Submitted by
James Ronsons
a Cross Country Rider
from New York Date Reviewed: May 12, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Very easy to ride, feels strong and sturdy, looks great...actually it turned heads when riding down the road.
This Trek YSL300 model had been out to the market for like 9 years already I believe. I bought it online, like 3 years ago. I think the previous owner said he had it for like 4-5 years from new, so it added up the bike's age around 8 I guess.
It's still running, so it has a lots of strengths.
I paid $2500, because the previous owner added a lot of components on it. Carbon wheels, handle bar, seat post; XTR, Manitou front. etc.
The bike is just looks really with everything together.
Weaknesses:
It's difficult to find the original sticker for the bike. They worn out, and I want to change them.
Similar Products Used:
Somehow other Trek Y designs are not quite the same as the YSL 300, not as hot. They are from the same company, but I think the YSL300 is the best Y they have ever produce.
Bottom Line:
There aren't many of the Trek YSL300 out there, so it's quite rare. Because at the time, when the bike came out; it was very expensive.
So, not many could pay for it.
If you can get hold of one, you should definitely get it and give it a try.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kip
a
from Las Cruces NM Date Reviewed: August 21, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
El Paso
Strengths:
Comparably equiped rivals still fall short after all these years. Buy it if you like sticking with it for a meaningful stretch, cause it will grow on you, and serve you VERY well indeed once you dial it in to your likings, all the while easily upgraded to keep up with industry
Weaknesses:
Was phased out due to copy-cats muddying the water. Don't buy it if you are thin skinned, it has been around for a LONG LONG time, and as such has amassed more than its fair share of the bandwagon haters.
Similar Products Used:
Raleigh
Bike Setup:
Switches from road bike to MTN with... tire changes, and front Winwood forks. Also using Rohloff Speedhub 14sp when it gets muddy, adds about 500 grams, but the mud adds 1,000's, and being able to shift is priceless.
Bottom Line:
An exerpt from http://www.users.bigpond.com/cool386/trek/trek.htm reads; "The models in the initial OCLV Y frame series were the Y50 (pronounced Y Five-0),Y33, Y22, and Y11. The Y33 was intially the top of the range bike but was overtaken by the Y50 in 1997. All these models used the same frame and differed only in the body graphics and components fitted. The Y50 did not appear with the new frame in 1998. Instead, the "Y Superlite", YSL200, and YSL300 appeared to take its place and were then the top of the range. The URT for all these models was 6061 aluminium. The 1995-1997 URT's are made of rectangular section tubing, with a replaceable derailleur hanger for the 1997 models. With the new frame in 1998, the URT was now made of oval section tubing, also with a replaceable derailleur hanger. The URT's are interchangeable and some of the new style frames were fitted with the older URT's. Note that the Gary Fisher Joshua uses the same URT. Hardly suprising as Gary Fisher is owned by Trek.'
The last line is nice to know, since quality begats quality. Never mind those who bash Trek in favor of Fisher, or visa-versa.
Anything worth having usually benefits from upgrades and personalization... the most significant upgrade on any OCLV Y frame Trek IMHO, is addressing the slight tendency of bobbing when ridden very hard,(overstated by opponents). Several companies make rear shocks that mimic a hard-tail with just the throw of a lever, instantly affording uphill grunt with no bobbing efficiency issues. That is an upgrade I might make someday, as I have tried similarly equiped MTN bikes, but for now I don't sense the need for the complexity of another cable. Perhaps the hours of dialing in my current shock, resulted in serendipitous function. Who knows? After 20 years of humping packs and drag-bags up Sheep-Sh*t Hill, and Mt Mutha-F****r in the Marine Corps infantry, maybe a little suspension glitch on a 21 pound MTN bike seems trivial at best. Sure beats combat boots and fingernails to reach the top. Whatever you ride, be glad you're free to ride it when ever you like. Semper-Fi.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RYan Yan
a Cross Country Rider
from New York, NY, USA Date Reviewed: June 23, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
This is properly one of the most DROP DEAD GORGEOUS bike in the bike industry ever. It's a sex machine...can you just imagine I can actually pick girls phone number with my bike! Seriously, it's not a harley; but work like one with the ladies!
Weaknesses:
The bike is light...and I didn't allow my friend who is 200lbs to ride on it. Because Trek does NOT recommend anyone from 180lbs and above to get on this bike. Don't break the rule....because it's your own risk!!
Similar Products Used:
You tell me....if you can found another one that is as sexy as this bike!
Bike Setup:
Aerospoke wheels set, Easton, Hope Front Hydraulic brake & Hayes Rear Hydraulic brakes(the best from both worlds).
Bottom Line:
As a OCLV Carbon Fiber, the bike pretty damn tough; and i didn't have even one problem with it at all.
Personally, i think this bike is/was the best looking bike ever built by Trek. It's a super cross country bike. I guess i am yet to find another bike in the market that have the great performance and looks at the very same time. I suppose that's why make this Trek YSL 300 so hot and special. This bike have been with me for some years already, and it's hold its own ground nicely.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Racer
from Fargo ND USA Date Reviewed: November 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Afton Alps
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Scheels
Strengths:
Dead sexy! Light and strong, great ride up and down the hills.
Weaknesses:
I would love to have a little longer frame, but at 6'2" I can not ask for everything.
Bike Setup:
XTR disk wheels w/Hays hydrolic, XTR for everything else, cranks, headset, etc. Easton carbon riser bars and seat post
Bottom Line:
Absolutely love this bike! I have beat the hell out of it not on purpose most of the time and not an issue. Best looking bike ever and one of the strongest.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ski Dog
a Cross Country Rider
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: November 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
fat Tire In Chegoumigan
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Trek
Strengths:
Light Weight and Bullet proof
Weaknesses:
Pogo's without Lock out shock
Bike Setup:
XTR and SRAM Rapid Fire
Bottom Line:
The Bottom line is when this bike came out it was so far ahead of everyone else's technology that everyone badmouthed the bike. I have tortured this bike to no end and have ridden it for 10 years now. I have replaced Shimano XTR parts on this bike more than a few times but the frame itself has stood the test of time. go ahead and critisize the company Trek for it's fame and fortune but remember they remain one of the few that still build their hyline of bicycles here in the USA and havent had to sell out to US companies that import everything form China. Schwinn, Mongoose, GT etc. Not one part is made here. So as you put down the famous Trek name brand remember who has collaped along the way, to either be swept up by Chinese or kept alive and well in the USA by Trek. No need to thank me Mr. Klien or Mr Bontrager. I will soon retire this piece of history and count the numerous patents it took to develop her as she hangs on the wall like the tropies she has been presented and earned.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chip
a Racer
from Chattanooga, TN, USA Date Reviewed: July 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
the Dump, Victoria, BC
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Mission Cyclery
Bottom Line:
On a whim i read the Y reviews. I recently parted mine out and have given the frame full honors by hanging it on the garage wall. It's sad to read such harsh reviews of what really has been a great bike. It's true, the suspension design sucks if you don't have a lockout. With a lockout, however, there really isn't many full suspension bikes that can match its weight and performance as a cross country bike. I, too, have witnessed broken Y-bikes. Guess what, some people have no grace on a bike and could break an anvil. I'm 6'2", 215, and not fat. I've broken numerous cranks sets, seat posts, bars, pedals, you name it; but my Y-frame has never let me down. As far as freeride, it's not designed for that. But don't watch a Mountain Dew commercial and think you can ride. I hear all this about 5 ft this and 10 ft that, blah, blah, blah. Listen, I've ridden my Y in British Columbia's Dump and Kamloops (spelliing?), raced it in Mexico, and run the downhill courses at Big Bear and Mammoth. It didn't break. So, drink your Big Gulp, play Nintendo, and keep getting your feedback from the latest Bike rag. It was an outstanding bike in its day and still hold its own as far as featherweight full suspensions go. Try to build another 4" travel bike that weights 24 lbs! -Cheers
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bike Technologist
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, Co Date Reviewed: October 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
All front range
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Strip it for the parts. Make glider out of the frame, trash the rest
Weaknesses:
Trek. The ultimate yuppie bike, no technology behind this thing
Similar Products Used:
All
Bike Setup:
N/A
Bottom Line:
Anyone who buys this junk based on the unified rear triangle needs to go back to school. This is the dumbest thing ever created on a mountain bike. THis isn't really full suspension. Sure, if you sit down, you're fine... but who sits down on a down hill? This was designed specifically for yuppie freeks that ride 3 times a year. Anyone giving this a good rating needs to go ride other bikes (no I'm not biased, and some of the newer treks are better). Ever since Giant took over some of the design process, Trek became a better ride. Oh, you didn't know that Giant builds Trek? Take your Jetta back too you loser.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john
a Weekend Warrior
from United States of America Date Reviewed: November 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
bunnny trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3300.00
Purchased At:
Sloane's bike store
Strengths:
light weight , cool looks , good off road capibilities
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
ysl 300
Bottom Line:
i love this bike ! its sweet!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lee
a Cross Country Rider
from singapore Date Reviewed: November 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
rough mountanious terrains
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
treknology bikes 3
Strengths:
it is super light weight , is a full suspension bike that can be transformed into a hard tail with just a light push of a lever.
Weaknesses:
the bike is so light that i had a little bit of trouble controling it
Similar Products Used:
trek cycling shorts, rst,limar helmet,giant bmx bike aleoca bike (it sux!!!!!1the worls worst bike !! stupid *downhill*fork has only 10 mm !!10mm!!!10 not 100 of travel!!
Bike Setup:
trek ysl 300 , roxkshox sid sl , rear rockshox sid sl, bontrager saddle , ricon seat post and handle bar , shimano xtr 27 speed , shimano deore xt v brakes , rolf wheels , botrager tires, lizard skin anti chain slap protective cover
Bottom Line:
Although quite an old model i elieve that this is the best bike i have ever tried!! it has never given me any problems!!one billion thumbs up for trek ysl 300!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathan
a Cross Country Rider
from North Carolina Date Reviewed: September 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
ashville, used
Strengths:
absolute sexiest machine around, this bike will turn heads. if i only had a buck for every compliment i'd buy 10 more
Weaknesses:
no damping adjustment on rear shock
Similar Products Used:
haro escape, jamis dakar, c-dale killer v
Bike Setup:
mostly XT with z.2 atom bomb
Bottom Line:
This bike is the daddy of all bikes. Sure it bobs a little, but nothing a good spin wont fix. decends great. Im always a little sketchy with all the busted frame tales ive heard , but ive hucked 5 foot drops with no problem. Oh yea and this is the only bike made that will pick up chicks. Some people have fast cars or money, but I got my Y enough said
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chapel Allen
a Cross Country Rider
from Caracas, Venezuela Date Reviewed: February 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Pachacamac, Peru, around lake Neusa, Colombia
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Bogota, Colombia
Strengths:
Sexist looking bike ever made, easy to put on shoulder and carry, light with change in components.
Weaknesses:
Flex in rear end, cannot install XTR front derailler due to frame geometry. Had annoying creak that sounded like it emanated from Monoque frame, but after pulling off and judy buttering the rear triange pivot, and doing same with rear shock mount points, creak went away.
Similar Products Used:
Nishiki hardtail, Orange robot bike, AMP B-3, Santa Cruz
Bike Setup:
Y22 frame 1994? vintage, Cook cranks, XTR bottom bracket, Chris King head set, XTR rear derailler, LX front, Avid brakes, Cane creek rear shock, Rock Shox XC front shock with speed springs, TNT Ti hubset (rear finally broke at flange, replacing with Hugui, VooDoo rims, Specialized team control and master tires.
Bottom Line:
A true warrior. I have ridden on the roughest terrain Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela has to offer, sometimes where no mountain bike has been seen before. The bike is scratched and bruised but never broke. Components have broken (crank, chain ring, seat, etc, etc), and worn out over years yes, but frame is a champ. I agree with some of the other reviewers about the problem some relate with bobbing, etc, etc, you learn how to ride the bike, it becomes an extension of your body, you fight it, you won't be happy with any bike. I have read about Y22 breakage, I must have got lucky, getting one of the first off the manufacturing line of Y bikes, because I have pounded this bike!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Vitsur
a Cross Country Rider
from Jupiter, Fl. USA Date Reviewed: January 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tsali, of course
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Science Bike Shop
Strengths:
Ahead of time design! A bold attempt at using a new material in bike design (Carbon Fiber). Fore-runner of other URT concepts. Simple! Very plush ride. 4" travel. Introduced Lock-out shocks. Great Warranty. The Coolest, Sexiest design to date.
Weaknesses:
They lied, it is not totally active. It does bob when hammering. It does break! The design is not well understood. Yes, now outdated, but still very ridable for the masses.
Stratos shock w. lockout, Early Z-1 Bomber (4"), Racerace cranks, XT shifter/brakes, XT V-brakes, XT Wheelset, 135mm x10 deg. Kore stem, 636 clipless pedals, numerous tire sets.
Bottom Line:
After reading all of the above reviews, I felt a totally unbiased review was in order. Most people either loved the Y-Bike, or hated it. Myself, I love my Y-Bike, but will buy something different this year (Not just because they are not available). Trek made a bold statement when they introduced this design, and put a lot on the line to prove this new wave in technology (Carbon Fiber). They didn't totally fail, and as a result, other companies were able to avoid those pitfalls while Trek is still paying for it in their continuing warrantees. I am riding my third frame. Carbon fiber is now being used in many components by other manufacturers. Some respect for Trek's effort is in order! The Trek Y-Bike though troubled, is still around today and going strong. I still ride mine and now have another. They probably will be worth some money one day. (Did any of you think of that?) When several bikes are hanging of the rear of my Jeep, the Y-Bike still gets all the nods. It is still the coolest look! Finally, let me tell you that all bike companies lie. They all claim: Totally Active, No Bob, 4" plus travel, and so on and so forth! Today, all designs that have claims of active suspension have also reduced travel to accomplish this. My new bike, whatever it might be, will have full travel and probably require a Lock-out shock to make it work. Few riders have experienced not just the lock-out feature, but the on the fly compression dampening you get to tune in any ride, cross-country, or mild off-road terrain. Also, active bikes will absorb much of your energy when you pull up on the front to clear logs (something again never talked about), added compression dampening transfers that energy into a front wheel lift or Wheelie. It should be standard equipment on any bike. They all need it. My problem with the Y-Bike lies in the instability of the rear triangle. It simply wags too much! None of that was mentioned in the above reviews. On bumpy turns, the rear will bump-steer the bike around corners, causing rider over-control to compensate. My next frame will resolve that, but will certainly have a Lock-Out Shock! My freind's Intense Uzzi needs this in the worst way! It's very Plush and Full of Bob! In summary, you shouldn't buy this bike because you can't. It is no longer available, but if you find a used one, you will be happy with it, but you will void of warrantee from Trek. A definate Classic!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Larson
a Cross Country Rider
from Savannah, GA Date Reviewed: November 29, 2000
After reading the reviews on this bike I have found myself disgusted due to the ignorance and narrow minded punks that try and make everyone else miserable. Look, if someone enjoys their ride (or any other activity or product) don't diss them for so just because you do not. If you don't care for the product, plead your case and move on. I will have more respect for a person who does so than some punk telling me that I'm a wannabe for being interested in something. Mountain biking is about getting out and having a blast and enjoying a certain comradery that most bikers share. To understand what I'm talking about, go check out a local race.
As for the bike, I have riden a friend of mines and found it to be a solid ride. Yes, the shocks pressure was high, and I found that fine for I prefer hardtails. The bike excelled in fast, tight turns and and provided just enough travel on rutted trails to make the ride a little more pleasurable. Climbs were no problem due to the lockout. With the air pressure low the bike is a po-go stick. I was on a 40 mile plus ride when I screwed with the air pressure. I finished the ride with the lockout engaged. If set up correctly this bike excells as a XC racing bike that that takes advantage of some of suspensions characteristics. If you are looking for a bike that will give you a solid active feel (that you get with linkage) forget this bike, you will regret buying it. I plan on purchasing an STP 400 soon, but if anybody is willing to get rid of their YSL in an XL frame, I would be more than happy to purchase it from you!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Dole
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethlehem, PA Date Reviewed: October 24, 2000
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Great compromise. Light.
Weaknesses:
none thus far...
Similar Products Used:
Y-50, GT LTS, Gary Fisher Z0
Bike Setup:
all stock 98 Y-50 parts: Full 8spd XTR, 747 peddles, 'trager race post, Ibis Ti bar + stem (the stem is beautiful), Cane Creek C5 headset
Bottom Line:
I got my YSL as a replacement after I my Y-50 broke b/c of 3 years of hard riding. The SL is a leap forward for the Y design and I'm very sorry to see trek leeting it go. The top tube length is longer which creates a much better racing position and the suspension geometry has been tweaked to be a tad bit more active. Now the catch on this bike it is NOT a fully active suspension and it was NOT designed to be. It was designed specifically to be a light and semi-active full-spenesion race bike. The lock out was included to make climbing as efficient as possible by eliminating the bobbing. Learn to use it correctly and you'll love it. I have read all the reviews on this page and I assure you that after you learn to ride a bike and control your spinning there is no pedal induced bob. As with any new bike you must change your style a bit to accomodate the geometry. You don't buy a Camry and and expect to drive it around like a Ferrari do you? The Y-frame is a race specific product that is not intended for weekend warriors. It was meant to perform solely under a skilled person pushing his or her limits. This bike is a 24lb racing machine. If you want a cushy ride go buy a downhill bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
alan
a
from cincinnati Date Reviewed: September 18, 2000
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Strengths:
Looked pretty when new, was state of the art at one time (1995).
Weaknesses:
Made by Trek, piss poor warrenty service and backing, antiquated design, constant failures, need I go on.
Similar Products Used:
y-22
Bike Setup:
full race, all good parts other than the frame.
Bottom Line:
The Y bike was great in 95 when it first came out, but has quickly fallen behind other designs. If I had a dollar for every broken Y bike I've heard of and seen, (counting two of my own) of I could afford to get rid of my POS and get a better bike, or maybe even own a bike company. Be careful of giving Trek too much praise for their warrenty, how many of you received a second y bike in return only to break it in a couple of months, and good luck trying to get anything else out of them. Bottom line is I weigh 140, and ride XC, and I cannot trust the design anymore as it almost sent me to the hospital twice. Thanks for the quality and customer service trek, my current one wears a big "sucks" decal after the trek name and I have the reasons to back it up. Thankfully five years of being a bike mechanic give me some clout in steering people away from this design and Trek altogether, unfortunately our shop still sells them (only to suckers).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robeuten
a Cross Country Rider
from Switzerland Date Reviewed: August 29, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Please read my review from 5/21/99
Weaknesses:
Please read my review from 5/21/99
Similar Products Used:
Please read my review from 5/21/99
Bottom Line:
Hi Folks,
this is an update to my review from 5/21/99: Brakes were still squealing => Magura HS33. 60 gr. more, but much faster Downhill and in rain... Best replacement ever made on any bike! Bar/Stem replaced by German HighQuality (Syntace V-2). Gives a stiffer feeling in rough terrain, however, Cannondale Headshock can't be beaten... Negative pressure chamber in SID fork broken... Everything else works fine under hardest conditions - most surprising the Propel wheels, which did not cause any defect so far. To cut a long story short, a very good Cross/Country Frame with some weak parts - if you need a Freerider, go somewhere else. If you like your hardtail but are getting old (like me :-) ) try to get one used. A friend bought a Jekyll: pedal bobbing like mine, but no lock-out, much heavier, less noisy frame, flexy rear, stiff headshock => no improvement by the last years!?! I'll drive this frame untill i break it! I would like to give it 4.5 Chilis...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Fischer
a Cross Country Rider
from Jackson WY Date Reviewed: July 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Aynthing is sun valley
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Light, simple, fast. Being non active makes it simple. ever ride a 4 bar thats worn out? Not fun.
Weaknesses:
none.Not for riders who want a cushy ride.
Similar Products Used:
amp b-4, fsr xc
Bike Setup:
full xtr. cane creek wam ti,fox air no lockout,
Bottom Line:
My bike is a 98 before the bike was released as a 300 sl.That limited production bike has full XTR no lockout and cane creeks with ti spokes. It weighs 23.5 Medium. At first it was a noisy frame that drove me nuts. Most of the noise comes from cable housings. With some rerouting and zip ties frame noise was cut 60 or 70 percent. Creeking complaints are almost always from shock mount bolts not tight, not the main pivot. Being a hardtail guy F/S bikes were not my favorite. I have spent much time on an amp and fsr.I like the Y-SL more. The simplicity is great. No yearly rebuild. Sure its not active but you just have to decide what you want. Climbing on smooth surface its going to bob. You just get used to it. As far as complaints of the bottom bracket moving you cant possibly feel it. climbing on rough terrain traction is excellent. Desending this bike takes the edge off but is not gushy by any means. overall its a well rounded package.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
prc
a Cross Country Rider
from Batalha Portugal Date Reviewed: January 14, 2000
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
All round bike. Light enough to ocasionally race with.
Weaknesses:
All round bike. Better than any loudspeaker. A bit $$$.
This bike is pretty good at everything, and for that reason it's not great at any one specific area. The only complaint that I do have is that any little creak in the bb or crank sound like it's being played in dolby surround. This is actually my 2nd Y, the first was a 97 Y-33 that broke last year and was replaced with the ysl (in the same carbon weave as my 97 y-33) by the great people at TREK. 4 flames for the bike + 10 for the guy's at TREK.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik Woeldern
a Weekend Warrior
from Visby, Sweden Date Reviewed: December 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
A mountain called galgberget
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
All is good about this bike except that you can`t get your friend of your back wanting to ride the bike all the time :)......
Weaknesses:
None except the awful noise that the frame makes when you push hard on the pedals, anybody know what to do?
Similar Products Used:
My last bike was a TREK 7000 and I have tested a Y3-99
Bike Setup:
Trek Y 50 -98 Rock Shox Judy XL XTR and XT stuff, club roost sadel......
Bottom Line:
Cool looking bike, that some times when you come out from a shop or something, you can see somebody standing and drewling all over it :)... nice aslong as they don´t steal it!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Puzman
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wallingford, CT 06492 Date Reviewed: December 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
never you mind...
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
Let me tell you a story...A friend of mine has a YSL-200. Its a very nice bike. He rides it down a hill and falls. A small branch catches the seatpost. The toptube of the bike, between the shock mount and the seat post, snaps like a twig. We wrap it with electrical tape so he won't get carbon fiber splinters up his arse on the way home. Trek has refused to warranty the bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Davide Gai
a Weekend Warrior
from Lugano, Switzerland Date Reviewed: December 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Mount Bar ascant from Lugano, not for the meek!
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
best of both world: climbs as a hardtail, descends like a dual
Weaknesses:
Its strenghs are also its weeknesses: not as confortable as some duals, not as responsive as some hardtails as
Similar Products Used:
Votec superlight
Bike Setup:
factory: mix of xtr and XT
Bottom Line:
The ideal bike for the undecided: the fact that the rear suspension can be lockad out on the fly by means of a handle mounted lever makes it very good on climbs. The weight is pretty low too, for a dual. Once a riding style has been developed, one may want to opt for either a true dual suspension bike, for real descents or technical trails, or for a lighter hardtail, for long ascents like we have on the alps. Furthermore the rather high price does not justify the rather mediocre setup with only an XTR derailer and the rest being plain XT.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
harry
a Racer
from Netherlands Date Reviewed: September 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
freeride
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Adjustable rear shock during ride Light
Weaknesses:
Cann't leave it in the garage
Similar Products Used:
Wheeler, Cannondale, American Eagle
Bike Setup:
All Syncros ti parts Fizik nisene Sram ESP 9.0sl Marzocchi Z1 BAM Bontrager race light.
Bottom Line:
I needed about 4 races to fully tune this bastard. That's the point, which all those negative reviewers didn't do, is tune it. it's a racer. First of all I got my long travel Z1BAM in which gives a total other feeling than the standard SID. Secondly I use the lock out a lot. In a climb I don't want rearsuspension, due to bobbing, specially when the air spring is at 150psi as in my case, just LOCK IT OUT, quite easy with your thumb. Going downhill or rough terrain just release the lockout. accelerating out off corners? just lock it for a moment. As you see, you need to constantly use the lockout during a race, but when you control this you got a racer, without compromising. The only negative thing is that the pivot bolts tends to loosen what gives a bit play in the rear triangle. I solved this by hollowing the bolts and shaft, and tapping in an extra bolt.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie
a Weekend Warrior
from Portage Date Reviewed: September 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
outback trail Portage
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
Climbs like a hard tail with a flip of a lever . jumps better than my 97 y 22
Weaknesses:
TO expensive
Similar Products Used:
Gaint 980 f/s Cannondale super v 700 mongoose hard tail trex y 22 broke twice.
Bike Setup:
sid rear judy up front ti parts
Bottom Line:
This bike like ALL f/s need to be dialed in for the rider. This is my second y bike i broke two y 22's .They sent me a y sl 300 . 100 thumps up for trek had me riding in no time.The bike rocks set it up cause when i first got bike bobed ? im not a spinner im a peddel masher ! a little more air and the bike was bob no more .a friend of mine has cannondale it bobed to but after two spring up grades {witch he paid for bike was real soft for 22olb rider } so ride hard and play hard but remmber its not what you ride just as long as you ride. PS dont bash unless you have spent the cash to know? parking lot rides are for people who think they bike
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Parker
a Cross-Country Rider
from Calgary Alberta Date Reviewed: August 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
Superb handling,light and very responsive. Climbs like a mountain goat.
Weaknesses:
Mild bobbing on some climbs.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher F1
Bottom Line:
I've owned and raced the Y bikes(started with a Y-22) for five years and I can tell you that Trek has made one of the best all around bikes on the market today. Lets face it, it's not a downhiller or a full out cross country race bike. But if you want to do both you can and still finish the race with some energy to spare. And I can't tell you how many times I've had riders behind me comment on how smooth the bike looks on the trails. It feels just as smooth in the saddle. This is the last year for the YSL bike so if you want to get yourself a good ride they're going fast.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason R
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: August 25, 1999
Early April 99 Trekysl300 Full Xtr Lp carbon handlebar chris King Titanium headset specialized comp saddle dean titanium seatpost Spin wheels Rolf Wheels Spinergy Spoks Wheels Time Atac Carbon Pedals NiteRider Digital pro 12 Lights NiteRider rear flashes
Bottom Line:
I had this model setup which retails way over $4000. Its worth the money. I love Y frames i started out on a 96 yellow y33 and was content. Then I sold it and upgraded to a fully tricked out ysl300. This design is so hot, sexy, stylish, that now you can find 200-300 hundred dollar steel look alikes at department stores. And people talk about bobbing, well the Y has a rear lock out that can elimanate this and customize the plushness. The warranty on this bike is out of this world lifetime replacement. My friend pressure washed his 96? y 5-0 and the paint came off. He sent it back and got a brand new ysl frame painted in the 5-0 color scheme, now thats customer service... I would give em 50 stars but i can't
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Baloneyroll
a Cross-Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: August 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
any-n-all
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
light, stiff, soaks up bumps
Weaknesses:
mild biopacing
Similar Products Used:
Too many to list
Bike Setup:
Y-22
Bottom Line:
Jubbi's a dumba$$. Try owning the bike and riding it under all conditions for several years, dip$hit. Design has flaws, bu tthey all do. Works great as an all-around bike. Biopacing is minimal if you know what you're doing. Look at the avg rating - do you really think there'd be so many good reviews if the bike was that bad? Give the bike a serious demo and if you don't like it, don't buy it. 5 piles.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jubbi
a Cross-Country Rider
from usa Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all tech trails
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Not much
Weaknesses:
Most of it. rear susp design particularly
Similar Products Used:
Many full susp (k2, trek, specialized, schwinn, klein, cannondale, santa cruz--they're all mostly crap, except K2/Proflex--get the original, it's still the best)
Bottom Line:
The floating drive train on this bike amounts to making it a high price seat post suspension system. The bottom bracket and pedals attach to the swing arm, and the distance between your feet and butt change as you ride. I can get a good susp seat post for $150, why bother with this horrible design? I think the only advantages might be when you climb out of the saddle to go up very steep hills. But you shouldn't have to do that much if you are a good rider and know how to slide on the seat to keep pressure on the rear.Don't be conned folks. One chili for looks (Maybe two for cheapness, but I can't raise the rating any, it's overblown already.) If you really want dual susp and a trek, get the VRX frame. DON'T BUY A Y-FRAME!! They are just expensive susp seat posts, is all.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
robert
a Cross-Country Rider
from slc, ut Date Reviewed: July 22, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
bombproof*,great xc compromise, choad saver
Weaknesses:
on the short side, rear hanger is like butter. i'm riding a symphony orchestra
Bike Setup:
xt, spin, white bros. sc90
Bottom Line:
i own the y-33, so i know that the new y series has a longer cockpit and a beefier hanger. however on my bike the hanger gets tweaked everytime i eat it, which is often. i've written trek about it but haven't heard back yet. gee, maybe they'll give me a new frame.other than that, i feel that it's a pretty nice compromise between a hardtail and a pure downhill pig. it gives me better control going downhill than a hardtail and climbs better (i'm guessing) than a downhill specific or freeride pig. to top it all off, my choad is still sparkley fresh after 4 hours in the saddle while by hardtail buddies are shoving ice down their shorts.what's up with all the fuss about urt or active suspension? looking for the holy grail? lighten up you boneheads, if you really dig one system over the other, buy it, and stop your whining.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Frank
a Racer
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: July 2, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Nada
Weaknesses:
The suspension
Similar Products Used:
FSR-XC, XR1000, Raven
Bottom Line:
If you want a good riding bike that does not suffer from pedel induced bobbing then do not buy an SL 300. I believed reviews, literature and what people said but they were all full of it. It bobbed on my test ride but they said Oh you can tune that out. Yeah, sure you can, if you like a bike that rides like a rock. Funny, the other thing people tell me is that I need to learn to spin. I didn't need to change my style on my old hardtail, nor the Kona FS bike I had before this Trek. To put it bluntly, the person should not have to conform to make up for the deficiencies of a bike. This is unacceptable at this price range, especally when there are far better bikes and suspension designs out there i.e. Specialized, GT, Cannondale.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DAN
a Racer
from N, MI Date Reviewed: June 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Rocky face, Moab
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Solid, fast, responsive, good suspension & Components
Weaknesses:
.....nope
Similar Products Used:
gt klein schwinn specialized
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
well, for all you knowledgable riders who have put in these negative comments about the sl 300, who most likely dont own, and probabally havent even ridden on one...you are wrong. For anyone actually looking for a review on this bike instead of nasty comments on true riders thoughts...here it is. Trek's y sl 200 is an excelent XC bike that is worth every penny. For all the people complaining about the rear suspension, thats all you want for a Cross Country Full Suspension Bike. If you are into Freeride or Downhill, Hell.. Get fully active link suspension and use it, But in XC, first hill and its over. Take it from someone who knows...I have been racing all over the U.S. since 1983 and have seen the evolution of bikes, i have owned a bike store for the past 7 years and the only FS XC Bike i would ever ride is the Y Sl 300, And believe me... when i say i have ridden them all, i have. And for all you ametures complaining about bobbing and hitting things so hard that your clips come out, learn to ride and spin, and get back to me in a few years. If you want a high performance, long lasting, sub 25 lb, american made bike with a full lifetime warranty.. get a Y. If not, get an expensive revolutionary new design bike shipped straight from Taiwan with a 1 year warranty, that weighs a lot and performs poorly. For you who will disagree with me, Drop me a line. Meg972@hotmail.com - The Ddawg
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tic
a Cross-Country Rider
from Grand Junction, CO Date Reviewed: June 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
weight, components, ride
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
FSR Elite, Schwinn S-10
Bottom Line:
To offset the idiots who review this bike but don't own it, I'll post 5 chilis. Then, I'm gonna go to the Specialized area and post a bunch of negative reviews just because I don't like their full-suspension design, even though I've only ridden their bikes a couple times and don't own one myself. I've ridden Y bikes for several years and I love 'em. Sure, there's a little pedal induced bobbing, especially if you don't know how to spin correctly and sure, the design is only semi-active. But the bike does exactly what it's supposed to do, which is: absorb shock on both ends, especially when seated. If you set it up right and develop smooth pedaling technique, you should avoid a lot of the problems with bobbing. To those of you who just can't seem to keep your sh**ty comments to yourself (remember, this is a review page, not a chat room or a rant session), go ride the bike you like and stop whining about a bike you don't even own.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross-Country Rider
from fremont ca Date Reviewed: June 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Demonstration forest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
all
Similar Products Used:
fsr elite (own one two weeks after purchase of y )
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Go to Specialized.com go to designs they will have animation on why the Y bikes suck and 4 bar linkage rocks!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
burton
a Weekend Warrior
from atlanta, ga Date Reviewed: May 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
bull mtn/bear creek/windy gap
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
light, handles great, shocks eat up the bumps nicely
Weaknesses:
strait pull rolf front wheel bows on heavy turns. bike does not come with a rockshox shock pump...on a $3k bike???
Similar Products Used:
gt I drive trek 8900, trek 9.9
Bike Setup:
stock '99 Y SL 300. added a hb100 cateye computer/heart rate monitor.
Bottom Line:
I took this up to bull mtn (bear hair with turn creek loop) and crushed the downhill on bear hair. The rear shock lock-out works nicely and this bike climbs like a daddy-o. The brakes do squeek all the way down the hill...may switch to hayes disc brakes when I save up the cash. The rolf front wheel is scarry...you can feel it bow out on fast turns...not sure why they used straight pull spokes...Bontrager tires not too great on soft soil but great on hard pack.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross-Country Rider
from Portland Date Reviewed: May 21, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The looks, that is it though.
Weaknesses:
Terrible suspension design!
Similar Products Used:
GT LTS & I-drive, Specialized FSR, Cannondale Super V
Bike Setup:
Stock SL 300
Bottom Line:
This purchase has turned out to be a major mistake. I was attracted to the bike for its light weight, good components, and low maintenance rear suspension. I ended up getting an excellent deal on it through my LBS so I couldn't pass it up. Wish I did. Everyone I talked to and the reviews I read said you could tune out the bobbing and power loss. I'm telling you it simply isn't true. You either end up with a bike that rides so stiffly in back that it might as well be a hardtail or you constantly have to use the lock out lever there by eliminating any benefit of rear suspension. This bike is terrible in every sense of the word, I would not recommend it to anyone. All the positive reviews on the site are BS, I know I own the POS!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robeuten
a Cross-Country Rider
from Zürich, Switzerland Date Reviewed: May 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Swiss Mountains
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
- light!!! - climbs fast - the carbon frame is not cold on your shoulder when you have to carry it.
Weaknesses:
XT brake in combination with SID SL squeal like hell - changed to '98 XT - no problems any further Propel wheels are not very stiff.
Similar Products Used:
Kraftwerk Moonraker (better rear suspension, heavier, frame too small for me) VOTEC F7 (too heavy)
Bike Setup:
only changed the seat post to Synchros hardcore
Bottom Line:
Excellent Cross-Country Race Fully, the little more weight compared to hardtail is overcome by the much better traction. The only thing i do not understand is that TREK sells this bike with squealing XT-brakes. Don't they test their bikes? I tried everything (put rear brake to front, 5 different brake pads, brake booster, toe-in, toe-out) and ended in replacing with '98 XT.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Racer
from West Bloomfield, MI Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999
Sizing: the Small is very small, while the jump to Medium is huge
Similar Products Used:
original Y22 and Y33 Proflex
Bike Setup:
box stock except for Syncros seatpost and WTB saddle. Swapped stock Bontrager Revolt X tires for Specialized Dirt Master/Dirt Control Team.
Bottom Line:
I wish many of the contributors would pay closer attention to the web site categories. Of all the responses to the YSL300, I believe only two have actually owned this bike. Those of you with your worthless banter about Y3's and Y5's you test rode around the bike-shop parking lot should save it for the Y Series Bike site where all you Shaun Palmer wannabees can pontificate about floating drivetrains. When you've earned a few medals racing expert for a few years on high-end full suspension rigs, I might then take your comments seriously. The bottom line is that the original Y design was a very effective compromise. The newly redesigned geometry is a DRAMATIC improvement over the previous model. The bike climbs better, steers quicker, and is considerably lighter. The Rolf wheels are excellent and the Rock Shox suspension components make for an outstanding and highly tuneable ride. So, if you have truly ridden the wheels off a YSL300, I welcome your remarks. Otherwise, save your blather for the bench race at the bar after you've finished off the back in the Beginner class on your Y3.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barnacle
a Cross-Country Rider
from Moab, UT Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
durability, weight
Weaknesses:
zippo
Bottom Line:
Once again we see a reviewer bashing a bike he doesn't own. Red doesn't seem to understand you can't extrapolate the performance of one machine because it is similar to another. In this case, the the Y-5 uses a completely different frame material and a completely different rear shock with different compression and rebound media, among other things. The URT is not a fully active design, but it is semi-active. Try riding the same rough section on a hardtail and a Y-bike standing up, and the shock absorbing qualities of the Y's URT design will become immediately apparent. The 300SL is a quality, lightweight bike with excellent componentry and a sweet ride. Make sure you give it a thorough test ride before buying though, because dropping that much money on a bike based on someone else's opinion is not only poor consumerism, but just plain stupid.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Red
a Weekend Warrior
from Nevada Date Reviewed: May 19, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
URT.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Joshua, Y-11
Bike Setup:
'97 Y-5
Bottom Line:
I really don't understand the loyality some owners have to the Trek Y bikes. I have a Y-5 and think it is a huge pile. I test rode the new SL 300 as kind of a lark and found that nothing was improved to a great degree. Sure the new bike is lighter but the suspension still sucks. I love what the last guy wrote about standing up to absorb bumps. Yeah, right. These bikes ride even worse when you stand up. The marketing is bull, apparently I am not the only one who got suckered!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Speed Freak
a Cross-Country Rider
from Reston, VA Date Reviewed: May 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Cacoctin, MD
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
Rough terrain, rocks, roots, big air, durability, good all around design
Weaknesses:
design amplifies noise, needed to upgrade rear shock
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR, Klein Mantra, Pro-Flex (Yuck) and about 20 motocross bikes
Bike Setup:
Rock Shock upgraded with Speed Springs and Englund cartridge, Stratos rear shock, Spinergy Spox wheelset, Gripshift, Specialized Team Control and Team Master tires.
Bottom Line:
I was just reading the ravings for and against the URT design and thought I would add my own two cents. How many of you actually know how to set up your suspension properly? Not many I am willing to bet.I have had a Y-22 for three years and have rode it year round about three day/nights per week in rain, snow, mud and I ride very hard. It is an excellent all conditions bike. Terrain here is very technical, with lots of rocks, stony creek beds, roots, drop offs and lots of uphills and downhills. I weigh 195 lbs and have managed to break almost every part on the bike - brake leavers, front and rear derailleurs, wheels, bars, cartridges, and even the fork brace in half (the Spinergy Spox held up - suckers are strong) I have not had any damage at all to the frame, pivots etc. and I have had some vicious , balls out crashes and have seen my bike (and me) flip end over end across rough terrain that would have bent other bikes frames. I have had about twenty motocross bikes and picked the Trek because it was the closest thing to a motocross bike that you can get. Watch any fast MXR and you will see that you want to be low in the saddle as much as possible and stand up only for the really big hits or jumps. Keeping your center of gravity low is the key to fast cornering on the flats and downhills. If you are standing on other bikes you are not pedaling and I am going to blow past you. I love to pass guys on hardtails and full suspension bikes when they are standing up in rough stuff - I just pedal right past them. Negatives - I did get some bobbing when climbing hard up long uphills if I was not pedaling smoothly - a Stratos shock fixed that and really lets you adjust your dampning on the fly. Also if you ride in wet conditions a lot and your cable shrouds start to rust - you get a really loud creaking sounds until you lube them because the frame is like a guitar body. Overall I think it is a great design. It is not a full out DH bike nor is it something I would compete with on smooth terrain (Ill take a 21lb hardtail for that) If you know how to ride a Y-bike they are quite rewarding. Too bad Trek does not educate its customers on how to best use it and set it up.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sped
a Weekend Warrior
from Littleton, CO Date Reviewed: May 6, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Performance, weight
Weaknesses:
Can't think of one
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR, GT LTS
Bike Setup:
Fox rear, Answer front, XTR components.
Bottom Line:
Y-bikes rock!! I'd give it a rating of 50 firey piles if I could. My Y-22 has taken me everywhere and, hard as I've tried to beat the hell out of it, I've NEVER HAD A SINGLE PROBLEM with it. Never experienced bob, at least not to the point it's had any affect on the quality/perormance of my ride. URT isn't perfect, but what design is? Set it up right, learn how to spin, and you should be fine. Never take anyone's opinion as absolute, though. Ride one yourself and see what you think. Most important of all, just ride!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kapuahi
a Cross-Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: May 6, 1999
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
Light weight, frame material
Weaknesses:
Slightly cramped cockpit
Similar Products Used:
Voodoo Canzo, Schwinn S20
Bike Setup:
Manitou X-Vert R front, Fox Alps 4 rear
Bottom Line:
Hard to understand the bashing these bikes receive. Owned mine 4 yrs & ridden all types of terrain (including hammering rides on Porky in Moab). I'm a fairly aggressive rider, and I don't recall ever having bob affect a ride. URT might be prone to pedal-induced bobbing...moreso if you have poor spinning mechanics and an improperly set up shock. Whether Trek's advertising is 100% true or false regarding the design is less important than how the bike actually performs. God knows the design has been a winner from a sales perspective. Bitter, jaded, know-it-all riders like Chris the crackhead should spend more time riding bikes they deem worthy and stop spewing venom about bikes/designs/companies they don't like. Bottom line: judge for yourself. Take a demo bike off road to make a meaningful evaluation (parking lot test-rides don't cut it). If you don't like the bike, DON'T BUY IT. Go find one you like, ride it, and don't waste time crying and posting whiney reviews that don't really help anybody, like our buddy the crackhead.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bill
a Cross-Country Rider
from penna Date Reviewed: May 4, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
light, responsive, durable
Weaknesses:
chris the crackhead who probably tried to screw a trek shop and lost
Similar Products Used:
cannondale,giant,
Bottom Line:
If you can afford it and want one of best, do it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris the crackhead
a Cross-Country Rider
from Colorado Date Reviewed: March 26, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
None
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Fun Hog, Trek Y-3
Bottom Line:
This is a response to Mike from Michigan. What possible difference would my center of gravity have upon the valving of the rear shock? The shock valving is fixed depending upon how the technician ses up the valve stackes. Now getting to your definition, I can understand your meaning of how my body weight shifting forward would effect the suspension. Unfortunitly, with your definition it has everything to do with the URT concept and pivot placement and nothing to do with shock dampening. Simply put the URT is flawed and will never result in fully active suspension. If one sticks with a Trek designed URT he will be constantly haunted by bobbing and powerloss problems not present in fully active designs by Specialized, Turner, Amp, Intense and others. Now Mike, if you completely understood the URT concept you would see my point. Trek advertises it as fully active, which it is not. This is demonstrated by my standing up affecting the suspension action! There are better suspension designs out there which is my point. Trek/Fisher Y bikes suck ass and the majority of their owners don't know what they are talking about when it comes to fully active designs. Now I would love to carry this furthe but Conan is on and I have better things to do.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bicky
a Cross-Country Rider
from Montana Date Reviewed: March 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
nunya
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
looks cool on top of yuppie german cars.
Weaknesses:
its a URT
Bottom Line:
I do not ride a URT. I was smart enough to apply simple principles of physics and recognize the obvious inherent flaws in this simpleton approach to full suspension. Let me tell you a true story of somebody who sells these bikes. He is racing and at the start of the race he jumps out to an early lead. Quickly the course turns into a rutty downhill, but he feels confident because he is on a full suspension bike. He gets caught in a rut that runs straight down the trail. Then there is a big rock in the rut. He hits the rock. There is a strong jolt from the impact and both of his feet pop out of his clipless pedals. He manages to avoid a bad crash, but he is forced to quickly move aside to let those coming up behind him to get by while he regroups and remounts. The whole feild of competitors goes by before he is able to jump back in line. The funny part of this story for me is the seeming amazement that this person had about this occurence. I had to bite my tongue, as to not endanger my freindship. The point is, the bottom bracket moves with the travel of the rear suspension in a URT. Therefor if there is a sudden impact at the rear wheel, it is felt at the pedal. This is NOT an INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION design. The damn thing bobs when you climb. That is not a trait of a suspension design that is independent of pedaling forces. WAKE UP PEOPLE! P.S. I listed use of product as three years because they made me specify. Since I have never been dumb enough to consider owning a URT, obviously I lied. I have only ridden a couple to reconfirm what I have known for more than three years.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MATT
a Cross-Country Rider
from MASS Date Reviewed: March 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
MONADNOCK/SUNAPEE
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Smooth Mutha of bikes. Climbing over roots rocks and trees.
Weaknesses:
Climbing up hills BoB bOb BoB
Similar Products Used:
Sugar and spice and everything nice
Bike Setup:
LX-XT / Atom Bomb / Helix Expert
Bottom Line:
So here is this carbon bike, looks cool as anything, descends like your mom, just a great all around bike, smooth on everything....Untill you try to go uphill. Then you sit there and bob, or you can lock out and get hammered. I tried replacing stuff, changing my style, no mater what i did, I kept getting my doors blown off. After a while I just got tired of it all, It's for sale. You could just go buy say... a '99 Santa Cruz Superlight XTR-Superkit with a Superfly, and have a real super-duper super light super-climbing XC superstar. Thats what I'm doing.·matt
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross-Country Rider
from Carlsbad Date Reviewed: March 18, 1999
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Bottom Line:
I didn't like it at first. It took some getting used too. Mayber it's because I had a hardtail before. Anyway this thing really handles well around corners, downhills and uphills. I would buy it again. Another good point, When the bike was out of warranty The front (cheesy) hub burned bearings and the seat post clamp broke. I paid to have both replaced and Trek reimbursed me. That was very cool. I just sent a receipt and they cut me a check.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Canton, MI Date Reviewed: March 18, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Hey Chris the Crackhead, The reason the frame gets stiff when you get off the seat is because the center of gravity moves forward. When jumping, the rear damping rate is much better for the big hits and jumps, which occur frequently when you are standing. How many people just stand up? Usually they do it when they are jumping or Slicing corners. Now, you can get something other than a URT, but then you get to push an extra 2-3 pounds around too.
Weaknesses:
Weakness what?
Similar Products Used:
Trek Y11
Bike Setup:
read the other posts
Bottom Line:
Its sweet
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: March 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
Excellent Climber
Weaknesses:
Need to adjust seat post at times when going up or down
Bottom Line:
Excellent Cross Country Ride. Light and fast. The simplicity of 3 bolts holding the frame together makes it easy to maintain. No squeking problems like other bikes that have 4 to 10 points of attachment per side.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cinncinnati,Oh Date Reviewed: March 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Ceasar Creek
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Bottom Line:
I am looking to buy a new bike. I have narrowed it down to the Klein Mantra Comp, Specialized S works, and the Trek YSL. I would like to hear opinions about these three competeing. I need some good advice!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crash
a cross-country rider
from Radfor, VA Date Reviewed: March 5, 1999
Bottom Line:
I must say that I have a Trek Y-22, which as someone else mentioned is almost the same frame, and same suspension design. I'm writing in defense of one of my favorite bikes. As far as some of the other reviewsare concerend with this bobbing, sure, you stand up, mash the pedals, and the bike bobs. You put on too little air pressure or to little preload, the bike bobs. You put the right preload on, and you SPIN the pedals like you are supposed to, and the bike is as smooth as you could want. Also, since the Y isn't plagued by weight adding, problem causing links, , the Y is superior anywhere where rough terrain and mud are concerned as far as maintainance and reliability are concerned. The only bad thing I can say about my Y is the fact that after 4 years of serious riding, the chainstay on the triangle cracked. Trek's response: the 99 SuperLight frame and shock is in the mail. Need say no more.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Poser-Plus
a weekend warrior
from OKC, Oklahoma Date Reviewed: March 1, 1999
Bottom Line:
So I like the looks of my super trick carbon Y - bike!!?? And you bobbing complainers got it all wrong. I run my air/vanilla with about 200lbs....just enough to not bob under pedaling force, but plush to absorb the terrain. Just what the dual susp doctor ordered. I have ridden many bikes and even in bike store parking lots the treks and specialized FSR's feels solid and sure-footed compared to the cannonducks, pro-flats and diamondcraps. I am FAST on my Y, thats all the proof I need.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris a crackhead
a
from colorado Date Reviewed: March 1, 1999
Bottom Line:
Apparently no one here knows what the term active means. Little hint, it's not something used in the same sentence mentioning trek y-bike. Active defines the rear suspension's independence from braking and pedeling forces. Now the Trek's URT becomes stiffer when you stand up, it bobs when you pedel, and it locks out when you apply the rear brakes. That doesn't sound like it fits the definition of the word active. But take heart Y-bike owners if you look carefully Trek lables it's URT as active in their literature and even placed a fully active link sticker on the rear triangle. It is too bad that Trek can lie so blantently yet still have such a loyal following of owners. I hope prospective buyers read the posts on this site and relize that these bikes suck before spending any money. It is far easier to find the info hear than buried back in Passion or Tech talk. These bikes do not live up to the manufacturer nor owners claims. BEWARE!!
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Submitted by
Steve
a cross-country rider
from Date Reviewed: March 1, 1999
Bottom Line:
This isn't a Trek review, I just want to get some facts straight about the Trek/Fisher URT design.This Chris guy is a crackhead. The Trek/Fisher URT design works well enough for for most riders. The suspension is still active when you stand... not as active as a 4 bar linkage, but not nearly as stiff as a sweet spot design. And air shocks aren't the answer necessarily... if you use the right spring for your body weight you'll be okay with a coil-over shock.
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Submitted by
Chris
a weekend warrior
from Colorado Date Reviewed: February 27, 1999
Bottom Line:
Gee Escola, I thought I made it pretty clear why I disliked the URT concept. Is that not what this site is for? If you knew anything about these bikes you would realize Trek and Fisher share the same design. I can't beleve you didn't notice with your whole what, week/month/year of experience? You fit the typical Y-bike owner sterotype. Never wanting to hear anything negitve about your bike. Ride on Pacific Blue wannabe.
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Submitted by
Escola
a cross-country rider
from Del Mar, Ca Date Reviewed: February 26, 1999
Bottom Line:
Chris, You seem to be someone that can't afford a decent bike so you trash what you have no idea about. Wake up and get a job. This is a great bike. My first FS and I will never return to the hard tail world.
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Submitted by
Chris
a weekend warrior
from Colorado Date Reviewed: February 25, 1999
Bottom Line:
Its 1999 and the Y-bike is almost dead. Hurray! I owned one of these miserable bobbing piles, it was called the Fun Hog. Not a Trek but the same bike since Trek bought Gary Fisher out. The Trek/Fisher URT design is the worst ever. At least Klien has the decency to advertise its URT truthfully. Curiously, doesn't Trek own or part own Klien also. My point, there are better bikes out there. My new C-dale 900 does not force me to conform to a particular suspension design. No, it just lets me pedel forward with my own style and enjoy non pedel/brake induced suspension movement. I've read the sites reviews of bikes like this and find the posts to be untruthful of the Y-bikes' bobbing problem. Most of the time you will hear that an air shock ids the answer. Wrong! The Trek/Fisher URT concept is flawed. Don't believe the hype about it being fully active as that simply is not true. Trek should get sued for false advertising! If you want proof the Y-bike concept is being put out to pasture, look at the new '99 catalog. VRX!! The only place you will see bikes like this in the future is the Y-clone Mongooses hanging from the ceiling of your local Walmart and in the hands of ill informed dweebs who spent upwards of $3000 for a sh#@pile! Yeah....you look pretty fly for a white guy on your Y-five-O. Idoits!
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Submitted by
Amused Reader
a cross-country rider
from Date Reviewed: February 5, 1999
Bottom Line:
On the URT debate: YOU ARE ALL WRONG!!! Stop talking about a dynamics problem like its a statics problem. Better yet, if you don't own it, just SHUT UP!!! 5 Stars to try to cancel out the non-qualified, non-reviewers.
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Submitted by
Ken Bishop
a cross-country rider
from Wichita, KS Date Reviewed: February 5, 1999
Bottom Line:
Well, here is a review about an actual Y SL 300. After waiting 2 months for Trek to get some assembled and shipped, I paid extra for the freight and had it 2-dayed to arrive in time for a weekend trip. Second time on the bike with wheels rolling was a 24 mile, rocky, hilly, technical trail. It took no time at all to get comfortable on this bike. The longer wheel base and top tube of this design provides a stable ride while still being nimble through the trees. The Rolf Propel wheels are strong and light providing excellent accelaration and climbing. At 225 lbs. I was concerned about the SID shocks. No need to be. I have them set up well below the maximum PSIs and they soak up all bumps little to big. The new SID SL front shock has an external adjustment for compression and rebound allowing you to dial in the type of terrain you will be riding. Although the SID rear shock has an adjustable rebound lever, I've very few situations where it was necessary to use. I've only encountered significant bob with maximum, standing efforts like sprints. Weight conscious riders will be amazed. This rig tipped the scales around 24.5 lbs.
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Submitted by
RB
a racer
from PA Date Reviewed: February 2, 1999
Bottom Line:
More on the URT debate: The 99 Fisher Frame (Level Betty/Joshua) I just built up has a completely new pivot location, well above the chainline (particularly in climbing gears) and more forward than '98 and earlier, plus shorter chainstays. I also added a dual-spring rate (air/coil) Stratos Helix Pro, and I would venture to say that this combination is among the best out there. Virtually no loss of traction when hammering (higher pivot = main difference) and very little bobbing the way I have the Helix Pro tuned, plus great responsiveness when needed on the roots & rocks of the NE U.S.URT's, when properly designed and properly tuned, can ride superbly...problem is, that isn't often the case!
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Submitted by
Christopher Smith
a racer
from MO Date Reviewed: February 2, 1999
Bottom Line:
You know what would be really cool? If you could come here and actually read reviews about the Trek YSL300. That would be so cool. Wise up jerkies and fight it out in chat or passion. What you are talking about has only minimal ties to this bike. So save us all your unrelated opinions and go elsewhere.
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Submitted by
mr
a weekend warrior
from de Date Reviewed: January 12, 1999
Bottom Line:
TO gene and K - your right. To k, i was commenting on on Jason's explanation of the bob. My interpretation of his comments is that the chain is pulling up on the rear of the bike and causing the bob. Your talking about torque reaction. Just like how hi-perf cars raise their ends under hard excelleration. URTs were designed to eliminate the CHAIN PULL that other designs are plagued by. That's why pivot placement is critical. BUT torque reaction is still present on ALL bikes as you so well mentioned. BUT proper spring weight/preload is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL on a URT !!! Klein Mantra better? it depends. I work in a bike shop in which we rent out a Mantra Race and a Trek (older version) Y - carbon fiber. We've gotten numerous complaints of the Mantra throwing less experienced riders over the bars (it does stinkbug -verified by numerous magazine articles)and of it being too stiff when standing. The Mantra is a cool bike, it depends what your looking for. I was going to buy either a Mantra or a Joshua. I bought the Joshua.Why? I wanted something more active when standing. I admit, it bobbed like a porn star on a schlong when I first bought it. I first upgraded the spring (I'm heavy for my size)- no more bob, but still very active, more so than a Mantra at the same spring weight(standing). Now I run a Cane Creek AD10 air shock. No bob, still very active on the hits, and better feel. I think that if Gary Fisher/Trek spec'd air shocks or a spring tuning option, they wouldn't get such a bad rap. Well the Treks do have a falling rate. Compare the shock angle to a Fisher or a Voodoo. It falls of at the end of the stroke. Shock lock outs are not an admission of guilt, but a marketing option to apply to those who want absolute pedaling efficiency on SMOOTH CLIMBS (full suspension will climb better than a hardtail on rough climbs, URT or not, me and the boys constantly skunk the hardtail geeks we encounter on the climbs)Good points, but URTS are great, simple designs. HI or LOW, it depends on what you are looking for in ride charecteristics. READ THE JOSHUA RATINGS you'll see that many a rider were converted when they upgraded their URT designs. I don't know if the same applies to the TREK.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gene
a racer
from Va Date Reviewed: January 10, 1999
Bottom Line:
I can tell that all of you have put alot of thought into the problem, but the simple fact of the matter is the URT is a great design. The factor that separates a good URT bike from a bad URT bike is nothing more than pivot location. The Klein Mantra and the Sweet Spot bike have the right idae for getting rid of the pedal induced bob. The further the pivot is infront of the bottom bracket the less active the suspension and the better the bike is for climbing. The closer the pivot is to the bottom bracket the more active the bike is and the mor bob you get when pedaling. Trek and Fisher have put the lockout on their bikes because they need it. The pivots are almost directly over the bottom bracket so they bob when pedaling. This is beacuse they torque the entire URT and load the shock. Try standing next to the bike and grabbing the rear brake hard and put your foot on the pedal. Push hard and shock compress. If you preload the shock too much to counter this you are defeating the purpose of the rear suspension aren't you? The bottom line is...a hard tale is the fastest and the best climber...period. Take it from an engineer and a racer. I have a couple of hardtails and a Mantra (it's not my first full suspension, but it is the best ive had!). I have raced both, but now I race the hard tails for a reason.
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Submitted by
K.
a
from racer Date Reviewed: January 6, 1999
Bottom Line:
Nice try mr, but unfortunately wrong. If you believe that there are no forces exerted because the drivetrain is isolated totally to the rear triangle, then you need to take a few more courses yourself. The forces applied to the chain during pedaling act on the rear wheel, moving the rear wheel slightly up and forward. Whether the bike is a rear suspension or hardtail is irrelevant. The Y design just happens to have placed the shock almost directly in line with the direction the rear wheel is trying to move, causing the dreaded wheel bob. Been there, done that, sold it.
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Submitted by
mr
a weekend warrior
from de Date Reviewed: January 5, 1999
Bottom Line:
I had to respond to Jason's remark, which was so off the wall,I had to respond even though I don't ride a Trek Y. First off, your reading too much MTB magazine. Your first comment of the lock out being an admission of guilt is plagerized off of a comment from one of MTB magazine's columnists (who is a big low pivot URT basher). Your wording is eerily close to his words. Also, since the drive train is part of the rear triangle it DOES NOT MATTER WHERE YOU PUT THE PIVOT, YOU CAN'T LEVER A PIECE IF THE FORCE APPLIED IS PART OF THE LEVER IT SELF !!!! Want an example? Imagine a trap door on the floor (the rear triangle). There is a rope attached to the handle (the chain). You are the BB or drive train. The hinge is the pivot. If you tug on the rope, you can move the door. The amount of force needed to open the door depends on the pivot placement relative to the point of force (the chainline). Also, the placement will give you different charecteristics. Put the pivot below the pulling force, you pull the door (rear) up. Put the pivot above, you create downward movement/force (such as Marin, Haro, Heckler)This enhances climbing traction BUT creates shock activation because you are still moving the rear end in !!! Given the door example, try doing it while your standing on the door (urt design). Doesn't matter does it? You won't budge the door. It doesn't matter if you try pulling it higher or lower (changing pivot location). It won't budge relative to the pulling force (the chain). Why the bob then? URTS are very efficient because of the simplicity - though the travel when standing is minimized due to other reasons. One needs to match spring weights to their body weight because pedaling action (your weight bobbing up and down)will cause the bike to bob. Other suspension designs use complicated linkages to minimize bobbing. Any way, no bob = too stiff !! Do you think a bike knows the difference between the downward force of pedaling compared to a jump or bump? Get serious!! Watch downhillers pedal, they bob up and down like mad!!! Every one should start taking a primer in engineering so we don't have to read such inane comments!!! By the way, I own a Fisher Joshua. I would not compare a URT to a linkage design. Good linkage designs are better, they give you the best of both worlds - but they are more expensive and trouble some. I'm saving for an Intense SL !!
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Submitted by
Treksterman
a racer
from W,KY Date Reviewed: December 6, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have a Y-22 which is the(basically) same as the SL-200 and 300. Different comp. and Better shocks (lighter). I've raced againts light fast hardtails and beat them. Hardtails only climb better if the trail is asphalt smooth. I just put 80mi. on a 9800 trying to decide which was the better ride? The small time advantage and beating is not worth it (the 9800 was a smooth ride for a hardtail though). Ride a full sup. and a hardtail both before you buy.
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Submitted by
bigjay
a cross-country rider
from NC Date Reviewed: November 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
Take a look around. Several designs - many non-URTs have opted for either dampening control, or rear suspension lock-out. To date, there are no full suspension designs that can climb as well as a light hard-tail. Look at the pro and expert XC races anywhere in the country. Don't knock a manufacturer for trying to improve the efficiency of full suspension.
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Submitted by
mr_rangr
a cross-country rider
from Pasadena, CA Date Reviewed: November 4, 1998
Bottom Line:
Ok, quick CLUE primer, Jason. Take a closer look at the pictures. The pivot point is NOT below the chainline. As for the lockout feature, so what? Instant hardtail; some people like that. The inclusion of that feature has no bearing on the quality of a full-sus rig. It's just a feature.
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Submitted by
Jason Lombard
a
from NorCal Date Reviewed: November 1, 1998
Bottom Line:
Ok, quick suspension primer. Lockout levers on full suspension bikes are admissions of guilt. A good dually should help you on the climbs and the descents. Also, low pivot URT's (like the Trek Y, Voo-Doo Canzo, Fishers, etc.), while being independent of drivetrain input, place the pivot below the point of leverage (the chainline) thus giving the suspension the effect of pulling the rear wheel off of the ground- exactly the opposite of what you want to happen. As far as the Trek goes, though, nice spec for components, and hey, it's light.
Overall Rating:
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