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Submitted by
Ed Murray-Clark
a Weekend Warrior
from U.K.
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | School Trails, you may have seen them in MBUK | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | Great Strong and nice looking frame in matt red. The handlebars are pretty nice as well. The wheels that you get are pretty good, considering how much you are paying. | | Weaknesses: | The brakes were pretty shoddy, and I broke the cranks within two months. The chain tensioner should probably be taken off, I bent mine pretty quickly, which later resulted in me snapping my rear derailer (which the rear drop out is meant to stop) | | Similar Products Used: | Specialised p1, Kona Stinky | | Bike Setup: | Marzochi Z1 Bomber (probably shoudln't have them on there as it might snap the frame!), Truvativ Husselfelt Cranks and Isis BB, same stem, same handle bars, same seat post. Dmr dirt jumper saddle, magura HS 33, Halo Combat wheels. | | Bottom Line: | it's a pretty good bike for the money, and only requires a litle bit of upgrading (usually when bits snap of which isn't that usuall). This was my first proper bike and I like it so much. I have used it for evertything and it just seems to excell at it all, downhill, XC, you name it.
The bike is good for a rider who is just starting or who wants an upgrade to a previous bike, but has some money to spend for a few upgrades. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nartin
a Weekend Warrior
from Oslo /Norway
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Raske Sykkler | | Strengths: | It´s a bloddy good frame, its super stiff and takes you anywhere you want to go. The wheels are bomb proof! Ive landed tonns of bad 360´s badly and sideways and they stay strong! | | Weaknesses: | Cranks and rear brake but this costed me 300$ to upgrade. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Kilauea 96mod | | Bike Setup: | Standard but with DMR ceiftain cranks, dmr V12 pedals and magura HS33 Rear brake. | | Bottom Line: | This is one hell of a bike! Ive used it for almost two years and everything sticks together. (exxept that i first destroyed me truative cranks, purchased the dmr cranks and blew off all the ballbearings there) But that sais alot because the dmr cheiftain cranks are suposed to be bomb proof and they are! they lasted for 1 1/2 years wich is ALOT (atlest for me). But thy broke , And nothing else is nearly broken! i have some maguras for the front aswell, but i wont use them because the front brake is soooo lovley! So if you want a Sweet Dirt/street/trial/BSX/Freeride bike this is the one! By the way, i´m signing up for the norwegian DH cup with it. Another review coming after ;) See ya! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The J-Dub ?
a Downhiller
from Fayettville
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything you throw | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Longs Northwest Hitch | | Strengths: | Bombproof! This thing is a Panzer on 2.35's Biotch! | | Weaknesses: | If you can find one i'd like to know! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized p2 | | Bike Setup: | Bruiser 1 w/ Marzzochi Dirt Jumper III, Hayes 9 Front, Kona jack crap(you know the real word) grips, Hussefelt crankset! Chevy ain't the only dang thing built like a rock! BOMBPROOF Homie!!!!! | | Bottom Line: | Ride it, Like it, Want it, get it! If you can find it! NOTE: The Trek Bruiser is no longer available in the US of A. If you want one you better check the Brits or somethin' cause odds of findin' one are stacked against ya bro! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dirtpuppy
a
from surrey uk
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | local woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | a damn strong dual/thrasher frame and fork combo, suits just about any modification | | Weaknesses: | not so great brakes | | Similar Products Used: | GT prototype hardtail dual bike | | Bike Setup: | bog standard apart from tioga 2.1 DH tyres, coyote hubs and a mammoth sun rim up front. soon it will have a pair of rockshox judy xlc's and possibly RST disc brakes, when i can afford the latter | | Bottom Line: | absolute bobby dazzler for the price! i cant wait to thrash it about and pack in some big jumps, excellent to modify, and has relighted my passion for mountain biking, my GT prototype was a truly magnificent duel/dual frame but i got bored of it, now this trek will be a laugh | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Downhiller
from United Kingdom
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Thomas's Cycle Revolution | | Strengths: | Very strong frame and forks, looks good in the matt finish, Bars hold up pretty good and the tires are pretty good but wear out quickly and the pedals are good. | | Weaknesses: | Cranks are weak, Rims are too weak i bent my front rim on the second day of having the bike! | | Bike Setup: | Stock so far....but will be upgrading to 2003 marzocchi Dj 3 amd hayes HFX-9 8' front and 6' rear, new crankset, tioga dh 2.3' tires. | | Bottom Line: | Very good bike for the price they ask for!
If your a beginner starting to do jumps or trails then this is the bike for you, aslong as you get some new stronger parts then this bike will be great for jumping and you could bash it about as much as you like and wont have to worry about things breaking! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Downhiller
from Eugene,Oregon
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | "The Coburg Hills" | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Hutch's | | Strengths: | Frame is killer, Bars and stem hold up well. A great bike to put your stuff on | | Weaknesses: | Rims,seat,cranks,no suspension until upgraded | | Similar Products Used: | Haro,GT,Azonic,Surley | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Marzocchi DJ3,Raceface Prodigy DH cranks/BB, RhynoLite front wheel, Bombshell Fatboy 24" Rear wheel,Kenda Kinetics front tire,Maxxis Hookworm rear,2003 Hayes HFX9 Hydraulics 8", Power Tools Stem, Bontrager Handelbars and crappy seat | | Bottom Line: | This bike at 400 is a steal. The Frame itself is worth almost that.If you want a good dirt jumper and you are on a low budget this bike is for you. But if you want something that you dont want to put any money into invest in a more expensive bike and get ripped off. I ended up selling the ridgid to a friend for his trials bike and tricked my bike out as i have gone. Buying parts from my friends so i have maybe 900 into my bike all together. This bike had the potential to be a sick Freeride DH Northshore u name it i done it kick ass bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$384.00 | | Purchased At: | J&R | | Strengths: | Nice bar, awesome tires, brakes that work (always a plus) | | Weaknesses: | Cranks are weak and flexy. wheels are heavy single walls | | Bottom Line: | Nice frame to hang your own parts on but if you ride hard and weigh more the 100 lbs. the parts will not hold up for long. i weigh 120 lbs. and the cranks creak constantly and flex if you pull them by hand. The wheels must be prone to flatspotting because mine look like octagons but i've never hit the wheel itself the tires have always stopped them, overall i like the frame and fork but cranks have got to go. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew Gill
a Weekend Warrior
from Selkirk Scotland
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Glentress | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Peebles bycle works | | Strengths: | Best frame Ive seen The looks and the strenth, rims except one broke from some1 kicking it. (that made my day) Jumpers and trails is what this bike is made for and its darn hard to break it. | | Weaknesses: | front crank set and the cain stay. | | Bike Setup: | Mazaricozi Z1 drop offs, hollow tec crank set xt rapid fire, deore front derailer, tioga 2.3 DH tires. Crane Creek Heed set. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike Brillient strenth except for front chian stay. If i had a buget of $500.00 agein i would buy it agein :P. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark cant
a Downhiller
from durham
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | hamsterly forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | wheelies direct | | Strengths: | Very tough on drop offs, has very strong rims and front forks. | | Weaknesses: | The seat bends to easily and the tyres are cheap, but other than that it is sound. | | Bike Setup: | Tioga tyres, Magura discs, MRP chain device and a few other upgrades. | | Bottom Line: | The best bike i have ever had, it was an insurance bike and iam pleased me bike got nicked other wise would never have had the pleasure of riding this lovely steed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gavin McCarthy
a Downhiller
from Eagle, Id, Ada
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | devil's slide | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Idaho Mountain Touring | | Strengths: | Great Frame, I love the style of it and how slick it looks | | Weaknesses: | chain stay is weak, handle bars are too long | | Bike Setup: | Marizocchi Bombshell Jr. T Fork, Maxxis MoFo-2.35, Azonic Love seat, and Hayes MEchnicals front and rear 6' rotors | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for Downhill if you put the right stuff on it. Overall a real winner | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom
a
from ct
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | this place | | Strengths: | frame and pedals handlebar is ok tires are ok too | | Weaknesses: | stem, cranks, bb, wheels, shifter, stock fork. and pretty much every thing else | | Bike Setup: | 02 marzocchi super.t, race face prodigy dh ISIS cranks, RF evlove dh ISIS bb, azonic PDW riser bar, red oury grips, maxxis highroller 2.5 tires, atom lab trailpimps with xt disc hub(rear) marzqr20(front.Gramica system 8 hydro disc n front and 6" avid mech. in back. | | Bottom Line: | i love the frame. that was what made me buy the bike. the frame is nearly industructable | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Lawlor
a Weekend Warrior
from Whitley Bay
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The Dean | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Hardisty's, Byker, Newcastle.UK. | | Strengths: | The bike will always look great and ride great no-matter what you put it through | | Weaknesses: | Very poor paint, It will need love and care to keep it like new | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX 860 97/98 model ( the gold one) if you'v got one then keep it it's very rare! | | Bike Setup: | Tioga 2.1 tyres, latex tubes, Z1 eta's, Hope mini's, King headset,Deor shifters front and back, 2x9 bontraga chainset,egg beater pedals. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that with the aid of lightbikes.com, I have got myself together a light tank proof machine. This is without a dought the best yet. Go for good parts and you'l not be dissapointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Hull
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Brans Burton Jumps | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Rock solid frame!used the bike once couldnt get of it!its a good beginer bike and looks really cool. | | Weaknesses: | None so far (and hopefully never!) | | Similar Products Used: | Gt Timberland | | Bike Setup: | Same as wen bought! | | Bottom Line: | Really cool bike, STRONG AS HELL FRAME!feels good to ride and looks good only some places sell the bike a little expensive! if your starting trials or dirt jumping then get this BRUTE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john thomas
a Downhiller
from phoenix
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | national | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | 300 | | Strengths: | feels good on descents, super cheap, stiff frame, looks cool, the bike feels good off jumps, and even though I switched to a suspension fork I liked the rigid fork it was good for trials riding but a little to brutal on all the rocky trails out here. | | Weaknesses: | The parts were stolen off a Kmart bike,the seat is cross country hard, the chain tensioner is a joke, the frame and parts are all to heavy, the paint chips, it can't take tires over 2.35 and thats tight so don't tweak a wheel, the tires that come with it are flimsy,the wheels are soft and get flat spots (that might have been because its my first hard tail that I own so I abuse it but when I switched to the suns I didn't get flat spots), with a 5 in. fork the head angle is to slack, the geometry makes the bike pedal like a dh bike ( my girl friend refused to ride it when her kona stinky was down, she said it pedaled like a rock),and my favorite part is that since its one of treks cheap bikes they skimped on making it and my rear triangle sits off center on the frame so when I changed wheel sets I had to dish the rear wheel to the right so it wouldn't rub and since I bought the bike on line (never been riden), I'm stuck with it. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona roast, chute, scab, Azonics ds1, Surly instigator | | Bike Setup: | Z1 with 5",Kona clump stem & dh bar, Wellgo pedals, tomac single wides, north shore dh cranks, kooka bash gard, tioga 2.3 dh, avid mechanicals. | | Bottom Line: | You can't polish a turd. The bike is a good idea because the cost is low and its burly. But by the time you have replaced all the junk on it, (thats everything) you could have bought a much better bike. Trek needs to upgrade the components to ones that are atleast descent and make the frame a little more pedaler friendly. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Olly
a
from lancaster
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | The Edge | | Strengths: | great beginner frame, super stiff, big grippy pedals, good build for price
| | Weaknesses: | thin chain ring, small tyres (they say 2.35", but same as tioga 2.1") | | Similar Products Used: | Norco sasquatch, kona roast / stuff, X-cess | | Bike Setup: | Bomber Z1 wedge, Truvativ Hussefelt ISIS, Tioga, Nokian, D521 | | Bottom Line: | I've reviewed this before, i have now had to upgrade, this is cos i improved after i bought it. The chain ring eventually bent, as did the front wheel! But the frame is ace. The square taper cranks eventually rounded, only cos i didnt keep them tight, my fault.
If you want to improve, then you won't go wrong by getting this | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a Weekend Warrior
from southampton
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Strengths: | it is a very strong frame it will take everything you put it through. | | Weaknesses: | the chain device makes a sound. | | Similar Products Used: | saracen x-ess, GT ruckus | | Bike Setup: | i havent changed anything yet but i will get some suspension forks when i can afford some. | | Bottom Line: | it is a strong frame and i think its good for beginners like me | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nathan robbins
a Weekend Warrior
from exeter
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | i dunno | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop | | Strengths: | everything it is an amazing bike. blatentley | | Weaknesses: | weaknesses, are you joking | | Similar Products Used: | just about everything | | Bike Setup: | z1 wedges, 8 speed, v brakes ect. | | Bottom Line: | its amazing everybody in the world should buy one well,
most people. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Demonseemann istheman
a Racer
from West Des Moines, Ia USA
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | 63rd st trails 'the trails from hell' | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$265.00 | | Purchased At: | bike world west (i work there) | | Strengths: | this bike is an excellent ride stock, but by changing just a few things on it, it's becomes an unreal urban assualt and trail bike. i felt very lucky to get the bike at the price i did. the bike is cheap to begin w/, but when your only paying wholesale.. wew, not bad at all. | | Weaknesses: | that weak steel chainring, it bent within 2 weeks of owning the bike, and i can't say i liked the promax brakes it came w/, they were kinda week | | Similar Products Used: | karpiel hill billy, ellsworth specialist | | Bike Setup: | 01' bruiser one frame, marzocchi dirt jumper w/ qr20, (130mm of travel) truvativ hussefelt A2A crank arms w/ bashgaurd, (22t and 32t) bontrager isis bb, lx shifters, lx front der, xt rear der. Kore strictly D handlebar, Kore stem and seatpost as well, bontrager sadle, Mavic 521 dh rims, xt rear hub, hayes mechanical disc brakes (8 in rotors) w/ hayes levers, maxxis 2.5 tires | | Bottom Line: | hook this beast up w/ a better fork and drivetrain, and you my freind have a bad ass bike. you will break before this bike does | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Downhiller
from London UK
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Cycle Centre | | Strengths: | Strong, cheap, easy to upgrade,looks good | | Weaknesses: | some stock parts | | Similar Products Used: | various other hard tails | | Bike Setup: | Bruiser One frame, Mazz Z1 wedge forks, DMR cheiftan 3 peice cranks, PlanetX monolith hubs and Goliath wheels, old skool tires, PlantX stem, EA50m bars, Magura HS33 hydro rim brakes | | Bottom Line: | I wanted a play/second bike after my dh monster, bought the Trek stock, upgraded as above. Trek have built a very good bike and resisted fitting sub standard disc brakes and suspension forks hence cheaper. This bike is only limited by the rider, very good for duel/jumping. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Clarkson
a
from Eridge, Kent, England
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Secret trails, Rotherfield | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Stif | | Strengths: | amazing frame- Wade Bootes influence- rides good stock. Adaptable for changes. looks cool. suits a learning rider due to its cost and setup- good to learn skills on- has potential for long term upgrading.
Good for experienced riders as well, will up your riding skills because you'll want to ride it all the time! | | Weaknesses: | Sh••y parts like Bar, Rims- soft and wrote off wheel on first ride... but that's down to cost but bars have been upgraded to Bontragers now. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar | | Bike Setup: | Bruiser Frame, 24 seven 5-piece bar and 24 seven stem, 24 seven singlespeed convertor, 24 seven Chanring, 24 sven grips, XTR brakes, XT levers, Tioga DH 2.3 tyres, Mavic D531 rims on Deore hubs, Manitou X-vert forks. | | Bottom Line: | This set up kills it on street and trails.
I have my favourite bike in the Trek Bruiser.
Fast, fun and hard as hell.
Has dents and scratches all over it.
That is a good sign of a good bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grande
a Downhiller
from Eugene, Oregon
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | northshore stuff built by locals | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Used - MTBR | | Strengths: | Frame, parts..... 8-speed RULES | | Weaknesses: | The brakes, the grips and shifter - GRIPSHIFT SUCKS | | Similar Products Used: | GT ruckus 1.0 | | Bike Setup: | '98 Boxxer, Mammoth/D521, hayes hydro 8" front, profiles, A-fame pedals, 36T ring, Kooka bashring (metallic red), a metallic red WTB SST seat, intense lockjaws, LX 8-speed shifter, kujo 2.35/gazzalodi 2.6, big al stem.
Stock: bars, derailleur, cassete, seat post/clamp, rear brake, rear brake lever | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike in basically the same setup as it is now, but i had the stock grips and shifters on there. The grips moved around a bit, and I hate gripshift, so I got some lockjaws and a used LX 8-speed shifter for $35 total. The whole gripshift thing is preference, so no points docked there. My main love is the frame - i have the large, and I can hit the north shore trails, urban, DJ, whatever. With a 36T ring, it also has a whole different personality... I just raise the seat and it's an XC bike. When I owned a ruckus, I thought it was stiff compared to my F/S. I sold that bike and bought this... the ruckus felt like a short-travel softtail. This frame is SOOO STIFF. I can't comment much on the components, but the stock brakes are definately NOT 1-finger stoppers. Eh, they're V's. Anyways, I'm gonna give this bike the highest overall, and I wish I could give it more for value. I'm gonna get another one at my second house - it costs less than shipping the bike back and forth. :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
death star
a Racer
from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any thing as long as im on my bike | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | bailey's in 2 more weeks it well be mine | | Strengths: | almost as strong as me | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | none yet | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Six shocks, primo seat and pedles and the rest is stock | | Bottom Line: | for the price the company is getin riped off im buying it because the quality of the bike and from other reviews | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Oliver
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | The Edge, Lancaster | | Strengths: | Frame.Decent brakes and gearing. | | Weaknesses: | None yet, except slightly dented rear rim. The | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stuff, Norco Saquatch, Saracen X-ess | | Bike Setup: | package build plus 2002 Z1 Wedge 130mm | | Bottom Line: | a beginner looking for a strong and relatively cheap bike...get it! i,ve done step jumps, downhill, ripped up my local trails.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from England
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Strengths: | This bike has a light but strong frame that kicks ass over my other bikes. Also the bluey grey colour looks great out at the trials! | | Weaknesses: | This bike has hardly any, only the rider can be put at fault for living up to it's name "BRUISER" | | Similar Products Used: | Reactor | | Bike Setup: | 16" frame, Magura hydraulics, Halo wheels. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this bike can suit almost any rider and is a comfortable ride to say the least. Let it be said that this bike RULES! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jumpdaddy
a Downhiller
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | UCSD urban | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Discovery | | Strengths: | Very strong and stiff. first thing i threw it at was a ten stair by the shop. lands nicely on big stuff. 22.5" top tube on the med. is exactly what i look for. tracks really nice over deflections like those at noble super nice. all about o/s stays. Best urban bike I've yet built. Dh skills are very present with this bike and it steers great w/ a 5" up front. when I build a bike I build for stength and this bike works. kicks ass all over my reactor. plus if you kill one, IT'S TREK... you'll get a new one. | | Weaknesses: | I couldn't ride it stock. No parts stock except post and stem. I bought the cheaper bruiser because all my stuff would fit right on it and you can't get the frame on it's own. oh and I hate clear coat over stickers. sooner or later trek should make them w/ extruded yolks. let the bikes take a 2.5 easier that's the biggest you can go w/ a wide rim | | Similar Products Used: | homegrown, reactor, bombshell | | Bike Setup: | 5" Z-1 QR20, 2.7/2.5 maxxis, deore hydro 6", azonic 2.5" bars. XTR cranks with a mrp 36t, dura-ace mid-cage der for the quick shifting, prototype spinergy rear DH disc wheel (white spokes and all), SUV 20mm front, primo/FSA headset | | Bottom Line: | the sniznizzity. couldn't ask anything more from a hardtail. it's already slapping around karpiels on rides. next test is the 13 stair and it'll bomb anderson nicely. can't touch the value for either one of these bikes stock. I work at a shop and everyone should know that $500 hardtail frames are wastes of money. this bike is the right formula of numbers, it's backed up by bikerosoft i mean trek, and it's cheap. I love mine it makes a dope ride indeed... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Sharpe
a Downhiller
from Hull, UK
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$610.00 | | Purchased At: | Ken Ellerker's | | Strengths: | Every part on the bike is thought out, it is one of the very few sub £1000 bikes that can be run stock. The handling is spot on. The weight; as if the frame only weighs 4.2lb! | | Weaknesses: | The rear mech is only Alivio, but for £15 the nice people at Ellerkers changed it to a short cage XT! The chainring is well thought out size at 38t, but it is very weak, i bent it within 5 minutes of owning it. | | Similar Products Used: | Practically every other dual bike on the planet | | Bike Setup: | stock, with an XT short cage mech | | Bottom Line: | By far the best value for money Dual bike available at the moment. No other sub £500 mtb can be ridden as hard, nor does any sub £500 mtb ride so nicely. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philip Mann
a
from Reading, England
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | cup&saucer | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Freewheel, England | | Strengths: | Lightweight but strong frame, strong wheels, soild fork and a good basic groupset. | | Weaknesses: | tires and pedels, and also a left-hand crank arm that comes lose quite often | | Similar Products Used: | DS-1, DMR trailstar, Kona scab | | Bike Setup: | Raceface stem and headset, 2002 Marzocchi Z. 1 wedge, Shimano XT Deore shifter, Yeti Lock-on Grips. | | Bottom Line: | The complete package when you buy it is good value for moeny but soon after you have to upgrade some parts if you want the bike to last. I think it is best for someone how is coming into jumping or freeride, but can be changed to suit an expert. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Constantin
a
from Russia St-Petersburg
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Nice price, realy good geometry, light wight ! | | Weaknesses: | There are 3 broken frames in last 2 month. | | Bike Setup: | Bruser I + Bomber Z1 Drop off (130mm) + Magura Julia | | Bottom Line: | Nice price, realy good geometry, light wight, BUT
There are 3 broken frames in last 2 month. All 2001, but the frame 2002 is the same as in 2001. (May be becouse of cold winter trials.) | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack Plumb
a Weekend Warrior
from Suffolk
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mungies | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Suffolk | | Strengths: | The frame is very durable. It is really lightweight. | | Weaknesses: | A really crap chain device that makes a grinding sound. The seat is batty. | | Similar Products Used: | The gimp and DMR trailstar. | | Bike Setup: | Trek bruiser with 24/7 bar,stem and grips and a xt shifter. | | Bottom Line: | Great value jump-bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CS
a Weekend Warrior
from in the woods
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | In the woods! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$100000.00 | | Strengths: | The frame, and i suspose everythign else but the bike because you get what you pay for. | | Weaknesses: | THE fork is the main weakness weighing about 6 lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | not sure | | Bike Setup: | Bruiser one, Rock shox xc 100 mm fork, crowbar handle bars, 105 icon stem, locking grips, hot-s wildgripper tires, etc. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great buy it's alot of fun. The frame is very strong and it's worth upgrading.
I'm giving it 5 flaming because it was a good buy and a good product.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bikemonkey
a
from Manchester
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$320.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek UK | | Strengths: | Fantastic frame, disk brake reads hubs, they've not stuck a crappy suntour or similar fork on | | Weaknesses: | tyres arent so good, noisy chain device, pedals aren't too good, deore mech might've been nice! | | Similar Products Used: | Azonic ds1 thingie
Giant ATX 840 | | Bike Setup: | tioga factory DH tyres
v8 pedals | | Bottom Line: | OK, I only paid £225 for it as a staff purchase so I suppose I cant complain about anything....ok, theres nothing I want to complain about! I like that Trek haven't tried to make it look more expensive than it is by using a good rigid fork and OK V brakes instead of a rubbish fork and mechanical disc brake. The thoughtful people have also seen fit to put disc brake mounts and disc hubs on to make the upgrade easier ad less painful on the wallet.
Ive not been riding my bruiser long and I cant find any problems with it. It's virtually indestuctible as my many wipeouts have proved and can even (theoretically at least) be used for XC (Steve Worland uses a single chainring so there) and beats the crap out of the Giant ATX 840 it replaces!
The Bruiser 1 is obviously aimed at the sort of person who wants a bruiser 2 but cant afford it. Even without the hi-tech discs it is kind of endearing and Im glad my well earned money went on this and not the Trek 4100 I almost bought! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Casey
a
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | In the woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | my work | | Strengths: | the frame is bomb proof, good set up for the price. | | Weaknesses: | pedals and tires dont grip, handle bars and fork. | | Similar Products Used: | ? | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi z1 freeride 130 mm. bontrager crowbars, snafu platform pedals michlein? hot s wild gripper tires, chris king head set, xtr cranks
basically all the stuff on this is not stock and shamino components | | Bottom Line: | get this bike if you want something that can take everything you throw at it. 6 foot drops on a hardtail? it will take the beating!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Harry Yochem
a
from Corpus Christ, TX
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any i guess | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike World | | Strengths: | quick, strong frame the handles and jumps nicely, no chain slap sounds like a diesel | | Weaknesses: | sounds like a diesel something makes lots of noise on the front and the tires make it slow and they're loud, the chain guide seems to suck | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stuff, GT Ruckus, Diamondback what's it called | | Bike Setup: | Stock, some crappy nashbar clipless platform pedals | | Bottom Line: | It's really strong and it turns much better than my 7000 and lots of cannondales, but if you do lots of jumps it hurts your wrists overall i'd say this is a good bike for kids with no money who do lots of jumps and screw up their race bikes; it's dandy, and i would give it like 11 chilis for value but i can't | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Pollard
a Downhiller
from Exeter
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Shute Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shed | | Strengths: | Fantastic Frame
Good Handlebars, shifter, cassette, hubs, rims, saddle, cranks, nice thick tires 2.35" | | Weaknesses: | Terribly weak peddles, stem, and headset | | Similar Products Used: | GT Ruckus
24/7 Dark Angel
Orange Misisle | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z1 MCR 130mm fork
FSA Pig Headset
World Force Shorty 4-Bolt Stem
Magura HS-33's Brakes
DMR V-12 Peddles
Everything else stock | | Bottom Line: | Ok, for £400, you cannot have it all! What you do get, and what is most important for jumping is a bloody strong frame, pro's use it! Trust me, you will not break the frame, totally bomb-proof. The brusier is exceptional value for money, and is good in all areas apart from a few components that should have been made a bit stronger. The peddles snapped within a week - god, they must be made from corrigated steel, - absolute crap. The stem and headset creak all the time, and are, at best poor. The v-brakes if set up properly, will serve you well. However, the bottom line is, once, you have got a good stem (Azonic etc) with a 'zocchi fork, good sealed, 12mm axle peddles, and a strong headset (fsa pig the only way to go) and a pair of hs-33's, and for around £800 you have one hell of a strong, impressive bike. This is an honest review - no hype here - this is the absolute truth! As far as its value is concerned, no probs, however as performance goes, don't be expecting to trash it straight out of the box, get the afformentioned components sorted out, and thats one wicked bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stian Benkø
a Racer
from Oslo, Norway
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Yes! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$575.00 | | Purchased At: | Sykkelexperten Skårer | | Strengths: | Unbreakeble, air stable. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, bad brakes and truvativ crank. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek STP 200 | | Bike Setup: | Judy Race (100mm), the rest is stock. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a lot of fun. It handles great and every turn is a dream. It is a perfect bike for dual, street and dirt.
I bought this bike because a wanted too experience the world of hardcore riding.
Buy this bike if you want a hardcore bike that doesn't cost a fortune. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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