Submitted by
Whitney Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Wooster OH, U.S. Date Reviewed: July 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Vultures Knob
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$780.00
Purchased At:
Orrville Cycling & Fitness
Strengths:
It down hills like a teenage fellon escaping the police it is the best cornering bike out there and looks good. The Rolf wheels stay true and the fork is nice and heavy, but nice.
Weaknesses:
It aint no climber , pedal induced bobing and is a tad bit heavy 29.3 lbs. The cranks suck and so do the breaks, but who uses breaks anyway. Oh yeah I broke the swing arm in three months.
Similar Products Used:
trek fuel 90, trek 4500
Bike Setup:
Trek VRX 200 stock except for stem, bar, grips and tires.
Bottom Line:
The bike was fine for the price paid but the frame was to weak and broke in 3 months, but Trek will replace it with a Fuel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Laurent CAZALS
a Weekend Warrior
from Toulouse, France Date Reviewed: January 31, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1150.00
Strengths:
frame, comfort
Weaknesses:
no name brakes, continental explorer tires
Similar Products Used:
scott, giant
Bike Setup:
stock except avid arch rival brakes
Bottom Line:
I ride half of the time in the mountains (pyreneas). This bike is perfect to go far and ride a long time. My first vtt vas a hardtail, what a pleasure to ride the VRX! It climbs well on difficult rocky trails (rear shock bob is not yet a problem) and it is very fun to downhill. The rear schock bobs, it's true, but it's not a shame (have you ever tried a scott FX?). When the trail is almost flat and doesn't climb too much, it is not a dragster and it's better to climb cool... Ok for me, I'm not a racer. My bike vas sold with continental explorer tires, and my opinion is that it is not a good front tire. Michelin Hot have a better grip, and nokian front tires are excellent for this bike. Rolf salettite 24 holes rims does not look very strong, but no problem with my 82 Kgs during 2 years, so ok. Now it's time to upgrade. I will exit the judy XC, maybe for a psylo or a marzocchi fork.
4 chilis for the poor stock brakes...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
doug
a Weekend Warrior
from parsippany, nj, usa Date Reviewed: April 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
ringwood, nj
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
cyclecraft, nj
Strengths:
strong frame...comfy ergonomix...short wheelbase(small frame) is good in the tight singletrack stuff.
Weaknesses:
heavy, nowhere to grab the bike when you need to carry it over stuff!! the avid vbrakes suck. on the small size frame, the shock linkage hits the frame when you bottom out. rear suspension bobs too much for uphills, suggest a lockout shock.
Similar Products Used:
gt xcr 3000(i drive 3.0)
Bike Setup:
mostly stock except: haro dave mirra seat(i ride roads too), 5degree crowbar riser bar, front fender.
Bottom Line:
it's time for upgrades. In stock form the bike is good for someone just getting into cross country riding. Definately a good price(at the time) for a full suspension bike with decent components. The cane creek shock is working well; however, i think i need a lockout shock, uphills are too damn hard even at high pressure. I'm 160lbs and have 170lbs in the shock and it still bobs.
QUESTION: anybody know how to change the rear shock setting between cross country and downhill? Supposedly there are two settings...but i don't see how, and no instructions came with the bike to show me how to change it? I think there's really only one setting and it's just a load of BS. The shop guys didn't know either, they suggested to ask trek. Email me if you have the answer. Thanks.
Overall this bike is good...i've had alot of fun with it so far...but it's time to upgrade the brakes and the suspension and tires. That also means the wheels are gone too. No gripe with the wheels...they're real good...but i'm goin to disc brakes so they gotta go. have fun on your vrx.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin D.
a Downhiller
from Victoria B.C. Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Field of Dreams
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
This bike has held up through a lot! Front end of the frame is bombproof.
Weaknesses:
Rear end of the frame isn't so bombproof. I cracked it in a few places, from doing an 11 foot drop. I'm not sure really if the bike is made for that though.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing.
Bike Setup:
RST Delta HL, Mammoth wheels, Avid brakes, HTI flat pedals, Fox Vanilla R coil shock.
Bottom Line:
This bike is made for more XC style riding than free-riding, but it can easily take the free riding. Even the XC wheels stood up to 6 foot flat drops, and 11 feet to tranny. I'm not sure what Trek was thinking with a flat bar, weak pedals with toe clips, and no name v-brakes. But once you up-grade these few things you have a nice bike. Also, the Cane Creek shocks suck, I blew out 2 of them in less than a month but then the bike shop gave me a Fox coil shock. :)
only 4 chillis for overall, because of the few weak components.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron stein
a Weekend Warrior
from N. Van Canada Date Reviewed: November 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Upper Oilcan
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1150.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Sports shop
Strengths:
The frame is nice and the bike handels pretty well ive been thoring some 6 footers at it its been holding up great.I gess the Judy xc is pretty good.
Weaknesses:
The reer shok is a sad pieace of crap the peedels and cranks suck
Similar Products Used:
Vps buzz + drop pipeline Vrx 400 =300
Bike Setup:
lx componts evry normal exsept i put a forula hydrolic disc and a new heel and fromula levers
Bottom Line:
This bike is a very good buy for the money it eats up 6 fott drops and relly tuff terrin on the north shpre u can upgrade it very easily Its a sweet bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Necas Jorge
a Downhiller
from Lima, Peru Date Reviewed: November 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Chirimoyo, Peru
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$830.00
Purchased At:
Barcelona, Spain
Strengths:
Bontrager Jones tires, good for street - riding, good components, well - shaped frame, good rear suspension, good saddle, handlebar and stem also.
Weaknesses:
Rolf Satellite 24 hole hubs instead of 32 hole, had to get new ones for new rims, Rock Shox Judy XC, not for downhilling and bad quality pedals.
Similar Products Used:
lots of downhill bikes, freeride and Cross Country.
Bike Setup:
Stock except the Sun Rhino Lyte DH rims, Noleen Chubby LT suspension, Specialized rizer handlebar and Kujo DH 2.35 tires, also Shimano LX rear hub and Specialized DH front hub and DT Swiss Spokes.
Bottom Line:
It is a really good bycicles for the people that like doing strong Cross Country riding or freeriding, also Downhill, nice looking bycicle (style), very comfortable and safe, also good for the people that like to go to the streets to make some jumps or that kinds of things. I´m very happy with my bicycle, I like it a lot and Iñm gonna like it more when I put the 2002 Hayes Mechanical Disk Brakes and Shimano XT hubs, also a coil suspension (4.75 inches travel)(Fox Vanilla R).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland Or USA Date Reviewed: July 8, 2001
Kore DH stem & riser bar, Shimono XT disk fr. XTR V rear, Time pedals, King headset.
Bottom Line:
Very good starting platform, bike can be set up to do just about any extreme riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from providence, ri , us Date Reviewed: June 30, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$950.00
Strengths:
strengths........?
Weaknesses:
Horrible suspension bob, toe clip peals on a bike in this price range give me a break!, cc shock has horrible rebound, no name poor performing brakes and pitiful tires. poor frame design and funky shock movement and placement of pivot points.
Bottom Line:
If you are looking at f/s bikes.....do your self a favor and do not purchase this bike. You are much better off with a kona, cannondale, or specialized. I might buy this bike for $500, but at its price it just cant keep up with todays fast moving budget f/s bikes
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Senior Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Brandon, Manitoba, Canada Date Reviewed: June 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Brandon Hills
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
A and L Cycle and Ski
Strengths:
Frame
Weaknesses:
Nothing sincw the upgrades
Similar Products Used:
Giant, Gary Fisher Joshua
Bike Setup:
Stock frame, XT rear derailleur(11-34 XT cassette), XT front derailleur, Raceface ISIS crankset, Hayes hydraulics on Mavic 317 rims, XT hubs, Panaracer XC Pro rubber, Profile Design stem (75mm/40 degree rise), Easton Monkey Lite riser bars, Yeti grips, Bontrager Comp seatpost, Selle Trans Am Max saddle, Shimano 323 pedals, Deore shifters.
Bottom Line:
The bike weighs in at 29.8 pounds. The 11-34 cassette helps on climbs(bob is minimal). This is a great FS/XC bike. I'm over 40 so comfort is a must. I also ride a Trek Fuel 90 which is a fast bike but not as comfy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bubbles Gangstar
a
from Plattsburgh Date Reviewed: May 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Blue Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Murdock's
Strengths:
Frame and Rear Suspension Linkage Rock! Wheel Set looks cool and has stood up to everything that I can dish out to it.
Weaknesses:
Factory suspension, breaks and levers, are low end! I replaced the Cane Creek AD-5 with a Cane Creek AD-10. Upgraded the Judy XC to a Rox Shox PsyloXC (125mm of travel for 250$ sick deal). I also upgraded to XTR V-Brakes and Levers. When you upgrade all that you have a sick slalom machine!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
DBR X6, Trek Y-3, Trek VRX 400
Bike Setup:
Psylo XC fork, Cane Creek AD-10 Air shock, XTR V-brakes and levers, Kore riser bars, Fat Odessey BMX Pedals, Factory Drive Train (XT Rear Derail)
Bottom Line:
If You can afford to upgrade and swap at the shop then the VRX 200 is a sick bike for X-Country riding, Shore Style and Downhilling!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul K
a Cross Country Rider
from Mass Date Reviewed: April 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Local shop
Strengths:
Excellent in all conditions. Strong and smooth.
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy
Similar Products Used:
GT, Klien, Shwinn
Bike Setup:
Factory
Bottom Line:
I've riddin many bikes in my time, and this is one of the best. In terms of cost value it is the best.Could not be more pleased.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a
from Stafford Date Reviewed: April 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The ones that arnt on the ground
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Bike Unlimited
Strengths:
Really nice suspension for 1000$. Durable and not vewry complex. Sweet cross country bike. I ride dirt jumps and freeride on it and it holds up well. VERY lightweight which is good for urban assult riding
Weaknesses:
I dunno if other riders have had this but the fron deriller hasnt worked well since i bought. Also -the bike comes with factoryt messed up can creek rear shock so it blows in 4 month or so. the good thing is they send you a new and improved model for free.
Similar Products Used:
Intense M1, Trek 4600, trek 6000, raven
Bike Setup:
Porly designed i think. makes maintance hell
Bottom Line:
It's OK but i suggest you get something else unless you really want this bike for some reason
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cooker
a Cross Country Rider
from Ct. Date Reviewed: March 3, 2001
Shimono 545 Pedals- Icon fatty Barends-Velociraptor tires- Icon Grafics Stem Cut 4inches off the bottom of the seatpost with a hacksaw plugged bottom with grip end, removed during bar end instalation, less wieght loks great. THIS YEAR- Scram 9.0 Brakes and levers.
Bottom Line:
My first full suspension bike- I did'nt expect this bike to handle so well, its amazing. Eats up very rough trails without difficulty. A little on the heavy side but not heavy enough to ruin climbs. Stock Bontrager tires slipped a little on wet or rocky inclines. Velociraptors don't. The suspension is awsome, Takes all I'm capable of dishing out. I gave this bike some major thrashings and, other than brake loosness, nothings gone wrong. Bottom Line? Bike Kicks Ass. Almost makes me want to move south, Nah Gotta snowboard. Peace.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin D.
a Downhiller
from Victoria B.C. Date Reviewed: February 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Snakes & Ladders
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1150.00
Strengths:
Great frame style, tourque and beefy welds. And the cross-country rims suprised me when holding up on 5+ foot drops, and never had to true them!
Weaknesses:
THE NO-NAMER BRAKES! The Cane Creek rear shock was bunk, I broke it, got another from warranty, and broke it also! And I bent the seat rails too, and ouch the seat is very un-comfy!
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox Judy XL Dual-Crowns, IRC downhill tubes w/ Rokko 2.4 DH tires, Ovation Riser bar, HTI clipples DH pedals and a Fox Vannila R rear shock (the Cane Creek's BLOW!)
Bottom Line:
It's a beefy sylish lookin' bike that holds up on 5+ foot drops, and the cross-country rims have blowin' me away with there stregnth! With all the added DH gear it still only weighs 30 pounds. I hate the brakes and the levers don't hold up either. Putting 2.4 tires on the rim was extreamly hard to do, because of the width of the rim. But over-all I love the bike and would recommend anyone buying it defineatly, BUT you would also HAVE to spend a bit more cash to replace some things (such as the brakes). If you are interested in seeing a picture of my suped-up VRX 200 e-mail me and I'll get one to you within' 24 hours.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Juneau, Alaska Date Reviewed: February 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
West Glacier Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Local
Strengths:
Very Upgradable, Can't beat it for the money. Tires, Rolf Wheels, Overall Ride, Looks. Stump Jumper from Hell. Makes Canondale riders cry and hold their wallets. This bike is able to easily digest anything I throw at it.
Weaknesses:
Judy XC Blows Goats, Brakes need help. Both easy fixes.
Similar Products Used:
Any I can get my hands on
Bike Setup:
Dead stock outta the box
Bottom Line:
If your looking for a longterm trail buster, you won't be disappointed. Best bang for the buck by far! Holds up to harsh wet muddy trails as well as it does in ice and snow. If it holds up to thumping Alaska style you can take it anywhere, And look damn good doing it! It ain't perfect but its an unbeatable start.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Drew Martin
a Weekend Warrior
from Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Date Reviewed: December 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Local Yocal
Strengths:
This Bike is great all around for the price. I love the rolf wheels, the judy on the front is acceptable. I found I had good climbing power for a full suspension (at least sitting down).
Weaknesses:
Front Shock weight, the brakes are inadequete.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Y3, Giant XTC DS 1, Trek VRX 300, Trek 6500 Joe Mamma Full Suspension
Bike Setup:
I really don't have to tell ya again
Bottom Line:
This bike is smooth it rates high on the ride and looks scale. If you like to tinker with upgrades start with the brakes because the suck. I enjoy riding this bike it is fun and does the job. If you are looking for a quality ride that does'nt cost as much as Randy Deck's Oldsmobile Bravada Check this out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Senior Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Brandon, Manitoba, Canada Date Reviewed: December 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything in the Brandon Hills
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Strengths:
Frame,Cane Creek AD-5 rear shock, Judy XC Hydracoil front shock, LX gears have worked flawlessly
Weaknesses:
No name brakes
Similar Products Used:
Norco XCS
Bike Setup:
Shimano 323 pedals(working well), Hayes hydraulic front and rear brakes, Mavic X317(front) and Mavic X517(rear)rims, Panaracer XC Fire tires,Icon crank
Bottom Line:
I reviewed this bike(04-18-00)one month after purchase. My opinion has been upgraded for this bike. I have rode in the Rocky Mountains(24 Hours of Adrenalin) and been impressed with this bike. The upgrade to hydraulic discs will definitely help. The added weight of the rims, disc brakes and chain ring guard are minor detail. I ride alot at night so I am also slugging along 2 batteries for a 10 watt bar mount and a 15 watt helmet mount light system. Several times I have had the shock support arms off to clean bushings but this is minor. Still no need to upgrade to XT.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Weekend Warrior
from Racine Date Reviewed: November 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything i can get to!!!!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$670.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
EVERYTHING!!! I love this thing, it kicks butt!! It sucks up everything i throw at it with no problems and it looks awsome!!
Weaknesses:
it is a little heavy and there is no way to use water bottle cage!! but i can live with that.
Similar Products Used:
GT palomer, Schwinn S30, and a Magna!! he he
Bike Setup:
all stock
Bottom Line:
I love thins bike!! it is an excelent bike for anyone who wants a good bike for the money, the components are pretty good (mine has lx and xt)and it handles great on almost all terrain i have met up with. The shocks are cool too because i can go over whatever i want with no worries of bending my rims or anything like that! I have read some other reveiws about the wheels being crap and i totally disagree with it, i have hit some prett big things pretty hard and they are still perfectly in true.
My only complaint is that they shood have used a shimano crank instead of an ICON, but that is mainly prefference, anyways that is what upgrades are for. right??
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michelle paoli
a Weekend Warrior
from arlington, tx, usa Date Reviewed: November 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
northshore-grapevine
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
bicycles inc.
Strengths:
nice plush ride. this bike's real strength is the ability to let you fly on downhill scetions no matter how technical. i disagree with some of the reviews that say this bike can't climb! it stays hooked up on technical sections by letting the swing arm stay on the ground. also you can stay in the saddle and not have to get over the handle bars and have to worry about the front wheel coming off the ground.
Weaknesses:
a little tough to get the suspension set up correctly but once you do it as a great feel. the brakes levers/shifters, crank, stem and seatpost are pretty cheap (and heavy) but you can switch them out without to much $$.
Similar Products Used:
first fs bike
Bike Setup:
all stock except lx shifter/brakes/levers/crank, onxy icon stem/seatpost bontrager bar ends and
Bottom Line:
great fs bike for around "a grand".......and remember wade bootes rode this design to several championships last year!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BARRY
a Weekend Warrior
from CT Date Reviewed: October 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Strengths:
ROLF WHEELS AND HUBS NEVER GO OUT OF TRUE. THE CANE CREEK AD5 NEVER LOSES ANY AIR AND WORKS FLAWLESSLY. GREAT DOWN HILL RIDE. SUCKS UP THE BIG BUMPS AND MAKES THEM FEEL LIKE PEBBLES
Weaknesses:
BIKE IS VERY HEAVY.NOT A GOOD SINGLE TRACK HANDLER. REAR SUSPENSION BOBS BADLY WHILE STANDING UP TO PEDAL. STOCK TIRES PLUG UP WITH MUD VERY EASY AND DONT CLEAN OUT QUICKLY. BRAKES ARE LESS THAN ADEQUATE. LEVERS DONT HAVE ENOUGH LEVERAGE AND ARE TOO FAR FROM YOUR FINGER REACH. I HAVE TRIED MANY PAD TYPES AND NONE WANT TO STOP THE BIKE WELL.
Similar Products Used:
GARY FISHER SUGAR 2, GT XCR 3000
Bike Setup:
ALL STOCK EXCEPT XTR REAR CARTRIDGE STYLE PADS
Bottom Line:
WHEN I PURCHASED THIS BIKE I WAS NEW IN THE SPORT. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I REALIZED THAT THIS BIKE WAS NOT BEING PRODUCED ANY LONGER DUE TO POOR DESIGN. THE BIKE WAS A GOOD DOWNHILL RIDE BUT YOUR IN FOR A WORKOUT CLIMBING HILLS WITH IT. FOR THE MONEY I THINK THERE IS BETTER ALL AROUND BIKES OUT THERE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brent Burton
a Downhiller
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: September 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Strengths:
1999 frame. Multiple shock mount points, excellent Bontrager rims and other parts.
Weaknesses:
Flimsy brakes, heavy lowend Shimano cranks/bb/front derailleur, heavy but adequate Rock Shox Jett XC long travel fork.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR XC
Bike Setup:
Stock suspensions, but drivetrain now fully LX/XT 9 speed.
Bottom Line:
I own the 1999 VRX 200 and have ridden it hard for the past year. Other bikes I tried, including the FSR XC, could not give the same quality of ride for this price. The 3-position shock mount point provides high adaptability to the terrain or rider preference. As I noted above, the front shock is heavy, but the ride is acceptable. After one year I can feel it loosening up quite a bit. I have no problems with the rear Fox Vanilla coil-over shock -- it works very well for my 160lbs.
Recently I ditched the mismatched 8-speed drivetrain stuck on this bike, and have converted to LX/XT entirely. This has saved more than a pound in weight, and with a slightly broader ratio spread (11-34 in back now) with the 9 speeds, the ride has improved.
2000's now come with better components, although a closeout 1999 gives you the better rims and adjustable rear susp, if you're willing to build it up.
This bike is an excellent value, and it gladly eats up everything I throw at it. A very enjoyable ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oliver Sprenger
a Weekend Warrior
from Mülheim/Ruhr, NRW, Germany Date Reviewed: September 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
XC, downhill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1250.00
Strengths:
Good components (important parts being Deore XT stuff), Judy XC Shock, relatively light weight,... nearly everything (Yes, and it of course looks fine, even more over here in Germany, where serious biking is really nearly non-existant, a real eye-catcher :-])
Weaknesses:
Yea, ya know it... the drink bottle mounting position is ridiculous. Nobody will ever know what made Trek to engineer it that way... I circumvented that problem by fitting some generic bottle holder on top of the frame by using two stainless steel hose clamps (? not sure that they are called that way), and protecting the frame with fabric tape below them. No name brakes, but not really a problem so far
Similar Products Used:
Giant DS-100, DS-200 (the first being nearly not cheaper, but with crap components, the latter being a lot cheaper, but equipped with even crappier components)
Bike Setup:
Stock so far except Aluminum large SIGG bottle, Bontrager race lite bars and my old Sigma BC-700 wireless computer.
Bottom Line:
Would buy it again. Best ride I ever had.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Hill
a Weekend Warrior
from Sterling Heights MI Date Reviewed: August 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Stoney Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$995.00
Strengths:
Good value in a full-suspension bike. Trek build quality. Comfortable ride and versatile design.
Weaknesses:
Crankset seems a little flimsy. Bikes at this price level should come with clipless pedals.
Similar Products Used:
Demo'd a number of bikes including Sugars, Ravens, Cannondale F300, Schwinn S-10 etc.
Bike Setup:
Stock with the exception of Bontrager Race Lite bar ends and a great CatEye Enduro 2 computer. (For now- plan to add clipless pedals and improved brakes later this season or next).
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike because I wanted the comfort of a full-suspension XC bike and this was the best choice in the price range I was looking in ($800-$1100). I know a lot of people think that a rear suspension is a waste of money in this price class, but I have enjoyed this bike enough that I certainly don't regret it. I'm not a racer and the added comfort keeps me going longer than I would if my knees and back were getting pounded over ever root and stone. The component set is standard fare for softtails in this price range, and the frame design is both functional and looks great. The wheelset appears to be pretty decent (and looks good). I have no real complaints other than my particular bike was shipped with the wrong derailleur (LX, not XT as advertised) and Trek was willing to fix it through the dealer if I was to push it further. I got a great deal on mine over the border in Canada, with a favorable US dollar and a negotiated price. If you're looking for a bargain, last year's model can be picked up for about $800, though is has a number of lesser components, including the front fork. In all, I'll joke that I bought this bike because it was red, but I think it was a great choice so far. Minus one chili for crap pedals (the strap is too short for my size 11 feet even) and questionable crank (a little too much runout from the get-go, I don't think I ever hit it hard enough to bend it.) Now if I could just learn to adjust the rear derailleur properly...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Franklin, MA USA Date Reviewed: July 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam- Milford, MA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Rock Shox in the front, Cane Creek in the back. Actually, the rear shock is probably the best thing about this bike- I can set it to any pressure I want. Price (got mine for $1000) Looks sweet too
Weaknesses:
On the flip side, I can't seem to find exactly what the right setting on that rear shock is, so I tend to bottom out a bit. The water bottle mount is in an awful position also, it takes about 3"-4" of travel away from the frame. I ditched it anyway and bought a CamelBak, so it's not that big a deal.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is my first fs, and I love it. I had a Tassajara, and even though I love that bike, it was murder on my low back. Now I can ride for hours and my back stays happy. The Shimano derailleurs aren't as bad as everyone says, they're a huge upgrade from the Shimano LT on my Tassajara, that's for damn sure. Just make sure you have the rear cable tightened up when you take it out of the shop, otherwise your rear cassette will slip out of place every other pedal rotation.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Archie
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City Date Reviewed: June 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Red Canyon cliffs. Flaming Gorge UT
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Shocks, Wheels, shifting.
Weaknesses:
IMO, all mountain bikes should come stock with thorn-resistent tubes. After about 6 flat repairs I traded out for the heavy-duty tubes, with the inside tire liner. Haven't had a flat since. Slightly heavier? Yes. But I don't spend my break time repairing tubes
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Hard tail
Bike Setup:
Factory setup
Bottom Line:
This is my first full suspension bike. I love it.
I'm plenty happy with the clips. Took some practicing for bail-outs. The shocks have been fantastic. I love the rear air shock. I can set it to the desired ride. I mostly do cross-country, single track, with some up/down hill (nothing crazy, but my heart gets pumping). VRX 200 does well. The shocks offer great comfort and control. I'm riding further and harder, and enjoying it more. This puppy tracks great in the gravel and sand.
The Rolf wheels have stood up to some resonably-crazy stuff, minor 2+ foot drops, with a lot of rocky single track. Haven't had a problem yet.
I'm plenty statisfied with the components. It shifts fine, and brakes fine. In fact I love the quick shift levers. For the cost of the bike ($1,099) I believe the components are on the higher end. Remember, the rider is the most important component. And this rider has teeth full of bugs and dirt cause I can't stop smilin' when I'm riding this thing. :-)
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