Submitted by
graeme murray
a Downhiller
from edinburgh, scotland, UK Date Reviewed: May 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Glentress or Innerleithen
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
ok just to clarify, i only purchased the frame... it was my first full susser and what a frame it was! the fox vanilla shock was EXTREMELY plush all be it a short amount of travel. 3 different settings on the fully independant link for various riding styles give the frame completely different feelings. the frame was excellend at climbing hills as well as bombing back down them. good entry level downhill/freeride frame
Weaknesses:
where the fully indipendant link is a strength it is also a weakness as it isnt the strongest suspension system on the go but as stated before works very well all the same.
Similar Products Used:
ellsworth joker, orange patriot, 24/7 dark angel as well as a few others
Bike Setup:
06 jr t forks(bolt thru), hayes 9 discs 200mm on the front, halo SAS wheels and a shoddy RPM crankset blinged with an e-thirteen bashplate:P
Bottom Line:
excellent frame that jumps as well as most hardtails and rides downhill very well with the plush travel on it. its an excellent frame but obv has past its time with the frames you can get these days. i have since moved on to a scott high octane :D final note: great entry level freeride/downhill frame i would reccomend to anyone with an interest in starting out on an MTB
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Submitted by
dut
a Cross Country Rider
from oak view , ca , usa Date Reviewed: April 25, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Strengths:
price 1400 new , relativly light and versitile machine with a solid feel , good warrenty
Weaknesses:
Broke the frame and the swingarm around 4500 miles in two years. Trek replaced both, no charge no questions!
Similar Products Used:
lts,fsr,jekyl,raven,enduro
Bike Setup:
nothing fancy or expensive,lx shifters,xt cranks and bb,hayes mechanical disc,bontager rims,psylo front fox rear
Bottom Line:
Good price great all around bike. My VRX 400 is 32lbs. with a few upgrades. Once again 4500 rocky miles before it gave up on me. That is more than I can say about any other aluminum bike I have ever owned, including hard tails and bmx bikes for that matter.
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Submitted by
billy sanderson
a Downhiller
from kelowna, b.c. canada Date Reviewed: April 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anything fast, steep & technical
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
caps bicycle in abbotsford
Strengths:
easily upgradable(except for the rear disc), takes a beating, turns a lot of heads
Weaknesses:
oem v-brakes, front deraileur, front fork, seat, b.b. threading
Similar Products Used:
this is my baby, well she's 5 now so i guess she isnt a baby any more
Bike Setup:
2000 vrx 400 lt frame w/ 1999 vrx 200 swing arm(stripped the b.b. so i bought a new frame)sun singletrack w/ xt hubs & 2.35 schwalbe on both, formula b4 gold caliper w/ hayes 8" on front & hayes caliper w/ 6" on back, 2002 psylo race fork, roox stem, profile design gold handlebar, xt shifter pods, shimano saint 32t-22t crank w/ bash guard, shimano dx pedals, xt front deraileur, manitou swinger 4-way air shock, n.r.g. dh seat, t.h.e front mx fender, lx rear deraileur
Bottom Line:
they should have kept making the vrx for more people to enjoy, if you can find one you should take it for a spin it is a great bike and she is one of the loves of my life!!!
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Submitted by
dinesh
a Downhiller
from singapore Date Reviewed: February 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
dh
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
treknology bikes 3
Strengths:
cool looks.awesome colour and plush suspension. the bike isnt that heay as i thought (would be nice if trek came out with titanium/carbon frames) amazing touch-stop hayes disc brakes. z1 front shock rox.
the factory tyres, jones sux like s*&". the hayes brakes make a funny squeaky sound sometimes
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scottydub
a Downhiller
from WI Date Reviewed: November 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Quarry Park
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Decent value, fantastic brakes (best Hayes I have used, amazing feel and power), good fork. They are still intact.... Shifters and derailers are all right. Shifts good.
Weaknesses:
Cheap & weak; cranks, seat post, handlebars, bottom bracket, wheels, etc... Oh, the 2 broken swing arms from this summer were a real bummer. Also, rear brake mount never lines up and makes for real bad brake rub.
Similar Products Used:
oh, random bikes. Titus Quasi Moto, Trek DH, Super V, Amp, Jeckyl,
Bike Setup:
Now has ISIS Husslefelts, Azonic DH saddle, MR Dirt chain guide, flat pedals, and then just replaced parts as they bust
Bottom Line:
In all fairness I ride this bike much harder the it was intended to be riden. As a trail bike (definately not a good race bike) it is pretty cool. Could climb better, but very nice when working with gravity and not against it. I love the feel of the bike, very nice size (med frame, I am 6 foot) and good handling.
But the spec on this thing was stupid. You get great brakes, a decent fork and the rest sucks. Super cheap stuff (except the the Shimano gadgets that always work as well as Shimano always works...) The cranks rounded out and after I replaced them i rounded out the seccond ones in less than 45 minutes. Bent 3 BB in the process. Now i ahve DH BB and Husslefelts. They rock hard and are real reasonable, maybe the best deal in mountian biking right now. Seat post head striped out real easy and the rails bent on the saddle easily. the wheels are easy to kill too.
Some upgrades make it tolerable but the swingarm's weld on the driveside, by the pivot is weak. Crack 2 this summer. Warranty fixed me up though.
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Submitted by
Hans Swarzkopf
a Downhiller
from Sweden Date Reviewed: May 8, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Plush ride, works on technical trail downhilling, turns on a coin yet feels stable at normal (under 60 km/h) speeds, adjustability of the suspension, brakes that really work, nice price
Weaknesses:
Heavy, flexes too much which can be felt during accelerating and agressive high speed descending, air forks are for xc people
Similar Products Used:
specialized fsr, turner,
Bike Setup:
size s bike, z1 fork extended to 130 mm travel with soft springs & compression damping drilled, Nokian gazzaloddi dual tires, wider dh bar, ac setting at the rear with 20% stiffer spring
Bottom Line:
A fine bike for the price. An engine would be nice when climbing.
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Submitted by
lemmin nicolas
a Weekend Warrior
from switzerlan Date Reviewed: March 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Strengths:
resistance, very well equiped for its price, god apparence, good pieces
Weaknesses:
heavy, could have a better rear shock
Similar Products Used:
cannondale reaven, merida black shadow nlm version
Bike Setup:
only pedal have been changed with shimano's DX
Bottom Line:
If you want a very good bike that is pretty cheap for its strongh and good equipment, get it !!! But you must be also strong enough to be able to make it move, it is rather heavy… It's the best one I saw in its category of prices.
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Submitted by
david
a Racer
from nc Date Reviewed: January 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
the one i'm riding
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
various locations
Strengths:
4-6" adjustable travel,low stand over,low frame weight, single pivot stiff compared to 4 bar snake bite rear
2000 trek vrx 400lt xtr drive train,marzocchi z1 xfly 100, cane creek ad-10,thomson post and stem,odi lock ons,shim dx platforms,avid mech discs,king headset,easton carbon riser, dolomite disc wheelset.27 lbs
Bottom Line:
this bike rules for a combo of cross country racing to killer freeride. watch out for me i'll be the one in front of you. or dropping out of the sky.
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Submitted by
tata boutchlamine
a Weekend Warrior
from Quebec Date Reviewed: December 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
bing bang
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
color, not so heavy, components, Marzocchi front fork, Hayes hydraulic disc brakes
Weaknesses:
crankset, rims, hubs (formula whahahahahah!)
Similar Products Used:
vrx 300, fsr
Bike Setup:
vrx 400, mavic 321 disc, front der. xt, maybe xt hubs, the fender
Bottom Line:
it's a good bike for the price but crank and hubs are soso. The saddle broke after one week and i broke the front der. after one month, since no problems. The rest of the bike is correct.Front fork and brakes don't work well in winter but in summer it's excellent. Stock tires are good but not enought wide. It's a good bike for freerider.
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Submitted by
Darrell Fung
a Downhiller
from Delta BC Canada Date Reviewed: October 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
North shore
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
cheap, no rear shock bob,strong, Flies if you are strong enought to ride it
Weaknesses:
not enought travle fream flex a bit. Stock tires and rims sucks,the rim broke after one week.
Similar Products Used:
rm6 ,stinky ,vps2,and all north shore and free ride bikes (this one stell has best value after changing parts)
Bike Setup:
marzocchi Z1 QR20, mavic D321 rims, Azonic Hummer steam and oversize Chubby bar,Hayes Disc, some 2.6 tires
Bottom Line:
This bike is fun,but stell,not much travel.If you go to downhill,the bike can take it. Hayes doesn't stop me down the hill, my hands get so tired by squeezing the levers. Stock tires sucks,I mean....well it just suck if it is a stock bike (like all the athers), but what you pay is what you get, its' made to be change parts. You shout buy it if you are poor and want extra Fun.(like me...hehe)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete Fabian
a Racer
from Lancaster PA USA Date Reviewed: September 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Stony Creek Infinity Loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Shirks
Strengths:
For the amount that it weighs this bike rides very light. In the cross country setting it is very quick and nimble although its still incredible in the longer travel setting
Weaknesses:
SPDs arent the greatest pedals but most bikes dont come with Times
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Raven 4000, Cannondale Jekell 700, Schwinn 4 Banger Homegrown(best of them all but imposible to find)
Bike Setup:
LX/XT Hayes disc Marzocchi fork Fox shock
Bottom Line:
For what it was designed to do this is an amazing race bike, and its flawless on the downhill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Canmore Nordic Centre
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Marzocchi front fork, FIL linkage, Hayes hydraulics
Weaknesses:
It's heavy during climbs. But that's my only complaint
Similar Products Used:
Giant XCX DS1, Giant XTCDS2, Specialized FSR XC
Bike Setup:
As it was out of the box. I haven't had it long enough to start buying stuff. But, eventually I think I will have to buy something extra for the bike.
Bottom Line:
As recommended by a bike mechanic I changed the rear linkage. I put the shock in the "AC" position and moved the "dogbone" from its original position to the "XC" shock mounting position. This will give you a little more travel. Otherwise this bike is awesome!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Downhiller
from Hillsboro OR Date Reviewed: June 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Browns Camp
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Strong frame, good compnet package
Weaknesses:
Heavy
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is my first bike and I love it. I spent months check out all the local bike shops and when I first got on the 400 I loved it. For the price you can't beet it. Its very easy to change the suspension for the ride ahead. I liked this bike so much I bought one for my wife. The only thing I can complain about is the front derailer. It seem like I or the bike shop can not get it tuned in. I have a hard time getting in to the lowest gear. other then this its a great bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
miles schwartz
a
from roslyn,n.y.,u.s. Date Reviewed: May 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
norba 1998 downhill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
bomb proof frame, i jump off my roof and it holds up great. front sus. is very plush, good idea if u get a softer sring for the rear. disc brakes are amazing!
Weaknesses:
wheels! they suck! very poor going uphill, if you are going uphill, walk it, it saves time and energy.
Similar Products Used:
kona stinky, shwinn 4 banger, gary fisher x-caliber
Bike Setup:
every red lizard skins, the downhill front fender, michelin red hot s tires, yellow bontrager race disc wheels
Bottom Line:
its a great bike for doing technical crap, i'ld use it on the north shore because of its long frame and set-up, if you do get the bike i suggest that you get different wheels, because the bontrager corvair wheels or disgustingly bad.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Westmaas
a Cross Country Rider
from Ede Netherlands Date Reviewed: April 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
All dirt tracks
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
The braking is superb, suspension perfect, on downhill tracks you blow everyone of the track, rear shock is just perfect it's just almost f***ing good.
Weaknesses:
Very heavy during climbing, it's too flexible, the brakes aren't rotating freely, suspension is too soft for climbing
Similar Products Used:
Trek VRX 300,Trek 8000, Klein Mantra, Specialized Enduro Comp, GT XCR 3000, Koga Tiros, Santos SCC02/03, Principia Mac Sl. RS SID, XC, Manitou, Magura Louise.
It is a very nice bike when you don't have to climb. On Downhill tracks it is just perfect. You only have to set your suspension on the perfect pressure. For the price it is fine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Downhiller
from Sydney N.S.W Australia Date Reviewed: March 20, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Strong downhill frame good parts apart from the rims. XT components with an LX shifter, Looks sweet
Weaknesses:
May want to put a softer spring on the rear shock if you way about what i do which is 50kilos. A bit expensive to set up on the parts i put on. If you have any inquiries drop me a line at renegadecycles.com.au
Similar Products Used:
Don't know
Bike Setup:
VRX400 with junior t's,dmr speed guide, Azonic shorty stem Gazolodi junior's, dual hayes disc, Azonic love seat, THE downhill mud guard, Free Agent pedals
Bottom Line:
A all round nice bike apart for the forks that come standard. takes the hard hits as tough you hit a stone. Golden yellow with blue parts makes it look as good as you want it too. Nice bike to start off downhilling or freeriding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Baker
a Weekend Warrior
from Regina Date Reviewed: March 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any dirt trail
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
bombproof, plush, pretty, great for clydesdales.
Weaknesses:
Heavy. Oh well.
Similar Products Used:
trek Y-11
Bottom Line:
I have read all the comments on the 1999 version. they were great. this years model with hydrolic brakes and a marzocchi fork will be absolutely fabulous (I THINK).And again it is PLUSH,PLUSH,PLUSH.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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