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Submitted by
Scott L
a Racer
from Harrisburg, PA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$290.00 | | Purchased At: | Holmes Cycles | | Strengths: | Good frame worthy of upgrades. The stock components were not terrible for XC either. I just killed the original deraileur in a race with several hard rock strikes. Honestly, I bent it back with pliers and it still worked pretty good! But it wasn't perfect and gave me an excuse to replace it with XT. The original wheels never gave me a problem, but I didn't do big drops either. | | Weaknesses: | Most components. The original pedals were garbage. The stem and handlebars were practically wrought iron. The front fork bounced like a pogo stick up every climb. | | Similar Products Used: | Junky bikes growing up. | | Bike Setup: | Forks - 2005 Duke XC, 100mm
Handlebars - Easton EA50 Flat, 25.4mm
Stem - RaceFace Deus
Front wheel - Mavic Crossmax Enduro UST Tubeless
Front Tire - IRC Serac XC UST Tubeless
Rear Wheel - Custom Shimano XT M770 hub/Mavic XM819 UST Tubeless, wheelsmith double butted spokes
Rear Tire - IRC Mythos XC UST Tubeless
Seatpost - Sette APX Carbon
Saddle - Nashbar Race
Rear Deraileur- Shimano Deore XT
Brakes - Avid Single Digit 7
Pedals - Time ATAC Alium | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up to my review from years ago.
Over the 5 years that I have had this bike I upgraded when I found the right parts on sale, and now I have a machine that I am very happy with. The only original components that I need to replace are the cranks and front deraileur, which still work like new. When they die, I will replace with lighter stuff and have a super light, super durable machine, that cost very little. And if I decide to go FS, I'll just swap my parts to the new frame, and I'm good! Thanks Trek for making a durable, affordable bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zach
a Weekend Warrior
from Loveland, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Peloton Cycles | | Strengths: | strong dependable fram that can take a beating, decent wieght for a $350 bike | | Weaknesses: | stock fork, stock rear deraler, pedals, stock tires | | Bike Setup: | XTR rear derailer, RockShock Judy TT front forck, eggbeater pedals, Continental Gravity tires, Sram Chain | | Bottom Line: | good bike for the price and any one that wants a cheap bike that can take a beating. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Daw
a Weekend Warrior
from Klamath Falls, OR U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | red rock | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$280.00 | | Purchased At: | Yankee Pedlar | | Strengths: | frame, shifting, dependable | | Weaknesses: | heavyish? | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock: frame, nsync shox, bontrager connection trail tires, shimmano 7 speed combined break shifters, mega range 14-34t granny, acer rear shifter, sis front shifter. | | Bottom Line: | Dependable bike. For under 300 dollars, it's a pretty good bike for a beginner rider that wants something that won't break down. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Downhiller
from Santa barbara, California, USA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | local | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's | | Strengths: | Frame takes a good beating, nice welds, strong, and pretty durable. I like the amount of travel it has, back then the bikes had hardley any trave and it boosted up the frame for me. | | Weaknesses: | Well when I said durable its durable if your body keeps up, doesnt compair to full suspension, but is good if you dont want to kill your funds. I dont really know if it is worth the price, I mean it is pretty cheap and probably beats some of the cheaper full suspension bikes. The shocks are a little soft to my liking because whenever I go on a trail they are bottomed out the whole way down. The deraler is a POS and ive replaced it MANY times. | | Similar Products Used: | schwinn mesa- POS
bmx bikes | | Bike Setup: | all factory exept new derailer and handlebar grips | | Bottom Line: | This bike was good at the time but now would be outdated to buy. Trek is somewhat of a rip off because they will do a lot just to save a couple of bucks bikes wise. I would say average. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh Hill
a Weekend Warrior
from Cincinnati
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Planet Earth | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$440.00 | | Purchased At: | Montgomery Cyclery | | Strengths: | Light frame, cool colors, comfortable seat, it's a trek, Good tires, megarange 1st gear, shifts smoothly, and it's a good price. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals slip like a heroin adict in the wintertime.The fork bottoms out a lot. | | Similar Products Used: | Raligh, Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: | Stock will replace front fork with better one, and new pedals, and discs. | | Bottom Line: | Awesomely durable bike that (with a few upgrades) will do almost anything you can.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lars Nilsson
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlottetown, P.E.I., Canada
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | brookvale | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Smooth Cycle | | Strengths: | GREAT BIKE. VERY DURABLE. HANDLES A LOT OF ABUSE. FORK IS GREAT. COMPONENTS DURABLE AS WELL AS I CAN TELL. | | Weaknesses: | HAD TO REPLACE ONE OF THE CRANKS AND THE SHIFTING ISN'T ALWAYS THE SMOTHEST. | | Bottom Line: | GREAT BEGINNER BIKE. RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE LOOKING FOR A GOOD, DURABLE THAT WILL TAKE JUST ABOUT WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO GIVE IT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from San José, Costa Rica
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | everywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$320.00 | | Purchased At: | motos pazos s.a. | | Strengths: | Good manufacturer back up. Good geometry, great warranty. Alum frame similar to more expensive bikes. Good quality components. | | Weaknesses: | Original plastic pedals suck. They broke in less than a month. Replaced at no charge by LBS for similar alloy pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Everything original except for pedals. Plus seatbag, computer and light. | | Bottom Line: | Great beginners bike that can handle some serious off roading. After a couple of adjustments when new, no other adjustments have been needed (except for a wheel true and round adjustment at 1500 kms. which was expected). Have not feeled the need for upgrading anything yet, not even original bontragger connection tires that seem to do fine on regular paved roads. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim D
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Hartland Landfill | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Caps Bikes(New Westminster) | | Strengths: | Good frame, strong, | | Weaknesses: | Handle bars very weak, cranks are very weak, sprocket very weak along with the chain and axles. | | Bottom Line: | It's an okay bike for beginers but i'd prefer norco anyday but a prety good bike, kinda weak parts but nothing a few bucks can't fix. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Normix
a Weekend Warrior
from Latvia
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | National park of Gauja | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$390.00 | | Purchased At: | Veloserviss | | Strengths: | Good brand. Good alloy frame – geometry same as at exclusive, expensive bikes. Lifetime warranty. I liked Conection tires for stable feeling and small circulation resistance. Unfortunately those burst after year riding. Trek seat is comfortable | | Weaknesses: | Freewheel not durable. Chain extend during few months. Handlebar is made from steel. Actually 21 speed shifting is slow. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 810 | | Bike Setup: | Alivio shifters,
Sram 5 brake lever,
Deore r/hub
Alivio casete sprocets,
Chain IG 51,
Alivio/Deore- r/f derailleur,
Suntour MD 310 crank 44/32/22, already wear out,
Stem ZOOM 90 mm,
Handlebar 3T flat
Shurman double wall rear rim | | Bottom Line: | After buying this 2001 year model, I have become keen with occasional fast cross country ride and amateur MTB competitions. I realize that original bike setup is improper for this. Because I upgrade bike so many how much budget allow.
Buy it , if you do slow wandering in park, do small trips or ride together with girlfriend.
Don’t buy it, if you want sometimes ride fast cross country or take part in any competition
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Camp Hill, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any and All | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$270.00 | | Purchased At: | Holmes Cycling | | Strengths: | Great price, good quality, warranty, great colors. | | Weaknesses: | As many have said, the pedals do suck. Mine got extremely slippery just riding through some dewy grass. Will eventually need to upgrade forks, handlebars, etc. With the great price, you can upgrade when/if you feel the need. | | Similar Products Used: | Old P.O.S. Sears-type mountain bike. Pretty nice Panasonic road bike. | | Bike Setup: | Time ATAC Alum pedals, Performance Viewpoint Pro lights (for night riding). All the rest is stock until it breaks! | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. It is mostly reat as-is(except the PEDALS). Many don't like the shocks, but as I had only ridden rigid forks previously, the stock shocks seem fine for now. Down the road, I will likely change out some parts to save some weight. Nice bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Heidi Legacy
a Weekend Warrior
from Fredericton, NB Canada
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$280.00 | | Purchased At: | Radical Edge | | Strengths: | good geometry ,lightweight stiff frame. | | Weaknesses: | crappy pedals and front shocks | | Similar Products Used: | no | | Bike Setup: | Judy c front suspension and alloy pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is my first bike, it's a great beginner bike. Although the shocks lacked any adjustment and the pedals kinda suck, replace those two components and you have got yourself a great bike for a good price. Without the appropriate upgrades it's not really an adequate dirt jumper. Overall it's an excellent bike, sturdy frame and shimano components. I LOVE MY BIKE!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anthony Competiello
a Cross Country Rider
from Brooklyn,NY
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Verrazano Bike | | Strengths: | Light frame, Suspension fork is decent, tires are very good as well, Comfortable seat, Quality Shimano components | | Weaknesses: | Cheap pedals, rims not disc compatible, fork needs a lot of lubrication | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 820 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a great bike to start out on, this is it. All you need is a better suspension fork and disc brakes and your good. I plan to do more upgrades and i know this will be one excellent bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Jerusalem, Israel
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | MikeBike | | Strengths: | Frame is thee same one as they use across the range, decent components | | Weaknesses: | Pedals are rubbish, grips not great | | Similar Products Used: | only far more expensive OR cheap garbage | | Bike Setup: | Cateye, Zefal cage, Shimano m535 pedals, lizard skin | | Bottom Line: | I moved from road racing, and having tried far more expensive cycles, I stuck with this - it is a great bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent Howard
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | $371 | | Strengths: | It might be a cheapo bike, but this thing is bombproof, it can climb adequately, and frame workmanship is good (my frame is a 2001 and compared to the later models, the frame welds are so much finer). | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, when I bought it, they ripped me off. | | Bottom Line: | Buy it when you start off, but you can always soup it up and turn it into a killer rig. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jay Haeseker
a Weekend Warrior
from raleigh,nc,usa
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | trek.com | | Bottom Line: | It's a good bike for the money! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Minneapolis, MN. USA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The long and winding road | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$280.00 | | Purchased At: | Penn Cycle | | Strengths: | Strong Aluminum frame so it's lighter than the 820 and when you push down on the cranks you'll feel the bike respond. Don't let the die-hards fool you, there really is nothing wrong with the stock components on this bike assuming you are of average weight and riding ability (with the exception of the pedals, they really should be of some type of metal). It is easier to upgrade as you're riding ability gets better with components that fit your budget and your objective than it is to buy the higher end 4000 series and be essentialy "stuck" with those components. The saddle is moderately comfortable (if you sit further back on it) and once broken in the shocks have good response (obviously not for 6 foot acid drops!) and the rims and tires will get the job done. As earlier noted: The black and red frame is way cool!!! | | Weaknesses: | Pedals and I wasn't crazy about the stock grips (too small and kinda hard). Other than that nada. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4100 frame, Rockshox Duke XC, Shimano M324's, Shimano WH-575's with Michelin or Continental Slicks (city) or Cane Creek Crono WAM Ti's with Continental MTB's (offroad) | | Bottom Line: | Great Value and quality parts. This is an entry level bike so when you review it, you take that into consideration. A much better value and deal than the Specialized "Hardrock" in my opinion. The frame is going to last as long as any new upgrades you might make. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Cap's Bikes | | Strengths: | Light frame, nice red colours, ez fire shifters, matching clr fork, matching clr seat. Got it on sale (no tax) so good deal for me. Feels like this bike is a head turner. Maybe because i bought the red one as opposed to the silver one... It's my first real mtn bike and I'm quite happy with the ride. | | Weaknesses: | The shocks seem to be 'sticky'. It won't come back up if you press it down about an inch. You gotta pull the front of bike off the ground for the shocks to become unstuck.. Will need to ask the bike shop WTF is going on tmrw... | | Similar Products Used: | First bike.....unless you want to count my crappy old Huffy Firemountain POS that i got from Toys r us.. I have that to my sister and she is happy with it.... | | Bike Setup: | Took out the stock tires and replaced with Continental Town and Country... rolls really well on the road.. Also put a CATEYE Bike computer on it. Everything else is stock. May get a set of Panaracer mtn tires later on.. since they got a nice red sidewall that will match the bike.. :-) wont' be using those Bontrager's again...These Bontragers are actually kenda's if you look closer. | | Bottom Line: | Good quality at that price.. I almost got the Trek 820 instead.. but that was a steel frame and would have been too heavy for me to lift over my head. I have a bike rack on my car, and i have no problems getting it up and down the car. I'm not a very strong guy either... So all the guys who think this bike is to heavy are either girls.. or just weaklings.. no one can be weaker than me! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a
from willard mo usa
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | bike trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | a and b cycle | | Strengths: | new to cycling. seemed like a lot for the money when I shopped around | | Weaknesses: | pedals are barely better than nothing. seat was so-so | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock except for seat and pedals | | Bottom Line: | I rode a dime store 20 years and thought I would get on another bike but decided to try again for health reasons. I thought I got alot for the money compared to the wal-mart specials and have been pleased with it. I did not want to spend a lot of money on a bike if I didn't like riding but have had a great time riding with my wife and her new bike also. After riding it a while i have found some things that were not top notch but I am getting familier with bikes and will upgrade in another year and still keep this one for the trail that goes through my town. We ride mostly on rodes out with the deer and coyotes but ride the trail. I have been pleased with this purchase and what I got with it .You get what you pay for so there will be upgrades in both bike but was a good choice for a first bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Hamden, CT
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$309.00 | | Purchased At: | Zane's Cycles | | Strengths: | Great light, durable aluminum frame. I like the EZ fire shifters as opposed to gripshift. Great value for the quality Shimano components you get. Good, quality bike for beginners (like myself) who don't want to spend a lot of $ for a bike they don't need (yet.) Nice color and I like the subtle touches like the black spokes, which make the bike look more expensive than it is. | | Weaknesses: | Front InSync fork seems to be OK so far, but I am upgrading to a Judy C which has longer travel and is adjustable. The plastic pedals definitely suck...those will eventually be changed. | | Similar Products Used: | Old Trek Mountain Track 800. | | Bike Setup: | Stock right now, will have Rock Shox Judy C's (2002 model, but brand new) Bottle cage. | | Bottom Line: | Great for beginners who want a quality bike for a low cost. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a
from Tahoe, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Olympic Bikes | | Strengths: | It is a good price for a decent bike. The frame is pretty good. | | Weaknesses: | The pedals are bad. The Shimano components aren't that good. The fork is a brand I have never heard of, and doesn't seem to do that much except slam down and bottom out when I do about a two and a half foot drop. | | Bike Setup: | All stock. | | Bottom Line: | This is a good bike for anyone who just rides around town or like in a little nature park. I wouldn't recommend doing any drops over 3 or 4 feet. It's alright, but I'm getting a Jamis xlt 1.0. This is a great all around bike for someone who isn't jumping off cliffs yet. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darrin Gross
a Weekend Warrior
from Spring, Texas
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The Anthills (Houston) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$270.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn | | Strengths: | This bike takes a lot of abuse. I thinks its a great bike for the price. Even though I will be upgrading soon I'm keeping this bike as a backup (And for guests) | | Weaknesses: | Pedals are plastic, InSync shocks are ok but RockShocks would be better. | | Similar Products Used: | Department store junk. | | Bottom Line: | Great fist mountain bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Paul, Minnesota
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Gateway | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$279.00 | | Purchased At: | Penn Cycle | | Strengths: | Good price, Aluminum Frame, Botrager tires. | | Weaknesses: | Seat is not comfortable on longer rides. Seat post tends to swivel even though quick relase bolt was tightened. Pedals are very cheap and should be replaced for safety sake. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper, Other 4xxx series trek. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, other than computer and new pedals | | Bottom Line: | I did alot of shopping and riding before purchasing and I feel this is a good value, especially given the fact that the frame is the same as is used on Trek's more expensive bikes in the 4xxx series. It's a good bike for the occasional rider who wants to ride paved trails but also go off the paved trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pee-J
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere, i can escape to! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$269.00 | | Purchased At: | Mission Cyclery!!! They rock! | | Strengths: | I wouldn't know, since I'm pretty new to the whole mountain biking scene. But, I can tell you that, if you're tight on your budget, and you're looking for something affordable, and well worth it's price, and don't plan on doing any real extreme launches, or what not... then this is your bike. I feel as if this bike was put together really well. No problems on trails, up hills or down light to moderate grade hills. You feel confident on this bike. *again all of this is in my humble, newbie opinion. | | Weaknesses: | The pedals were kinda slippery, especially after all the mud got all over them, but hey who cares... I'm sure other riders can think of other faults, but hey for it's price you can't go wrong. | | Similar Products Used: | Cheesy target, kmart, walmart bikes.... | | Bike Setup: | All stock. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for a great bargain price. If you're just looking to ride light-moderate trails, throught the park, to work, and are on a budget, but want a great bike....This is the one! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Durable, takes a beating. | | Weaknesses: | So heavy, and the components can be better for what you pay. Trek is a ripoff. | | Bike Setup: | stock execpt zoom170 handlebars and gary fisher fish fin barends | | Bottom Line: | Buy this if you start out just as a leisure rider. But over time you will begin to realize that this bike is like a piece of junk. You could buy this for the frame which I think isn't bad but the fork, seatpost, and the handlebar really needs to be changed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
george castanza
a
from brooklyn, ny
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$329.00 | | Purchased At: | viscious cycles | | Strengths: | getting service at a bike shop, nice frame, ok parts, a good package for the price, good geometry | | Weaknesses: | sort of upright, heavy starts, flexy pedals, tires are too big for the street | | Bike Setup: | got semislick tires- great | | Bottom Line: | I needed a bike to ride around town and headed to the bike shop. Most bikes are fairly decent these days, even the least expensive ones. For example, the 4100 is the least expensive mountain bike from Trek with an aluminum frame. I plan to use this bike outdoors for a few years, so that is important to me. Also, front suspension has gotten good enough that my inexpensive Insync fork actually cushions shock well from the road and when I shoot off curbs. The front end of the bike is quite stiff, which is good for making use of the shock and for accurate steering. By the way, the upright riding position works well when fighting with traffic- I just twist my head around without having to move my entire body. The stem can be lowered by removing headset shims. I'll try that out later as I get more saddle time. The rear end of the bike is very comfortable, even when I have my semislicks at maximum pressure for road efficiency. This is so much different than when I rode Cannondales back in the day when they rode extrememly harshly. So as a whole, the bike rides very well. The geometry is very neutral and with the wide riser bar, very maneuverable, useful for dodging traffic and pedestrians. Also, like the below review, I got the ball burnished version, which looks much more expensive than a $300 bike (used bicycles cost more than this). Braking and shifting all work as expected thanks to the Shimano shifting components. I expect them to wear well. Just a few years ago, I couldn't get a bike so well put together for under $500. Now, there are nice small touches that add up to a great bike: black rims, black spokes, nice stitched seat, nice looking hubset, bontrager headset cap, well matched fork for intended purpose, clean welded aluminum frame, on top cable routing, reliable v brakes, and all shimano shifting. All the critical stuff is well designed, which is good evidence of trickle down technology. I have to say that I love the frame- it has a well balanced ride, is stiff where it is needed and is apparently lightweight. The only drawback on this bike is the overall weight due to the less expensive components, but this doesn't detract from the intended purpose of this bike. I'm sure that it can handle some light trails with ease, and it has been doing a great job as a commuter bike, an exercise machine, and a fun ride around town. Kudos to Trek! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeffrey crow
a Cross Country Rider
from new york
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | nada- urban playground | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | metrobikes | | Strengths: | cheap, shimano shifting parts, shimano cogset, ball burnish finish is awesome, decent geometry, simple fork, cool graphics, aluminum frame is clean, upright, but can be lowered, wide riser bar, ride is balanced, front stiffness is good for the shock and rear is somewhat compliant- maybe it is the conti's, black spokes are cool, bike looks much more expensive than bottom shelf -no frills, all thrill | | Weaknesses: | heavyish, rock stiff handlebar (probably solid steel), swapped out tires for continental semislicks (much faster for city riding), pedals are crappy, but they save my work/school/lounge shoe (right choice for the city rider), seatpost is slippery (twists easily), some heavy parts (but are durable)- | | Similar Products Used: | specialized stumpjumper, rockhopper, bridgestone mb3 | | Bike Setup: | stock save for the tire's= continental | | Bottom Line: | this bike is meant for the city- new york- so i couldn't believe that it has almost all shimano parts in the shifting department. on the whole, every part is decent and only the weight is a concern. durability seems high and even if it isn't, the parts can be easily replace. the best thing about this bike is the frame, which is very decent- stiff in the front for maximum suspension usage and tight triangle in the rear. the rear seems to be not as harsh as i used to remember, but that maybe due to the great continental tires. i swear, for city pounding, get continental semislicks- they roll quick and are grippy. i haven't hit the dirt with this bike, it may seem sluggish due to the weight, but it does have the super granny gear on cogset. also, for bikes in this price range, a shimano cogset is critical for decent shifting. due to the street use only, i expect it to last longer than when used on dirt. the insync fork is so basic- no adjustments, but it seems to absorb curbs and potholes fine, without bottoming. i don't even worry about it- i consider it a non adjustable part and for the road it is great. the geometry is the same as i have been riding for the last 15 years- stable for road to rocks. the frame is slung low, which makes it feel great in the corners (or maybe it's the conti tires). anyways, i expect to have a lot of fun on this bike, zipping around manhattan with my timbuk2 bag from san francisco. a fanatastic deal for a bike that should do everything a bike should do (just not light enough-replace the handlebar, bottom bracket, seat and you should lose about 1.5 pounds) for a bike on one of the lowest rungs of the bike ladder, this is my perfect choice for longlasting bike with no guilt! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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$ 299.99
