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Submitted by
Cody Smart
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Gooseberry Mesa | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Peak Sports | | Strengths: | Super light weight. Excellent climber. Components are good for the price. Looks good. | | Weaknesses: | The stock pedals were no good. I've replaced the wheels too. | | Similar Products Used: | I've rode friends XC bikes and I am always very glad to get back on mine. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with new pedals and Mavic wheels. New tires as well. The stock ones were ok but not great. | | Bottom Line: | For the price this is the best bike you can get. I've had it for 6 years and it rides as good as ever. I used to ride over 3 times a week in Utah and now am a weekend warrior in Oregon. The frame is something I will probably always keep and just improve the rest of the components as needed. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Sterling, Pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Moosic Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1049.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Hub | | Strengths: | Clipless pedals, Fork, Super light frame , Components , Drivetrain. This bike Shreds! | | Weaknesses: | Replaced rear tire at 2500 miles. New cassette and chain at 3000. What can you expect their not made to last forever. The front and rear derailleur need tweaking every now and then. The frame creeks once and a while. | | Similar Products Used: | My first real mountain bike. (A HUGE UPGRADE over my Cignal). | | Bike Setup: | 17.5" frame. Stock with extras- Salsa bash guard,seat clamp,saddle bag, Echo W1 computer, bar ends, Sram 11-34 cassette. | | Bottom Line: | The bike does great on the roads when biking to my favorite trails. I'm coming up on my fourth season with 3725 miles and the bike is still going strong. Hats off to trek, The bike is a work of art! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reed Bartuska
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicagoland
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The fun one | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | The cyclery | | Strengths: | All of them. Haven't ridden in about 3 years and then bought this bike to get back into it and couldn't be happier. | | Weaknesses: | The tires aren't the greatest for hardpack or pavement riding too and from the trail. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 7000 (old one), rode the gary fisher big sur geometry didn't feel as nice for me. Also, you just can't beat trek now can you? | | Bike Setup: | 2004 trek 8000, 21.5 inch, stock bike plus waterbottles and thats it. | | Bottom Line: | Fantastic bike to ride. Haven't found any complaints yet. I am 6'3" and about 240 (a bit of a belly) and this bike handles my weight like it isn't a big deal at all. I love it. Only thing I would change is the tires unless you spend a lot of time in the slippery stuff and then the stock tires are fine. It is super light, super stiff, super fun. The geometry is great for me which I was worried about being a bigger fellow and it is perfect. I really love it. Having a good bike really makes me want to go out and ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hi
a
from smalltown, MN
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything i can ride without getting shot at | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | the frame is godly, climbs like a mountain goat, inspires great confidence in rider...not sure if thats good or bad | | Weaknesses: | the steep head angle makes it more difficult to go downhill, saddle hurts my soft jello filled ass | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Mesa, Gary Fisher Tassajara | | Bike Setup: | stock with xt front derailleur, cranks, and shifters, Shimano M595 pedals | | Bottom Line: | One of the best climbing bikes ever made. The frame is amazingly light, the first time i picked it up i thought the frame would bend when i sat down. Amazing combo of light weight and strenght. Trek has really outdone themselves | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Shearer
a Cross Country Rider
from Everett, WA. USA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | "The POOP Chute" | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$964.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Centres | | Strengths: | Anything XC | | Weaknesses: | The rims that came with the bike did not hold up for very long. | | Bike Setup: | Mavic 618's w/KING hubs, salsa TI skewers, KING headset, thompson stem and seatpost,Race Face NEXT LP's, flat bars, and BB, XTR drivetrain and brakes, TIME ATAC pedals, ODI lock-ons, a Manitou MARS on the front, and some Michelin wildgripper HOT S for grip. | | Bottom Line: | This bike ROCKS! I found it on sale so the value was great. I'm not the most smooth of riders. I'm known to be a little wreckless down the trail, hit drops, and ride the occasional stair case. This bike has been a great ride and I would recommend it to anyone. Mine barely has any of the stock parts on it anymore, but the origional parts spec is a good starting point. Alittle time and money and this bike can be transformed into an XC MASTER! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Chesterton
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Ft. Custer, MI | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Buck's Bicycle | | Strengths: | Very natural feel. Very stiff, with a lively spring to it. | | Weaknesses: | hubs, headset, bottom bracket, tires | | Similar Products Used: | giant rincon | | Bike Setup: | stock except for upgrade to Duke Race, Chris King headset, and tires to Bontrager Super X | | Bottom Line: | I've been very happy with this bike, but it has been plagued with problems. The headset was toast after about one month. Making all kinds noise, took it in, and besides it having all kinds of dirt in it the bottom race was broke. The shop coudn't get a new race and said it should be fine without it. Hubs have been a constant annoyance. Always having to be lubed. The free hub had to be replaced after about 9 months. At 11 months I finaly had both hubs rebuilt, but trek is out of stock on cones for the front wheel.
Now comes the "creme de le creme", I'm riding my local trail (an easy ride). Down into the gully and back up... and my frame is broke. Seat tube is completely craked in half just above the weld at the bottom bracket. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl
a Cross Country Rider
from GREENEVILLE, TN
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | app. trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Everything, excellent, nice ,sweet ,beutiful, great ,outstanding, awesome ,killer , perfect | | Weaknesses: | none yet! ( I have had better dealings with other dealers, but I could not pass up the price for this new leftover in my size) dealer rating POOR | | Similar Products Used: | raliegh , giant , cannondale , haro , gt | | Bike Setup: | 15.5 / 2002 trek 8000, judy sl,rolf satellites, deore & deore lx | | Bottom Line: | 5'6" rider 140 lbs,
this is the best bike I have ever owned! this bike is sweet it does everything that I ask it to then more.
I had many bikes years ago. I took the wrong road out of high school, was involved in drugs & alcohol
I am now a recovering drug attic & alcoholic & realizing how important a health lifestyle is for a happy well rounded life. I was amazed at how out of shape I was. I told myself this bike is either going to kill me or turn me into the incredible HULK.
I do not have one complaint about this bike! it is excellent , excellent , excellent!
BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sprocketeer
a Cross Country Rider
from Narashino, Chiba, Japan (native of New York)
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | From Tokyo Bay to Ibaraki prefecture, riding along between the farms and the river. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Seo Cycle, LalaPort Tokyo Bay shopping mall | | Strengths: | I'm speechless about the frame. It's amazing. I can ride faster and harder and with more control than ever before. There are things I thought only professional mountain bikers could do which I've been able to do with ease on this bike. Turns out it wasn't my riding, I just needed this level of bike. No doubt, this is a pro-level frame.
The wheels are feather light and stiff. I haven't had any problems with them going out of true or "boneshaking." | | Weaknesses: | I had some component problems, but I think that has more to do with how hard and long I ride--over 50 miles a shot. I'm not a pro, but I'm not a recreational rider either. The component group is good for someone who is a "rather serious" rider and more into enjoying the ride than speed or heavy duty training. | | Similar Products Used: | 1995 TREK cro-moly frame with STX drivechain which I still enjoy riding for bike paths and city streets--great geometry. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the following: Bontrager Race Lite saddle (titanium rails, gel insert), Titec titanium skibend bar ends, Shimano 959 pedals, Shimano XT bottom bracket (splined), Shimano XT crankset, Lizard Skins fork boots, Lizard Skins chainstay protector, Speed Stuff headset protector. I'm going to change to Panacer Fire XC tires when I finish the Bontragers off as well. | | Bottom Line: | I wrote a review here about a month after I bought the bike, when it was all stock except for the pedals. This is a follow up review after about 1600 kilometers (1000 miles) of riding on it in six months.
Well, the next time I'm going to buy a frame set, not because the components were so bad but because they were bad for me and I ended up replacing them much faster than I thought I would. But I think that's just me. This is an awesome bike and most riders would not be making a mistake to get the stock, complete bike.
The only thing I changed right away was the pedals, from Shimano 515s to Shimano 959s. It's a big difference. I had experience with the 515s before, so I knew I wanted to change them right from the start--though they're very good, solid, no maintainence components for first timers on clipless.
I had a couple of component mishaps which were covered by the TREK warranty. One was the saddle; the leather on the tail split on its own without a mark on it and since TREK didn't have the same saddle available for warranty replacement they said I could choose any saddle in the same range (by which they meant price of course). I ended up making a deal with them (or my LBS, I'm not exactly sure which) to buy the Bontrager Race Lite with titanium rails and gel insert and pay the difference.
The FS2000 saddle is the most comfortable saddle I've ever used, and the shape is excellent; the Race Lite is A LOT better saddle, but not as comfortable. If you want the best combination of comfort and performance, stick with the FS2000.
My one serious problem was with the bottom bracket. On the 2002 they don't list a bottom bracket in the specs. The one the bike came with was pretty good, but the spindle was too short for the Bontrager Select crank set and this meant that my front gears were too close to the shell for even reasonable shifting and performance. It was a real nightmare, particularly one day when I was on what should have been a thirty minute climb. I absolutely could not shift into the granny gear and it wouldn't stay on the middle chain ring at all. It didn't stay on the big chain ring either--you could hear the chain rubbing the front derailer--though at least it didn't just pop off right away, so I was forced to ride this nightmarishly steep, long climb on the big chainring and every once in a while it would either throw the chain off or lock it up between the chainring and the chainstay--which scratched the paint off, right down to the metal. At one point the chain locked up and I fell over sideways, taking another two small chunks out of the paint right on the TREK logo on the downtube--again, right down to the metal.
I had to blame TREK for that one, but at the same time I knew they would make good on the warranty and sure enough they did--even giving me touch up paint and a FREE JERSEY of my choice for my troubles. Of course, I asked for the most expensive and rare jersey they had--the yellow jersey designed for the Tour de France with the team graphics on it. SWEET! Thanks TREK!! I'm not too happy about having more damage to my frame than on my 1995 TREK within the first three months of riding, but I got over it since I realized that the new bike was going faster, harder, and was much more likely to experience paint scratching obstacles of all sorts. Overall, the paint job is exceptionally tough.
TREK provided me with an XT bottom bracket--which is splined, whereas the Bontrager Select crank set is only compatible with a tapered spindle--but I was eventually going to make the upgrade anyway so I got an XT hollowtech crank set to go with it with slightly shorter crank arms instead of pointing out the oversight.
The shorter crank arms made a big difference in my ride. I loved this bike before the change, but after getting the right crank arms I could climb like the proverbial goat. In other words, the strengths of the frame really kicked in.
The Avid SD3 brakes were horrible at first, but once I broke them in they started to work great.
The Bontrager tires are terrible in mud, but they're not made for mud. In sand, they're outstanding. Also, they're exceptionally light. Still, I'm going to change to Panacer Fire XC once I wear the Bontrager's out. After 1000 off-road miles, it's time to switch the back to the front. Another thousand miles and I'll be taking them to the curb, but they've served me well.
I like the wider handlebar. I thought I would cut it at first, but it's just fine the way it is. Someday I'll think about lightening up the front end by changing the bar, stem, and headset, but so far I'm in no rush to do it.
Shifters, derailers, all that are working just great--especially with the splined crank and bb. The Bontrager Select crankset was OK, but just OK. I'm keeping it for some future occassion or perhaps to decorate a wall.
A lot of people say this bike is noisy--creaks. I had the same experience at first, but then I regreased the saddle post and with the new titanium rail saddle the noise went away. It's down-right stealthy now except for the exceptionally loud ring that sounds every time a stone or something hits the ZR9000 frame--which rings like the Liberty Bell, but seems impossisible to crack like it. Even those points where the paint came off from hard hits expose baby smooth frame material. This is hard stuff!
With the changes I've made it's definitely one of the lightest mountain bikes out there. There's very little more I could do to make it significantly lighter, as it's now around 11 kilograms or a little less. This makes a big difference in the bikes performance. Again, it's such a stiff frame that it's hard to believe it's so light and indestructible.
Make no mistake--this is the best buy in mountain bikes today. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john cowers
a Cross Country Rider
from LA
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | north shore | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | bike lords | | Strengths: | amasing frame and great breaks. The saddle is comfortable - much better than the specialized stumpjumper m4 | | Weaknesses: | rims are a touch too hot | | Similar Products Used: | specialized stumpjumper m4 | | Bottom Line: | the trek 8000 is an amazing ride with great looks, feather light handling and super human value for money. In my opinion it out strips the stumpjumper m4 in every department. It makes the M4 feel like a girls pram compared to the 8000 being a bike. A mountain bike. I hate the M4 so much now after trying the 8000. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew Walker
a Racer
from Raleigh, North Carolina
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Devils Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Flyth Cycelry | | Strengths: | A very strong bike. Perfect for the racer of the weekend warrior. It can take a beating one day and the next day be ready for more. It is an all around great bike. | | Weaknesses: | Not many at all that i have found yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Demoed to many bikes to remember them all | | Bike Setup: | Just bought a new Klein Adept Pro | | Bottom Line: | Its an all around great bike. If you are looking for a bike that can take a hit and remain standing than this is the bike for you. Also, i am trying to sell mine to finish off paying for my Klein. If you are intrested in it my E-Mail adress is DWalker@nc.rr.com. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Clark
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh,PA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Swallow Falls,Deep Creek State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Excellent bike w/alot o potential. | | Weaknesses: | NOTHING | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher,Specialized,Giant etc. | | Bike Setup: | All XTR components and brakes,Monkeylite lo,Thompson stem and post,Time pedals,Bontrager race modified wheels,Panaracer trailblasters. | | Bottom Line: | The 8000 is a solid bike,very consistant in all aspects.
EXCELLENT !!!!!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin
a Racer
from chicago
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | handleing, respectable parts spec, frame fit and finish for mass produced aluminum. | | Weaknesses: | this one had Rolf wheels which were too heavy in my opinion. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 100, Seven Sola,Gt Xizang, LS Pisgah, GT Zaskar, Giant carbon-old one | | Bike Setup: | Fuel 100 full xtr | | Bottom Line: | I rented this bike today and spent four hours on it. I was impressed with how fast this bike handled,descended, and climbed and felt it was decently spec'd for a bike in this price range. This would be a great entry level bike for racing and riding for someone on a budget. The first future upgrade would be a set of custom wheels. You would save 90% of your weight here and is all that's important for parts anyway. At the end of the ride, my body was sore from all the rocks in AZ but was surprised how compliant the frame was for aluminum. Passed many a rider on a SC superlight or Titus. The parts spec is very respectable for the amount of $, not too heavy. I would take this over the LS I ahd anyday. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from New York, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Stillwell Woods Reserve | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Brands Cycle&Fittness | | Strengths: | Great Climber, Very Very Fast, Love The Rolf Dolomite Disc, GREAT FRIGGIN BREAKS, Tight Cornerer, SuperFast, amazing Bike For XC | | Weaknesses: | Weird Seat Post Diameter though (my rockshox post from my 1999 trek 6000 didn't fit which was a bummer), My front derraileur gave me some trouble in the beginning so i upgraded to xt for like $35, really really bad on descents, frame and wheels are so rigid they will have you bouncing all over the place, also Judy SL feels (and looks) like a toy. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000 (1999) | | Bike Setup: | Trek 8000 (2001) STOCK: Hayes Hydraullic Disc Brakes, | | Bottom Line: | Great XC bike, but now that i am starting to get into north shore riding, i am finding that this bike can't take what a 7foot drop can dish out, but for XC it's a great bike, very light, Very fast, I make it up hills on it that my buddys have wet dreams about. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe...aka Radar on techtalk
a Racer
from Barberton OH
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | my backyard | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | This review is for the 8000 FRAME...hardly any of the parts are original. Anyways, this thing screams through twisty, slow-medium speed singletrack. A little twitchy through fast bumpy stuff, or anything super steep, but that's because the geometry is made to climb great-and it does. | | Weaknesses: | Super steep descents, or real rough bumpy descents. Although I've learned the way this bike handles, and I can now ride all the downhills at about the same speed. | | Similar Products Used: | My other bike is a Cannondale CAAD5 with Lefty and XTR, I've also had a Gary Fisher hardtail with Genesis geometry. | | Bike Setup: | This Trek is set up with Rolf Propel wheels (the highest end), LX/XT drivetrain, Sid SL, and some other good stuff. I don't think anything is original spec. | | Bottom Line: | I can't say anything for the components, since I bought this bike barely used, and with all the parts switched out to higher end stuff...but the frame is great, it isn't a super long cockpit, but it's comfortable and climbs incredible. Very light. Definetly a great frame for the Trek fan who doesn't want a carbon frame.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Fulks
a Cross Country Rider
from Oklahoma City, OK
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Clear Bay | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1040.00 | | Purchased At: | Al's Bicycles. | | Strengths: | Lightweight, good components, good fork, looks great, handles great, climbs hills like they were going out of style. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager Jones tires, LX Front derailleur. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Trek 6000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires and Enduro 2 computer. | | Bottom Line: | Best bike I've ever owned. By far the best hardtail out there. I rode a lot of bikes before making the decision on this bike. Duke XC fork is outstanding. I love the XT rear derailleur, but the LX front derailleur isn't that great. It makes a lot of grinding noise, but still works okay. It will be the next thing I upgrade. I already upgraded tires. The Bontrager Jones tires are okay for moist or soft trails. But if you ride where it's dry like I do here in OKC, or where there are a lot of rocks or roots especially where it's wet, pucker up and get ready to give em a face plant. Other than that, this bike is lightweight, and climbs hills great. I noticed a HUGE difference between the 8000 and my old 6000. You will not be disappointed with this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bikin fool
a Racer
from Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | o so many | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | It just looks fast, sweet wheels, durable, i could go on for ever | | Weaknesses: | seat like a dildo, i hate the lx levers | | Similar Products Used: | tons, i also own a brodie SS :o) | | Bike Setup: | stock, but i switched to an lx cassette, xtr levers and breaks, xt shifters, truvativ rings, bar ends, serfas grips, hutchinson tires | | Bottom Line: | Sweet bike. Its really stiff which is good, but the seat isnt great. The SD3 brakes are normally really good, but the lx levers were terrible. Not only that, but when I wanted to upgrade, I had to get new shifters as well. When you buy this bike, make sure that the shifters and levers are not a single unit. I not have XTR levers and brakes, and am lovin them. The bonty rings aren't great, I destroyed them during a 12hr. race. All this said, I love this bike, and still manage to kick some local butt. The bonty tires are acceptable for dry conditions, or if you're a beginner rider, but once you get the speed bug, get some michelins or hutchinsons on and just spin. Its a crazy fast frame, and an incredible climber. Just get rid of those rings!!! Five flaming roadies for value, if there was a 4.5 for overall I would choose it, but 5 will have to do. Ride hard (and buy a singlespeed). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Giorgio Benevento
a Racer
from Bolzano
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Milano Bicicletta | | Strengths: | a light XC hardtail for serious racing with stiff frame e prima racing geometry. I made podium 4X in 2002 racing season. Bravo! | | Weaknesses: | Changed brakes, wheels, cassette and tires for XC racing.
| | Similar Products Used: | KTM, Bianchi | | Bike Setup: | Chris King Classic hubs + Mavic 517 rims. Avid Ti brakes. XT 11-34 Cassette. | | Bottom Line: | This bike was to racing this year. Upgrades get the weight down and the bike handled well. I will use bike for race next year too.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Herbst
a Racer
from Bloomington, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any of the 4 trails I know of in the Peoria area | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | R&M Cyclery - Springfield, IL | | Strengths: | -- very stable in corners; secure on downhills and sketchy stuff
-- I'm very happy with the Duke fork so far -- best of the lot that I test rode (and a big improvement over my '97 Manitou Pro)
-- the Bontrager seat is the most comfortable MTB saddle I've ridden yet, but it doesn't get in the way.-- though the rear has gone a bit out of true, so far I really like the wheelset | | Weaknesses: | -- not quite the animal on climbs that my old Stumpjumper is
-- I've had some noise from the headset - had to tighten it, and I may take it in because it sounds a little gritty.
-- I'm not a particular fan of the Jones AC tires: on a test ride of a Trek 6700, I crashed pretty hard because the front tire washed out on me on a not-that-sharp curve. But they seem to do all right on dry, hard dirt.
| | Similar Products Used: | My old baby: 1997 Specialized Stumpjumper
Test rode a Gary Fisher Big Sur, Specialized Stumpjumper, Cannondale F600 as well. | | Bike Setup: | Currently stock, with which I'm pretty happy so far. | | Bottom Line: | I'm very happy with my choice to buy the 8000. It just feels really solid on sharp corners and on downhills -- probably due to the slack head angle, shorter stem, and longer bars than my old Stumpjumper. Flipside of that is that the front wheel comes up a little more easily on climbs. But I think that once I really get used to the bike, I'll be able to counter that by shifting my position. Bar ends will help as well, I imagine. It's a little heavier than my old bike, but a few quick upgrades could erase a lot of that difference. It didn't seem to accelerate quite as fast as the Cannondale. But again the overall feel was better than any of the others I tried. Made in the USA, excellent frame warranty, love the performance of the fork so far -- overall it gets me around fast & solid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, Texas
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | greenbelt | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | freewheeling | | Strengths: | laid back ride, which is great for downhill | | Weaknesses: | laid back ride, wihch isn't as great for uphill stuff | | Similar Products Used: | specialized stuntjumper m4 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | For this price i narrowed down my focus to two bikes: trek 8000 and speciazlied stuntjumper m4.
I rode the specialized and the trek over and over again and came to the conclusion that the trek handled downhills a tad better whereas the specialized seemed to bounce around a bit more. Incidently, this is a good thing for maneuvering uphills. Ride them both to see which you prefer - i liked the trek. For this price, either one of these bikes would make ya happy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad Bortle
a Cross Country Rider
from Yuba City, California, USA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bullard's Bar Reservoir | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | Schwinn Twin Cities | | Strengths: | An absolute beast on climbs. The Duke Xc fork can take plenty of abuse and keep on going. The frame geometry doesn't have me sitting to far back, even with a 5'4" frame. | | Weaknesses: | rear derailuer slips on uphills, but that was an easy fix. The Bontrager Jones AC's get a little loose on gravel and don't bite particularly well on corners. Saddle should be upgraded when possible | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Kona, Klein | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for tires. Switched to Ritchey Motovader's 2.1 model. They are a little heavier but it's a minimal sacrifice over the Jones AC. | | Bottom Line: | Can't beat the price. I am totally satisfied and recommend this bike to anyone who is A)not rich, B) beginner to amateur and, C) is a hardtail enthusiast looking for something tough, reliable, and beg's to take the abuse. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zack
a Cross Country Rider
from Rapid City, SD
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mickelson = endurance; Centennial = thrill and effort | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Scheel's Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | The absolute best XC bike I could find for the sticker price. Climbs well. DH's well. Solid for long endurance rides. Perfect for XC racing. Runs like a deer with a set of 1.8 or 1.95 racing tires. | | Weaknesses: | I wasn't happy with the pedals, so I swapped them out for a better pair of Shimano's. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Gary Fisher (My Harley doesn't count) | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for pedals and tires. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great looking bike with the history of the Trek name. It's difficult for me to imagine where I could have found a better buy than the $999 I paid at Scheel's for my 2002 Trek 8000. No thoughts whatsoever that I wasted a penny on this purchase. Happy! Happy! Happy!
Try it out and see if it fits your hardtail needs. I can only give it the highest ratings possible...
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zack
a Cross Country Rider
from Rapid City, SD
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mickelson Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Scheel's | | Strengths: | Number 1: Great ride for the dough!
Number 2: All around QUALITY of the package!
Number 3: Screaming fast!
| | Weaknesses: | Number 1: No Weaknesses! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized A1 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Panaracer Fire Pro's and new Serfas grips. | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding this bike for almost a year and have been completely impressed with its performance, handling and response. Trek has a winner here and those looking in this price range should give it a serious consideration when shopping. Value and Overall ratings deserve the highest... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Laramie, WY like no place on earth USA
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | I80 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | All Terrain Sports | | Strengths: | All around fine bike for the money. Good components, weight, geometry, reputation. Feels nible yet stable. Solid yet sleek. Light yet not heavy. | | Weaknesses: | Have major seat issues (see my scathing review of the Bontrager FS2000). Other than that, only the usual break in problems. Maybe a bit more chain suck than expected. | | Similar Products Used: | Demoed a number of bikes including the basic Stumpjumper, some Santa Cruz rig, and the Fisher Big Sur. Didn't care for the Fisher. Spent some time swapping between the Trek and Specialized and in the end preferred the feel of the Trek. Felt as though my weight was too far forward on the Stumpjumper while the 8000 felt...just right. | | Bike Setup: | Stock expect for Terry Fly saddle (big improvement). | | Bottom Line: | It would seem as though one can't really go wrong with this bike. It's really fun to ride, looks pretty cool, and was for me the best of the mainstream bikes in the $1000+ price range. Interestingly a friend with a lot of experience who owns several very high end bikes demoed most of these models with me and also preferred the 8000 from this group. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow, ID, USA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | NW Mtn. Sports | | Strengths: | Pretty light weight, stable, reliable. | | Weaknesses: | I haven't had any problems with this bikes setup. Although, the first week or so of riding was a little rough while things got broken in.
For the first week or so of riding the 9 speed drive-train was rather iffy (i.e. chainsuck, mishifts, etc.). But after that everything has been smooth. My bike shop claims the 9 speeds are a little picky, especially when new. This break in time is to be expected from any bike, it isn't a flaw with the 8000. | | Similar Products Used: | Mid 90's Trek 950 (prior bike)
Giant Rainer, Specialized Stumpjumper (base model), Gary Fisher Big Sur (test rode) | | Bike Setup: | El stock-o, other than bar ends, a vetta computer, and a lizard skin chainstay gaurd (we wouldn't want to chip the new paint, would we?). | | Bottom Line: | 1. Least cut corners for the price
I did a fair amount of research before this purchase and when it came down to it, the Trek 8000 won, here is why:
1. Least cut corners for the price
2. Trek reputation, hand-built in the USA, good past experience with Trek
3. Didn't have the Manitou Black fork (which I have heard many bad things about)
4. Acceptable weight
Out of the bikes I test rode it was between the Trek 8000 and Specialized Stumpjumper (base model). The Stumpjumper was $150 more, but had some nice additions and quite a bit less weight (24.5 lbs), but it pushed me over my budget, so I got the 8000. No regrets. It's a great bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Edmonton River Valley | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | United Cycle | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to my earlier review. I've ridden the bike extensively over the past three months, and these points come to mind:
-yes, the rear derailleur does slip occasionally on very steep inclines; not always, but enough to be somewhat of a nuisance.
-tires are really not all that bad. I've gone around some loose corners a little too fast and the bike washes out, but it's always hooked back up before you go for a slide; kind of exhilerating actually.
-the brakes are not on par with Shimano LX V's, and that's not saying a lot. Next season, I'll pop over the cash for some other V's (anyone have any opinions on Avid 5's?).
-the frame is great. It took a while to get used to the pinging noises (from pebbles striking the down tube) as my former steel ride didn't transmit nearly as much trail noise as this one does. Now that I'm used to it, I don't even notice it anymore. Geometry is better than my first post indicated; unbeliveable in a word.
-the fork is still great. I'm now used to the hissss noises it transmits as the air valve releases pressure on the really big hits (not that big though, I'm more at home on the ground than in the air). The travel is more linear than my older Judy spring suspended fork. The fork doesn't flex (noticeably) and that's good.
-the wheels are performing beyond my expectations. Riding light wheels really makes a huge difference on ascents and flat-ground spinning. They do flex and ping more than my older wheels, but that is to be expected given the fewer spokes.
-seat - love it!
Still a great bike that I can't see parting with, ever! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brian cinc
a Weekend Warrior
from winston salem, nc
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | horizons | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | higgins | | Strengths: | great bike!, best value by far for the money. thought about other bikes but something like the specialized equivalent cost 200 dollars more | | Weaknesses: | had problems with the deraileurs (but that wasnt trek's fault) brakes seem to be weakening... after some use. Changing pads may fix this. the biggest thing is that the pedals could be better. | | Similar Products Used: | gt pantera | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. what a change from what i previously had. the shock is amazing, as is how this bike rides. Seat becomes more comfortable with use. colors are really cool and seem like they wont go out of style. I would highly recommend this bike as it seems to be the best bang for the buck! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from traverse city, mi
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | state hospital | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | the bike shop (grayling, mi) | | Strengths: | overall great components, nice to see only a few brand names on a bike (pretty rare these days), top tube cable routing, decent paint job | | Weaknesses: | avid sd3 brake calipers, frame is a little too stiff for me (150 lbs.), flat bar (what were they thinking?), would've preferred burnished or solid color paint job (but that seems to be limited to much more expensive rides (a word to bike manufacturers, your graphics and paint schemes have sucked since about 1998)) | | Similar Products Used: | all my old rides (1996 giant hcm-1, 1996 trek 7000, 1994 diamond back traverse) plus a few friends' aluminum rides | | Bike Setup: | currently stock; planning to add lx brake calipers, bontrager riser bar, maybe rock shox seatpost | | Bottom Line: | there's a lot of good i can say about this bike, and although i wish i would have bought a steel-framed ride with disc brakes, i'm still quite satisfied with the purchase. i use it for commuting, "urban assualt", and xc. for $1100 it should've come with lx calipers and a riser bar. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geoff Burns
a Cross Country Rider
from Manchester
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | None | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeshack | | Strengths: | Very light, great balance of componants with a superb geometry frame. Decent suspension. Ideal for an all round bike suited to cross country, racing and trails. | | Weaknesses: | Seat is uncomfortable at first, but then i realised how good it was-Very good. Tires are wank. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock. New brake pads. | | Bottom Line: | Climbs superbly, great componants, great frame, great value, smooth riding, responsive headset. Decent shocks. All you need to know to be honest. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat James
a Racer
from Monterey
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | red rock | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bobcat Bikes | | Strengths: | Frame is super light, it's the best climber i've ridden. Decends like a full suspension, she's super smooth. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailer has had some problems but i think that its just an adjustment away from running like a champ | | Similar Products Used: | trek 6700, klien attitude-more money for lesser components but a nice paint job | | Bike Setup: | stock, stripped of everything unnessesary (stickers, etc.) seat is a little heavy ill probably switch it out | | Bottom Line: | this is the real deal, if you want a light hard tail racer, this is your bike. Definitly worthy of all praise. Go out and snag one while you can!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sprocketeer
a Cross Country Rider
from Narashino, Chiba, Japan (native of New York)
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | I found a new one which no one but myself and a friend know about, and we're not tellin' yet. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Seo Cycle, LalaPort Tokyo Bay shopping mall in Minami-Funabashi (best shop I've seen in Japan) | | Strengths: | The only frame in this general price range which I considered to be better when I tried dozens of them over a long period was the Klein Attitude Comp. I think a lot of people have made this comparison and were at odds over which one to buy, but when compared part by part the Trek is a much better deal--particularly when you consider the option of buying the Klein and replacing the suspension fork at great expense, or getting the Trek 8000 which comes with an excellent suspension fork. Besides, this is a true racing geometry frame, while the Klein almost feels too nice to abuse (like that guitar in Spinal Tap).
Before I even bought it, I was thinking about which components I was going to replace right away, but now that I have it I haven't replaced anything but the pedals. Even the Avid SD3 brakes seem to be working out quite well, though not as well as Shimano Deores, and though I figured I'd be replacing those, the bottom bracket, and possibly the cranks at some time in the not so distant future, I'm much happier with their performance than I thought I would be and probably will at least use them through to the end of the warranty period.
Anyway, I could go on and on about why this is such a great bike, but let's keep it simple. If you look all over the place, at every brand, make, and model in this general price range, it would be very hard if not impossible to find a better bike for the bucks than the Trek 8000. | | Weaknesses: | Everyone says tires, and I agree, but they too are not as bad as I thought they'd be. I'll wear them out before replacing them unless I hit a lot more mud. For the conditions we have around here, they're generally great but something which is also good for softer ground conditions and wet stuff would be better.
I do wish the bike came with better brakes. On the other hand, I think it's hard to choose brakes which everyone will be happy with and the AVID SD3s probably fulfill that function as well as any set of brakes can.
Oh, but my big question for Trek is: Why don't they offer a disc brake option?! It's nuts that the next model up or down (the 8500 and the 6700) has the option, but not the 8000 which probably outsells both of them. Yeah, with a disc brake option the price might approach the price of an 8500 without discs or be a bit on the heavy side, crossing the 12 kilogram line, but I think that's up to the customer to decide which way to go. Now if I want disc brakes I'm going to have to shell out big bucks for a new wheel set and all, which is money I rather spend upgrading and lightening other parts of the bike. Trek's answer to this question, by the way, was "the 8500 does," but I don't think that's an adaquate answer. | | Similar Products Used: | Another, older Trek which I now use for street riding--where it excells and truly belongs. Otherwise I've ridden a hell of a lot of bikes, especially while shopping for this one. I'm a very satisfied customer. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 8000, stock except for pedals, which I replaced with Shimano 959s. My next upgrade is likely to be the bottom bracket. I'm a bit of a weight weenie. | | Bottom Line: | I was going to wait until I had ridden this thing for six months or more before posting a review, but "less than 1 month" seems to be the trend here, so I'll go with the flow. Besides, I think most everyone who posted about this bike knows they're equiptment well enough to tell in the first few hundred kilometers, after getting the bike all set up personal-like, the good, the bad, and the ugly of the new machine.
The good: "It's all good, mon" is an accurate comment. I can't think of anything I would call "bad" or "inadaquate" on this bike. This bike is "all that and a bag of chips" (and yes, "cliches are our friends")
The bad: Some people will come right out and say "the brakes are bad" or "the tires are bad" but I think they all realize how price plays into that. This bike is priced right and put together as best as could be without raising that price significantly.
The ugly: There aint no ugly! This bike looks fly sparkling clean or covered with gooy mud; it laughs at ugly. I only wish I could have gotten the paint job they put on the 6700 and Elite 9.8, and other VW Team bikes on the 8000--but that wasn't about to influence my decision to buy it or not.
Basically, I'm a very happy customer. This bike tracks better than anything I've ever had before. There's terrain which I was approaching carefully and cautiously before which I just fly through and over now. This partly has to do with the shocks, but the frame is probably a bigger factor in how this thing rides rough stuff. I feel like my skill level has risen double or more, but it's really the bike. This is the right tool for the kind of riding I do, and allows me to do it harder, faster, better, and significantly raise the fun factor.
Great bike. Have no doubts. You can't make a mistake getting this bike in this price range.
Happy Trails! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Arlington, VA
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Spokes | | Strengths: | Stiff frame, great fork. Climbs and handles well. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager AC tires are NOT all-condition tires, swap 'em out. People are complaining about chainsuck, mostly heavier riders. I'm 150 lbs, haven't had major problems yet, but when mixing drivetrain parts (Shimano with Bontrager), it'll never run perfect. | | Similar Products Used: | Still own a '97 Raleigh M800 hardtail... I'll never part with her. Tested a Stumpy and a Klein Attitude comp... Klein was SWEET but pricey. | | Bike Setup: | 17.5 frame. Replaced stock tires with a Panaracer Fire in the front and a Bontrager Jones rear specific in the back. Cut the WIDE handlebars some. | | Bottom Line: | Good bike so far, one of many solid bikes in the crowded $1,000 hardtail market. A bit stiff in the rear perhaps, but you should be out of the saddle much of the time anyway. Go with this one if you like the "laid out" feel of the Trek geometry, go with a GF Paragon if you want to be stretched out even more, opt for a Stumpy if you like the more sloping top tube "upright" feel... and spring($$)for the Klein if want a GREAT feel with fancy paint. I didn't test the Giant SE2, should I have?
Bottom Line: Long Live Rides | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Edmonton River Valley | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | United Cycle | | Strengths: | Excellant frame, great XC fork, superb wheels | | Weaknesses: | Wheels require truing often (24 DT front, 28 DT rear), Duke fork comes without boot covers, integrated LX shifter/brake lever, Avid 3 brake arms, 9 speed cogs (8's rule - no debate), rear tire can loose traction on steep ascents (no paddle style scoops, only staggered knobbies), way too many stickers (removed all eight stickers from my rims) | | Similar Products Used: | Traded in 2000 Brodie Energy (Torque spec'd though) with aftermarket 2000 Judy XC (hence the $1,000 purchase price). | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Avid 7's brake arms, XT brake levers, and LX pods to come. | | Bottom Line: | Fantastic climber, fairly light (21" weighed in at 28.1 lbs.; trade-in 19.5" Brodie came in at 27.9 lbs), NO FLEX (205 lb rider - flex is an issue!), bomb-proof fork (running at 160psi for my rider weight/style), light wheels, very stable at speed due to slacker geometry (Brodie had super steep angles - great for technical single track, not so great for super fast decents).
This is a great foundation for which future upgrades are worthy. Excellant frame and fork, great geometry, and superb wheels (just need to pay attention to the trueness). This bike is worthy for the XC racer and the recreational rider. The bike is responsive and agile, more forgiving than my older Brodie (geometry issues), and transmits way more energy to the wheels. In no way have I noticed a harshness in the rear end that I would've expected from a aluminum bike. The rear end doesn't skidder or bounce around at all (if you experiance this, you need to learn how to use your body as your primary "shock abosorber"). I am very, very, very impressed with the Trek 8000.
Overall, this bike is better than my Brodie. Then again, this is my first aluminum frame (Brodie was Prestige Select) so the attributes of the stiff frame are inherent. Five chillis for value; overall five as well (even in light of the flexy Avid 3 brake arms and Rock Shox stance that all riders never clean their upper tubes so why give them boots in the first place.
Buy this bike. Enough said. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Strengths: | Lightweight, great on hill climbs, love the clipless pedals, components are very good for the money. | | Weaknesses: | Rear derailer is having slight problems when crankin up the bill hills. Chain sometimes hitting(rubbing) on the chain gaurd. Going to get it fixed. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is my first real mountain bike. I have had it about a month and I love riding it. Had to buy trek since they are made right here in Wisconsin. The bike has exceeded all my expectations so far. Would recomend it to anyone thinking about spending a couple extra bucks to get a bike that they will love forever. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | los penesquitos | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | UC Cyclery | | Strengths: | Incredible climber, awesome components spec, great descender, light, plush fork, incredible value | | Weaknesses: | TIRES!!! Replace them right away if you can!
| | Similar Products Used: | 6700, Fuel 90, some Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I LOVE THIS BIKE!!! It climbs up hills like a mountain goat, and descends like a rocket. I got THE best deal on the 2001 model and I managed to get in my exact size for only 900 bucks. Buy this bike if you aree a fast rider whose trails are pretty rutty and bumpy because this fork can take all of it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
paige
a Weekend Warrior
from denver
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheat Ridge Cyclery | | Strengths: | Good components for the money, no mechanical problems, great climbing bike | | Weaknesses: | other than it not being a maverick? | | Bike Setup: | stock xt rear and lx front. I added xt cassette, cut out chic seat, upgraded brakes (not worth it to switch to disc), extended stem. Will upgrade from bontrager pedals soon, probably. | | Bottom Line: | This was my first "real" bike, and it has allowed me to become a fanatic bike rider. For that I love it. I've even started racing it. It is a great climbing bike and helped me get really strong. It isn't the greatest downhill bike, but that may just be the hardtail and fairly low travel in the front shock. It is what it is. I'm about to switch to dual, but no regrets. I shopped around like crazy and really did my homework and this bike had the best component package and weight for the price, it also fit me really well, without having to go WSD. I bought the 2000 version for a bit less, and apparently the older one had better components than the new. good for me! I haven't had the rear derailur problem mentioned in other reviews and maybe that's why. I've heard the racing wheels are hard to true, but I'm a light rider, so it's not an issue. If you're thinking of buying this bike, I say go for it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Oded
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | C.T.C. Israel | | Strengths: | Fast, good steering and hanging onto the trails especially for narrow single-tracks and tough climbs.
My first real mountain-bike. It made me addicted to mountain-biking.
| | Weaknesses: | Sometimes the frame makes these noises as if its going to break. Untill now it hasn't broke and the noise stopped after the dealer oiled it somewhere.
You really feel the trail, and the frame is very stiff.
I need to upgrade to full-suspension soon.
| | Bike Setup: | Standard Trek 8000 | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. Made me love mountain-biking.
If you want speed, narrow single-tracks, climbing and want to feel the trails, I would choose this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bruce Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Vienna
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Vienna Woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | MountainBiker.at | | Strengths: | Excellent lightweight frame. Quality of the Trek name. Components in the 'sweet spot' of the Shimano line up. Reality that the Trek 8000 is year in and year out pretty much an industry standard for quality check. | | Weaknesses: | I have noticed the rear derailer slippage on "intense" climbing over the past couple of days. Since the bike is brand new for me, I cannot really comment on any other weakness as I have not yet detected any on the few rides I have logged. For my personal backside, the saddle is just fine.
Not really a product weakness, but buying the bike here in Europe includes the reality of a 20% VAT and I'm sure the retail price has some added import excise taxes included. So, sticking to my budget, I had to pay much more for the bike than I would have if I lived in the US. However, that's the reality of living overseas... | | Similar Products Used: | Rather: Similar Hardtail Products Tested = Gary Fisher Big Sur, Trek 6700, Trek 8500, Scott Team, Scott Pro, Scott Comp, Scott Expert, Scott Boulder, Scott Tacana, Specialized Stump Jumper 4 and Specialized Rock Hopper Comp. | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup in a 21.5" frame (54.5 cm). | | Bottom Line: | Anything I would have purchased had the luxury of being like a Rolls Royce to me because my wife and I have both been on the same stock Trek 820's for the past 12-13 years (ridden on average 3 - 5 times per week over that time frame). That's a much heavier bike with the 21 gear setup and did quite well for me on asphalt trails and some light trail riding, but wasn't suited to my new desire for spending most of my time on trails in the Vienna Woods due to where I now live. I went into the evaluation process of getting a new bike with no pre-conceived notions as I had not looked at bikes for 12 years.
I needed a lighter climbing bike and let's face it - nearly everything I tested would have satisfied me. The Scotts were really great bikes, but most of them were more expensive and would have come from large sporting goods stores. The Trek name and performance I knew from my Trek 820. I settled on a good dealer here in Vienna that I know will be around for any service needs and they specialize in mountain bikes. The large sporting goods stores may or may not have satisified my needs as the service staff also has to deal with a broad range of sporting good products far removed from bicycles.
After all the testing and what felt good to my body and style of riding, it came down to a choice between the Trek 6700 and the Trek 8000 for my budget and needs. Perhaps my biased pleasant experience of already owning a Trek allowed me to choose the Trek 8000 over the Gary Fisher or Specialized bikes, but for whatever combination of reasons - it felt right. Hard to argue with something that feels "right" both physically and mentally. Hey, I bought "American"! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geoffery Longcarrot
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | none specific | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeshack | | Strengths: | Light, fast, good value, versatile. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle is uncomfortable for some. | | Similar Products Used: | various treks and marins. | | Bike Setup: | stock. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the price. You get a good/advanced componant setup, decent XC forks and an amazing frame. Perfect for beginners or advanced riders wishing to take it onto the XC race course.
But it's tough enough to cope with rougher XC, and trails etc. Just don't go using it as a downhill bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Vowles
a Cross Country Rider
from Bath, England
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | None | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | The Edge | | Strengths: | Ridiculously fast and violent at climbing hills. Great for down hill too. Light, responsive, strong, good componants for the price. Oustanding frame. Great racing style geometry. | | Weaknesses: | So far the saddle is a bit uncomfortable, but it probably just needs breaking in and tweaking. Fitting the frame to suit you- 17.5' or 19.5'? It's a tricky descision considering most of us are around 5"10-6" tall. I opted for the larger one after extensive advise from the shop owners experience. I'm 5"11. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | I'm fairly new to biking but wanted a very competant bike with a great frame which would allow upgrading if nessasary at a later date. As it turns out, the frame is amazing and will not need to be replaced unless i decide to get into a completely different biking style, like aggressive downhill for example.
It's been difficult trying to convince myself that the 19.5 inch frame is the right size. But the 17.5 seems a bit squashed. Many people go for the smallest size possible, but this reduces pedelling efficiency and general rider geometry. Considering the experienced shop owner uses my frame and is exactly the same height, it figured that 19.5 would be right for me.(let me know what YOU chose).
The climbing potential of this bike is incredible, it tears into inclines with a lot of bite. It's very light and will last a life time. The saddle is the main area of annoyance so far, and it's hard getting used to the racing style riding posaition after being so used to the more upright position found on crappy $99 bikes. It's certainly a more stretched out feeling which i assume is better in the long run. I definetly reccomend this bike. It's perhaps the best bike you can get for this sort of money, with a killer frame and great geometry. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Merriam, KS USA
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Landohl Park, Blue Springs, MO | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun and Ski Sports | | Strengths: | Frame, Frame, Frame... the Duke fork rocks (no pun intended), and the components are great for the money. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't really found any as of yet. I'm still not sold on the clipless pedals, but | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Attitude, Giant XTC 3, Gary Fisher Big Sur, Specialized Rock hopper | | Bike Setup: | Bontrager Select crank and Shimano Deore LX/XT 9-speed shifting. RockShox Duke XC fork, Bontrager seat post, saddle, and wheels. | | Bottom Line: | I used to own an old Trek 930 singletrack and that thing was put through the ringer. I road it off cliffs, through rain and snow, it even made it to Moab a couple of times. I had to replace the front fork and a few components, but the frame held strong. This 8000 has a stronger, lighter frame than my old one plus better components. The Duke is stiff enough for killer climbs but soft enough to get you over some sick obstacles. I looked hard for a new bike. Test road all kinds but the I got the most bang for my buck out of this baby. I couldn't leave the Trek family and if you get yourself into this baby, I guarantee you won't either. 5 flaming chilis for the price value, overall rating of 5 because I had to put this baby in a kennel during the week. It’s so ready to go I didn't want it getting out and biting the neighbors’ kids. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jordan Burke
a Racer
from Coeburn
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Iron Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Highlands Ski and Outdoor | | Strengths: | light as hell, flys up hills, and good on decents | | Weaknesses: | xt rear deraileur slips a bit when sprinting and intense climbing. | | Similar Products Used: | none this good | | Bike Setup: | stock except computer | | Bottom Line: | this is the highest costing bike i have ever ridden even though i race it still is the best bike i have ever ridden, but im going to the shop this week to get my rear deraileur fixed but no biggie. I just want to say one thing. Everybpdy who is racing those high dollar bikes (except the carbon fiber shiznits) dont have nothing on me. This bike says only one thing ON YOUR LEFT!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sprocketeer
a Cross Country Rider
from Narashino, Chiba, Japan (native New Yorker)
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | I like it rough and dirty, baby!! | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1423.00 | | Purchased At: | Seo Cycle pro shop LalaPort Tokyo Bay shopping mall in Chiba-prefecture | | Strengths: | Weight, overall quality of design and craftsmanship, lots of bang for your buck (no crappy components for instance), a high level bike at a medium price, keeps getting better every year. It seems Trek has been really listening to the voices of larger riders who praised earlier bikes with the caviate that Trek didn't seem to have riders over 200 lbs in mind. | | Weaknesses: | I hear the seat is nasty uncomfortable, but I haven't actually experienced it for myself yet. I mostly hear that from riders who are larger and heavier than average. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek frame with my own select parts, Peugot (long ago in a city far, far away) | | Bike Setup: | Trek race geometry frame with racing level components of my own choosing. | | Bottom Line: | I've been comparison shopping, perhaps as no one has ever done before, over a couple of years, leading me to buy this bike next month. I've painstakingly looked at, demoed, prodded, poked,bugged the hell out of my local pro shop staff, harrassed reps at bike shows with technical and practical questions, and point by point compared many of the best bikes out there in this price range, and there is no better bike for the money than the Trek 8000, fresh out of the box.
Don't even bother looking, because I've done it already. You can spend more money and get a better frame--or at least one just as good for non-racing--with lesser components (as on a Klein Attitude Comp), you can save some money and get a lesser bike overall which is still a great ride, or you can buy some yuppy piece of CR@P (everything Cannondale) that will look nice while parked, but if you really want your money's worth without going into debt, this is your beast.
This is a rider's bike. It's not the prettiest, not the most "innovative," it wont increase your chances with the opposite gender, but if you like riding--if you LOVE riding--they you're going to love this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Burlington
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Kelso | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath | | Strengths: | Light frame and great components... | | Weaknesses: | The seat hurts... swapped at store for no extra... | | Similar Products Used: | Tried the Giant XTC SE2/Cannondale F700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except upgraded the front der. and shifters to XT...
oh yeah, did I mention... leave the seat at the store, ouch... | | Bottom Line: | I reviewed many bikes in this price range and finally went with Trek, for price and quality. Not been riding long, will review in a couple of months, but this bike just feels great. No complaints, and the LBS have been great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Lowestoft, Suffolk, UK
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Streetlife | | Strengths: | Light as hell, tears up hills and a complete dream to ride | | Weaknesses: | Noticed some slipping of rear derailleur but shifting still very smooth + responsive. Frame rattles now + again but only on some surfaces. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing I've ever ridden comes even close to this baby other than being a bike. | | Bike Setup: | Blew all my money on the bike so only stock setup for now except for free cordless computer. | | Bottom Line: | This baby kicks ass. If you're looking to expand your biking horizons or just for something with a bit more kick then this is your bike. Excellent acceleration and climbing ability and handles like a dream.
Get down to your bike shop and order one RIGHT NOW!!
Definately '5' RED HOT FLAMIN' CHILLIS for this one.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Jacob Jingleheimer Shmidt
a
from Fort Bragg
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | chicken road | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike shop | | Strengths: | She lets me go just about anywhere I want. I would say the greatest thing about this bike is it's weight, versus what it is spec'd with. You end up with a VERY dependable package. I love the Duke XC fork, it suits my needs perfectly. | | Weaknesses: | The top secret aluminum frame rattles alot when going over bumpies. For some reason the frame amplifies every creek and rattle, which could be good, so you know what to fix. Collects alot of dirt in small places, that sucks. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary fisher (something cheap) and 2001 Raleigh M80. | | Bike Setup: | everything stock, except I added a computer and bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | Every moring I get up and walk into the kitchen to eat, I hear a voice from the corner of my living room. It is a small voice at first, then, as I turn on more lights, it grows. I usually check to make sure it is not my wife, and it rarely is. But the voice says the same thing every day at about the same time. "When are you going to ride me today?" or "will you ever race me?". Sometimes the voice says," Ride me to work, its nice outside", or "My chain rings are very dirty, can you clean them" . On one or two occasions the voice has said, "The air pressure in my shox is a little low, why dont you check it real quick". But for the most part, the voice wants to be ridden. It is a female voice, and it belongs to my Trek 8000. Five value chilis because you get what you pay for, and five overall chilis because my bike talks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Layton
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte, NC USA
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Catawba, Popular Tent, Renaissance | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Shoppe | | Strengths: | Smooth feel, flexible frame, sweet styling, light as a feather | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Yukon SE | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup except XT front derailler | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. This is my first REAL mountain bike that costs a pretty penny. Coming from a 1994 Giant Yukon SE, this bike is a dream. The aluminum frame is light as heck and is really not firm at all when riding. You can hear a lot of creaking. Haven't done any large drops yet, but give me time... Only mild complaint is the rear XT derailler that tends to slip a bit, but that's not the bike's fault- It's Shimano's. Sweet paint job on this baby. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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