Strengths: Real tight frame. Nice colour scheme: blue and silver. Good mix of Shimano components from Deore shifters and front mech, to SLX chainset and XT rear mech. All solid and work in harmony together. Weighs in at around 27lb. But due to great geometry does not feel like it. Accelerates well and climbs well. I ahve had lighter weight weenie bikes and I do prefer this.
Weaknesses: Not such a weakness, but the Recon fork can be a little "spingy" but does work well of road.
Tyres changed to Maxxis Aspen 2.1.
Bottom Line:
Overall great bike. Unfortunately not value for money anymore because of rising costs and exchange rates. This was the best i could get for my money, and I bought local so I could give it a good try out.
Would buy again if I had to.
Very nice hard tail for under 1K. Components are very worthy and capable on road and off. Where performance and price tag came together for me. Over 1,000 miles at this point and the only wear is the rear tire. While this is a very sweet ride, I've not yet ridden the perfect bike.....so 4 Flamin' Chilis for the Trek 6500.
Similar Products Used: Klein Pinnacle XT - Rode it for 20 years, it was time for a new bike!
Bike Setup: Stock w/ WTB Pure V Saddle & Shimano 520 Clipless pedals.
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Submitted by
navymark
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Rita, GU,
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2010
Strengths: For this price range, I have seen guys find lighter bikes (Made in China Giants). I have been happy with it. Other than replacing the rear brake, I have not had any issues.
Weaknesses: The first 1K miles I only upgraded the seat and had a set of street tires. Shortly after 1K I changed my pedals because I started riding a lot more trails, from there I changed my brakes to mechanical because the hydraulic ones started to leak. Then I just started changing everything.
Submitted by
pakrz
a Weekend Warrior
from Tomah, WI
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2009
Strengths: This bike is relatively light and just feels right when riding. The components are well above average and the RS Tora suspension forks are nice and plush.
Weaknesses: The grips are thin and hurt the hands after awhile. The seat is uncomfortable, even when wearing padded shorts. I'll have to look at a new seat at some point. I've had a few flats on the back tire due to glass. Probably due more to bad luck than poor Bontrager Jones XR tires. Time will tell.
Bottom Line:
Love the bike. I held off on a review until I got in over 100 miles on the new rig. I do most of my riding on the pavement for cardio but try to get to the trails as often as possible. The 6500 performs well on the pavement and trail systems alike. I upgraded to this bike from a Haro Vector and the difference is night and day. I'd highly recommend this bike to anybody looking to get into a mid-range mountain bike.
Bike Setup: Stock with the following upgrades: Ergon GR2 grips. Bell carbon hydration cage. Cateye Strada wireless computer. Knog Frog lights on the front and back. Will probably get a new seat at some point.
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Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Huntington, WV, USA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2009
Strengths: I just bought this bike, just took it on it's maiden voyage this morning. I am posting this review because I did it with my last bike and 5 years later it was nice reading my original review and comparing.
This morning I rode for about 3 hours on some muddy, nasty trails. First impression of this bike is that it climbs like a billy goat. I put my clip-in pedals on it and other than that it's stock.
The front fork is a nice 100mm Rock Shox Tora that really soaks up the bumps. The disc brakes definitely helped today because the trail was muddy, slick, & rutted out from all the rain. I was able to stay in control and descend down the steep inclines without sliding the rear tire.
Weaknesses: This was my first ride of this bike, just bought it. I removed the factory pedals immediately and put my clip-in pedals on, so I guess I'd say pedals are a weakness.
Bottom Line:
Bottom Line, I'm thrilled about this bike. My first ride was this morning, I loved every mile of it and this thing climbs like nobody's business. I can't wait to get back out and put some miles on her. I'm riding again this evening!
Similar Products Used: Prior to this bike, I had a Diamond Back Response & a Giant Yukon.
Bike Setup: Factory w/ Shimano clip-in pedals
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Submitted by
haglersp
a Weekend Warrior
from Nacogdoches, Texas, United States
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2009
Strengths: almost everything
Weaknesses: pedals suck
Bottom Line:
this bike is really good for the money. handles really well and the fork has taken everything i have thrown at it without a problem. definately change the pedals and the brakes could use an upgrade but they aren't too bad. impressed overall
Bike Setup: stock except for some cheap platform pedals
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Submitted by
ozmaan
a Weekend Warrior
from Carroll Valey, PA
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2008
Strengths: Sturdy frame, solid stock components, builds confidence on technical stuff, just looks awesome
Weaknesses: Since I was transfering from a 15 yr old bike, weaknesses are hard to find. Crappy stock Bontranger tires, weak platform pedals
Bottom Line:
This bike is a significant upgrade for me, and I think is a good value in it's price range. I compared it to a Speicalized RockHopper, and I felt the Trek had much better balance and fit me better. I have had no mechanical issues, and have taken the bike on some brutal rides down at Gambrill State Park (rocks, logs, rocks, rocks, rocks). This bike is a great bike for the intermediat rider who doesn't have the money or doesn't quite have the experience to invest in a FS or 29er. I love the bike, and would buy it again.
Bike Setup: Factory, Continental Mountain King tires, Crank Bros Smarty pedals
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Submitted by
SpyderPride
a Cross Country Rider
from Bismarck, ND
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2008
Strengths: Comes stock with good components for the price paid. Very comfortable to ride and capable of more advanced/fast mtb'ing. Nice looking, very stiff and sturdy frame (lifetime warranty).
Weaknesses: A little on the heavy side. I'm not a racer (yet) and a little heavy myself, so this isn't too much of a problem for me. Stock tires, grips, and saddle leave something to be desired (which is why I upgraded them). Brakes could be more responsive, but do the job.
Bottom Line:
Like I said before, I am fairly new to this sport but I tend to learn quickly about any hobby/sport I am involved in and am very observant of equipment (being a mechanical engineer).
This is an excellent beginner bike and probably a decent hardtail for an intermediate rider. I also considered getting a Rockhopper when I choosing a bike, and this one pulled through due to a step up in components across the board for only a little bit higher cost. I also liked the way it felt to ride marginally better than the Rockhopper. Overall, I feel this was an excellent choice for my first mtb.
I am very good about maintenance and haven't had any failures while I am out riding. The thing performs like a champ for what I need it for. I like to go fast on downhill sections, take corners at a decent speed, and hit small jumps and drops here and there. I can't go crazy on it yet due to my limited skill, but I'm improving quickly due to pushing my limits and having an awesome bike to back it up.
I am 5' 10" and 210 lbs, a little heavy, but the bike does fine under my weight. The brakes aren't as crisp as I would like them to be, but they certainly slow and stop me just fine. Pretty good for being some of the cheapest hydro's out there. It shifts quickly with Deore derailleurs and I would probably have a to fork out quite a bit of money to see a marked improvement over them. The wheelset is a little heavy but is durable and gets the job done for me. Same thing with the fork, its nice and smooth but a little heavy.
In conclusion, awesome starter bike. Make sure it fits you and feels good, then buy it. If it doesn't, check out some of the offerings from other companies in this price range.
Similar Products Used: None, I am fairly new to mtb'ing.
Bike Setup: Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires (cheaper taiwan version, $35 for a pair at pricepoint), Oury Mountain grips, Sette Edge 90mm stem, WTB Speed V saddle, pretty much stock other than that.
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Submitted by
Jeff Richards
a Weekend Warrior
from Pleasant Hill CA USA
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2008
Strengths: Strong Frame. Brakes are great. Mine came with an XT rear derailer. Handles well, and climbs like a billy goat!
Weaknesses: Heavy. Fork is useless. Stock Tires suck. Bottom Bracket Failed. Wheels break spokes. Came with platform pedals.
Bottom Line:
I'm pretty hard on this bike. I weigh 190 pounds and take this thing through rock gardens, off 3 ft jumps through streams ect.... So I'm not surprised that I keep breaking stuff on it. However, it's a great foundation to upgrade from and for the money it can't be beat. Mines an 06 model I don't know what the 08 has in terms of components but the first thing I would do when I got this is to change the tires and get clipin pedals. You can ride it around as is for a while but eventually you will have to start replacing parts. Once I get a new fork on it, it will be just where I want it. It's a good bike for someone who wants to ride seriously but does not want to spend alot of money right away.
Bike Setup: XT Rear LX in the Front. Veloca Raptor WTB Tires (Awesome XC Tire) LX Crank Set. Manitou Axcel Elite 80mm (Did I say this fork sucks)Shimano Hydraulic disc setup. Bontrager wheels, shimano hubs
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Submitted by
Gardner
a Cross Country Rider
from New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2007
Strengths: Climbs Great Descends w/ Confidence Little to no sway on slow uphills Point and go steering
Weaknesses: Stock Seat Stock fork
Bottom Line:
I am a handicapped rider originally born in Florida, so this bike is perfect for the type of riding I do in New Hampshire.
With this bike I have been able to get through most stuff that alot of people on my team have not been able to, even though they are on a Santa Cruz Blur Xc, a Trek Fuel, and a Cannondale Rush. I descend just as quickly as they do, but do not ascend as quickly because of my handicap.
Bike Setup: I've changed things as they break, but the only real upgrades I have put on are a new WTB seat and some SPD pedals.
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Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from West Chester
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2007
Strengths: I Actually really like the tires, forks, and even the weels are holing up better then my other bike.i like the geometrey and the gears.
Weaknesses: the only thing that is anoying is when i switch it into the lowest gear, the front dearailler rubbs. Also the seat.
Bottom Line:
The best bike I've ever rode. great on trails, and on rode. I've had it for over 4 months and i never had any problems. One flat. the breaks are great and have saved me from many car acidents as well as busting my face on the trails. Its a great bike and would recomend it to any one with $900.
Similar Products Used: Specialized hotrock Trek 820
Bike Setup: Its all stock except tube and pedals.
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Submitted by
Jonathan
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2007
Strengths: I have the 2006 model- great frame, nice rear deraillur, brakes, really good bike for the $
Weaknesses: wheels and tires. Unless you like fixing flats, swap these tires off immediatly. Wheels are weak- I broke so many spokes. Fork sucks- I blew the seals after 4 mons.
Bottom Line:
This is a really good bike. I didn't have a lot of $ when I bought it, but it has done what I need it to do. With some upgrades and some TLC, I am very satisfied with this bike.
Note: I ride really hard, and a lot. For someone who is riding for sport, or not very often, this bike and its stock components would be an excellent fit.
Strengths: Frame very light and strong(Lifetime Warranty) Rear Derailer shifts smoothly(Deore Lx) Front Shock nice compression and lockout(Manitou Slate 100mm lockout) Nice components Disc Breaks are nice and smooth
Price
Weaknesses: Seat and tires. And the front derailer would have been happy with deore lx front. Wish the placement of cables were on the bottom of top tube. Come crashing down on the top tube u will scratch the beautiful frame :]
Bottom Line:
Good Bike would recomend to any rider. Good hardtail for rough riding.
Similar Products Used: cannondale f6 and f3 (decent could have better components trek 7000 (nice light xc bike specialized rockhopper(decent bike) and many of my friends gary fishers(which are crap!!!!)
Bike Setup: Stock. Hopefully soon new tires and seat and maybe new front derailer with a lighter crankset
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Submitted by
Tyler
a Cross Country Rider
from North Dakota
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2007
Strengths: Very nice frame, stiff, not too heavy either. The fork is a thing of beauty. Trek made nice imporvements for the 2007 model. Hydraulic brakes are nice too. Rest of the componesnts are solid, not the best, but a good value.
Weaknesses: Tires and rims are not the best. Infact the Botranger tires that come on this bike are crap. The stock seat is nothing short of painful. I use a Trek Rx seat and that is WAY better. But these are "normal" issues with stock setups.
Bottom Line:
For the money this is a very, very nice bike. I have read many mixed reviews about the Hayes brakes on this bike. My experiences have been very good. I haven't had to frequently adjust them, I set them when I got the bike and they work very well. That is one point I have to make, the place that built your bike and set it up is a HUGE factor in how well it will perform. I bought mine form a local Scheels and they obviously didn't know jack about bike setup. After I followed the regular proceedure for the derailurs I read through the Hayes manual and set up the brakes. I have had about 12 good rides on the bike without incident. I don't miss a full suspension at all, infact I don't think I will own a soft tail again.
