Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis Date Reviewed: March 28, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$963.00
Purchased At:
South County Cyclery
Strengths:
Bike frame is solid, lightweight, and flexible.
Weaknesses:
The majority of the parts that came stock, I think are decend, however I would reccommand getting some upgrades. Get a disc on the back.
Similar Products Used:
Full suspension, non disc, cheap "Pacific Brand" bike.
Bike Setup:
Good.
Bottom Line:
For a weekand warrior like myself who does moderate downhill, limited ramps, and heavy cross country. It is great beginner bike for those who are getting into the sport. With some better parts, some stronger lightweight parts to go with it's indestructable frame, the bike then would be prepared for those adrenaline rushes you have in your mind to do ballistic biking. Bottom line: The VRX 400 can take brutal beatings and live to tell the tale.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wyatt
a Weekend Warrior
from stillwater, ok, us Date Reviewed: November 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Al's bicyle
Strengths:
this is a great all-around bike, which is exactly what it was designed for. It doesn't do anything perfect, but it doesn't do anything bad. It just does whatever you put into it. If you want to climb, get off your butt and climb, and the vrx will do it. If you can go balls out downhill, then do it, and the vrx will stay right there with you. Decently light, and resonably priced...
Weaknesses:
A bit flexy, but nothing bad. The Hayes cable brake didn't work, but mine was warrenteed from Hayes to a hydro, so I'm happy.
Similar Products Used:
Name a bike, I've at least ridden it for a few minutes. I have ridden alot of xc bikes, a few dh bikes, and a few other all-arounds like some of the fsr's.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for protaper bars, hayes hydro front disk, and custom chainring guard.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line: This bike works great for what it was designed for: To have fun! It can downhill, climb, cut up singletrack, and tear up urban areas. It has held up to everything I've done on it, and even finished good in the 12 miles of hell race in oklahoma. Some people have given it a bad review possibly becuase of their lack of skill or maybe they are comparing apples with oranges, but whatever the case, the bike is good. I'd buy it again...
It works great for those people looking for a good bike to do a little of everything on. It can jump, trail, trial, downhill, whatever, but can do it all decently. Like I said earlier, it doens't do anything great, but it does alot very well, and nothing bad...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eamon
a Downhiller
from Ireland Date Reviewed: November 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Over the wall
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1416.00
Purchased At:
Bike Doc
Strengths:
Frame is unbreakable went straight into a tree and not a scratch.Bontrager wheels are excellent not 1 buckle yet.Nice sus setup and really like the xverts.
Weaknesses:
Crank is no good.Dereuillers are no good.Tyres are no good.Hayes cable disc completely no good.Always bottoms out on me.Crank is no good.Seat is no good. Alot of things on this bike is no good!?!?!?!? ;p
Similar Products Used:
None first one
Bike Setup:
waitin for : Hope enduro 4's, Monster T's , Full XT kit ,Michellin wildgrippers , Yeti hardcore loc on's
Bottom Line:
Bike is good but i think i was ripped off for the price. The only thing i like about this bike is the front shox and they are even going. The frame is excellent one of the lightest and bombproof i ever seen. I'd say once i get all my parts on it it will a klass downhill bike. First thing u should do when u buy it GET THE CABLE BRAKE OFF !?!?!?!?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ted dow
a
from 1 Date Reviewed: July 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
1
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
1
Strengths:
1
Weaknesses:
1
Similar Products Used:
1
Bike Setup:
1
Bottom Line:
hay ass hole go ride your 6,6 dh down the florida rockies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott
a Weekend Warrior
from canada Date Reviewed: June 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
boogieman
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
caps bicycle stores
Strengths:
good value for the money. Adjustable 3,4,5 inch travel. Not too heavy. Quite plush
Weaknesses:
Have to tighten the back end bolts up before every ride. Bolts have become warn.Manitou xvert sucks. Not really a shore bike.
Similar Products Used:
first f/s bike
Bike Setup:
upgraded to hayes hydro brakes, mavic d321 rims, 5inch marzocchi drop off kona buldge cranks, custom stem maxxis mobster 2.7 front and tioga 2.3 rear. XT throughout
Bottom Line:
When I got this bike I was smiling ear to ear. I live on the shore so when I bought it I was just getting in to the sport. The bike has treated me quite well but after a year I have simply outgrown it. I've broke the swing-arm, bent the dog bone and even with the new swing arm which took a month to warranty the bike creaks and growns every ride. At 160 lbs I can really notice the lateral movement of the rear on fast single track and the water bottle mount sucks for a light battery. I don't mean to rag on this bike because I've learned alot on it but if I look back on a year it sure was in the shop a lot. But if your looking to buy a bike at a decent price and your not planning to do big drops on a regular basis it is still fun and and there is value in it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mellow Yellow
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: May 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Warranty from Gregg's Greenlake
Strengths:
IMHO, it's a good beginner full suspension bike
Weaknesses:
It was made out to be way more of a bike than it realy is.
Similar Products Used:
Y33; ST120; Catamount
Bike Setup:
LX/XT; Race Face seat post, KORE stem & handle bar; Marzoc Jr T
Bottom Line:
I got the bike as a warranty because my Y33 rear triangle had a crack. I missed my Y33 because with the lock out feature, it was a great XC bike. When I got the VRX, Trek touted it as a great all around bike. With a simple adjustment, one could make travel changes to alow you to go from XC, to Freeride, to DH. "Wow!!" I said; then I road it. Ha! Yup, I've been screwed and didn't even get dinner or a movie out of it.
It is the heaviest bike I've owned since I seriously got into the sport. It also was the worse at climbing. Yes, even worse than the Y bike. At least, the Y bike had a lock out on the fly shock, so I was able to make the bike into a hard tail with a switch of a lever. The bike is not being made into a "Freeride" bike. I have broken 4 bikes in 5 years not because I ride big, but because I am. At 6'3" 240pnds, bikes react differently to me. The VRX also did not handle that well. With out me taking on any big jumps, the bike ended up being sent back to Trek due to a bent rear swing arm.
I've outfitted it with a Jr T, so it does do somewhat well on big bumps and drops. It's yet to be seen how well it will handle Vancouver, BC's North Shore. (Check "Passion" for a post about that some day)
Over all, I'm just not impressed. It seemed to me that the enginiers at Trek just stop trying when they came up with the VRX concept. There are several bikes in the history of mtb'ing that were made from this same concept; there is a reason why those are not around any more either. The VRX is a perfect example of a company charging way to much for a bike in order to give it the appearance that it's worth more than it realy does.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Notts, UK Date Reviewed: April 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Wharncliff
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Good all round suspension bike, best suited to Free Ride. Good adjustability.
Weaknesses:
Could do with a little more travel, but that's just my opinion as I mainly ride DH.
Similar Products Used:
Stab dee-lux, San Andreas, Bullit.
Bike Setup:
Manitou's, XT, Magura's etc.`
Bottom Line:
Top bike for all round free riding. Capable for DH. Suspension settings are adjustable. Plenty of stand over clearance. Looks pretty nice, not your usual looking machine.
I have a 1999 Trek VRX400 for sale as a frame only. It is in good condition, has a Shock Works adjustable RC piggy back shock on it. Contact me via E mail if you are interested. £275 ono.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from BC, Canada Date Reviewed: October 9, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
I Would just like to point out that a lot of these reviews are complaining about the travel of suspension, or seatpost problems and stuff of that nature. All of that can be changed with a few upgrades. Here is the bottom line: the frame is light and strong, it handles well in technical areas, and the bike looks sweet. What more could you want!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FAYNEY
a Weekend Warrior
from LONDON (ENGLAND) Date Reviewed: September 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
ANY WERE AT ALL
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
EVANS & CYCLE SUGERY
Strengths:
VERY STRONG FRAME GOS ROUND BENDS LIKE ITS ON RAILS THE BEST REAR SUS IN THE LAND
Weaknesses:
SOME PLAY IN THE REAR SWING ARM CRAP PAINT JOB
Similar Products Used:
CONNANDALE SX900 MARINE EAST PEAK GT LOBO TREK Y3
Bike Setup:
MOTO FREERIDE FORKS MAVIC CROSSMAX WEELS HOPE SPORTS DISK FOX VANILLA RC-REMOTE
Bottom Line:
THE STOCK BIKE IS FINE UNTIL YOU UPDATE IT THEN YOU FIND OUT HOW CRAP THE BIKE WAS BEFORE YOU DID THE WORK, BUT AFTER ALL THAT ITS GOT TO BE THE BEST FREERIDE YOU YOU CAN PUT TOGETHER THE MOTO ARE A BIT HEAVY BUT THE BEST UPGRADE FOR THIS BIKE ALONG WITH THE HOPE DISK FOX REMOTE REAR SHOCK & THE MAVIC WEELSET IM IN HEAVEN! THE BIKE IS SO MUCH FUN TO RIDE I EVEN TAKE IT WITH ME TO THE SHOPS AT THE END OF MY ROAD I JUST CANT STAY OFF THE THING HEEEEEEEEEELP!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Snodgrass
a Downhiller
from Concord NH, USA Date Reviewed: September 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hang Glider Hill
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
S & W Sports, Concord Nh (603) 224-1441
Strengths:
The frame! I have completly tortured this poor peice of metal for almost 2 years without even a small stress fracture (that is a lot to be said of any bike I ride.) I also like Trek'schoice of handle bars on this bike. That is usually one of the first peices of equipment I replace but it has ended up being one of the last original pieces still alive on the bike (besides the frame.)
Weaknesses:
Hmmmm... Lets see, where do I start? First off, I don't even know why hayes bothers with a cable operated disk brake. They work about as well as Clinton's health care plan. They were the first to go. Next up, the bontrager Maverick wheelset. In the first two months alone, I had about four flat spots per wheel, three bent spokes, and a broken cassete body. Need I say more? Finally we come to the frame. It's not too much of a problem, but there is a definite frame flex during take offs and landings. Other than that I had no problems with the frame.
Bike Setup:
Right now my bike is setup with all stock components except, a XT front derailier, Hayes hydraulic disk brakes (front and rear,) a THE DH fender, A Marrazochi Jr. T Fork, XT disk hubs, Dt swiss spokes, Sun Big Mammoth Fat rims (36 spoke,) Salsa 30 mm Moto Ace stem, Oury Grips, SDG comp saddle (NOT that the SDG is better but I broke the other one,) and Primo Meat Tenderizer platform pedals.
Bottom Line:
The frame is pretty sick if you can avoid the components. If you are looking for a cool frame to do freeriding on, this is the frame for you. If you are looking for a low travel DH or a slalom frame look elsewhere.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Caldwell
a Weekend Warrior
from Lahaina, HI, USA Date Reviewed: September 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
West Maui
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
South Maui cycles
Strengths:
Looks great!!..... You'll get tons of compliments on it.
Weaknesses:
Sloppy ride. Really bouncy on hard downhills. Front shock has very rough action.
Similar Products Used:
GT
Bottom Line:
I would not buy this bike again. It's not bad overall, but for he same money, I think I would get something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bulent
a Cross Country Rider
from Venray ,Holland Date Reviewed: September 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
everything up and down
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
veledrome - venlo
Strengths:
The Frame and the independint link(tochange the travel on the back)
Weaknesses:
Hayes cable Disck(very bad)Bontrager Rims and Hubs, X-vert, Icon Cranks and Chain rings(after 300 km the rings wearn off and they didn't gear well)
Similar Products Used:
Giant atx -970
Bike Setup:
Pace - rc37mx shoch,Chris king -Disco tech Hubs,Hope -Pro disck, XTR,......(see Dreambike Gangsta Mountain,septmbr 2000)
Bottom Line:
you don't look to te parts thats on it,the big mayority puts there own brand of his own taste on it. Butt where it comes too ,THE FRAME:TREK VRX . It's the Bomb, how i now created this mountain, it's shifts masterly,eats bumbs-rocks-jumps-drops...extra sexy,very fast and smooth in the corners,and when you fall ( like i do when i'm trying new jumps or drop offs) you don't have to wary it won't break. and the independint link WHY? you can select yuor own back travel lenght in 3",4",and 5 inch of travel, ingenius, The bottom line: if you want a frame for cross country,marathon,freeriding,down hilling - then this is your baby.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ROB PASCO
a Downhiller
from WILLIAMSPORT PA. Date Reviewed: August 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
GOAT PATH
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
THE BICYCLE CENTER $350
Strengths:
YOU CAN NOT BEAT THE WARRANTY,PERIOD!!!!NO FRAME FLEX IN THE FRONT HALF.LOVE THE MULTIPLE SHOCK LOCATIONS.I HAVE A 2IN.STROKE FOX RX THAT GIVES ME 8IN.TRAVEL.2 1/2 IN.SAG
Weaknesses:
I HAVE BROKEN 3 REAR SWING ARMS,ALL CRACKED AROUND THE BOX SECTION AT THE SHOCK LOCATION.I AM NOW ON MY FORTH
Similar Products Used:
FOES WEASEL SAN ANDREAS
Bike Setup:
HAYES BRAKES AND HUBS ,7IN BOXXER SUN MAMOUTH RIMS
Bottom Line:
YOUWILL ALWAYS GET A NEW SWING ARM .BUT I GOT TO TELL YA .THE REAR END IS SOOOO PLUSH .IT MAKES ROCK GARDENS LIKE A RIDE IN THE PARK!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stephen
a Downhiller
from rochester ny Date Reviewed: July 7, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
for the price you get a super plush ride that w/ a few modifications can be thrashed jumped off 8 footers ridden 40mph downhill the fork is stiff you get decent cranks a good bar short stem and disk campatible wheels
Weaknesses:
the rear brake sucks it wont work get a hayes or an xt or something anything,the stem was too long for any serious thrashing andn the tires were realy skinny
Bike Setup:
i put a 24in rr wheel on and a hayes rr brake a 50 mm stem works realy nicely and a 2.75 tire on the rr
Bottom Line:
especaily now since this is last yrs model this bike you cant go wrong 5.6 inches of rear travel for under 1500 thats sick you get 9spd a smooth and sick ass ride this a very good bike for street riding freeriding whatever its tight on the trails and it can handle those 8 footers i encounter everyday
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ian steele
a Weekend Warrior
from victoria, bc, canada Date Reviewed: May 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
seventh secret/severed dick/no horses
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
plush feel excellent handling cool look
Weaknesses:
cable-actuated disc bontrager tires no rebound dampening adjust on rear shock
Similar Products Used:
specialized fsr rocky pipeline
Bike Setup:
hayes full hydraulic rear disc
Bottom Line:
this bike makes me smile.
climbs better than expected, even for it's weight. and if you're a reluctant hardtail convert, just put the rear pivot point on the "XC" and the travel drops significantly (but you won't keep it there for long 'cause plush is pleasure...).
downhills are super plush. the 5" of rear travel is more than enough, unless you're dropping off your dad's garage (which is what everyone in florida must be doing...). the bike feels and handles smoothly at speed, is indifferent to abuse (trust me...), and has the geometry to make sick, airy trials courses, well sick and airy - but dismounting is easy and it won't break when you drop it (the superb handling really does compensate for a lack of skill on downhills, but balance is your problem).
my complaints are easily rectified with a melted visa. get rid of the rear v-brake and go hydraulic - there's no comparison. the entry-level avid rig does a diservice to the performance of the bike. and if you have one of those gold-colored visas, replace the cable actuated front disc with a full hydraulic because IT SUCKS. word to the wise - anyone who tells you that a cable actuated will "get more powerful as it breaks in" is on crack.
i hate bontrager tires. their sidewalls are like cheap latex. the lack of rebound dampening on the rear shock is not really noticeable if, like me, you selected "weekend warrior" as your riding genre.
bottome line: the componentry problems are minor. this bike is brilliant.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MrGooda
a Downhiller
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: April 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Fortune T & L DH
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
plush good bar nice entry level triple clamp fork
Weaknesses:
heavy *who cares though?* paint rubbed off from chafing brake cable
ESP 9.0 SL Derailleur, Shifters, Various Pedals depending on the day, will soon be replacing front and rear suspension
Bottom Line:
Wow. First day on the bike, it's been snowing, the world is a slushy mess, i rode 4 hours. The bike is crazy fun. Plush, smooth, it's like riding a couch or a lazy boy. Very comfortable. Although how many couches go 70km/h down hills? The ESP is great, nothing major is wrong with anything else... I think I'm in love.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
danny
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida Date Reviewed: March 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Markham park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Front disc brake, front shock, really cool looking frame, and good components
Weaknesses:
a bit heavy, not really noticeable if you can climb good
Similar Products Used:
cannondale jekyll
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
love this bike, it's very plush and rides awesome. Had a few adjustment problems with the front disc brake but my trek dealer took care of it in 5 minutes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Danny
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida Date Reviewed: March 19, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
front disc brake, good components, good fork, and bombproof frame.
Weaknesses:
a bit heavy
Bottom Line:
can't wait till i get it, just 5 more days, only paying 1200 for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Flanighan
a Weekend Warrior
from Maidstone Kent UK Date Reviewed: March 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
PORC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Strong, rigid, plush and fast
Weaknesses:
HEAVY, sheet front disc(constantly rubs), wheelset
Similar Products Used:
I've got a Joshua and CDale F1000 Mantra Specialized FSR
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
I've now got three bikes a hardtail and two sussies. The Trek is good fun it soaks up punishment and gives the feeling of a dirt bike. The downhills where I live are crap they only last seconds but the bike copes at speed vey well.
I was surprised the rear shock did not have many ajustment options, I'm gonna fit a #950 spring on mine as the sag is too much and it pogos on uphills.
Get one I got mine cheap and I don't regret it!
Peace.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TMAN
a Cross Country Rider
from Tempe, AZ Date Reviewed: March 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Los Burros
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Bombproof frame, good component set up, triple crown fork
Weaknesses:
Bontrager wheelset...rear hub was shot after a dozen rides
Similar Products Used:
FSR, Proflex
Bike Setup:
Manitou XVert, XT/LX mix, Hayes front disk, Avid "V" rear
Bottom Line:
Plush is a word that came to mind on my first real downhill ride on the hideous descent on the National Trail. Great overall ride, and a suprisingly good climber. I don't like the Bontrager wheel set so much, even after a warranty replacing of the rear hub, it still makes way too much noise during free wheeling. A great upgrade bike or entry level to an older, heavier rider coming off hardtails looking for some comfort so he can keep riding! Isn't that what it's all about? It has survived a couple of good crashes with flying colors as well! (I may be getting older, but I ain't dead!) I give it very high marks for adjustability of the suspension as well. Good all condition bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Moe
a Downhiller
from oregon Date Reviewed: December 24, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
manitou fork, good plush rear travel,solid feel
Weaknesses:
the grips suck...cant have everything hehe
Similar Products Used:
fisher level betty,specialized FSR extreme
Bike Setup:
fairly stock so far,hayes hydraulic in the rear and new grips
Bottom Line:
Ive had this bike for awhile and it kicks serious arse. Good at speed and on technical terrain. With a few alterations this bike is good for DH, at least for short ppl like me. And yes there are quite a few ppl who need spelling lessons here. Trek rules!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
M S
a Weekend Warrior
from SD Date Reviewed: December 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Fun ass bike on the Trail even more fun on the downhills. Good travel in the Rear.
Weaknesses:
Heavy. Cable act. disk sucks(replace w/hydraulic asap).
Bike Setup:
VRX 400 stock except for a few minor changes:-) Mr. T, Mavic 521,IRC Kujos,Hayes hydraulics F&R, Titec Dh saddle, 646 DX pedals.XT shifters. KHS 40mm stem. All of these products are well made and perform well or I would have changed them by now.
Bottom Line:
May not be the lightest trailbike, Or a pure downhill bike but its really fun for both and all around. If you want light go by a hardtail. If you dont want to spend the $$$$$$$$ for a pure downhill bike this is the one to buy. If you dont agree kiss my A$$.I bought this bike at a certain bike shop in La jolla, U C something, The owner was cool but as far as service and customer service I would never buy anything from them again there service sucks nuts. Some of the employees are just idiots...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Downhiller
from Suffolk, England Date Reviewed: November 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
one that goes down easily
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
EVERYTHING!!!!!! 'Specially the disc.
Weaknesses:
No dampening adjustment on fork. (But i don't really give a toss about that.)
Similar Products Used:
LTS SV MARINS Giant ATX1
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is the absolute dog's swingers!!! My mate just bought one for £900 and it is the best bike i have ever ridden. Also it looks superb, and is one of the only suspension bikes that i've ridden that i really have enjoyed (this is coming from someone who owns an Azonic DS1 who used to think that suspension bikes sucked). So I am selling my Azonic and buying one of these today!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Allen
a Downhiller
from Maple Ridge,BC,Canada Date Reviewed: October 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Nescafe
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Plush suspention,great handling
Weaknesses:
minor frame flexing
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale lefty , Brodie , Norco MP2
Bike Setup:
I put hayes hydrolic discs on my trek
Bottom Line:
I have raced dirtbikes for 14 years and this is the first bike that I have ever had that is as nice to ride down hill as my motorbike I feel totaly in control and I LOVE THIS BIKE!!! but I must admite I have changed the brakes and that in my mind is a MUST DO to any bike without discs
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
produde
a Downhiller
from D-Bar CA Date Reviewed: September 18, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
I have a VRX 300 but since all the VRX series frames are the samee it still applies. If you put on a 7.25 eye-to-eye and 2.25 stroke rear shock you can achieve 7.5 to 8 of rear travel
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
will
a Downhiller
from new zealand Date Reviewed: August 18, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
low bottom bracket,makes it rail,long top tube means you can use nice short stem(35-50mm)
Weaknesses:
too progressive in the linkages, over sprung
Similar Products Used:
every thing
Bike Setup:
short stem,100mm forks,700# spring in dh, makes an excellent single track dh bike
Bottom Line:
make sure you take out the shock shaft spacer, its under the bottom out rubber,its there to stop the seatpost hitting the rear brake cable when the seat is mega low.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Waterford, CT Date Reviewed: August 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Patchog State Forrest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Strong frame, sloid components, and good geometry for the rider
Weaknesses:
Takes some time to really dial this thing in, but once you do - WAHOO!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Joshua, Klein Mantra, Specialized FSR
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This bike carves single track like a finely trained surgeon. Just point, go, and enjoy the ride. This bike actually climbs better than I figured it would - once you learn to climb by staying seated (a humbling experience), all but the nastiest of hills become not so bad to chug up. My LBS gave me a great deal on it too - It's the best bike for the $$$ in my opinion.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tim
a Cross-Country Rider
from psl,florida Date Reviewed: August 14, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
nice front fork good rear shock,will probably upgrade to cane creek.
Weaknesses:
slightly piggish on weight,but that is how it's designed,i don't question...
Similar Products Used:
spec fsr vrx 300 trek y-33
Bottom Line:
this bike rocks!!! yes,you have to get used it. yes, you won't wail right out of the box.but this bike does exactly what it was designed to do. i have three words...plush,plush,plush.this bike does the job and then some.I now own three treks, and i'm not saying that trek is the best,but my fourth will probably be a trek! By the way, has anyone else noticed how many people can't spell?
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trekki
a Downhiller
from Halifax, canada Date Reviewed: August 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
THE PIT
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
The looks, the forks, THE BIKE!, this bike sooo rocks it's just not funny.
Weaknesses:
Whoever said the bolts rust is a very bad bike washer. this bike screeeeems!
Similar Products Used:
Tricked out 1998 giant warp ds-1, with the x-vert t's
Bike Setup:
all stock
Bottom Line:
This bike looks and works soo wicked, The black is soo cool, I love itIf I could give it ten billion scorcheys I would.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Waterford, CT Date Reviewed: July 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Patchog, Miller's Pond, Bluff Point
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very tough, rugged bike. Good suspension components.
Weaknesses:
bolts rust out easily, chain rusted after second ride, tires not the best choice for this bike
Bike Setup:
Stock components, tires were changed to Maxxis MOFO's (The greatest tires I have ever used!!!)
Bottom Line:
I am 6'4 and 300 lbs. This bike has taken everything I have put it through (including going airborne a few times!!!). Aside from the minor rust and tire issues, this bike is phenomenal! It also climbs better than I expected, and the downhill abilities are exceptional too! Just keep in mind that TREK VRX400 = FUN
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Downhiller
from Edinburgh Date Reviewed: July 8, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Great for fun DH and can mabage some XC + great value.
Weaknesses:
steep climbes (if your a lard ass)
Similar Products Used:
FSR extreme
Bike Setup:
Manitu x-verts
Bottom Line:
Supper plush and supper fun for the cash what really suprised me for the price was the front disk break. Eats up technical corces the back of the bike looks chunky but is light. I have allready tried this baby out and i'm ready to buy it. Oh and a note to all those people who give bikes stupid ratings YOUR NOT FOOLING ANYONE !!! Buy this bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom cook
a Cross-Country Rider
from port hardy B.C. Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
deep end
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
this thing is durable...i wont be breaking it soon. primo fork, awsum brakes,good components....
Weaknesses:
it is a bit on the porky side, but the downhill/ overall performance does a lot to make you forget the weight. typical pathetic water bottle mount locations
Similar Products Used:
GT XCR i- drive w/ the QR-20,c-dale super v 900, rocky element
Bike Setup:
stock, just added a rock ring, and had the bike upgraded to hayes full hydraulics, front and rear
Bottom Line:
this bike is what i needed, has a great fork, excellent brakes, good drivetrain, and it didnt break the bank. you have to adjust your climbing style a bit, as the fork brings the front end up higher than most xc bikes.you could raise the stanchions in the crowns too i guess. the bike rocks on the downhill stuff tho, and it eats big nasty drops for breaky. it may be several pounds heavier than what you're used to but the weight gives confidence- inspiring stiffness and steering precision. i bought this bike so my wife would ride with me, and it's working... she loves it, and i trust her judgement.... 'nuff said. buy it, ride it, love it!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vicoria, Canada Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Hartland Landfill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Durability. Ruggged.
Weaknesses:
Lame water bottle mounts, but not if you use a camel back like me!
Similar Products Used:
FSR
Bike Setup:
Manitou X-Vert T/Fox Vanilla (stock)
Bottom Line:
This is my first full suspension bike, and I love it. I do find it bobs alot when climbing and during raod rides. I bought it for an all aorund bike; road, trails, XC and some DH. For my riding level it's great. It has enough suspension to make up for mistakes on the trails. I've just been geting into wheelie-drops and tthe thing just soaks up the hits. For an intermediate, all round rider such as myself, the VRX is just the ticket. As for all you serious DH'ers, no kidding this isn't a pro DH machine!!! You shouldn't have to ride it to figure that one out guys!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
barry
a Weekend Warrior
from edmonton, alberta Date Reviewed: June 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
mill creek
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
price, components, girl meetin' action
Weaknesses:
weight, water bottle mounts
Similar Products Used:
cannondale super v
Bike Setup:
sram 9.0 throughout, xt cassette
Bottom Line:
I peed my pants on the first run, it was so much fun. Very stiff, quick steering, travel a'plenty. Damn fine! Only two payments left, then she's really mine. Good price, cheaper than a REALLY good ho'.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ralph
a Cross-Country Rider
from Los Alamos, N.M. Date Reviewed: June 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Guaje Ridge
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Plush ride, and great price.
Weaknesses:
Not so good uphill.
Similar Products Used:
DBR, DH.
Bike Setup:
Manitou X-vert, Fox vanilla.
Bottom Line:
This bike is the bomb on all-terrain, Especially technical, Not so hot uphill
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Cross-Country Rider
from Summit County, CO Date Reviewed: May 7, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Rigid frame, precise tracking through all conditions, love the fork.
Weaknesses:
Disc brake takes some time to break in, but once it does it's great.
Similar Products Used:
DBR X10
Bike Setup:
stock setup
Bottom Line:
This is the first freeride/downhill oriented bike I've ever owned, and I'm freakin hooked. It SUCKS for climbing on dirt roads/pavement/anything non-technical, sustained pitch. Technical climbs rock on this thing, even though it is a bit tubby. I was just out in Moab on this thing, and rode Porcupine Rim loop (31 miles) w/o a problem. I was lunging up 2 foot rock step-ups I never would have considered before. The 13 miles of solid downhill were what this bike was made for though. OK, I don't have a DH background, but this bike was allowing me to float over terrain I normally would never consider. It ate up 1-2 foot rock drops w/o even lifting on the bars, it allowed me to bunny-hop off a rock on top of a ridge and land in a minefield of steps and loose rocks and not even worry about picking a line. I love it. At the same time however, this'll never be a racer. I figure I'll try it in a couple novice DH and slalom classes, though it's not really specific to either discipline. I'm keeping this for all-around fun, picking sick freeriding lines, etc., but I'm getting a hard-tail so I can still race XC. And to the guy below me, please don't write 5 reviews under the same name. It's cool you liked it but that's just annoying.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Slayer Skid
a Weekend Warrior
from Kelowna, BC Date Reviewed: May 2, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Best Bang For The $$$$
Weaknesses:
NONE
Bike Setup:
Changed Manitou for BOMBER Z1 BAM W/ HD Springs(5 of travel), Thompson Elite Seat Post & XT Front Derailler.
Bottom Line:
I'm a big guy, 260 Lbs, and this bike takes all the hits with no problems. Kick Ass overall bike, cross country & downhill riding!!! BUY THIS BIKE!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shreddude
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cincinatti, Ohio Date Reviewed: April 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Harbin Park
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame and Suspension...
Weaknesses:
None yet...
Similar Products Used:
GT XCR2000 I-Drive and Schwinn 4 Banger
Bike Setup:
Stock Set up...
Bottom Line:
I am a previous owner of a GT LTS Team frame set built up from scratch that I ran for 3 years back in Cali.. Besides the noisy pivots with proper maintanence and the fact that both seat stays snapped as I dropped it down to the small chainring to power up an incline through a roller section in the Santa Cruz mountains, I loved the bike. The Trek I now own is a solid design that can be used for all around riding. Yes, it is a little heavy...but with some upgrades, I have brought it down to 27 lbs.. I do recommend Rolf wheels, but then again I manage a bike shop and got them for cost($220). Is is not a cross-country racer, nor is it an expert class downhiller. It is just a good all-around bike to play on. Alot of bike for the money, if you use it for what it was intended for. If you want a downhill bike, for God's sake, buy one and don't knock a bike for not doing a job it was not designed for. Keep the rubber side down and ride HARD!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Meredith
a Downhiller
from Spokane WA Date Reviewed: April 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Beacon Hill
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
I just put this bike on layaway. I rode it a couple times downhill, and it rules.
Weaknesses:
No riser bars. Your dealer will probably put them on free for you though.
Similar Products Used:
Just about everything
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I can't wait. People don't like Trek because they're the best and no one can compete with them. So everyone bashes them. They own 30% of the biking industry. It's closest competitor is specialized, and they own 3% of the business. Trek is the biggest Co. around. TREK RULES!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean Murphy
a Downhiller
from Seattle WA Date Reviewed: April 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Bowl and Pitcher
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
TOTALLY a plush bike. Blows my raven out of the water, and has better components. It feels like 8 in. of travel instead of the 5 it actually has. The X-vert fork on it is nice too
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Cannondale, Gary Fisher, Klein, Yeti, Jamis.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
GET THIS BIKE RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris King
a Downhiller
from Crested Butte Date Reviewed: April 23, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
BIKE RULES. Way better than Cannondale. Get this Bike.
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
Just about 'em all
Bike Setup:
stock. MRP chain tensioner (NOT CHAINGUIDE)
Bottom Line:
BUY THIS BIKE NOW!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Downhiller
from Spokane WA Date Reviewed: April 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
minihaha
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bottom Line:
I am writing this to counter act that queert who wrote three letters slamming the trek. That guy sucks and trek rules.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
phisher
a Cross-Country Rider
from cincinnati Date Reviewed: April 21, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
the bottom line is this....most of you out there that gave this bike a shitty reveiw didn't even bother to review the bike, you trashed the components instead. i'm not a genious, but there is a place to review components and this page isn't it. if you are going to review components, do it: but if you want to review the bike, review the actual bike. don't blame the manufacturer if you bought a bike with horrible components. also, if you are going to trash a product...at least wait until you've gotten used to it. bikes take time to get accustomed to; you can't just hop on any expensive bike and expect it to ride like a dream. you have to fine tune the shocks and give yourself some time to get used to it. i've never ridden this bike, but since i'm on this page i have to give it some chilli's anyway. so, since it seems that everyone who has ridden this bike thoroughly likes the bike (and the 300 and 500) i feel the need to give this thing 5 to balance out the morons who need to ride a little bit more.five flamin chilli's for trekfive flamin hemorrhoids for those who don't think
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Santo Raffa
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: April 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
burnaby mtn,north shore
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame,Price, components are OK
Weaknesses:
tires ,
Similar Products Used:
GT I drive, Amp,Rock mountain element
Bike Setup:
swaped Manitou for Z1 Drop Off
Bottom Line:
The frame has been reliable so far,a spock popped out of the rear wheel and the dealer fixed it right away.I was told the front hayes cable pull will get stronger as it breaks in right now it is compatible in stopping streanth too V-brakes.I'm 130lb and I think the rear shock could use a lighter coil for me,any way this bike has more potential and could use a longer stroke rear shock for more travel, I thought 5' was a lot , I gess not The real issue on this bike is the rear shock it's reliable but...not enought The bottom line for the price you won't be disappointed great bike
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Diamond Dave
a Downhiller
from Colorado Date Reviewed: April 13, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
the frame and the principle behind it
Weaknesses:
could use more rear travel and a triple clamp for serious down hill
Bottom Line:
first of all I'd like to comment about the downhiller from MIAMI? Last time I was in Florida the only mountain I saw was MAGIC MOUNTAIN. The state boasts the lowest high point in America 345 feet. Sorry buddy that's not downhilling. Now there are a few hills here in Colo and I've ridden quite a few of them. A friend of mine bought this bike and we switched on a ride last weekend. I was pleased with the suspension although it needs a little more travel around here.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Duncan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Markham, Ontario Date Reviewed: April 4, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
The frame, the Manitou X-Vert T(Manitou is the only way to fly), and the mountain mix component set.
Weaknesses:
The P.O.S cable actuated brake.. I rode this bike for the first time today and the brake doesnt even work. I dont know if it just needed to be tuned in properly but I was squeezing it in ALL the way and it still wasnt stopping at all.
Similar Products Used:
VRX 200
Bike Setup:
It was stock just the way TREK made it. Its less than a day old so it hasnt even been broken in.
Bottom Line:
My friend's dad bought this bike for him. WHAT A LUCKY BASTARD. This bike tips the scales here in Canada at about $2400. If i had this kind of cash i would purchase this bike no doubt about it. The only thing i would suggest for helping the performance of this bike is upgrading to the Hydralic brake. Otherwise this bike is the smoothist bike. It climbs farely well for a FS. I give this bike 4 chillies casue of the useless cable actuated disc brake. I give it 5 if you upgrade the extra $100 for the Hydralic brake. Good work TREK. Hayes you better get on the problem wit the Cable brake.. My u-brakes on my freestyle stop me better then those.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john
a Weekend Warrior
from nc Date Reviewed: March 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
devil's ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Weaknesses:
weight
Bottom Line:
Anybody who thinks this bike is undersprung is a monkey. I weigh 195 lbs and this bike handles everything Ive thrown at it. Also my friend whorides an lts and rarely stays on the ground for more than a few seconds at a time(he gets alot of air) says this bike is awesome.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from CA Date Reviewed: March 26, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Shock set-up
Weaknesses:
Seat tube (part of the frame) touching & rubbing the rear tire in the DH position.
Bottom Line:
Poor design for dh, but good for all around...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christopher
a Cross-Country Rider
from Los Alamos, NM Date Reviewed: March 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Quemazon
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Versatiltiy in the Rear shock setup
Weaknesses:
A little squish (so far) on the uphills
Similar Products Used:
GT 1000
Bottom Line:
I would like to say that the Downhiller from Miami is a real ass. Come on man... the biggest hill in Miami come from the fake tits on the beach... go back to your beach cruiser. If you want some real downhill... get anywhere out of Florida.... you ass! I love the bike. I couldn't ask for better control on the downies, and the ascents are getting fun. I love to technical, and this bike rides over everything. I can almost track stand, compress and leap 18 sideways... I find nothing but greatness in its weight, adjustability, and tuned components...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
WhateverBillJasonBrent
a downhiller
from B.C. Date Reviewed: March 12, 1999
Bottom Line:
This is just a note to the idiot who obviously has some grudge with Trek and faked three reviews by different people. It's very curious how all those reviews came around the same time in December. Get a life buddy. When you do shit like that it just ruins the huge benifit of having an unbiased product review site. I personally love my Trek bike and the good service Trek has provided me. Although I have not ridden the vrx, I feel obliged to give 5 chillies to counteract your bogus reviews.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gabe
a weekend warrior
from Québec,Canada Date Reviewed: January 12, 1999
Bottom Line:
To all of the pillow sucker who hav'nt understand anything in the VRX technology: The VRX is designed to provide a good performing dual porpuse bike. The combination of disc brake, coil over shock and long travel fork is designed to do so. The bad reviews of the 400 seemed to come from jerk ass who don't know that a bike have different size, then different shock to fit different rider weightand even if the bike is still under or over sprung, you can customize your shock by replacing the coil spring. As for the GT xcr, the system looks fine but it will cost an arm an a leg to replace the exentric bearing of the bottom bracket ... I think that the the one who have wrote the review was a GT maniac who could'nt find any other way to put up the I-drive system, wich pale in comparison of the VRX system..... A bike mechanic from canada
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rb
a downhiller
from Arizona Date Reviewed: January 4, 1999
Bottom Line:
Why does it sound like the bad reviews are ALL written by the same person? This isn't an out of the box DH race bike. It is however a very fun dual purpose bike that is agile enough for the climbs but also tons of fun on the downhills.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sean
a downhiller
from northern california. Date Reviewed: January 3, 1999
Bottom Line:
This bike rides fine, you schmucks. I race downhill and agree as a super plush dh bike it would lag a little, but it wasn't designed for that. It was designed as an all-around trail bike with an emphasis on fun decents. If you want more mush than the vrx offers on the trail you must not be climbing anything!!! Here's some points to counter-act all your bi-assed commentary.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brent
a downhiller
from Miami Date Reviewed: December 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
This new Trek is a bad bike. One of my friends bought this bike and asked me to ride it and tell him what i thought. Although I am used to very plush 6 travel DH bikes, this bike for a Dual Sport was far to undersuspended. The bike made me feel like I was riding a rock in that it wouldn't budge. What made me sicker was the 3 level rear shock adjust. It makes no difference which one you have it set on it still dosen't budge. I was overall disgusted with this bike and never wish to ride one again.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a downhiller
from Washington State Date Reviewed: December 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
This new Trek VRX 400 is pitiful. Trek dicided to go with a Manitou X-Vert. This is supposed to be a long travel double clamp fork, the double clap part is true, but the long travel has nothing to do with it. I took this bike for a test ride at the local bike shop and was disgusted with the undersuspension of what was supposed to be a big hit bike. 1 chili to Trek and their VRX.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a weekend warrior
from Tennessee Date Reviewed: December 26, 1998
Bottom Line:
This bike is not all that, the combination of a long travel double clamp front fork, and a low end coil/oil rear shock made me sick to ride the bike. The bike is not a good combination and the components are not a good combination either. If you are looking for a dual suspension bike in this price range, go with the GT XCR-2000!
Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 1749.99
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
