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Submitted by
Curtis
a Weekend Warrior
from Leavenworth, Kansas USA
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Santa Fe Bike Shop | | Strengths: | This bike is solid, very well built. Every original part of the bike is still on it (except for the tubes). 21 speed, lots to choose from. | | Weaknesses: | Uncomfortable Seat, I wish the handlebars extended a little further forward. | | Bike Setup: | Bell LED front and rear lights. Water bottle holder. Bell wireless trip computer. Bell bike lock. Hybrid tires for on road use. | | Bottom Line: | Back when I was in boy scouts I got this bike for a 350+ mile bike ride across Iowa (Nauvoo, IL to Omaha, NB). The trip would have been easier on a road bike, but I chose a mountain bike because I knew I'd get more use and have more fun with one. The trip went fine, I kept up with everyone else on their road bikes with ease. This bike didn't have a single problem the entire trip. I greased it up, kept the tires at full pressure and road the heck out of it. I've sense done a mixture of off and on road biking, nothing as extensive as the 350+ mile bike ride, but I'm currently condition for my second century (hundred mile ride). The gears and brakes have needed some adjustments to stay ship shape, I've done it all myself. I've gone through a few tubes. Most punctures came from changing the tires from road to off-road and not while riding (stupid pinch). The gears sometimes act a little funny now and then, but nothing too bad, the brakes are still solid.
All in all, if you are looking for an inexpensive mountain bike that is also quite capable on the road, there is no better bike than a Trek 800. I bought my wife a 820 with front suspension (wish mine had that...), she loves it. We just put hybrid tires on her bike along with some lights and a water bottle holder. It looks cool, and I'm hoping it'll be as sturdy as my 800. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul.34
a Cross Country Rider
from Leeuwarden Netherlands
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Appelscha | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Private sales | | Strengths: | Very tough bike. Heavy but strong! I hope i can ride it for a very long time! It's 830 with fluoriscend yellow colour. It hurts your eyes! | | Weaknesses: | No front suspension, but only ofroad it's a little problem.
| | Similar Products Used: | Only bargain mtb's with no real brand | | Bike Setup: | Standard. Only placed SPD pedals | | Bottom Line: | I wanted a Trek and i am very happy with it! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chicago Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Michigan Avenue | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | Private Seller | | Strengths: | Light frame. Sturdy frame. Easy gear shift. Easy adjustable seat | | Weaknesses: | Seat is killing me, so I bought a gel seat cover. | | Bottom Line: | I get a great deal!!!! This bikes fits easily into my 2007 Toyota FJ. The hand grips feel great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hawaii65
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Barbara
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Jesusita | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Strengths: | Durability and value | | Weaknesses: | Somewhat heavy compared to today's bikes | | Similar Products Used: | First mountain bike | | Bottom Line: | I bought a Trek 800 for my birthday in October 1988 and have riddden it regularly since primarily to commute to work (8 mile roundtrip), run errands around town and for exercise. I loved this bike - solid, easy to ride, tough -had the chain replaced once but no other components. A week ago I brought it into the shop where I purchased it (Open Air Bicycles in Santa Barbara, CA) for a tune-up and learned the frame was cracked! After a brief grieving, I learned that the shop and Trek had a lifetime guarantee on the frame and did Trek ever step up to the plate. They didn't just replace the frame, they gave me a brand new Trek 820! Way big kudos to Open Air, Trek and the Trek rep, Jim Anderson. I am a Trekker for life! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
HappyTrails
a Cross Country Rider
from Plano, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | NYC | | Strengths: | This is the toughest bike you'll ever find. Takes a beating year after year and a tune up is pretty much all it has ever needed. | | Weaknesses: | No front shocks. | | Bottom Line: | I've had my 20 years. TWENTY (20) years!!! and ridden it all over the US and Hawaii. You can't ask for a heartier bike.
But, I'm 45 now and the lack of front shocks is requiring me to move on. I'll keep the bike though...just for street riding. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kegbelly
a Weekend Warrior
from Huntsville AL usa
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike shop | | Strengths: | Strong frame, durable | | Weaknesses: | Suspension would be nice | | Bottom Line: | I bought my Trek Mountain Track 800 brand new in 1996 from a bike shop. I bought the Trek trip computer at the same time and had the shop put it on and calibrate it. No joke, I still ride this bike regularly and have well over 12,000 (yes, that's TWELVE THOUSAND) miles on it according to the trip computer. I've checked it against two different car odometers and it's pretty darn accurate. As far as maintenance, just the normal wear & tear items: I've replaced tires & tubes several times, brakes twice, pedals twice, and both wheels once (just wore them slap out). Still on the original chain, deralleurs, shifters, cables, etc. I bought my wife and daughter Trek MT800's a year or two after I bought mine, and they are still trekking along just fine. For the record I don't do a lot of off-road trail riding, probably 85% is on streets and sidewalks for a good cardio workout. I used to run a lot but developed back and knee problems, so my doctor suggested biking as an alternative and the rest as they say is history. Yeah, I'd buy another one if this one ever wears out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LDavy
a Weekend Warrior
from Huntsville, AL
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$10.00 | | Purchased At: | Goodwill | | Strengths: | Good frame. Have not been on it yet because I took them straight to the shop for new tires and tubes. I think the bearings are sealed. | | Weaknesses: | I do not particular like the seats but I have my own on other bikes that I will probably use. None other known weakness yet. | | Similar Products Used: | TREK 730 | | Bottom Line: | I have bought several bikes at Goodwill and always keep an eye out for good buys and these two bikes were. These prices of these bikes would make them very good for people who do not want to spend a lot to see if they like biking.
I got two 800s for $9.99 ea, one 26" I think it is and another a little smaller. Both bikes are exactly alike. Getting new street tires and tubes now. My wife will probably use the smaller bike.
I also got what I call a Geezer Discount of 10% on those bikes. All seniors get that at this Goodwill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a Weekend Warrior
from surprise, arizona
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | white tank mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | gift from customer a | | Strengths: | it appears well buiilt for low end bike | | Weaknesses: | no suspension, but I'll use it for exercise on the street instead of those gay road bikes | | Similar Products Used: | 1995 cannondale f400, 1999 cannondale super V 700sx, and presently a 2007 cannondale rush SL 5Z | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I just got bike as a gift. I had a soft tail bike that a sold and regret it as I preferred it to my full suspension bike for riding on the street. I'll update how it goes later. It needs some TLC tubes, tires etc as it appears to have been sitting around for some time but indoors | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JR Larson
a Weekend Warrior
from Wichita, KS. USA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Friend | | Strengths: | FAST, durable frame, great stock, but very easy to find newer high quality upgrades. | | Weaknesses: | Little bit heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | Wal-Mart bikes (never again) | | Bike Setup: | New pedals | | Bottom Line: | I decided to try biking, so I went to Wal-Mart and picked one off the rack. Thankfully a buddy saw me riding at work one day, and offered to sell me this inline 800 24 speed for next to nothing. The difference was noticable immediately. Even though the 800 is a heavier MTN bike, its still WAY lighter than the Wal Mart bike, not to mention the gearing is alot better, and makes for a much easier, smoother ride. If I would have stayed with the other bike, I probably would not have gotten into cycling. However, with the Trek, I'm now searching for good trails in the area, and have incorporated cycling into my work out routine. Planning a trip to CO for the end of the summer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Liz C
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, TX
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | McAllister Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shop | | Strengths: | I love my bike. i bought it brand-spanking new in 1998, 10 years later still going. | | Weaknesses: | I have only had to replace due to normal wear/tear: brakes (rear only once), a flat tire here and there, pedals could probably use replacement but not necessary. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bottom Line: | I do agree with the others that the chain eats everything, including many favorite pairs of jeans, normally ride in shorts now. I ride my bike hard, and learning to balance on the pedals standing up while going down rough, rocky hills has decreased spoke-breaking. Will last you a lifetime, probably would be prettier had I not kept it out in the elements during my 4 years in college in NJ. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Miette
a Cross Country Rider
from Bronx
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | bike lane along Gerard Ave (no mtn biking for me!) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Franklin St. Cycles in Chapel Hill, NC | | Strengths: | durable, long-lasting, trustworthy, sturdy, I bought it over 8 years ago, and only ONCE (recently) had to do a full tune-up and put on new tires, and I ride my bike VERY frequently (but average short trips about 2-4 miles/trip) | | Weaknesses: | very heavy! and it's back-heavy... when I added rear rack/folding baskets, the bike was so heavy that I could no longer put it on a rear-rack bike holder on the trunk of my car, the bike just flipped off from the heavy uneven weight. I then had to get a roof rack on my car to carry the bike. I don't care, though, since I love my folding baskets and the utility of my bike. | | Similar Products Used: | I used to ride a Giant MTN bike before this. I liked it but I crashed it so I got this Trek 800 in 2000, over 8 years ago. | | Bike Setup: | i have a rear rack with double folding baskets. I also have a Down Low Glow neon lighting system. All of this adds so much weight to an already heavy bike, I'm thinking about getting a secondary bike for touring (gasp! I feel like I'm cheating on my Trek 800, I've been faithful to it for 8 years). My bike's done well as a (mainly) commuting bike (to and from school, work, bars/parties, the grocery store (and my bike allowed me to carry a LOT of weight on it), etc. | | Bottom Line: | great for commuting needs if you like to carry heavy loads and you don't care about going very fast. Sturdy, trustworthy bike. I call my bike an "SUV of a bike" and take pride in its ability to haul heavy loads.
Mine was pretty maintenance-free for 8 years, I finally had to get new tires and new cables (okay yeah I put that off for too long, my tires were bald but... the bike was still going strong!). Oh yeah I had to get new pedals, a new seat, and a new crank, and more frequently new brake pads, but this is over the course of 8 years!
This bike is NOT for people who like to ride really fast, but of course you can tell that from the specs. And I don't think it would be good for trail riding, the lack of shocks and stiff ride (which I love) would make someone sore after trail riding, I'd think.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Dacula Ga
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Yargo | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | For a cheap bike I have to say not bad, way better than anything you will get in a wal-mart. If your looking for light trail riding on the weekends, not a bad bike. And I was surprised at how well the Altus deraillers perform. | | Weaknesses: | The Bike is a little heavy,seeing it is steel.No front shock. Pedals are cheap plastic,but have not broke yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Wahoo | | Bottom Line: | I bought one used for my wife to see if she would get into riding. So far she seems to be taking to it. Now to be honest she is only using this thing a couple hours a week, and not beating it to hard, but I myself have putted around on it, and its not a bad bike,just not for the serious rider. But if you can find one used to see if you want to get into biking give it a go!! The worst thing on the bike is the pedals, I really need to change hers out, just waiting for her to break them. Also if she continues to ride i plan to but a full blown MTN bike for her and put slicks on it. Would make a great casual street bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john russell
a Weekend Warrior
from cleveland
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | sidewalk | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Luex's Used Furniture | | Strengths: | Sleek, asks for abuse, cheap, nice downshift feature, uncluttered, good seat stays which are formed like the welded fork. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn, Nashbar | | Bottom Line: | My bikes are routinely stolen. Even from a locked garage, from military locks, etc. Just a bad neighborhood, I guess. I need something that can jump 8" curbs and be rode with only one hand while I'm photographing. My best urban bike was the Nashbar City LP. Couldn't have asked for more. I used it to ride to the BP bldg in downtown Cleveland and to work at Fort Bliss, TX but it too was stolen in Cleveland. Urban bikes are increasingly stolen in this town, even with kryptonite locks. This prevents me from investing more than $200 on any single bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy Carr
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Minneapolis Greenway | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | I traded my friend a DVD player for it about 10 years ago | | Strengths: | A very, very sturdy bike. Excellent for commuting and hauling stuff. | | Weaknesses: | None. My buddy who I got the bike from had either speced upgrades upon purchase or upgraded the components over time. It is heavy but I'm a big guy and I appreciate heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 800 Antelope. Street tires, front and rear fenders, rear rack, Ritchley grips, bar ends, metal pedals with clips (switching to clipless), leather ergonomic saddle, new shimano shifters (forget which ones). | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for urban commuters. This bike will hop on and off curbs, handle a ton of cargo without getting tippy, and can climb hills all day long. I've been very happy with it for the last decade of ownership. I will be purchasing a Trek road bike for touring (Ragbrai 2007) but I will keep the Antelope for commuting and hauling especially in winter. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy Sharp
a Cross Country Rider
from Juneau, Ak, US
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | perserverance | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | JT Browns' Craig, AK | | Strengths: | Tough frame, awsome green and purple colors(haha), decent components for being lowest level shimmano SIS, decent price | | Weaknesses: | heaaaaaaaaavvvvvyyyy!!!! although components are decent they where down under any serious stress: replaced brake system with V-brakes after much work and frustration on stock set; replaced crank and pedals after 4 years (this is acceptable) after serious riding rear wheel and derailer went kapoot. | | Similar Products Used: | GT timberline and rocky mountain fusion (ok so these two bikes are a couple hundred pricier and better quality) | | Bike Setup: | Shimano Deore derailer, Crank, v-brakes, manitou shocks | | Bottom Line: | Good starter bike, bomb proof frame, heavy mother, components will ne upgreade after serious usage...even moderate. I aquired this bike in 96 for my tenth birthday and used it as any small child in southeast alaska would...trails, logging roads, lots of rain, and some salt water. Held up decently to the abuse. Moved up to Juneau last year and started htiing some trails and found that i needed and upgrade. the gt timberline was an amazing switch althoug the 800 mountain sport gave me a good intro | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenneth Boeve
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendora
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Power Bar | | Strengths: | Very durable! I won this thing through a Power Bar contest at a local supermarket!! Woo hoo!!! After many, many rides of 30+ miles I not once doubted the T800's strenght! | | Weaknesses: | Althought its weight is very noticeable, it is a perfect trainer as it forces one to build endurance and strength rather quickly. | | Similar Products Used: | Nishiki | | Bottom Line: | A great cycle for someone who is either riding for pleasure and/or training. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Benjamin Hughes
a Weekend Warrior
from 1536 Isaac St.
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Rodgers St., Chesapeake, VA | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Unknown | | Strengths: | Sturdy, Heavy Steel Frame that sorta lowers, the overall center of gravity. Supports strong rear rack,Brakes with Decent Stopping Power (i've seen better AND worse). Very user friendly (feels solid, and is controllable down to about 1 mph!) | | Weaknesses: | Heavy Steel Frame seems to eat up a lot of energy...weak pedals...and also, this may be common to all bikes I don't know, but the handlebars don't get anywhere near as high as the seat. Also, the gears slip sometimes. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing by Trek, though I hada Roadmaster Aspen Valley that performed similar to this bike. | | Bike Setup: | I added horns to the handlebars, for better cornering in downtown. Also, I put on a pair of Sony speakers to liten to while riding. | | Bottom Line: | I got this bike used from a friend after mine was stolen. He took good care of it. The bike has performed well, on trips up 40 miles (I've haven't had the time to take it any farther than that). It works well. What's strange is that, the things you first hate about this T800 are later the things you enjoy! For instance, at first I found the ride to be very hard and unforgiving, but now I take I've learned how the bike responds, it actually gives me a sense of security, that I know the frame isn't bending from underneath me. If you get a bike like this, I hope you've got another set of pedals, 'cuz the ones on this bike are very fragile (something that doesn't go well with concrete curbs!) Also, I repainted the bike, as white isn't my favorite color. Having the bike a dark blue color, just seems to make it look as tough as it really is, LOL. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Teri Vandenborre
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | easy ride, tough bike, great price for value | | Weaknesses: | bulky/heavy | | Bike Setup: | Trek Antelope 800 | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, I've tried a few and I always come back to the trek. It's a lover to ride! I use it mostly for paved trail use, some off road trails in Banff, but nothing to wild. I think anyone who loves to ride, wants a nice ride and doesn't want to pay up the wazoo, should try a Trek! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mass. Greenways | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$317.00 | | Strengths: | Affordable great climber traction. | | Weaknesses: | Reflectors fall off pedals, Skips in the front sprocket mid range when pedaled hard. High and low range no skips. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | It meets my needs and then some just don't pedal hard in mid range. I am happy with its climbing ability it has a short wheelbase that puts alot of weight on the rear wheel when climbing loose gravel when you stay seated. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mass. Greenways | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$317.00 | | Strengths: | Affordable great climber traction. | | Weaknesses: | Reflectors fall off pedals, Skips in the front sprocket mid range when pedaled hard. High and low range no skips. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | It meets my needs and then some just don't pedal hard in mid range. I am happy with its climbing ability it has a short wheelbase that puts alot of weight on the rear wheel when climbing loose gravel when you stay seated. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a
from Berkeley Heights, NJ
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | This thing is strong.
Good value. | | Weaknesses: | Weight and the components can get a little messed up. Also the stock pedals blow. | | Bike Setup: | All stock except for all metal pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for anyone who doesn't off road that often. I put my bike through everything you can think of (mud, rain, snow, numerous crashes) and it worked perfectly fine until i started off roading it hard. Once I started taking it off the usual paths I started having some problems. First thing is the pedals. GET METAL PEDALS. The stock plastic pedals are horrible. I replaced one because it totally came apart after I turned to close to a curb and caught the pedal. Two days later I replaced the pedals with metal because one totally disappeared when i went off roading. After a few trips off road the front derailleur got messed up and i can't shift into the first 7 gears. Considering that those are my only problems and the abuse I put my bike through I give it 5 Flamin' Chilis overall and for value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russ Mead
a
from seattle
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Rock solid, cant break it | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I rescue bikes from junk piles, garage sales etc. and convert them to single speeds and give them to a homeless shelter. This is one tough bike that I am starting to work on. The best thing about this bike is the natural feeling frame. It rides like a bike should ride. The wheels are solid. The components are low end but still dependable. The trade off is the weight. There is nothing light about this rig. It is a fine urban bike, and when I am done with it will be a great single speed commuter bike. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CS
a
from richland center wisconsin
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | our trails | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$10.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | i have this thing set up for trials and i want to get a different frame so i'm trying to bust it but i cant so far. | | Weaknesses: | the parts? and its ugly so i painted it :) | | Similar Products Used: | the one behind your shed | | Bike Setup: | bruiser one | | Bottom Line: | this bike for trials is a pretty good bike i have been trying to breat it but i cant.
just dont buy a new one they suck! but if you only have 230$ to spend on a bike get that one beats wal-maart poopie
5 flamin piles of dog crap for this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greg
a Weekend Warrior
from y do u care
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Strengths: | all most everything i can think of | | Weaknesses: | heavy heavy heavy | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | toe clips otherwise the bike is stock, wanna add a rock shox front fork. | | Bottom Line: | good bike. cant get anything this good for this price range. I really don't go off road too much but on the road this bike rocks! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Rockford, Illinois
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$320.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek store, Madison, WI | | Strengths: | great frame, great value and the trek folks back everything up personally. Never had a problem that couldnt be fixed cheaply or quickly. | | Weaknesses: | no front shocks. it skips gears sometimes when I'm riding it hard, but not normally. the brakes wore down and the retaining clip broke so I got new rear brakes. | | Bike Setup: | stock with bar ends and tektro rear brakes. | | Bottom Line: | this bike is a great value that will not fail on you. I've jumped it over everything I can think of and it hasnt had a problem yet. My next bike is definately going to be a Trek. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vanrat P.
a
from Thailand, Bangkok
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | city street | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | dealer | | Strengths: | trek,price/value for money,steal fram | | Weaknesses: | weight, | | Similar Products Used: | wheeler 900 sx | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a fairly good value if you consider that in Thailand when you are serious about mountain bikeing there will be all good stuff ie aluminum frame , front sus. etc. but non of them cost less than 200$. This Trek put me on the road and off the road at less than 150$ and with out any trouble so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Swenson
a Cross Country Rider
from Marcellus, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$270.00 | | Strengths: | Excellent bike for a beginner. Great bike to learn riding well on. Lower end components, but they worked. Strong frame. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy, lower end components, and paint chips easily. | | Similar Products Used: | GT backwoods | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike if you are just starting to ride. It's great to learn how to ride well. You can take it on bike paths, but don't expect to ride over real tough stuff. Although it has lower end components, they worked fine. The steel frame was weighty, but very strong. The only problems I had were adjusting the derailuer after riding tough stuff. This is a good beginner bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dino
a Weekend Warrior
from The Woodlands, TX USA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Circle around The Woodlands | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Cheap, doesn't look wussy. | | Weaknesses: | Crappy components | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | About 5-6 months ago I bought a Trek 800 Sport (new) for $250. Overall it's been a pretty good deal. Yes, it's a cheap starter bike but I'm a cheap starter bicyclist.
I'm still happy with my purchase as the parts and labor are warrantied, although I haven't really ridden anything else to compare with. This is what happened to my bike so far:
0) A piece of the plastic large gear guard was eaten by my chain while just ... riding... and not like performing stunning bicycle acrobatics or anything like that. The chain seems to eat a lot of things, including my shoes and so on..
1) Flat tire.. flat tire .. flat tire .. tube exploded.. while riding on concrete. Is this too unusual? I get close to 3-4 flats per month. I don't go offroading ..
2) Brakes squeak .. had to adjust break alignment over and over to get rid of the noise. Not that it's a big deal, but, it's embarassing to use the rear break.. and have everyone hear "eeeeeeakha ha hum hum hum heeeeakkkk."
3) Shifting got really weird after 3 months... it downshifts when I try to pedal uphill; one visit to the bike shop fixed it since I was too lazy to adjust it; they had a free 90-day tune up.
4) one month later the crankshaft locked up 2 miles into my trip. Wasn't fun. It felt pretty hot and I could spin the pedals in reverse, but forwards it was just impossible. The shop says the crankshaft is unservicable .. and that I'm not supposed to lubricate it or anything like that. They had the bike for 5 hours; it seemingly worked fine afterwards.
5) The very next day I was noticing how out of breath I was riding on my regular course. I noticed that the crankshaft was becoming very difficult to spin forward ... while going downhill !! I decided to cut my 35-45 mile trip short and head for the shop; then the rear tube deflated. I walked for 1 hour, gave them the bike and a whiff of my smelly 1-hour-walking-in-the-hot-sun odor. They are keeping the bike for the day; I should get it back tomorrow. Lets see how it does.
With all these things in mind, I'll have you know that I've ridden this bike for many hours in rain and never bothered to check or lubricate sensitive parts. Water got everywhere and I'm definitely not the person to maintain a mechanical device. One time I bothered to clean the bike; I removed close to quarter of a pound of teflon-coated mud from the chain & gears. I ... definitely do not take care of my bike.
Parts and most of the labor, I suppose, are warrantied and apart from my ocassional 1-2 hour walks back to my car there's nothing wrong with the bike. I will be using this one for years to come.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, Indiana, USA
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Cheap. Long lasting. Still works very well compared to how well (badly) I maintain it. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap. Heavy. Cheaper componenets. Geometry too recreational. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Gitche Gummie. | | Bike Setup: | '97 Trek 800 Sport. Green. Basically stock except for my replaced plastic pedals to full metal with clips. I also added lights. | | Bottom Line: | It's a good bike. For the money it's really good. Buy it if your a recreational rider and want something good but cheap. Don't buy it if you go offroad a lot.
I give it 5 flamin' chilis for value and 4 flamin' chilis for overall because of weight and components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Yorba Linda, CA
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Good price, have owned it for a VERY long time (i think its been 6 years now) and it still works fine. But I havent put it through much abuse. It lasted much longer than my Haro though. | | Weaknesses: | Its heavy. Wheels kinda bent. | | Similar Products Used: | Haro Accent | | Bottom Line: | I have owned this bike and a Haro Accent for 6 years now. I used the Haro a lot more when I was a little shorter, and the trek for road usage. Well, I was going to give one to my brother, so I test drove both up in the hills today. The trek, although heavier, and a little akward feeling because of its 22" fram (Although im 6'4"), performed much better. and could shift (the haro is on its last legs, ill let my brother replace the derailers). I know people have been complaining about components, but the ones on this bike seem to be pretty decent shimano components. It is an 830 Antelope, btw. Good bike, but very heavy (much heavier than my other bike) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Rhodes
a Weekend Warrior
from Thatcher, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Cheap | | Weaknesses: | pedals broke, derailleur warped, seat rails bent, heavy, cheap yet overpriced. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I was dissapointed that trek put out such a crappy bicycle. My derailleur got mangled up for no apparent reason after about a year of normal riding, I bent my seat rails, broke a pedal, and I honestly didn't ride it very hard. The wheels also warped really bad for no apparent reason. This bike sucks. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Smiles
a Cross Country Rider
from NJ
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hartshorne Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Cheap, durable | | Weaknesses: | Cheap, HEAVY | | Similar Products Used: | Nuttin' | | Bike Setup: | 100% stock | | Bottom Line: | I don't know how old the Trek 800 I've been riding is, but if I had to guess I'd say 5-7 years. Bought it last year for $100 and used it to find out how much I like the sport. Well, I've been loving it and have ridden the piss out of it. I've been overriding it's capabilities for almost a year and haven't been able to break anything but tubes. Just had to readjust the gears and brakes a few times. Hands and arms go numb after a while over the rough stuff as it has no shocks. I just bought a Specialized FSR to replace this, but the Trek was a great starter bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matty
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
White Rock | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Solid, Tuff & Strong
Value for $$$
Trek reputation | | Weaknesses: |
heavy
terrible Blue/Pearl White colours | | Similar Products Used: |
DiamondBack Topanga
GT Paloma | | Bike Setup: |
trek 800 Sport
RockShox Quadra 21R | | Bottom Line: | Good entry level bike, with a decent fork takes away the harshness. Very strong...takes a beating. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Loveland, Colorado
Date Reviewed: November 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
my daily commute from Loveland to Ft. Collins, CO | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
I'm reviewing the Trek 820 (rather than the 800). Stregths--> super comfy cromoly frame, a range of sizes to fit anyone. | | Weaknesses: |
OEM components aren't the best but I managed to put nearly 3000 miles on them before basically rebuilding the bike. Another complaint might be the lack of a rear deralleur replaceable hanger (but what bike does have that at this price point). | | Similar Products Used: |
I own a Specilized Allez Pro, and Stumpjumper A1 Pro | | Bike Setup: |
I rebuilt the bike at around mile 3000. Most of the components were worn pretty well. I put a '99 LX 9-speed/rapid-fire component group (crank, BB, rear/front derailleur, brakes, and brake levers). I also purchased a super-trick Mavic 517 wheelset with XT hubs. I use this bike strickly for commuting so I use Continential Top Touring 2000 tires and Zefal fenders to complete the all-weather ride. I've also switched the stem to a low-rise, aggresive one and (of course) I use clipless pedals (M747s) on the bike. I have a Syncros aluminum seatpost and a Terry Liberator saddle for those extra long commutes. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that the Trek 800/820 series frames are great for just about anything. I commute over 150 miles a week with my Trek 820 (highly modified though). In fact, the only thing original on the bike is the frame and the handlebar. I've really enjoyed this bike. With 5100 miles on it so far, I'm looking forward to the next 5000 miles on it. If you're looking for a great ride at a great price (I paid about $330 for my original setup), you'll find it with the Trek cromo frames. If you're looking for a ride that can be easily upgraded to suit your urban/commuting riding style, I would also highly recommend this bike. Happy tailwinds and enjoy! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
j. allen
a Weekend Warrior
from mt. olive, nc
Date Reviewed: September 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
good frame | | Weaknesses: |
rusts | | Similar Products Used: |
specialized stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: |
trek 800 frame with a jett t2 | | Bottom Line: | a good frame for not much dough | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Warrick G.
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth,Western Australia.
Date Reviewed: July 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
The Goat Farm. | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
It has a strong,quite flexable,good looking frame and is a good bike to upgrade and a great beginners bike. | | Weaknesses: |
The pedals are easy to slip your foot off and the front derailleur stuffs up really easily plus the seat is really to soft. | | Similar Products Used: |
My Dads Mongoose. | | Bike Setup: |
I have got a Manitou SX Pro on it. | | Bottom Line: | It is a great bike to begin with and is a top cheap buy and is highly reconmended. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Austin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Texas
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Grapvine | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Kinda held up for 5 years. OK bike to start out on. Trek Name | | Weaknesses: |
Well, it is quite heavy, in fact very heavy!
When I crashed into a pole, the frame dented and the paint chipped.And I thought Steel was strong!
The brakes suck!, when they get wet, they fell very mushy and don't work at all.
Crank and BB.....CREAK CREAK CREAK CREAK CREAK | | Similar Products Used: |
Going to get an awesome Trek 8000 soon | | Bike Setup: |
Stock-replaced broken front derallieur. And crankset & BB | | Bottom Line: | I'll at least give it 3 stars for holding up through all the junk I ran it threw. Also, for lasting 5 years. If you are just starting out in the world of mountain biking get this bike- if you want a preformer....look elsewere. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sal
a Weekend Warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: June 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | Purchased a 98 Trek 800 Sport for just under $300.00. Added a Manitou Pro Fork, suspension seatpost, bar ends, sturdier metal pedals, and higher quality shifters. Great bike that can take a beating. I have little access to any trails, this bike is perfect for urban riding. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ricky elmers
a Weekend Warrior
from homer city, pa
Date Reviewed: June 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
i don't konw | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
fast, nice ride, durable, nice looking | | Weaknesses: |
too heavy | | Bike Setup: |
trek 800
rst 281 | | Bottom Line: | good bike, worth upgrading. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Racer
from States
Date Reviewed: May 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
N/A | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Mostly all around | | Weaknesses: |
Not to many that are known | | Similar Products Used: |
Mostly all | | Bike Setup: |
Rock shox | | Bottom Line: | I bought the Treck for a little over $350 and the first week i had it I was going down hill @ about 50 mph. I took a simple crash thru a thick forest line and when I was out the other side I was traveling at about 20 mph... but any who. I went to shift up didn't realize it didn't shift into 15 properly and took a face plant through a ditch when the gears caught properly. The prolem was I had a few nice long strawberries on my face legs and shoulder(shoulder to the ~~BONE~~). Any one else had this problem w/ this modle? p.s i got a new bike @ a better price and better store! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JBD
a Weekend Warrior
from TN
Date Reviewed: April 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Lock4 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Price / Durability | | Weaknesses: |
Weight / Needed a lot of upgrades. | | Similar Products Used: |
Spec Stmpjumper | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 800 / Rock Shox | | Bottom Line: | I've had my 800 for two years. I bought it used for $200. Added Rock Shox fork, susp seat post, new handle bars, bar ends, clipless pedals, stem, cranks, rings, and v brakes. It now weighs in at just under 27 lbs. If I were to upgrade wheels/tires, I could probably lower it more. After the upgrades to more highend components, this bike handles and feels great. I know I spent more money on upgrades than the bike, but I was very careful to buy in a way that I can transfer to a new bike if I choose. For right now I'm satified. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TrekRider
a Weekend Warrior
from CA
Date Reviewed: April 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | I got a '97 Trek 800 last year from my LBS for a close-out deal of about $200. I upgraded the fork to an Answer Kamikaze. Rear derailleur broke just a month ago, replaced it with a Deore LX. Tore up the seat a couple of times, replaced it with a WTB. Installed bar ends for easier climbing. Replaced the tires with Tioga Psycho K kevlar to make it a bit lighter. No complaints here! Frame is real durable and takes a LOT of punishment! This bike rocks! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe L.
a
from weekend warrior
Date Reviewed: March 7, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I actually don't own this bike, but I do have some experience on it. My best friend owns an 820 and I actually own a Giant Iguana 650. We trade bikes all the time, I guess just for something different. I 820 rides well and shifts fairly well, although not as smoothly as my iguana. I guess all I can really say is that i'm partial to my iguana but, I don't really know if it's really worth the $100 difference that I paid for mine. But, there is just something about having a Giant Iguana between your legs!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ethan
a weekend warrior
from new york city
Date Reviewed: March 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
the trek 800 is nice for fat asses like me that rarely go on trips. handles great on moderate paths but sucked ass on expert trails; although i also suck ass but the bike was not in controll going downhill. aside from always having to tighten the quick release and tighten the brakes the components were pretty good. for serious mountain biking get a full suspension bike and for roads get a racing bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BIKEMAN
a weekend warrior
from ROCKFORD,IL
Date Reviewed: December 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
DIDN'T KNOW IF I WOULD ENJOY RIDING OF NOT. I DIDN'T WANT TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY AND LET IT SIT LIKE A POOL TABLE. I BOUGHT A TREK 800 SPORT. I'M SOLD ON RIDING NOW. LOVE THE SPORT. THE BIKE HAS DONE EVERYTHING I ASKED IT TO DO. GREAT DEAL ON A GREAT STARTER BIKE. BOUGHT THE BIKE IN MID JULY AND HAVE OVER 1000 MILES ON IT. IT'S TIME TO MOVE ON TO A GARY FISHER HOO KOO E KOO. EVERYTHING I HEAR ABOUT THE BIKE SAYS I WILL ENJOY IT EVEN MORE.I'LL LET YOU KNOW NEXT SUMMER. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Chu
a weekend warrior
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: November 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The bike kicks! I love how it can easily take hills with ease. Gets even better after adding rock shox. Eats up trails. Great for the entry level biker. It would get 5 chilies but is a bit on the heavy side and before the shox you feel most bumps. Still is a great bike. When and if you get more serious about the sport, you can keep the bike and use it to challenge yourself to see what you can do on expert trails with that bike or take it just around town as a cruiser. You will definitely get your money's worth. Got it with a kickstand and lock myself for just $320. I suggest getting a kickstand with it. Its only about $10 and you never know when you will need one. Trust me, I know from personal experience. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Chu
a weekend warrior
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: November 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The bike kicks! I love how it can easily take hills with ease. Gets even better after adding rock shox. Eats up trails. Great for the entry level biker. It would get 5 chilies but is a bit on the heavy side and before the shox you feel most bumps. Still is a great bike. When and if you get more serious about the sport, you can keep the bike and use it to challenge yourself to see what you can do on expert trails with that bike or take it just around town as a cruiser. You will definitely get your money's worth. Got it with a kickstand and lock myself for just $320. I suggest getting a kickstand with it. Its only about $10 and you never know when you will need one. Trust me, I know from personal experience. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a weekend warrior
from ONT
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my 830 XC new from a friend who won it and it was never out of the box for 2 years. I took it home, pumped up the tires, adjusted the seat and brakes, and hit the trails. For a starter bike, it was aces, I bashed things that my riding buddy and and $2000 (CDN.) Kona could barely handle. I recently went to a Joshau, but for a starter bike to learn and hammer on, it was 4 stars, but the front end was bad (Doutrack 2). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DaveG
a weekend warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
TREK 850, 1997 Model: Ummm...to be honest...this bike feels like an anvil underneath me that I get pounded on every time I take this bike out on the trails. When I ride on rooty and rocky trails, by body gets jarred to the point that my teeth feel like they are about to fall out. In terms of my skeleton, the ride can only be described as though a steel bar were bashing on my bones. On descents the bike feels very unstable, taking away from my riding confidence. I do not recommend this bike unless you are want only to buy a bike for the TREK name. On the positive side, the 850 is a good bike for riding on my front lawn...ONLY!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith St. Denis
a weekend warrior
from Auburn, MA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the 820 so I could keep track of my 11 year old son. I keep riding the bike because mountain biking is a blast! Despite the fact the 21.5 frame is too big for me at 6'0, (shame on the bike shop, but then again, with 3 kids i am all set!) the bike handles well enough to be considered a reasonable entry level mountain bike for under $300. After the first year I put a set of INDY XL's on the front; hardtail city! (IF you are ever on Cape Cod stop at the Underpass Bike Shop off the rail trail in Brewster. It is the best bike shop for customer service. Ask for Kyle, he rides pro for K2. He put on the XL's for $150, labor included.) Anyway, I love the CroMO. I've been over the bars twice and dented the frame falling into rocks off a small bridge, had the bike checked and it is ok. I also have learned I fall well!! Only complaint is the shifting of the low end Shimano's, lots of chunking, but maybe I need to anticipate the shifting better. Other than, that, if you are truly entry level, this is a great bike! By the way, I just bought a low end full suspension bike (save these 42 year old bones) so be careful about entry level mountain biking, there ain't no such thing! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Norman
a racer
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a great bike.. for the price. I've had this bike for 2 years and whiel I don't use it for racing anymore (I got an Ibis) I still use this bike alot for trails. I'm proud to say that the only thing which is origanal now is 1 tire. I have broken or bent everything else on the bike and they have been upgraded, I am now running a whole crapload of different parts, from an STX-RC crankset to XTR v's. A great bike for the price, but I am thinking of replacing it because the frame is just too weak for my 7 ft. drop offs, although, I half to give it credit for living up to 2 years of abuse before finally giving in. Very good bike for the price and you even get V's on the 98s. 5 chilis for a somewhat decent bike. Perfect for any beginners (that's how I started) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Barnard
a weekend warrior
from Britain
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I live in a really Muddy area and this bike handles great in the mud, sometimes when it is really muddy on the trails my boyfriend and I park our bikes and have sex in the mud then we do a mexican rain dance and eat other peoples skin, i like bikes, do you???????/ | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Samuel Quaile
a weekend warrior
from USA
Date Reviewed: September 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a used 1996 Trek 820 at a local bike shop for $175. It realy handls great on very rough trail near my house. But I am buying RST 281s anyway that should make a big differins. I realy recemend it to biginners.This is one realy good bike. Five star easy! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cromoly
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: September 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the Trek 820 shx. It's great. It may be a bit heavy, but I'm upgrading and its gonna get lighter. Cromoly is the best, its so forgiving. Who needs a $1000 frame. My only complaint is the Indy S, its preformance isnt the greatest. However, I've only bottomed out once because I only weigh 140 lbs, other than that, great bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
davswrld
a weekend warrior
from Ortonville MI
Date Reviewed: September 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had an 800 for two years and its been very good to me.
But now I'm starting to get in to racing and I can tell I'm going to need a better bike. It is a pretty strong bike (somehow my brother managed to bend the fork on his, now he has a stumpjumper) but it's very heavy. I wouldn't recommend it to any one who is sereous about racing. the only reason I still have my'ne is, I'm 13 and can't afford a better one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Graham
a weekend warrior
from Excelsior Springs, Missouri
Date Reviewed: September 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my Trek 830 for over one year, riding on gravel roads and pavement, and find that the bike rides well. I have added a Post Modern post and more road friendly tires which allows me to average about 14 to 15 MPH over about a 15 to 20 mile hilly course. I think this bike suites a rough road rider like myself very well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gregg
a cross-country rider
from Phoenix,AZ
Date Reviewed: August 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
About three and a half years ago I bought my 820 equiped with acera components and weighing in at 32 pounds for $300. Up until about four months ago I rode it on mild trails and streets. As I grew out of that boredom and started tackling extreme trails, I upgraded to XT 8 speed components, XT v brakes, rockshox fork,mavic 217 with Hugi hubs, and tires to match the trails. The bike now weighs in at 27 pounds and carries me over the roughest technical trails you can find. Although the bike rocks with the upgrades, it is still a hardtail and after a full day and 25 to 30 miles of trails my body reminds me that it is time to go full suspension. I plan on keeping my 820 (less some components) after I buy my f.s., for those shorter, steep, tight single track rides that this bike loves. A full five pods for a great entry level, affordable bike!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Hummel
a cross-country rider
from Powwel River B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: August 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I,ve owned an 850 for 2 years now and have run it pretty hard on the raunchy B.C. bush trails.I can't believe how tough the bike is. I weigh 220 lbs. and have bottomed the bike out in some pretty serious holes with no side effects.For the money I'm happy and would recommend the 850 to anyone from beginner to intermediate rider | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron Strawsburg
a weekend warrior
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a 1999 Aluminum trek 820. It cost me $305. I think it was a pretty good deal. I rode it on and Intermediate trail in the state park and it brought me out of the woods in one piece. Root and Rocks all the way..... I also took a twenty mile ride last week. It was great with the exception of a sore seat. I bought my wife the 1998 820 and my kids got new Raliegh M-45s.
Time will tell if I got a deal or not. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reality
a cross-country rider
from MA
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The TREK 850 1997 model. This bike is a tank! Too heavy. Still with a harsh ride. Unstable when climbing. I feel like like I'm going to endo with even medium grade descents. Sluggish handling. Poor on tight singletrack. Overall, the geometry is best for smooth wide fire roads and for people who ride without finesse.. On the plus side: Sturdy, frame that seems strong. May take a lot of pounding and still hold up. Have been on a few bikes in the same price range--all of which have felt better to me. Look elsewhere when spending in this price range! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marco Tenorio
a weekend warrior
from San Antonio, TX.
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My bike is a Trek 820 Mountain Track & it's old. I bought the dam thing used at a Pawn shop it came with bar ends, Water bottle cages, aviner under seat pack, and the Trek sensor computer. And I paid around a $100 for it, at the time it wasn't to old so that wasn't to bad. I have had it now for about four to five years and let me tell you it will beat the shit out of Huffys and Roadmasters. The full cro-mo frame and the cool green paint job was really awsome. But lets put the bike in the class that it belongs extreme entry level or just plain around the block riding. If thats all your looking for the bike is all you need but if you plan on doing some real MTB riding look into a bicycle thats made for it. The bike never gave me any problems except the dam front derailleur and I put the bike through some Extreme Trails including some in moab like the Slickrock trail. Yes the bike held up to the beatings, but I took a hell of a beating from it. My back, knees, & groin area to name a few. Overall its a good bike if you don't mind the weight and don't plan on taking it through technical trail's. I'm finally moving up though I just put a KLEIN PULSE (hardtail) on layaway (no pawn shop this time and still got an excellent deal on it $499) and can't wait to take it out. REGARDLESS OF WHAT BIKE YOU GET -- RIDE HARD you will the sport. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
konstantin
a weekend warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: August 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i rode the trek 820 a few times in a span of a week. that same week i was also checking out the gt timberline, for about a 35 dollar difference, the timberline was lighter, FULL CroM frame (forks and all). the treck 820 was ok, but it does not stand up to the gt competition. so if you are looking for an entry level bike (like i was) check out the treck 820, but give the timberline a try as well. even if you are just starting you will feel a difference. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stuart Webster
a weekend warrior
from Leeds, Great Britain
Date Reviewed: July 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Summer 96! I bought the bike from Bicycle Village in Denver CO. It was at the cheaper end of the market (most of my friends had opted for TREK920/930) however not to be put-off I spent my $300 dollars.
Everyone remembers their first ride; Green Mountain with some of the ex-pat Brits who where also in Denver, and a few American friends. I was absolutely worn out hauling body & bike up the hill. This drove a determination to get to enjoy the money I had spent on the bike, and over the next 2 years really got into the sport with some rides in the UK and also a particularily memorable ride in Steamboat Springs CO.
Today I sold the bike - still in great condition & it has held its price well. I traded up for a Barracuda. I'll let y'awl know how the new one goes, but the write up on the Trek 800 can be summed up as;
Great entry level bike, holds a good price, a real memory maker for the beginner who wants to become an intermediate. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
vergil
a downhiller
from MD
Date Reviewed: July 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The 800 was my 1st bike other than the banana-seat i got in kindergarten.
Like an idiot, i disregarded the Made in Taiwan (or was it Hong Kong) sticker laminated to the steering column.
In retrospect i wouldn't find it hard to believe if the Trek company contracted out the 800 model to some cheap mega-factory in asia.
On one of the few rides i got out of my midnight-blue, CroMo wonder, the fork hit a log and bent so far back that my toe-clips were touching the tire. You should see the stress/ metal fatigue marks.
It sprung me up in the air, about 2 feet, however. That was the most redeeming experience attributable to this bike.
I took it back to the shop, thinking the warranty would cover the fork. It didn't. According to the salesguy:
The Trek 800 isn't really a mountain bike depite its deceptive name, and is not meant for raging down trails. He was a sympathetic guy who obviously took pity on me for my ass-headed choice. I liked his use of the word raging, as if taking what is supposed to be a mountain bike down a trail was some kind of fiendish, abberant behavior which would negate any reasonable warranty.
So if you want a bike which appears to be a mountain bike, has a neat paint job but you don't plan to actually do any on-trail riding, get a Trek 800. That was the mistake i made.vergil | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerry Ciotola
a weekend warrior
from Brooklyn NY
Date Reviewed: July 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a great all-around cruiser for City riding-lithe and sturdy-just a great bike to use for the short hop to the beach or thru the hills of Central Park. excellent handling-the shifting is so smooth and the tires are nifty!
highly recommend this bike just based on weight and tracking! A wonderful entry-level bike by trek. The weak point is the saddle. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Stenson
a weekend warrior
from Delmar, NY
Date Reviewed: July 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike sucks. I've had it for 2 years. It weighs so much. The shx verson's shocks are so small. DO NOT BUY THIS BIKE. This bike sucks. I've had it for 2 years. It weighs so much. The shx verson's shocks are so small. DO NOT BUY THIS BIKE. This bike sucks. I've had it for 2 years. It weighs so much. The shx verson's shocks are so small. DO NOT BUY THIS BIKE. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Read
a downhiller
from Lancaster
Date Reviewed: July 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
When I bought this bike I was really happy with it - v brakes as standard on a £300 bike! Components worked well, and I even got some stx-rc shifters (not standard spec.). Tyres were good in the mud before they wore down, and when I upgraded to a suspension fork/aheadset/curly bar the bike seemed well balanced and handled nicely in most conditions. It was quite heavy by now, but I still used it for tricks/trials. I really liked my bike until I bent the frame doing some tiny little back hops. Lifetime warranty on the frame, but still really annoying coz I can't use the bloody thing! Would have been 4 but for the bent frame. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie Power
a racer
from Prince Edward Island
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike kicks some serious butt. I find this bike to be a very well suited to raicing. It has very good components, and a true racing frame. Now, it may not be as expensive as other Professional bikes. But,hey! it's soo good! it has the best top notch components on a wicked frame. I've gone in some races with theis bike, and although i've been teased, i came in a very respectful 32nd in junior beginner division out of 35 racers.....now tell me that's not good or what? Anyway, if you're looking for a race ready, bike choose this...rigid adds more speed, and 1000$ suspension forks are for wimps, for that price you could get three of these bikes! One for every member of the family. And then have some real fun out on those dirt roads.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a cross-country rider
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've got a rigid Trek 830, 1996 vintage. I bought it just to ride around at school, but have been doing serious off-road riding on it for over a year now. There's nothing really wrong with it, but it is heavy and don't expect the Alivio and Acera components to last very long. I've put two new wheelsets on it, new brake levers, and Richtey clipless pedals, but now the chainrings and front 'railer are worn out. I also just found out that the moron who assembled this bike put a 1-1/4 locknut on the 1-1/8 threaded headset, which buggered the fork threads up nicely, but I managed to fix that.
Anyway, if you are looking for an entry-level mountain bike you could do worse than this one, but don't waste your cash on upgrades. Ride it into the ground, save your money, and buy a new, more expensive, more durable bike when your 830 goes to hell. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
aaarrrrkay
a cross-country rider
from wilmington north carolina
Date Reviewed: June 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Since this page seems to be reviewing the entire 800 series, I will add my two cents worth. I can't speak for any model but the 1996 850 XC, but it is a very good bike. I bought mine because I liked the ride, then found that every review I could find in the bike and even men's mags were very positive. Then I weighed it and found it was only 26 lbs. out of the box, one or two lbs below what Trek says it weighs (this was with a rigid cromo fork). Now, 2 1/2 years later, my 850 has only the bars, headset, wheel set, and saddle as original. The rest has been upgraded or replaced. I still love the bike, and with Softride suspension stem, USE seatpost, saddle bag, tool and tire kit, and water bottle (empty), it's still not over 28 lbs. Let's face it: it's easy to buy more bike that you need - marketing makes it nearly impossible not to. I often ride alone in distant places so this bike's dependability, easy maintenance, and compliant ride has been well appreciated. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DreadLoxRasta
a weekend warrior
from Toronto Canada
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I aquired this bike through a very interesting deal. I personally think that i ride this bike very hard, and this bike does everything that i demand from it, from off road riding to on road riding, the handeling is excellent, also this bike reacts very well to hill climbing and descending. The only problems so far is that the bike hesitates a lot when changing gears, and yesterday the chain bent REALLY bad and i had to straighten it with 2 wrenches, because the bike was unrideable!!! i personally think that this bike is pretty light for a bike. and about the problem about the bike lifting up on steep hills, if the stem is on a negative angle then the bike will be fine. i personally recomend this bike to anyone, i'm hoping to put some shocks on it soon.but besides these problems only one thing can really be said TREK KICKS!!!
Dread | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edwin Jong
a weekend warrior
from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I paid around $275 US for my 830 XC new last year. For the amount of money I spent its a pretty good deal. I've crashed it a few times and its held up, with a bit of tuning up. I want to add shocks (Indy C) and V brakes. And in a year or 2 upgrade the components. Otherwise for the not so serious rider this bike is great. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AaRoN
a weekend warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love this bike. It was my first mountain bike, it is a great bike for begginers. This is a very derrable bike. This is my first chioce for first and begginer bike. Since the first time I bought this I have gotten two others.
THE TREK 800 IS A GREAT BIKE | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nico Burger
a weekend warrior
from South Africa
Date Reviewed: June 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
An excellent bike with a really good ride for the mountain biker that is looking for fun and enjoyment. The Trek 800 is a must for a young enthusiastic mountainbiker with alot of energy. from Nico known as Pollie the Poephol.
ps this bike is also a fun road bike as well as a good trick bike.
eg: bunnyhops,wheelies,etc. but go for it and buy it if you want .
CHEERS. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The WHIRLWIND
a weekend warrior
from Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ladies and Gentlemen, i have only one thing to say. GO HIGHER!!! The trek 800 really isn't all that good a bike. I am a big fan of Trek, and I ride a Trek Y5. However, in my lesser days i had a Trek 850 (good bike). Basically you get a hell of a lot better bike if you go from the trekn 800 to the 850. The 850 has a frame of quality and won't let you down. The trek 800, isn't worth the price, the frame is no good, and the components are blah.I'll level with you. If you buy the 850 you can upgrade the brakes (i put LX V-brakes on mine) and you can put a new fork on (I chose the Judy XC). With these simple modifications you have a good bike. The 800, however isn't worth the money. The frame isn't any good, and the components all need to be upgrated. Trust a loyal trek rider, and go for the 850 ... not the 800!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ROBERT E GOODE
a weekend warrior
from Syracuse, NY
Date Reviewed: June 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This product is very unsafe for someone who is serious about mountain Biking. First of all the damn bike is very heavy, so if you happen to lose you balance there is no chance for recovery just serious injury. Secondly in this bike you feel every little bump on the road (and this is on concrete). Personally, I feel if you are a person that just needs a bike to get from point A to point B on regular roads, then this bike is fine, but if you are a serious mountain biker or want to become one don't even look at this bike even for this price | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary-bob
a cross-country rider
from Yuba dooba CA
Date Reviewed: June 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just want to say that I noticed a few trends in these reveiws that I tend to agree with: (I own an older 820)
1. that the new 98's are a different animal entirely, I recently test drove one for a friend to give my opinion and found, not the good freind I expected, but a lame bike as far as quality and feel go, it seems trek went all out to make this a best seller, but not a best buy *(like it used to be)
2. that the older ones were good :) I love mine
3. that the older ones are beasts when it comes to handling alot of torture. I am not easy on bikes and mine has not given me any problems at all (well bent rims but I have no suspension and cary fairly heavy loads from time to time)
4. that the older ones were a heck of a deal ( I have a friend with a stumpjumper, and I feel his and mine are nearly identical in performance...but of course he has the chrome-oly stumpjumper *(last year they made it in chrome-oly) so like I said he paid alot, I didn't, and couldn't, and we had about the same performance.sooo I guess what I am trying to say is newer is not always better, and the 98 820's prove that ( I am looking for them to get better once the v-brake and cool paintjob trends slow down a little *(this seems to be what the 820's are about in 98)
ps if you have a new 820 and like it, e-mail me and tell me why, i know i heard plenty of reasons why mine is lame and none of them are true.
pps to racers FREAKING GET A CLUE!!! this thing is about durability, not performance and mine is a sight more reliable than most race ready bikes I have seen, and I ride mine alot. lot, lot, lot. no problems, none.soooo two chilis for the new v-brake sportin 98
and a fiznat 5 for my blessed workhorse that is funner than hell too (kinda like the 350 small block chevy engine :) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wrasse
a cross-country rider
from Philiadelphia, PA
Date Reviewed: May 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a bike for beginners only who may ride off road but stick to wide, smooth paths. The reason for this is that the Trek 820 (1997 model) gives a bone-jarring ride over even moderately rough terrain. The quality the ride tells that there is very little dampening in the frame at all, resulting inn a harsh ride. This frame delivers a beating to the human frame (your skeleton)! Installing a suspension fork will take the edge off of the harsh ride, but the money may be better used in investing in a lighter, more off-road capable frame. I've also found the in some steep descents, the stability of the frame is shown to be limited. Instead of keeping a straight line down descents when applying moderate braking force, the rear of the bike has a tendency to swing out. This may be due to the weight of the bike and the greater inertia that it has because of this. These have been my experiences with the Trek 820. I've not had this character with another cromo frame of similar price from Mongoose, which also felt more nimble.The Trek 820 is a beginner's bike, and one that I would recommend for riders who ride relatively smooth terrain and wide paths. It is not a bike that performs well with harder riding. I ride a Titianium hardtail frame right now, and I love it. It is a world of difference compared to this frame. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cole spitzack
a weekend warrior
from austin, tx
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i got a Trek 830, not a bad entry-level piece of hardware, but that's exactly what it is -- a piece of hardware. damn heavy, weak in the gears, and you can't bunny-hop or get good air to save your life! i got some weak shocks on it, put on mild upgrades and about all it does is get me around, but i'm not complaining, i got a good deal on it... i'm sellin' it and movin' up this summer! if you're startin' out, give me a call, this one's for sale. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bajeesiac
a racer
from Whitefish
Date Reviewed: May 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Treks are pieces of junk. I once owned a Trek 830 and I still swear to this day that the frame was filled with concrete. I would rather spend my money on four or five huffies and ride them till they bust--at least the price is the same--and quality too for that matter. If I could I would give this bike a negative chilli pepper rating. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lisa Flowers
a weekend warrior
from Louisville, KY
Date Reviewed: May 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a Trek 800 Antelope at a yardsale a few weeks ago and so far I am pleased with it. It's a great entry-level mountain bike, and is perfect for my stature (5, 100 lbs.). The lady who sold it to me, a former Schwinn bike repairwoman for 20+ years, only charged me $35 bucks--and it's in good condition. The only drawback: it's a little heavy. But for $35, who cares?! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Devenney
a cross-country rider
from N.J.
Date Reviewed: May 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got a trek 850 XC and its a pretty good bike for the money although if your serious about riding spend $200 more and gat a good XC bike with front shocks. This bike weighs alot but is fairly bomb proof. It really needs good SHOCKS and better grips. Components are petty good but kind of weak gears. Overall I'd say it's a good bike for going fast. HARD TO JUMP AND WHEELIE WITH. Recomend it for beginner to intermediate. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Devenney
a cross-country rider
from N.J.
Date Reviewed: May 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got a trek 850 XC and its a pretty good bike for the money although if your serious about riding spend $200 more and gat a good XC bike with front shocks. This bike weighs alot but is fairly bomb proof. It really needs good SHOCKS and better grips. Components are petty good but kind of weak gears. Overall I'd say it's a good bike for going fast. HARD TO JUMP AND WHEELIE WITH. Recomend it for beginner to intermediate. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
florida
a downhiller
from COLORADO
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My very first bike was a Trek 800 Antelope. I was about 13 years old and just getting into the sport. I can still remember the Black frame with the neon green lettering. I thought it was the greatest. Those were the days. Anyway, back to my review. For a 13 year old getting into the sport it's not a bad bike. Wouldn't recomend it for serious biking, but it give a kid the freedom he needs. Hell I climbed my first real mountain on this thing. It's been 8 years since i first got that bike and sad to say it is no longer with me. Since then I have gone through several bikes. I have to give this bike a million chiles just for the memories this thing gave me. Remember it's not the bike that makes this sport fun. I have just as much fun on my $2000 Norco as I did on my $300 trek. Speed safely! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
QUINCY FINBAR
a
from weekend warrior
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I BOUGHT AN 1996 TREK 850 WITH ROCK SHOX LAST SPRING FOR ROUGHLY $425.00 AS BEGINNER BIKE AND IT HAS PERFORMED EVERY TASK I'VE ASKED OF IT. IT'S NOT THE MOST AGILE CLIMBER, AND THE STANDARD GRIP SHIFTS HAVE AT TIMES LEFT ME PINING FOR THUMB SHIFTERS. BUT I'VE PUT THE BIKE THROUGH QUITE A BIT OF PUNISHMENT - AND IT'S STILL WITH ME. I'M CONSIDERING MOVING UP -- BUT I WILL NOT MOVE ON -- I'M HANGING ONTO THIS ONE | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a downhiller
from Montana
Date Reviewed: April 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I once owned a trek 850--what a bomb. I thought it was great at the time but then I bought a Raliegh, about a 1000% better. The 850 always busted on me and was like a behemoth underneath me, and then I got struck by luck and someone stole it. What a damn rip-off. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jackson H.
a cross-country rider
from Carmel IN.
Date Reviewed: April 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Why buy this bike????????????? Its alright to ride on the road but off road, its a HAZZARD. WANT SOME REAL ADVICE, ths is fine for a BEGINNER that does NOT perform tough riding. If you think you can get away with a cheap bike for performance=DEATH WISH----!!!!! Buy a bike for your need and don't be cheap. DON'T OFF ROAD IT. ITS DANGEROUS. You would spend more on the surgury because of being cheap. It performs like a HUFFY. At LEAST guy a Trek 820. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a weekend warrior
from Boston, MA.
Date Reviewed: March 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm a senior in high school who also has a job.I use the Trek 820 whenever I can.Of course there aren't any mountains in Boston, but it obeys me when I need it to.I find it to be stable at high speeds. My only complaint is that the gears do not always switch smoothly and quickly. My speed is often fast, so I don't think it is me that is causing this difficulty in changing gears.When going to work I like to be a little extreme and jump and ride the hardest terrain I can.So i had some rock shocks put on it and they are a great asset to the bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a cross-country rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The term mountain bike, should be used VERY loosly when descibing this bike. Its overall quality of its componentry is seriously lacking. If you are looking at the Trek 820, I would DEFINETLY recommend you spend 50-75 dollars more and get the Specalized Rockhopper, or spend even more and get a bike that will last longer and cost less in maintenence and repairs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ket
a weekend warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: February 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just got a '98 800 sports in my part of the world....
Treknology Bikes for those who noe Singapore
dunno if its the same in the States but the whole thing is like made in taiwan
like any prudent buyer... i checked out the bike after it was assembled on spot for me...
i thought it was pretty good... but i inspected the front gears and found that there are some fractures on the secondary teeth... is this normal??!!??got it for S$520 = US$315 approx.
comes wif RST shox team 261, Shimano SIS component grouppealso pls tell if i have been ripped off... :)i thought it was pretty good for an entry bike on shox.... what do u think?
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett
a weekend warrior
from Daytona
Date Reviewed: January 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recieved a Trek 830 as a gift a few years ago. I have recently replaced the bike with a Trek 8000SL, but I rode the 830 for a few months. I abused the hell out of it (5'10 240) and made no adjustments and replaced no parts. Overall the bike held up very well and withstood a great deal of abuse. Pretty good begginer bike however a cheap fork (Indy C or comperable) would do wonders. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ralph Diaz
a weekend warrior
from Apex,NC
Date Reviewed: January 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
1996 TREK 830XC -- I bought my Trek 830XC to ride around the neighborhood. Then
I started wandering deeper and deeper into the local woods. I then started riding with some of the guys at work on some local single tracks.
My TREK 830XC is standard except for TREK BAR ENDS and TREK SPEEDO I added this summer. I have replaced one part from original and that is the Shimano rear cassette because of one broken tooth. Let me explain one thing --- I am 5'11,
52 years old and ride anywhere the young'uns in my group can go. The significance of this is that I am also 285 lbs of horse crankin down on that all CROMOLY frame and I am very impressed with the rigidity of the frame and fork.
We ride some pretty good single track here in Cary, NC and I can not say enough about the quality of this bike for the price.
I understand TREK has dropped the 830 and 850 for 98 and going to more alluminum frames. I am not sure about this move but if they put the same quality in the new bikes I will have to look at them for my new SERIOUS bike. I have been looking at the new models but I am so pleased with this first TREK I am still considering buying an XT or XTR GROUPO and upgrading this frame along with a good heavy duty front shock.
PS... I give this bike 5 stars because of its durability. I can afford any bike on the market and the TREK 830 does not compare to those fancy new bikes but when you consider the cost and low maintenance cost it sure makes riding a lot more fun!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a weekend warrior
from Tulsa, OK
Date Reviewed: January 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently purchased a Trek 830. For the money, I couldn't have done better. It's reasonably light with a very strong frame. Schwinn does not make a bike with a Cro-Moly frame and these components for anywhere near the price I paid. With a shock, this bike ROCKS! If you're a weekend warrior who likes to ride the hills, the only way to go is the Trek 800 series. I definetely recommend spending the extra dough to get one with a shock already on it and then upgrade the shock with SuperStruts or air cartridges. It gets five chilis b/c it does everything it is supposed to. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a weekend warrior
from Alabama
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased an 820 two years ago and found it to be highly durable and good entry-level bike. The bike has survived some high speed crashes better than I have. If you plan to take this bike off-road, you MUST change the stem (0 degree, preferred) to move your center of gravity forward, or you'll never be able to keep your front wheel on the ground during the rocky trails. The components are low-end, which is what you would expect from a bike in this price range. The only damage that I've encountered is a worn chank and bent rim. I'd recommend to an entry rider. In fact, I'd sell mine for a reasonable price. I'm ready to move up !!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a weekend warrior
from Sterling, VA
Date Reviewed: December 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've owned a Trek 820 for two years now. I've just upgraded to a Trek 930shx. The 820 is a great entry level bike. If you're not too serious about mountain biking, this bike would suit you well. The Altus and Acera X components are decent, but a bit weak. I've already worn down a couple of the pegs on the crankset. I was suprised with the performance of this bike. I was constantly ahead of my buddy on the trail, who rides a $700 GT Timberline FS. The bike handles well in the corners, and is a beast on the hillclimbs. This bike is a hundred times better if you upgrade it with a Rock Shox Indy C. For a beginner, this is a great entry level mountain bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Strouse
a downhiller
from Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: October 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This was the first bike I got when I really got into biking. Its a great bike and there are few things I would change on it and if you are just an everyday bike rider then this is the bike for you. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cherie
a weekend warrior
from Mansfield, MA
Date Reviewed: October 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I liked the colors that this bike came in. It is comfortable to ride and the shifting is easy. It handles well and it came in a good size for my height. I would definitely recommend it for women 5 ft and under. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don Trust
a weekend warrior
from Pittsburgh, Pa
Date Reviewed: October 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the 850 this summer and love it. It is my first mountain bike and even though I consider myself a newbie to mtbking, I can't imagine a much better bike for a beginner for the money ($350). It sees little heavy trail riding, so I can't comment on the durability yet, but my impression is it is a sturdy, well put-together bike. Replace the brakes with Eagle Claw Koolstop II's, though. MUCH better braking with them than the OEM's. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bruce Matthews
a weekend warrior
from Burnaby, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my '97 830SHX in mid June as my first mtn bike to replace my old 10 speed. My riding is mostly on the hard stuff to work and back but I recently got into single track riding. Nothing crazy, more like the trials riding that I used to do on motorcycles. For this level of riding this is one great bike. I find that the frame flexs just right to suck up the bumps of both city riding and log jumping. Or with my long inseam maybe it's the seat post doing the flexing! I do find that the shifters are reluctent to change when under load and I thought that this was normal until I read the other reviews. I guess I have something to upgrade now. I am not punishing the bike like some of the others here do so I can't comment on the crash-ability of the frame. The wheels will soon need to be trued by my LBS but this is probably true of all factory wheels. Within the range that this bike is supposed to used I don't think that I could have done better for the money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sodnompil Baljinnyam
a weekend warrior
from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Actually I bought a Trek 800 Sports for my teen age son all the way from a
Singapore Trek dealer in August. For this short time I grew to like the bike very so much that I am now the frequent user of it. I must have
already put some heavy 150 miles on it
blazing trails along the beautiful mountains surrounding Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. I like it very much. It rides very smooth under the
harsh and extreme conditions. Now I can say what it's like to own a great
bike like a Trek 800! | | Overall Rating: |
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