Submitted by
PRGrimaldi
a Weekend Warrior
from Round Lake, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2011
Strengths: Full Suspension, Nimble Handling, Comfortable Ride.
Weaknesses: Gearing to low for my taste, Water bottle mount location, Rear V-brake J-tube, Support documentation not available anymore.
Bottom Line:
Bought this bike on April 13, 2011 for $100.00. Had read alot of bad reviews about the Y-Frame, but $100.00, Come on. After riding it about 200 miles, I have come to my own conclusions about this bike. IT F@$#*@G ROCKS! It took some time to adjust it to my riding style & type, and here are the major points for anyone to be aware of if they buy one.
1. ADJUST the rear suspension to your weight!
If it is set too soft, you will feel bobbing.
If it is set too hard, you will have no suspension.
2. LEARN how to spin!
Spinning on this bike has increased my average speed
by 2-3 mph over my old bike. (And 1-2 mph on the Y5)
3. BALANCE the front & rear suspension.
The OEM Manitou fork is not the easiest to adjust, but
you need to try All of the settings to get it right for
yourself.
Bottom line is that I love this bike. I will probably replace the crankset to a newer and larger ringset when the OEM one wears out, and I am looking at clipless pedals to increase my spinning technique. If you come across a Y-Frame cheap, Buy it! You won't be disapointed.
Similar Products Used: 1996 Trek 800 Sport (Ridgid Frame)
Bike Setup: OEM Drivetrain
OEM Manitou Fork
OEM Fox Vanilla Shock
Odessey triple trap pedals
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Matt A
a Weekend Warrior
from Nebraska, USA
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2011
Strengths: Very light, feels very solid
Weaknesses: Shifting can be a little slow
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike used on craigslist, but it's still in great shape and the bike is amazing! It's lighter than many hardtails I've looked at, and the frame is very strong. The suspension isn't the best, but it absorbs a lot of the bumps. I would've liked to have disc brakes on a bike like this, but the V's are good quality and stop the bike on a dime. Overall a very good bike for weekend riding and the occasional overnighter.
Submitted by
Skipper Hays
a Weekend Warrior
from Jackson Mississippi
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2009
Strengths: Holy Wowola!! Is this bike incredible or what ?? Tight /light/handles right !!Climbs up the side of everything like a scared cat..Smooooth ride, seems bulletproof.. not alot of flimsy appointments,,everything laid out right and in the right place..timeless design!!
Weaknesses: Too damn cool looking.... no more made..dont steal mine!!!!
Bottom Line:
I did alot of checking around on the internet and among friends. Trek made a fine bike back in 1998. This design and combination of componets is very nice. There is alot of room for upgrades on the individual parts.The bike has a sportscar type of handling and a solid construction.The bike rides like a dream and handles all bumps and whacks without a rattle or a buzz.I plan to treat myself as I wear out the different parts and upgrade as I ride.Every review about this bike said if you can get your hands on one grab it!! They were not fibbin !!
Bike Setup: I lucked up like a big dog!! Found a pristine one owner babied dusted loved silver /black large frame. All factory and like new!!!Yehawww!!Aieee!! I mean like the guy had it hanging on the mantle in his livingroom !!
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Rec_rider
a Cross Country Rider
from So Cal
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2008
Strengths: What can I say about this bike. It does everything I ask of it and rarely whines back at me. I have abused the thing over the years and as long as I give it a little TLC it continues to work and not disappoint.
Weaknesses: Upgrading to rear disc is nearly impossible unless you know how to weld aluminum or can fabricate a bracket using the existing mounts. I have no idea what type of small caliper it was designed for but I doubt it can be found.
Bottom Line:
I don't have a lot to compare this bike to but I ride twice a week with other riders that have new bikes and this bike has no trouble keeping up. The bike is completely stock except for shifters but that's soon to change because the rear hub just came apart (LX). For a bike that I've ridden consistantly for 10 years, including various races, I can't complain. It's the only mtn bike I have and I have no plans to replace it. Everyone I ride with gives me the "what are you riding?" look but for those I come across that have had one in the past I get "I wish I still had it" remarks.
As with any bike, maintainance it is key to longevity. I've gone through bottom brackets, chains, and other wearable parts but that's it. I even have the original Manitou Spyder shock (shows you what I'm willing to put up with). However, I'm going to finally upgrade a few parts to make my life easier (shock, forks, brakes, and now wheels). I can't say it'll be a dramatic facelift as it will still have that vintage look but I'm looking forward to falling in love with it again.
For someone who's looking to get into the sport they can probably pick one up fairly cheap and have a bike that'll probably last longer than they want it to.
Strengths: The design is pure genius, completely upgradeable, simple maintenance, and can handle all XC obstacles you can through at it, and if you equip it right, you can also make it a downhiller
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
Like all of you fellow Y5 owners, I love mine. Down below you will find my first review after owning this bike for 4 years. I wrote that review in 2001. Today, 2008, I write this updated review with nothing less than the same attitude I did 7 years ago. This is absolutely the best mountain bike Trek has designed. I do not see even the newest and more expensive Trek mountain bikes outlasting my Y bike in style, design, and customization.
The other day I actually send a message to Trek via their comments/suggesting webpage link. I suggested they should make a tribute to the Y bikes by designing a new Y bike, whether it's made of ocvl carbon or aluminum it doesn't matter, or make one of each. But I told them I thought doing something like that, would most likely make all of us go out there and probably buy it, at least I would buy the frame and change the components out of this one to that one. Critics have nothing to say anymore, all suspension technology has developed to the point where the bob issue is non existent on the Y bikes anymore, where ever the pivot point is located at. So, i think it would really show Trek caring for their old customers, and also really showing a visionary approach to what they have done in the past, in the present, and how they want to be perceived in the future. My 2 cents. Checkout this forum post here, there are also photos of my Y5. http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?p=3935108#post3935108
Bike Setup: Full 2007 XTR, Tora 318 front fork, 2008 Fox RP23 rear shock, Pro carbon raiser bar, gravitydropper seatpost, bonterage seat, Mavic Cross Land tubeless wheels, Kenda dual composite signature series tires, T.H.E spoilers.
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Submitted by
jason kersten
a Weekend Warrior
from milwaukee WI
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2007
Strengths: super light frame, great handling with smaller front end.
Weaknesses: can't lock it up! stock set up is way too long/ wide.
Bottom Line:
looks dated but its an amazing bike for its age. a few upgrades and it really gets nice for someone just getting started.
Submitted by
STEVE LABUD
a Weekend Warrior
from POUGHKEEPSIE
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2005
Strengths: Polished frame - no scratchs or chips, no problems with the bike over the 4 year period. Simple design.
Weaknesses: The fork is almost useless and shifters/cranks(STX-low grade options)they worked great but 24 speed.
Bottom Line:
I had the bike for 4 years and had no problems with it. It's a ruggid and a simple design. I did some upgrades and its a great 27 speed - easy to upgrade. Buying a new fork this month. It's a great intermediate bike-it takes a beating.
Bike Setup: Current set-up - XT derailers/shifters, LX crank, XTR hubs/ryhno wheels
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Carlos Ruiz
a Racer
from Gurabo, Puerto Rico
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2005
Strengths: Kind of light for an old full suspension bike. Very strong frame is suitable for local technical trails. The look is so clasic and clean! Easy to keep up-grading.
Weaknesses: Old rear suspension technology requires a lot of thinking to buy a new shock whenever needed. No stickers available on the market to make it look current.
Bottom Line:
I decided to give it a try and started loving the thing! I am a very aggresive 35 years old XC racer (age group - also do triathlons and marathons) who does a lot of climbing and loves speedy decends. My back thanks me for the change to FS even though I was used to my sub-22 pound Voodoo! I also feel I keep a very good piece of art alive by upgrading this bike. I know there are more technologically advanced machines, but it is so fun to see those guides eating dust left by your "old beauty". This bike is good for mature riders and not good for tech-freaks who spend dad's money on dream bikes.
Similar Products Used: This is my fisrt FS. I used to ride HT all the time (Voodoo HT, Nishiki HT and a Trek USP 5200 Road Bike).
Bike Setup: Full 2005 XTR with Bontrager Race Lite Cranks, Mars Black Super with Lock-out, stock Fox rear shock with new "mountainspeed srings", Stan's-no-tubes on Specialized S-works, Titec Ti Bar, and much more...
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Blue Mountains, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2005
Strengths: No pogo stick effect with my light weight, gear ratios, light weight frame, simplicity of design, climbs so effortlessly. Love the Gripshift gears. It rides beautifully on the road as well as bush tracks.
Weaknesses: Can't really think of any. I can't stand clipless pedals so I'm replacing them with cage pedals to fix that. The Manitou Pro forks are a touch hard even at softest setting.
Bottom Line:
Exceeded my expectations by far. Although it's a 7 year old bike I love it to death and love riding it...the only other bike I could want is one of the original Y33's.
Bike Setup: Stock standard for 1997; Gripshift 24sp, Deore LX, Fox Vanilla, Manitou Pro, Shimano SPD pedals, Bontrager stem & bars, Swami Matrix rims, Shimano V brakes.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Jack
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Area, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2004
Strengths: Keep it simple! Light, clean, functional, sound.
Weaknesses: Not for the thrashers.
Bottom Line:
She's still hanging in there. I Finally trashed that old Manitou junk stock fork and put a sweet Fox Forx Vanilla 125R on it (with the heavier springs). I Had a Cane Creek S2 headset pressed in too. The front end is super nimble now and matches the quality and nimble feel of the rest of the bike. It's not a hucking bike but if you have grace and finesse you can take the moderate hits without worry. There's a bit of bob in the rear, but a quick crank on the fox vanilla R rear shock coil will stiffen it up. It's long so you've got to lean forward a bunch when climbing steep grades to keep the front from coming up.
Favorite Trail: they are all special in their own way
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At: Local Bike Shop
Similar Products Used: Canondale V700, Nishiki Cyclocross bike
Bike Setup: Mostly stock tranny (xt, lx, stxr), New Fox Vanilla 125R, EA50 Riser Bars, Avid v-brakes, Bontager asym rims
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
coldpack
a Weekend Warrior
from Nor Cal
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2003
Strengths: Beutiful Bike. Climbs well, not great. Comfortable ride! Nice LX components. Great Wheels.
Weaknesses: Heavy. Some stock parts no good. Bent cranks right away.
Bottom Line:
This was a great bike. Climing had the bobbing issue. Cranked down the pre-load and helped. All in all, a great bike....until I cracked the rear triangle. Will attempt to return due to breakage. Now going back to a hardtail for the weight issue.
This review is for the Y5 frame only. I bought the frame used on ebay for cheap. It was in good shape with no cracks. I was in no rush to build this bike so I got fat deals on every component. Total I spent about $900 bucks for a sweet bike with good components.
I really like this frame. It motos up any hill that I can throw at it. The Stratos XC Pro rear shock with lock out is definitely the way to go on these Y bikes. I'm running an old school Suntour XC Pro thumbie to control the rear shock. Contrary to what I've heard the rear suspension is pretty darn active. I like to occasionally catch air and the rear is definitely soaking up my landings. The single pivot makes maintenance easy. Bottom line, if you can find one in good shape for cheap then go for it. Check it out in Bike Shots:
Strengths: Great looking frame, durable bike, and good for climbing.
Weaknesses: Some coponents are weak and heavy: rims, fork, cranks shifters and brakes.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike five years ago, right before I moved to Honolulu, Hawaii and before I knew anything about mountain biking. I guess I bought it because of looks, fit, and price.
I rode a lot of single track and even a road race on this bike in Hawaii with good results. And even though I dis the factory coponents, they held up very well and were only replaced for upgrades. The only stock parts that broke were a dropout and rear derailleur from crashes. I have crashed this bike alot, ridden expert down hill trails and even some ramps without damaging the frame. The Y 5 has out performed bikes twice its price and continues to smoke hi-end cross bike on climbs. You sit a little too high for the narly trails and quick turns are hard to pull off (wider bars could fix this).
I started converting it into a freeride bike but found that the geomtry wasn't suited well for jumping and the rear travel was suffient so instead I have lightened it up(about 26lbs). I used it now for long trail rides and training. If you are looking for an equally kick ass freeride bike, check out the Yeti ASX (sweet and cheap).
I don't really like Trek bikes anymore. They seam to have fallen behind the times and just copy what everyone else is doing but they got it right with Y 5 and even the Y 11 (except I would have broken the Y 11 frame by now)
Bike Setup: Manitou Mars 80mm, RaceFace Next LP Isis Cranks, Shimano SPD M959 pedals, xtr brakes, levers and rear derailleur, xt shifter and fr derailleur, Sun Rhino Lite Rims with xt hubs, Continental 2.4 fr and WTB 2.3 rr tires, WTB Rocket V Laser Saddle, bars, headset, stem, rear shock and seat post are stock.
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Submitted by
Al
a Cross Country Rider
from Derbyshire, England
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2003
Strengths: It's light and the geometry is well suited to larger frame riders. Good all round bike that'll surprise you, just have confidence and go for it. The handling is just great for an all-round great bike - very stable, yet nippy.
Weaknesses: You've gota service the rear swing arm pivot point and keep it well lubricated. If you don't do this, you'll think that the shock is rubbish, but it's far from it! If you ride through wet/mud then place a sleeve of old innertube over the rebound adjuster on the rear shock to stop sand and grit getting into the cracks - if this happens, just remove the shock from the bike and spray lots of WD40 into the adjuster and keep working it. The general group set and finishing kit are a bit weak, the bars are too narrow - replace with decent wide riser bars and make the handling even better. Limited choice of disk brake fittings available, as the rear isn't an IS mount, is a Manitoo or some other thing, so can't fit Hope M4's, and no clearance for 8" disks. A general issue if you are tall and also want to do DH riding is that to ride this bike efficiently on the flat you've gota keep seated with the seat high, when you switch to DH, you've gota have the seat really low, but you can't have both, as the rear swing arm will hit the base of the seatpost when it bottoms. I find lopping off about 1.5" from the seatpost is about right, but when the seat is fully up with my height, the post is only about 3/4 of the way down the little down tube/seatpost tube. The hubs are a bit weak, especially the Icon branded front.
Bottom Line:
If you can get one in good condition SH, get it! Make sure the forks actually work and are not frozen solid, as they are very light in weight and need lots of TLC. MX COMP forks are perfect for this bike. Outstanding all-round bike that'll take a lot of wear and tear. I regularly to 12' drop offs down onto a steep slope and wet grass and hardly notice it! Perfect bike if you are on a budget, lot of bike for little budget, and hey, they still look great. Only reason it gets 4 is the "Icon" brand finishing kit bits are weak and the wrong size/strength for this bike. E.G. Bars, stem, front hub.
Similar Products Used: Lots of BMX's and road racers/time trials bikes over 20 years.
Bike Setup: DMR V12 pedals, Marzocci MXCOMP ETA 03 forks, 2.5" front tire, 2.1" rear. Magura HS11 Hydraulic rim brakes with boosters, Funn riser bars and stem. QR seatpost clamp.
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