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Submitted by
H
a
from NY
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | sandy hook | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Bike Setup: | rock shox sid 98, race face crankset, lx brakes w/ xt pads, levers and shifters, mavic wheels xtr hubs, azonic riser bar, icon stem+seatpost, LX deraileurs f/r, xt bb, xt rear cassette, michellin wildgripper sprint s tires f/r. | | Bottom Line: | this bike was light & lovely, it ate corners climbedlike a beast and descended very quickly, responsive ride and in conjunction w the tires used to carve corners like butter. i wouldve like to have tried a more plush fork like a marz. but it was stolen a few yrs ago.. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Henderson
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any sweet singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | The frame rocks.... period. All around great performer with little initial $$ outlay. Sprints up hills like it never knew who Newton was. I love this bike | | Weaknesses: | Creaky frame noise after many, many miles... but that's it. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 930, Bianchi, Schwinn | | Bike Setup: | Still running stock setup with the exception of Gore Ride on Cables (wore the others out) change of tires to semi-slicks for street riding... (YUK) | | Bottom Line: | The resume of this bike? Over 5000 miles now. Riding conditions have been in mud and muck on the North shore of Oahu in Hawaii, Fire roads in California, Japanese Urban Assault Mountain biking in Japan, a century ride combining cross country and streets through the jungles of Borneo, Blazing, salty, sun drenched mountain rides on the coral rocks of saipan, Okinawa, Guam, Tinian. This bike has taken me to and from work every day for the past three years. I can take it offroad and beat it all day and it will still deliver me safely the next day to work. All I do is my own tuneups and some TLC. A truly faithful steed indeed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lloyd
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Greenhorn Gulch | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Good value for the money when new. | | Weaknesses: | Annoying original pedals. So-so original shock. Frame, while light, was not very durable. Manufacturer seems more interested in volume rather than quality. | | Similar Products Used: | Research Dynamics Coyote, Fischer Paragon and Specialized M2 StumpJumper. | | Bike Setup: | 1998 SID, Time ATAC pedals, Mavic 517 rear rim, Specialized body geometry comp seat, 12x32 XTR rear cassette. Otherwise stock (LX/XT grupo, icon post and handlebar, Bontrager front rim, LX hubs, LX cranks and BB, Avid 1.9/LX V brakes). | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line? I will NEVER purchase another Trek bike (or, for that matter, a Fischer, Klien, or Bontrager bike) again. This bike was no trouble for about 6 months, but ever since then has been nothing but trouble. I ride my bike pretty hard, but then again, what serious rider doesn't? The most annoying problem is the constant BB creak, that no one (even Trek dealers) seems to know how to fix. Further, my original frame cracked at the weld where the drive-side chainstay meets the bottom bracket, but the local Trek dealer did not inspect that area when my original frame began creaking pretty bad last summer. I found out later from the Trek rep himself that Trek has known about this problem since 1998. My new warranty frame has been no better, as I still have the constant BB creak. I am sick of this bike. I would not recommend this bike to anyone who is even moderately serious about biking. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dwight Hatcher
a Weekend Warrior
from Cornwall, CT USA
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Very responsive -- truly, what goes in is what comes out. Any mistakes are MINE and not the bike's. Climbs very well and descends even better. Comfortable ride with the power going right to the wheel. | | Weaknesses: | None that I can see (cranks and rings are the cheesiest components but will be looking to go Raceface someday. Also, LX/XT mix is OK but clearly the XTR upgrade is down the line -- good news is that between the frame quality and the Trek warranty, upgrades are worth it) | | Similar Products Used: | LBS (Tenafly Bike Works -- awesome shop -- Dave is a great guy) had me test ride a Kona, a Gary Fisher, and had already ridden Marin and C-dale. Price and performance sold me on the Trek. | | Bike Setup: | Stock -- Bontrager Asyms, Avid 2.0, LX?XT, Icon cranks. Upgrades: Flite Ti seat, Thomson seatpost, Syncros riser bar. | | Bottom Line: | My first MTB and after lots of test rides, I made the right decision. Every time I ride, I enjoy the time on the bike and can't wait to get back out. And as a first bike, it's nearly perfect since it "teaches" good bike skills -- i.e. as above, what goes in is what comes out. Light weight and responsiveness mean that my abilities are the only limits. I have never felt as if the bike were holding me back or causing problems. Great frame and the Trek warranty mean that I can upgrade and keep on riding. Paid about $1000 (including upgrades listed). Not sure what other forks are on bikes reviewed but the Manitou SX suits me fine. Can't say id it's right for everyone -- test rides really convinced me and I was lucky that Dave at Tenafly Bike Works (NJ) gave me a good sample of comparables to ride. First time MTBers should enjoy this bike. As I said above, it teaches good bike handling skills and does not punish you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pat
a Racer
from ny
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | thatcher | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | wicked light,strong, turns ona dime, GREAT bike for any kind of riding, i raced this baby on dual slalom with different components a few times and it was sweet, i picked it up for 600 it was a demo and it was upgraded alot, its worth the 1200 even thoough i didnt pay it!! | | Weaknesses: | comes witha crappy fork but if you didnt spend 1200 on it u can buy a new one i just put a judy race on it.. i used to change forks and parts when i would downhill with this frame but now i just change the wheels cranks brakes and pedals the judy race is awesome u should get that too | | Similar Products Used: | trek 8500 | | Bike Setup: | the frame with 00 judy race, two sets of parts one for dh and one for xc.. this bike is great | | Bottom Line: | this bike is just plane great i recomend it to anyone this bike is so light and handles great even on the trickiest downhill ill give it 5 chilis cause i got if for 600 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Patapsco | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Great Frame and component mix. Accelerates and climbs great. Turns on a dime (but feels kinda twitchy sometimes) | | Weaknesses: | Front shock (Judy t2) and grips (I switched to Serfas). Tires aren't so hot in mud. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 930 (my previous bike), many Cannondale and Gary Fisher hardtails (friends bikes and rentals) | | Bottom Line: | My feelings after 1.5 years on this bike-- it still rocks like a mother.
I've put some serious miles on it and have had almost no problems. The front shock needs to be replaced soon, and I smashed the rear shifter. I've had no problems with the frame, other than that damn creaking sound.
I love this bike and don't regret for moment buying it. I don't know what the new 8000's are like, but if they're anything like the '98s do your self a favor and buy one.
Rock on.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jos
a Weekend Warrior
from Tilburg, The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: December 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
6 km near Dorst and 43 km near Brussum | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
bar ends. | | Weaknesses: |
Crankshaft makes noises when peddling hard | | Bike Setup: |
Default | | Bottom Line: | It's a perfect bike is very light weight and has perfect handling. For a price of F 2400 ,- (1200 USD) it's the best bike you can get in the Netherlands. I had to get used to the color layout ( A little bit to agressive) but I start to like it now. The Bike is perfect for climbing en has perfect control in a steep descent. The front suspension is a bit stiff but works well when riding over big bumbs. The crankshaft makes creking noises but this doesn't effect the performance until now. I would recomment this bike to any body especially large people like my (1.90m). So I give this bike 5 stars | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross-Country Rider
from Orlando, FL
Date Reviewed: December 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Santos | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
frame, value, components | | Weaknesses: |
hard to find one, but rims can untrue quickly | | Similar Products Used: |
trek 6500, GT, diamondback | | Bike Setup: |
stock | | Bottom Line: | What a great bike. I love it plus I didn't break my budget for it ($700 new). It handles great, climbs well and just rocks. I had a bit of creaking after a couple of weeks, but it went away. I would definitely buy this bike again. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a Cross-Country Rider
from palatine,IL
Date Reviewed: November 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Southern Kettles | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Lightweight, value, trek cust. service | | Weaknesses: |
Frame failed | | Similar Products Used: |
other treks | | Bike Setup: |
stock | | Bottom Line: | I logged about 2500 great miles on the bike when i discovered a crack on the chainstay just behind the bb. I returned the bike to my LBS. Two weeks later I received a 2000 8500 replacement frame. I had to pay for labor to put my old components on. The new frame has a gusset where the old frame failed. I am very impressed with Treks quick warranty service. I read some others didn't have the response I did. I delt with Trek through my LBS. Kudos to Trek and my LBS(Buffalo Grove Cycle/fitness). | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Willoughby
a Racer
from Calgary, Alta , Canada
Date Reviewed: October 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Powde face | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
The fram is wicked and strong all the componets are great and it's really lite for the money | | Weaknesses: |
the weaknesses are the pedles it came with(icon) and the judy T2 | | Bike Setup: |
We swiched the shocks to judy X-C and put 4 inches of travel in it we also swiched the pedles to Shimano 535. | | Bottom Line: | This bike kiks bu for is price and weight ive used the bike for over a year and it kicks but. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pam
a Weekend Warrior
from FDL, WI
Date Reviewed: August 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
any | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
all so far
I love the clipless pedals! | | Weaknesses: |
none so far | | Similar Products Used: |
nothing to compare to | | Bike Setup: |
same as given to me, I just got a longer seat post for me | | Bottom Line: | This bike is unbelievable! I love the dark blue color! The pedals are great too! I love the componentry and all! I've had so many comments on my bike since I've got it, and I've only owned it for one day! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fernando Tibau
a Cross-Country Rider
from Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Date Reviewed: April 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Vista Chinesa | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Frame, Tires, Suspension, Brakes, Pedals, Rims, Crankset, Drivetrain | | Bike Setup: |
Factory default | | Bottom Line: | Very good climber with a stiff frame and a strong suspension (Manitou SX). Close your eyes and if you don’t crash will fell like riding a CrMo. Pedals are clean and firm. LX shifters do a good job. Avid brakes are stiff and precise. Avid break levers are great and very easy to modulate. Drive train works smoothly.
Positive Net Present Value!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lake Placid
Date Reviewed: April 11, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | Used to ride a Marin (I liked it a lot but sold it before I moved East) and it's been a while since I've been on a bike. THIS BIKE IS AWESOME!!!! Lot's of fun, makes you happy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Kuhl
a Weekend Warrior
from Mechanicsburg, PA
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Lambsgap | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
It has the strongest frame I have ever used. The bike is indestructible. Plus it is the best handling bike I have ever used also. The parts package for this ride is terrific for the money. | | Weaknesses: |
The Mavic Rims become untrue to quickly. The LX Crankset is a piece of JUNK. | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 8000 SL with a Judy T2, XT shifters, XT crankset,XT Vee brakes, 747 Pedals Panaracer Fire XC Pro treads, WTB saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I would buy this bike again, It is just a great ride for the buck. It's also indistructable. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric LeBlanc
a cross-country rider
from Saint-John, N.B. , Canada
Date Reviewed: March 11, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Hey! It's me again,I just had to stop by and say that my bike is still running pretty good for only 2 tune-ups at the bike shop so far.By the way this bike performs beautifully in all terrains as I had experimented. The only trouble I had with it is that I should have bought slime tubes for it because the trails down here are full of glass from people using the trails and having a couple beers while they were at it. Anyways like I said this bike is excellent in all conditions and plus a very good deal for the price! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Hinman
a weekend warrior
from Columbia, MD
Date Reviewed: March 2, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have an 8500 that also had a creaking problem (same frames as 8000). The tubing is very light, so to strengthen the seat tube, Trek inserted a reforcing collar that extend down about 3 inchs into the seat tube. If you stick your finger down the tube, you can feel where it ends. Some times a creak develops between the two tubes. To remidy the problem, take it back to the bike store and they will dribble some lock-tite down the tube, and then turn the bike upside down for 24-48 hours. This seems to solve the problem I have put 1500 miles on since they did this, and so far it is still quite. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Willoughby
a weekend warrior
from Calgary,Alta,Can
Date Reviewed: March 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I got this bike in Sept 1998 and it has been a very good bike to me. I am 11 years old and I plan to cross country race this season. The bike is a great bike for it's money. It rides very smooth and climbs hills great! It is exceptionally light. The only problem is the T2 shocks and the Icon pedals. I switched to the Shimano PD-M535. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry Qualman
a cross-country rider
from Kansas City, Mo
Date Reviewed: February 6, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Took my 8000 straight from the shop for a 17 days of hard riding in Montana, Idaho and Wyomimg. It was great, handled perfect, not a single problem mechanicaly. Wish I had traded my road bike in years ago. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Xavier Trout.
a racer
from Maine
Date Reviewed: January 14, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This is one of the best bikes I have ever rode. It climbs fast and is the best at high speed cornering. The Xt/Lx drivetrain is perfect for a young racer who doesn't want to spend 2 grand or more on a race bike. I swapped the Icon pedals for some red Ritchey look a likes and the bike performed to a 'T'. The only bad thing was the rear tire, it didn't have the bite I needed for climbing. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason MacDonald
a racer
from Ottawa Ontairo, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well I used this bike sorta for x-c but I've never raced it x-c. I actually bought this bike for cyclocross.... and it shines. I swapped out the pedals and put on my Ritchey look-a-likes. Not problems with it and i do like the colors (it's a blue '98). It's quite light and seems to corner and climb well. The T2 is all I need for cyclocross and takes the stink out of a roadies arms and it good for my wrists (you know... using a computer all day at work makes the wrist a little tense). If you like to carry your bike, it's got a small main triangle so forget waterbottle cages. I have a 19 and with an 88cm inseam I can carry the bike with the seat nose on my shoulder. It's light enough to push and carry over barriers and up the runs. Anyway, it raced the cyclocross season and it didn't really nead much tune up. I'm happy, nice bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
weez
a cross-country rider
from Ames, IA
Date Reviewed: December 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
anyone who thinks this bike is a piece of **** should be dragged into the street and lynched. i've ridden on treks for eight years now and have NO complaints. the 8000 replaced an aging 830 that still kicked ass, and i was blown away with the performance. and i got a great deal on it, to boot.
if anyone is having problems with a creaking noise that cannot be remedied, call trek and they'll tell you what to do. the fix takes five minutes...
overall, i must say that i will definitely buy trek again...the quality and performance are hard to beat!!! five big flaming ones!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Smith
a cross-country rider
from Methuen, MA
Date Reviewed: December 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well where should I start? I had the 8000 for about 2 months (back in the Spring) and the right rear chainstay broke where it connects to the bottom bracket, so the folks at TREK sent me another frame which was the 8900. This has been doing OK for a while, but in the past few weeks I am noticing some awful creaking noises and they sound aluminum. So I am not sure about the frame. I am 6,0' 210 pounds and ride hard, maybe if I was lighter. At any rate the frame seems awfully briddle. I also killed the JUDY T2 in a few months as well and the Shimano M600 (LX) v-brakes gotta go. The icon pedals are like beartraps so I threw some Ritchey Logics on there and that made me smile. For you lighter riders this bike might be for you, but big dudes like my self.....who knows?!?! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a weekend warrior
from South Florida
Date Reviewed: October 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Overal, the bike has been great. I picked it up for $929 wich I have heard is a fair price. I've had it around 3 months with no major problems. My only complaint is the back tire is wearing down kinda fast but other than that I'm happy! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave grizzeled Koye
a racer
from VA
Date Reviewed: October 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I rode this bike on flat pedals for a long time, because the icon issue pedals hold tight to your feet like a pitbull on dinner. That is my only complaint. The frame holds stiff like a ron jeremy film, and the fork runs over trail like William Wallace at Falkirk. It holds up pretty well under crashes, too. The component group could be better though. I would pay the extra for XT all around, XTR rear. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a weekend warrior
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: October 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just purchased the 1999 8000SL, and this bike is HOT HOT HOT!!!! I changed out the light colored ICON parts for last years dark. It comes with red Maverick rims that make it even more trick. The bike is light and the fork is very plush. Check it out at your LBD and you won't be disappointed. It definitely beats out last years model. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat Bageant
a cross-country rider
from Idaho
Date Reviewed: September 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my 8000 earlier this summer. A few minor changes before I took the bike home. First of all, the pedals. I got rid of the cheapies and put on Shimano M-774's, which have yet to fail me. I also swapped the Judy with a Manitou Pro-C, which seems to be working well. The Manitou is easy to work on and adjust, (tho not without tools!) and seems pretty bomb proof. Though I only weigh 145 lbs it has held up really well to my abuse. The bike just BEGS me to climb, and on the decents the Avid brakes never fail. Definatly the best bike I have ever owned, and well worth the 500 bucks (sweet deal eh?) I paid for it,If I could give it a 10 I would! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a cross-country rider
from MA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Trek 8000 is probably the best value you can buy for the price! I've had mine for about 9 months, and its still at peak-preformance! I've ridden it on dirt, mud, road, and even snow! Has great traction on any terrain. Its light, has excelent parts, and looks great! I love it! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a cross-country rider
from Saint John,New-Brunswick , Canada
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The bike is awesome in any condition I love driving in deeeep mud it's great
If I had the money I'd buy one for my girlfriend.For the price it's the best
I have ever owned.It shifts very well and the tires have very good traction in the mud and pave I can't wait to drive it in the snow | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a racer
from youngstown,ny,usa
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i think the bike is sweet this bike is awsome because it has nice componets for only paying that much it also has a aluinminium frame. If i were going to buy another bike then i would buy a higher one but for bigeneers this would be the perfect bike so youngings if you want a bike get this one | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Page
a weekend warrior
from Leeds, England
Date Reviewed: August 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the bike in Nov 97 after being tempted by the frame itself and the colour!The ride is superb, it handle, acends, decends like a dream. I am however a little pissed off becuase i bought the bike early season and it doesn't have rear disc mounts!Also i find the paint job a little tacky as it just flakes off at contact ,i.e when the chain drops on to the bottom braacket area!This bike other than those critatisms is a definate cert for those wanting high performanse hardtail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a racer
from CA
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is so pretty. If it only came in pink. I love the way the T2 goes squishy. WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! I like long rides in the moonlight and chainlube.
Really the bike is great. When I go on long rides with my buddies I am often reduced to tears by the sheer beauty of those blue tubes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Wright
a racer
from Canada
Date Reviewed: July 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Yes can someone please e-mail me a price that I should be able to get this bike for! I live in Canada and I would probably put the SID on it if I get the yellow one! So please send be a price so I can approch a store with this price
garyfisher2@yahoo.com | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob L.
a weekend warrior
from Springfield Ma.
Date Reviewed: July 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had a 8000SL for about 4 months and I'm completely satisfied with this bike. I test rode a Paragon, Moab, and Raliegh, and they didn't compare to the comfort and quality of the Trek. My only complaint would be the icon pedals other than that it was worth the $$$. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bert
a weekend warrior
from Alabama
Date Reviewed: June 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just purchased the TREK 8000 SL last week and have ridden it twice. I am very impressed with the bike,its light, quick and agile as a cat.I paid $695 for it and I think got my moneys worth. Some of the reviews complain about the T2 fork,but all you got to do is spend $59 at Bike World and get the Type III springs and cartidge kit. Presto, you have got a full blown Judy XC fork. I could have gotten a 97 Klein Pulse Pro for the same money, but with Klein dropping the Pulse frame for 1999, I didn't want something discontinued. Not to mention the Klein has compairable components except for that crappy Manitou Pro fork they chose on the Pulse Pro. I really like the 8000 SL, I think its an excellent value for what you get, and it looks great too. One brochure said the 8000 had bontrager maverick rims, and the other brochure said bontrager mustangs. When my bike came in it had the mavericks. I told my LBS guy that I really was expecting the mustangs. One call and TREK had the mustangs shipped out and swapped them over without any problem. I call that service. GREAT bike from a great company. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew
a cross-country rider
from Mississippi
Date Reviewed: June 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just wanted to point out that all the east riders love this bike and all the Western Riders hate this bike. I test Rode it before I got my 7000zx and I loved it. Nothings wrong with the fork after you get the Type 3 upgrade
The parts rule
The Icon stuff has worked great for me | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MIKE JAMES
a weekend warrior
from LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
SPENT ABOUT 980 FOR THE BIKE........NOT TOO BAD......OVERALL A GOOD BIKE WITH PARTS
THAT PERFORM ADMIRABLY........THERE ARE BETTER WORKING COMPONENTS OUT THERE BUT OF
COURSE YOU'D HAVE TO SPEND MORE MONEY......SO FOR THE PRICE PRETTY GOOD....THE ONLY
COMPLAINT , IF YOU COULD CALL IT ONE, IS THE FORK. THE PERFORMANCE IS INDY BUT THE
BODY IS JUDY..........IF IT LOOKS LIKE A JUDY IT SURE WOULD BE NICE IF IT PERFORMED
LIKE ONE! ANYBODY WANT TO BUY A T2 FORK? OVERALL THOUGH A PRETTY GOOD DEAL.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Venturer
a racer
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I ride an average of 25-75 kilometers a day (15-46 miles). I recently upgraded to an 8000SL(team yellow) from a fairly cheap minelli, and boy am I impressed. I traded off the pedals, for a set I could wear street shoes with. I've crashed it multiple times, and other than a warped back rim, there's been no damage. The company even gaves me a riding outfit and a replacement set of decals free of charge(200 dollar value) I'm planning to upgrade the front brakes to disc, and the rear to XTR. I'll return to update soon | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler
a weekend warrior
from La Crosse, WI
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I used to own a 1995 Trek 850 w/ front suspension. After riding the 8000 for a couple of weeks, I'll never want another bike. I love it! The suspension is a little too loose though, so I upgraded to a pair of Judy SL's. The components work great. I especially love those black rims. What a great bike. You cant find a better bike for that kind of money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Flamm
a racer
from Scottsdale, AZ
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
this bike sucks like ****. it has a hell of a lot of flex and it cracked after a month. the clipless pedals are the worst peices of crap i have ever seen. oh, and by the way the colors suck. it needs better shox, the judy T2 suck. it need Manitou SX-TI. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
vince
a cross-country rider
from trenton new jersey
Date Reviewed: May 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
this bike comes with great components, a stiff frame, and a stiff smooth fork. You cant ask for much more for the buck. Its great on climbs, sprinting out of turns, and due to its great frame geometry, its very responsive. Not to mention its great looks especially with those black wheels....(sweeeeeet!!). I have to give it four stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adrian Velez
a cross-country rider
from Mesa, Arizona
Date Reviewed: May 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the second mountain bike I have owned; my first being a 1982 Univega Alpina Ultima. So, with that fact known, this was a major step up. The two complaints that I have with this bike is the Icon pedals which I bent a critical part that didn't allow me to clip in on one side. This seemed like a design issue. I replace them with Shimano 535's, free of charge after the Trek representative looked at them. These pedals don't seem to have the design flaws of the Icon pedals.The second complaint is with the Judy T2 fork. With the area that I do most of my riding (the mountains around the Phoenix area which are steep and rocky), my riding style being aggressive and just the fact that I'm 5'11 195lbs; this fork is just way too progressive on the rebound. I would climb a steep hill, hit a few rocks and it would be a struggle to keep the bike aimed straight up the hill! After I upgraded to damping cartridges and heavier springs the problem seemed to have diminish greatly. Other than that, why pay thousands of dollars more for a mountain bike? It rides great! I'm totally satisfied with this bike. From here on out, I'll replace parts as I break them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a cross-country rider
from Boston
Date Reviewed: May 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just got this bike through an employee purchase. I had a rigid Trek 850 for 3 years and the frame broke. Trek gave me $125 frame credit towards a new bike and I ended up getting this for around $420. For this price I better not have any complaints. The bike rides so smooth!! The shifting is excellent(XT), although why did shimano get rid of the #'s on the shifters? (DFM). The upgraded seatpost and stem look good...no idea how they'll perform. The judy T2 neds to be firmed up for me (210 lbs) but takes some serious hits. My only complaint is climbing, I used to be able to attack uphills with a rigid fork...this seems impossible with suspension...between flex and pogo my front wheel is all over the place. Do yourself a favor and swap the grips for some Oury's...the stock grips are useless. I got Team yeallow and think it looks pretty good. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Koki
a cross-country rider
from Honolulu HI
Date Reviewed: May 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I used to have a GT LTS3, I know full suspension...hardtail no comparison, right? Wrong! The 8000sl is soooo sweet,just enough flex and a really dependable component/fork setup. I ride 10 mi every other day and I miss riding on the days I don't. I put on some speedplay frogs and the SRAM 9.0 setup, just because they rock too. I would recommend this bike to anybody who doesn't want to spend much more than a grand for an out of the box bike. Add a few of your old favorite trick items and you'll wish you had one sooner!!!!
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Submitted by
Adam
a cross-country rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Trek 8000 has a lot of the same componentry as the Moab1, and in the areas that they are different...the Trek is better in some areas and vice versa.
However, I believe the Trek SL frame is superior to the Schwinn's aluminum or steel Moab1. Trek SL gives you the best attributes of both steel & aluminum, is very very light and is relatively stiff (Not as stiff as many aluminum frames)so that your power is transfered efficiently. I believe the Trek is probably lighter, but I could not verify because Schwinn does not put the weights on their site. When test driving bikes I found that two identical bikes could ride very differently, depending upon where and who assembled them. Maybe Stuff this rode a poor example of an 8000SL, afterall the bikes aren't that different. Try this bike, it is the best bike around for $850-$1000. Don't take Stuff's word for it, compare the two..you will see. Let us know what you find. Additionally, I haven't had any probs. yet, but I have heard that Trek really stands behind their products. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stuff this bike
a racer
from USA
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Test Road the Trek, and I was not Impressed. The bike felt cheap! For the money (950.00) the bike is a ripoff. The component quality just doesn't match the what you can get from other mountain bikes especially the Schwinn Moab 1 You all would have been much better off sticking with a Schwinn! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Lallas
a cross-country rider
from Palatine, IL
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased the 8000sl in January and it is outstanding. I had been riding a '91 930 previously. The geometry of the new frame is awesome. The Judy T2 works just fine. I ride frequently at Kettle Moraine state park in WI and this bike just begs to climb. I think it is the best value out there. I test rode a C'dale. No comparison, the 8000sl blew it away. For such a mass produced bike it sure if finished beautifully. kudos to Trek. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T. Heron
a cross-country rider
from Clarksville, TN
Date Reviewed: April 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Trek 8000 is a great bike. I paid about 1K for mine but it has been well worth the cost. I ride hard and wreck often and the 8000 has held up well. The Judy T2 in my opinion is a great shock. I'm planning on upgrading the pedals to 747s and changing the shifters to XT. Other than that I'm leaving the bike as is I will always buy Trek bikes because of the quality (I have a Trek 2100 Road Bike that is also an excellent deal). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Markes
a weekend warrior
from Richfield, MN
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a tight bike. Got mine for $950 because they're expensive up north. I still think it's a great value though. Get mix of parts. Love the Icon stuff, real smooth. The frame is also light and strong. The Judy T2 is a great, stiff alternative to Indy's, I also trust it more than my old Indy. It's also ready for disc brakes,with front and rear mounts, if you want to spend the money. Overall it's a great bike that sprint's and climbs real well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a weekend warrior
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: March 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great bike period. The price doesn't hurt either. Picked mine up for a little over $800. XT/LX, ICON, Bontranger components. The ride feels more like a steel frame than any other aluminum frame I have ridden.(This is good only if you like the smooth ride of steel but the stiffness of aluminum.) Switched the pedals out for 535's so I could ride around town without my cleated shoes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOHN McDONALD
a racer
from ONTARIO, CANADA
Date Reviewed: March 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I BAUGHT THIS BIKE BACAUSE MY FRIEND HAD ONE AND HE LET ME TRY IT FOR A WEEK WHEN HE WAS AWAY ON HOLIDAYS, THE BIKE HANDLED GREAT ON THE LOCAL SINGLE TRACK. I BAUGHT IT AND I DON'T REGRET IT IT WAS KINDA OUTA MY PRICE RANGE BUT I MANAGED TO BUY IT. I RACE THIS BIKE AND IT NEVER BREAKS, THE COMPONENTS ARE GREAT. BUT THE ONLY CHANGE I MADE WAS THE PEDALS, I CHANGED THEM TO SHIMANO 656'S, I DID THAT SO THAT I COULD RIDE IT AROUND TOWN AND NOT HAVE TO WEAR SPECIAL SHOES. YOU REALLY SHOULD GET THIS BIKE | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon Hazelden
a cross-country rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: March 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have just brought the trek 8000SL for 2470 singapore dollars. The bike so far is the best a good strong and light frame makes me feel good! I changed to Indy SL as i think it is a better fork, i also changed my componts to XTR now thats cool. So if you are thinking of buying this bike go for it!!Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pierre
a
from South Africa
Date Reviewed: January 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a TREK 8000 SL recently. My impressions so far: The SL frame is exceptionally light and stiff and yet the ride is not too harsh. The bike accelerates and climbs better than anything I have ridden before. Trek's decision to weld their 98 ALU frame-sets have paid in the additional scope this bonding method offers in experimenting with the geometry of the frame. The result is a responsive, balanced ride inspiring confidence encountering almost any terrain conditions. As a result the bike makes me feel faster than anything else I have ridden. The attention to detail is exceptional throughout and this certainly enhances the overall perception of quality and confidence in these hand-built frames. The replaceable derailleur hanger is a nice (perhaps crucial) touch. The Judy T2 is very lively, quite stiff and seems to handle a variety of terrain with ease. The possibility to upgrade to the type 3 damping system is an added bonus. The components (XT, LX, Icon, Bontrager, R) are, I believe, a very functional well sorted package for the price - no complaints there. All in all a great piece of work. It is the first TREK I have owned and, by the looks of it, not the last. Do yourself a favor and try out one of these. (The 5 star rating is given in the context of the price range that the bike falls in.)
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett G
a weekend warrior
from Daytona Beach, Fl
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently purchased a 8000 SL. First impressions are good. The price was pretty good for the xt/lx components ($900). The fork is stiff and I didn't notice any real difference with adjustment. The frame is very stiff but provides a good ride. The bike has nice Bontrager, Icon, (stem, seatpost, ect) . Great climber and great acceleration. No problems thus far, I'll update if needed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CharlieV
a racer
from tx
Date Reviewed: January 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ive got a 98 trek 8000sl and i love it. Except for the icon pedals I am satisified. I like the judy T2 cuz you know youre gona blow the seals on any other judy. This way you can go right out and buy your favorite cartridges (read about them here first) and not waste another $100.. I got mine for $799 it has xt./lx, and nice bontranger components including radial laced front rim. sweeeet. If you do go out any buy one, get the bike shop to give you a deal on some shimano pedals and tell them to keep the icons for some pimply face kid!.I give the horse 4 strong stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Allbritton
a weekend warrior
from LITTLE ROCK, AR
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently purchased the new Trek 8000sl for $900. I switched from riding diamondbacks due to the
crappy components. The Trek had all xt and lx components as well as a Judy t2 rock shox. It
handles great in downhill and I has been able to take all the abuse I can give it(6'1,200). I would
recommend this bike to any beginning racers. It definitely has made me a trekky. | | Overall Rating: |
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