replace with either a 03 duke or sid race. The bike feels great on the trails and it was a great buy.
Similar Products Used: giant xtc se1, gary fisher tassajara, specialized rock hopper
Bike Setup: magura hs-33 brakes, yeti grips, thomson seatpost, selle italia seat, nokian boazabeans F & R tires,
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2002
Strengths: Lightweight frame. Same paint scheme as 01 Fuel 100 and Elite 9.8. Reasonably well equipped for the price. Last year for the disk brakes on high-end hardtails. Easy to maintain.
Weaknesses: Clearcoat and paint are thin. Bontrager seatpost clamp is easy to strip. Judy SL creaks and the right forf seal has started to leak.
Bottom Line:
This is one of the best hardtails out there. I have had this for a little over a year now and the bike is still standing. No major problems to report. Frame is still intact and continues to ride well. Most of my component changes were in the interest of comfort or weight savings. Swapped out crankset b/c I wanted to save some weight, so I don't have any experience with the cranks being "flexy." Keep in mind that a lot of posts on MTBR are from people who have never even tested the products and just like to slam. Dolomite disc wheels are pretty tough. I knocked the rear one out of true once, but since adjustment has been perfect. Rear hub is loud, but I haven't had a problem with it. Stock Hayes are absolutely awesome. I will never ride anything but discs again. The small weight penalty is far worth the superior braking and ease of maintenance. The Judy SL has held up well. It is just now starting to have some maintenance issues, but I planned on getting a new fork this spring anyway.
My next bike will definately be a F/S but I anticipate having this as my main ride for at least a couple more years. Even after I get a new rig, I know I'll still ride this one. Hardtails can't be rivaled on the climbs or on the flats.
Bike Setup: Replaced BB and cranks with XT/LX, Rr der. w/ XTR, Fr der. w/ XT, Salsa shaft seatpost, Thomson stem, Selle Italia Flite, Panaracer FireXC Pro, Cateye Enduro 2.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Karl Raupp
a Cross Country Rider
from London, Ontario
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2002
Strengths: Super frame, Rolf Satellite wheels, nice componentry spec, blah blah blah - overall an excellent bike for the price.
Weaknesses: Bontrager Comp cranks sometimes is hesitant shifting to the granny. Of course when you need the granny, it's frustrating to chain suck in it's place :(
Bottom Line:
This is an update to my original review just over a year ago. After more than a year and over 2000km of riding, I am still impressed by this bike and the overall package. The frame is still rock solid, it climbs like a monkey, rails corners, downhills great and is just a confidence inspiring platform. After a year of riding and seeing my skills grow, this bike is still much better than I am a rider. I only ride cross country style, no hucking or trials type riding in my blood.
Mechanically the bike has been bulletproof. The Rolf Satellite wheels have only needed truing once and still roll smoothly and the stock componentry has held up extremely well. I've replaced brake pads a couple of times, chain once and done routine maintenance but that's about it. With as many miles of riding as I have, some parts are at the end of their life like the cassette and all the cables but I'll milk those until the season is over and start fresh next spring. I just replaced the Judy SL as I just felt like spending some money on my bike. Some things I'm amazed at how long they are lasting is the tires - like the Energizer bunny they just keep going and going and... Admittedly the rear tire is getting sketchy so it's time to research some new treads. Grips are soon to be replaced as well.
Upgrades I've done include Titec barends and I just intalled a Manitou Elite Air fork - WOW! The new fork is so far more advanced than the Judy SL it's amazing - and I really liked the Judy SL to begin with. Now that I have a new fork, I can see that the bushings in the Judy were wearing/worn. My original Bontrager seat started creaking so I put my old trusty San Marco Hovercraft on. It's a seat hated by all far and wide but my butt fits it like a glove and that's what's important.
Overall I think this is an unbeatable package! When I was looking for a bike last year, I looked at Cannondale, Giant, Specialized, Gary Fisher and so on but none of 'em had such a solid package as the 8000. And when you look at the reviews of this bike here saying how solid, reliable and ridable it is, it paints a pretty clear picture of this bike.
Bike Setup: All stock except it now sports a Manitou Elite Air 80mm fork, Titec barends, Cateye computer and a San Marco Hovercraft seat.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Wayne, IN
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2002
Strengths: Where to start? SOLID frame - beautiful welds. Decent components all around. Nice looking machine. The bike simply oozes quality. . .thank you TREK!
Weaknesses: The Avid SD3's and the LX levers/shifters gotta go. I'm finally replacing them this weekend with SD7's, Speed Dial 7 levers, and XT pods.
Bottom Line:
I LOVE THIS BIKE! Very comfortable - I've seen some complaints about the saddle but it doesn't seem to bother me. I've ridden a little of everything, but for the majority of Indiana riding I don't need a full-sus bike. The frame is ALWAYS rock solid - very confidence inspiring. Very quick, very agile, always fun, and not a single breakdown on the trail yet. I was recently in a race where mtb's and roadies covered the exact same course and you shoulda seen the faces on the roadie riders when they got passed by a mountian bike!! I loved the bike after the first month, and it continues to impress me with each ride.
Bike Setup: Stock - soon I'll have the aforementioned upgrades.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Hampshire, IL USA
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2002
Strengths: Hayes hydraulic brakes are awesome, sturdy wheels, Shimano parts, overall Value, Trek reputation,
Weaknesses: Bontranger crank, & front shifting. Fixed by LBS.
Bottom Line:
After 9 months of trouble-free riding in Illinois and Wisconsin on the roughest trails around, I took a week-long trip to Winter Park, CO to do some real mountian riding. I brought a complete tool box for the hotel room, and a Crank Bros. multi-tool in my CamelBak, expecting that something would break or otherwise need repair. NOTHING let me down! The bike and all components worked as expected. Thank Hayes for such great brakes - no arm swelling holding a death grip on the Kamakazi downhills (as I had to with previous V-brakes). The paired-spoke wheels stayed true despite riding into and over rocks the size of hall closets. The front fork worked fine, and I see no need for any upgrade there. Rapid-Fire shifting was quick and flawless. When the bike was new, I had unmanagable problems with the crank and shifting up front that could not be fixed with ordinary tools trailside -but which the LBS troubleshot and fixed. The stout aluminum frame is good or bad depending on your skeleton's capacity for shock. I put a suspension seat post in and like the ride much better. (I am used to the smooth ride of my Airborne Titanium road bike, or my old dual susp. Cannondale) I recommend this bike highly with the hydraulic disc brakes.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale dual V700, Trek 830, tested many others
Bike Setup: Hayes Disc Brakes!! Bontranger wheels! Upgraded Ouri grips, ATAC comp pedals, Rock Shox susp. seatpost, Koobi seat, cracked Performance bar end grips,
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Tim Juelson
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Forks, ND
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2002
Strengths: Frame is excellent, XT Rear Derailleur, Nice looking bike
This is a solid frame, and it is worth putting some quality parts on here. It is an all around great performer out on the trail. The frame is very stiff, which has many advantages. However, I will be adding a suspension seat post to help ease pressure on my buttocks and back. I have not encountered the problems with the Bontrager crank that other reviewers have, but it has still had some issues. Part of this may be that I am 145 lbs, but you would think a guy my size would have difficulty bending the crank ring just by pedaling hard. I bent the middle ring (merely by pedaling hard while shifting) and had to take a hammer to it to bend it back into place. The crank is another item that will be replaced in the near future. A fork with more adjustability would also be desirable, especially for racing.
Overall, this is a great bike. It does take a bit of work and a few $$ to transform it into an adequate racing unit though. If you are looking for a quality hardtail that will perform well in most situations and allow you to be competitive in the lower racing categories, then this will likely be a good fit for you.
Bike Setup: 17.5 in. frame, Spinergy SPOX wheelset, Time ATAC pedals, upgraded stem, Deore front derailleur (instead of LX), MAXXIS Mobster tires, bar ends,
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Sitkins
a Weekend Warrior
from Kalispell, Montana, USA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2002
Strengths: Great Frame (nice paint job too!), Love the Rolf Satellite Wheels. Excels in tight turns! Worth putting a few extra $$ into.
Weaknesses: Shimano M515 Clipless pedals take a little getting used to, but that could just be me, might upgrade to the ATAC's. Avid SD3 breakset stopping power is so-so.
Bottom Line:
I LOVE THIS BIKE! Awesome bike in my opinion. I got an awesome deal on the whole thing. I upgraded from a GT Hardtail and have no regrets. I'm considering getting into XC racing, and the bike feels great. I can really fly on this bike and still feel in control. I looked at the Elite 9.8, but way too much $$$. I Recommend this bike to anyone willing to spend about $1000 on a bike. I did a lot of shopping around before I bought this bike, and believe me, it's the best bike you can get for the money. I have read a lot a complaints about the seat and crankset, After a couple hundred miles, I haven't had any problems with either one. I might upgrade the Judy SL in the future, but not just yet.
Similar Products Used: Test road about every bike out there! Upgraded from a GT Hardtail
Bike Setup: Pretty much the stock setup - Out-of-the box.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2002
Strengths: Well built, light frame, Sweet Rolf Sattelite wheels, good component set.
Weaknesses: The Avid SD-3's didn't inspire alot of confidence.
Bottom Line:
After being out of the sport for a few years, I decided to get back in and the 8000 proved to be the right bike for me. What a difference coming off of an old Diamond Back Ascent, and a cheap full suspension MGX from Costco. The bike is light, and very durable. I wasn't sure how the Rolf wheels were going to hold up, but they have proven to be very strong and light. I typically ride three or four times per week, averaging 15 to 20 miles per ride, and the bike is more capable than I am. It climbs well and is very manueverable. The only draw back was the SD-3's but they were replaced a few months ago with the SD-7's. Now, I am able to carry more downhill speed and know that I can control the bike. Overall, this is one of the best purchases I have made. I ride with several guys who have more expensive machines, and it seems like they are often messing with adjustments here and there. I just keep mine clean and lubed after every ride and I never have to mess with anything on the trail. My endurance and climbing ability have improved dramatically over the last couple of months, much of it due to having a nice ride! I'll have this bike for a long time.
Similar Products Used: Lower Model Treks, a couple of Specialized products and an old Diamond Back.
Bike Setup: XT shifter pods, Avid SD-7 brakes and levers, Other than these changes, the bike is pretty much stock.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff (Shorty)
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2002
Strengths: Solid Frame and Great componets for the Price. Overall its very light and the Rolf rims look and preform awesome!!!
Weaknesses: The Bontrager seat is a little on the firm side, but nothing major to complain about. Additionally, the tread on the tires seems a little soft and is wearing down quickly.
Bottom Line:
The 2001 TREK 8000 is a great bike. I looked at the Giant XTC SE2, Specialized Rockhopper FSC Comp and a few others but for the money nothing beat the Trek 8000. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a quality hardtail.
Submitted by
Rodolfo Pena
a Cross Country Rider
from Monterrey, N.L. Mexico
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2002
Strengths: The Rolf wheels are very good, the frame is light and resistant, good looking too.
Weaknesses: Seat sucks(replaced), tires slippery on the trail (as they get worn their performance improves a little bit), the brakes not good and the brake shoes are really bad quality compared to the quality and price of the bike , I mean, if they put better brake shoes to the brakes, how much would it increase the cost, not much I think. Same thing with that horrible seat. judy squeeks, very noisy.
Bottom Line:
Generally the bike is great, after one year of using it, I can only complain of what I complained in my first review one year ago but after this year I can tell you , I have punished this bike on the down hill so much and have not had any repair or mantainance on it, the thing is working good and Rolf wheels have not bent even a little. The frame is bent because of a rock hit going down, but no major damage. The Judy fork steel squeeking, probably will squeek forever, I really dont mind. Goog bike, I personally think the 2002 got more marketable and even is expensive,components like wheels are not as good as the 2001, also the paint job is far , far much better on the 2001 model. If I had to choose between a used 2001 and a used 2002 I would go for the 2001.
Submitted by
Russell
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta,GA
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2002
Strengths: Frame, Fork, and Wheelset
Weaknesses: Bontrager, Bontrager, and Bontrager. Also the tire treads are not good for heavy mud.
Bottom Line:
The Bontrager components keep this bike from being the best value in the country. They must be replaced immediately. Also, the frame creaks a lot and the rear hub is noisy, but the sounds don't seem to effect performance.
I should mention that I'm a large rider (6'2, 225lbs), so perhaps some smaller guys would not have the same problems I faced.
I purchased a Trek 8000 in 2000 as my first serious mountainbike after 2 years of riding a steel frame. Loved everything about that bike and never had a single problem with it. Would have ridden it for years and never traded it even if I upgraded to a better bike.
It was stolen.
So, insurance company agreed to buy me a brand new 2001 Trek 8000. Sounds like a great deal - I pay my deductible and get a brand new bike.
Well, first time out the chain bent the middle chain ring while shifting to the granny gear. LBS replaced it. Second time out shifting was iffy, at best, and I was getting an unacceptable amount of chain suck. The third time out I was still getting annoying chainsuck, and I noticed that the new middle chain ring was slightly warped. Before I could finish my ride, I got chainsuck while going from a steep downhill to a slight climb at high speed, and the chain literally folded my rear derailleur in half. I managed to grab a tree to keep from killing myself, and then I had to walk 5 miles back to my Jeep.
The LBS replaced the crankset with Shimano XT. They also gave me a deal to replace the rear derailleur with XTR ($25).
The new drivetrain has worked reasonably well, although shifting always seems to be a little off even though I adjust it regularly. I threw a spoke once for no noticeable reason, but I figure that will happen with such light wheels.
Also, I like the Bontrager seat a lot of folks are complaining about.
With the improved drivetrain, you would be hard-pressed to find a better hardtail for the money. I'm giving this bike a 4, even though my early drivetrain experience was stressful.
