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Submitted by
Anthony
a Weekend Warrior
from Islip, NY
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere there is dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Purchased At: | Byron Lake | | Strengths: | Price, paint scheme, Disk ready hubs, | | Weaknesses: | Seat broke on first hard ride. The lower water bottle screw "spun" and I cannot get it off or tighten it fully. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, specialized other bikes in the price range I will pay | | Bike Setup: | Added WTB Rocket V, Avid BB5, Carbon fiber Bar Ends...along with some goodies. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike for less then half price. I wanted something to ride for exercise and found this bike wants to rock. I have plans to further upgrade some things like seat posts and maybe | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl Vella
a Cross Country Rider
from Mississauga, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Kelso | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath | | Strengths: | Durable (not one major repair in 7yrs, light (only 26.5 lbs, tossible, great shifting, decent braking. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals like most bikes in this price range. | | Bike Setup: | TruVativ pedals, Panaracer rear tire | | Bottom Line: | Purchased this bike in 2001 and its been 7 years and the only thing I've had to repair is the chain. This bike is extremely durable, very light (26.5 lbs)which makes it great for climbing. The frame quality is very high, welds are clean and strong, one of the few frames Made in USA. I'd definetly have no regrets and I am happy with my purchase. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
evosteve
a Weekend Warrior
from OP, KS USA
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$475.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike America Olathe KS | | Strengths: | Good price, strong and light. Can handle about anything I dish out. Very cool orange/black paint job for 2006. | | Weaknesses: | Seat. If you get this bike, change out the seat right away | | Similar Products Used: | KHS, Trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | Good all around bike. I'm a recreational weekend rider but put this bike through a lot. I have yet to break any of the stock components on it. For the money paid, I couldn't ask for anything more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Chubb Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$435.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay (used) | | Strengths: | Frame build quality and rigidity, good component package for the price, great paint job. | | Weaknesses: | Stock Bontrager seat is brutal. Bottom bracket didn't last long. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 930, Cannondale M600 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except pedals and seat. | | Bottom Line: | Good value for the price, especially the rock solid frame. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Pignatelli
a Downhiller
from Stateline, NV USA
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | toader | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | used from a Sun Valley, ID rental shop | | Strengths: | Great front suspension bike. Tough as nails. Will take you anywhere if you're up to the challenge.
Bontrager design. | | Weaknesses: | a hardtail | | Bottom Line: | If you're looking for a XC bike that can do anything, this is it. This bike took me from a beginer at Arcata's Community Forest to a downhiller on all of South Tahoe's offerings.
Never had a problem with the frame, even with the wicked abuse I offered.
The bike is great for a lightweight cross-country, and offered me one last summer on hardcore downhills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Smallz
a
from Westford MA
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheelworks Belmont MA | | Strengths: | It kicks ass up hill it is a very tough bike good its also it very responsive. The Bontrager tires grip good Its very fast. It was partucaly runover by a S10 pickup ended up bending the rim. But i got a new rim and the buke was good as new. The bike blowes through mud its hard to get it stuck. Its got excelent disc Hayes brakes they stop on a dime I put 911 Miles on it i after owning it for 8 months now im rebuild in it after wareing out the parts on it. | | Weaknesses: | The tires hold up terrible one of the has a small slice on the side wall. The tread wares down quickly on them.
The paint holds up horabaly (scratches easily). The Shimono IG chain is crapy it snapped 3 times. I recomend you switch the chain when its new to a sram-p68 chain or do what i did and ware out the componets on it and in the winter rebuild it. | | Bike Setup: | Removeable dropout, Hayes disc brakes, Thumb shifters, good cranks,stem,bars. | | Bottom Line: | This is a sturdy good bike can handle almost anything that comes its way its good for medium level mountain bikers.
Its a good bike for the buck. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Madsen
a Weekend Warrior
from Pleasant Hill, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | NorthStar MTB | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | FleaMarket (Most likely stolen) | | Strengths: | Great, strong bike that can handle alot of crap from any rider. | | Weaknesses: | Needs "Stomp" Pedals and a new fork for a better ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Swhinn Moab 2 | | Bike Setup: | XC, Drops, Race | | Bottom Line: | ITs a hardcore bike that will handle things from drops, to rock climbing, to racing full on out down a hill. I suggest this bike to someone who is just starting out or is a amature. It can take falling or even if you get a flat you can keep riding on it for a mile or so and it wont even be hurt. You should totally get this if you want a great HardTail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimmie Wood
a Weekend Warrior
from Fayetteville NC 28303
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Uharrie | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | Great Bike, love the weight, and price point. | | Weaknesses: | Seat is horrible. Please go buy a new Seat@!!!! its an A$$$ killer. The front shock needs to be replaced if your over 200lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | first bike | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money, im going to invest in some upgrades in a few months, new pedels, shocks, etc.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sjor Van Laar
a Weekend Warrior
from Amsterdam, Netherlands
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Spaarnwoude enzo | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Some guy in New Jersey | | Strengths: | Good geometry, light frame, nice paintjob. | | Weaknesses: | Trek sponsors that guy George W. B. (But then again, also Lance.) | | Similar Products Used: | ´1999 Specialized Hardrock A1, Cannondale F400, 1996 Gary Fischer Paragon. | | Bike Setup: | I bought the frame from some trial riding guy in NJ, and added parts to it that i already had. Fork is a 2002 Sid race titanium. Drivetrain and brakes are a mix between Sram 9.0 and Deore LX. Wheels are Mavic 221´s with XT hubs. Tires are Hurchinson mosquito gold´s. | | Bottom Line: | This trek 6500 SLR frame is good value. It´s light, looks good and is affordable. After a few upgrades you can really have a pro bike with this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Hunt
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Kohitere Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | southend cycles | | Strengths: | Lightness, Frame Strength, derailleurs | | Weaknesses: | cranks, shocks(too hard i have the 04 version of the 6500 and that comes with pilot c's) rims are weak | | Similar Products Used: | fuji(piece of s**t) | | Bike Setup: | the same shorter stem and new crank | | Bottom Line: | Great bike just watch out for the cranks mine mangled themselves but trek replace them. am getting better xc forks and hydraulic discs | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Danny
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol, UK.
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Cwmcarn | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | A Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Nice Colour. Fantastic Light Frame. Good value for Money when purchased. | | Weaknesses: | Seat took a bit of getting used to. Brakes seem to be getting worse with time. Front shifter dosen't like being crashed. | | Similar Products Used: | My last mountain bike, can't remeber name. | | Bike Setup: | Standard except for shimano clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Fantastic, fun bike. Loves to be ridden off road. After getting some real comfy shorts I can now sit on the seat without worrying if i'll ever have kids. Brakes are a little weak, and look crap. Will replace soon, but will stick with V's, probably LX. Front shifter also seems a bit tempremental after a crash or two. Suppose the most obvious fix for that would be not to crash.....
End of day, love the bike because it loves to be ridden. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon
a Weekend Warrior
from Council Bluffs, IA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Lewis and Clark | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Rack | | Strengths: | Pretty light bike. It sure does take a beating but then again I weigh only 140. It was a great value bike for when I bought it. | | Weaknesses: | Other than crappy brakes it hasn't really been in the shop. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 4 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Shimano Deore brakes and levers. Shimano 515 clipless. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for less serious trails. I found myself needing and wanting a better one as my skills and riding frequncy improved. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Whitewater, Wi USA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$460.00 | | Purchased At: | From some that works at Trek | | Strengths: | Love the Frame, and the handle bars, tires aren't bad. And super Light. Also is great looking, I also don't mind the seat that much. | | Weaknesses: | My derailer needs to be adjusted alot, from what I see the front shocks are a little soft but for my weight of 130, they work really good. | | Similar Products Used: | lots | | Bike Setup: | all stock but i took off anything that i didn't need like the seat, right now i'm using it for some in town Trails stuff, and it holds up good | | Bottom Line: | great bike for the price, bontrager stuff is all good, I bend the wheel about once every two weeks, but ehh, looks and rides good | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jr
a Cross Country Rider
from Hillsdale N.C. USA
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Beech Springs N.C. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Right Gear Concord N.C. | | Strengths: | Great Frame that is light,strong,rigid and A1 paint. | | Weaknesses: | Hard Seat,Manitou Fork to soft,(I Weigh 225),Brakes sorta cheap looking but work fine. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | Replaced seat 1st with more comfortable Trek seat,Installed Rock Shox Duke XC Fork,Rock Shox susp. seatpost,Shorter handlebar stem,XT rear Der.,Presently looking for new brakelevers,Everything else stock. | | Bottom Line: | This was my first true Mt Bike,my 13 yr old son has a 4300,as I upgrade my 6500 I am installing the old parts onto his bike,I would recommend the 6500 to anyone looking for a good intermediate hardtail mtb,has a great frame worthy of upgrades,you will need to replace the seat it is like a rock. If you weigh over 170 install a heavier fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Glendale, AZ
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Southwest Bikes | | Strengths: | SLR Alloy frame, components package, affordability. | | Weaknesses: | LX Drivetrain couldn't handle my punishment, bottom-of-the-barrel v-brakes. | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Bomber Atom Race Z2, Panaracer Trailblaster 2.1's, Shimano 515's, XT F/R Derailleurs, Avid Single Digit Ti v-brakes. | | Bottom Line: | This is just an update from my last review (scroll down). This bike is still great! I've given it quite a pounding, only changed out a few parts for the sake of upgrades, and only broken a derailleur. I love this bike. You can't find a better hardtail value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Polar Bear
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Avalon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Race Pace | | Strengths: | Fluid frame geometry, and good suspension performance once I upgraded the coil spring. Offered the cooler looking/less flashy blue color scheme. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager AC Tires. Front Derailleur. Shifters (Deore parts in general) | | Similar Products Used: | Low end Trek MTB's | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for: Conti's escape/explorer pro Tires, Time ATAC Carbon pedals. LX Brake Levers. 170+ pounds coil spring. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has been great to start getting more serious about trail riding. I do not understand why Bike companies put a lower end Derailluer on the front and the next level up on the rear. I will be ditching the Deore components as soon as I can afford to. For the money this is a great frame/suspension set up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
2ndsight pullins
a Weekend Warrior
from san angelo
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | SASP"Da Playground" | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Concho Bike shop... | | Strengths: | Light and Strong Frame,Appropriate components,excellent upgradeable package. | | Weaknesses: | GoD..What was Trek thinkin' in the regaurds to the Manitou Six Forks????????GEEEZZ Soo Mushy...Cotton balls are STIFF...compared. Also rear Derailer(LX) is a constant TWeeK Mongroul..Seek the XT or Sram..Changed seat(personal pref)as well. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500,aggrss 1.0,Jamis Eureka. | | Bike Setup: | 6500,17.5,D2 smoothies(pedal),Specialized split tail saddle,Xt Derail,40'StemK,Wanna Duke Or Sid front. | | Bottom Line: | Come to San Angelo,Texas..Trek 6500 A great Bike for This Level and Creativity towards higher end..Just this side of Advanced/ handles excellent with mix Terrain,(SASP-San Angelo State Park) Worth the Trip**** | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kelly Brock
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | SLR frame!!! Amazing! Excellent geometry for climbing. Same frame as past 8000. Great overall package for the $$$. | | Weaknesses: | Seat is hard and would be nice to see clipless at this level. | | Similar Products Used: | Lots | | Bike Setup: | Stock frame with Xt brakes, shifters, Bonti racelite tubless wheels, Bonti splined cranks, Bonti seat, clipless, all trickled down from my Fuel 100. | | Bottom Line: | The frame is amazing and is worthy up upgrades. I bought mine mainly for the frame as I had all the hand me downs from my upgraded Fuel and wanted to use the parts up. All that is left is a Sid fork to replace the Super Six. I use this bike mainly for comuting as well as a decent spare offroad bike. Even stock this is a great bike as you can upgrade the heavier, cheaper compoments as they fail. This would be an amazing upgrade for anyone wanting to upgrade to a great frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange County, CA.
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mustard | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Rock n Road Cyclery | | Strengths: | Phat bike for the price. Very light. Very durable. Decent component mix. Climbs like a beast! Frame is extremely solid! Best lookin' hardtail around! | | Weaknesses: | Rear derailleur needs frequent tunes otherwise it tends to skip at the worst times...like big climbs. Once it's dialed in though...look out. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Moab 2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with exception of Ritchey pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Whole lotta bike for the money! So far this bad dog is indestructable! At some point I'll upgrade the rear derailleur. I'd recommend this steed to anyone wanting a hardtail with attitude. This is a great bike for the weekend warrior! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brian
a Weekend Warrior
from springfield,MA usa
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | manchester cycle | | Strengths: | cheap price | | Weaknesses: | bontrager tires suck, frame is weak for true mountain bike riding. Frame holds up well sitting in your basement, bent rear rim.Seat sucks. Front fork comes loose all the time. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky | | Bike Setup: | upgraded spring, new rear rim, new seat, rock guard | | Bottom Line: | Not for true hard core mountain biking. Ok for wimps. Great bike for grandpa. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Songster
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow Idaho
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Commisioner's trail (Coudersport PA) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | North West Trek | | Strengths: | Very light for the $$$. Climbs like an Afganistan goat herder. Pretty colors. | | Weaknesses: | Rear derailer has a cuel mind of its own. Seat is like a rock-if your a wuss. Crap-ola brake-ola | | Similar Products Used: | GT Altera
Harro Vector | | Bike Setup: | Shimano pedals m-545 | | Bottom Line: | Great value, you can always upgrade the breaks, fork, and seat. Much lighter then most bikes in it's price range. Afganistan goat herders get all the chicks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Maxwell
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntsville Al.
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Liberty Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Ect. | | Strengths: | Great frame, good drivetrain
| | Weaknesses: | Squishy fork | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock, I think
| | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great deal. I ride a lot and don't do enough maintenance on it but it still rides great. Other than the fork I have had no problems with it. Great bike for begginers and intermediate riders. I give it four Flamin' Chilis | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Ericson
a Weekend Warrior
from Sunnyvale, CA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wilder Ranch - Santa Cruz, CA | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Summit Cycles - LG, CA | | Strengths: | Followup on my previous post: Fairly light, handles well. Been pretty durable. | | Weaknesses: | Shifters suck, fork a bit squishy still | | Bike Setup: | Still mostly stock, clipless pedals now, rear LX may be going soon (not real pleased with it). | | Bottom Line: | Still an awesome buy. The front shock needs time to break in, and I've been having issues with the rear derailur(sp), but I'd definitely recommend it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Friess
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Poor Farm Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Agee's | | Strengths: | Lightweight | | Weaknesses: | Fork broke in the first 6 months of riding. Suspension is really soft. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the price, though a firmer fork is recommended. Seat also kills your a$# so replacing that would be vital. I ride 5 - 7 days a week on intermediate trails and it handles really well keeping the soft fork in mind. Fast downhills get kinda iffy with it and a firmer fork is definately recommended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ross Thomas
a Downhiller
from Orem, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | cache creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Al's | | Strengths: | This bike is a lot of fun. I love the fork. The frame is nice and light. | | Weaknesses: | This Manitou Super Six might be too squishy if I ever grow bigger than 150 lbs., but for now it's ok. The seat kicks a$$, I mean, It kicks YOUR a$$ - big difference. Shifters are a little disappointing. And the seat needs TO GO! | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Trek 6000 | | Bike Setup: | LX shifters, Hayes hyd. disc brake up front | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. Just upgrade the seat before you buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hedge
a Downhiller
from Sydney, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Hill, Sydney | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Clarence Street Cycles, AU | | Strengths: | Shimano LX kit, unbreakable frame, light weight | | Weaknesses: | - Weak chain. (Bent it)
- Soft shocks. (Broke em, oil leak)
- V/Hard seat | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded fork springs in shocks to handle 190lb & re-packed. Upgraded shifters to LX. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is not strong enough for real mountain bike'n. Had to replaced chain when it bent (street use only), sheered cassette and replaced beacuse of the chain. Now I use it as purely local street riding. I bought Giant AC1 for the bush!
* * * 1st & last Trek - Buy anything else but! * * * | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a
from Door County WI USA
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | light frame, (3.4 Pounds),LX components, manitou six super fork, looks cool | | Weaknesses: | The fork is a little squishy in the start, but the forks owner's manual says it needs 20 hours of riding for it to break in. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Avalanche 2.0, G.T. Agressor 1.0 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | great bike for the price, preforms very well. I don't have a really srong oppion of it yet, since I've had it for such small amount of time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Ericson
a Weekend Warrior
from Sunnyvale, CA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Overgrown- Santa Cruz, CA | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Summit Bikes- Los Gatos, CA | | Strengths: | Light , good geometry, deceant components for the price | | Weaknesses: | - Shock a bit spongy for my frame (5'10", 200lbs).
- Brakes OK, but not overwhelming.
- Pedals suck, but they're not clipless so it doesn't really matter.
- Seat a little on the hard side, even with my fat ass. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing in a very long time... | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Clipless Pedals soon, maybe front discs at some point. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike for the price, light, very tossable. Mostly (sub) urban stuff at the moment until I lose my Computer Geek physique and build up enough stamina to hit real trails again. I wish the shock was a bit firmer, or at least not as mushy. I may try stiffer springs in it at some point. Had to have the front shifter replaced under warranty due to factory defect, but that aside has been a great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John S.
a Weekend Warrior
from Madison, WI
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hedgehog (In La Crosse, WI) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$660.00 | | Purchased At: | The Trek Store | | Strengths: | Very rigid and light frame, LX rear DRLR, the overal package feels just about perfect to me for a hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | Manitou Six Super is too soft for my 180 lb self, and probably still be too soft if I lost 10 or 15 lbs. I ordered a firm spring kit for it, and that SHOULD take care of business, but if you weigh over 170, see if they'll swap it out for free when you purchase the bike. The seat is pretty hard, but if you wear some good shorts, you get used to it after a while. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for pedals (Shimano 324's), and soon the firm spring kit for my shock. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. It feels perfectly riged (except the fork), but doesn't transfer every little bump and tire you out. I feel very confident on it, and the only real issues I've had are the combination of my weight and a very soft front fork, so I can't fault the bike on that.
I live right in the middle of a city, so I do a little urban riding with some little drops (2-3 feet), stairs and other urban hazards. It's not the kind of bike you want to do lots of drops on, or anything all that large, but it handles root'n rock trails wonderfully.
For the price, I'm in awe. I paid $750 for the bike, but it came with a Bones Seris 2 bike rack, so figuring that at about $90, the bike was only $660. I couldn't be happier. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
keith
a Weekend Warrior
from west springfield ma us
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | one where death is a 50/50 shot | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Axlers Bike shop, agawam ma | | Strengths: | light frame, nice paint, good derailer | | Weaknesses: | Shocks are spongy even on the most rigid settings, seat hurts my butt after 30 minutes of riding | | Similar Products Used: | GT All Terrain, now the Hispanic male about 17 who stole it 15 feet from me is riding it yelling Mirrar Mirrar Mirrar!!!! | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I like the bike for 600 dollars, but i really wish i could have had more rigid suspension on it. Don't buy this if you are really looking for a tough bike, spend a little more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Iceman
a Cross Country Rider
from Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The Laurentians (Québec) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$649.00 | | Purchased At: | Olympia Cycle (Winnipeg, MB, Canada) | | Strengths: | Strong super light (3.4 lbs) handmade aluminum frame (hasn't failed me yet), Bontrager components: wheels, tires, handlebars, saddle, seatpost, stem. FR derail. Shimano Deore, rr derail. Shimano Deore LX SGS. | | Weaknesses: | Hard seat, not all 6500 have a quick release seat post, | | Similar Products Used: | Giant - XT SE 2, Cannondale - F400 & F500, Rocky Mountain - Fusion & Trailhead, Schiwnn - Mesa & Moab, Marin, DaVinci | | Bike Setup: | Fairly stock, with VP components 108 clipless pedals, Profile Design short bar ends, | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike, excellent quality and reliable. Lightweight frame makes you wanna fly instead of riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tommy Boyle
a Cross Country Rider
from Orono, ME, USA
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | the PIT | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Rose Bike | | Strengths: | Great overall bike. Great derailer, shox are pretty good, nice breaks, great frame. Same frame as last years Trek 8000. | | Weaknesses: | Shock can sometimes get a little to cushy for some things | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Durango, Jamis Eureka, Trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | Manitou's up front, Super six, mostly shimano components. | | Bottom Line: | GReat bike overall. If Gonna get a 700 dollar bike, definitly check out this snazzy thing. ONly dis is the shocks can be to cushy sometimes, like i already said. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a
from Springfield,Ma
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Laughing Dog Bicycles | | Strengths: | reasonably light weight, decent components (mostly), race geometry frame makes a big difference | | Weaknesses: | the stock crank is worthless-failed after 25 miles | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Trek 4300 (hope the #%&@ that stole it overdoses on the crack he traded it for) | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded crank, Body Geometry grips ,Bontrager Select straight handlebar, otherwise stock - Shimano LX, Manitou Super Six, promax brakes, Jones AC tires, Corvair wheels, Shimano hubs, Bontrager everything else | | Bottom Line: | This bike kicks ass, no regrets. Takes everything this intermediate biker can throw at it and laughs at me. If your looking to spend 700 bucks Get This Bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe G
a Weekend Warrior
from Elk Grove, CA
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | "The Big Field" proving ground. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$519.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's Cycle Center Fair Oaks, CA | | Strengths: | Light weight, Great finish, beautiful welds and paint.(Yellow) Super ridgid frame. Plows effortlessly through almost any terrain.
| | Weaknesses: | Too many places where the cables rub on the paint. Ultra quick steering geo sometimes nervous at speed (tires?) cables feel spongy, stock brake pads week, Jones tires going off after about 25 miles. | | Similar Products Used: | '97 Secialized Hard Rock Sport GX (Twist Grip-arggh).
'93 Specialized Hard Rock. (Both very competent ridgids)
Some embarassing Huffy creaky thing 10 speed fake mountain bike(had to be honest). | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now. | | Bottom Line: | I initially decided on a Specialized Hard Rock Comp A1 to fit my target price.
Dealer had this 6500 on clearance for $519.00. Had ta buy it.
Granted it's an '01 but I put the review here because it's a new purchase. This bike puts my Hard Rocks on the trailer just by way of the components and the way it effortlesly takes on anything. The frame laughes off abuse-too bad the fork doesn't. The Manitou gets better as it breaks in, but you really need to upgrade it and the brakes to do justice to the rest of the package. This bike is top quality, totally upgradeable, and gets 10 flamin' booty scooters here!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | The frame on this bike is the best in the price range, it's incredibly lite and extra strong, decent derailers and a good fork. | | Weaknesses: | The fork could be stiffer. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Ranier | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks, i couldn't see a better bike. I looked at the Giant Ranier, and yes a great bike but is it worth it trading an amazing frame for disc brakes. V-brakes do a good enough job, when i squeeze my tires stop moving, good enough for me. The shocks are a little bit springy, but nice and lite, and thats good for hills. and the seat could be a little softer,a great buy. If you plan to go up hills a highly recomend this light weight bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Bronx,New York,USA
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Bronx Bicycle | | Strengths: | Workmanship,quality of frame. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Old Trek 830 (1992) | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the kind of riding i do, a little trail and bike path riding. I use it to commute to and from the gym and no problems so far. I will replace components' as they wear out, but for now the bike is perfect for me. Good value for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Monica
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Strengths: | clibs well, goes down even better.it makes you laugh and laugh all trail long | | Weaknesses: | haven´t seen any yet | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi mxc-ecc, XT, avid 7, python... | | Bottom Line: | You can describe riding this bike with only one word: FUN. With the ecc fork you can climb the hard bits with the fork right down, blocked. And when the downhill starts you´ve got 100mm to play with. The geometry is just right. It allows you to do anything you want and makes you feel you´re in control of the bike.
It´s a shame I can´t give it 6 burning cows, because I would. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ross
a
from Boulder, Colorado USA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Bike Setup: | Was standard. Need to get a new fork (probably rock shox duke), and considering replacing poor front crank | | Bottom Line: | I bought this about 6 months ago, and today the fork broke on me. I'm pretty heavy, about 210, and admittedly I ride pretty hard. The fork is only held together by a pair of plastic rods, and today they snapped on me. Besides this little setback, I've been pretty happy with the bike. Chainsuck happens a bit, and my frame is all ripped up as a result. Also, the front crank totally sucks...it gets bent really easily (you have to straighten it with a hammer), and it is just generally unimpressive. The frame, though, is really light and well made, as far as I can tell. If you're into heavy riding, I'd suggest sucking it up and going for the 6700...it's a bit more, but you get a better fork (the rock shox duke), better rims, brakes, etc. If not a hard rider, go for it. Quite a nice bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Racer
from minnesota
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | Everything did alright the first couple times through, but after a while the chain started to skip a little and the tires didnt hold to the ground to well. | | Weaknesses: | BREAKS! they do alright for the price but im switching over to avid before the summer racing comes around. | | Similar Products Used: | giant, gt (same price range) | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for price, its a good bike just to ride around on and it handles fine during racing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Queensbury, NY
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$695.00 | | Purchased At: | Rick's Bike Shop, Queensbury | | Strengths: | It's been a great bike so far. Faster and lighter than my old GT's. Frame is solid and responsive and light for the price range. A great bike for bike trails, fast fire roads, and open trails. For brutal stuff I use my FSR. | | Weaknesses: | I hate the ultra low gearing, which is a general comment on most hardtail bikes today. | | Similar Products Used: | GT | | Bike Setup: | I prefer speed. I had the dealer (Rick was great about making sure the bike was properly set-up) remove the Bontrager crank and install a Shimano Deore Hollow-Tech crank with 28/38/48 gearing. The bike flies. Oh, the Shimano cranks are about 35% lighter than the Bontrager. I am probably going to install a mechanical disc brake within the next 3 months. | | Bottom Line: | A great bike. I'll keep it for at least 5 years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from South Orange County, CA
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Rock N' Road- Mission Viejo, CA | | Strengths: | Great Price. Good components that you can wear out and then upgrade, if you feel the need. Otherwise this comes stock ready for most terrain. | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher, Specialized, GT, Giant Similar price point | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | What a great bike. I had been looking for quite a while when I came across this bike. It was lighter, had better components and felt better than the other bikes in the same class. Handles great in mud, loose dirt, gravel. Climbs like a mt. goat. Most of the trails I am on are single track climbs, then the long payoff downhills. This bike felt smooth both up and down the mountain. Great bike!! Very Impressive. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Boner
a Cross Country Rider
from Northern New Jersey
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Kitt. State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Marty's | | Strengths: | Killer frame, looks, overall component package, fast,responsive, and very stable on fast decents | | Weaknesses: | Leave the tires and pedals behind at the shop, then start saving/shopping for some good brakes as you go. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Raleigh, Specialized, Fisher. (in same price range) | | Bike Setup: | The new stuff I switched to: Bontrager Revolt SS tires, Ritchey Pro 6 deg. stem, Weyless magnesium platforms, Avid SD7 levers, and calipers, Q Stix Ti skewers in red (impulse buy). Chopped about 3/4 inch off each end of handlebars. | | Bottom Line: | This bike strikes a great balance between performance and durability, It's light enough to race, yet no way is it fragile. If you're looking for a bike in this range, do it. Although the Giant Rainer gets you disc brakes for the same price, the quality of the frame and workmanship is much better with the Trek. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendale, AZ
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Estrella Mtn. Race Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Southwest Bicycles | | Strengths: | Last year's top-of-the-line SLR Aluminum frame (really light), Shimano Deore LX drivetrain (w/ exception of Bontrager cranks). Tough bike, great vaule. | | Weaknesses: | Bottom bracket doesn't have sealed bearings, Bontrager Jones AC tires lack grip on everything but asphalt (which I'm barely ever on!). Shock boots on Manitou Six Super fork keep riding up. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Shimano clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I ride my bike pretty hard on the trails and so far it has taken everything I can dish out. Easily upgradeable bike, very light package for the price. I haven't seen a better deal for a super-good aluminum hardtail. Worth the money! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a Cross Country Rider
from Dulles, VA
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | im still exploring... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal 'n' Spoke | | Strengths: | Great Aluminum frame made in USA. Comfortable ride. Nice componet group. Upgradeable. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't had it long enough to say. | | Similar Products Used: | None really. I was on a rigid fork. CROMO frame. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | It is a lot lighter than my old bike. The bang for the buck is good. I think I can keep it for a while and upgrade along the way. I see some new brakes in my future. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Monroe
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything that looks too scary! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$730.00 | | Purchased At: | Universal Cycles | | Strengths: | The bike handles really great. The manitou fork, once broken in is extremely smooth. I really like the adjustable compression and rebound. It's pretty light and very durable. The price point is super good and the frame is very sharp. The bontrager stuff used on the bike is very good quality and I think they are great. | | Weaknesses: | The seat was a little uncomfortable for long trips, so I got a more plush seat. I've had the chain skip a couple of times on hard climbes, so looks like XTR derailleurs, shifters, and cassetts will be on their way in the future. The promax v-brakes suck!! XTR brakes and levers are on the way as I write this. The pedals are nice, but I think I'll be going to clipless pedals in the future as well. All in all, its a great bike and definately worth upgrading. I just wish I could've upgraded some of the parts before I bought the bike. Oh well, at least I'll have some spares for a beater ;) | | Similar Products Used: | A bike called the giant with Rock Shox Jett fork and cheesy parts. Piece o' junk compared to this bike, of course it was half the price! | | Bike Setup: | Trek 6500, Manitou Six Super adjustable rebound fork, promax brakes and levers, Shimano LX front and rear derailleurs, shimano Deore shifters, bontrager crowbar handlebars, bontrager seat and seatpost, bontrager crank, bontrager rims with Shimano hubs, and the super nice aluminum frame thats only 3.4 pounds, whew!! | | Bottom Line: | Super cool bike for the price. Right now its kinda like a sharpened butter knife, but put XTR or even XT parts everywhere and this thing will be as sharp as a razor. I don't think there is a need to change out the very good working fork, unless you wreck it. Then go with a better fork. This bike is all about having fun and it sure does live up to that. See ya on the trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Hudacky
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson Arizona
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fantasy Island | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Full Cycle on Speedway | | Strengths: | Adjustable compression and rebound at low price, quick climber, comfortable geometry, nice paint, American made frame. | | Weaknesses: | Bottom bracket has developed creaks yet to be fixed and the SRAM chain has broken twice in about 750 miles and the Pro Max V-Brakes are weak and have a cheap feel, and coil sprung fork bottoms out more than I'd like. | | Bike Setup: | Deore shifters, Shmano LX rear der., Sram 7.0 cogs and 59 chain, Bontrager crank and wheels, Manitou Six Elite fork, Bontrager Stem, bars and seat. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has been great for me. I use it to commute during the week and for trails on the weekend, and it is efficient in both situations. I generally ride about 100 miles a week and I never have any pain or fatigue from this bike. The adjustability of the front fork allows for a wide range of settings and although it bottoms out sometimes, the adjustability helps keep the bike efficient in various situations. The biggest disappointment has been the Sram chain. It's broken twice in a short time and it doesn't shift as smoothly as my '91 Deore DX equipped Paramount... with an 11 year technology advantage it should. Overall the problems I've had are minor and I'm very happy with my bike. I'd recommend it for anyone getting into mountain biking or who has been riding a rigid bike and is looking for their first bike with front suspension. This bike seems like it will be worth upgrading over time as the frame is stiff yet decent riding, and the paint is very nice, especially this price point. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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