Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Tasmania Australia
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2006
Strengths: Been a loyal servent for 2 1/2 years, No faults whatsoever bike is way better than the rider still : ) climbs really really well and decends pretty well even though there is a SID on the front.
Weaknesses: paint a bit marginal but in fairness the bike has done a lot of work and is not treated like a show pony.
Bottom Line:
This was my first MTB and it has been the best thing I could have brought it is still way to good for the rider and a dream to ride. Its taught me a hell of a lot about the wonders of MTB cant fault it. Though I did buy this bike second hand with minimal use I would pay the sticker price for a new one knowing what I know now. The major problem is finding something to replace it with :( hello Mr ASR-sl but thats another story all together.
Similar Products Used: FSR Epic, old DB steel, anything i could get a ride of basically.
Bike Setup: '03 9.8 purchased '04 sid world cup mavic cross roc wheels (not the best but whatever) bontrager post stem and bars XT driveline mostly FSA 2x cranks FSA headset SLR saddle 125 gramms twin ti egg beaters SRAM pc 990 chain SRAM cluster Polar 725 i
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Submitted by
John Semich
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood, CO
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2003
Strengths: Awsome frame, noticably softer ride than a matal frame. All-around good components.
Weaknesses: I switched the brakes out for XT's after the second day of riding, the Avid's suck.
Bottom Line:
If you want a light hardtail, but still want to do some bashin' this is just what you're looking for. I'm 17 and I have tortured this bike beyond imagination, even took it to a skate park and have had absolutly no trouble (except for the occasional rim trueing). I love this thing, simply put.
Strengths: Light, Stiff, good looking, fast, good climber. Its everything you could want in an XC racing bike.
Weaknesses: The components are crap, and should be changed out for a way better performence from the bike
Bottom Line:
I put a review on here a while ago, but i have now had the chance to ride/race this bike. As a racing bike, you could not ask for anything else, i did at least 25 races on this bike. I also won the 15-16 Il. Short track state championships on it. IT clims well, its stiff, and it is light.
Bike Setup: Sid World Cup,Sram 9.0 casset, shifters, and rear derailer. Coda 2X9 crank, slr saddle, Rolf Propel wheels.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Lars Eftang
a Cross Country Rider
from Oslo, Norway
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2002
Strengths: I am a previous racer who received a warranty 2002 9.8 frame which is significantly beefed up compared to my previous 9800. I agree with previous posters that this frame just wants to go. Smokes uphill and is very controllable DH for a hardtail. The frame is very light, and appears extremely solid (note bottom bracket and head tube in particular). Very, VERY inspiring to ride on.
Weaknesses: Not a drama, but i am curious about the e-type front derailleur. According to trek, you can put on a clamp on top pull, but why the need for e-type inserts in the bottom bracket?
Bottom Line:
Quite an outlay if you are purchasing this bike from the shop. Apart from the price, this is pretty much a perfect xc bike.
Submitted by
Dweezil
a Weekend Warrior
from Hollywood
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2002
Strengths: It is light and chicks dig it. Quiet.
Weaknesses: The amount of gears confuse me and the front brake is so strong I land on my head alot.
Bottom Line:
After riding $50 bikes my whole life, my friend suggested this bike. It's ok but I could of bought 50 bikes for the kids in Peru instead. I really don't notice any difference.
Strengths: Best hardtail frame on the market. XTR. Climbs like a rocket. No flex, every pedal stroke is transferred to the ground with no lost energy.
Weaknesses: I bought the bike a couple of years ago, so it came with some Icon components that weren't that bad, but needed to be upgraded once they got tired.
Bottom Line:
I am 6'4" and 210 pounds. I was convinced my Litespeed was the ultimate bike, even after I broke it. It took a lot of research and soul searching to switch to this bike, but I can tell you now that it was the best decision I ever made. I was a little worried about switching to a frame material that I had seen "splinter" in other uses such as Americas Cup Sailing, but was sold on Trek's technology. I remind you that I had broken a titanium frame. I will tell you this, after two years of hard riding including 24 hour races, enduro races, and a lot of needless banging around, this thing has held up far better than I could have ever expected. Other than some scratches, the frame remains in pristine condition. I ride an XL frame that came in at three pounds, lighter than my previous titanium frame, and is stronger, stiffer, and overall a much better performer. I am far from any kind of MTB "knowitall", but after a couple of years of hard living, I wanted to tell you that this is simply the best hardtail on the market. The bike ain't cheap. Spend less, get less. Spend more, and in my opinion, you will still get less. Just ask the World MTB Champ, and ugh...the four time Tour Champ.
Expected better parts mix. The race cranks have serious chain suck problems, very finicky. The brakes are weak sauce as well. Oh, and the rims, may be tough, but are borderline heavy for a race bike. I wonder if they try to get you to by a Fuel by giving such downgrades on components? In any case, the bike handles great, love to climb and descend on it, great geometry! The frame is awesome, but cranks and wheelsets should be swpapped out ASAP! All and all it's a great bike, and with some upgrades will be hard to beat for a few years to come. Best hardtail out there, just wished I didn't feel so ripped off at the sub par components on a bike of this calibur. Buy it if you are serious about racing. Also have save some extra chash for upgrading some of the parts. If neither one of theses suggestions is for you, another bike, maybe a full suspension might be a better pick for your money.
Submitted by
AL
a Cross Country Rider
from Northwest MA
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2002
Strengths: Supple ride, Lightweight (17.5" = 3.3lb/my scale), Climbs with no effort due to super stiff frame, Warranty, Good geometry, Quality built in.
Weaknesses: Paint scheme (2002 model) too busy. Reminds me of a bike from Wal-Mart. Painting the chainstays solid black has improved looks enough to shut me up. "Trek" on headtube only three times. (Once would do.)
Bottom Line:
Switched over all components and went for first ride. (Checked tires with accurate gauge to ensure same pressure that I always ride.) Now I know why aluminium frames are called "harsh". Sweet smooth ride yet super stiff bb/frame climbs with little effort. Sitting on the bike and looking down I like the beefy dia top tube and clean cable routing. I'm really going to put the hurt on my ridding buds now as this bike can climb. (20.25 lbs with everyday non-race tires) Bottom Line - Two thumbs up.
Similar Products Used: Specialized 1998 M2 S-Works hardtail ridden for three years.
Bike Setup: Marathon 80mm, Spinergy SPOX, Easton carbon bar and post, Avid Mags, XTR, Next LP cranks.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Jeff Luce
a Weekend Warrior
from Cocoa, FL USA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2002
Strengths: Awsome lightweight frame and fork. Frame absorbs vibration giving it a great ride. Get on this frame for a week, and you'll know what I mean. Stiff & light = XC racer.
Weaknesses: Components could be better. Shimano is OK. Bontrager will work but to heavy for XC or ECO racing.
Bottom Line:
Unbelievable ride. I need the nice ride for just turning forty, 175 pounds. This bike is not made for doing drop offs. This bike's made for XC racing and handling technical rides. I bought the bike for the frame and fork. I regret not buying the frame and fork only and building it up from there. I'm spending more for up-grading components. Trek I guess wanted to keep the price down. The ride is noticeably better than an aluminum frame bike. No regretes.
Similar Products Used: C-dale V-1000, C-dale V-500, C-dale Jeckyl. C-dale no match to Trek.
Bike Setup: In the process of getting it lighter plus dependable for eco-racing. So far Thomson Elite stem and seat post, king headset and hubs, Mavic 517's, Avid Ti brakes, Easton EC-90 carbon bar, Selle Italia Flite Gel saddle, Eggbeater pedals. Waiting on XTR four arm crank with Bottom Bracket.
If you are thinking about getting a full suspension XC racing bike, don't before you try this bike out. This is a very stiff frame, accelerates like a dream, climbs like a goat, and decends faster than any soft tail. The Carbon fiber soaks up everything. You can lock out the front suspension on most trails and still feel like you are getting the benefits of it opened up. This bike is so comfortable that it can make anyone who races faster. It is a racing bike, pure and simple. If you are into freeriding go elsewhere. If you would like to get to the top of the podium, get it.
Bike Setup: Sid SL, Sram 9.0 group, Bontrager, Race Light Wheels, Revolt SuperX Tubeless tires, Race stem, bar and saddle. Eggbeater pedals
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Submitted by
Tony M.
a Weekend Warrior
from Greensboro
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2002
Strengths: lightweight
Weaknesses: weak, chainstays (old model?), and Trek Warranty is bogus
Bottom Line:
Trek's warranty is a load of garbage. I broke the chainstays on mine, and they said they wouldn't warranty it due to "crash". I didn't even crash it! It had been flexing for some time, and the bike dealer told me to wait for it to break. Well it did, I moved, and now I am screwed. I called and pleaded with Trek but "no dice". They offered to fix it for $600! Who needs another weak bike, with no warranty? Buy a Kestral or a Dean. They still care about their customers. Trek stand behind their product? Ha!
Strengths: Very stiff, I wiegh 110 so there is no flex at all!! Light, good climber,fast,and fun. The sid is great, just takes some time to set up.
Weaknesses: the Avids dont come with the cartrage style brake pads which makes them a little bit of a pain to adjust.
Bottom Line:
This bike is wonderful, I havnt been able to race it yet but I have loved riding it. The sid sl is a drea, the ajustable travel so really convienent and quick. The bike climbs great, its excelerates even better.
Similar Products Used: devinci moonracer, giant XtC SE1, cannondale f2000,
Bike Setup: no words to describe it
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Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Wasgington, DC
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2001
Strengths: Great ride, stiff, soaks up everything and is dialed in really well. Trek has finally worked ou the flaws in their OCLV frame.
Weaknesses: This bike is setup for 5'10" 155 pound riders on the West Cost. If you're taller, heavier and live somewhere else get ready to shell out some more cash - if you're all three, then it's really going to cost you.
BTW, all highend bikes should NOT come with pedels. Pedels vary from rider to rider and for me, I don't like Time pedels, I'm sure they're fine, but I never even put them on. Sorry for the rant.
Bottom Line:
All in all this is a great bike. The carbon OCLV frame rides better than I thought and is stiffer than most metal-based frames. The geometry on this bike is spot on and the fork works great giving 80mm of travel while still being svelte enough to serve as a good cross country fork.
I was initially hesitant to use this as my main bike especially after using a Ti DEAN for seven years. My first real ride disproved that theory immediately. This bike is great and carbon, specifically Trek and their OCLV, has come a long way and can suffice as real material for an off-rode bike. I will admit, though, I still cringe when I get chain suck as I worry about damage to the frame. I didn’t cringe nearly as much with my Ti frame, though. Nevertheless, time will be the real test.
Having said all the great things about the frame, there are some real chintz components on this bike and Trek should have known better. First, the brakes are Avid. When dialed in they do their job well – it’s just chintz to give your top-of-the-line hardtail bike these brakes. Trek should have stuck with either Shimano XT or XTR brakes. Second, the 1.8 Bontrager tires might be OK for West Cost riding, but I live on the East Cost and these things need to go right away. I’ll forgive Trek for this one as probably more people purchase this bike for the West Cost. Third, I’m over six feet tall and as such I took the extra large frame size. Like I said, the geometry on this bike is great, but receiving it with 175mm cranks is unforgivable. Bontrager (or trek since they own them) doesn’t make any other size than 175mm. OK, fine, I understand why the bike didn’t come with, say, 177.5mm cranks, but now this plus the tires are starting to add up. Which leads me into my fourth problem with this bike, the wheels. Don’t get me wrong, these wheels are well built and are suitable for over 90% of the people that would purchase the 9.8. In fact, they are just what the person who would buy this bike would like. Problem, is, though, not everyone fits in this neat box and now it's draining a hole in my wallet. Having said that, though, 24 spoke front wheels are simply not acceptable since I weigh almost 200 pounds. Again, for most people this will work, but for heavier, taller racers this bikes has some features that need to be changed immediately. For the money, I honestly expected a little more and as such I can't give this bike a five star rating on value nor overall. Remember, at 6'3" inches and 190 pounbds I'm still fairly skinny and can move and climb (five-time tour winner Indurain was similaier size). This bike, though, is not set up for me to race out-of-the-box.
