Submitted by
Devin
a
from Denver CO US Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
It rides like a hard tail but absorbs the hard bumps.
Weaknesses:
The LX front deraler lasts for adout haf a year.
Bottom Line:
It's worth the money.It's a great bike If you ride croscontry and don't ride realy agresive
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russell Ruggiero
a Weekend Warrior
from West Windsor, NJ, USA Date Reviewed: December 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
R&D
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Jay's Cycle
Strengths:
Frame and Wheel Set
Weaknesses:
Crank/Seat-Post/Stem
Similar Products Used:
4300 (LX/Deore), 4500, and 4900 (LX/XT)
Bike Setup:
Stock with Shimano M858's
Bottom Line:
Dear Reader
The STP 200 offers one of the world's great rides. Please note that I own Trek's 4900, 4500, and 4300. They are all fine mid-priced products for weekend use. The STP 200/STP 300/STP 400 are all true professional quality products. Below are my finding on the LX and XT components.
LX: Will be more than anyone needs if properly adjusted, and maintained. It is a good solid product offering.
XT: Will be more than anyone needs if properly adjusted, and maintained. It is a great product offering.
I ride 150 miles per month with my 4900, which uses the same LX/XT combination as the STP 200. Mud, sand, and water trails are common on the R&D, and this setup is quite respectable. If you need more robust components, purchase Simano XTR.
The STP 200 is an excellent overall product, which offers the rider a smooth well balanced ride. As for me, listed below is my future component path:
FD: XTR RD: XTR Crank: XTR BB: XTR Seat Post: XTR
I am fourty-four years of age and the rear SID shock is a pleasure. Sure LX/XT does not represent state of the art, but the OCLV frame does. If you want a hardtail then try the Trek 9.8, but if you need to take a little off the rear, then go for an STP 200, STP 300, or STP 400. These products will allow you to extend your rides, and save your lower back from the extra vibration offerd by standard hardtails.
Enjoy Russ
PS: The ICON crank-set is still in working order, but the jury is still out on this and the other ICON products that came standard with the STP 200.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick S
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: November 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
too many too list
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
uk
Strengths:
oclv frame - off the shelf the complete bike weighed less than 25lbs - carbon feel is untouched. 1" travel takes the stress out of the trails
Weaknesses:
the general components are fine but not of any great quality for the price of this bike - but they do say the money goes on the frame
Similar Products Used:
9.8 and loads of full sussers
Bike Setup:
alien carbon seat post, flite GG seat, easton stem and bars, SID's on the front, trail blaster tires, chris king headset and hopefully xtr chainset soon
Bottom Line:
this bike is the nuts ive yet to meet anyone who can keep up with me on this bike uphill, the quality is all there, the feel is superb the bike as standard was better than good the new setup takes it too a new level.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kurt
a Racer
from Houston Date Reviewed: November 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Cambodia @ Memorial
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Bike Barn
Strengths:
Weight of FRAME
Weaknesses:
mmmm, just about everything, the frame flexes way too much from side to side, and the fork cannot be adjusted and weighs a metric buttload, components are not too nice for what MSRP is, i worked at a shop, so i got a deal. THE WHEELS ARE TRASH
Similar Products Used:
4900 Disc, trek 940
Bike Setup:
XTR Marzocchi fork, easton bars, ritchey wcs stem, new wheels soon, nothing is stock except the seat post clamp.
Bottom Line:
Buy it if you weigh 115lbs, and ride on sunday afternoon, I used it to commute for a while, and now race cross on it, and its too flexy in the bb and the wheels are a waste of money. I assume that everyone else hasnt ridden theirs for very long, cuz i've had a terrible experience.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Long
a Cross Country Rider
from Red Hook, NY Date Reviewed: June 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Tyrell/Taconic 909
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Wheel and Heel
Strengths:
Very light frame, supple feel without too much wallowing, perfect geometry, killer bike on the hills
Weaknesses:
No big ones so far except the crappy crankset and maybe a questionably whimpy fork (lateral rigidty as well as seemingly noneffective tunability)
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rock Hopper, Schwinn Moab
Bike Setup:
Out of the box - XT rear, LX front, LX brakes and shifters, Icon crank, RS Judy Race front, SID rear
Bottom Line:
I got this bike for a steal, but it was still more than I wanted to pay for a bike when I started looking. I have not been disappointed in going over my budget, though. The second I climbed on this bike, I knew I was home. This thing is a rocket on the hills. I was climbing stuff way faster than on my old bikes and in many cases had not even gone to the granny yet. The 1-1/2" of pivotless travel is just enought to keep the wheel glued to the ground and take the sting out without creating a mushy, unresponsive feel. Its perfect. The frame is stiff and accelrates very fast, partly a result of the stiff Dolomite wheelset. I have read the other reviews about the crappy components and while I am not loving the crank, it has given me no indications it is going to fail in the 8 or 10 rides I have had it on. Its a logical upgrade though, when the Icon crap fails. The wheelset has also been good to me. Couple of real hard hits and they are still true as can be. I have not had any of the poor hub problems or spongy feel with this wheelset that other reviewers complained about. I weigh 205, not heavy but not light either, and this bike just inspires pure confidence.
As a side note, I test rode (on the trail for about a week) a schwinn Moab (hardtail) and hated it. THis bike gives a whole different feeling of confidence on the trail. As another reviewer wrote, if you find one cheap, spend the extra over a basic hardtail. If you are after a full sus feel, forget it, this aint your bike. If you want a screaming fast hardtail with great feel but without the sting, get out your wallet.
As for negatives, I was dismayed to see the paint on the chain stay chipped off after a few minor hits. I believe there is an adhesion issue between the paint and the carbon. Time will tell. Also, I was pissed to see (after my third ride) that the frame does not have disc tabs. It would not have swayed my decision, but would have been nice. Lastly, the fork aint so hot. I'll be ordering a heavy spring kit any day now, bit that won't do anything for what feels like a laterally whimpy fork. It does the job, but others will do it better. I'll get by till I bust it...
Five hot, steaming, glowing red piles of excrement for this bike. Way to go, Trek.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Casey
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: March 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Bikes Plus (Flowermound, TX)
Strengths:
Frame. Front fork (yes, I like COIL vs AIR). Wheels.
Weaknesses:
Component selection(but why cry about that?)
Similar Products Used:
94 Trek 930. 96 Klein Pulse
Bike Setup:
Judy Race (RS black springs)/Sid. XTR shifters/levers, rear deraillure and brkes. XT front deraillure. Bar ends (a must for me!). Everything else is stock.
Bottom Line:
Great bike. One person said that I should feel guilty if I found it for $1200 and not buy it... after going to MANY biks store, none would match the price.... I bought it... I don't feel guilty. Great bike... coming from a Klein hardtail, my back had enough wear&tear on it... this thing just sails.
(BTW I am a 6'4" guy and weigh in at 270# and it is still solid as a rock on the trail)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrzej M.
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, Tx, USA Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything I can be humbled by
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$855.00
Purchased At:
Bike Shop in Houston
Strengths:
Return on Investment is huge considering the stellar price I got it for. It handles well, exspecially for urban assualts into the city as well as on rutted trails. BIG BIG FAN of the ride.
Weaknesses:
Some components could be better but the small increase in performance I think is negligable.
Similar Products Used:
Old P.O.S. moutain bike that weighed about as much as my old Buick.
Bike Setup:
Stock components with some tweaking.
Bottom Line:
This bike is extremely affordable considering the gains of a soft tail. If you can get the bike for less than $1200 you should feel guilty if you don't buy it. Some of you gear snobs may snicker at some of the components but most of us riders (93% of us) probably wouldn't be able to tell.
RIDE HARD.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jacob Roufs
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Oregon, USA Date Reviewed: November 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
forest park...
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Bike Gallery
Strengths:
Light. Fast. Comfortable. Great climber. Beautiful Paint Job. Judy Race is nice. Avid brakes. LX levers. Rolf wheels.
Weaknesses:
Too many decals on the frame. Some of the components are questionable. Handlebars, seat, and seatpost were nothing special, so I've replaced them with lighter and more comfortable components. Icon cranks will do the job for now until I upgrade to shimano.
Similar Products Used:
95'Trek 850 no suspension, 01' Trek 7500fx(hybrid). Test rode the 8000, 8500, and Paragon.
A great bike for cross country single tracking. Eats up the hills. Rear shock takes off SOME of the edge on the downhill. Judy race is a nice rugged shock. I can ride this bike all day. The rear sid dual air seems to be working well despite the fact that the rebound adjuster knob broke off. It seems like a shorter knob would be a good idea? For the money, I don't think you can find a better cross country frame. Anyone into cross country riding who will baby their bike and not break it should be happy with this bike. This is not a full suspension bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from Spokane Date Reviewed: September 8, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
I think this bike is probably the best unknown value out there. The first time I demo'd this think I knew right awat I had to have one. It climbs like a caffinated squirrel and the rear has just enough travel to really take the edge off. I love this bike and the carbon frame damps the high freqency stuff but still feels lively. I don't know what Trek did with this thing but I'm supprised the STP line hasn't caught on more with racers.
Weaknesses:
As mentioned before the finish can chip easy but it's easily avoided by putting a clear protector kit on. Component group isn't great but it lessens the cost of a great frame. Gotta put grip tape on the drive side chainstay because when the chain hits it the thing sounds like a tree snapping.
Similar Products Used:
Litespeed Uncoi, Moots softtail, DeKerf
Bike Setup:
Got a pro deal from the shop and sold off everything but the frame. Built up with a Zokes Z2 atom race (wating for the marathon to be released), Avid mechanical front disc, XTR rear V, Chris King headset, Monkey Lite bar, Thomson Stem and Seatpost, FSA Pro Carbon Cranks, XTR Shifting, Hugi 240/Mavix 517/317 wheelset.
Bottom Line:
Awesome Bike. It's too bad Trek will only offer the high dollar version next year because if more people could afford it more people would buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JiM
a Cross Country Rider
from NJ Date Reviewed: September 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
East Coast
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Freehold Bicycles
Strengths:
Frame. Fork. Component Spec.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Lots of hardtails. Many duallies.
Bike Setup:
Stock. Scott Bar-Ends. Scott Grips. Paola Pezzo Edition Saddle.
Bottom Line:
The bike is great. I now have had this bike for over a year. I have only replaced the grips and saddle so far, as with adding bar-ends. I ride my bike hard and always come back with mud and crap all over the bike. I leave and ride for 12 hours straight some days and the bike holds up great. I always take care of the bike, clean and lube it and alawys keep it in top notch shape. I have 5,000 miles (maybe more) on the bike split pretty much even between the road and trail. I ride the heck out of it and it always has lasted. I have done three races on the bike so far and placed 1,2,2 in the races. Great bike by TREK and have not broken anything yet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Sylvania, Ohio Date Reviewed: August 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Whiteface Mtn. Vermont, Mount Snow, Vermont
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Oh my GOD!! This bike conforms to your body! It's a part of you! This is the perfect bike for almost anything. Cross Country, I came in 3rd out of 191 people in Catamount, all because of my girl. Climbing, I climbed Killington in 50 minutes because of good old STP. The bike is incredible.
Weaknesses:
The components that come with the factory bike are terrible but buy a frame and save some dough.
STP 200 frame of course, XTR r.d, cog set, shifters, f.d, XT Crankset, bottom bracket, Marzochi Atom 80 shocks, Rolf Dolomite wheels, Panaracers Fire XC's, and Magura H33 hydro brakes!!
Bottom Line:
IF you would enjoy being Travis Brown for a day, purchase this item.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luis Ortiz
a Cross Country Rider
from Puerto Rico Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Salinas,Olympic headquartrs
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Ciclomundo Guaynabo
Strengths:
Simplicity & eficiency.This thing has just enough "travel" to mute the roughness and conserve energy.great handler as well.Good looks is a plus.No BOB or monkey motion.This is a hardtail for the inteligent rider...
Weaknesses:
You can feel the frame flex on steep hills on the road,but on the trail(where it counts) you dont feel it.I'm afraid of that thing breaking on me at the worst moment,ie. during a hard G-out.Carbon fiber doesn't bend,it breaks...
Similar Products Used:
Other Trek hardtails,7000,8500...
Bike Setup:
Manitou SX TI,Bontrager Race Lite wheels,XTR stuff,Easton bar,thompson seatpost,Michelin tires.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this frame(I just bought the frame) really helps to go from point A to B in a hurry.Climbs better than a true hardtail because it tracks the terrain better in technical climbs,its the lightest suspended frame bare none(3.6 lbs).On the flats you can keep putting watts to the cranks where the hardtail will spit you off and it will go down just as good as the pilot will.I dont see why this bike(or frameset) hasn't get the attention it deserves cause it is truly an amazing piece of equipment.Just dont think of it as a dualie,its more of a hardtail with the "treble" knob closed.The best benefit that I observed was that I was finishing the races feeling that I can do a lap more...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Walles
a Weekend Warrior
from Louisville, CO USA Date Reviewed: August 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Elk Meadow
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Village
Strengths:
Exceptionally responsive frame. Very quick response when you get on the pedals. Soaks up the bumps nicely--seems to take the edge off of everything I ride over. Loved the blowout price.
Weaknesses:
Not enough time to ride. A little skittish on downhills--Stock tires don't hook-up very well in loose conditions
Similar Products Used:
ibis SS, Stumpjumper Comp
Bike Setup:
Box Stock and bar ends.
Bottom Line:
What a great bike! I've had the chance to ride road, fire trails, alpine singletrack and bomber downhills. The bike climbs nimbly, soaks up hits big and small and is just a pleasure to ride. The only downside is getting used to the quick downhill handling. I've had to adjust my style and spend more time seated on downhills than with previous bikes. This seems to help with control. Unlike other reviewers, I am impressed with the LX shifting. I guess after 15+ years of mountain bike riding, I'm still not a good enough rider to trash these mid-range components.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, Ca Date Reviewed: July 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything I can get my tires on..
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Rincon Cyclery
Strengths:
Light, strong, wheelset, lifetime warranty on frame from Trek, looks,
Weaknesses:
Price & components
Similar Products Used:
specialized and trek hardtails
Bike Setup:
changed to easton monkey lite bars w\new grips, race face next lp crankset rings and bb, conti explorer pro tires.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that i just plain love my bike..The price may have been steeper than what i was looking to pay when i planned on buying a bike, but it has been worth it. I tried out many hardtails and true fs bikes and came to the conslusion that hardtails are great, but i wanted somthing more comfortable. All the fs bikes i rode around the street were like driving a cooshy caddilac that bounces and squishes on bumps(not the kind of controll i want).. my opinion of those might be different if i took it up on the mtns but the STP was right in the middle and really fit the bill for me. I just had my first big stack on it and the bike took the fall like a champ. If you really love ht bikes and want a little more comfort with the same or even more controll, then this is the bike for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jack
a Cross Country Rider
from MA Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
exeter
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
riverside cycles
Strengths:
beautiful frame design, very light. rear shock has low matinence and takes the edge off well. rims are good strong. very nicely put together.
Weaknesses:
lots of the components are bad, i cahnged a lot thats why it cost around 2000 instead of being lower. levers lx were bad, lx shifters, and the avid barkes, plus i changede the saddle.
Similar Products Used:
i ahve never ridden another soft tail, and hardtails do not feel like it
Bike Setup:
xt levers, xt shifters, xtr brakes, selle italia flite gel saddle,dx pedals, wildgrip[per tire, xtr brake cables.
Bottom Line:
this bike rides wonderfull, and takes jumps nice. it cna be used for lots of stuff, i lke to do drop offs and the soft tail absorbs some of the edge which is great, it is great for single track. also i like to free ride on it, and ride on the road with it. this is a great bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from San Luis Obsipo Date Reviewed: April 22, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Fun Sport Bikes, Modesto, Ca.
Strengths:
lightweight and very stiff frame, fairly good component selection, great wheels, great suspension
Weaknesses:
few select components(LX front der. & LX shifters)
Bike Setup:
Stock w/XT shifters, Avid Ultimate levers, XT front Der.
Bottom Line:
Very fast and light bike, I have taken it on everything from easy trails to extreme singletrack/fire roads. The soft tail makes for a nice ride when upgrading to suspension. This is my first suspension bike and I love the efficiency of this bike to put power to the ground and still absorb harsh terrain. cross country riders who want a lightweight, stiff frame will love this bike, it is not a DH or freeride bike, but it will take on all types of terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rafi julius
a Cross Country Rider
from israel Date Reviewed: April 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
everything with fresh air
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
I bought a stp 2000 frameset! and built it up with my own components. the frame is everything you want in an xc bike: light, responsive, excellant geometry (genesis). this bike does everything good: up hill, down hill, dirt, singeltrack - you name it. its also fast on asphalt with the right tires. i bought this bike becaouse i like the soft - tail thing: good traction and comfort with the feel of a hard tail. I"ll diden't expect from the rear shock (with 1.25")much. but i'm glad to say it workes amazing even in rough country. the trick is to set it up in very low pressure: about 33% psi of body waight in lbs. the negative a bit less and rebound as much open as possible - remember it's a piviot less soft tail - not a full suspension.
Weaknesses:
carfull with the paint!
Similar Products Used:
aluminium hard tail
Bike Setup:
stp frame, manitou sxr fork, xt 8 drivetrain, xt crank, sran 5.0 11-32t cassete, avid sd2.l levers with rivel arch brakes. bontrager valliant rims on xt hubs. schwalbe semislik rear tire, explorer - pro front. titec stem, bar and handelbar.
Bottom Line:
its an amazing bike. the main problem in the stp 200 are some components: change the brakes lever to avid, the brake to somethig stronger, shifters to xt and you have the best xc bike out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from LaGrange Date Reviewed: December 21, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
e-bay
Strengths:
Frame is strong, reasonably stiff, and takes the edge off without any bob or squishy feeling.
Weaknesses:
Like everyone else -- components could be a notch better. Low bottom bracket makes some obstacles more challenging.
Similar Products Used:
Klein Mantra; various hardtails
Bike Setup:
Stock except for extra firm springs in fork; MonkeyLite riser bars; Time pedals; Bontrager RaceLite seatpost; Panaracer FireXC tires.
Bottom Line:
This is a great XC bike. It performs best on less technical singletrack/XC. It is obviously not a freeride or downhill bike, but can handle most conditions other than extreme downhill/technical riding. With the right tires, it rides very well on the road. The magazine reviews are right in that it is very quick handling and I would definitely take it easy until used to it. The frame is strong -- I speared a tree dead-on after losing it on wet leaves. Wood was embedded in the stem bolts, but the frame was perfect. I weigh ~215 lbs. and find the bike to be plenty stiff, with only very slight flex at the bottom bracket when cranking out of the saddle. For its intended purpose (and with some component upgrades), this is definitely a five chili bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester Hills, Michigan Date Reviewed: December 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bloomer river loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Wahu bikes
Strengths:
Quick light speed demon, Gives good flex under rough conditions, Killer looks, OCLV Carbon
Weaknesses:
Poor Componets (mostly LX), Fast downhills get a little raw, Wheels have a LOT of unneeded flex.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Y22, Specialized FSR Pro ('99)
Bike Setup:
XT drive train, XTR brakes and levers, Sid SL fork
Bottom Line:
Very fast bike with the right componets. Easy to learn how the bike handles and rides. a little on the expensive side but for a true XC rider the price is understandable. If you like to go fast and spend money than this is the bike for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frink _
a Racer
from Denver Date Reviewed: November 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Monarch Crest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Handles like a dream. Much more fun to climb on than my hardtail/susp. post. I think it is the ideal XC racer. It is very quick and nimble, unlike any FS bike I have ever ridden. You don't need to pre-load the rear end to get it over a rock/log. I have never ridden any of the Ti versions made by litespeed and moots but, I am 140lbs and have had no problems adjusting the rear end to get all of the travel. I tend to think this would not be as easy on one of the Ti bikes. Geometry is much better than I expected from Trek. I have not been a fan of any of their previous bikes as I thought the handling was a bit sluggish.
Weaknesses:
Well, the components lack as others have pointed out. However, if you buy this bike you are buying a frame with a component package that will get you by until you can get something better. If you are going to compare it to other bikes, look at the litespeed and moots which cost a lot more. I originally bumped the fork up to 100mm, but it didn't steer well so I moved it backdown to 80. I think the fork has some stiffness problems, but it performs fine for what it is.
Replaced brakes and levers w/ XTR. Changed stem and swapped out a riser bar. Will replace fork with SID SL next year. Replaced (worn out) tires with Hutch. Python Golds
Bottom Line:
Sweet bike for someone who doesn't quite want a FS, and likes to climb. I have worked in shops for 4+ yrs and thought all bikes were pretty much the same thing. This bike changed that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
K G
a Cross Country Rider
from Sack Of Tomatoes Date Reviewed: November 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mr. Toad's Wilde Ride
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1175.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
If you’re deciding between a full-suspension and a soft tail, read this: The STP is not full-suspension. There’s no reason for a soft-tail. The pedaling efficiency gained by the semi-suspended rear is far less than the efficiency and comfort gained by being able to pedal in rough stuff and ride faster on the downhills with a full-suspension. OK so XC pro- racers use hardtails /softtails so their efficiency on the hardtail is maximized but for the rest of us mortals – full suspension is the way to go. However, the STP accelerates and climbs better than any full-suspension.
If you’re deciding between a hardtail and a soft-tail read this: The STP may be the best of both worlds. It handles expertly. It has very neutral handling. It does get jiggly on the downhills. The rear-suspension works best on mildly bumpy terrain. It tops out immediately when you hit anything the size of a fist. It’s works well in a very narrow range of situations. It allows you to pedal in some minor rough stuff. It is more comfortable than a hardtail on long rides. It’s a very nice bike. I just don’t see the advantage over a lightweight hardtail. The STP requires less maintenance than a multi-pivot full-suspension, but is it worth the extra weight and expensive frame? No. Get a suspension seatpost instead.
Weaknesses:
I hate to diss the bike because it’s a well thought out and beautifully engineered frame. I have complete confidence in the frame. It’s doesn’t feel like it’ll break. I’ve had a CADEX carbon-fiber frame and the STP is by far stiffer. However, it is still flexier than an aluminum or CRO-MO frame. It’ll flex under heavy pedaling. Also, the paint will chip. It's not going to stress the frame.
Component pick for the STP 200 is weak. LX shifter / brake levers are adequate. The Bontrager saddle is plush. Trek cranks are OK. The Rolf wheels are lightweight and can’t handle the stress of riding hard. In just 6 rides I’ve had to true the wheels. Swap those out first or just use them for the street. The tires are good for groomed dirt but skittish on loose rock/dirt. Other upgrades await. The adjustment bolt on the Avid 2.0 rear brake stripped. The brake has to be warranted. My LBS told me Trek would blame me for over-torqueing it. We’ll see. Like another reviewer said: you're paying for the frame. Use the stock parts till they fall off and then upgrade.
Similar Products Used:
None: But check out the Litespeed Unicoi; KHS ST; Moots Softtail
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Z2 Atom Bomb Race Face Real Seal Preceision Billet rear brake Everything else is stock. Eventually I plan on installing Avid mechanical front disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
Ultimately, I liked this bike best when I put street slicks on the Rolfs and rode on the paved bike trail. I’ll give it 3 hot smokin' dingleberries for value. It’s expensive to make the frame and the price is reasonable for carbon-fiber – there’s just no need to spend this much on a frame. You can get a better value on other bikes. This is my first (and probably last) soft-tail. I’m very partial to full suspension. There’s too many good light-weight full-suspension bikes out there to make a strong case to buy the STP, or any soft-tail for that matter. However, for what it does, it does it well. 4 flamin’ globs of Play-dough for the STP.
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Submitted by
JiM
a Cross Country Rider
from Central NJ Date Reviewed: October 19, 2000
-Sometimes the BB? moans when really stomping on the pedals. -For $2000 I realized that the LX parts could have been XT. -The stock Bontrager Grips are way to soft. Swapped them out for some nicer feeling, much harder YETI grips.
Similar Products Used:
Own: -1995 Mongoose IBOC Comp -1996 Specialized StumpJumper Pro -1997 GT Ricochet (Rigid-designed for trials)
This is a little follow-up review from my last one...
...Within the past couple months of owning the bike I have logged some serious road and trail miles. Between August and September the bike has seen about 2800 miles already split pretty even between the asphalt and gravel. I havn't had much problems with anything on the bike so far. The shifting and brakes have been working great and I'm dropping my suspension soon down to 63mm. I don't need 80mm and definately not 100mm. I had a MAJOR crash on the bike after dropping off a cliff. In short, I was in the hospital, while the bike suffered NO, thats NO damage what-so-ever. STRONG Frame. All in all, I great bike and a fast one. More to come in the long run. Have a Good and Safe Trail Riding wherever it may be.
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Submitted by
stan paoli
a Cross Country Rider
from arlington, tx, usa Date Reviewed: October 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
cedar hill, cleburne, dino valley
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
bicycle inc. arlington, tx
Strengths:
fast, fast, fast. this bike is super fast, light and flexes in all the right places. it ride like a hard tail with just a little forgiveness. you can stand on it on the climbs and swear you are on a hard tail.
Weaknesses:
like most of the review say the lx shifters, brake levers and front derailler are pretty low end for a bike of the price......but your really buying the frame and for the extra $$ for the stp 300 you can go get the components you want instead of what comes on the 300. also, the grips are way to soft. i found my self gripping them to hard and getting cramps in my hands after long rides.
Similar Products Used:
tested a giant nsr, sugar 2, specialized fsr, schwin rocket
Bike Setup:
upgraded to lighter icon stem, ritchey pedals, new grips, continential twister tires and in the processes of putting on sram 9.0 shifter, front & rear derailler on.
Bottom Line:
if you are a hard tail lover but what a little forgiveness without lossing speed this is the bike for you. it is a great climber, great going down the technical down hills stuff and corners like no other bike in it's class.
buy the bike for the frame not the few lx components that you can switch out yourself vs. buying the stp 300. treat yourself to this bike......you only live once so you might as well have a great bike to enjoy.
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Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Mississippi Date Reviewed: October 12, 2000
$
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