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
$ 3299.99
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