Submitted by
Lee Hilgendorf
a Cross Country Rider
from Milton, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2011
Strengths: Very strong frame, gears are right for all around X country, roads and fire lanes. Hose off the mud, dry it off and your good to go
Weaknesses: Bad fork, Hard grips, didn't like the brake pads so I changed them.
Bottom Line:
I have had the bike since 2003 new and since have changed the fork to a Dart 2, replaced the brakes and cables everything else is still good to go. Keep the derailer oiled and clean and it works great. This is a great all around bike to start out with. I have seen people go over big drop offs and not break anything. Heavy steel frame that won't break. No problems with anything else. I am 6' 2" and 210 lbs and it hauls me around just fine. I have worn out one set of tires, brake pads and peddles. Time for a new seat.
Bike Setup: myself. Didnt like the way the shop set it up
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
lejcjohnson
a Weekend Warrior
from Anywhere US
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2010
Strengths: Is still running after more than 6 years on the trails. I bought this thing in Germany years ago and I am now in Iraq with it. This thing is great for the money.
Weaknesses: Heavy, cheap parts. But still a Trek
Bottom Line:
For the money it is a great bike. It has been road hard and put up wet and continues to roll. Looking to rebuild it after the trip to the desert.
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Zwevegem - Belgium
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2007
Strengths: -Super Solid Frame (once made a accidental jump from 8 ft and it suvived) -Easy steering -Has evrything you need (but in a cheap way...) -Good front-suspension (even if its not adjustable) -Still no rust on the frame, even after 6 years
Weaknesses: -All components are almost the cheapest there are, so don't expect high-level results -Very poor rims furnished -Fron derailleur seems to block once in a while -Heavy!
Bottom Line:
When I purchased this bike 6 years ago I bought it because of the low price for a "Trek". With a little investment over the years, I still have a solid bike, good and reliable parts, strong enough to survive a big jump, or strong enoug to do a rough downhill. Okay, there are nicer bikes on the market, but even if you willing to pay for it, it will never be as solid as a steel frame-bike.
Bike Setup: -Pedals changed to SPD -Crancks changed to Deore LX -Cow-bars added -Rigida Rims -XT-derailleur on the back (must!!) -LX-derailleur on the front (Must !!!!!!)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Zwevegem - Belgium
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2007
Strengths: -Super Solid Frame (once made a accidental jump from 8 ft and it suvived) -Easy steering -Has evrything you need (but in a cheap way...) -Good front-suspension (even if its not adjustable) -Still no rust on the frame, even after 6 years
Weaknesses: -All components are almost the cheapest there are, so don't expect high-level results -Very poor rims furnished -Fron derailleur seems to block once in a while -Heavy!
Bottom Line:
When I purchased this bike 6 years ago I bought it because of the low price for a "Trek". With a little investment over the years, I still have a solid bike, good and reliable parts, strong enough to survive a big jump, or strong enoug to do a rough downhill. Okay, there are nicer bikes on the market, but even if you willing to pay for it, it will never be as solid as a steel frame-bike.
Bike Setup: -Pedals changed to SPD -Crancks changed to Deore LX -Cow-bars added -Rigida Rims -XT-derailleur on the back (must!!) -LX-derailleur on the front (Must !!!!!!)
Submitted by
Graham LeGault
a Weekend Warrior
from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2005
Strengths: It's a really tough bike, It stands up to everything I dish out, decent components for the money!!
Weaknesses: It's a little heavy, but you get what you pay for. The grips are a little big.
Bottom Line:
It's a sweet ass bike for the money! I have bruised and abused this bike so badly, and it still rides amazing! The gears sometimes make a funny noise, but hey I have ridden this baby HARD! I just put a little chain lube on it and it shifts and sounds fine. Buy this bike if you are looking for a good bike to piss around the trails on, or if you are starting to take a serious intrest in mounatin biking! I'm looking to upgrade to a Norco Manik, or a Kona Stuff in the upcoming year, i'm getting a little more serious about the sport. This bike gets 5/5 for sure. Trek all the way dudes!
Submitted by
Alan Johnson
a Downhiller
from torrance california united states
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2004
Strengths: Very tough and rugged. really takes whip out well. I personally love this bike it is a great mountain bike for first timers.
Weaknesses: some times it is hard to shift some times but other than that it is an all around great bike. HEAVY HEAVY HEAVY!!!!
Bottom Line:
the bottem line is that it is an great all around bike. Even though it some times does not want to shift but thats ok. It really shapes up the legs well too. I would definitly recomend this bike to any one who is looking for great quality for its price
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2004
Strengths: A TOUGH bike! Great for the money. Very reliable, Shifts great every time.
Weaknesses: HEAVY, HEAVY, HEAVY. It's a steal bike. You get what you pay for. If you want strong and light, it's not cheap; if you want cheap and strong, it's not going to be light.
Bottom Line:
I have pretty muched tested this bike to the limits. I rode this bike at least 5 times a week on single track. The front suspension leaves something to be desired, but, you get what you pay for. Other than that, the bike has been great. Havn't had trouble with the anything other than a slipping seatpost. Great, strong bike! If not money, you pay for the toughness in weight. However, a heavier bike=stronger legs. Great bike to test your love of MTB.
Submitted by
Alec
a Cross Country Rider
from Mentor, Ohio
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2004
Strengths: decent components, excellent value, great handling, steel frame(i'm kind of a traditionalist...i like steel)that is light enough and bomb proof.
Weaknesses: stock pedals suck: slippery when wet...fork acts up in cold weather, brakes suck...pads worn very quickly, and need adjusting often
Bottom Line:
I just rode the CAMBA New Years Day urban assualt with this bike, and i was extremely proud to be on it..i rode off of 3 foot drops and stairs, and kept up with and passed some of the group that was riding lightweight bikes...the chain never slipped, the rims stayed true, the fork soaked up the hits(it was warmer than freezing that day). I was very happy with how the bike performed, given that it was an entry level bike...obviously it will not withstand huge drops, but it will handle the trails very well, and take a lot of abuse...while keeping some cash in your wallet to upgrade the various parts that need it. I would like to thank Trek for a great bike, and for making me a MTB lover.
Favorite Trail: any singletrack i can find, legal or not
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At: REM cycle
Similar Products Used: schwinn sidewinder
Bike Setup: stock with steel pedals with clips and straps, profile design bar ends, trek comfort saddle
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Thacker
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmond
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2003
Strengths: Strong frame, beginner's components, good price.
Weaknesses: Heavy! With a steel frame, one can learn that you build some muscle, trying to push this bad boy up hills
Bottom Line:
This is a great beginner's bike. It is very heavy though. It's great to not shell out a lot of money to see if an interest in mountain biking is right for you. I am giving this bike to the girlfriend and looking at possibly a Trek 8000 or Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo bike.
Weaknesses: Seat post slowly lowers itself while riding no matter how tight the nut on the quick release collar.
Bottom Line:
Learn from my experience, folks, you get what you pay for. Skip the trash they sell in department stores and buy a GOOD bike. My old full suspension MTB from Shopko literally fell apart after 2 seasons. My 2003 Trek 820 is absolutely ideal for the level trail rider. It's strong, (I'm 6'5", 230lbs), although I wouldn't think it wise to subject it regularly to 4 foot drops. I primarily use it for fairly level crushed gravel trails to the tune of 700+ miles per summer. The bike is quiet, shifts smoothly, and brakes well. Take my advice, and spend just a little more to get a vastly superior product. Don't learn the hard way like me...
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Louisville, KY
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2003
Strengths: Inexpensive, durable, fun to ride, good on trails
Weaknesses: pedals, medium to low quality on some of its components
Bottom Line:
I really liked this bike. I just sold it to a friend and upgraded to GF Tassajara. I already miss it. It's easy to ride, dependable, and durable. I learned how to trail ride on it. Its a perfect bike for a beginner like I was. I highly recommend it for people who are just starting out.
I'm rebuilding a 2005 Trek 820, and figuring out what bottom bracket size to go with has been difficult. I called a Trek store and they said they knew for sure that it was a 68, b Read More »
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Hi all! I am seeking a bit of guidance.
I ride a 2012 Trek 820 18" 26er - Full Specs available on the Trek website.
I have already upgraded the tires to Captain Control 2blis Read More »
I am relatively new to the sport and picked up an older Trek 4500. I upgraded the shocks, and bars to my taste. Although I have taken it out on a few different intermediate trails Read More »
Ok, so I can't decide between these two bikes for my next purchase.
I know these are just low-end bikes, but it's all I can afford, and I think they would be fine for my purpose Read More »
