Submitted by
Brokenmechanism
a Weekend Warrior
from Bridgwater, UK Date Reviewed: August 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
The Wall, South Wales, Scotland trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2900.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle Chain
Strengths:
Excellent climber although you do have to wind the lyric fork down on longer steeper climbs otherwise the front tends to lift and wander. RP2 shock is excellent. Bike just seems to eat bumps. Fast decender and handles jumps and drops well. Bike feels light and agile despite on pedaly sections of singletrack despite the ammount of travel. Mine came with Kenda Nevegals, the dual compound Tomac signature edition one. Excellent grip on rocks and roots and inspire loads of confidence but they do drag on hard pack.
Weaknesses:
This is a noisy frame due to the large tubes. Cables and chain slap do make a lot of noise on rough decents. Would aggree that if you are using as a "push it up hoon it down" machine then consider a chain guide of some sort. Not a fan of the Shimano SLX groupset/ SLX Shaddow rear mech. Pain to set up well and as soon as it gets muck in it it stops functioning well. I switched to SRAM after about 3 weeks. Bonty finishing kit looks ok and is functional but will upgrade bars, stem etc in the future.
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose Teocali Super, Cannondale Jekyll. The trek makes my others feel like a hardtail on the decents.
Bike Setup:
Fox RP2, Rock Shox Lyric U-Turn, Avid Juicy 5's, SRAM X9. Kenda Nevegals front and rear or Conti mountain king on front and maxis ignitor on rear depending on condition.
Bottom Line:
Great value for money, i think its a bike that can be ridden all day just as much as it can be chucked down the side of a mountain. Yes there are are few minor niggles with the contact points but in my oppinion what ever bike you buy its never going to have your perfect set up on it unless its a full custom build.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bcolburn
a Downhiller
from Golden Colorado Date Reviewed: August 2, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Trestles Dowhill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3300.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Station
Strengths:
It's fun for gnar cross country trails and is extremely light plus a good jumper
Weaknesses:
the shimano slx rear derailer that comes stock on it doesn't fit the frame so the derailer hanger breaks after when you ride hella gnar trails or jump alot
Similar Products Used:
kona Stinky Treck Fuel 80
Bike Setup:
stock except for a new double ply maxxis minion, but the lyric fork had to be warrantyed along lith the slx rear derailer and i've gotten 3 new derailer hangers
Bottom Line:
if you want to use the bike mostly for freeride, don't get it, if you ride gnar x-country trails get it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis Field
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: July 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Two Sheiks - Courtenay
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2900.00
Purchased At:
Trek Pro City Victor
Strengths:
All mountain climbing, medium hits, bermy trails
Weaknesses:
The tires are actually dangerous.
Similar Products Used:
Bullits, Norco DHs and A-lines
Bike Setup:
Stock for now. The tires are going very soon.
Bottom Line:
Moving from a DH oriented area (Courtenay) to an all mountain kind of area (Victoria) meant a change in bikes. I've ridden Vic with my DH bike before and it is truly miserable (at least at the Hartland dump where I've been doing all my riding due to convenience) due to the constant up and down.
This is my first air shock and it is a different feel. I echo a previous comment where it seems very linear. If you set it up soft for the small stuff, it blows through travel. If you set it up stiffer it is somewhat choppy. I'm still experimenting though and lean towards the soft side.
The riding here is very up and down. Short climbs and short descents. The descents are pretty gnar though and this bike is great at bridging the gap between having a bike that can go up and down and be pleasurable at both. I really like it. There are pro pedal (shock) and u-turn options (fork) to aid with climbing but so far I haven't touched them.
The only thing holding me back from truly knowing how the thing rides is the tires. They are horrible. They are dangerous on wet rock. I'm down to 20lbs or less just to get them tolerable. Once I get new tires I can do more than an initial review.
This bike is great for relatively fit (for climbing) riders who want to have fun on descents without worrying about stuff breaking. I think there are way better "shuttle bikes" out there. It could probably do it but you'd definitely have to chain guide it or the chain slap sound will drive you nuts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
codarren78
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO Date Reviewed: June 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Palmer Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Village
Strengths:
The Remedy 7's suspension is great, lots of travel with lots of control. It climbs fairly well when using pro-pedal. The Lyrik fork is nice. Somewhat light weight compared to other 6" bikes.
Weaknesses:
The Bontrager tires are horrible, got flats after each of my first 4 rides on them. The drivetrain and cockpit components are a little low end (and heavy) for a $3000 bike. 32 tooth cassette sucks for hills. Juicy Five brakes have required bleed and piston reset after 5 rides.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Nomad, Specialized Enduro SL
Bike Setup:
Specialized Eskar Armadillo tires (no more flats!!)with Stans, Thomson Elite seatpost, Easton Monkeylite XC handlebar, XT 34 tooth cassette, XT M772 rear derailleur, Time Atac carbon pedals... Next up are Truvativ Noir crank, Elixir CR brakes, Sella Italia SLR saddle, and Crossmax wheels
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. Feels like a Mercedes when riding down rocky terrain (plush and solid). It handles great, eats up rocks, roots, and mud, and tears up small drops. The suspension offers great control when breaking. I have to give it a thumbs up for climbing technical terrain also.
BUY THIS BIKE IF - you are looking for a solid all-mountain bike, you want a strong platform for taking hits, and you are a heavier rider (I weigh 230 and have had no problems with taking 2 to 3 foot drops on this suspension).
The Bontrager components are either too weak or too heavy. Upgrading to the Remedy 8 or 9 isn't worth it, since they also use the Bontrager components. Stick with the 7 and upgrade.
If you buy this bike, you have to upgrade the tires and cassette ASAP, but that's only a few hundred dollars.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eddiek118
a Weekend Warrior
from Reading Pa Date Reviewed: April 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Antidam, Mt,Penn
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2368.00
Purchased At:
Wolvertons
Strengths:
Sick!For downhillen.Handles techy trails excellent.Drop it like s its hot!
Weaknesses:
Typical Trek Bontrager parts.If that is one thing I hate abput Trek is the junky bontrager parts.My bike came with Bontrager race bars and headset.Why would you put race stuff on a AM bike?Shimano components, hate them!I've always used Sram so as sonn as I get my tax return I'm getting sram x9's.It has a shimano crankset that kinda seems cheap so I'll be upgrading that soon as well.The seat is the most uncomfortable seat ever, also a Bontrager part.Paint job has a gloss finish I would much rather prefer the annodized finish.The paint job looks good still.Chain slap can be a little annoying on the fast techy downhills and drops,but I plan to fix that soon also.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Remedy 5(2007)Kona Dawg Delux,
Bike Setup:
I upgraded the bars the first week I got it to Eastonea70 low rizers,plan on switchin to Sram x9 asap!Thinking about a KSi900:r seatpost because were I ride it's alot of up and down and the downhills there are extreem to say the least.Kenda Nevagals2.35 the best tire I ever used(really)Shimano SPD pedals.
Bottom Line:
I thought and searched and thougt and searched some more when i was thinking about getting a new bike.I almost went with Santa Crus but when I read the reviews and thought of were and what i like to ride the most and how i want to ride the Remedy was the way to go.I'v had 2 other Treks and was happy.So i decided to stick with what I know.I got the basic build and will upgrade one component at a time.The first ride out with this thing was awsome.Really;it handles so well on everything!Compared to the old Remedy there is no comparison.Im hitting jumps and drops that I would never even think of hitting befor and Im pinning em!I have much more control and manuverability.I feel confident on everything I've ridden so far.I rode the cross country trailsystem near my house and was plesently supprised,i didnt think that i would be able to hang with my cross country bro's but let me tell you i didnt only hang with them;well let me stop there before i find myself riding alone if they read this.I killed the cross country as well.i am very happy with my decision.I have a lot more fun now and thats what its about.I ride a alot so if im going to drop 2000plus dollars on a bike I want to happy.I think if you decide to go with the Trek Remedy 7 8 or 9 you will defenatly feel the same way.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
slothoncanvas
a Downhiller
from Reading, PA Date Reviewed: March 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Mt Penn, Diablo.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Spokes Bike Shop
Strengths:
LIGHT. Mine was like 31-32 out of the box. Sooo much fun to jump/drop. I've never backed down from anything thinking ::I'm on a AM bike::. The Lyric is a good fork. The suspension is killer. Plenty of standover. Looks KILLER.
Weaknesses:
The RP2 shock is far too tuned for climbing for my liking. The pedal platform is so strong on it (even in the - position), the beginning stroke is super super stiff. So it tends to be a bit chattery over little rocks... and if you try to run more sag and compensate for it, it'll blow through the travel and bottom. I'm slightly biased because to me this is a freeride bike, not an all mountain bike. I Shuttle 98% of the time. So it's probably awesome for guys who ride more xc.
Also, the tubing on the bike is so big and hollow, it gets loud going downhill with the cables clapping against the frame. Oh and it's probably just mine, but Trek could have done a ton of a lot better with the paint. Mine started chipping the day I got it.
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse Sachem, Rocky Mtn Slayer SXC70
Bike Setup:
E13 LG1 Chain Retension System. 28" wide Bontrager Big Earl Handlebars, Thomson 50mm AM stem. About to have 2 ply DH case Nevegals because it's rocky here and I flat the single plys just about every time I ride.
Bottom Line:
The funnest bike I've owned so far. So, So fun. Also, every googles over it when they see it because the shape is nice and sexy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan Campbell
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage, Alaska, USA Date Reviewed: March 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim - Moab, UT
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Trek Bicycles of Lov
Strengths:
Moderately good at climbing, stiff frame and fork, excellent FOX rear shock, smooth descender on any terrain other than technical rock gardens. Reasonably lightweight overall, large selection of frame sizes.
Weaknesses:
67 degree head angle causes front wheel to wander a bit on steep climbs.(Just lean forward and concentrate.) Rims are sligltly narrow for descending loose rocks, wider rim would create better tire contact patch. Maxxis tires dart around on loose dirt and gravel. Sram 9 speed cassette is very heavy, (over 400 grams). Excessive noise from chain slap and long cage rear derailleur will drive you nuts. Bontrager saddle is hard and uncomfortable.
This is a very fun bike, and it's truly deserving of the all-mountain title.
I was fairly impressed with how well it climbs despite all that suspension travel from day one - the FOX Pro-Pedal feature helps immensly! One thing you have to get used to while climbing is the front wheel's tendency to "flop" and meander when you are charging up a steep climb because of the slack head angle,
but this is a trade-off, as it is definitely appreciated in the descent.
With the exception of marginal traction, thanks to the stock tires, the bike feels fairly stable on moderately fast,loose gravelly descents - mine is a 21.5 inch extra large frame, so it has a longer wheelbase. I suspect this is why tight steering maneuvers are sometimes difficult with this bike.
For the price, this bike was an excellent value. (I bought a 2008 at a discounted clearance price), but even for retail, it seems reasonable.
The frame, FOx air shock, and Lyric fork are all outstanding products - the rest of the bike is so-so, but with a few component upgrades (rims, tires, saddle) in particular, this bike has the potential to satisfy even the most particular, seasoned all-mountain riders out there. I would higly recommend it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
romolo
a Racer
from hesperia,ca Date Reviewed: January 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Wildhorse
Strengths:
Suspension design is awesome. It is very active. Trek really built a great bike. The fox shock in the rear allows you to climb and descend well in the propedal mode. The rock shox lyric up front is so stiff laterally. The components work perfectly. The shifting is real crisp. The bike climbs well and it is very stable going downhill. You will love this bike.
Weaknesses:
It did not come with rim strips to make the wheels and tires tubeless. The tubeless ready tires are difficult to get seated straight with tubes in them.
Similar Products Used:
Remedy 6 from 2006. The new remedy 7 is much, much nicer, but the old one was good too.
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
Buy this bike if you want an all mountain bike. Trek is also excellent with warranties and service if you ever need assistance. Keep in mind that this is an all mountain bike and it will not stand up to huge drops, but it will do what it is designed to do (ride up and down the mountian) better than any other all mountian bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Haiva
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampere, Finland Date Reviewed: June 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Espresso in North Van
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Strengths:
Versatility, Climbing, Descending.
Weaknesses:
Saddle and tires could be better.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Heckler (Not really similar but closest to Remedy of the bikes i've tried)
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Absolutely great all around, do anything bike. Very light for 6 inch travel bike. Parts spec is good for the price. Bike looks great and feels even better. Climbs like a champion without any extra bobbing but feels really plush and gives feeling of confidence when descending. Tried the bike also in Fromme, North Shore and must say that this bike is perfect for Fromme riding.
The Kenda Nevegal tires that came with the bike are not good IMO. Too much rolling resistance for XC type of riding and too little grip for downhilling.
Saddle started squeking after few hours of riding, the top of the saddle is loose from the rails.
Remedy 7 is the best deal when you compare to the prices and specs of Remedy 8 and Remedy 9
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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