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Submitted by
Jack Stanick
a Weekend Warrior
from High Point, NC, United States
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Northwood | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | overall great bike and i have had the bike for two years and never had to replace any major parts | | Weaknesses: | none because when i crash which is my fault and when i break components | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bottom Line: | i love this bike and i would reccommend it to anyone whether a beginner or expert | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Chapman
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, Wa, USA
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Galbraith(?) Mt | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Greggs Greenlake (seattle) | | Strengths: | Great beginner all mountain bike. Got me going for what I could pay at the time. | | Weaknesses: | Snapped the frame (SWING ARM)....BUT Trek replaced Swinarm with Trek Remedy SA and it kicked ass. The Psylo Is not great at all, but I rode almost everything with it with no problem. DON'T BLAME THE BIKE, BLAME THE RIDER!!!! although I have since upgraded big time | | Similar Products Used: | You name it, I've tried it (kinda) | | Bike Setup: | XT drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | Look, this bike may have been bottom of the line, but I loved it. Then it got stolen and I was forced to get a new bike (remedy 66) which I love, but the liquid had the exact same soul. I've ridden Everything...but I LOve the TREK all mountain Feel. Get em and up grade em if you need, but the feel is like no other. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Willem-Paul Nel
a Racer
from South Africa
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | 7 damms | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | exelint on any type of track | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bottom Line: | this is a exelint full suspension xc bike and a good freeride bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
B Xott
a Weekend Warrior
from Littleton, CO
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | 1400 | | Strengths: | Still going strong, have taken on some hard-core downhill trails, though it isnt the best bike for that. Next bike will be more suited for bigger hits, travel etc. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. except for seat & tires. Whoever sticks with the ass paddles that come with bikes are nuts. | | Bottom Line: | Very happy with the weight and performance for the money I spent. I came from being a die-hard GT owner, (wasnt happy with the I-Drive from the year before). Makes me nervous seeing all the posts here about broken/cracked frames.. hope mine holds together...should. I dont do any huge hits/drops or gaps, so Im not too worried, but my riding is evolving, so probably will sell this bike in another year or so for more travel & strength in a bike.
Overrall - money well spent, and (still) happy with this bike! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, Ca
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Santa Cruz Mtns | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Reed's | | Strengths: | Good basic bike for the money. | | Weaknesses: | Very soft front fork for any kind of serious downhill.
Weighs more than the average bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Added better tires and a Talus RLC front fork, and it vastly improved the downhill handling. | | Bottom Line: | I have no regrets having bought this bike (although my SantaCruz riding partners sometimes tease me).
The bike has (had) a strong frame. A week ago the frame snapped completely through while I was on a downhill run. (It snapped at a weld right below where the front derailor clamps to the frame.) The bike held together and I was able to stop without a scratch. Trek will replace the frame (no cost) with a Remedy frame, but I'll be bikeless for 4-6 weeks! Come-on Trek, you can do better than that! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Langdon
a Cross Country Rider
from Orfordville, WI
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Pheasant Farm | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Michael's Cycles | | Strengths: | Well built. | | Weaknesses: | Stock Components | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Black Super Air 120mm, SRAM 7, Sram 3 shifters, Hayes disc brakes, Bontrager Race Crank, S-3 Cane Creek Headset. | | Bottom Line: | About a week ago I took the bike in to have the headset changed and they discovered a crack in the frame. They had a new frame and everything switched over in a week.
This is why Trek rocks the biking world. Michael's Cycles did a fantastic job. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fa8tal
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Knox, KY
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | OCT | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | I picked this up on Ebay, since I only wanted the frame, so the price was great, I sold most of the parts (on Ebay) and made about $500 back.
Frame is strong in all the key areas, the pivits are smooth and don't make noise. The TALAS rear shock is only missing SPV, but if you run the air a little high it will remove most bobbing going up a hill. | | Weaknesses: | The frame weight is high for a medium all-mountain-bike. At the same weight you can find frames that can take drops better with more travel, but the price will also go up. | | Similar Products Used: | C-dale Jekyll 3000, Trek Fuel, Specialized enduro | | Bike Setup: | Manitou black platnum fork, Monkey carbon bars, thompson stem/post, fsa xc-300 wheels, Xpedo clipless pedals, the rest is shimano XT (short cage, bash guard) | | Bottom Line: | Great bike if it will match your style of riding. I like the tuff path with obsticles, and hills. I don't hit big drops, but like some air time, but I have the weight at a good balance for my riding. (About 29-30 lbs)
I tried to race this set up (sport class 23 miles) in place of my fuel, and was suprized, my time was slower, but recovery time was short.
The two best parts where the fork and wheelset, I have the infinate trvel fork, this keeps the fron tire on the ground for big/steep hills, and the wheelset (1.8k) can take a little beating but still hold up well.
If you ride like myself and don't mind to up-grade some parts, you will have a great bike, or you can buy a liquid higher grade (same frame) with the parts on it.
If you are mostly XC, Keep looking and spend more, this isn't for you.
If your hard core free ride, your going to break this bike, so keep looking.
My rating is for the All-mountain type of bike, for other riding, I can't give a fair rating.
4 peppers for value, low number (10) but same frame as (55).
4 peppers for overall, My parts cost a bit, but I picked up the frame cheap and used. But new, your cost would be high to pay sticker and then replace with better parts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michel Nales
a Weekend Warrior
from Apeldoorn The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | germany | | Strengths: | Handling,stif& fast frame , | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager & sram products !!trailbarr tires | | Similar Products Used: | specialized enduro m4 ,cannondale jekyl | | Bike Setup: | Psylo sl /lo ,complete xt group ,schwalbe racingralph, mavic/xt wheels , | | Bottom Line: | I Loved this bike ,the standard setup was not great so have changed some parts .
The best bike there is. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dunc coulby
a Cross Country Rider
from oshawa canada
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | toronto | | Strengths: | good on downhill good jumper -have ridden this almost 2 years now and overall have been pleased but recent broken frame has soured rating | | Weaknesses: | alot of bob on uphill bit heavy slow on uphills
just broke frame at weld above bottom bracket and I'm only 160 lbs and only a semi aggressive rider | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn rocket 88 | | Bike Setup: | stock but xt rear derailer wtb rocket 5 seat after stock one broke | | Bottom Line: | for the price paid -$1450 canadian was good value and big upgrade from previous bike -overall was pleased -bought it for tougher going and heavier frame so breaking frame was bit of surprise | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
garrett burnham
a Cross Country Rider
from mission viejo/california
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | whiting ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | rock n road cyclery | | Strengths: | comfort smoothness when riding and holds up great. you can do anaything with this bike downhill, jump, freeride, cross country even road rides great. | | Weaknesses: | bottom bracket makes a creaking noise when you peadal | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz superlight | | Bike Setup: | fox suspension | | Bottom Line: | best all around bike for anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Erie, Colorado USA
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Hall Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Strengths: | This bike is awesome in so many ways ! If you are going up hill with a bit of tech. or going down fast rolling over the water bars, it keeps up and gives the biker all that he or she needs and wants ! This bike keeps on going! | | Weaknesses: | I would keep in mind the xt vs the lx de-railer... I have the lx... already ordered the xt for the rear ! A must have for this bike ! | | Bottom Line: | As I found out about this bike, looking for an all around ride that can take the dirt trail, the mud, the rock, and the road at times, this bike can handle it all ! The rear shock offers the flex. of different terrain and the front is well suited for a good tough trail all day long. Overall, this bike is Great ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard McCaslin
a Weekend Warrior
from Bothell, WA. USA
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Japanese Gulch, Mukilteo, WA | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Centers of Everett | | Strengths: | 5" travel, Hayes Hydraulic disc for under $1000. | | Weaknesses: | Me on the saddle. | | Similar Products Used: | First Mountain Bike | | Bike Setup: | Stock with XT front and rear. Removed large chain ring replaced with race face bash guard. | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike for the Buck. Has taken all of the abuse I send it's way. Great all mountain Bike. Trek lifetime guarantee on the frame can't be beat.
You should buy if you need a bike that can handle a little of everything and handle it well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bert
a Cross Country Rider
from Bronx, New York
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Sprain Ridge Park, NY | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Metro Bikes | | Strengths: | Strong frame, rocker-link suspension, For Talas Shock, Bontrager select rims. | | Weaknesses: | The Psylo C fork (no adjustable rebound, changed to firmer springs twice; still too plushy). weight. Hayes Hydraulic brakes (swicthed to Avid CPS), stem and handlebar. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 4+, Jamis Dakar Pro, Gt i-Drive...
| | Bike Setup: | I swicthed the saddle, seatpost (Thomson), handlebar (easton 2"), stem (bontrager 4" 10 deg), occasionally switch the rear tire to a panaracer 2.1 (helps me on the climbs!) Eliminated the 44 tooth chainring w/ a bashguard. And replaced the clip pedals w/ Azonic platforms. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks! the suspension on this bike is really awesome, I love the way it handles the terrain. It kills me a little on the climbs, but ity doesn't take awayfrom it's overall performance. I planning to upgrade the fork to a Manitou Minute 2 w/ 130mm of travel and save a little weight in the front.
What else can I say? On the the technicals and downhills is where this bike really shines! If you're a weight-conscious xc rider, this ain't the bike for you. If you're a pure trail rider who needs a bike that can mix it up in various terrain, this is the bike for you! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nick
a Cross Country Rider
from birmingham, alabama, usa
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | oak mtn | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | they dont pay so i dont say | | Strengths: | Well the price for one, but also i think that the adjustable travel on the talas is huge, i couldnt tell you about the drive train b/c i switched to xtr...THE DISCS ROCK!!! they have awesome stopping power | | Weaknesses: | Front Fork....i am a clyde and this thing sucks, i even have the extra firm kit in there and it bottoms out jumping off of picnic tables for god sake | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with xtr components, race face low rise carbon handle bars, xtr shifters and rear deraillure | | Bottom Line: | This is not quite a Downhill Bike but not quite a xc bike....it has some of the best of both worlds, and i like that because i will hit up the trail just as often as i will do urban freerides...this thing climbs like a cat when properly set, and decends like butter....if you can find a deal on one i think you should buy one even if you are a clyde, because with the money i saved i can get a new for and xtr ........overall 4 chilis for the front fork | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Arthur
a Weekend Warrior
from Lafayette, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Black Diamond Mines | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Sharp Bicycle | | Strengths: | Very nice frame, good price on 03's, travel is great for light riders | | Weaknesses: | nothing considering the price | | Similar Products Used: | Giant xtc NRS 1 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I'm about 140lbs and when I was buying this bike a lot of people complained about the front shock, saying it was really soft and could bottom out. I have not run into this problem at all and I think the Psylo C is great. The fox float is just amazing. Agusting the travel is very easy and useful as well. The seat is very very hard but it won't stop you from riding. If you do anything but racing with your bike it's worth getting an all mountain bike because the extra travel makes a big difference when you're having fun off the trail, and this is the best all mountain I found at this price and it has been wonderful. treks makes the best bikes for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | loading docks & all urban terrain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Strengths: | getometry, handling, smooth, price | | Weaknesses: | stock wheels are lame, Psylo C fork is too soft & no adjustments...but what do you expect to come on the Liquid 10? the frameset for this bike costs more than i paid for the whole thing. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS FR-1500, Specialized Enduro FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock '03 Liquid 10 except I swapped out stock wheelset for a Sun Rhino Lite/Deore XT wheelset from my hardtail, a 70mm bonty stem, and some Odessey flat pedals. I also had an '03 Psylo XC with rebound damping laying around so I had that installed as well. The bars will come off soon for some with a higher rise as well as the outer chainring so I can mount a bashguard. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first f/s bike. I have been riding a hardtail for some time now and I decided it was time to go full suspension. I wanted a 5" bike so that I could ride it on trails and not have so much suspension travel that I don't even know I'm offroad but still have enough travel to deal with the 5' to 6' drops I hit on my Urban rides.
I have ridden a couple of different f/s bikes in the past months and neither of them were as comfortable as this Liquid. I'm writing this after just my first ride on the bike to work. I tore up some stairs on the way through Balboa Park and the bike was smooth on all of it. Riding up small sets of stairs seems just as smooth as going back down. Coming down Laurel I usually hit 35+ MPH and this bike was totally in control the whole time.
I'm already getting used to pivoting and bunnyhopping which means to me that the geometry of this bike is right where it needs to be for and aggressive rider.
I took the stock wheelset off the bike right away and mounted up my wheels from my hardtail. I also didn't leave the shop without getting a shorter stem on the bike and some platform pedals. The stem made a huge difference in how well the bike handles. I didn't even wanna try riding the bike with the stock fork so I had them install a Psylo XC that I had removed from my hardtail.
I think this bike is a killer ride. I wouldn't say that it is the best entry level bike since there are other f/s bikes out there that one can get for less than these go for at full retail price ($1800+). If having a lightweight "full XT" bike isn't important to you then this bike is all you need. I suggest upgrading the fork to a 5" Marzocci, Manitou, or a Fox Vanilla 125 (if you are gettin' really serious) depending on if you are going to be jumping this bike or riding it XC. If you are a heavier rider and don't want to shell out the cash for those more expensive shocks, try stepping up to the x-firm spring and heavier weight oil in the Psylo. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Timo
a Cross Country Rider
from Sammamish, Washington, USA
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I'm on | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS - Support the local guy! | | Strengths: | Frame design, Fox Talus, Hayes Hydro Discs, 4" to 5" adjustability, Psylo C fork, Made in the USA, price | | Weaknesses: | Some components such as: lx, deore, rims, saddle, cassette, chain (but what do you expect for a grand?) | | Similar Products Used: | Iron Horse Hollowpoint, lots of hardtails, SC Blur, Giant AC, Rocky Mountain. | | Bike Setup: | Stock save for: Selle Italia Flite saddle, Time Pedals, SRAM Attack Shifters, XT Drivetrain, SRAM Chain. | | Bottom Line: | Sweet bike for the price (end of season blowout). It's right at 30 lbs with the above changes. Not a ton of bob on fire roads or steep, wet, technical single-track climbs if you keep it smooth. Lack of anti-bob suspension doesn't hurt this ride, but if you need it - get the Liquid 20, 30, or 55. I have zero complaints with the Psylo C fork - U-Turn & rebound work as promised (Trek has changed to the Black Comp for 2004). The best part about this bike is the adjustability - it only takes a few seconds to adjust on the trail & you have a totally different ride - Competent trail ride in 4" mode - Quasi-downhill machine in 5" mode. Handles like an absolute dream downhill.
In this bike's future - new rims, cassette, & other bits as they wear out - I'll bet we can get her down to 27 lbs. I'll post back after a year or so on the Liquid.
Who should buy this? Riders who want an all mountain bike without a Santa Cruz Blur or Rocky Mountain price. Not for the XC racer boys or WW's - and remember it's not a DH only machine. Have fun and get out & ride.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
glenn metcalfe
a Weekend Warrior
from glasgow
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | Quality frame engineering, Fox talas shock, Hayes brakes, adjustability | | Weaknesses: | front fork,low spec componentry | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4500, giant xtc nrs4 | | Bike Setup: | mavic 717/hope xc hubs/panaracer trailblaster 2.1/marzocchi 04 Z1 FR SL/xt rear mech | | Bottom Line: | I think this is a fantastic bike. I ride about once a week on some fairly fast,rough terrain and (now especially with the new fork) it can bomb down everything, i'm sure I haven't yet reached it's potential but I will get there!! Needs better drive componentry. I am also trying to get a balance with the strength/weight reduction side of the upgrading process. (30lb at the moment) Fantastic allround performance for the trail enthusiast, great uphill,sensational downhill and pretty damned good in between. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gary
a Cross Country Rider
from huntsville, al
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycles etc | | Strengths: | good frame lite wheelset hayes disc goes up and down with ease | | Weaknesses: | slightly heavy and slow | | Similar Products Used: | old trek 7000- demoed sugar-stumpjumper fsr-nrs-fuel-truth(couldnt afford) | | Bike Setup: | stock frame-shock-wheelset-hayes disc hfx-seat(for now)-front der-crankset. thomson stem&seatpost-monkeylite xc riser-xt shifters&rear der-cane crk s2 hs-black super air 100/120mm-eggbeaters-conti vert protecetion w/ stans no tube conv. | | Bottom Line: | bike has improved my riding ability. my first full susp bike and havent regretted yet. after changing most parts out rides even better. psylo fork sucked no adj. too soft blew thru most travel on small bumps. just got black super no trail time yet. rarely use rear travel adj leave @5"-lower only on smooth trails where long travel slows me down. overall a great bike i will own for some time to come. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mario
a
from Portugal
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Strengths: | The frame is extremely strong, although a bit heavy, disc brakes, fox talas and irc trailbear tires. | | Weaknesses: | the componentry is under par compared to other manufacturers. | | Similar Products Used: | GT i-drive, specialized enduro, trek 6500 | | Bike Setup: | stock except for thomson stem and flat pedals for freeriding. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up to my review after a 9 months thrashing.Im a 120 pound 'all mountain' biker. This includes everything from cross crountry to freeriding. i bought this bike because it allowed me to do both xc and fr. The reason this bike might have some underpar componentry is due to the cost of the frame and the talas rear shock. Remember the frame is handbuilt in the USA, its not made in taiwan and also it is the only bike in 2003 to hav the talas which of course adds to the cost.
The suspension design of the liquid is of a proven design and when you brake on gnarly downhills the braking is independant from the suspension which is a big plus in my case. And the black magic stays are able to flex one inch which takes away the need of another pivot.
Now to how the bike rides. It is really an 'all mountain' bike that soaks up almost everything, and i have no problems when i am freeriding, doing 5-6 foot drops. The bike has taken it beautifully. Now to the xc side it is on the heavy side but when u crank the rear down to 4" and the front to almost 3", it rides extremely nicely and althougfh u'll be slower on climbs ( unless they are extremely technical) u'll easily catch up on the downhills as in my case. Another thing is when i first started climbing i left the fork in its maximum setting, i reccommend not to do this as when the gradient increases the front wheel easily lifts so i reccommend to wind it down to its lowest settings. I upgraded the stem as i found it has a too high riser and i put a thompson zero degree rise on it which has really helped increase its climbing performance and the trailbear tires hook on to almost anything. I dont know how good they are in the wet but they are simply awesome on dry and rocky trails like we have here in Portugal. Next im planning to upgrade to tubeless and put some xt stuff on.
All in all the bike truly defines the 'all mountain' category and is one sweet ride. I recommend this as an entry level full suspension bike that will live you with a gaping smile after your first descent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Goodman Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Paul's Bicycle Way of Life | | Strengths: | I think it's awesome. I have no complaints. This is the first time in my life I have actually researched and taken time before a bicycle purchase. My last fs bike was a Proflex 454, aka chromoly pogo-stick, thus I was wary of the full suspension thing. It climbs great, handles great, stops great. I am entirely satisfied with it. A lot of these reviews seem to think that the LX derailuer is bunk, but it works just fine for me. I highly recommend this bike. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy...The geometry takes a little getting used to...The stock pedals clog up severely if you look at mud...The back brake rubs and I can't seem to correct it...The only way to adjust the fork preload is to change the spring, which is somewhat of a project...Heavy...(It's worth the weaknesses) | | Similar Products Used: | I checked out these: GT I-Drive, Bianchi Denali, Santa Cruz Superlight, Cannondale Jekyl
My last bike was a Trek 7000 (Which I loved) | | Bike Setup: | Stock so far... | | Bottom Line: | Bang for the buck I don't think this bike can be beat. I have a lot of fun on it. I wish it was lighter, but I think as I break parts I can replace them with lighter stuff. I was shocked the first time I used it to climb, as I expected my old Proflex, and found that it was more anchored to the ground than my hardtail. The trailbear tires are great on the back, but I think as a front tire they're only okay. The adjustable travel is neat, but I don't bother with it except to get it in my van and for really long climbs. The seat is a piece of crap and I hate it. The rest of the bike is super. Don't buy it if you think weight is a major issue. If you want a sweet low-priced bike, then do buy it... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from Washington
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Solid reliable construction and engineering of rear suspension system. Good customer service. | | Weaknesses: | Geometry -- 3.6" of "trail" with 71 deg seat and 68.5 deg head angle is a bit slack for a trail bike. All the frames spec the same and are in fact the same frame painted different colors-that's not a weakness this is just the best place to say it. | | Similar Products Used: | I've owned SpecFSRXC, 03Heckler, 03Blur, GTidrive, GTRTS, GTLTS etc.. | | Bike Setup: | Replaced-Saddle, Seatpost, Stem, handlebars, shifters, brakes, derailleurs, bottom bracket & crankset, wheels and tires, fork. Bike weighs approximately 27.5 lbs -- with Thomson, XTR, Avid, Marzocchi MXProETA, Kenda sticky's, custom XC oriented wheelset. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rides great -- not plush, but very comfortable and capable. Climbs very, very well, especially considering the slack geometry - particularly on steeper technically difficult terrain - at least the way I have it set up. Descends technical terrain confidently - at speed or at a crawl. I don't know about fireroad climbs or descents - we don't have many of those - and I don't enjoy them anyway. The slack head angle and long trail numbers do create a bit of "floppyness" at low speeds with the front end set at over 110mm of travel -- particularly with FOX Forx, which tend to have a bit more offset than Rockshox or Marzocchi. I tried to use a FOX Talas that I have used on other bikes, and removed it because I did not like the extremely "floppy" feel at low speeds in the longer travel modes -- I installed a 105mm Marzocchi MXProETA (a seriously under-rated fork) and it is perfect for the bike for my use. Other than that - this is really a kickass little bike -- the rear end works very well and hooks up well in all situations. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Downhiller
from Mammoth Lakes
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Velocity | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Footloose | | Strengths: | Sweet design. There's huge travel, and it still rides nicely. The adjustable suspension is almost unnecessary, but it's still a nice comodity. Relatively cheap/ | | Weaknesses: | The bike is a little heavier than my last bike, about 3 pounds heavier. I got this one down to about 28.7 pounds, which is still pretty light for a full suspension bike with this much travel. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 80, KHS Rage, K2 Attack 3.0 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for a lighter headset and wheels. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awsome. The K2 counterpart is nothing compared to this bike. The adjustable travel is sweet, and even without it, the bike still has an easy ride. I've hit quite a few bumps/drops/jumps, and I still havent bottomed out. This bike has given me enough confidence to do just about everything. It's not a cheap bike, but if you have a little time to find the right deal, you'll be getting an amazing bike. If you can find it for under $1200, you'll be getting a great deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mario
a Weekend Warrior
from Potugal
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Lavarinhas | | Strengths: | Fork, Shock, Hayes hydros (simply awesome) and ofcourse the frame design. | | Weaknesses: | No major weaknesses except for LX rear derrailleur, which is quickly changed and some people might not like the grips or saddle. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6500, Gt i-drive, specialized enduro. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Selle Italia saddle.
| | Bottom Line: | This is the best all mountain bike in this category because it has fully adjustable travel front and rear and the disc brakes are a beauty.
Get it if you are a weekend warrior who doesn't care how gnarly a trail is and if you just want to have a blast.
Get the bike and then get out and ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Davy Gorman
a Weekend Warrior
from Glasgow, Scotland
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | the next one | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | back of a lorry | | Strengths: | rear suspension,can still climb despite weight,gives you great confidence going over stuff(anything) you used to have to slow down at and go round. Brakes are great though broke a lever already. | | Weaknesses: | Would have liked higher grade components. Pedals are a killer-do not use them ,insist on upgrade befor you leave the shop. I am serious they are the most dangerous rubbish spds I've ever tried.Also, get an adjustable seat clam-hope do one it's a 36.4 you need. The trails I go over involve a lot of bits you have to carry bike over and this is awkward to carry.Fronts suspension is ok but not super. I preferred the duke race I had on my last bike(Trak 7000 which is for sale if interested email me!) | | Similar Products Used: | Muddy Fox, Trek 7000, Scott Comp, Dawes, | | Bike Setup: | As standard apart from addition of hope QR seat clamp and eggbeater pedals . Will eventually upgrade the deore and lx to Xt and maybe some xtr. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full susp. I got it at almost 1/2 price. Otherwise I would have been disapointed at poor componentry. However It is great. I was worried I would be able to climb as it's a lot heavier than my 7000, but you can climb fine on it. It makes you do crazy stuff you wouldn't try before and seems tuff enough to handle it. The pedal and seat clamp change is essential immediately. I am still getting used to this bike so will do another review at a later date. By the way I am about 5'11 and my bike is 19.5. I would probably have felt safer, given the adventurous stuff it makes you do, with a slightly smaller frame. It has a long seat post. So consider smaller-to save your b*lls! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Baldwin
a Weekend Warrior
from Fountain Hills, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | McDowell Mountain Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Landis Cyclery, Scottsdale, AZ | | Strengths: | Solid Platform, great rear shock | | Weaknesses: | Front fork pogo's when you push it through the bumps. | | Similar Products Used: | Old non suspension mountain bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for seat and pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I'm an ex-enduro motorcycle rider who is new to full suspension mountain bikes and I am really having a blast on this bike! I've been hitting the single track and the technical loop at my local park and have had no problems at all with this bike. If I could slow down the fork rebound on the Psylo C by about 50% I'd be totally stoked..That's what I get for not shelling out the extra cash for the 20 which has adjustable damping. I've been running the rear shock at about 215 lbs. of air and I weigh in at 195. I haven't bottomed either the fork or the shock so far. Everything on the bike is working exceptionally well except for the fork rebound being too fast and occasionally a missed or double shift..that probably being an operator problem..Great Bike, especially for intro into suspension bikes on a budget! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC USA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Road | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Spin Cycle | | Strengths: | Fox TALUS, Hayes disc brakes, 125 mm travel on front fork | | Weaknesses: | LX rear derailleur | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro, Specialized Stumpjumper, Cannondale Jekyll 600 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full-suspension bike, and I shopped around for several months. I am very happy with this bike because ofers an excellent design with 5 inch rear travel, and 125mm of front travel. I usually keep both front and rear full out. Occasionally, I adjust the TALUS shock to the 1/2 or 1/4 position on long flat stretches, but don't always feel it necessary to do so. Disc brakes are awesome, esp. on muddy trails. Would have liked a XT rear derailleur, but will upgrade it eventually. Very little to complain about this bike though. I am a beginner to intermediate rider who likes to ride technical single track, and believe that this bike will last me for many years to come. I was on a budget of approx. $1500, and had to stretch it a bit to get this bike, but glad that I did. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville, TN
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Haw Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | CBC | | Strengths: | Frame and suspension design, Hayes Hyd Discs, adjustable travel and geometry, high-quality Bontrager components. | | Weaknesses: | Slightly weak on drivetrain component level for the price range it competes in. | | Similar Products Used: | Yeti Kokopelli, Trek Fuel 90 Disc, Cannondale Jekyll 600, Fisher Sugar 3+ Disc, Kona Kikapu Deluxe, Giant VT2, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except: XT shifters, rear der., and cassette; fizik pave Ti saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden the bike for nearly a year now and wanted to do a follow-up to my original post (see way down below). I take this bike everywhere and ride it all the time. I haven't felt a need to upgrade or change anything (other than the XT stuff listed above--done at time of purchase). Well, I DID bend the rails of the stock saddle and had to replace it, but otherwise, everything has held up exceedingly well. This is one does-everything-well bike!
Most of the time I leave it in the 5" travel mode--it really doesn't hinder climbing much...REALLY, I'm serious...very little pedal-bob, even in 5" mode. I usually INTEND to drop travel to 4" for a steep climb, but often forget and just make it up anyway! This is the most XC-oriented of any of the "All-Mountain" bikes that came out this year. I also like that it derives it's efficient pedaling characteristics through superior design of proven, traditional suspension methods, rather than gimmicky inertia valves and auto-lockout shocks. This is a true XC bike with PLENTY of travel for most trail conditions.
The extra travel will make you a fearless rider. I bomb through rocky sections and steep, rooty decents with reckless abandon, leaving my riding partners in the dust with their hardtails or short-travel f/s bikes. They make comments (when they catch up at the next water break) like: "Man you really picked a great line back there" or "You sure do have great form through those rough sections". Pssstt... I'll let you in on a secret, it's not so much me...IT IS ABOUT THE BIKE (sorry, Lance)!!! Without being squishy and overly plush, it just sucks up whatever I hit. Truly flawless in this area.
I don't notice the 32lb weight being a factor in any way. I thought at first I would be chucking the 2.25" tires for some 2.1" right away, but have not done so. Nor would I. The Trailbear 2.25's are a fabulous tire. I like the extra stability I feel from the extra width. If I changed, it would be because these wore out and I wanted to try Intense's new 2.25" tire. If I decide to become a racer, I'll go back to skinny tires, otherwise I like the fatties!
Need to wrap this up so, if you're not a XC racer/spandex-clad weight freak, you will be hard pressed to find a more XC oriented, solidly built, all-terain, versatile, do-anything, and handbuilt-in-the-USA-to-boot bike in today's market at anywhere near this price. Very highly recommended! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rand Thomson
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | john henry's | | Strengths: | flexiable "all-mountain" bike; Hayes hydro brakes. | | Weaknesses: | saddle, pedals, LX | | Similar Products Used: | specialized endro, cannondale jekyll, kona dawg, Norco fluid | | Bike Setup: | stock except saddle and pedals | | Bottom Line: | I purchased this bike over the other above mentioned bikes because the price was right, great value, hayes hydro's, variable suspension, and it just plain felt great to ride. I upgraded the seat before the bike ever left the store. I also changed the clipless shiamano pedals to platforms. I will eventually upgrade the LX to XT, but for now will have to live with it.
This is a great bike if your into a little of everything. So far I have tested the bike with some challenging cross-country, steep climbs and moderate downhill. Coming from a hard-tail and not knowing really what to expect this bike has performed beyond my expectations. I find my self charging into stuff that have never tackled before. It definitely installs confidence.
If your into a wide selection of riding, want to smile alot and want to take your riding to new heights, check this bike out.
only 4 of 5 chillis cause of LX | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike bertell
a Weekend Warrior
from redding
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | whiskytown | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | the bike shop | | Strengths: | n/a | | Weaknesses: | n/a | | Similar Products Used: | n/a demos | | Bike Setup: | n/a | | Bottom Line: | its just an all round awsome bike.. i'm an agressive rider and i have found no fallbacks with this modle so far.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a Weekend Warrior
from Milwaukee, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything technical | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | 5 inches of suspension travel, rear susp has many 'on the fly' adjustable features, strong hyd brakes | | Weaknesses: | fork sticksion on smooth roads, brake levers rattle, stock seat like plywood | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 3+ | | Bike Setup: | stock except for more comfy gel seat and toe clip with straps | | Bottom Line: | Very cushy susp ride. It handles anything I throw at it in a calm predictable way. Goes down stairways just as nicely as it tracks down a rutty dirt trail. Perhaps not sure footed as I'd like in loose gravel on hard surface corners but that's a bad terrain type for any bike. I feel the shifting, frt fork and seat components should have been a bit better for the price but the outstanding brakes and full featured rear susp add to help offset the cost somewhat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1499.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sportshop | | Strengths: | COMFORTABLE, Disc brakes, Lifetime warranty | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager Saddle, does not fit my bike rack and must be put in via the hatchback. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 3+, Cannondale Jekyll, Giant AC2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for swapping out the seat and the pedals. | | Bottom Line: | OK, this bike is a great jack-of-all trades bike. I always find it odd that people will buy an XC bike and then complain when it sucks on downhills or vice versa. I bought this to replace my Cannondale SuperV and it's been a perfect replacement. I don't race or do 5+ foot drops, I do mostly singletrack, hard pack, fun recreational riding. I think most of the components are fine, except the pedals/seat. I have not been able to reproduce the earlier poster's problems with the chain constantly rubbing the chainstay(or anything else). I think this bike is a great value.
I think Trek really hit the nail on the head with this bike. I LIKE the less aggressive riding position. Bike manufacturers have building FS bikes to be function specific for too long. I'm guessing there are a lot of folks that can appreciate a general purpose, all-round full suspension setup. We may not be hardcore, but we still enjoy riding and this bike seems to fit that niche very well. 5 Chilis for recognizing a need and responding with a solid offering. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Langdon
a Cross Country Rider
from Orfordville, WI USA
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Outdoor Lab | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1675.00 | | Purchased At: | Michaels Cycles | | Strengths: | Solid very well built and pretty good parts specs. The Psylo up front and the rear suspension | | Weaknesses: | If anything the tires and the wheel set. My rear wheel is slightly loose on the axle already. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Supercalibre | | Bike Setup: | Psylo fork, Hayes hydraulics, bontrager crank, m515 pedals, LX rear derailluer, deore front, 9spd, fox shock in rear. | | Bottom Line: | I am a 6'2" 225 lbs rider who beats the crap out of everything. This bike was built to be beat on. I have smashed the outer chainring into seven or eight logs and haven't damaged it. The most difficult part so far has been adjusting the rebound but that is to be expected. I normally don't like the rapid fires but they have worked perfect so far. I am a very technical rider and can now go places where I usually have not been able to go with this bike. The criticisms of this bike so far seem ludricous. How do you review a bike you haven't even ridden for any length of time? Maybe the bike shop doesn't know what they are doing? Or, they could talk to Trek? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry Merrifield
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Collins, CO
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Dad Gulch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Strengths: | The most impressive feature of this bike is the smoothness of the overall suspension design. The "Liquid" name is the most fitting name Trek could have come up with for this great bike. It is as smooth as liquid, no joke! Also, there is no power robbing, rear suspension bob during climbing. | | Weaknesses: | When I purchased this bike (Trek liquid 10), I was aware the components were sub-standard to my old bike's complete XT setup and fully intend to upgrade the SRAM cassette, Deore rear derailer, and chainrings very soon (they generally suck and shift hard). I know I'm spoiled by the nicer components on my old bike but the additional $$ for XT components, rebound adjustable Psylo fork, and disc specific wheels were a little more than I could convince my wife to accept all at once... The only problem I have encountered thus far is with the rear Hayes, disc rotor / caliper housing alignment. It has a problem with center rotor alignment and tends to rub (and squeal) when I turn (left). I am currently waiting on a reply from Hayes regarding the fix to this problem. Also, the brakes stink like an old semi with a bad clutch after a long, hard downhill accent. (Thats Ok, it makes me feel like I've really done something). | | Bike Setup: | Psylo C adjustable length fork, Fox TALAS rear shock, Hayes HFX-9 disc brakes, Deore derailers, Bonty Cranks and chain rings. | | Bottom Line: | The frame and rear shock are the exactly the same throughout the Trek 10, 20, & 30 models. If you are interested in entering into the 'next stage' of your mountain biking obsession and have been looking for the perfect full suspension, 'all mountain' bike, check this thing out. I am a 6'3", 220lb, hard riding, XC mountain biker that was looking to bring my sport to the next level and this bike fills the bill perfectly. I rip through many of the technical trails along the Northern foothills of the Rocky Mountains about twice a week. My average trip entails 75% of intense climbing and 25% of insane down-hill (time wise that is), therefore I was concerned about the weight and strength of the bike. My Liquid 10 - 19.5” bike weighs in at about 31~lbs. The difference between the Liquid and my lightweight hard tail was only noticeable when climbing through the technical stuff as the rear wheel stays anchored to the dirt and rocks! So far the frame will take everything I can dish out. I have much more climbing control and down-hill confidence than ever before. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | 50 Yr Trail, All of Sedona | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Full Cycle | | Strengths: | TALAS Shock, Hayes Disc | | Weaknesses: | Tires, Seat, Psylo Shock too mushy, even after upgrading to the firm springset. Have had some difficulty keeping the brakes from rubbing. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 3+, Specialized Epic, Giant VT2, Klein Palomino | | Bike Setup: | Geax Tires, SRAM Chain, Koobi Seat, New Grips, Firm springset for the Psylo, Run with suspension in full travel all of the time. | | Bottom Line: | Really nice Bike. I think the adjustable travel is more of a gimmick than anything else. I have it maxed out, and as long as your used to the bike, you won't have any problems climbing. The back end feels a little too "loose" on some of the more technical descents. Pretty stable at speed (30+). Seems nose heavy when you leave the ground, maybe an upgrade to an air shock? If you want something that can handle a little bit of everything, this one could be the one for you. Good all-around bike, Handles 4-5 foot drops pretty well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Hamilton
a Weekend Warrior
from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Shunha mines | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath | | Strengths: | Nice and plush. Able to tune down suspension on the fly (no tools). Climbs nice (for a Full-sus) and flys straight. The Hayes disc brakes are great. | | Weaknesses: | -skimped on components and off-sized components | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike overall once I got used too it. Dont dismiss this bike after one test ride! The fox shock and psylo fork go great together although tuning the fork up on the fly can be chalenging. I got this bike for a all-around trail bike but the 5' susp and relative light weight has me playing with some light urban freeriding (until the trails dry up abit.) The Hayes brakes offer great modulation. The only problem with this bike is some of the componentry. I upgraded the petals and and seat immediately. I wrecked the front rim on a bad landing and had to get a new wheel because I was not willing to wait for a 28 spoke rim to be shipped. The seatpost is an odd size so I am still trying to find a quick release for it (I think they should be standard for this bike). The tires dont really instill my confidence in tight corners, Ill get some mud tires soon. The rest of the components will have to stay until next season (or I trash them).
Bottom line great bike with some upgrades. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Tustin, CA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Chino Hills - North Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | Jax | | Strengths: | This bike will ride over, on, down anything. Once you're used to it, the ride is awesome. Stopping power is true finger touch with the Hayes disc brakes. The TrailBear tires were worrisome at first, but are very sweet, although heavy. | | Weaknesses: | Original componetry setup is weak. Changed the derailers for XT when I purchased the bike. Couple hundred miles later switched the cranks and cog to XT as well. SRAM Attack shifters rounded out the componetry nicely and are much better than the original equipment. The bike is heavy, I'll try to lighten as I go. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR. Trek Fuel. | | Bike Setup: | XT Front and Rear Derailers, XT Hollow Tech Crank w/ Bottom Bracket, SRAM Attack Shifters, Italia Carbon Fiber Rail Seat, | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a good 5 or 6 pounds heavier than my 94 Specialized FSR. Yet, I noticed right from the start that my regular rides recorded just as fast and faster times than the FSR.
And then there are the down hills. This bike rolls over everything. Areas that were sketchy on my FSR. No problem! You can power over ruts and rocks like you're riding a motorcycle.
Upgrading the componetry is a must for anyone that is out for some serious riding. Once you do, let the good times roll! Solid bike, fun to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Nash
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | KL, Foreplay | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Award Cycle | | Weaknesses: | The mechs at Award cannot get this puppy set up properly and claim that they will not carry the bike. They showed me the problem when I wanted to demo it. In several (normal sane) gear combinations the chain *rubs* against the chain stay. I don't mean slaps ... it is right up against the stay. They claim to have contacted Trek about different chain lengths, shock setups, etc, and have done a lot of stuff on their own. So I don't understand why I'm the first one to report this on MTBR. It really doesn't look like the mechs are messing it up. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant VT2, Trek Feul 80, Cannondale something or other with a funny head shock. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | You'd better make sure that this issue doesn't exist before buying the bike ... because with this issue the bike is pretty much useless. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenton
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, SC
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Plush! Coming from a steel hardtail, this bike is a dream. Five inches of adjustable travel. Disc brakes are standard. Trek quality. | | Weaknesses: | Typical FS stuff (heavy, power sapping on hills...). Cheap M515 pedals (see my review in the Pedals section). Stock IRC tires don't inspire confidence. | | Similar Products Used: | TREK hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Stock except SRAM ESP 9.0 shifters and R. der., Panaracer Dart/Smoke classics, bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | I purchased this bike in December and have just under 100 miles on it. I was considering a Fuel but figured that a Fuel with Discs was about the same price as the Liquid 10 and has less travel. Except for the aforementioned weaknesses, I have nothing but great things to say about this bike. It took getting used to "ridin' tall in the saddle" thanks to the long travel and riser bar. But, after a few rides, I can't imagine going back to the HT. I was out of riding for a while so I don't know if it climbs poorly or I'm just extremely out of shape (little of both?). Serious DH'rs or XC'rs may be disappointed because this bike is a hybrid of the 2 disciplines. Anyway, my racing days are behind me so I wanted comfort. This bike seems to give the most bang for the buck. A couple of cheap component offerings keep it from getting a perfect score. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
captn
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Hills
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Trabuco | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1469.00 | | Purchased At: | RockNRoad | | Strengths: | good looking, disk brakes, light weight for 5"travel | | Weaknesses: | forks | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Gemini 1000 | | Bike Setup: | XT FRONT&REAR DERAILLEURS AND CRANKS,SHIMANO CLIPLESS PLATFORM PEDALS,BACK TIRE WTB MOTO RAPTOR 2.4,FRONT TIRE WEIRWOLF 2.5,CARBON EC70 POST,WTB LAZER SEAT,MONKEYLITE DH BARS,THOMPSON STEM,CHRIS KING H.S. | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS AN AWESOME BIKE. IT CLIMBS WELL FOR THE TYPE OF BIKE IT IS. IT ABSORBS THE BUMPS GOOD. IT CAN HANDLE JUST ABOUT ANYTHING THE TRAIL THROWS AT IT. HAYES DISK BRAKES ARE A PLUS. I AM USE TO RIDING A HARD TAIL AND CLIMBING HARD. THIS BIKE IS ABOUT 9 OR 10 LBS.HEAVIER.BUT IT STILL CLIMBS GOOD ESPECIALLY WITH THE 4" ADJUSTMENT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
captn
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Hills
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Trabuco | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1469.00 | | Purchased At: | Rocknroad | | Strengths: | Good looking. 4-5" travel bike. Disk brakes. Light for the kind of bike that it is. | | Weaknesses: | forks are not that good ,but descent. | | Similar Products Used: | gemini 100 | | Bike Setup: | xt front&rear derailleurs, xt cranks, Thompson stem, shimano cliples/platform pedals, Monkeylite DH bar, WEIR tire, Moto raptor frnt 2.5,rear 2.4, Easton carbon seatpost, Chris King headset, WTB seat. | | Bottom Line: | So far it climbs well for a 5" travel bike. It does'nt bob much, especially when you climb with the shock set on 4". It absorbs the bumps good. Handles well. And looks great! It's no cross country bike ,and not really a free ride bike either. Somewhere in between. It's awesome! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville, TN
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Haw Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | Cedar Bluff Cycles | | Strengths: | Psylo w/uturn 80-125mm, Fox Talas 4-5" rear shock, ZR9000 frame and adjustable geometry. Whatever kind of trail you're going to ride today, you've got the right bike! | | Weaknesses: | Too heavy and plush for the spandex-clad, serious XC racer. | | Similar Products Used: | Demoed Cannondale Jekyll 600, '02 Yeti Kokopelli, Fisher Sugar 3+, Treck Fuel 90 disc, several other f/s. | | Bike Setup: | XT rear der., XT cassette, XT shifters, otherwise stock. | | Bottom Line: | I just got this bike (took 2 weeks to order it) and have ridden it twice. I'm told I am the first one in town to have one, so I thought I would slap a review out there for the curious. It is just the best all-around bike I have ridden. Fit-n-finish from factory is first-rate, Bontrager/Shimano components are quality. In the 4" travel setting, the bike feels like any other good cross-country oriented bike (muck like the Fuel). Smooth and stiff with a pivotless rear end, feels like a very efficient peddler, especially for a longer-travel bike. Rear is very stiff and climbs as well as any f/s I have ridden. When you find a nice long rocky downhill, set to 5" and let it GO! Sweet! I feel very confident on decents and can swith travel without dismounting. If you're not a weight freak or a serious XC racer, buy this bike and take it ANYWHERE. My 19.5" bike weighed 32.5 lbs, but you could lighten it considerably by trading 2.25" tires for 2.1", throwing some lighter Easten bars, stem, seatpost, etc.--if you want to. All that and hand-made in the USA, what else do you want? The official color for this bike is now bright silver with black decals--killer looks! People will stop you on the trail for a better look (if they can catch you). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grant
a Downhiller
from A2, Mi, USA!!
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere i can get some good downhilling | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | 2 wheel tango | | Strengths: | Killer frame, looks sexy, nice parts spec. hayes....hayes...hayes, fox rear shock is sweet as sugar | | Weaknesses: | all that damn carbon fiber! id love to go nail some big drops on this baby, but ive been warned that it could snap on me. | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky (02),specialized enduro (all the 02 models), fuels, all the 02 sugars, | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | id buy this bike if i had the dough, but im buying a specialized big hit comp instead. the bike is great looking, rides like a dream, and has some serious potential as an agro trail bike. Im not sure about freeriding,because the only thing i know about the cabon fiber rear end is what i heard from the guy at my lbs, he said it would snap. I thik thats kinda cinfidince shaking. The rear shock is buttery smoooooth! although all i got to do was fool around in the parking lot and hop down a couple stairs. This bike manuals like a FREAK!! its soooooooo (x10) stable! and it isnt bad at nose manualing either thanks to the hayes..... hayes... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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