Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Spring Lake Heights
Date Reviewed: December 23, 2006
Strengths: Bullet proof steel frame. After 13 years of some hard riding and some down time in the basement the bike is better than new with componet upgrades.
Weaknesses: Entry level componets, The Rockshox Quadra 5 was great in 1994, but not to good in 2007. The shock still works though. 27 lbs. is heavy for a hard tail.
Bottom Line:
The Thudbuster Seatpost turns this hardtail into a short rear travel full suspension bike with better traction than most rear suspention bikes. I'll be riding these bikes for another 13 years and then some. If you can find these bikes on Ebay cheap they are a great deal. Trek stopped making the 930 steel frame a few years ago.
Purchased At: New Haven Bike in 1995 (out of biz 2 months later)
Similar Products Used: Department store bikes
Bike Setup: Newer Spare Bike I picked up on Ebay for $250 Frame Size: Large 19.5" Drivetrain: Full XT, with STX cranks, and grip shift 8 speed shifters. Brakes: XT V-Brakes with matching levers Wheelset: Mavic X22 laced with nice period LX hubs (gold lable) Front Fork: Manitou FS Ti Bulge fork Accessories: Kore Stem, . Veluta Saddle , IRC Mythos XC tires, and Wellgo pedals, Onza Bar ends, ThudBuster seatpost w/3" travel. Polar CS200 w/cad cycle computer.
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Submitted by
tr0s
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus, OH, United States
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2005
Strengths: quick, agile, excellent geometry, great for climbs, aggressive, very durable, and highly dependable. weight was never a big factor, so i took the hit on the weight and got the better ride since aluminum doesn't flex.
Weaknesses: for the price i can't really complain, i upgraded several of the stock components (indy c's suck.)but honestly the only problem i have is surface rust where the paint has been chipped. but trek warranties the frame for life so no biggie.
Bottom Line:
i prefer an agile and quick bike so my frame is really small. even though it's a smaller size the geometry is awesome! i haven't had any major problems with it yet (don't forsee any either) and i'd take that thing anywhere. i LOVE my bike and i've had it for 8 years now, and even after this long i don't even want to consider buying a new frame. treks kick ass. 5 flaming turds all around. though i should dock points since trek doesn't make that many chro-mo bikes anymore.
Similar Products Used: trek 830shx, hoo koo e koo, various cannondales, gt's, and gary fishers.
Bike Setup: 800 xray shifters, azonic bars and pedals, easton stem, LX rear der, palmer fs-ti fork, sun rims.
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Submitted by
Greg Robinson
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago, IL USA
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2004
Strengths: This has been a very durable bike from day one. The only type of maintenance I have had is a couple of flat tires. I regularly have it for tune ups to make sure. This bike handles all terrain easily, it did make my trip from SC to Chicago a bit longer and harder with the big tires but not having a flat tire or any other problems during that trip definitely paid off.
Weaknesses: The bike really doesn't have weaknesses for when I bought it, even with the steel frame it was still lighter than other bikes I browsed.
Bottom Line:
I am preparing for a 2000 mile ride and will definitely be taking this bike (930 shx series)for the trip. Its too bad they no longer sell the model.
Bike Setup: I have paniers in the back and carry a sleeping bag/tent whenever I travel, the few extra pounds for a steel frame doesn't make a difference.
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Submitted by
Tyler Leonsteiner
a Cross Country Rider
from Watertown, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2003
Strengths: This bike last very long so you can enjoy it for a long time. It is light weight and very strong.
Weaknesses: I have had this bike for six years now and have enjoyed every bit of it, no matter if the chain snapped or when the tail cracked it was all small things that could be fixed very easily.
Bottom Line:
This bike plays out very well no matter what the conditions are. It can take a pretty good beating, and all I really can say is that I plain love it. My Trek is not in the best shape that it first came in well of course not, but yet I continue and love to ride it yet. This bike truely lasts.
Submitted by
Larry D
a Weekend Warrior
from Silverdale, Washington, USA
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2002
Strengths: Incredibly strong frame, extreme weatherability, superior Paint.
Weaknesses: Chain rattle, high pressure rims/tubes leak more than normal, weight is now its downfall
Bottom Line:
I have owned this bike since February of 1992. I have done everything with it in every type of weather. I am a heavy rider (230lbs) so the bike I use needs to be durable (I have broke many lesser bikes) and this one is awesome. I love the geometry of the 930 is handles well and takes what ever I dish out to it. I have jumped it over ravines, crashed it through rough log strewn trails and sloshed it through deep mud holes and it still performs as well as when I purchased it. It does not have any shock absorbtion though and is heavier than the new technology bikes out today by about 3lbs so I am considering a new first place bike and retiring my 930 to second place backup. I have never broke any piece on the bike except tires and I did mangle the deraileur alignment once but the shoppe fixed her right up. All I added to the bike is a quick detatch kickstand for easy riding trips and a gel seat cushion to the stock seat. Overall I figured this bike cost me about $80 per year for the purchase and maintenance over the 10 years I have owned it.
If you find one of these bikes grab it -- it can be upgraded with current technology brakes and front suspension and is an extreme value.
Submitted by
Robert Turner
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt lake City
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2002
Strengths: I've had my Trek 930 Singletrack now for 5 years and it has performed very well. I've loved the grip shifters, and the bar ends it came with.
Weaknesses: It is a bit heavy, and my cantelever brakes are now out of date.
Bottom Line:
My 930 has been a great bike that has served me perfectly well and has been tns of fun on the trails of California and now Utah. I've had to pay for lots of tune ups for chain skipping problems. I attribute this more to my lack of skill doing repairs than to a problem with the components. They are going now but they were good for many years.
I do agree with the criticism that this bike is heavy. It weighs more than all of my friends alluminum bikes. The weight has never stoped me from being the first up the hill, but it has limited my jumps, and bunny hops some.
Some people complain about the front fork being sub par, but to be honest mine has been perfect. I don't lead the pack downhill, but I always feel in control and pleased with the travel it provides. I've never really had to adjust it much either which is a plus for those of us mechanically challenged.
My 930 is on it's way to being the backup bike soon, and it should have many more adventures in that role (after another tune up). As much as I like it my 930 just isn't in the league that it deserves to be upgraded, but it certainly has paid for itself with all the fun I've had on the trails.
What to buy next? Now I've got some product reviews to read.
Similar Products Used: Stumpjumper from Specialized
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Submitted by
Paul Schulwitz
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfax, VA
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2002
Strengths: 1996 model: Handling, fit, stability, much more comfortable than many aluminum hardtails I test rode.
Weaknesses: Cheap pedals. Rock Shox fork could be upgraded.
Bottom Line:
I love my '96 TREK 930 SHX. It's a nice sturdy and most of all, comfortable bike and the metallic blue paint is beautiful. I look back and think that the $700 that I paid for it was a little steep, but bikes simply cost more back then. I will probably keep it unless I start riding a lot more this year.
Similar Products Used: Similarly priced hardtails.
Bike Setup: Stock. New pedals when right stock pedal broke under very light riding conditions... Stiffer elastomers installed in Rock Shox. The elastomer retainer on the top of one side of the shocks shot out like a champaigne cork and nailed me in the chest when I jumped down from a curb. I had a nice welt and bruise... can't they make those things out of metal instead of the cheesy plastic? Just replaced the original seat last year to a nice... anatomically friendly saddle... aaaahhhh. Original hand grips are starting to tear... Need to replace them.
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Submitted by
Daniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Wheat Ridge CO USA
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2001
Strengths: value, frame
Weaknesses: weight
Bottom Line:
The remaining stock parts on my bike are: frame, drivetrain, and front wheel/hub. Anyhooo, this bike has been very, very good. The major shortcoming is weight, although I still seem to climb well. It does get a little straight going down at good speeds and could definitely be more responsive there. It can be a drag on epic 3-4 hour mountain rides where you're grannying up a hill and but feel like you're turning over your big ring, but I think that's a symptom of the ride, not necessarily the bike. My opinion of this bike stock is not favorable unless you are just a recreational rider mainly on paved and semi-paved park trails. However, it becomes highly serviceable if you make a few choice upgrades (brakes, shock, controls). I have abused this bike to great length and I have never done anything beyond throwing my rear wheel out of true. Which brings me to the front wheel/hub: awesome. This has never been trued or adjusted at all in 5 years.
I have taken this bike down gnarly stuff in Fruita, Telluride, Steamboat, Moab, the Colorado Trail, and all over the front range (Rockies) countless times. The only equipment failure I have encountered has been cleat problems - you know - where the bike takes you for a ride!
I am going to buy a Sugar 2 this season and am not sure if I will sell my bike. It has been a trusty steed.
Bike Setup: this bike is NOT stock...Manitou SX-r fork, Avid 1.9 brakes and levers, Icon pedals, post, and stem, Bonty Race bar and ends, rear rim, and anatomical saddle
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Submitted by
Grego
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont, NE
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2000
Strengths: Solid performer, Heavy duty frame, nice components
Weaknesses: the weight
Bottom Line:
This has been a great bike for the last 5 years. It was heavier than most at the time but was very solid. I've beat this bike on many types of trails and long distance road work and it always performed perfectly. I was disappointed to find they discontinued it this year when I went to upgrade. This is not a racing bike but is excellent for anyone who wants to do some technical work in a single track environment. Jumping is limited as well due to the weight.
Bike Setup: stock 1993 with solid fork, toeclips, bar ends, shimano 400LX components, shimano canti brakes, rapidfires
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris shlong Long
a Weekend Warrior
from Clovis, New Mexico
Date Reviewed: December 15, 1999
Strengths: Lighter than some Very, very, very durable Purty colors (white on royal blue) Dependable components Awesome V-brakes
Weaknesses: Slept many nights in the dog house because I played with it too much (the bike, you perverts!)
Bottom Line:
In junior high school (1986) I bought a Nishiki Colorado and that was my life. I thought it was the greatest bike on the planet. I used my paper route bond money to buy it. It cost me $420 and over time I ended up dumping another $400 into it. I sold it to a neighbor 3 years later regretfully. I went without a real bike for another seven years. Then I purchased my Trek 930 for $625. I wasn't real thrilled and liked my Nishiki better, that is, until I put it to the test! At first I wasn't comfortable on it, but after many good wrecks and a year later, I couldn't stop talking about my new bike. I'm a jumper and I live for speed. The second year went even better. I recruited a bunch (up to 16 riders once) of bike buddies and we would all head out at least twice a month on big rides. Not to mention the commuting to and from work and the off and on workout rides with my nieghbor. The bike has never let me down. However, on many of our rides I saw other bikes let their respective rider down. The only thing I've had to change is the stem. Only because it was too long. I've wiped out real bad on this bike so many times I can't count and everythings held up. The frame is covered by a lifetime warranty anyway- how many bike manufacterers can say that? The bad ratings are probably from little rich kids who get everything from mommy and daddy and want the best, didn't get it so they slam the bike (can't ride worth a sh*t anyway) or people who don't know the first thing about tuning a bike. Now I have two bikes. My Trek 930 and my new 2000 Trek 9.9 XC Pro that I got on one helluva deal. Can you say $2080? I'm letting one go. The ad for my 930 is in the local paper and I have all the same feelings about getting this new bike as I did when I first received my 930. Hopefully in a year or so I'll be writing a good review on my 9.9. Five Flaming poops from the shlongster.
Similar Products Used: None- not disappointed but reduced to having only a Trek dealer in town.
Bike Setup: Shimano STX-RC components Indy C Cygolight Scott twincam clipless
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
soban
a Cross-Country Rider
from Yellowknife NWT Can.
Date Reviewed: October 23, 1999
Strengths: bike is great all round, has an amazing frame which is lighter than some aluminum frames (excluding CCM)
Weaknesses: the components on the stock bikes could be better. the stx derailers suck! please don't mix grip shifts with this product again! It may give the company a bad name!
Submitted by
David Urban
a Weekend Warrior
from Louisville, KY
Date Reviewed: September 16, 1999
Strengths: Strength, Geometry, Price
Weaknesses: Weight
Bottom Line:
I have been completely satisfied with my 1994 930. I never thought that any bike would replace my 91 Karakoram (that was stolen) in my heart. But Trek's 94 geometry suited me better than GT's and the two were otherwise comparable. The STX groupo has worked well and is still original - save tires, cables, brake pades etc.. A little maintenance goes a long way! I recently added a lightly used Indy C and I am underwhelmed. The bike has a solid neutral feel and is suitable for single track as well as urban assault. I have wrecked it several times - once so hard it rang like a tuning fork - and it is still straight and quiet-running. I will retire this bike soon to guest-bike status. I don't want to polish a turd by dumping a lot of money on high-end components. So a Trek 2000 7000-8000 is in my near future. A great bike for the money. A great bike for the enthusiast who isn't concerned about how the racers do it. But it doesn't get the fifth pepper 'cause it ain't that kinda bike.
Bike Setup: Stock except for an Indy C and a longer Zoom stem
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross-Country Rider
from Worcester,MA
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999
Strengths: __TOUGH FRAME__ A-10 componentry good braking
Weaknesses: no shocks...
Bottom Line:
a great bike, last year that I know of that trek did the extra-heavy duty joints on the frame (vertical tube and front tube have protrusions to allow more room for welds and spread out the stresses), I'd have prefered something with suspension, but that really wasn't option when I bought it, and ever since I've done alot without it... besides, sometimes no fork is better than a cheasy one...
Bike Setup: '93 model, onza bar ends, yeti grips, specialized more extreme/s tire ('94, rear, road toad head light, avocet 15 comp., advent mirror, twin bottle cages...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean Braiden
a Weekend Warrior
from Powys UK
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1999
Strengths: A very good all round bike for cross country, up hills and down. The brakes are stunning and the frame is rigid. (You can feel the rigidity when you 'kick' the pedals.)
Weaknesses: OK...... I got the chain fixed... (See review below) and I have convinced myself that it was a weak link and the strength of the frame (and my leg muscles?) that made it snap. I went back to the same uphill forest trail and the bike was great, in fact it got steeper! Going down the other side was 'interesting'in the rain, but the bike was great.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is......... The Raleigh won't get too much use in the future, a broken chain is a broken chain... and I will re-rate the bike.
Submitted by
Sean Braiden
a Weekend Warrior
from Powys UK
Date Reviewed: August 15, 1999
Strengths: It accelerates! Nice ride.
Weaknesses: The chain snapped on the second clime of it's life!!!!!!!!!
Bottom Line:
Nice bike......... BUT I got a big shock when the chain snapped this morning (8/15/99) on a forest uphill track. The bike was on it's second outing from new, (set it up yesterday) and the hill was not the steepest. (My Raleigh can cope on it).
