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Submitted by
Wayne
a Cross Country Rider
from Cumbria, UK
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Altura Trail, Whinlatter | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Privately | | Strengths: | Adaptable, plenty of suspension adjustability, very forgiving. I ride this 10 miles to work on tarmac and I ride it xc and downhill too. It'll go anywhere. Quality components for the money. | | Weaknesses: | Clearance isn't great. My Rockshox psylo's died after 3 years and have needed a full rebuild, but are now perfect again after a £65 service. | | Similar Products Used: | Orange 5 | | Bike Setup: | Upgrades: Mavic X319 rims with 2.25 IRC Trailbear tyres, Bontrager race bars and bar ends and an SRAM chain. New Cane Creek headset. | | Bottom Line: | Great go-anywhere bike. Good value, pretty reliable, fun and forgiving (I've hit a 10" tall flat fronted boulder on a downhill in the middle of nowhere at 30mph on this thing and it didn't kill me...) Was a step up for me and has improved my riding no end. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JD
a Weekend Warrior
from Queens, NYC, NY
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Crocheron park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Brooklyn Bike's | | Strengths: | Craftmanship, fit and finish, styling, and handling. | | Weaknesses: | Weight.Parts range from ok (heavy SRAM cassette) to above average (Shimano LX front derailer)to high end (Shimano XT rear derailer) mixed bag.....should have come with lighter weight parts at the $2,100 retail price range. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Gary Fisher. | | Bike Setup: | upraded to a Shimano Deore XT rear cassette and XTR chain. Also upgraded the spring in the stock Psylo XC Fork. | | Bottom Line: | Fantastic bike. I've had this bike for 6 yrs (since 2003) and only until just recently had to change the rear cassette and chain. I definitely would advise other owners to replace components with lighter weight parts, but only as the old parts wear out. I will probably upgrade the crank to s Shimano XT or XTR to cut back on the weight. The Botrager crank is holding up well so I think I'm going to wait until next season to upgrade. Great value if you can find one used. Very strong frame. The PSYLO fork is a little weak and heavy. I'm 6 1 and weigh 235lbs. The spring upgrade did help alot, but I think I'm going to upgrade to a better lighter fork after one more summer. The rear suspension is awesome, the ability to adjust is great. This bike was money well spent. I probably can ride this bike for at least another 6-10yrs with making gradual upgrades to worn parts before I even need to consider buying a new one!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ryanbullard
a Downhiller
from Rochester NY **USA**
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Dryer State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$610.00 | | Purchased At: | Craigslist.com | | Strengths: | Extremely durrable!! Is very adjustable. Can take 2.7 tires! They are with-in 1/8 inch of hitting. | | Weaknesses: | I can't find the right type of kickstand. None of them will fit around the disk breaks. If anyone has some thing that fits let me know!! | | Bike Setup: | 2.7 Maxxis minion downhill tires, tubless, 17", hayes 9 disk breaks, fox floater w/ talas, Rockshock front fork, bontrager everything! | | Bottom Line: | Very outstanding. You could drop it of a 3 stoy building and it woul be fine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dae hyun kim
a Weekend Warrior
from suwon
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | rocky, single track | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | used market | | Strengths: | very plush 5" travel, super stiff, good geometry for all mountain(small jump, drop, gap) | | Weaknesses: | heavy, heavy, hard to ride long xc cource or onroad.
low bb position(pedal and crank arm hits the obstacles.) | | Similar Products Used: | giant nrs | | Bike Setup: | THE PIKE SL, hayes, sram rocket, shimano mech, atomlab+magura wheelset | | Bottom Line: | For true all mountain ride, my set up is too heavy, my bike is 16~17kg. But for local dh racing or 4 cross, it is a good bike. And relatively light bike. This bike can 3m drop, 10m gap jump. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Faiz Khan
a Cross Country Rider
from Oxford
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Schwarzwald,Germany | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Beeline,Oxford | | Strengths: | Goes anywhere with confidence and stablity - slower than others on long hard climbs | | Weaknesses: | Very heavy ! | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Rift Zone - lighter and faster - not as good or stable downhill - | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for downhill and difficult trails
Too heavy for XC and all day trekking with a lot of climbing however. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Racer
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | anything with dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Plush suspension, good geometry | | Weaknesses: | Fork, weight, tires | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a good bike for trail riding and that is about the only kind of riding that should be done with this bike. I was forced to do a few XC races with this thing, it is comfortable but the weight penalty for racing this bike can be felt over the distance of the race. But it is nice to decend the short steep sections a lot faster than the other people around you who are riding their brakes down the hill. The fork could stand to be upgraded to shed a little extra weight. I am thinking of getting a Manitou Minute 2 fork for this thing. Talking about weight this thing stock weighs 35 pounds. Don't get me wrong I knew it was heavier when I bought it but I didn't think it was going to weigh that much. IRC tires are crap knobs ripping off after < 100 miles on the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike m
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | trek san diego | | Strengths: | Mash over every thing that is in your path and be able to cimb very respectably. great parts pick for the money. cross-country geometry with downhill-fun | | Weaknesses: | if this bike had stable platform(newer ones do) it would be almost perfect. tall standover height(newer ones dont). I needed a stiffer spring i my phsylo fork. | | Similar Products Used: | titus moto-lite, santa cruz, super lite, stumpjumper, ect.. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this is the bike that got me hooked on mtn bikeing. the thing that i like about this bike the most is that it climbs better and better the more technical the situation. it can feel a little heavy when your goin up those long grindy fire roads with your hardtail buddies but if you are a stud it won't matter. i've seen dudes on liquids race sport class events and almost win. and this one guy on the super d had one and he one the whole thing. this bike just sucks up anything you put in front of it although with the fork i had, it did sometimes dive under hard steep braking, but i am also comparing this bike to $5000 bike that i have now so you can't get too picky. with that said the tall stance of this bike in the full travel mode(rear) was a little tall, and the low end(rear) was prone to low clearance, but i always rode it around the middle setting(just right). bottom line for the money you will not find a more fun trailbike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis vd Vlugt
a Cross Country Rider
from Wieringerwerf (Netherlands)
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | So far Great Glenn (Scotland) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | All American Bikes (Hoorn) | | Strengths: | All Round bike, Very nice braking, Nice rear shock with the geometry adjuster, You can juse the bike for rough XC to light Freeride whatever you want. | | Weaknesses: | Don't like the Bontrager wheel's, slappie sping in fork. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the pedals | | Bottom Line: | Very very nice alround bike, handles not only good on hilly tracks but is also very fast on more technical XC single tracks thanks to the variable geometry. It's a bit heavy for real XC but that's not where it's made for. With it's 14.5 kg you can get uphill pretty quick and downhill is just great fun. Especially when you use the rear schock adjustment for the geometry on the fly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Plus | | Strengths: | Hayes hydraulic brakes, Fox rear shock, slick wheel set, pretty good components | | Weaknesses: | Nothing found yet. I like the front shock unlike most. I am 5'11 at 160 lbs. That might be why...not sure. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for hitting up single track, ripping down hills, or even some urban assult. The bike is comfortable to ride, good at climbing, and loves to go down hill. No more worrying about what line to take. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glynn
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, Co
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything in the 'Springs! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Traded for my hardtail! | | Strengths: | All-around great bike! Frame geometry and rear suspension are perfect for a little more aggressive downhilling than my NRS. Decent component package for the price (except the fork). | | Weaknesses: | Psylo XC. It pretty much sucks on this bike. Waaayy too soft and flexy. | | Similar Products Used: | DBR V6, NRS Air | | Bike Setup: | Fox Vanilla 125, Thomson 410mm seatpost, Thomson 120 stem, Monkelite Carbon low-rise, LX Hollowtech BB & Cranks. | | Bottom Line: | Other than the stock Psylo XC fork (trust me, if you ride this bike like it's supposed to be ridden, just figure a new fork into the price), this is a really nice bike for a XC rider who wants to be more aggressive on the downhills and air. Fits nicely between XC and freeride. It weighs a couple pounds more, but to be honest, I hardly notice it, even on the climbs. I still ride with the same group and have actually moved up in the pack since I started riding the Liquid. The frame seems to run large. I'm 5'11" and run the 16.5" comfortably (although I did buy a longer seatpost). Only bad part since I put the new fork on is my lonely, dusty NRS Air. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerry Shepherd
a Weekend Warrior
from Bowie, MD USA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Patapsco Avelon | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Doctor | | Strengths: | Robust frame, built strong, bearings are greatly oversized and work extremely well, came with a combination of brand and different type parts as do all off the shelf bikes (LX front Derailler, XT rear, SRAM Casette, Bontrager crank, Truitive BB, stem, seat post, seat, hubs, Hayes Discs) to cut price. | | Weaknesses: | weight but a slight weakness rides much lighter. RS Psylo XC orginal spring weight set up for riders between 50 - 100 pounds, original groupo combination guys stay with a groupo package componants are designed to work together SRAM - Bontrager - Shimano are not! | | Similar Products Used: | Mountain cycles MG, | | Bike Setup: | I immediatly replaced numerous parts:XTR front Derailer, XTR rear, XT crank and BB, Hope M6 Ti Discs, Hope Hubs, Sella seat, XT trigger Shifters, Easton Monkey light XC bars, Raceface stem, Easton EC 70 post, Panracer Cinder 26 x 2.25, RS Pyslo Race w/spring upgrade, would estimate at $4,000.00 after | | Bottom Line: | Love this bike, at first I was dissapointed with the weight (prior to riding on a real trail). If you can crain it off the bike rack you are in great shape, bike losses 20 pounds once you start peddeling. This thing is indistructable, just wish I was! Buy a size smaller than you normally do everything is adjustable, ride, travel, rebound, compression, and your ego and attitude once you start riding it! Would recommend this to everyone! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan
a Cross Country Rider
from westminster co usa
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Strengths: | little bob from pedaling, great response off road, and quick enough to use on the street. the adjustability is completly infinite, and not really to heavy for what you get out of the bike | | Weaknesses: | front shock almost completly useless to a guy my size ( 6'3" and 260 lbs) even with the shock upgraded to extra stiff, a lot better than at begining where i could stand in front of it and with just arm strength bottom it out also had a lot of noise out of rear end that took having the entire rear triangle rebuilt three times because they used the wrong type of loc tite in the joints i also bought this model because i was told that it would be great for a guy my size and i still can't get the rear shock hard enough for what i'd like somtimes but for any technical riding it still works well front fork i think just need to be replaced still the upgrade was enough to get me to keep it but for another few years of use i'll have to get rid of it also have drag that comes from front brake, but mine tends to rather consistant | | Similar Products Used: | raliegh m80 y22 fuel 90 haro x3 | | Bike Setup: | upgraded front spring, haro bmx pedals | | Bottom Line: | aside from noted problems that really weren't all that bad in the long run, it really probably wasn't meant to handle a guy my size for hardcore riding, technical stuff yeah but i worry about hopping around and doing too much at speed except hopping curbs and some jumps at speed. if you are a big dude and you want something for climbing and a LITTLE downhill than this would be a great bike personnaly i wish i had gone with the x3 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Brodsky
a Weekend Warrior
from Newcastle
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | noble canyon in San Diego | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | mission cyclery | | Strengths: | This is to update my review from before: Stregths are that the bike does handle the bumbs and jumps great. | | Weaknesses: | Well in addition to the other weaknesses I metioned before. The swingarm behind the rear pedles broke in half. I was not riding too aggressivly at the time it broke and it just broke right in half. I took the bike to a local bike shop and Trek honered thier warrenty and is replacing the whole rear end of the bike. I would suggest inspecting the connection where the 2 parts of the tube on the rear swingarm connect for any cracks or wear because it might happen to you. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro, Kona Dawg, Turner 5 spot | | Bike Setup: | stock except bigger sping in front fork | | Bottom Line: | I would now suggest aginst buying this bike because it is prone to problems and now that it actually broke in half, it is a dangerous bike to ride. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mattman
a Weekend Warrior
from North OC, CA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1499.00 | | Strengths: | Good all round trail bike, lots of adjustability, sharp looks, Trek warranty, made in USA | | Weaknesses: | Psylo fork too soft even with the extra firm spring, it got scrapped quick. Noisey. Ghost shifting until longer shift cable housing was added. Brakes have been a constant pain the front one has needed to be adjusted constantly to remedy drag. Stock Trailbear tires were scarey when cornering fast on hardpack. Paint was pretty but had poor coverage in the areas where the shock mounts. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first FS bike though I've demoed or rented several others including Kona Bear/Dawg, Specialized Enduro, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Sram XO shifters and rear derailler, Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires, WTB Rocket Ti saddle, Marzocchi Z1-FR SL ECC fork. XT chainrings, Easton setback seatpost, Titec stem | | Bottom Line: | I like the bike overall, but I was really bummed to have to replace the fork right away, especially since I chose this bike specifically because my LBS said "it will be a great bike for a big guy like you" There were several little glitches that I had to work out over the first few months. The first time I took the bike back to the shop I had a punch list of about seven seperate issues. The Hayes brakes have definately caused me grief, but to be fair after talking to Hayes and doing some work on them myself they have been OK on the last few rides. Little by little I've manage to eliminate many of the noises the bike made at first.When I bought this bike it was intended to be my one do it all bike, for that it is well suited. I would not want to try to race it. It handles decents well, but not like a DH bike. It climbs well, but not like an XC bike. I would recommend this bike to a tall, but not too heavy rider who wanted one bike that he could ride all day and take into some pretty rough terrain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Weiss
a Racer
from Kamloops, BC Canada
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | sun peaks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | spoke 'n motion | | Strengths: | so much fun on downhills, the perfect all around bike | | Weaknesses: | a little heavy, but I am used to race bikes (around 23 lbs) | | Similar Products Used: | rocky mountain pipeline, rocky mountain rm6 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I can climb anything on this that I can on my race bike. It is so fast on the downhills and I am sure that I could huck it some more and it would take it. I love being able to change the front and rear travel and feel that this is the perfect bike for anyone. It's bombproof and will go anywhere. The only thing is that it will feel a little sluggish on uphills if you're really trying to motor. This is not bad just a fact. It'll get there though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a
from Queens,NY, U.S.A
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Central Park/resevoirs in Westchester County | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Northern Cyclery | | Strengths: | This bike is absolutely fantastic. The paint finish and craftsmanship is excellent, people often stop me and comment on the blue paint. The adjustable rear Fox shock works well, especially since the terrain in the NYC area, varies from pavement in Manhattan, to dirt trails in the outterboroughs, to vast mountanous woodlands of the surrounding suberbs. I am former NYC Police Officer and am now a bike Cop in Westchester County and understand the need for a bike that is strong and can multitask without being too heavy-this bike can do it with a flip of the switch. My department uses hardtail Treks but I would love to get them to OK a full suspension Liquids on patrol. | | Weaknesses: | It was a little hard to size. I am 6'1 205 lbs and usually ride a 19inch frame. The 19inch version of this bike was too big, the 17.5 version fit perfectly-seems as if the bike frame runs a bit large. The front Psylo shock works great only when outfitted with a stiffer spring-cheap upgrade. I recommend upgrading from LX to at least XT components to reduce weight a bit. This bike should have came stock with full XT parts. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900, Gary Fisher Sugar 3. | | Bike Setup: | All stock except, a stiffer front spring. XTR front shifter and derailler on order. | | Bottom Line: | Outstanding quality bike at a good price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryce
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden Utah
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Wellers Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$405.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | This bike is light enough to climb any hill and has good enough suspension to scream down the other side | | Weaknesses: | Bottom Braket makes noises | | Similar Products Used: | Trek y-33 | | Bike Setup: | Sherman firefly front shock, Mavic wheels, stylo team sl crank, FSA pro headset and bottom bracket, Thompson elite seat post, WTB Laser saddle and shimano xt components | | Bottom Line: | This bike totally rocks. I can keep up with the downhill bikes and I can climb with the cross country bikes. I love the 5" front and back suspension and the way my bike is set up. I would recommend the Sherman firelfy to anyone with a liquid that wants a upgrade from theur Physlo, it is a major improvement. I built this frame up from scratch and I love the way it handles. Overall awesome bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas, Nevada
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | cottonwood trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shop | | Strengths: | The adjustable geometry/Travel is nice. If you keep a good amount of pressure in the rear shock (about equal to your weight) you don't get much in the way of pedal bob. | | Weaknesses: | Brake fade on the rear brake is pretty bad. Front fork is too soft for a rider of average weight. I weigh 170 and bottom out. Currently getting that remedied with a stiffer coil. A lot of ghost shifting at first, but the 30 day tune up has taken care of that. The low bottom bracket is a bit of a pain on technical rocky stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for some wellgo m3 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This is a wonderful ride. Albeit heavy and with a more free ride geometry, this bike handles cross country epic rides gracefully and will only make you stronger. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
L. Hamlin
a Weekend Warrior
from OKC, Ok.
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Any/All | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Pro Bike 63rd & Macarthur | | Strengths: | Does it all, can be adjusted to suit any rider or ride with realitive ease. | | Weaknesses: | Very sensitive set up required on shifters (rear) and I have some problems with the adjustment with the brake levers. They simply will not stay put, maybe some loc-tight would fix this but the lever appears to need lots of adjustment as altitude, and temperatures change. | | Similar Products Used: | None, tested a Klien Palamino, and a fuel. | | Bike Setup: | Changed only the shifters, don't know why but I like the grip shift best. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line for me was value, not cheap, I mean if I had to spend more for what I wanted or to get the job done I would have, however I just didn't think it was neccessary, and proved not to be.
You can ride flat trails with your crew on this bike, then load up and ride Monarch Pass, it is that diverse. Is it heavy...yes, but not so much that it hinders, if your fitness is not suspect.
Another plus is you will learn to adjust brakes, and shifters if you ride often and hard, I'm considering replacing the fluid in the Haynes brake system with some performance fluid I use in my Moto Crosses, hopefully that will help with the (heavy) fade.
Oh, and that nasty, bothersome noise you will sware is the forks, well its the seat post.
Oh, (again) why would anyone build a 21.5" bike, then equip it with a set of forks that are sprung for a 130 pounder?
At 185 the heavy hitter (black) in this fork is barely enough. Lastly, what you save on the bike can be spent on beer, and road trips. (*yes, I am a huge advocate of the designated driver!!!) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh Brown
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Wasatch Crest Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Canyon Bicycles | | Strengths: | Travel for the $$ is excellent. Agree that the front Pyslo shock needs stiffer spring. Only $20 to upgrade. Road the Bobsled trail in Salt Lake avenues. Was impressed with the realitive ease in climbing. Downhill portion of the boblsed is technical with a few rocky areas. Best control I've had to date on this trail versus last bike. Easy to hop over virtually anything in reason on the trail. Love the Hayes disk brakes. Everyone should own disk brakes. All in all great deal for the money. | | Weaknesses: | Every bike has problems. Think too many people on this site forget that we're beating the crap out of these bikes. If you don't think cables are going to loosen, parts will squeak, rims will bend, and bodies will break, THEN your NOT riding hard enough. I say live it up and for $1500 you can afford to buy another bike a few years down the line. | | Similar Products Used: | K2 900 full suspension, Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Standard with stiffer spring on order. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. If your into lightweight XC bikes than this Freedride bike is not for you. However, if you like XC with a focus on the technical downhills, this is a great bike. Since I've bought it (2/04) I've beat the crap out of it. No squeaks, problems or whining. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff H
a Cross Country Rider
from NW IL
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Adjustable travel. Rear suspension soaks up big stuff. | | Weaknesses: | Weak fork spring. Not enough ground clearance. Bontrager Crank. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 90. | | Bike Setup: | Ex firm fork spring. | | Bottom Line: | Great all round bike. Don't buy it if you intend to race it. You can crank the fork down to climb and back out for the decent. I wish it had a half inch less travel in the rear and a half inch more ground clearance. No large size bike chould have fork a spring for a 130 lb rider. Bontrager stuff is what you get at this price point. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff bell
a Cross Country Rider
from mcdonough
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | yellow river | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | bike center | | Strengths: | adjustable suspension,disc brakes,frame geometry | | Weaknesses: | Lx shifters had to go becuase they are only indexed when down shifting,brake levers clatter going down hill,rear hub makes a clicking noise when torquing down on pedals ,brake pads squeak,stock pedals,and some serious cable stretch had to get them adjusted 5 times (I think it may be the cable routing) and it seems a little heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | gt timberline,gary fisher mamba,trek 6500 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for xtr shifters,upgraded bottom bracket, tubeless tires and some descent pedals. | | Bottom Line: | With the exception of the weaknesses I listed above I have really enjoyed riding the bike.This is my first full suspension bike and WOW what a difference it is from my hardtail.I got tired of my eyeballs shaking out of my head going down hill.It actually climbs well with very little pedal bob.I ride with the suspension maxed out and I have climbed some very technical hills with no problem and drop offs are a breeze ,of course I only weigh 150 pounds so the bike doesnt have to work very hard to support me.I recommend this bike to any cross country rider that doesnt plan on racing it and has the money to buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Olympia 888
a Weekend Warrior
from Oly
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Capitol Forest, WA | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1349.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Value, KILLER all around trail bike | | Weaknesses: | Lateral flex in seat stays | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Specialized FSR, Pro Flex | | Bike Setup: | Not stock. The only thing stock now is wheels and frame...Hayes old school, PSYLO SL, Easton bars, Thomson stem, Kenda/WTB tubeless tires and more | | Bottom Line: | Great trailbike. Reasonable XC weight. Psylo SL upgrade, good trail fork, had to rebuild it once, but great now. Pedals very efficiently for 5" of travel. The "one bike quiver". I'm very happy with mine. There is noticeable lateral flex in the seat stays when going fast down gravel roads (very squirly), but just fine at 30 MPH on single track. Killer value, bottom line. (Ignore the spelling mistakes). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shigeo Uno
a
from Yokohama, Japan
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Karuizawa, Japan | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Greggs cycle Seattle | | Strengths: | Great suspension for downhill. The rear shock is really nice to be adjustable when you want to take the offroads where you expect all kinds of road condition. | | Weaknesses: | This bike a bit heavy for me. Difficult to carry. There is hardly no place to hold firmly. The front fork is difficult to change the travel. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyl, Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great if you want to go offroad especially downhill. The suspension really absorbs the shocks!
It might be better if you change the front fork but other than that it is really great! The bike was a great deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Brodsky
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, Ca
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | nobel canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | mission cyclerly | | Strengths: | The bike has a great ride over all, the breaks were great at first and the rear shock is amazing. | | Weaknesses: | well it is getting worst every ride now. first the ghost shifting, but that was fixed with adjustment, then the brakes were messed up because the factory blead them the wrong way, and now the front shock is messed up. I have bought the bigger spring so I am really pissed. | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | stock except for bigger front spring. | | Bottom Line: | Its a great bike that I wish Trek would have spent a little more time and money to make more effecient. I would deffinatly test it before you get it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nik
a Weekend Warrior
from Iron Mountain, MI
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Mortl's Sports Center | | Strengths: | The adjustable Fox shock with the changing geometry is a dream. Rather light bike for a full suspension. The tires are great for the terrian I ride on. The Hayes hydraulic disc brakes are the best I've had yet. | | Weaknesses: | The Psylo shock sucks. After the first hour of riding the U-Turn was stripped (I only adjusted it twice) and needed to be replaced. The spring inside is too light and it feels like you're going to bottom out every time you hit a drop. Not much clearance with the crankset. The rear derailleur is hard to adjust because of the changing geometry I believe. It's very touchy to get it to run smoothly in every gear. A little chain suck in the first two weeks, but nothing since. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing comparable. | | Bike Setup: | Stock so far. | | Bottom Line: | If you want to go big without spending $3000 get this bike. I will never go back to a hardtail and if i ever get another full suspension it will be an updated liquid. When you get this bike going 20+ mph on a downhill you don't feel a thing. I thought the adjustable travel and changing geometry was a gimmick, but this bike can climb hills if you have the strength to keep up with it. I took this bike to college with me where we have a lot more diverse terrian to ride and it has handled it all. Just drop the suspension down and you can ride logs, bridges, and anything else with ease. Bring it back up and you can ride technical single track and barely feel a thing.
In case anyone is having problems they can't solve, here is what I found out about the bike so far. The creaking noise comes from the seatpost. The clanking noise in the rear hub which sounds like a little rock or spoke nipple is actually a piece of metal and it is a manufacturer's defect. I got a brand new hub two weeks ago.
I give this bike a value rating of 4 only because the front fork could be better, but overall this bike rocks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County Ca.
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Jax | | Strengths: | with the right fork it tracks well, sucks up bumps decent, climbs adequatiquatically | | Weaknesses: | Psylo is a total piece, tires are a little unpredictable, seat post is way too long (had to cut it damn near in half to get it low enough for downhills) | | Similar Products Used: | Moab | | Bike Setup: | Easton bars, Mallet C's | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden it on some nice single track, through some healthy rock gardens, and climbed it up a few nasty's. it shifted nice, and the rear shock did it's job with no complaints
The forks however, really screw up an otherwise nice package. My first ride, they'd deflect over anything remotely square-edged, and the front would wonder around. My second ride the forks would sag way too much, the pedal bob was constant, and the rebound damping no longer worked. Took it back to Jax, and found that both the rebound and compression circuits were hosed. They sold me a nice Manitou Super,which really transformed the bike (tracked great, sucked up braking bumps, and the lockout made climbing a lot easier). Only problem was they sold it to me for almost $200 more than Supergo and Performance list it . Jax has a "price protection" policy, but they couldn't(wouldn't) honor it, so they got back a " broke in" set of Manitou Supers. I'll probably go with the '04 Super because it has external compression added- but I won't go back to Jax. Anyway, I know what a decent set of forks do for the bike, so I'm pleased with the liquid | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rob chisholm
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Bottom Line: | Wanted to add an update. It is now the rainy season in the great NW. Had the opportunity to ride the Liquid in wet, sloppy weather yesterday for the first time. So far, I had been using the liquid at 5 inches of travel front and back. Yesterday, in the supper-slippery mud and clay, I really appreciated the adjustability of the suspension. Setting the rear suspension at 4 inches and the front at 3.5 made for a more nimble/agile bike. This made riding in the muck much more enjoyable. I thought, when I first got the bike, that the adjustable suspension was just a gimmick; I felt I would just keep it at full travel. But now I see a big benefit to turning down the travel --> a geometry change that facilitates riding the tricky stuff. You actually feel like you own two bikes: One for bigger/faster riding, where relaxed geometry and plush suspension is a must, and one for technical xc, with a more aggressive feel and quick handling. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | see below | | Weaknesses: | see comments below | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Kona Dawg | | Bike Setup: | stock frame. Changed fork to Manitou Sherman Flick, changed wheelset to Mavic D-something, Continental tires. Changed Shimano to Time Z pedals | | Bottom Line: | My review is mainly of the frame design since I swaped out a lot of parts when I got the bike (that's also why I didn't list the price, since it doesn't really apply).
Overall, this bike rocks! They really did name it correctly; going down ugly stuff it flows... Like everyone else says when they get on a bike with more suspension, control on downhills improves, comfort improves, speed improves, confidence improves. I'm also giddy to be able to do the drops that I thought would break my previous bike. I've ridden this bike for 3-4 hour rides over rough stuff and come out smiling. I've also had fun on the light free-riding I've had the guts to try, and the bike has felt totally solid.
Downsides I can find are only a couple: the rocker suspension in the back doesn't lock out pedal input the way Giant's NRS design does, and when I rise out of the saddle to climb, the rear end really sucks up the energy. Rear end bob is the main reason I avoided the Giant VT (I love Giant's bikes) but it looks like I ended up with the same problem on this bike. Trek has it right for '04 with SPV shocks/forks, and I think this bad tendency of the bike will vanish (it looks like the Liquid 10 won't get the SPV shock, so if you're looking to buy, save the extra cash to buy a higher-end model in '04)
Another bad habit (depending on point of view)is that the center of gravity sits a little far back, making the front wheel want to float when I climb steep stuff. that makes me get out of the saddle, leading to the prior problem. However, the other point of view is the rear-placed center of gravity makes me less likely to die by pitching over the handlebars when I'm heading back down the hill. That works for me.
The final bad habit I've found is that the transmission system does worse in mud than others I've ridden. I don't understand why since the components are the same as on other bikes I've ridden, but ghost shifting becomes the norm on a muddy ride.
Overall, if I had the same bike with an SPV shock in back, I'd be a totally happy clam. Maybe I should've waited till the '04s hit the store... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rob
a Cross Country Rider
from portland, or, usa
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | private | | Strengths: | Well thought-out design. Plush rear suspension. Good brakes/shifters/deraillers/cranks. Ok post/seat. | | Weaknesses: | Psylo XC is so-so. Bike is a bit on the portly side. Pedals are horrible. Bontrager handlebar is weak. Wheelset is heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | SC Heckler, Klein Palamino, SC Blur, Specialized Enduro, Cannondale Jekyl. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except I changed the crappy pedals to my Cany SL's and Swapped the Bontrager handlebar and grips for a titec hellbent and my salsa grips. | | Bottom Line: | I really like this bike. It is a bit heavy, but pedals quite easily. Strong climber, excellent in the singletrack and on descents. I wouldn't want to pay retail for this bike, as it is pretty close in price to a new Heckler, which I feel is in the same class but a slightly better bike as it is spec'd better and comes stock with a fox vanilla, a superior fork. But, for the price I paid ($1100) you really can't ask for a better bike. I am going to go to a heavier spring in my Psylo and see if it makes a difference. This is what I'd have to call a trail bike, definitely not an xc racer and not a freeride. This, the Heckler and other bikes, like the Jamis XLT, fit a niche for cyclists out to have a lot of fun. I recommend this bike, especially if you can get it at a good price. Next year's version comes with Manitou shocks front and back and should be lighter. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett Wu
a Cross Country Rider
from Hastings, NY, Westchester
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Tarrytown Cycles | | Strengths: | Increbibly well-matched parts spec combined with a confident and versatile ride. Nice looks and a revolutionary rear suspension set up.
| | Weaknesses: | This is a pretty noisy bike, there are a couple of things that just inherently sound funny. I have been able to fix most of them by going over the whole thing and addressing each problem.
Some funny business with the Hayes Disc brakes, like rattling levers and two trips to the bike shop due to leaks of hydraulic fluid. | | Similar Products Used: | First full-suspension | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | The fact of the matter is that this bike is exactly what it is advertised to be: a tougher X-Country bike. As mentioned earlier, the parts are very well matched, and when they are in working order, they downright perform. I had a real hard time choosing a new bike, I was initially looking at Trek Fuels and Giant NRS makes, but stumbled upon this bike almost by accident. Due to the fact that I can be pretty abusive on a bike, I figured I didn't want to have to worry about broken frames etc. The bike itself is no featherwieght, but truth to be told, it isn't that heavy. In fact, for its type, the Liquid is actually very light. However, what truly makes this bike shine is its extreme versatility. The suspension can work wonders when used properly, and its pretty neat flipping switches to customize your ride. My only real hang up are the disc brakes, they leaked twice and now I am little dubious about them... anyway, anyone who is in the market for a tough bike which could really take you anywhere should consider a Liquid. The bike isn't designed to be a racer, but heck, I suppose you could race it, I've competed with some pretty dubious bikes in the past. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Casino
a Downhiller
from Aberystwyth
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Coed-y-brenin Redbull/mbr | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Summit Cycles | | Strengths: | Fantastic Suspension Set-up and Geometry | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager Cranks | | Similar Products Used: | Orange Sub5, Gt-i-drive, Gary Fisher Sugar | | Bike Setup: | Easton EA70 bars, XTR gear set-up, dmr v12 pedals, raceface prodigy xc cranks | | Bottom Line: | THis bike is fantastic. Anything you may hear about it being weak is rubbish. I have a dh8 equipped with monster t's and fox vanilla rc and when it comes to riding trails (not jumping etc) the trek wins hands down. You have total control over the bike and the first thing that strikes you during the ride is how smooth it is. Spend a a couple of hundred quid getting new cranks, tyres and upgrading the shifting and you have a more than capable race-entry bike. I have never had so much fun and the five years it took trek to research and build this bike shows in its quality build. It is more than capable of riding any UK downhill trail! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon Faircloth
a Weekend Warrior
from Rossendale, Lancs, UK
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Coed y Brenin | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Mike Cookson Cycles | | Strengths: | Fantastic geometry (and adjustable), well matched shock and forks, great anchors, killer looks, jaw-droping ride. | | Weaknesses: | Some of the Bontrager stuff is pretty naff - bars, stem and post got replaced pretty quickly, along with the bargain bucket SPDs. And boy is this bike noisy! | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Kikapu, Trek Fuel 90, Specialized Enduro. | | Bike Setup: | Stock other than Time ATAC pedals, Easton EA70 bars and stem and EC70 post. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full susser, so yeah, I accept I haven't a massive frame of reference. But I took my time, read the reviews and tried a couple of others before settling on the Liquid. So far so good.
The gripes first: the SPD's were off within a few minutes of getting it home and replaced with trusty Time's. Bars and stem were way too short/steep (although I am 6'4 with arms like a gibbon) and I needed some layback on the post, so these were the next things to go. Also, the rattles are rather disconcerting - Hayes obviously haven't sorted the clattering levers on their HFX-9s and why the chain has to slam so hard on the stay is anyone's guess (Lizard Skin an essential). And I've just developed a really annoying clicking which seems to be coming from one of the Bonti cranks...
But these are all pretty minor and easily resolved. Once the bike was set-up right: oh...my...god! this bike is so good it's almost surreal. A ride that can only be described as inspirational, my riding's come on in leaps and bounds (literally!) since getting this bike and putting 200 miles on the clock. Like the blurb goes, it really is an 'all-mountain' machine, you can throw it across any terrain and it'll just soak it up and spit it out the back with contempt. I was going to go for a shorter travel, lighter bike but I'm so glad I didn't now - my reservations about the weight of the Liquid on the climbs just haven't been justified and the bike's behaviour on the descents more than makes up for it anyway. And those brakes are phenomenal (especially coming from Vs on my last bike). Okay, it's not perfect, but it's close. And those looks *sigh*. Sure, the reviews say the Enduro's the one to get, but it's just so damn ugly! Tab that, get the Liquid and fall in luuuurve!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Teach
a Cross Country Rider
from Spokane, WA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Nine Mile | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheel Transit | | Strengths: | Clean design, efficient, burly. | | Weaknesses: | Painted not powdercoated. Not as easy to throw over my shoulder as my old hardtail. | | Similar Products Used: | Demoed a Klein Palomino, a Sugar 2+, Titus LocoMoto | | Bike Setup: | Slapped on a King headset and had the xtra-stiff spring installed on the Psylo, otherwise stock. | | Bottom Line: | This is the first f/s bike I've had to call my own and I'm glad I waited. Aside from my dealer stoking me on the price, this bike just flat out mows. Sure its five pounds heavier than my steel hardtail, but the capabilities of this machine are worth it all. I've only really noticed the extra heft when I've had to hike-a-bike.
What's to like? It's stable at speed, carves singletrack with authority, loves getting airborne, and even climbs well as long as you stay seated (which is how I climb these days, so all's well). Of course, being new, you'd expect the various parts to all operate well, which they do, so no complaints there. Haven't had to do anything except minor adjustments to compensate for cable stretching and getting the cockpit dialed. The Hayes discs stop with plenty of power under all conditions, although when the rotors are wet they squeal like the proverbial stuck pig, which kinda harshes the stealth factor. The TALAS shock has been flawless, adjustability done with the flip of a lever (and a small flip at that). It does have a tendency to lose pressure so that needs checking every ride.
The Psylo has been both surprising and disappointing. Surprising cause its easy to adjust and seems to be holding up well. Disappointing cause here I am, buying a 19.5" bike, and yet they seem to think the rider is going to weigh in at 150 pounds? GET REAL! So now I've got to drop extra coin for a new spring cause they can't seem to make the connection between "bigger bike, bigger rider"? FAUGH! I got your stock spring right here, buddy! Plus now, since the transplant, my U-Turn doesn't go all the way out to 125mm. Hmmm...something for the shop to chew on.
So I'd say this is a bike for anyone who wants to go out and ride anything and everything. It's not the lightest or heaviest, nor the fastest or slowest, nor the best or the worst. Its a mountain bike. It works under all conditions. So far we've ridden fire roads, double track, singletrack, and "can't see it for all the shrubbery" track. Seated climbs that have gone for miles. Gnarly, wet, stick and root strewn primitive singletrack. All day epics. Two hour spins on the local x/c trails at speed. Its seen a lot and handled it all. Get over it.
Overall, very happy so far. Four flamin' malumbas cause dammit, 5 would mean its perfect, and I've got standards to maintain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JimmyD
a Weekend Warrior
from Bedminster, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hartshorn Woods, Middletown NJ | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | James Vincent Bicycles | | Strengths: | The frame is stiff along with the wheelset. Now, I understand what they mean by a stiff wheelset and frame. | | Weaknesses: | oh god, the front fork has been a painful. The u-turn worked once and hopefully will be replaced. The fork also "tops-out". A nice hearty clank is heard after it springs back up. The front fork "bobs" when standing to climb. The bottom bracket height can be low once set on the lowest rear suspension travel. Very easy to get hung up on a log, who isn't skilled enough to hop over it. The bottom braket area was making horrible creakin' noises after a fall (wonder if that had something to do with it). And also the tires are horrible, ya think all the money you are paying for the bike, they hook ya up with tubeless tires or something that hooks up better in the dirt! | | Similar Products Used: | I had a Giant Iguana for 6 yrs, I broke the bottom bracket/frame section. Not bad for only weighting 125 lbs! And I just recently retired the Klein Mantra Comp. I had it also for 6 yrs. I bent the rear frame. 6 is the magic number! | | Bike Setup: | Stocked except for Time ATAC pedals, Chris King headset and odi lock on grips. | | Bottom Line: | I would give it 5 chilis if the fork worked properly. It's a great all around mountain bike. The back end feels fat but is light and nible on the trail. I had it for 2 weeks now, gotta switch the tires out but otherwise a great bike with adjustable travel, great to upgrade from. It's a blast to ride it, it makes me feel like a much better rider than what I am, which can be scary at times. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve-O 311
a Weekend Warrior
from OC
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Werks | | Strengths: | fox float is great with the adjustable travel. Brakes work great so far. Very smooth on the bumps. | | Weaknesses: | Derailleurs need a lot of adjusting. Pretty noisy bike over all, the psylos make weird noises when they rebound, almost like they are bottoming out. Thats all I see so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 2+, trek fuel, Giant AC Air | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. Does evrything smoothly. Could climb a little better but hey. Takes alot of ajusting, but when its in its prime its awsome. A little pricy but i got a fairly good deal and it was well worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob T
a Cross Country Rider
from Alexandria, VA USA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Various Stuff | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Another review of my Liquid. The long and short of it is that I've had a lot of fun on my Liquid, and most of my previous review (somewhere below) stands. The rear suspension is great, the bike is durable (even after incredible crashes!) It is leaps and bounds more capable than my previous hardtail, and that is the best part. | | Weaknesses: | Ok, I had this creaking in my Liquid that was driving me crazy, I orignially thought it was my cranks/bottom bracket, but I had them re-greased, and that didn't solve the problem, then I thought it was the main pivot, but again no. So I found an obscure news group post that said to remove the seat post and lube an inner-structural tube, *inside* the seat tube near the upper piviot mount. Sure enough that was the problem! VERY ANNOYING! and difficut to diagnose. I hope that helps someone else here. I think this problem is also on other Treks. Otherwise on the liquid, I still dislike the front fork (Psylo XC), the stock tires blow, but everything else is pretty nifty. | | Similar Products Used: | see previous under 'Rob' | | Bike Setup: | see previous under 'Rob' | | Bottom Line: | A ton of fun for those who like to push the limits. Buy one! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Aurora, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Village Bikes | | Strengths: | I liked the way the bike handled on all ascent . The Fox Talas R provide a smooth ride in the rear. The Deore LX shifters had a nice feel to them and the frame set up is a plus.
| | Weaknesses: | Had a hard time adjusting the HFX-9 rear brake set (brake still grabs in the back). The Rockshox Psylo XC has a poor rebound on the trail…feels like you are going to bottom out.
| | Bottom Line: | Having ridden a hardtail all summer and jumping gears and moving to a full suspension, my eyes have been opened. This bike is fun to ride and has great components ( except for the front shock). Any weekend warrior would love to ride this bike. The Trek Liquid 20 handles the ascents and descents like a true champion.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Durango, Colorado
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Hassle Free | | Strengths: | I've have been into bikes for 15 years. Raced hardtails and a Schwinn Homegrown FS and would take the Liquid over any bike I have ridden. It makes me feel 25 again. | | Weaknesses: | LIMITED PEDAL CLEARANCE, STIFFER spring in Pslyo, THATS IT; GREAT BIKE | | Similar Products Used: | Tested everything under $3,000 | | Bike Setup: | so far.. stock | | Bottom Line: | Unbelievable, compared to a 95 Homegrown FS | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tack
a
from Clarksville, TN
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Upper South Yubba Nevada City Area | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | Solid frame at 21.5in | | Weaknesses: | Crankset...shame on you Mr. Bontrager. You make good stuff, but those cranks suck. Soft Spring in front fork. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper oldschool and Stumpjumber | | Bike Setup: | XT drive train, X-stiff spring front shock, SRAM PC69 chain, Thomson setback seatpost, Mutanoraptor WTB Tires, and Kenda Cross Tires for road riding. | | Bottom Line: | KICK ASS!!! The weekend warrior or talented rider looking to spend a couple thousand will dig this bike. Some may wish to swap out the front shock or put a stiffer spring in and swap the stock crankset. This bike comes alive at 25MPH+ on dirt. Wicked fast and smooth! Its not a free ride bike but will take big drops (5ft and under) w/ good transitions. Has a good ride on the road if need be. It eats stairs for breakfest, lunch and dinner. I give it a B on climbing just for bobbing. Get bigger legs and you wont even notice it. If your a big guy and looking for a new friend to hang with. Get the Liquid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jarrod
a
from Va
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pandapas | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Spokes Etc | | Strengths: | Great handling and riding bike. Everything about this bike kicks ass | | Weaknesses: | Havent found one yet. I was skeptical about all the bontrager stuff but they work great | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Heckler, Specialized Enduro, Giant VT | | Bike Setup: | Box Stock | | Bottom Line: | F'in great bike. Itll take anything you throw at it. Very strong and rigid and a great buy. You get a lot for your money with this bike and it is worth it all | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett
a
from PA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | The back end of the bike is amazingly stiff, the ride is plush and the adjustability is a great perk. If you know you have a long climb ahead, dropping the rear to 3 1/2" and dialing the front down the whole way makes a big difference. Otherwise the bike rides great in "full-travel" front and rear modes. The brakes work great, the bike handles smooth and the weight has not been an issue for me. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, wheelset (something a bit burlier might be more suited for the terrain the bike can handle)and a few small annoyances that aren't significant emough to mention | | Similar Products Used: | Didn't really try many other bikes, kind of had my mind made up when I heard this bike was in development but have spent time messing around on Cannondale Jekyl, Santa Cruz Bullet and Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Switched the pedals to Shimano SPD/Platform set-up, had to replace the backwheel but stock other than that to this point | | Bottom Line: | Coming from a hardtail, this bike has improved my riding 10-fold (I am sure the switch to full-suspension had something to do with it) I have had a solid 3 months of riding, including a Moab/Fruita trip, to develop a solid opinion of this bike and I absolutely love it. It gives you the freedom to dable in the freeride/downhill domain while still providing you with an all-around versatile trail bike. The change in geometry when dialed all the way down front and back is noticeable, esp. in particularly steep climbs but this bike is most fun when fully-suspended front and rear. I'd would advise anyone looking for a solid, fun, reliable all-around trail bike to consider this rig. If you want a race-ready full suspension bike look elsewhere. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington State
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1999.00 | | Purchased At: | Rainier Cycles | | Strengths: | The Liuid 20 is a very durable, good looking, take you anywhere type of rig. I have been very happy with it in the short 2 weeks I have owned it so far. It has taken all the abuse I have given it and the fork travel is nice and plush. The rear Talas adjustability isn't necessary (for me) in fact I don't feel a difference regardless of the setting. The front shock has also performed excellent. You can crank it up to bomb downhill or lower it down to give a faster, racier, more turn friendly stance. Although, it does seem to corner nicer then excpected at any setting. | | Weaknesses: | The weeknesses are in the small details for example the 515 pedals got to go, and why on earth you would sell a tubless rim setup with standard tube tires is beyond me. The Liquid is a tad heavy but its to be expected. Some people may not like all the Bontrager parts but to each their own. | | Similar Products Used: | Looked at the Fuel, this bike, and also '02 Klein Adept (which rode much like a hardtail and was very nice but just didnt feel like you could beat it up enough) | | Bike Setup: | Completely stock--for now. New pedals, seat, post, and TUBLESS TIRES in the close future. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is the Liquid is an excellent choice for the "all-mountain" enthusiast who wants a strong sturdy well built, mostly well spec'd bike. The adjustability will be a bonus for some and just added weight for others. This is also a great rig for bigger riders. It is rock solid and isn't designed just for the 150lb racer types like some bikes. I look forward to riding the heck out of this thing and will give an update after I get some more time on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shark
a Weekend Warrior
from Indy
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Nebo Ridge , IN | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Gilles Fitness | | Strengths: | This bike handles everything you'd want to throw at it.
Dropping the suspension, the bike is fairly efficient (other then being a bit heavy but hey), then cranked up, you can downhill & not worry about what path you take. Brakes are absolutely amazing. | | Weaknesses: | Should have come with tubless tires since the rims are....
Tires not the best for lateral grip (slide easily on loose stuff) | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Dog Deelux, Specialized Big Hit Expert | | Bike Setup: | Stock except sun flat pedals | | Bottom Line: | If I had to do it again, I'd buy this one the first day instead of looking around for a week. I love this bike,
& have a feeling it's gonna be staying with me for a long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alexander Pelzer
a Weekend Warrior
from Sambeek, Netherlands
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Niederkaiser in Austria | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Frans Thijs | | Strengths: | The driveability of the bike is perfect. In the 3 months I own the bike I didn´t fall. How I drive my bikes that says a lot. | | Weaknesses: | Tires are designed for semi wet conditions. When it´s dry better change them for conti´s vertical pro´s (tested works perfect) the trailbear´s will start sliding a lot. | | Similar Products Used: | Proflex reptile, ghost XM5700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for the pedal and headset. Changed the pedals for Time atac´s. Headset replaced for a cane creek. The aheadset only held for 3 months. | | Bottom Line: | The first month the feedback of the bike was: sissy go faster! On my Proflex I had to make sure that I took the perfect line in a downhill, otherwise it was damage control time. On this bike it doesn´t matter what line you take, it eats everything you put in front of it.
The only problem are the tires. But I start to get used to them. When you know they are going to slide (god sake they give good feedback when they start to slide) just use it and drift through the corner. Try it, it´s fun! And that´s the bottom line for this bike: FUN!! Isn´t that why we bike? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Alexandria, VA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Spokes Etc. | | Strengths: | Completely solid during fast decents due to Hayes discs and TALAS adjustability. Competent climber. Ruggedness. This bike lets you charge ahead with confidence, especially on new trails! | | Weaknesses: | Psylo fork, I might get some disagreement here but the 'Adjustability' of the Psylo is not real adjustablity in my book. The spring-rate decreases as the travel increases, so you get the same 'shock absorbtion' regardless of the travel. The geometry change when you got to 125MM also isn't good during technical decents. Having ridden this fork for a bit, I would prefer an air adjustable shock for this bike. Also the bike ships with tubeless wheels, but not tubeless tires, this might make sense on anything other than this near top of the line model. | | Bike Setup: | Swapped out the pedals at purchase for Time ATAC's, ended up ditching the saddle later because it was so bad. Other than that the bike is stock. | | Bottom Line: | Let me first say that I love this bike. It is a blast to ride, which is why you buy a bike in the first place, right? Anyways, I have been riding for 2 months now, and think I can now give a balanced review. Previously, I had a very light hardtail (Schwinn Homegrown), and I wanted an all mountain bike. Looked at the Specialized Enduro series and the Liquids. Unfortunately I live in Northern Virginia, and none of the local bike shops stock all-mountain bikes, only pure cross-country (lots of epics and fuels). Had to special order the Liquid. I could have kept ordering (the enduro was my second choice) but after testing the Liquid I decided to take the plunge.
The first few times I rode the bike on trail, it felt way different, not necessarily in a good way. It felt sluggish when turning, but I found later that that was just a question of proper adjustment of the suspension and keeping the fork travel low, to prevent that jalopy-feel. It also is significantly heavier, which before my purchase I didn’t really think would make that big of a difference, but you can feel the difference. Keep in mind that this was my first full suspension bike and my first with discs. It still feels tall to me in the front, but I have gotten more used to it. Cranked down, the bike is very nimble (though still not as nimble as my hardtail) and opened up (full 5” on the rear) the bike will go 40 mph down fire roads and be absolutely stable, buttery smooth. The bike is also an excellent cross-country ride, IMO the weight of the bike is not a liability for cross country, especially since the comfort factor is so much greater than a hardtail. In the end, the best thing about the bike is that you know that there is nothing you can’t handle, you can always take the drops, and you can always stop no matter the conditions. If you want a bike that can do anything, and go anywhere with confidence, this is your ride. If you only ride on race day, look for something lighter. Bottom line… the bike is great fun any place you want to go.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from America
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Plush like a Laz-z-boy recliner. Absorbs big hits with ease. | | Weaknesses: | Non for what this bike is intended to be used for. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | As a bike mechanic I get to ride demo bikes after I build them, perk of the job. This bike is very plush. Fun to ride downhill, not intended as a hill climber and I like to climb, but I don't hold that against the bike. If you live to go downhill, this bike is what you are looking for and to disco's will stop you at the bottom. I give this bike an excellent, does what it is intended to do very well, may not climb fast, but you'll pass em' on the downhill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sparky
a Weekend Warrior
from ABQ, NM
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Otero | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | ABC | | Strengths: | Suspension, Geometry | | Weaknesses: | tires, pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyll 800, Jamis Dakar XLT 2.0, Specialized Enduro Expert, Giant VT 2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, cept the pedals N tires | | Bottom Line: | Butter. You just gotta test one out and take a couple of drops on it...you'll see what I mean. The big thing I didn't like was that I kept skidding on tight turns with these tires, I think the lateral grip kinda sucks on the tires. Pedals had to go. This bike is great...I was going to buy the Specialized, but after testing them out side-by-side, the Trek felt way more solid and begged to be ridden. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Webster
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1.00 | | Bottom Line: | This is just a quick note on the "carbon fiber tubes". They arn't actually carbon fibre, but a mix of both carbon and fiber glass. They are not replaceable but are covered under the lifetime warranty! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Janesville, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Michael's Cycles | | Strengths: | awesome suspention, great grip, great brakes, great everything. | | Weaknesses: | pricey but worth it | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike is one amazing step above my last bike. it grips better, brakes better, and its much better looking. there is nothing i don't like about this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage,Alaska
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Kincaid, PowerLine Pass | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2199.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | Psylo fork, Hayes Disk brakes, Fox rear shock, Love the tubeless wheels and IRC tires. | | Weaknesses: | The Bonty seat has to go and the stock pedals yuck!!
Need to get some Grip shift, I can't stand the rapid fire.
Kinda worried about the carbon fiber tubes in the back but so far so good. Are they replacable if they break? | | Similar Products Used: | I wouldn't call my DiamondBack V-Link 1.1 similar(nowhere near the caliber of the Liquid 20) but it's the closest thing I got. It's full suspension with a RS Judy Race 2001. With several other misc. components | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for M-646 pedal, a must have for any serious XC rider. | | Bottom Line: | So far I haven't been able to do any serious riding except for local trails, but so far it's impressed me with how smooth it handles the bumps althought with the Icy condition up here I'm still reluctant to get too much speed going. The adjustable travel on the bike is sweet!!! Although the one request I would have of the guys at RockShox is to have a lever ( kinda like the fox shock) to adjust the travel so you would have to U-Turn so much just to get to 125mm. But it's still nice. I can't wait to give this bike a real challenge.
I'd recommend this bike to anyone who wants a rugged and reliable XC bike and the extra travel will make sure you're able to handle should anything beyond XC pop-up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Varies | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Mt Washington Bike (Joe's Bike Shop) | | Strengths: | On my scale it weighs 31 pounds. On the lowest settings, it is a heavy duty XC Bike. Adjust the Psylo U-Turn for up to 5 inches and click the rear TALAS to 5" and you can bomb through rough terrain. I had a Fuel 98 before this and the Liquid 20 is heavier and goes more places. The Liquid is not a race bike, but is a genuine all-mountain type of ride. I really like the effortless way you can adjust the travel settings. Some of the places I ride require an XC type of ride and other places require more travel. I can dial in whatever I need on the trail, w/o tools. This bike is extremely well built and is comfortable to ride on those 2 hour+ outings. | | Weaknesses: | The more I ride it, the more I like it. I gave this some thought, there are no real weaknesses. Could be a little lighter (like 2 or 3 pounds) but then it wouldn't be as rugged. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 98, Fisher Tassajara | | Bike Setup: | Dumped the LX shifters and went to Grip Shifts, Sun Ringle Zu-Zu pedals, RaceFace Riser bar, Dragon Fly Saddle, WTB Laser Disc wheelset and WTB Mutano Raptor tire. Also run the stock Bontrager rims with Conti Tubeless Vert Pro based on where I am riding. | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden this bike for over three months. This has been a brutal winter in Maryland and I have ridden in snow, ice, frozen ground, asphalt and concrete. I have ridden through rock gardens, singletrack, fire roads et al. I really like the liquid 20. It has become my favorite bike. I have a road bike, a hybrid bike, a hard tail and this one. I find that I try to take the Liquid 20 whenever I ride (which is at least three times a week). If you need an all mountain, heavy duty mountain bike, I think you need to look at this bike very seriously. All I can say, is I really love my Trek! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Pros (Indiana) | | Strengths: | Frame is great....nothing unique really, almost mirrors and Ellsworth Truth/Id and many other more exotic brands, holds up to its claims...the travel adjust works like a champ...good parts mix too...as much as I swore I would NEVER use Bontrager stuff, I LOVE THE WHEELS.... | | Weaknesses: | Its not the lightest thing going....its somewhere right in the middle of a freeride/xc bike...although hell, that is a strength as well.... | | Bike Setup: | I actually changed quite a bit on mine....I'm a Sram guy so its XO all the way around....I upgraded the brakes to Hayes HFX Mag (can't stand the non-removable clamp on the 9's)...slapped on some Michelin 2.5 tubeless...and, of course, bailed on the 515's and put on my trusty Time ATAC's, even with the 6lbs worth of freakn tire on mine, she still weighed in at 32lbs...not bad at all for what it is...you could EASLY put it under 27 if you wanted to... | | Bottom Line: | I really REALLY love this bike...I looked at EVERYTHING before picking up the Liquid...I think that for a person who really wants to do some xc local riding during the week and head up to some single track/light freeriding/exploring on the weekends could not pick a better bike...the frame has an extremely relaxed cockpit and the bike inspires confidence no matter what the condition....my only beef is what makes it so unique-the travel adjustments kick ass in ability but just doesn’t really need to be there, i.e. they could have ditched the TALAS and saved these beast's the 3lbs...but who is counting....I would recommend this bike to anyone who wants a trusty bike to do it all...in fact I will recommend the HELL out of the Liquid series all year, they really are great bikes... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david a
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | freewheel, exeter | | Strengths: | Sorted geometry
Great set of components
Hayes discs work out of the box
TALAS rear shock
RockShock Psylo XC U-Turn forks
not too heavy
good price | | Weaknesses: | a horrible Bontrager saddle, and maybe too many Bonty components, possibly the chainset | | Similar Products Used: | marin rock springs
gt zaskar | | Bottom Line: | Replacing my ageing Marin FRS, this bike is much more responsive to smaller bumps and copes better with the bigger hits. Generally the suspension feels much more under control.
The adjustable front and rear suspension, via the Fox TALAS rear shock and a RockShox Psylo XC fork up front, enable you to really tweak the bike to the type of riding you want to do, whether you are XC riding or bombing downhill. In short travel mode, lowering of the bottom bracket and steepening of the head angle makes for killer climbing, helped by the forks stiffening by 25% when in 80mm setting. A twist of the dials and you are in plush, long travel mode, carving up the twists and turns on your way to the bottom of the hill
The biggest difference i have hotice is the size/geometry set-up of the bike. I am able to flick this bike around with much more ease. Fast and flowing singletrack is now a dream, while the slower, more technical stuff is even more enjoyable on this bike. I'm 5"11', riding a 17.5" bike, with quite a lot of exposed seatpost. The larger bike was way too big for me, especially lon in the top tube
buy this bike now:) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Lexx's | | Strengths: | Variable travel, strong, great value for money, excellant mud clearance (this is important in the UK), little bob when climbing, hayes breaks (nice). | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager cranks, hmm, not convinced. No chainsuck yet but am sort of expecting as the cranks get a little more warn. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Gisher Sugar3+, assorted Marins. | | Bike Setup: | As it came. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. Very smooth. A lot of folks don't like the physlos' but I like them. U-turn feature is good so you can wind the travel in, dropping down the front for long steep climbs. The brakes a great, essential for UK winter riding.
Brill mud clearance.
I like this bike, looks great and rides well so far. Would recommend for a do anything bike, long rides or short blasts. Not convinced about the tyres, bit fat for UK winter but maybe okay for the mountains in the summer. But hey they are only tyres. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
klaus
a Cross Country Rider
from Coquitlam, BC. Canada
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Many. Woodlot, Seymor, Belecara, Bear Mountain. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2199.00 | | Purchased At: | Caps Coquitlam | | Strengths: | I am very happy with the ride and adjustability of this bike. The rear shock/suspension design climbs and road/trail rides great and adjusts to FR trail rides easily.
150 miles so far and everything works as it should.
Long wheelbase and a lot more weight on the rear than my old hard tail has changed my riding for the better and seems to corner faster and more stable.
| | Weaknesses: | I am not a fan of the front fork so I changed it to a 2003 Marazochi FR. I am still unsure if I like the feel of my old Shimano XT discs better but I don't think the Hayes could be considered a weakness just different than I am used to. | | Similar Products Used: | 7200 miles on an old Trek 6500 hardtail.
Trek Fuel, Cove G-spot, Foes DHS tube, Norco Fluid.
| | Bike Setup: | 2003 Marazochi FR, M646 Pedals, Cygo light.
| | Bottom Line: | I have been a long time hard tail rider. I had been wanting a FUEL series bike for a few years. I rode some DH and Freeride bikes last year and liked the long travel but not the weight and geometry for long distances or climbing.
When this bike was introduced I tried it and was convinced that I could comfortably road ride or XC ride long distance and uphill on it.
I ride 22 miles to and from work once a week, and spend a lot of time riding up and down trails all over the lower mainland.
I would recomend this bike to those people who are aware of the idea of compromise. It is not a 25lb XC bike, nor a 45lb DH bike, but somewhere in the middle. Knowing this information I would recomend this bike to anyone looking for a great all around multi use bike. The suspension design climbs and road/trail rides great and adjusts easily to FR trail rides easily and everything works as it should so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jr pasion
a Weekend Warrior
from san diego
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | sweetwater reservoir trail, mission trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | killer paint job, killer hayes hydaulic disk, bontrager tube\tubeless rims, talas fox rear suspension, solid frame, irc trailbear tires, seat is pretty comfortable | | Weaknesses: | bontrager crankset (ok but not great), rock shox psylo (hate this fork way to soft, terrible bushings, u turn feature is cool though) | | Similar Products Used: | tested them all over six months of shoping, this bike fit my riding style the best | | Bike Setup: | stock except for easton EA50 stem, Monkey Lite low rise EC20, and EC70 post. | | Bottom Line: | this bike is a great ride the rear suspension is absolutely fantastic. the frame is a beast i don't think i could crack this thing if i tried. the wheelset is very solid and it comes with IRC Trailbears 2.25 a very good tire excellent traction on all surfaces. the front shock is not the best but compliments the 5 inches of rear travel very well ( i just dont like rock shox ) i plan on upgrading to a fox talas fork when i get some cash. the brakes, the brakes, the brakes I LOVE HAYES HYDRAULIC BRAKES they will not let you down. this bike rides great, very solid at higher speeds, i've done several 1-3 foot drops on this bike and it handled them great. i'm ables to dome some tighter single track with this bike although it is a bit heavy, but this is a great trail bike and can handle everything you can put in front of it. i dont know that the guy is talking about that gave the poor rating personally i dont think he even rode this bike, it doesn't come with a shimano drive train it comes with bonty crankset( although he said it did ). its also handles very good for a 30+ pound 5 inches of travel plush bike. its a do it all trail bike not a 3 inch 25 pound racer so you have to accept it can't be the best at everything but it is a solid performing bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mission Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek Store | | Strengths: | Great Suspension, Climbs well enough, Looks good. | | Weaknesses: | Brake levers vibrate. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, Demo'ed GT I-Drive, Giant AC Air | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | My 1st Full Suspension I've owned after riding a Hardtail for 4 yrs and I love it. I feel like I now glide over bumpy stuff which was punishing on my Hardtail. Drop offs much easier too. Wish I owned this long ago. Fun Bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Loch Raven | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Joe's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Classic TREK build quality - everything works like it is supposed to. This is my fourth TREK product, I feel they give you your money's worth. Also, Joe's Bike Shop (aka Mt. Washington Bike Shop)always does a good job on the initial build and rider setup. | | Weaknesses: | None, as yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Hardtail, Trek Fuel 98, Specialized Enduro Comp. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for WTB Mutano Raptor 2.4 55/55 tires. | | Bottom Line: | This is a heavy duty bike. I owned a Fuel 98 before this and since I don't race, I wanted a more All Mountain type of ride. On the Liquid 20, the TALAS rear shock and Psylo U-Turn features really let you dial in the bike for the type of riding you will be doing, front and rear. I like this bike a lot - it is fun to ride once you set it up correctly and it swallows big obstacles on the single track. This is not a North Shore Freerider which suits me fine, because I don't live on the North Shore. This bike carves, climbs and descends with authority. I find myslef smiling when I ride this bike. Plus, it bombs over stuff I would never even try on my old Fuel 98. This All Mountain style fits what I do to a tee. It is a good compromise between weight and ride and the Hayes hydraulic disc brakes are a real treat. No squeal, no drama just grab, squeeze and they stop the bike! I highly recommend the Liquid 20. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rockstar
a Weekend Warrior
from san diego, san francisco
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | skegs point, mission trails, skyline trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | mission cyclery | | Strengths: | solid frame, Fox talus rear suspension (4-5 inches of adjustable travel) hayes hydro disk brakes, some nice shimano components, bonty tube/tubeless rims, irc trailbear 2.25 tire (great tire) | | Weaknesses: | bonty crankset | | Similar Products Used: | tested- sugar 2+ (chain suck during test ride), klein palomino ( not rugged enough for a full fledged trail bike), Giant NRS1 ( not for me too race oriented), specialized fsr stumpjumper (nice) | | Bike Setup: | stock- except for easton EC70 lowrise bars, seatpost, | | Bottom Line: | this is a great TRAIL BIKE for the guys who like to do it all. those of you looking for a bike that corners like a hardtail, bombs like a downhill bike need not apply. this bike does everything good it is very stable and solid flying down the trails, it sucks up every bump, rock, stump, drop you can throw at it. it corners good, not as nible as a hardtail but what can you expect from 30 pound trail rig. it climbs suprisingly well, i climbed some killer hills and cleared them with minimal pedal enduced bob, the active suspension is great on technical rocky climbs, i dare to say i climbed those even better than on my hardtail, bottom line i really love to ride this bike and i recommend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Nybilliar
a Racer
from San Diego Ca. North Co.
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Harvy Moore Cuyamaca | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek Store | | Strengths: | It comes specked with a great fork and shimano drive train to match. I love the paint job and the lines of the bike, its the only thing making me forget how god awful it actually rides. | | Weaknesses: | Like I said it looks sweet but the rear suspension design rides like $hittt. Sorry boys send this one back to the drawing board. | | Similar Products Used: | Treks original 9500 full suspension cerca 92. Giant AC Air. Specialized Enduro. | | Bike Setup: | Stock other than a Rolls saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Hey Trek; maybe you should think about paying roylaties to someone who knows what rear suspension should be like. Don't get me wrong Trek dose make a couple nice bikes, in fact I ride a LeMond Maillot Jaune on the road, and its exquisite. Oh never mind they pay Greg royalties on that. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith Webster
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | palos(bullfrog lake area),peoria(jubilee state park,dirkshen),pisgah national forest N.C. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | versitility-the bikes suspension can change to the terrian you are riding, on the fly.
comes stock with a solid group of components-Hayes vented hydros, bonty tube/tubless wheelset | | Weaknesses: | the bike is very solid, it is what it is - a trail bike-
if you are looking for an XC racer or a bullit-proof freeride I dont think this bike is for you | | Similar Products Used: | Pantera Ventana, Ellsworth Isis , Santa Cruz Heckler , Kona Bear(Dawg) | | Bike Setup: | XL(21.5) frame, stock except for a titec laid back seatpost & a WTB speed V saddle | | Bottom Line: | I have had quite a summer with the boys up in Kalamazoo at Trek/Fisher. First off I am a big guy at 6'5 250lbs, I shopped around for a FS trail bike that would stand up to my size and aggressive/clumsy riding style. I bought a sugar+ in May. Since then I have broke 2 sugars, then Trek said I should try a Fuel, I then finished my summer season of riding with breaking 2 Fuels. I truly just wanted my money back, I figured on having to spend a couple grand on a more custom bike. Trek told me to give them one more try and sent my one of there first Liquids. I have rode it for about 50 miles and I must say that I am impressed. The bike is much beefier than the Fuel, and the TALAS rear shock is a marvel. The adjustability of the bike from 3 inchs front/rear to 4in, and then to 5 inchs and any combination of the two gives me more riding positions than I could ever want (but I'll take them). The bike handles well, although the psylo XC gets alittle sloppy in its 125mm setting. I have done most of my riding in the 4in/100mm setting, I think that is where the bike is at its best overall performance. If you are looking for a bike that can handle alittle bit of everything you should take a look at the liquid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie
a Racer
from Pittsburgh
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Cycle Works Of Monroeville | | Strengths: | Great all around dualie. The shock is really cool. | | Weaknesses: | Alot changes on this bike. Test all travel positions and be confident of the size you buy. *This is not a free-ride bike!* You want free ride Trek makes the Diesel FreeRide for that. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar Pluses (all) | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the crowed who goes out to the local trails and heads up to the mountain for some heavier riding. Gives a great ride for c.c. but changes to suit the more brutal niches. You can c.c. race this bike but if thats your plan from the get go... just get a fuel you'll be happier with that. Awsome bike though. Test one out when you get a chance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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