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Submitted by
connor mcbryde
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheatridge Cyclery | | Strengths: | Still trucking after 13 years of daily use. Oil up moving parts, rebuild Zoke with new oil and seals annually and ride on. | | Weaknesses: | None, really; ?heavy, but then again True Temper OX-III Comp steel. Welds are still ugly but tough. | | Similar Products Used: | None. 2004 Turner Burner and a steel Santana Tandem round out my stable. | | Bike Setup: | 1996 970/2000 Z2 Atom 80, mostly original components save for new stem, pedals, Selle Italia Flite saddle. Only OEM part which have worn out was the LX front derailleur pivots and the SRAM X-ray shifters. Multiple wheelsets... | | Bottom Line: | What a great bike! Thought I'd throw a few props to my old workhorse after 12+ years and 10,800 miles of riding.
Still my daily commuter rain shine or snow for work, summer roadie use with Michelin Grand Prix 26 x 1.00 slicks on my road rims, and occasional off-road use nowadays when I'm not on the Burner.
I hope to always own a steel hardtail and a Zoke coil fork... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven Mancuso
a Weekend Warrior
from Haskell, New Jersey, USA
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood Skylands Manor | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Pad in New Jersey | | Strengths: | I cannot believe I am writing a review on this bike of mine. Well,, right now,, after almost 13 years of beating on it,, ( purchased my 970 in 1992 ) the frame cracked in half. Lifetime warranty, Trek gave me money toward a new bike from them so I am on a Remedy now. This 970 was by far the best bike I have or will ever own. It is hung up in my garage now,, frame is taped together where the crack is and it is a show piece now. I have taken that bike all over the United States. Has major memories. Frame,XT brakes,XT shifters including , and I am serious, there cables, all all original and still work now perfect. I must have went through a couple dozen sets of Panaracer smoke/dart combo's on this bike. I have beaten on the bike for years but I do take care of it,, lubriction and cleaning it. Always washed and lubed,, garage kept. All I can say is I hope my new Trek mountain bike can follow in its fathers steps... | | Weaknesses: | none at all,, best mounatin bike ever made | | Similar Products Used: | Any older high end hard tail I guess. | | Bike Setup: | By the time the frame broke,, Rock Shox Judy XC shock, THOMSEN stem and lay back post, SELLE seat,520 clipless,Suntour XC cranks,Shimano XT brakes and 7 spd shifts,xt cassette, PARAMOUNT wheels,Panaracer tires,Titec Hellbent bars,Lizard skin grips. | | Bottom Line: | What a great product, thanks Trek. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin O'Donnell
a Cross Country Rider
from Milwaukee, WI USA
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | used in 1999 | | Strengths: | Considering this bike was produced in 1996 and is racking up the miles in all sorts of weather ... I've been extremely happy with my find. Durable OX III frame, predictable handling, quality and durability of LX/XT drivetrain. | | Weaknesses: | Agree with everyone else about the welds ... but, they all have held despite their less than stellar cosmetic appearance. Stock tires wallow due to their really flat tread profile ... I'll switch to IRC Mythos this summer. | | Bike Setup: | Just switched the stock LX cantis out with Deore V-Brakes, and replaced the original chain with a new Shimano IG model. Anticipated changes include a switch out extremely tired 8-year-old Rox Quadra 21 with a new Manitou Skareb, as well as switch to IRC Mythos skins. Would also like to upgrade to King. Still running the stock LX / XT drivetrain (bulletproof and still shifting well after about a guh-zillion miles in all sorts of conditions, including numerous commutes in Wisconsin winters). I care for my bikes, but, not excessively. | | Bottom Line: | I'm quite confident that I'll happily keep plodding along with this bike for many years to come. Daily commuting, weekend trail rides ... it's been a really faithful partner.
If the frame ever needs replacing (which will be more to fuel my ego than a real need) ... it will be with a Gunnar Rockhound ... same tubing set and also made in Wisconsin. But, much nicer welds. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Pafford
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder Colorado USA
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Road touring type use only | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike-N-Hike Longmont CO | | Strengths: | Nothing, other than an overpriced product that gets out the door, which is only a strength for the seller. | | Weaknesses: | Amateurish welding throughout. As stated below, looks like something out of a high scool shop class (by a first year student). When the rear rack lugs were braized on, the right-hand seat stay tube was overheated and eventually cracked at the edge of the braizing bead and had to be repaired ($100.00, plus repaint of affected area and teardown-rebuild time). And Trek is balking at paying the $100.00 in spite of their "lifetime warranty" even in view of the fact that they can't replace the frame. That's pretty poor performance in my book.
All of the mediocre componentry that came on the bike, mostly LX, has since been replaced due to failure or just to prevent future failure. The handlebar and seat post are original, nothing else. And remember, this bike is used on paved roads ONLY. It has NEVER seen any form of rough service or abuse. | | Similar Products Used: | 1984 Trek 720 road touring frameset. Retired at about 35,000-40,000 miles in CHERRY condition. Best bike I'll probably ever own, certainly the best to date!!
This is the ONLY reason that I bought another Trek - NEVER AGAIN!! | | Bike Setup: | All 8 speed XT except for Avid Ultimate V brakes. Sunn Rhino Lite XL rims, Wheelsmith/Chris King. Brooks Pro saddle. Jandd touring packs and racks. Rigid special order Trek front fork with low rider lugs (took 3 months and 3 trys for them to get even close. Lugs are at different heights and required mods on the racks to work. Welding is terrible looking too). | | Bottom Line: | For $100.00 Trek has lost a previously loyal customer for life. As a company, Trek Inc. and its products, supplied componentry and warranty coverages leave a LOT to be desired.
Bike-N-Hike, on the other hand, is the greatest and the owner, Dave Swenson, is doing everything possible to make this right. Best shop by far that I've ever had dealings with. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jose
a Cross Country Rider
from SF Bay Area, California
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Sharp Bicycles | | Strengths: | Good steel construction: True Temper OX III comp frame that gives a good steel ride out on the trails. Standard hard tail geometry makes for a stable and agile ride.
Great price and decent components (LX/XT) when I bought it. As originally purchased, components were reliable, functional and relatively light weight enough for me to enjoy the ride and not have to worry about things breaking down. | | Weaknesses: | Rock Shox Q21R spec'd on this bike was too flexy. LX cantilver brakes were lacking for power. Original Matrix rims didn't last long.
Ugly weld job makes it seem like the frame was assembled as part of High School shop welding project. | | Bike Setup: | Controls: SRAM plasma shifters, Cane Creek DC levers
Drive Train: Race Face Turbine LP, XTR rd, XT fd, 8spd XTR
cassette
Wheels: Bontrager Mustang ceramic ASYM laced to XTR rear hub
Bontrager Mustang laced to XT disc in frontBrakes: XTR V-brakes rear/Avid CPS mech disc front
Marzocchi Z2 Atom 80 fork, Thomson post, Kore stem, Ritchey rizer bar and pedals, Fiz'ik Nisene Ti Saddle | | Bottom Line: | Six years, thousands of miles and the bike is still a great ride. The frame's been worthy of all its upgrades. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Zavaglia
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, OH
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | 18 mile loop in NC - Single Track | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | Sweet frame. Reinforced at stress points, and still not too rigid, stiff, or uncomfortable. | | Weaknesses: | Varied components. Especially Dia Compe brake levers. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Paramount | | Bike Setup: | Selle Italia saddle, Shimano pedals. All else is factory. | | Bottom Line: | Definately a worthwhile frame. Kind of a mismatch with the components, but no real complaints about their performance. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, NY
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the brown one in my undies | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Dealer | | Strengths: | Frame rules.
Bontrager stuff.
No skimp drivetrain. | | Weaknesses: | Paint and somewhat cobby welding.
Original Indy SL was light but had low quality travel, no damping, and alot of fore/aft movement. | | Similar Products Used: | You name it. | | Bike Setup: | Right now it is the middle of winter. Bike is set up as a bare frame hanging on my Graber. I have most of the original LX/XT stuff. I've ridden it a half a year with Z4 Flightligh Air. Also upgraded the seat to a sella san marco bontrager. On the way from pricepoint I've got '01 LX hollowtech cramks and a pair of Sram Attack shifters. Should rise to a level of unprecedented glory within days. Albert Einstien smoking a cigar sticker on the stem. Faded and peeling Nader/LaDuke sticker on the top-tube | | Bottom Line: | Stuff keeps wearing out, but the frame goes on. It's not super-light. Stripped down completely it is 2212 grams (4.8lbs), but it more than compensates for this with handling and ride characteristics that are beautiful. Four years of solid abuse have convinced me that steel is real. I will ride this bike until I die. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Connor
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Handling
Strength
Made of steel | | Weaknesses: | Welds are less than artistic | | Bike Setup: | '96 with Judy XC/Judd springs, Tektro Quartz V's, XT cassette/Mavic | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. I use the bike for daily commuting and CO mountain trails, and it has been extremely reliable, strong, excellent handling despite 3000+ miles of use. Ride is very forgiving due to steel frame, and no need to upgrade to seatpost shock like an aluminum hardtail might need. I plan on keeping it for some time, as I am not convinced that a titanium hardtail would be worth the upgrade. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian Staford
a Cross Country Rider
from Ithaca NY 14850
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | my own scent trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Affordable great bike. | | Weaknesses: | Indy SL is flexy. Low quality travel. | | Similar Products Used: | Shwinn s96.1, Gt Zaskar, Karakoram, Backwoods | | Bike Setup: | stock except the seat. I got a deal on a san marco race day bontrager that is shaped like the one that was on my bike but has kevlar stuff for my butt and bouncy for my sack. | | Bottom Line: | I bought my 1997 970 shx in the middle of the summer of 97. It has stood up to thousands of sound thrashings. The steering is a little quick, but that has saved me a million times. For the price, I couldn't find anything else that I wanted or would not have to change parts on. The Bontrager bar and stem rule as well as the seat. Everything on this bike is really good for the price range. The Indy SL is light and laterally ridid but has alot of foer/aft movement. I have been meaning to get rid of it forever, but there have always been cases of beer and bags of.. well... I love my bike and will ride it until it is even MORE out of style. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
McCracken
a Cross-Country Rider
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Trail System at Avalon | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Fairly light
Component group
Excellent climber | | Weaknesses: |
Quad 21 Shock
System 3 Front Hub | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized Stumpjumper
Specialized Rockhopper
Trek 8500 | | Bike Setup: |
1996 Trek 970
All stock except for:
Mag 21 Shock
XTR shifter w/remote | | Bottom Line: | The 1996 Trek 970 came equipped with an XT/LX drivetrain, RS Quad 21 shock, X-Ray grip shifters, and System 3 front hub, seat post, bar, etc. After a few rides on the Q21, I swapped it out with a Mag21. I liked the grip shifter for the front derail due to the incremental shifting, but did not like the rear shifting. I put an XTR rear shifter on it and that did the trick. It looks a little goofy, but it works for me. The frame is a little flexy, but it makes for a very comfortable ride and does not affect the handling very much. It is an excellent climber and tight in the corners. If it would have come with a better shock, I would give it 5 flaming carcasses, but it gets 4 for the fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Vegas, NV
Date Reviewed: November 12, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Dead Horse Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Strong, reasonably light frame
Nice forgiving ride | | Weaknesses: |
Not the prettiest welds in the world | | Similar Products Used: |
'92 Mongoose IBOC
'95 Cannondale F700
'96 Raleigh MCC8 | | Bike Setup: |
Hardtail with '98 Marzocchi Z-3 Light. XT/ESP 9.0 drivetrain, XT brakes, levers, hubs, XTR 8 speed cassette. | | Bottom Line: | I have had 2 steel, 1 aluminum, and 1 carbon fiber bike and I still believe steel is the best of these 3 materials. My '96 970 frame (same as '97 except color) rides the way a good hardtail should. Stiff on the climbs and forgiving on descents. It's a real shame Trek quit making nice steel hardtails, they were good at it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross-Country Rider
from Clarksville, TN
Date Reviewed: October 10, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Durability
Ride Characteristics | | Weaknesses: |
Paint Job | | Bike Setup: |
Original - Frame: 91' Double Butted OX Comp II with rigid fork/ Drivetrain: DX rear and front d, Shimano hyperglide 13-30 r 24-46 f/ Shifters: XT rapidfire/ Brakes: XT/ Wheels: DX hubs w/ matrix rims | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden this bike hard for nine years and it is still going strong. Most of the components are original. It is comfortable while being quick and responsive. It can also take some punishment. I have taken it on trails ranging from rocky technical in southern Illinois to sandy in northern Florida and it has performed flawlessly. I was working in a shop at the time and paid $400 (U.S.) at dealer discount. It has been worth every penny. Upgrades - Front suspension: Indy XC/ Pedals: Ritchey logic/ Head set: Chris King sealed roller bearing/ Rear d: Short cage (105 road) modification to handle chain suck and metal pulleys for crisper shifting/ Stem and Handlebars: Ritchey/ Bar ends: Onza/ Saddle: Concor. Regular inspections and maintenance have kept this bike in good working order.
The only complaint I have is the paint job. Trek was using a splatter paint scheme in 91'. This allowed the frame to rust more easily and I have had to spot paint the frame on occasion. I plan on having the frame painted this winter, so this complaint should be nullified.
I have recently been shopping for a replacement/upgrade and have been hard pressed to find a comparable bike in the price range. Its too bad Trek doesn't make a high end steel frame anymore.
It was a good bike in 91' and still is in 99'. Even if I find a replacement, I plan on riding this bike for another nine years! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan
a Cross-Country Rider
from lexington,Kentucky
Date Reviewed: September 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
field | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
great frame and most of the components | | Weaknesses: |
price i paid 600 big ones and it didnt even have a suspension fork(96 model)and the brakes were rcs or something | | Bike Setup: |
it needs upgrading(rims, brakes,seat, front fork, ) other than that the frames great im gonna have to get mine painted cause its scathed bad but the structural integrity is holdin up fine | | Bottom Line: | great frame but ull be upgrading it for a while if you dont have fort knox in your house ide give it 4 chilis but im gonna give it 5 for still bein around after 2-3 years | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kab
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bangkok(Thailand)
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
really super strong who can break them... please call me So win the prize!!!
I also a litle ride in motocross circit too
comfortable
o.k.handing | | Weaknesses: |
i know , he's not a superbike.
but all 4years it,s never do his
faultlessly. | | Bottom Line: | Whenever i read this review. i feel like i'm in a party of
somekind of people who love or accept in same character
of riding.(if you ride 970 you'll know) are you agree?
P.S. i ride '94 model | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Brown
a weekend warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My '96 970 was my first MB purchase, and I feel lucky that this is the one I chose. I'm hard on my things, but this one has held up, no problems. I was thinking of buying a new one, but I'm afraid I won't find such a great bike. Highly recommended. Five tamales. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Barry
a cross-country rider
from Toronto, ON
Date Reviewed: October 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought my 970 in December 1996. I was looking to buy ski boots but the bike was such a good deal ($999 Cdn.) that I snapped it up instead. Since then I have upgraded to clipless pedals and XT v-brakes, and am also considering tweaking the shocks by putting in speed springs, or something similar.Have ridden the bike 1-2 times per week for the last 2 years, and am really happy with it. It is very light, and climbs well. It is a very quick-steering frame (sometimes too quick steering), and I would take it over its current equivalent (the Trek 6500, which has an aluminum frame, but does not match up to the 970's LX/XT componentry). The only real problem I have had is with the wheels--they have had to be trued about 4 times--maybe that has more to do with my riding than the wheels themselves. Too bad they don't make this bike any more. Five chili's | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a weekend warrior
from Las Vegas, NV
Date Reviewed: August 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm a bike shop employee who has seen over two dozen frames come in broken in the last four years, including one of my alluminum frames. Don't be fooled by the minimal weight savings people, all but three of those frames I've warrantied have been alluminum. I ride a 1996 Trek 970 frame and it is one sweetheart of a frame. Unfortunatly, companies such as Trek, Specialized, and GT have stopped making high end steel so if you can find one of these bikes, you'll get it for a good price. Otherwise give the big companies the finger and buy a quality steel bike from Jamis (bike of the year), Rocky Mountain (bike of the year in 1996), KHS (bike of the year in 1994), or other companies that still make a high end steel frame without the high end price (aka Independent Fab.) When your buddy is waiting for his alluminum frame to be warrantied (or worse yet, its 3-5 years old and the warranty has expired), remind him about how his bike was 1/2 pound lighter than yours and then go for a ride without him! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Mocan
a weekend warrior
from Philadelphia, PA
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is my first real bike but i've been riding my friends bikes previously...to tell you the truth you get performance that rivals the Stumpjumper M2 for a cheaper price....and by the way its one tough bike! I bought it rigid but I upgraded it to Indy SL's and the ride is awsome. I'm going to by SPD 747's but its still been an awsome ride just the way it is. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate
a weekend warrior
from Lynchburg, Va
Date Reviewed: June 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just get a chubby everytime I think of this bike! I bought my 970 back in '96 after a 1 year hiatus and have never stopped since. Everything about this bike is macho! The only upgrade I made have been to XT V-brakes with ESP 9.0 levers. Definitely the most awesomest bike I have ever owned! USA CROMOLY STEEL IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a cross-country rider
from Carnation, WA (east of Seattle
Date Reviewed: June 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My parents bought it for me for my 14th birthday (last bike they ever buy me), and iv'e had it for around 4 months, and I LOVE IT!. I took it up my hill, 2 miles, 5 minutes, rode back down in about 30 seconds, passing cars in a 45 mph zone, unfortunatly I had bent the front rim from a prior accident, so I had to slow to about 30 the rest of the way down. Much better than my old bike, KHS (although great bike for the price)
I plan to race it this summer in down hill and cross-country. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russ R.
a weekend warrior
from San Mateo, CA
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my 970SHX in '95 and learned to ride a mountain bike on it. I really loved it and it took me to many top placings in Spt Vet races. I upgraded the Quadra 21 to a Judy XC and the brakes to V-brake, seat post to USE shox. I thought this was a perfect x-country bike. I liked the way it climbed and descended, very predictable, very solid. Not the lightest bike out there but no pig either. Unfortunately, the head tube cracked in March. Trek has always stood by there bikes with me (I've gone through several carbon road frames) and though the down time is a bummer, Trek is very good with their warranties. Now I have a '97 8000 which climbs even better but I have to get used to it's downhilling. Overall, I loved the 970 and had no intention of buying a new bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Heleen Graafstal
a weekend warrior
from Netherlands
Date Reviewed: February 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my Trek 970 for almost half a year. I ride almost every weekend through the muddy woods. Till now the performs excellent, I wouldn't trade for another piece of grap. The only I hate is that the biket doesn't look very cool. My grandmom's bike looks better. Hast la vista. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a racer
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: February 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have only logged 18 miles on my 990, although I have had good saddle-time on my friend's spare 970. This bike is a definite wolf in sheep's clothing. All of my past bikes have been aluminum, and I had pretty much sworn off steel (Its' sooo heavy.)to this point. 990 heavy? No way! This thing's a blast.
The frame is Tig welded OX III Triple butted Cro-Mo, so compared to same size aluminum frames it is heavier. Not by more than a 8th of a pound though. What this frame's got is ballance. Very stable, easy to control, almost predictable in its character. An absolute dream to ride. This frame's got a good racing history behind it too. I bought it off a good friend who's wife had raced it acouple of seasons. It's as stout and clean as the day it was made.
I am looking forward to racing it this season, and many more. I've been racing xc for almost 6 years, expert the last 2, and I've ridden and broken just about every kind of frame out there. I feel very confident that this one won't die an untimely death.Oh yeah, the specs... It' an 18 with xt ders, raceface cranks, syncros cro-mo b/b, judy sl w/ speed springs, mavic 217cd's-white ind. hubs-dt 15/16/15 spokes, syncros hardcore seatpost, titec beserker ti k saddle, xt rapidfire, avid 1.9L levers and xtr v brakes, and avid flak jacket cables. No silly ti bolt kits, or other little trinkets that snap an the worst possible times. Weight: 24.3lbs.
I highly recommend this bike/frame, if you can get your hands on one. They're grrreat!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Brown
a cross-country rider
from Dresher, PA
Date Reviewed: January 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Give this bike another 5 star rating. I am looking at it now as we speak.
I just bought the '96 970 for $500. Without shock on the front.
Only bad: Doesn't have v-brake, but what do you expect with a '96.
There is no better bike: $800 you could have the bike, xt brakes, and judy
xc. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rick
a racer
from baltimore MD
Date Reviewed: December 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike rules, got of my GT Psychlone into this dream. Up graded the seat post to syncros the brakes to Onza, the tires to conti, levers to diacompe ss5's real light, pedals to look, grips to oury, the frame iss great, light and responsive.I did however drop the decals and change alot of the components. Still riding the bike rigid, got it for $525. I put about 20 miles per week on the bike and love it. Will probably go front sus. with much push from the LBS (Lutherville Bike Shop) FIVE FLAMING CHILLIS to them, great bike flies up the hills in MD and flies down too, no problems, replaced the rear wheel after two rides, bent it on a great drop off, cudos to the Trek rep. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
carlos
a cross-country rider
from Valencia, Spain
Date Reviewed: December 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This puppy is not for me. Ibought my Trek 970shx a year ago, and I've had to make some changes since then. I felt like crap compared to my old GT. However, I think that the Trek970 is a great bike too and I would recommended this bike anyone, because it's a good value on the market. It's performance on the trail is awesome for a factory bike. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
POINKO
a cross-country rider
from VA
Date Reviewed: December 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The tubing is nice OX3, however, it is definitely heavier than other frames out there. The welds, when carefully inspected, are sometimes nice, but often toothpaste-like. Globbed on. The geometry is tight, the wheelbase short, which allows it to climb well. If you do not have a suspension fork, get one because the downhills will throw you around due to the short wheelbase. Overall, it is a tight bike, not too heavy, and very responsive, I like steel, but Trek did a terrible job welding the tubes. Overall it is a very decent bike. Nothing spectacular about it, and nothing to brag about, I ended up selling mine for $850 and pro-dealed a 1998 Klein Mantra for $920. For me, the Klein is a better bike, but everyone has different needs and expectations. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris McDowell
a cross-country rider
from Hampden-Sydney College, VA
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is very over rated. I would suggest spending a little more buy a
Specialized M2 or a Cannondale F1000. You will get a better and lighter
frame, and better components. Besides, Trek is too worried about buying out
bike companies rather than producing bikes that can compete with Specialized
and Cannondale. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Henry
a cross-country rider
from S.W.Fl.
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Best bike I ever had. My Y-11 sits in the garage, and I ride my rigid 96 970.
Who needs suspension, upgraded it to all 97 XT, XTR hubs on Mavic 217,
V brakes, XT rapidfire. Wicked light near 22 or 23 lbs. Superfast. STEEL IS STILL AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE BEST. Im goin' to ride this one forever. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mo
a cross-country rider
from Camano Island, WA
Date Reviewed: November 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just purchased my second 970. The first was in 92' and I still have it. Most of the parts (except rims, chains, chainrings, cassettes brakepads and cables) are the originals. Was raced hard for 2 years, been a reliable 'mudder', commuter, touring, loaner bike since.I tried the other materials, nothing held up like the old 970 so I bought another.. So far I love it! Even better than the 92 (lighter too). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ralph
a cross-country rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my 970 since 95, added V-brakes, 747's and a xtr 12-32 cass.
And worn out other drivetrain parts and replaced 3 taco'ed front wheels.
Riden it over 6000 miles 80% dirt, it's still a great bike. I now own an LTS
and still like to kick kester on hill climbs on my 970 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a racer
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a '95 Trek 970 and all I can say is wow. The bike has about 3000 miles on it and the frame is still good. Even though I wore out or destroyed most of the original components I love this bike. It is too bad Trek stopped making the 990, or I would have probably bought it this winter. If you want a good reliable raceable bike I reccommend the Trek 970! (change the fork though) I give my steel baby.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Glazer
a weekend warrior
from Omaha, NE
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
great bike. Bought mine in 1995. It had far and away best equipment and sweetest ride for the money. I've upgraded with clipless pedals, Indy XC fork, Richey brake pads and Conti tires. Bike has held up great. It's light, handles great and is a blast to ride, on and off road. Five chilis please. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Q Boy
a cross-country rider
from Oakland, CA
Date Reviewed: October 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Got my '96 970shx a month ago for 650 bones in a closeout deal. I think that my bike was originally a rigid fork, but the deal I got has an Indy SL. In a word: Dope.Likes: Stiff steel frame (OX3), SL fork, LX/XT drivetrain, cool color, weight (or lack thereof for a bike at this price), great riding position.Dislikes: No V-brakes on the '96. First thing to upgrade. Gripshifts; I like the gripshifts, per se, but the action just isn't as smooth as I would like-maybe a Sachs or ESP 9.0sl would improve things. I'm not fond of the tires (Panaracer Dart/Duster, 2.1 width). Not as important since I bought a Camelback, but I can't get a trek quick cleat from my road bike to fit on the bontrager saddle.Others considered in a $600-750 range: trek 950 (no fork and rapidfire), bontrager privateer (mass produced by trek, so what's the big deal unless you get a more expensive frame), trek 8000 (another cool deal, but I wanted a steel bike), fisher hoo koo e koo (my second choice. If the deal on the 970 hadn't come along, this is what I would have bought.) Guess I'm stuck on trek (my road bike is a 2300).Ride hard. Ride Often. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tinker
a weekend warrior
from Colona, IL
Date Reviewed: September 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike in the spring of 1997 after selling my '96 8000shx. the ride is much better on the 970 and weighs the same. upgraded to judy xc, xt brakes and shifters, and velociraptors tires. This is one sweet bike for the price (about $900) with xt derailers. best value for the money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SGT ROCK
a weekend warrior
from Kitimat, BC
Date Reviewed: September 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a 1990 970 that I ride hard all season, along with my '97 Y11. Why review an eight year old bike? Because if you buy the current 970, you'll probably be doing the same thing in eight years. The 970 was a kick-ass bike then, as it is now, and will be in the future when these designs of the week are fossils in somebody's garage. Definitely a classic.By the way, I've been unable wear out this bike despite some real hellrides. The drivetrain is stock original DX/XT; upgraded to clipless pedals and Manitou Pro-C fork this year to sweeten the ride. Kind of funny to be riding and have people say nice bike about a machine that the bike mags would consider an embarrasment. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ANdy
a cross-country rider
from Warsaw ,Poland
Date Reviewed: September 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my bike half year ago. It`s `96 970 with rigid fork. In Poland it was one
of the cheapest bikes in its class. It`s my first real bike and it`s great :
lightweight steel frame, LX/XT componets , great rims (very strong) butted spokes etc. etc.
I have upgraded pedals to SPD 747 & only thing I need is suspension fork
(propably it will be Girvin)
Five stars.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a cross-country rider
from Seattle WA
Date Reviewed: September 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Trek 970shx 5 months ago. It rules. In my opinion this is the best bargin anywhere, I got mine for 50% off becaues it was a 1996 model. $1,200 dollars regularly, I got it for $680. The bike handles erything from
fast fire road rides to slow technical singletrack climbes. You get LX/XT components OX111 cromoly steel frame Rock Shox Quad 21R fork, AWESOME Matrix Swami Ceramic rims (Trek team uses them) and grip shift x-ray shifters.
Great deal I'd recomend the bike to anyone. Oh yeah there is a lifetime warrenty on the frame. Good job Trek, 5 stars! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a cross-country rider
from Seattle WA
Date Reviewed: September 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Trek 970shx 5 months ago. It rules. In my opinion this is the best bargin anywhere, I got mine for 50% off becaues it was a 1996 model. $1,200 dollars regularly, I got it for $680. The bike handles erything from
fast fire road rides to slow technical singletrack climbes. You get LX/XT components OX111 cromoly steel frame Rock Shox Quad 21R fork, AWESOME Matrix Swami Ceramic rims (Trek team uses them) and grip shift x-ray shifters.
Great deal I'd recomend the bike to anyone. Oh yeah there is a lifetime warrenty on the frame. Good job Trek, 5 stars! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jordan
a weekend warrior
from stamford,ct
Date Reviewed: July 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I gotmthis bike beter than any bike in the world i take it every place | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan
a racer
from Corning, NY
Date Reviewed: July 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
STEEL STILL RULES!!!! I bought my 970 as a frameset when I used to work at a shop. I wanted a 990 but they are no more. Best production steel I have ever ridden. Rides like a cloud and handles very well. Makes my old DBR WCF feel like a huffy. I race mine in Beginner/Sport class with an SX Ti and XT/XTR components and love it. (except the color). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eliot Kim
a racer
from CA
Date Reviewed: April 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a 990 frame and I really love it. It kicks ass even though it has mostly Alivio and Acera-X parts (from my old Mongoose), but I plan on upgrading soon. I think that this is a really nice bike even though it's cromo, but I guess I shouldn't be complaining I don't ride really well anyways. The only problem with this bike is that stupid people who don't know bikes don't know how much better this bike is than the 800 or 820. That really sucks! Other than that it is a great bike. I'm thinking about putting a duotrack fork on it from Nashbar, then it will really kick ass! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
davej
a weekend warrior
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Great bike. I got the '96 970 (no suspension) at a great closeout price ($549) and added a Manitou Pro fork, V-brakes, and a rollamajig (to enhance the x-ray gripshift). Light triple butted chro-mo, climbs great, not too much frame flex, well equipped (LX/XT rear), shifts smooth. Pretty much the same components as the '97 (the frame, rims and drive train are identical) - '97 has clipless and rapidfire, I believe. Good race-ready (beginner to intermediate level) hardtail. Five chili peppers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graeme Woodward
a weekend warrior
from Sydney, NSW, AUSTRALIA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Fantastic bike. Has really renewed my motivation to get out there riding.
Lightweight CrMo, with triple butting, seems to work, as it is very light.
Good componentry (LX/XT). Comes with 535 clip-less pedals, which work well -
especially on road, the bike just seems to cruise along much quickly and
effortlessly (I'm still getting used to these pedals off-road). Very responsive. Nice suspension forks.(All this should be taken in context: I've upgraded from a heavy plain gauge
CrMo MTB with Altus components + toe-clips (worth ~$400-500US). My off-road, single-track ability is modest - but
hopefully improving!). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a weekend warrior
from Denver,Co.
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
After much reading and looking I bought a 97 Trek 970 SHX for X-mas. Being 42 years old and having done no mountain biking I wanted the best bike for the buck. I love this bike! It shifts great,stops wonderfully and is a joy to ride.
I would recommend this bike to anyone. I was told that the frame would not beat you up like an aluminium frame. It does not. It is also as light as most aluminium frames. The folks at Bike Lovers Place were great to work with and did not pressure me into buying this bike. My opinion is that this bike is GREAT! | | Overall Rating: |
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