Submitted by
Phil Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2010
Strengths: Solid frame, ok geometry, rudimentary but functional Shimano drivetrain, tektro rim brake isn't too flexy, tires are good on pavement and hardpack. THE G.D PRICE! LIFETIME WARRANTY ON FRAME, 5 YEAR WARRANTY ON BONTRAGER PARTS... beat that Walmart.
Weaknesses: Obviously it's heavy... it's steel, the Tires only half work offroad, The Suntour fork is pretty useless at anything other than absorbing potholes.
Bottom Line:
This is an inexpensive ride with inexpensive parts. Functionally it works fine, but having said that don't ever expect it to shift under load, it won't stop on a dime when you pull on the brakes, and you'll probably need to true the wheels often if you ride it in the trails much.
The Shifters, derailleur and cassette being matching Shimano really helps the cause...
THIS BIKES IS A MILLION TIMES BETTER THAN A DEPARTMENT STORE BIKE (despite the fact it's no featherweight).
Submitted by
itisincredible
a Weekend Warrior
from anchorage, AK US
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2010
Strengths: tough and solid. excellent commuter. takes a beating.
Weaknesses: -front derailleur,
-yes, it is heavy, but nothing i can't deal with
-not much travel in the front shock.
Bottom Line:
a great bike for the price. almost every review i have read about this bike has remarked on the weight, but that's the price you pay for it's durability. it's a low maintenance bike that i will use for a long time.
Bike Setup: rear rack for commuting, ergo handgrips, nimbus armadillo tires, the rest is stock.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
cadence2003
a Weekend Warrior
from Pompano Beach Florida
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2009
Strengths: Quality construction. Rides very nice. Awesome beginner bike.
Weaknesses: A little heavy. Shocks need more travel.
Bottom Line:
very nice bike for the price. nice beginners bike. perfect for weekend warriors that also ride on asphalt. This is our second one. I purchased the first one 2 years ago for my wife and i just bought myself one.
Similar Products Used: Magna great divide mountaine bike, redline 360 bmx
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
woodman
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellflower, California, United States
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2009
Strengths: Great bike, have had no major problems keeps on going and going. ride it every monday and thursday cant complain. jumps ok and handles alright.
Weaknesses: heavy, and needs a better front shock.
Bottom Line:
if u want to get a mountain bike for a good price and that will last you the 820 is perfect. its durable strong and awesome. the best hardtail i bought for 300 dollars.
Similar Products Used: jamis parker 1, gary fisher
Bike Setup: all stock
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
rrhys79
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, iL
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2009
Strengths: Durable and built like a tank. Been riding this thing since 95, and besides getting a few flats and a tuneup, this bike has lasted for 14 years.
Weaknesses: HEAVY!! Gears take some time to shift, but it eventually switches. Had a recall of all 820 bikes around 97, since some break part was found to be damaged, but I took it to a bike shop and they fixed it asap.
Bottom Line:
A great bike for someone who is not picky about the best parts. I like this bike for riding in trails and on roads. Put in at least 400-500 miles since purchasing in 95. Even if this bike does weigh a ton, I am the type of person who is not willing to spend another 600-700 dollars for another bike when this one still works after all these years. Would recommend getting a tune up or check from a good bike maintenance shop to avoid any defective parts before riding.
Strengths: I got this bike when i was 11 years old (13 years ago). Excellent bike, super strong, not too heavy (it's not light though). I used it originally as my single mode of transportation as an 11 year old. Ramped it around as a small kid. later i used it for several very hardcore trail rides where my 160lb body (this is when i was a bit smaller ;) ) would be leaping over small logs and ramps and what not. in college i used it again a commuter with no oiling/greasing. thing just kept on going. i also used it on several very muddy trails in the rain and I did manage to kill my OEM back Wheel assembly (after 11 years of operation) and my grip shifter passed away about the same time (the bike was totally submerged in mud in several occasions for this to happen).
Weaknesses: None.
though my brother, an ex-bmx freestyle rider, tried to pogo on the front wheel and bent the OEM aluminum rim... but i think that was his fault and not treks - seeing as the bike was being used in way it wasn't designed for.
Bottom Line:
If you're not going to go riding every weekend and you just want a bike that'll last - buy this. this was an awesome bike for to grow up with as it worked as an 11 year old and it works as a 6'2 200lb adult. I don't go easy on this bike and enjoys the beating. if i get a bit more serious i'll likely buy a new Trek 820 as mine is a bit weathered and old now as it's nearing 15 years old. this would be a great beginners bike and i think i'd do great as lightly experienced riders bike too. again, if you're a pro (or think you are) get something that's lighter and that costs two or three times as much.
I would like an aluminum frame and disc brake option
Bike Setup: i put some shocks on it that i bought from a salvaged Specialized. the shocks don't fit perfectly yet the frame hasn't cracked yet.. so it's still good. I've got through about 1,000 new tubes (i'm still on OEM tires), a bike rack, it had a computer which died (not OEM), Duct tape on seat
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX, US
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2009
Strengths: Solid piece of mean machinery. It's tough. Liked the way it carves a turn, i.e., like skiis. Looks well made for the low-end priced range of Treks. Lots of details such as different sized steel tubes designed for stress that add up to a discerning buyer.
Weaknesses: A little on the heavy side, but we're mountain biking, right? It's the quality of the trail and fun time in the outdoors that really matters to me. Distance and endurance are for high-performance and competitive riders who will likely pass on this one.
Bottom Line:
Fair price. Very stable and smooth. Wants to go. Will last for years to come.
Submitted by
Cynedd
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, OH, USA
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2008
Strengths: This bicycle is indestructible! It is good for on and off-road use. If you are an urban dweller, like myself, who does the bus and bicycle combination but also wants a bicycle that is versatile enough to take on a trail I'd say you will like the 820.
Weaknesses: It is sorta heavy (but I don't care). The original saddle was exceptionally uncomfortable so I bought a different one.
Bottom Line:
I bought my 820 new in 1990-something and. while I have a couple other bicycles, I still favour my intrepid TREK 820. Yes, it is more heavy than some might like but it has withstood the streets of Detroit, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ft. Collins, Columbus, NYC and other destinations.
Submitted by
somebiker
a Weekend Warrior
from chicago
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2008
Strengths: price
Weaknesses: Heavy!!! boat anchor.
Bottom Line:
This bike is very heavy! The frame is overbuilt with cheap steel. I've owned an old schwinn (made in usa) mt bike made of chromoly steel and it was very light. People who say this bike is lightweight are lying or have never handled it. There is no bike worth a damn below $700 these days.
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 »
Last night I finally finished re-building my Trek 820. Thankfully, a buddy of mine from church helped me with the cables, brakes, torquing the cranks, installing the chain, and ma Read More »
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 »
