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Submitted by
Ann
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, ON
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Gatineau Hill Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Award Cycle | | Strengths: | Trek WSD geometry, strong lightweight frame, tuned Rock Shox Duke XC, good components and nice paint scheme. | | Weaknesses: | The bike was are not available in local Trek dealer stores for a test ride and had to be ordered. Sizing was determined based on other Trek models.
| | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900 and 6700 WSD | | Bike Setup: | Stock except upgraded the Avid SD3 brakes with Avid Arch Rivals. | | Bottom Line: | I was looking for a lighter ride with a good component mix and being 5’4” getting a good fit out of a small men's bike has always been a problem. The shorter top tube/stem reach and lower stand-over height of the WSD meant that I could buy a more adult looking 16” frame. The whole bike has a much better fit than my previous Kona NuNu where I had to get a 14” frame in order to have an acceptable reach to the handlebars.
From the typical parking lot test ride, you could feel the difference; however, it is off road where you really appreciate the advantage. The WSD design really does make a difference; the centre of balance of the bike is right on. The bike is fast, tracks well with very little twitchiness, downhills are confidence inspiring and best of all it climbs really well. Steep, loose rocky climbs that were difficult now take less effort, which I attribute to the bikes geometry and weight.
The Duke fork tuned for lighter riders offers a nice plush ride over gnarly terrain and on rocky descents. I have not experienced any problems with the Bontrager drive train so far, so that’s a plus and the Jones ACX tires have better traction than expected in the loose and mud. The Bontrager WSD saddle still feels strange but interestingly enough, I find I can stay seated through more rough stuff and save my legs for the climbs.
Trek advertises the 8000 WSD as “The lightweight hardtail made with racing?and women?in mind.” Well, not being a racer or that aggressive of a rider it’s also a great bike for anyone looking for a lightweight XC ride. I am real pleased and recommend checking this one out when looking for a new bike, that is if you can find one in you local LBS.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
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