Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from NY, USA Date Reviewed: February 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
URBAN TRAILS
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Country
Strengths:
This is an outstanding bike. I would say it has withstood the test of time, as it has now been my only bike for nine years. It took over 3 years of riding about 25 miles a week in all weather (I live in NY) for the breaks to wear, and the frame is still in outstanding shape. Decent sized tires, and perfect for someone my size. I'd say the ultimate value in an entry level bike. Granted, I have never taken this thing through extreme trails...but for a get around, semi trail bike, it is more then I ever could have hoped for.
Weaknesses:
The seat sucks. Way uncomfortable. No shocks. Bike is a bit tiny for most adult riders.
Similar Products Used:
N/A
Bike Setup:
STOCK
Bottom Line:
I would recommend this bike to anyone who wants a light weight (maybe 15 lbs at max), durable, simple bike that can keep up with more expensive bikes and live to tell the tale.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Ankarlo
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Paul, Minnesota, Ramsey Date Reviewed: May 25, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$270.00
Strengths:
For the price this bike is exceedingly durable and a very comfortable ride. I personally love the front suspension for those moments when I do a little off-trail fun and still when I return to city streets the bike is a smooth comfortable ride all the way
Weaknesses:
None that I have noticed.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Tactical bike lines used by my law enforcement branch.
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent bike and I recommend it to anyone. I am us to riding bikes designed to be used by law enforcement officers where you often need not only the speed for city streets but also the maneuverability, control, and durability needed for off road pursuits. This bike provided all those with a beautiful front end suspension that absorbs a good portion of the shock that result from off-roading to an easy to use and durable gear shift mechanism. Additionally the frame is light enough that when I am bike on city streets I don’t feel bogged down like I do on a conventional mountain bike. If you are looking for a good all around bike or just something nice to start out on I suggest purchasing this one. Trek 820 is amazing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Allen, MI, USA Date Reviewed: October 13, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$318.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
smooth shifting, easily goes from road to light trail duty
Weaknesses:
no shock
Similar Products Used:
walmart junk while growing up
Bike Setup:
currently still completely stock except for finally this summer new gearset and continental contact tires for road riding
Bottom Line:
I got this bike for my 13th birthday in 1994...paid $318 way back then. The bike has taken years and years of abuse. I have obviously changed tires, tubes, brakes, and chains over the years, but everything else on the bike was completely stock until this summer. Yes, I abused this entry level bike for 12 years before needing to finally change the rear gearset!! With basic maintenance, cleaning, and lubing the components last. I currently use the bike for both road duty and trail duty just by switching out the tires. Yes, I still have the 12 year old rims on it. With 21 speeds the bike easily pulls double duty. I recently did the Hilly Hundred weekend in Ellettsville, Indiana with my continental contact 1.3 inch wide tires and can keep up with road bikes easily. The ride is a little rough on rigorous trails due to the lack of a shock on my old model, but nothing that cannot be tolerated. The frame takes a beating. Excellent bike for the price. If you are into both road and light trail riding all that is needed is this bike and two sets of tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Kuo
a Weekend Warrior
from Pleasanton Date Reviewed: August 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Iron Horse Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
Craigslist
Strengths:
Durable Nice price Shifts way better than walmart bikes
Weaknesses:
Weighs 30 lbs due to steel instead of aluminum frame Not for professional riding / hardcore Shocks dont do much
Similar Products Used:
Walmart Bikes
Bike Setup:
Stock + Cateye / Oasis Gel Seat
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike instead of buying walmart bikes, good for trails and paved road too. Not so much on rocky terrain though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Downhiller
from Somewhere over the Rainbow Date Reviewed: June 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Hertshaft
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Tom's Cycling or something
Strengths:
Holds up well when riding on the roads. And it is fairly cheap and comfortable.
Weaknesses:
Just about everything. I try to keep up with my friends that all have Big Hits and Konas. It feels like your are trying to take a road bike down a mountain. The fork basically sucks. And my rear tire bent pretty badly.(and I've never done any heavy drops) I also have to change my brake pads frequently. Plus, the derauiller(spelled wrong) and rear cassettes get messed up after a few tough rides.
Similar Products Used:
Wal-Mart Crap
Bike Setup:
Standard crappy stuff
Bottom Line:
A sucky bike for rocky trail riding like I do. However, if you are mainly a cross-country rider, or road rider this is a DECENT bike. But overall, it's a good price for a rider just getting into the sport. Like me, 2 years ago. It's improved me, but now it is time to upgrade from this dumpy bike, to a Cannondale Prophet 400. w00t w00t
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Colin
a
from Philadelphia, PA Date Reviewed: April 14, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
A smalltown bike shop
Strengths:
The frame is an iron horse, I've crashed into more than one car and it still holds strong. Dependable bike for daily runs around a city.
Weaknesses:
Brakes wore weak after 1 year, the fork/handlebar are weighty and inefficient, and the cogs wear thin.
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
It's a damn fine ride for consistent daily misadventures around a city. 3 - 10 miles a day for a while and it stills goes strong. The frame is a beast that takes on cars with force, whether my fault or the drivers, the frame still holds up. Just keep in mind that it's labeled as a rec bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charlie
a
from MIddlebury VT USA Date Reviewed: July 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike shop
Strengths:
Good Bike for the money, good strong componants, strong overall
Weaknesses:
fork, grips a little heavy for the size
Bike Setup:
I put on a RockShox Indy SL (fork) and Yeti Hardcore grips, new tires soon. I have put about $90 into this bike.
Bottom Line:
A good bike that can be a great bike with some mods. a little heavy and not the best thing on two wheels, but a good ontender at this price range
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Rek
a Weekend Warrior
from Janesville, WI Date Reviewed: April 10, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Michael's Cycles
Strengths:
Frame has stood up to quiet a bit of abuse, comfortable and reliable most of the time.
Weaknesses:
Cheap brake, rims, front fork and shifters.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Y1, don't know how similar it is though.
Bike Setup:
Titec handlebars and grips, Odyssey pedals, Race Face crank, better rims dont kno what brand.
Bottom Line:
It's a great bike for little stuff, but once you get into more hardcore stuff get ready to drop a good hunk of change into it to make it better, I'm still waiting to put a better fork on it. But if you got the cash to waste its a decent hardtail to mess around with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Meijer
a Weekend Warrior
from Roscoe, Illinois, USA Date Reviewed: July 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
ROCK CUT BABY
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Rockford Bike Company
Strengths:
Allaround great bike its worked for many years and hasnt faild me to date.
Weaknesses:
The pedals are plastic.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike! I would recomend buying one and go not only for a stroll, but this bike is made to handle off road too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Quesnelle
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario Date Reviewed: April 12, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Georgain Cycle
Strengths:
The frame is strong and the headset is strong but to long.
Weaknesses:
The rims are crapy because I did a 8 foot drop and warped both the rims. The tires wear down and I blow a tube every couple weeks or so. The forks and brakes are really bad so I put manitou's and hydralic disc on.
Similar Products Used:
norco mountauner
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
The frame and some of the other parts are good but not the tires, forks, tubes, brakes, seat, and rims. It is great for a begginer though but not for me I guess I just am to rough with it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Illinois Date Reviewed: November 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Challenge Park
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Strengths:
strong frame
Weaknesses:
i didnt like the fork that came with it, didnt shift well after extensive use, brakes were shot after about a year, my handlebar got bent after a 5 footer, rims bend easily
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Titec ctem, new flat pedals, new front rim, new tires, WTB seat
Bottom Line:
This bike is good for what it is meant for but i used it for other than that. I beat this bike to shreds dirt jumping and urben drops. The gears skip tremendously, the brakes were horrible and the rims bent easily. This is a good bike if you are just using it for light xc trails or transportation but as soon as you start getting crazy and doin drops and dirt jumping this bike gets ruined.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brad
a Weekend Warrior
from ogden, ut, usa Date Reviewed: June 21, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$290.00
Strengths:
strong and durable. great brakes, nice factory tires. comfortable lengths from saddle to peadal and saddle to handle bars.
Weaknesses:
having a lot of problems shifting. not sure if its the cables or the derallieurs?.?! the bike is also a bit heavy but not too bad.
Bike Setup:
factory
Bottom Line:
ride this bike before u get it. dont buy a floor model. have the cables pre-stretched. that helped but still haveing problems. also, look into nicer pedals. all in all its a good smooth bike with lots of potential as far as i can tell. handles dirt trails really nice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mason
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus OH Date Reviewed: May 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
moab...
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
Roger's!
Strengths:
It's not crap! And fairly light for a steel bike! I really like the handlebar position. It just generally feels right.
Weaknesses:
No suspension (on my '96 model), shifting is somewhat unrelaible.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Moab 1 (?), Schwinn Clear Creek.
Bike Setup:
Power Grip pedals, barends, new seat...
Bottom Line:
Just thought it would be fun to write about this bike, as I've had it for 6 years! It's been a good bike for general recreational purposes, and I took it to Moab, UT recently and showed up alot of people on much more expensive bikes, which was fun. I'm buying another Trek soon though, I think its time for aluminum...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Downhiller
from Wellington, NZ Date Reviewed: January 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Mt Victoria
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Penny Farthings (NZ)
Strengths:
Frame is well manufactured, cheap, some good componentry.
Weaknesses:
Frame is poorly designed and diffucult to work around, stock forks suck, shimano altus deriallures, weak stock rims. no-name brakes suck-ass, are impossible to maintain, wear through shoes every week or so.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Good if all you want to do is ride through the city and don't want to spend too much, could be a good entry bike - but you'll grow out of it quickly (within three months).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jem Berkes
a Weekend Warrior
from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Date Reviewed: December 8, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Olympia Cycle & Ski
Strengths:
Inexpensive unit with relatively good parts. Fast and handles very nicely.
Weaknesses:
Heavy steel frame (with an ugly oversized front bar). Integrated brakes/rapidfire in one part. Not too sure about quality of cogs and bottom bracket.
Similar Products Used:
Department store CCM's and other cheap bikes
Bottom Line:
Although this bike handles much nicer than my cheaper bikes, I expected higher quality from Trek. Within 2 months of buying it I had taken it back for repairs over a dozen times. The mechanics were eventually surprised to find a faulty bottom bracket with a crank that popped and worked itself loose. Also, the cogs all got bent VERY quickly.
Considering I had abused my old department store bike for 3 years without causing anywhere near this much damage, I would have expected more at this price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis
a Cross Country Rider
from Califon Nj US Date Reviewed: December 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$285.00
Purchased At:
Bike King
Strengths:
Takes a beating like no other. I have taken it (stupidly) off of four foot drops and only bent the rims.
Weaknesses:
Weight fork and Rims. It can be a pain uphill but if you have the strength it's not that bad. I bend the rims constantly on everything. The fork just isn't smooth enough and has to little travel.
Similar Products Used:
Specilized Hardrock A1FS Shiwn Mesa GS disc
Bike Setup:
stock except i put on a Judy XC fork and a flat handlebar
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for beginners. I take it all over even though I probably shouldn't and I plan to get new rims. Even so this bike is great because it's frame and components can take a beating unlike anything else I've tried.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garrett Maloney
a Weekend Warrior
from Louisville Ky Date Reviewed: October 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Waverly Park
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Bicyle Sport
Strengths:
just components that work (at first) liked the brakes and shifters. nearly only thing that held up
Weaknesses:
bad components! horrible rims...I weigh 120 and have bent both and then whent for some double walled rims
Similar Products Used:
fishers,GTs
Bike Setup:
new front and rear rims.
Bottom Line:
good for beginers and just riding around in city parks. just bad components for a intermediate+ rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Brooklyn Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Point
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
Sturdy construction, very fast and takes a beating like no other.
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
Primarily I can not complain about this bike because if I wanted better I should have paid more. The bike is an excellent bike and you will find yourself at hard work trying to find a better bike in its price range and class. I have tried other name bikes such as Cannondale, Pacific and Mongoose. The bike weighs far less than another Toys R Us bike in the same price range (way less). My friend has a Connondale Killer V and he has been trying to beat me for the longest. Well he has yet to even come close (at the same time the saying goes 90% rider and 10% bike)and the 10% is very good. I will be giving this bike to my wife and I have just purchased the Trek 4900.
Bottom Line:
An excellent bike for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from middletown ct Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
the jungle
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
pedal power
Strengths:
this bike puts up with a lot of crap. ive taken down the norba dh course at mt snow, i was in worse shape that it was. really technical singletrack at killington did it no harm, and finaaly good old middlesex, if you have the muscle(like me) it climbs like a goat on crack(god bless granny gears) and with bontrager jones tires it corners like a porshe
Weaknesses:
its a little fat, tires suck, fork needs to be swapped out with a manitou or something
Similar Products Used:
umm i tried some high end fs bikes
Bike Setup:
stock everything except bars stem tires and wheels
Bottom Line:
good beginners bike that is strong but could use some improvement component wise
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BIG ROD
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario Date Reviewed: August 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$440.00
Purchased At:
main cycle
Strengths:
Great price! Excellent commuter bike. Super smooth on the roads. Seat is nice too!
Weaknesses:
Gay name for the shock! Lousy on the trails, broke crank first month. Shifts fairly smooth, but loudly.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Iguana se, Kona Sex Too, Gary Fisher Marlin
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Excellent Bike for the money. If you only want a trail bike don't buy this bike. If you are just commuting it's a great buy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from canada Date Reviewed: July 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Arthur James
Strengths:
inexpensive.
Weaknesses:
rims - they bend easily, tubes - they pinch flat really easily, fork - could be stiffer, and needs more travel.
Similar Products Used:
-none-
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent bike for beginners. If you have been riding seriously for more than ten months. If you often go off drops more than 1 or 2 feet you should probably keep moving on. Five for value! I'd give it a three and a half for overall rating, but since you can't do that, I'll give it a four!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nick savage
a Weekend Warrior
from darien, illinois, united states Date Reviewed: June 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
light weight, nice paint job, brakes work very well, sturdy, shocks make a nicer ride
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
none
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike for the price. if you are looking for your first bike this is a great one. don't settle for the k-mart bikes! this is my second bike and i love it. if you are thinking about taking it on really demanding trails you might want to get a better bike or upgrade components. it is very sturdy and has a light frame. the breaks work well. i have had it about one month but i have ridden over 100 miles on it and i have had no problems at all!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alberto Ocasio
a Weekend Warrior
from Bridgeton, NJ, Date Reviewed: June 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
There all good
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Given to me
Strengths:
Good strong frame. Made of Chro-moly. Very upgradeable
Weaknesses:
Frame and Sync288 forks could be lighter. Stock bike is heavy.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
2000 Trek 820, Everything on it upgraded to LX and XT. CR18 Rims, Maxxis tires, Torelli tubes.
Bottom Line:
I wish the frame was a lighter aluminum. It's still a good bike. Current bike with upgrades is around 26 to 27 pounds. Trek name brand quality. Hoping to change the front forks soon. I ended up with a very good bike thanks to Jensen USA and Supergo.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Weekend Warrior
from Lancaster, PA, USA Date Reviewed: January 17, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$320.00
Strengths:
A step up from off brand bikes. Parts work well for the beginnner riders. Frame is strong.
Weaknesses:
Back rim bent when only used 5 times. Brakes get weak and need adjusted frequently.
Bottom Line:
The Trek 820 is a good bike for the dollar. However the rims are pathetic. This bike is better suited for light trails and paths. More agressive off road use seems to wear on the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Manny Lebita
a Weekend Warrior
from Birmingham, AL Date Reviewed: January 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Oak Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$310.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Path Tuscaloosa
Strengths:
+ reliable brakes + rapidfire shifters + good overall value bike
Weaknesses:
- front derailleur - Connection tires
Similar Products Used:
Pacific POS
Bike Setup:
Stock except replaced platform pedals with Nashbar clipless from nashbar.com
Bottom Line:
First, I have a 2001 model, and my initial reasons for buying it was as means of transportation to get me across campus. (My Toys R' Us Pacific died...) The Trek is a serious jump up from a Pacific, however, and having a decent bike eventually led me to some local mountain biking trails. Suffice to say, I have gotten hooked on mountain biking, and most likely if I had been as serious about mountain biking three months ago as I am today, I would not have purchased the Trek 820.
The Trek 820 is an excellent bike for road / hardpack / urban settings. All the components are more than sufficient to provide for a hassle-free ride, and all that for a fair price.
On serious trails, however, the Trek 820 begins to falter. The front derailleur is crap under any kind of pedal pressure, so be sure to shift while you still have momentum. Otherwise, you'll get a loud and *embarrasing* "cla-clink" as the chain struggles to change gears. The rear derailleur isn't nearly as bad. The rapidfire shifters are a plus however, since I had gotten used to gripshift on my Pacific. The front suspension isn't great, but it's better than nothing.
The tires, aside from the front derailleur, is my biggest complaint. As stated above, these tires are great on hardpack or road, since this is what the Trek 820 was designed for. In mud or loose gravel, however, fuggedabouit. Also, in slippery / rocky / downhill terrain don't attempt any sharp manuevering. These tires don't maintain much traction in those types of conditions. I learned this the hard way going downhill at Oak Mountain on a section that was both slippery and rocky!
Bottomline, this is poor choice for serious mountain bikers. However, it is a great bike for urban commuters or people that "sample" mountain biking every year or so. Since that is what the Trek 820 was designed for, 4 chilis for value, 4 chilis for overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trail Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Madison, Wi Date Reviewed: January 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Quarry Park!!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Trek Store
Strengths:
good rims, sturdy bike
Weaknesses:
Horrible paint quality, heavy, crap der, heavy heavy
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Moab 2
Bike Setup:
Upgrade to RSX JettC
Bottom Line:
Decent bike, the chain and cassete completely rusted out on me after 1 year. Paint chips like crazy, and this bike is super heavy. Good for getting to class etc..its a joke on the trails though...what can you expect for that price
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Middletown CT Date Reviewed: November 9, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Pedal Power
Strengths:
It is just the right weight, and i like the shifters.
Weaknesses:
It could have better brakes, and a lighter/better fork.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Stock exept bars
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike for a beginner like me. I wouldnt recommend racing without upgrades(lighter fork, better brakes, etc.)Overall i recommend this for beginning trailbikers. I've done a few downhill courses and it handled pretty well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Dye
a Downhiller
from Fletcher, NC, USA Date Reviewed: November 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Sidehill@Bent Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$315.00
Purchased At:
Paul's Schwinn
Strengths:
frame, brakes, rear derailleur, overall feel. This bike is absolutely awesome for the price. I ride hard on downhills, and it never has any problem.
Weaknesses:
The rear rim is crap. I went off a couple of smallish jumps and the rear rim was bent enough that the brake was messed up. Also, the front derailleur isn't worth crap. I also don't like the seat at all. It is too wide to move back and forth on. The Sync 288's are a pretty nice fork for the money, but I recommend upgrading.
stock except for Selle Italia XO and I might upgrade the fork to a Rockshox Judy XC fork
Bottom Line:
A very good bike to buy. If you are on a tight budget this is definitely the bike for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John M.
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, Texas Date Reviewed: October 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anthills( Hershey Park)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$269.00
Purchased At:
Bike Barn
Strengths:
The body, the breaks(true Trek!), the shock(I haven't had any problems with the shock being to soft, it's just right!)
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
El-crapo Mongoose full suspension bike for $299 at Academy!
Bottom Line:
The bike compared to the Trek 4500 seems to weigh the same. Good bike for good money! And like all Treks, the brakes are very good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Art Salmons
a Weekend Warrior
from Parker, Colorado Date Reviewed: October 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Cherry creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$285.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Village
Strengths:
great bike with solid components for the price. great shifters and brakes.
Weaknesses:
front shock is a little soft
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper, Specialized Hardrock
Bike Setup:
XT front and rear deraileur, LX hollowtech crank,LX V-brakes, Manitou Magnum front fork, Bontrager race lite handlebar and bar ends.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike and it has been a very good ride. it does what it's designed to do which is recreational riding. Great entry level bike and has a solid set of lower end components that work well. I would recommend this as a great starter bike to anyone wanting an entry level bike and who is going to do recreational riding. I think that if you are real aggressive that you will tear up the components on this bike. I have upgraded mine because I wanted to and I like the basic bike. I just changed out the components that I wanted too to make the bike more durable for my style of riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ
a Weekend Warrior
from N.J Date Reviewed: September 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
CYCLECRAFT(PARSIPPANY)
Strengths:
REASONABLE PRICE, FAIRLY LIGHT COMPARED TO OTHERS IN THE SAME PRICE RANGE. EXTRA SHARP PAINT JOB!
Weaknesses:
FRONT SUSPENSION TOO SOFT FEELS LIKE RIDING ON A FLAT.
Similar Products Used:
SHWINN MESA
Bike Setup:
STOCK
Bottom Line:
BEING A BEGINNER, I THINK THIS BIKE BLOWS THE COMP AS FAR AS PRICE/QUALITY/APPEARANCE. I ENJOY RIDING BUT WISH I STARTED SOONER SINCE THE WEATHER'S GETTING WORSE. ONLY COMPLAINT IS THE FRONT SHOCK(the only upgrade I may make). OVERALL THIS BIKE IS EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR. THE SALES GUYS WERE A REAL HELP.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Ogle
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, TX Date Reviewed: September 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
McAllister Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$269.00
Purchased At:
Bike World
Strengths:
Great shifting. Good brakes. Good looks and color scheme. The alloy frame absorbs some of the bounces that you get from aluminum frames. Respected name brand. Has been very durable through some hard riding off road.
Weaknesses:
The front fork is a little soft. I have a feeling it will not last long under hard riding conditions. The frame is heavier than aluminum bike frames, but hardly noticable unless you are a pro.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Mesa, Roadmaster "Mountain Trail"
Bike Setup:
19.5" frame. All stock parts so far, but looking to upgrade to a Rock Shox fork.
Bottom Line:
I got this bike on sale for less than $300. It was money well spent. I have had no problems with the bike and I have ridden it pretty hard at times. For novice to intermediate riders looking to have a decent bike for relatively little money, you cannot beat this bike. I have recommended it to anyone who would listen. A rare mix of bargain and quality.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Whitney
a Weekend Warrior
from Poland, Maine Date Reviewed: August 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Woods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Rainbow Bikes
Strengths:
Price, bang for the buck, color
Weaknesses:
Seat, soft shocks
Similar Products Used:
GT-Outpost
Bike Setup:
Longer/lower neck, flat Scott bar, bar-ends, GT-Outpost seat, toe-clips
Bottom Line:
My wife and I bought our bikes the same day. She picked the GT-Outpost, and I picked the Trek 820. The weight difference (aluminum vs. chromoly) is negligable. I like the ride on my 820 better than hers - it feels smoother. We put a gel seat on hers, so I put her GT seat on mine. I like it better than the stock one.
My bars were too high and close for aggressive riding, so I upgraded to a lower-longer neck, and a Scott straight bar.
I thought the soft shock would be a problem, but at my beginner status, it has been ok so far. If I find it a problem as I get more aggressive, I'll trade the whole bike up instead of spending more on this one. I doubt that will happen though - it's a great ride.
I would highly recommend this as a first bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Raven
a
from Bangor ME Date Reviewed: August 19, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$299.00
Strengths:
Price, good components, solid frame, brakes, Seat
Weaknesses:
Front shock a little soft, and non adjustable----will (be upgraded to something from Manitou when/if it fails)
Similar Products Used:
N/A
Bike Setup:
Stock 19.5"
Bottom Line:
An excellent entry level bike, especially for under 300 bucks. Blows the Discount store specials for 179 out of the water. This bike is better than a friends early 1990's Trek, which he paid over 800 for at the time. He saw mine, and went out and bought one to upgrade his bike.
An excellent value I'd highly recommend to anyone. I was torn between the Trek 4500 and the 820, and am glad I chose the 820---fills all my needs at a very reasonable price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Omar Ahmed
a Weekend Warrior
from Kanata,Ontario,Canada Date Reviewed: August 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
award cycle
Strengths:
Strong frame, good price, smooth, great on off road
Weaknesses:
heavy for city biking
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
from factory
Bottom Line:
my first bike. Im only 13 years old and im just starting to off road. Great bike for someone like me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark C.
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand Rapids, MI USA Date Reviewed: August 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Cannonsburg Game
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Can't beat the price (okay...maybe if you went to WalMart and got a 50 lb. piece 'o' crap)
Weaknesses:
I guess some more serious riders would say it's heavy..but I have no complaints.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Stock but added Time ATAC Carbon pedals
Bottom Line:
I know my pedals cost half as much as I paid for the bike....but they were worth it.
The silver/black/red color scheme was the main reason I bought this bike. I hadn't ridden in 13 years and didn't want to blow a wad of cash on some bike I couldn't appreciate. Besides, it's only been three months and I keep up with people on $2000 bikes (and I'm a fat ass...believe me).
Shifters are awesome and the seat has been fine with me. The shock is a little weak, especially if you're trying to pump up some speed. It almost bottoms out when I'm standing and pumping.
A great buy for an entry level to mid range rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Martinsburg Date Reviewed: August 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Great Falls, VA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Excellent entry level bike @ a great price....
Weaknesses:
Front shocks tend to be a little too soft, and are not adjustable
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4500
Bike Setup:
all stock,, considering upgrading to a better front shock setup
Bottom Line:
Great value for a entry level beginner, have tackled same trails and obstacles as more expensive bikes with no troubles at all. Ride is very smooth and have not problems setting in the saddle for a 2-3 hr ride. The trigger style shifters are fast and extemely smooth.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Quinn Regis
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: July 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Durham Forest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
This bike has been fantastic since the time I bought it, all the parts work great, it has a very smooth ride and has shown that it has very little glitches in it's over all performance.
Weaknesses:
The front shock is not adjustable and can tend to be soft over the really hard bumps. The bike is also on the heavy side but what would you expect for this great price!
Similar Products Used:
Giant Ricon or boulder
Bike Setup:
Stock Stock Stock, No need for changes yet.
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for an all around good bike with a front shock, this is the one to buy. I paid about $460.00 Canadian for it and It is probably the best money i have ever spent. I have had the bike for 6 months and I have put well over 550 miles on it and have had no problems with it so far. Value vs Price 100%(Good Bike) If you are looking for something lighter, go a step up to the thousand series.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mario Relvini
a Weekend Warrior
from Orlando, Fl Date Reviewed: July 13, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Cost, Cro-Moly Frame, Shifters. Handled the trails like a charm without a single rattle.
Weaknesses:
Saddle chaffes the inside of my thighs.
Similar Products Used:
GT Saddleback, GIANT Rincon
Bike Setup:
Original parts except for saddle. Like to add some bar ends and maybe Rock Shox forks.
Bottom Line:
You can't beat the quality of this bike for the cost. Great entry level bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick G
a Weekend Warrior
from Vista, CA Date Reviewed: July 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Dailey Ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
It fits in the back seat of my '91 nissan sentra.
Weaknesses:
Have not found one yet.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized hardrock
Bike Setup:
21.5". Original parts, only added two water bottle holders
Bottom Line:
I am 6'3 235 and this bike can handle me. Now that's amazing. This bike is also fast. I had no problem climbing the first hill at Dailey ranch. I paid $299. I got my money's worth. So the bottom line is-this bike is fun to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael keller
a Weekend Warrior
from louisiana Date Reviewed: July 7, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great paintjob on it, the silver/red/black that i have looks awesome, all around great bike esspecially for the price. Its durable, and has nice click shifts, grip shifts are lousy
Weaknesses:
No weaknesses that Ive experienced so far
Similar Products Used:
A cheaper Trek bike
Bottom Line:
The bike is an awesome bargain, it would be hard to find a bike for less than $300 that matches the Trek 820. It can be used on the trails or roads. I haven't had to make any upgrades or replacements for the 3 or 4 months Ive had this bike. I recomend this bike for anyone looking for a bike with shocks at a low price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris L.
a Weekend Warrior
from Vista, Ca. Date Reviewed: June 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Lake Hodges, Dailey Ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Low price (under $300). Good Front shock. Excellent value.
Weaknesses:
None so far!
Similar Products Used:
Wal Mart Trailmaster ... Crapmaster is more like it ;-)
Bike Setup:
Completely stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great mountain bike for the price. I haven't ridden it as much as I would like (because I am riding BMX more now), but this bike can take anything. It is a really good bike for the price!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob Charlie
a Weekend Warrior
from morgantown,west virginia,US Date Reviewed: May 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
everything man this bike is awesome!!!!
Weaknesses:
there are no weaknesses to be found i mean this thing is awesome
Similar Products Used:
no need to use another
Bottom Line:
this is one awesome bike!! very cheap too. one hour on this thing and you'll be hooked on it for life. excellent i mean excellent bike man there is nothing to match this bike for this price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Muniz
a Weekend Warrior
from morgantown,west virginia,US Date Reviewed: May 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
everything!!!!!
Weaknesses:
NONE!!!!
Similar Products Used:
No need to use any others.
Bottom Line:
One sweet bike for 300 bucks!!! This is the only bike that you will ever need. Awesome frame, fork, brakes, seat, and shifts. If you don't want to pay over 1 thousand dollars for a bike that you won't be using for 5 hours a day, then definitely get this bike!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ME
a
from Nashville, TN Date Reviewed: April 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great price, good for semi-rough trails.
Weaknesses:
Shocks aren't the best. None other than that.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Mesa, GT outpost, many others in the under-$350.00 range.
Bottom Line:
A great bike for the money. If you are looking for a great bike for the money, get the Trek 820. If you buy, try to get the price down to $300.00
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paulo Correia
a Cross Country Rider
from Blainville Quebec Canada Date Reviewed: April 8, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
The price is very good for this bike specialy the cro-mo frame. I've been very surprise how this fork Synk worked well for the price..... GREAT BIKE!!!!!
Weaknesses:
I didn't find any except the seat and the brakes and maybe the shifters (i've change the seat for a WTB and the brakes for Avid)
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Mamba
Bike Setup:
Brake:Avis 2.0 seat: Wtb sst.x
Bottom Line:
It's the best bike I've ever seen for this price... if you want to buy a bike for 450$(canadian dollars) it't the best you can find. Also find that this bike is a perfect bike to upgrade because it has a very good cro-mo frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Boring town Date Reviewed: April 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
?????????
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
It's durable and has a decent price
Weaknesses:
bad fork, bad seat, bad breaks, bad deurailler's, heavy, bad bar, not worth wasting money on.
Bike Setup:
My fork is Judy C (upgraded) Shimano V brakes very bad bike
Bottom Line:
This bike is in need of big upgrades, It's not worth wasting money on when you could get another bike. Not good for mountain biking, too heavy for road biking, the way to make it better is to get a new frame fork breaks deuraillers and just about a brand new bike.Fork provides small comfort, not made for heavy duty riding, should upgradelike i did
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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