Submitted by
augustus Bowman
a Weekend Warrior
from portland Date Reviewed: March 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
oregon
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
Jeff Grotjahn is a real piece of s*hit. Good luck trying to get this jerkoff to approve warranty on anything bought from trek if there is *ANY* way whatsoever he can weasel his way out of it. When you buy a trek, just think of Jeff Grotjahn, ask them to throw in some chain lube for when Jeff Grotjahn and trek bikes screw you in the ass
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeffrey Barnes
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO, USA Date Reviewed: May 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Chutes and Ladders
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Village
Strengths:
This review is actually for an earlier version of the 9.8, the OCLV 9800. I have owned the bike for quite some time but have only started using it consistently in the last few years for any real mtn biking (since I moved to Colorado). The bike is extremely light, fast and responsive.
Weaknesses:
The Carbon Fiber is just too weak for a mountain bike. I would imagine it would be great as a road bike where it doesn't take as much punishment. Recently, while doing support on a Kokopelli Trail trip, mine exploded in three places on a relatively minor crash (as a testament to Stan's NoTubes my front tire was still full and nothing else on the bike including myself was hurt). However, similar to some of the reviews below, the frame did explode and I had to walk it back to camp passing all the other Kokopelli trip riders.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
XT brakes and raceface shifters
Bottom Line:
I just don't think that the OCLV is strong enough for x-country riding where there is any chance of a crash. It is light and fast and does absorb much of the trail, so I liked the performance of the frame, but it just doesn't last. My mechanic compared it to the egg trick from chemistry class, where you can press down on the egg as hard as you want and it won't break, but you just tap it on the side and it shatters into pieces. One scratch really weakens the integrity of the bike and the carbon fiber can shatter upon any future impact. As far as the Trek 'lifetime warranty', all the guys at the bike shop were great and said I'd probably get a new frame, but Trek denied it. I'm appealing it now, but I'm not holding my breath. I suppose that I did get at least 2 years of riding out of the bike here in Colorado and it was an older frame (one of the original carbon fibers) so I should be somewhat satisfied.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a Racer
from rex, Ga Usa Date Reviewed: October 21, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1220.00
Purchased At:
Individual
Strengths:
Super lightweight frame, extremely fast in decents, Sid SL forks are nice.
Sweet bike for the money, A little to light for me, I found it to be great on climbs but terrible on decents, hard to hold a line. However its not a downhill bike. Overall great bike for its intended use Racing!!!!! This is the second Trek I have owned and I would definately reccommend this brand and model for XC racers.I have gotten nothing but good service from Trek.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stewart Crouch
a Racer
from Felton, Delaware Date Reviewed: September 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Fair Hill Maryland
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Bike line
Strengths:
Awesome climber, light, versatile
Weaknesses:
nothing comes to mind, black finish shows scuffs easily (that's a stretch, what doesn't)
Similar Products Used:
Trek 9800
Bike Setup:
X Fly fork, XTR frt&rr derlr (I bought a spare frt when I found them), Race Face crank, XTR brakes & levers, Thomason post and stem (USE post on epics or last 2 laps of 24 events), King hubs and headset, Bontrager Valiant wheels, Monkey Lite bars, Sram twist shifters (I also ride dirt bikes).
Bottom Line:
I did not put in a purchase price because I originally bought a leftover 1995 9800 in 97 for $1500. In December of 1998 a crack was discovered at the bottom bracket. The frame was sent back to Trek and after 3 (long) months I got a 9.8 frame. I bought some new components and used some upgraded parts I had on my 9800 so it is hard to figure an amount paid. I am a 43 year old who may go on a 3 hour trail ride (mini race) with buddies, enter a Sport race (I have won 3), go ride a 24 hour event (24 Hours of Snowshoe twice), or go with my wife on her horse for a 4 hour cruise. This bike does it all! Could other bikes be better at one particular type of riding, sure but I have not discovered one that does it all, is somewhat comfortable (I use the USE post on rougher rides), accerates and climbs so quickly. On fast trail rides (woods trails not North Shore type drop offs or super rocky terrain) it changes direction quickly and is still competent on downhills. I consider getting another bike until I ride this one and just smile and that's what it is all about! As far the chilis go, I give 4 as a value how the bike comes off the shelf, it seems there could be better components for the price. But upgrading is half the fun. As overall rating from my experience I have to give it a 5.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnati, OH USA Date Reviewed: July 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Harbin Park (Cincy)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Beautiful, fluid, stiff frame. Great SID fork. Trek USA build quality, Rolf Dolomites, Avids work exceptionally. Icon parts are "so-so" (they get the job done--pretty nice crankset in my opinion).
Weaknesses:
Yeah, the parts aren't the greatest. But, I look at it like this: why pay top dollar (I know this bike is already quite expensive, but go to the Litespeed level) for a bike and get a bunch of great components that aren't EXACTLY what you wanted? I myself would much rather customize a bike to my preferences. Yet, you still have those "get you by" parts to last until you get it all tricked out the way you want it.
Bike Setup:
Kore Elite stem, Azonic WorldForce bar, Chris King headset, Shimano M636 peds, Bontrager Revolt SS semis, XTR rear derailleur, a lot of SRP red anodized bolts (add nice touch), and lots of others I'm still working on...
Bottom Line:
The best there is...PERIOD. The frame looks so fluid/space-age. The sculptured arches create great strength. Rolf wheels are light and also look great. If you're looking for an XC bike that is among the world's best, than here it is. Save your money...look for a deal and buy it...you will not regret it. This bike is my definite prize posession. If you don't ride everyday now, then the sheer joy of owning/riding this bike will make you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Ogden
a Cross Country Rider
from Stoke-on-Trent,Staffs,England Date Reviewed: March 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything technical
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Stonefield Cycles
Strengths:
Climbing, asthetics, acceleration, trail damping
Weaknesses:
Very nice paint job is easily chipped. Heavy components increase an otherwise very light cycle.
Similar Products Used:
Specialised M4
Bike Setup:
Stoke components
Bottom Line:
The frame is very quick, yet extremely comfortable. The steering is very light yet still provides confidence. The Rolf wheels are light and resonably strong, and coupled with the Hayes disc brakes (which are a must with this cycle) are an excellent combination. The overall package is let down by cheaper then expected peddles, LX front mech and bottom bracket. However, all these components are easily changed as and when they give up the ghost. This is a cycle which unlike the Specialised M4 does not transfer every lump and bump to the rider, and can be riden for longer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Super X
a Racer
from WA Date Reviewed: January 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
TRAILS I MAKE
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
MAIL ORDER
Strengths:
A fast, light, climber.
Weaknesses:
NOTHiNG
Similar Products Used:
NONE
Bike Setup:
ONLY THE BEST (stock sucks)
Bottom Line:
I upgraded to this bike, from my previous Titus Racer-X. The 9.8 is much fster, and you don't have to worry about switching that annoying lockout lever. It is also an awsome descender- it handles better than my old Racer-X did. 5 flamin chilis!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus Date Reviewed: October 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
I must give Trek credit. It took a little while during peak riding time but they did come through. Thanks to Eric and Shawn from Trek. These two guys I'm sure got tired of hearing from me but they still treated me like a valued customer. Thanks for that Trek.
Weaknesses:
My earlier review pointed out the lack of E type componets for this frame. SHORTLY after writing the prior, my seat tube cracked near the top. At first Trek informed me that it was my problem and they would not be able to warranty. WELL....After looking at the crack closer, I found that the ID of the tube was actually closer to 32 than 31.6. This small difference was the problem. Clamping down on the lug compressed the carbon to the pont of failure due to the void. I sent the frame in and Trek sent me another frame. Prior to assembly (at the dealer) we used a mic to measure the ID and found the same deal..32. Trek sent another frame and finnaly the ID was correct. The seat tightened correctly and seems to be holding up for now.
Bike Setup:
Xt/XTR USE XCR Post..
Bottom Line:
I still love this frame. I do hear of other fram problems, like the BB housing breaking lose..Lets just HOPE Trek keeps coming trough for their loyal customers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Sorge
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus Oh Date Reviewed: August 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
All Trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
If you want to climb..Here's the bike. Great geometry and a very comfy ride.
Weaknesses:
Poor group of componets. Here's the catch. Look closely and you will find Shimano E-Type BB and Front D. This would not be a problem if you can find Shimano E type componets. Good luck. You can try all the mail order and meet a dead end. You can call Shimano and they will tell you they are trying to locate parts. You can call Trek and they will lead you down a long and empty path.
Similar Products Used:
Too many to list
Bike Setup:
XTR/XT
Bottom Line:
Be carefull if you are buying this bike. Ensure your dealer can order (within 90 days) these parts YOU WILL NEED TO REPLACE>>>>!!!! BB=un52(LX)..Front D=LX Bet on it.... Remember..Your bike will sit in the garage until your new parts come in!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay Reis
a Racer
from Lansford PA USA Date Reviewed: August 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
single track, XC, DH
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Tight frame i love it. The carbon is the best. I am only 17 i ride hard rode alot of bikes at races and when i race i take my 9.8 i recomend it to any1..Rolf's Rule!!!
Weaknesses:
For the price we pay we should have at leatd somethin XTR that came stock.and for the brakes as soon as i saw them they came off
Similar Products Used:
Zaszar LE By GT
Bike Setup:
Full XTR(like it shuld have came)bontrager race lights for race days. and hayes disc brakes WOW
Bottom Line:
Honstally it is a crazy bike but ya gotta ride a bike till ya find what fits u and the 9.8 fit me and my budget,if ya can go to your trek dealer and get it very light bike climbes are so easy u will love it...Go TREK
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee Highsmith
a Weekend Warrior
from Chapel Hill, NC USA Date Reviewed: July 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Chapel Hill High
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Seems lighter than it weighs out - very quick! Maintains the outstanding ride that my 9800 has
Weaknesses:
Disappointed to see LX - My 9800 had all XT other than the crank
Similar Products Used:
Trek 9800
Bike Setup:
LX - Judy - Standard
Bottom Line:
I took my 9800 to get tuned up and they found a crack - I've been told that Trek will replace with a 9.8/9.9 frame. I am a little nervous having seen the postings on this site - surely Trek is a good enough company to follow through with their LIFETIME warranty on the frame - I was shocked that I had to pay to tear it down and ship it (not to mention that some of my old components won't fit on the new frame...). However it turns out, I have to say that this bike is tremendous fun and will return each and every dollar you put into it with an hour of fun, really fast riding. I think it gives climbers and downhillers a very good platform. I would consider building up from the frame to get max fun & weight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
casey mojo
a Racer
from gallup, nm, u.s. Date Reviewed: June 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
mountains everywhere
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
so sweet and plush for 6 months.so light, great ride.
Weaknesses:
the piece of crap broke in 6 months now i have to wait for the stupid thing to come back, i should have bought a anfsr m4. for this price it should last longer than a year, and i will never buy another carbon fiber bike again.
if you want your bike to be an awesome bike for a little while then buy this, if you want a bike that lasts, buy something else. but this gets 1 chile for the value and for the little time it lasted i give it one chile.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel
a Racer
from Qc, Canada Date Reviewed: May 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bromont XC trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Not the most important, but the bike as a killer look. goemetry, SID SL, Dolomite wheels. The bike accelerate extremely well, climbs great. Absorbs vibration. For a HT, this bike is easily ridden 3 hours and you don't get beat up)
Weaknesses:
LX bottom bracket, cassette, shifters, icon cranks and front LX derailleur. Bonty revolt tires(to race specific (dry conditions!)). Not that light
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper, GT avalanche, Kona HOT
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Time pedals, XT shifters and Bonty jones front and rear
Bottom Line:
This bike's ride is incredible. Once you tried carbon, you will never want to go back to anything else. The frame as the ability to disperse all vibration so you dont feel them very much. But the frame doesn't flex when you're out of the saddle so it accelerate very well. I'm getting back to racing shape this year and I will be racing the bike latter this summer, I'm anxious to see my results.
The geometry is very nice. It climbs very well, and descend's great. It gives you confidence going downhill and trough technical sections (wich is my weak point). The front wheel being pushed forward a bit gives you added control and paired to the sid SL, who performs admirably well, its gives a great ride. Some people don't like the sid cause they say it flexes, I'm not gonna lie and tell you it's as stiff as a Marzocchi, but it very near. Maybe those who don't like it have flexy wheels, but the dolomites are very stiff, they are staying true and are very light and they compliment the fork very well.
I can't speak for the pedals since I had them changed to Time's when I bought the bike.
So the bike ride's so well, the feel is incredible, I've never owned or tested such a great bike. Like Cartman would say...sswwweeeeettttttt!
Now, for it's weaknesses:
Well, it's not that light. I have an 8 years old Kona Hot still in riding condition and it's lighter by about a pound than this bike. kona: 23.2 pounds and the 9.8: 24.1 pounds. The problem...Shimano LX...I suspect that with a crank replacement, BB, cassette, saddle (wich is comfortable but heavy), seatpost, handlebar and stem, I'll surely go under 23 pounds. (the kona as titanium BB, with very lightweight components, this explains the low weight)
The LX cassette and BB performs alright but are to heavy. The biggest problems lies with the combination of the cranks and LX front derailleur...they do not work that great togheter. no amount of adjustements can get them to shift good under pressure. When I come around a corner to find a steep hill, I hope the chain will go from the middle ring to the granny without a problem. Sometimes it doesn't shift at all depending on how muddy and wet the bike is. I get horrible chain suck after about 2 hours on the bike in muddy conditions. Once again, as Cartman would say "I hate you Kenny", I would say "I hate you Icon" and "I hate you LX".
Trek should put XT cranks and front derailleur on this otherwise fantastic XC race bike.
I'm planning on putting XT Hollowtech cranks with XT BB, XT cassette, and probably swith to kore elite seatpost, stem and handlbar and a ti flite saddle...then the components will be worthy of the frame/wheels and fork.
I'll give it three for value (cause I would have at least liked XT front derailleur and crank for al that money), and 4.5 for overall (because the ride quality is so much superior to anything I tried before. (The only prob is the front shifting)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry Chimolski
a Cross Country Rider
from Ridgefield, CT Date Reviewed: May 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Snow XC Course
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Agressive as all hell. Good lord--this bikes accelerates like a cat on crack! And..this bike weighs less than my first bigwheel (KnightRider classic with pull action brake--sweet). Sid XC is a nice addition. Rolf's have Arnold qualities and ride quite nicely.
Weaknesses:
Maybe the stock LX, but we'll see how it runs. Upgrades are always an option. $Pricy$, but if you can still find one you'll save a heapload on a '99 (and I suggest you find one).
Similar Products Used:
Trek 9800, Zaskar, my old steel Marin--yikes!
Bike Setup:
Stock right now. Thinking about a Thompson Elite post, CT2 bars, and maybe a new mojo for the stem--but I need to save some ca$h first.
Bottom Line:
I'm a lightweight (160), so I think I'll be just about flying on this thing. When I test rode it I couldn't believe the difference between the feel of carbon vs. aluminum--my boy at the LBS was right, once you go carbon, you never go back. For the money, I don't think you can buy a better bike. I'm a XC fanatic and this bike is built to do just that--ask Travis. If you're a hardtail fan, want an aggressive ride, and wish to hop on something to make your nether regions quiver--pick up a 9.8 "cause when this baby hits 88 miles an hour...you're gonna see some serious S**T!"
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe B
a Racer
from Indy Date Reviewed: April 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Buffalo Creek, CO.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Full-on hard tail monster! Climbs like a goat. Sprints like Ben Johnson on steroids. Solid specs.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
S-Works-M2, Homegrown, Ibis Spanky
Bike Setup:
Standard production: (XTR/LX/Icon combo with Dolomite wheelset and SID XC)
Bottom Line:
It's easy to get excited about a new bike. But that usually wears off after a couple of weeks. Not with this one! I have ridden some quality rigs and never have I enjoyed riding as much as I do with the Elite. I have been beating my fellow riders soundly in our "non-competitive" rides and I attribute part of that to this bike. It is super light (yet feels as sturdy as my 3Al/2.5V road frame) and has geometry that transfers power like none I have ridden before. As for the specs, I do not get hung up on manufacturers putting LX shifters and front deraileurs on a bike worthy of only XTR stature. If it works, no problem. And so far, it's all been great. Rolf wheelset is a nice touch. They're so much more than easy on the eyes; super light and virtually indestructable (I hear). This is an honest review. I do actually own one of these bikes (as I suspect others may not, when reading other reviews of the Elite). I have only had this bike for a short time, but have spent a lot of time on it since purchase. I fully intend to kick some NORBA butt this year thanks to training and my 9.8.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tiago Filipe Albarran
a Cross Country Rider
from Setúbal, Portugal Date Reviewed: April 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Roling single track, 50% Descents and Downhill Kamisases
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Very Light, acelarates like an F-16 on Afterburners, very rigid, excenlent fork (easy to adjust), every thing works perfectly...
Weaknesses:
None that I (or my friends) have found... I had a problem with a front derailleur, it keep rubbing against the frame, but that's not Trek's fault...)
Similar Products Used:
None...
Bike Setup:
Stock, with XTR V-Brakes, XT front derailleur and The Great Tioga Factory XC 1.95
Bottom Line:
This is a great Bike period! As good as they come... Sure you can get an 9.9, but is it worth the extra $$$? I think not... The bikes feels very responsive, very precise, very... 9.8 :) The bike is so light you feel like you have nothing between your legs... (and i meen a bike...) I make some uphills faster than Downhills...:) For those who break the 9.8's frame: Come on people... This is a great XC bike, not a downhill bike! I don't belive you can get a stronger XC frame... It's carbon! But hey, no miracles, but a 200 lb rider on a freaking donwhill, and it might break!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Racer
from Charlotte NC Date Reviewed: December 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Pisgah
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very light, Very plush, a super deal.
Weaknesses:
The seat post quick release scraped my leg and I left my water bottle on it :(
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F2000, Gary Fischer Something-Caliber, Titus HCR
Bike Setup:
I was a bit different than stock: SID Race, XTR cranks
Bottom Line:
I rode this and the new Soft-tail STP. This is by far the best bike I have ever ridden, climbs wonderfully. The comfort level is much greater on this than the STP (this may be beacause I rode a prototype) Bottom line ... for $2000 you can't buy a lighter more comfortable bike. Note to Trek put a SID XC or Manitou Mars on the 9.8 and lower the price 300 dollars :) (My LBS is going to do that for me) Also BONTRAGER CRAP SUCKS!!!!!!! use XT or even LX or that junk (My LBS is doing that for me to:)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Racer
from VT Date Reviewed: November 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Catamount???
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
very light, quiet, accelerates like a frightend cheetah!!!
Weaknesses:
none that I have to say, only demoed, I dont get why people dont like trek I think that they are a great company as well as Specialized and Intense!!!
Similar Products Used:
schwinn homegrown, yeti, klien Mantra race
Bike Setup:
same except XT crank, and XTR v brakes
Bottom Line:
Great bike the only other problem that I have with it is the price, I just wish it was a little cheaper, but I guess you get what you pay for
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scooter
a Racer
from Ann Arbor, MI Date Reviewed: November 2, 1999
Tory! Sorry to hear things suck for you, but my review wasn't a plant...I think Trek is above *that*. Just finished building my bike (they actually sent me a 99, not a '00 replacement 9.9) and the thing just rips! I'll be very interested in the durability of my frame because of your failure; what happens after I get some big air?Anyway, get your 9.9 built up! You still have time to get out and kick some cyclocross a$$ before it gets too nasty out!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pierrick Plamondon
a Cross-Country Rider
from Quebec Quebec Date Reviewed: October 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Raid Pierre Harvey
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
I did not though that a bike could make climbing that a differece
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
My other bike: kona cinder cone
Bike Setup:
Like I bought i (SID SL)
Bottom Line:
I just bought that bike yesterday. Since the competitioins are over, I use to go to school with my bike. Yesterday, I Use my Trek for the first time. If I compare it to my other bikes ( kona cinder cone) I had, I can see that it descend at the same speed, it is a bit faster on plane. But the major difference is when I climb, Whit my kona, I was going 10-11 km/h at a certain place (3/4 miles) climb. Whit my trek, I go 15-16 km/h at that place. I think that it is a major difference and, I consider that clibing is the most important part of a good cross country rider.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Downhiller
from baton rouge, la Date Reviewed: October 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
tammany trace
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
cool looking, i put some oakley stickers on mine,the oakley stickers are black!
Weaknesses:
no baby seat mounts! not very heavy duty, needs some downhill stuff
Similar Products Used:
truck bike, double pump with a hand squeeze, dutch bike, some mexican bikes, 71 schwinn racer, huffy dynamo , you name it ive tried it!
Bike Setup:
trek 9.8, rock shox boxxer( to match oakley stickers), rubber seatpost, gel saddle .
Bottom Line:
totally rad bike, light as hell, good components, awesome stickers (thanks to me)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tory Taglio
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ketchum, Idaho Date Reviewed: October 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
there all good here
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light, great climber
Weaknesses:
Extremely prone to cracks, huge head tube failures, weak, uncooperative warranty service.
Similar Products Used:
Fat Chance, Lightspeed
Bike Setup:
Rockshock,Rolf, Shimano
Bottom Line:
Just an update on the Trek 9.8 Failure. I promise Trek I would repost a review once they replaced my frame for $200, two months after I sent it in (Trek doesn't like this web site one bit, I imagine). I won't go into how it broke, please read the earlier reviews for all the info. I want to say that I was as nice and patient as anyone would be (more than I should have been after getting the blow off and being told I could pay $675 to have my 3 month old broken frame fixed.) In fact, the shop I took it to: Pete Lane's of Sun Valley was extremely helpful and supportive. The mechanic at the shop, Mike Stevens, was very helpful. He took one look at the bike and told me he thought Trek Would give me no problems and replace it immediately. Mike was very, very cool. Trek on the other hand, refused to replace it, citing That it was not covered by warranty because there was no evidence of a defect. Convenient, no options for the consumer, and how do you fight a company as big as TREK? . Jeff Grotjahn, the TREK warranty head honcho called my friendly, fair TREK dealer, Mike Stevens to grill him on what he had promised me?!? Getting the picture now. THEN.... I got pissed and started posting these reviews. They read them...and eventually offered me a replacement 9.9 frame for $200. So Im satisfied, but Im bummed I missed out on so much riding and still had to pay twice to get my $3000 TREK back on the trail. That was $200 more than I have after dumping my hard earned wad on this spendy rig. That's B.S. Im just glad it didn't happen on a descent or I'd be hurting. So people, Im just one experience but if you're buying a Trek Carbon bike, consider these reviews. That's why I posted this. I will give them one extra chili for upgrading me to the 9.9 paint job. P.S. The previous review looks awfully suspicious, don't ya think?
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scooter
a Racer
from Ann Arbor, MI Date Reviewed: October 13, 1999
This is in response to the multiple people trashing Trek & their reps. Tsk, tsk, tsk. My frame cracked at almost every tube-lug connection, creaked like a 50 year old hardwood floor but never failed. I took it to my nearest *reputable* Trek dealer after the last Xterra event and just found out yesterday that a new 2000 9.9 is on its way. I think the angry guys' problems stem from treating the bike shop and maybe local Trek rep like poop* after the failure. Hey, I know your high-dollarbike failed catistrophically, but I'd bet you treated the guys at the LBS all rude-like. They're human too; they like respect and might hump* you if you piss them off. I still would've paid the $300 to fix my frame if they wouldn't warrantee it...(easy for me to say now that I've got a 2000 9.9 in the mail!)* Edited for MTBR acceptance
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tory Taglio
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ketchum, Idaho Date Reviewed: September 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Forgot by now
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
What strengths it broke and nearly killed me!!
Weaknesses:
Weak Frame, Weak Warranty, Week Company!
Similar Products Used:
Lightspeed, GT, Fat Chance,
Bottom Line:
(See my previous review...) So 1 month at Trek's Warranty Research Center and the head of Warranty Research, Jeff Grotjahn has determined that this frame is not warranteeable due to failure from extreme tork applied to the head tube. Like...from, say...riding off road. Maybe Trek should print a legal disclaimer (like Huffy) that thier bikes are not intended for off-road use). Im pissed, still out a bike, and after dumping 3K on a brand new state of the art Trek 9.8, Jeff Grotjahn wants me to pay $250 to repair my new failed frame. That B.S. and you should all be nervous if you ride a Trek. Just one flamer, until they treat me like a paying customer...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tory taglio
a Cross-Country Rider
from Idaho Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
last one I rode
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light,great climber
Weaknesses:
Prone to spontaneous frame failure! Corporate red tape for warranty replacement.
Similar Products Used:
Lightspeed Owl Hollow,Kestral, Fat Chance Yo Eddy
Bottom Line:
Wow, what a horrible difference a month makes. When I purchased my Trek 9.8 (3k plus) I was assured that the frame could handle a hard riding 190lbr. NOT MY LEMON! I was riding through a V dip and as soon as the suspension loaded up I heard a hideous POW crackle (my best description) and then got pitched over the bars. My headset just blew out the front of the head tube. I suffered some cuts and bruises as well as irrepairable damage to my bike budget. On inspection there had been no impact to the frame and my riding partners witnessed the entire sickening event. I'm pissed. Not because I could have ended up a carbon fiber shish kabob, but because neither my local bike shop or the Trek rep have replaced the frame that I had to strip and send in myself. The warranty dept. has deemed my exploding 3K piece of @%$! an externally impacted induced failure. No matter that I had the Mechanic at my local shop verify that there was no damage to any other components or dents in the front of the headtube BEFORE I had to strip it down. This is just BIG CORPORATE bullshit. At least the rep is still looking into getting me the matter resolved. But it's been 3 weeks since Trek got it and Im missing out on races. They should be aware of the amount of damage this causes their rep. I can understand the occasional defect (especially with Carbon), but shouldn't a company stand behind such an expensive product with a better warranty? DUH! Im pissed and waiting for the next chapter...I'll let you know (pictures and names will be posted if neccesary ... Email me if your planning on buying one. Unless the situation changes....1 more than they deserve!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad
a Racer
from Cedarburg, WI Date Reviewed: August 13, 1999
Regardless of Trek's reputation of being just a huge corporation that swallows up smaller companies like Microsoft, they consistently put out quality products and if they do one thing right, it's OCLV...just ask Lance Armstrong.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tory
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ketchum, Idaho Date Reviewed: August 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
anywhere on my lunch break
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
LIGHT, Epic climber, My friends think It's just a TREK
Weaknesses:
LX Shifters, Bontrager seat might as well be a 2x4
Similar Products Used:
Lightspeed Owl Hollow, Kestral, Fat Chance Yo Eddy
Bike Setup:
Easton Riser's, WTB Stealth Pedal, WTB SS 98 Seat
Bottom Line:
Carbon done right...finally. These bike will give you one gear higher, everywhere. Stable, Quick, Single track racer... Why go Ti?
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pertl
a Racer
from racer from Austria Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
uphill is the only challenge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
fantastic stiffness, despite of this smooth like a cat, an ultimative speed hog!!
Weaknesses:
the carbon noise is a litle bit frightening, but the longer you ride the more usual it gets!
Bike Setup:
I exchanged the SID to a Manitou SX carbon -- some sort of tribute to the main frame!
Bottom Line:
Steel is wonderful, but heavy Aluminium is light, but far too stiff However carbon offers the most beneficial riding parameters - ride one, and you will believe!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jose Sierra
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Juan, Puerto Rico Date Reviewed: May 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Cambalache/PR
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame Stiffness Superve,great price for the combo.Great color combo and it is a bull uphill,good choice in tires, and rims are excellent.Down hill performance in the best for the type of bike and Sid fork helps a lot. I,m glad that Trek took a second look at the frame weakness and improve it to the best so far. Minor upgrades like titanium stem and handlebar would do an excellent inprovement in downhill performance or Carbon bar.
Weaknesses:
The only thing weak is the saddle because vinyl material it tend to slide to much with nylon pants, and only a brake improvement would be the best out of the box.
Similar Products Used:
Last year Trek 9.9 and Kestrel carbon frame.
Bike Setup:
Mountain Mix in both.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that for the price the bike is the best in this range and there is no excuse to not buy one. Trek went all out with this frame been available for an outstanding price, for those who want the best but can not afford a 5 grand bike. This year is the time to buy more bike for less money, go and get yours now!!!!!!!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jc
a Weekend Warrior
from indianapolis Date Reviewed: May 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
allisonville
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
frame,fork,and wheels
Weaknesses:
lx shifters @ this price
Similar Products Used:
8900,stumpy
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
very light and responsive, quick handling and great paint job. you need to see this bike in the sun light to appreciate its beauty. the sid is very plush compared to last years. a little pricey but you get treks great warranty program.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rating booster
a Racer
from happiland Date Reviewed: May 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
mwa haha
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
lots
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
lots
Bike Setup:
none
Bottom Line:
good bike... bad man gave 1 chili... will change rating.... bad man
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from St. Paul, Mn Date Reviewed: May 1, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
This bike has an incredible feel. The entire bikes responce is also amazing. The acceleration of light speed. Thr Rolf 20 hole rims kick ass up hill any just about anyother time.
Weaknesses:
price tag
Similar Products Used:
Demoed 9.9
Bike Setup:
full XTR, stock.
Bottom Line:
An unbelievebly bike. Engineered to the highest standards. If you can afford this much this is what you want!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jon
a Racer
from doe Date Reviewed: April 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
???????
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
ive never ridden this bike...but because that idiot gave it 1 star....im going to give it 5. as that idiot....you got shutdown by the trek guy.haha
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Tita
a racer
from Waterloo WI USA Date Reviewed: January 15, 1999
Bottom Line:
To bill above. I was just wondering how you came up with your review? The reason I ask is that we have not shipped any Elite 9.8's at all yet. Just wondering.Kevin
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a racer
from Tennessee Date Reviewed: December 28, 1998
Bottom Line:
This is a pitiful bike. I am really dissapointed with Trek's 99 carbon fiber bikes. The bike feels loose and separated. The SID front shock also dosen't do much for the bike, some sort of Marzocchi would have done the job better. I give this bike 1 chili.
Overall Rating:
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