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Submitted by
Tommy
a Cross Country Rider
from NJ
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Very light and responsive. Easy to manuever through technical singletrack. Hayes discs work great. | | Weaknesses: | Icon stem, bars, and seatpost. Bike creaks a lot, but I was able to fix it. Not very impressed with the sid so far after coming off of a 100mm manitou x-vert. I guess the shock is lighter, but it doesn't perform like a manitou. I'll give it a few more months and see. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein pulse | | Bike Setup: | xtr, xt, hayes discs, hugi hubs, bontrager mustangs | | Bottom Line: | So far I like this bike. It handles the singletrack nice. The sid is a little unforgiving, but it's very light. The only thing I didn't like about this bike so far is the awful creaking coming from the frame. I was able to fix all the noise pretty easily. If you have the same problem listen up. The seat tube has a shim in it that comes loose over time. You need to get green loctite retaining compound to fix the problem. I think the number is like 640 or 680. Makes sure it's not threadlock or it might not work. It specifically has to be retaining compound. It gets into any gaps between the shim and fills them. First take the seat post out. Dribble plenty of loctite compound down the seat tube. Let it get past the shim(about 3-4 inches). After it passes the shim, turn the bike upside down to let it work into the gaps. Let it sit this way for a day or two. Turn the bike over and put the seat post back in. The noise should be gone. I also noticed the cranks and BB creaking. The cranks just need to be tightened and the BB was loose too. So far the bike has been beaten up pretty good on rocky singletrack and it's still quiet. I've only had the bike used for a couple of weeks and I've had to do these few things to it. It just needed some tweeking to get it set for my riding style. The times I had it out I loved it and the hayes brakes are awesome... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam Iam
a Cross Country Rider
from Now Where Special, IN, Fair
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Strengths: | Very few, but if I had to list a couple I would say the fram is very light and well constructed, also the OEM hayes brakes are worth every penny | | Weaknesses: | Anything that says Icon, Bontranger or Rolf. Please read below for futher detail. | | Similar Products Used: | None worth mentioning. | | Bike Setup: | Stock set-up. | | Bottom Line: | OK, excuse the the diatribe but I simply can't take it any longer! I purchased my 8900 on a year end close out, got a great price which I am not complaining about. I am a roadie first and Mt. bike in the off season to maintain some level of fitness. I purchased the bike thinking I was buying something that I could ride for years (more than three seasons) without making any major upgrades too. Geez did Trek see me coming. The first rides were great, no complaints at all. Then came the three years of replacing stuff that said Icon, Bontranger and Rolf (for those who do not know Bontranger, Icon and Rolf are Trek's in house components). What it boils down to is Trek made a good frame and then hung wanker parts (other than the Hayes disk brakes) on the thing. The bike creeked from the the get go and I have replaced nearly everthing on the bike to get it some level that was predicatble and dependable. After three years and more than several dollars I gave up. Over the past year I decided to go full suspension and was looking for something affordable. Needless to say anything in the Trek line did not make it past the first cut. I decided on the GT I-Drive team frame frame through one of the internet liquidation deals. I salvaged as much as I cared too (Hayes Brakes and Rolf Dolomite disk wheels) from the 8900 to reduce cost of the bike change out. Only after building up the GT did realize how bad the 8900's set up really was. The GT handles predictably and dependably as expected. As I mentioned, I keep the the Rolf Dolimite disk wheels to use on the GT, it was only during the build up that I found out that the rear hub has loose bearing! Are you kidding me, no sealed bearing hubs for a bike that retails over $2200! That was the last straw, I must tell anyone who is considering buying a Trek to review the equipment list very carefully. Trek, as well as any major bike manufacturer, will make short cuts on the parts to keep the thing affordable for the masses. I made a bad purchase and that is my own %^@$@*! fault, which I take full responsibility for. My only hope is that someone will read this long winded rambling and take gain some knowledge that will make there next bike purchase a more memorable experiance. Someone in an earlier posting mentioned that Trek stood for "Trek=T(trail)+R(riding)+E(everday)+K(kickass)". I propose that that Trek stands for what is wrong with american bike maufacturing. If you choose to bulid a Huffy then call the bike a Huff and be proud of what you build. But by a all means do not build a "Dork Cheriot" and decide to call it a Trek. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RJ
a Cross Country Rider
from West Springfield, MA
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Goat Trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Shop | | Strengths: | Hayes Discs, SID, RR XTR Rear D, Michelin Wild Gripper Lites, Duh, the Alpha Frame | | Weaknesses: | Squeaky | | Similar Products Used: | 94' Trek 930 ST, '96 Y-22 | | Bike Setup: | Hayes Discs, SID, XTR RR Rear D, Bontrager ASYM Mustang Rims, ICON Componentry, Michelin Wild Gripper LiteS, removed bar ends | | Bottom Line: | Lite, stiff, quick, climbs like a banshee, brakes are better than my YZF-R6. I've ridden this bike for 3 years, haven't found a single problem. Those of you who complain too much about the squeaks should stop your whinnin and just ride already. For the dough you can't beat the value. Also to the guy who launched his and complained about the rear D snapping off, learn how to ride or get back on your BMX and go hang out with the other little prepubescent boys. If your want an American made racer for little dollars that will help you win races, look no further, and contact me if you want to buy a primo condition 8900sl, I need a 2001 Fuel, hehehe. Peace | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris jones
a Downhiller
from california
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | arroyo(J.P.L.) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | private party | | Strengths: | light, nice geometry | | Weaknesses: | lots of little noises | | Similar Products Used: | fisher excaliber | | Bike Setup: | manitou,hayes monkey bars,mavic 517,xt & xtr componets | | Bottom Line: | great ride,this is the free ride bike. it smokes uphill and cuts up the single track. i bought this bike used,it has not been without its troubles.squik squik sure. but if you tighten up the cranks she runs like a mouse.im pretty rough on her but thats what shes made for. this bike really promotes your downhill confidence. with the right set up this bikes capabilities are endless. i takes the pain out if the uphill,and destroys the single track. it is the total package. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Pigott
a Cross Country Rider
from Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | roads | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | custom built myslef | | Strengths: | light weight frame | | Similar Products Used: | 1991 Marin Nail trail | | Bike Setup: | 19.25 pound rigid hardtail | | Bottom Line: | After One Year of riding ~2500 miles, this bike is quite
fast as my "road bike", and is also quite capable on the
minimal "off-road" it does.
Built up custom with Mavic 517 rims, ti spokes, GT rear,
White Industries front, and CT-2 stuff to give me a 19.25
pound lightweight..
I don't believer in suspension, but hey everyone is
different (: | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
WILL Koenig
a Downhiller
from melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | SUPERSTORE | | Strengths: | I BOUGHT JUST THE FRAME OF THIS BIKE WHEN I WAS 13. IT COST 400 (AUS)WITH A WARRANTY. IT LOOKED GOOD AND WAS FARELY RIGID. I ONLY HAD 4 INCH FORKS ANS SHIMANO STUFF ON IT. | | Weaknesses: | OHH DONT GET ME STARTED.... THE FRAME STARTED OFF WITH A LIGHT CREAKING IN THE B/BRACKET AREA, THEN 2 MONTHS LATER I DID A 3FT DOUBLE, YES IT IS HARD TO BELIVE BUT ONLY 3 FEET HIGH AND THE REAR END COMPLETELY SNAPPED OFF AND I STACKED HARDCORE. | | Similar Products Used: | NONE | | Bike Setup: | MANITOU X VERT, SHIMANO STUFF MAINLY LX AND V-BRAKES | | Bottom Line: | IT IS HARD TO BELIVE THAT PEOPLE PAY THOUSANDS FOR THESE COMPLETE BIKES THAT SUCK SO BADLY IT MAKES ME FEEL SICK.
OHH YEAH, TREK SAID, "NO FRAME FOR YOU" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Pasadena, CA
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | nice light xc frame | | Weaknesses: | creaking in the seatpost area of the frame | | Similar Products Used: | many | | Bike Setup: | all the good stuff | | Bottom Line: | The 8900 is a really nice aluminum frame. I has excellent excelleration and handeling. However, as many have noted it creaks. Having worked at a trek dealer for 2 years, the creaking has to do with a seatpost shim that is glued into the frame to step down the seatpost size to 27.1 - This shim is what normally caueses the creaking. sometimes locktight helps - but sometimes it doesn't. You might notice that the new Trek SL frame went to a bigger seatpost to eliminate this problem. Otherwise this is a nice hartail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat O'Brien
a
from Sapporo, Japan
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Hayes Brakes | | Weaknesses: | Hugi rear hub, Icon pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great bike overall but as others have noted, the frame creaks and moans too much. This summer I nearly gave up because the seatpost had such a loud creak with each stroke. In fact, when I put my hand on the seat tube, I could feel this massive snap in the metal when I pedaled. By chance, I happened to put in another post and that solved it. But with colder weather, this post made the frame creak like crazy again. It's so loud it even drowns out the Hugi rear hub. I've tried grease, no grease, and WD-40, but the creaking comes and goes on its own. Any suggestions? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian "He-Man" Buell
a Cross Country Rider
from North Richland Hills, Tx.
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | North Shore | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | this is a bad a$% frame! I custom built mine because I had a Trek 850 frame.. and after about 3500 miles of riding.. the damn thing broke.. but.. it had agood time while it was here. this frame is so stiff I LOVE IT! has a bit of horizontal flex around teh BB.. but hey... what bike doesn't the graphics are wicked cool | | Weaknesses: | it made a creaking noise for a while... shows what a sledge hammer and a little inginuity can do hehe, j/k... (it creaks no more)
| | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock, Trek 850 | | Bike Setup: | Manitou SX Ti, mixed parts.. XT, LX, Alivio, Mavic rear rim, alloy front.. not done upgrading | | Bottom Line: | this frame is awesome, sure it creaks.. the guys at the bike shop I used to go to told me.. OH that's normal for an aluminum... you know what I say to that.. BULL SH*T! Now that I work at a bike shop I figured out what it was.. and for those of you with the creaking problem listen up, I tightened the cranks, it let out one last creak while I tightened it.. and hasn't creaked since... it's been 2 weeks now since I did that so if you have the creaking problem... you may want to try that, it wasn't on teh seat post as many may think.. or atleast for me it wasn't.. but otehr than that.. it ROCKS!! I have beaten this frame to hell and back MANY a times.. and it has never let me down, well not yet atleast, but until then.. this frame ROCKS! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat OBrien
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sapporo, Japan
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Shinrin Koen | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
This is a truly great bike. I've had any number of excellent rides on this machine. The whole package is just great. We're lucky with the 98 because they stuck with the SID and had XTR cranks. The reviews of the 99 are not so hot. The Hayes disks are a dream come true. In two long seasons of hard riding, I haven't even had to adjust them once. What a shame that they changed the 99 model and will discontinue it in 2000. We've got a classic on our hands. | | Weaknesses: |
The bike hasn't been without its troubles. Let's start with the SID. My buddy Jay also bought an 8900 and when he brought it up to ride, he found that one leg wouldn't hold air. He rode anyway, but the other leg blew out soon, so he was stuck. Later, I found that one of my legs wasn't holding air either. To this day, the valve is hit and miss.
The frame also cracked. Last year, my right crank would sometimes nick the chainstay, but I couldn't figure it out, nor could my dealer. He sent the bike down to Trek's shop in Osaka, and they found a crack around the BB. To their credit, they replaced the frame for free with a beefed up 99 model (which is a nicer cooler anyway--but you've got to cover up the excess decals with red tape to appreciate it).
The icon pedals were weak and noisy but at least we got the XTR parts.
Finally, there's a lot of creaking going on. My seatpost has started to creak again and no amount of lube will silence it. I hope it's not a frame problem again. | | Bottom Line: | I can't imagine ever having a better bike. This bike is a natural trail bike. I don't care what the conditions, this thing makes it feel great. Hats off to the Trek team on this one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean White
a Cross-Country Rider
from Coventry
Date Reviewed: October 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Brakes, Frame, Gears, wheels, tires, weight, stiff | | Weaknesses: |
Errr, NONE | | Bike Setup: |
Off the rack | | Bottom Line: | THIS BIKE WHIPS THE PANTS OFF ALL OTHER HARDTAILS. I HAVE HAD MY BEAUTY SIX MONTHS NOW AND I CAN NOW RIDE FASTER THAN ON MY RACING BIKE!!!! BUG A TREK 8900 NOWWWWW | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
batman!
a Weekend Warrior
from bowmanville
Date Reviewed: August 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
that one off highway 57 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
brakes fork frame components, hummmmmm | | Weaknesses: |
icon | | Similar Products Used: |
95 norco rampage | | Bike Setup: |
stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike kicks so much ass! i came off of a long travel FS and onto a harsh aluminum frame... i thought it was going to be tough for a little while... NOPE! This bike is very sweet! if you see one used (the only way the 98's come now) pick it up! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
j
a Racer
from ny
Date Reviewed: July 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
rocky point | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
TO MANY TO LIST | | Weaknesses: |
NONE, ZERO ,ZIPP | | Similar Products Used: |
GT ZASKAR GT ZASKAR LE GT XIZANG | | Bike Setup: |
98 JUDY SL XT/ XTR MIX | | Bottom Line: | I BOUGHT MY 8900 FRAME USED. AS YOU CAN SEE I HAD A TI GT. WHICH WAS A NICE RIDE. HOWEVER I JUST FELT LIKE WHEN I PUT THE POWER DOWN IT FELT SLUGGISH. WELL WITHIN THE FIRST 5 MINUTES ON THE 8900 I KNEW THIS WAS ONE NO B.S. FAST RIDE. IT CLIMS LIKE A MULE ON STEROIDS ,AND CHOPS UP THE TIGHT SINGLETRACK LIKE A FORMULA 1 CAR. ON THE DOWNHILL IT IS PREDICTABLE. WHICH IS ALL YOU COULD ASK FOR FROM A RACING HARDTAIL. IF I COULD MAKE LOVE TO THIS BIKE WITHOUT MY GIRLFRIEND LEAVING ME I WOULD. I'AM NOW A LOYAL TREK 8900 BUYER | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Natkit
a cross-country rider
from Thailand
Date Reviewed: February 28, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I'd delivered death sentences to 3 of my previous bikes. This bike's worth every single buck I paid. Though I've had it for almost a year and been punishing it like a dog every weekend, the frame's suffered no damages. It climbs like a cougar and accelerates like a wind. I love it. I do have 2 complaints though. The SID leaks and semi-slick just does not work in muddy condition at all. However, when consider getting the whole performance package for 2,200, it's definitely worth it. Trek rules. Trek = T(trial)+R(riding)+E(everyday)+K(kick ass).
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a cross-country rider
from Chicago,IL
Date Reviewed: January 27, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got my 98 8900 stock bike except 99 sid xc 80mm and use xcr post and essp 9.0sl front and rear der. and boy do I love it. This bike really flies. The hayes discs stop the bike on a dime. I ve put 500 mi on it so far and I cant's wait till I race it when the weather gets warmer. 5+ stars and then some. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JIM
a racer
from Temecula, ca
Date Reviewed: January 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a Trek 8900 with a White Bros UL70 fork--used. All XTR except for the crank and front der. I love the thing because it climbs extremely well and descends very predictably (the only thing I was worried about coming off of a 24# full suspension rig). With a suspension seat post it only weighs 21.5 pounds--very cool for a 40 year old. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AJ
a cross-country rider
from Princeton, NJ
Date Reviewed: August 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ok, so check this out. I had an 8500sl and I experienced some problems, first the seat post started creaking. This was found to be a defect in all SL Trek Frames. The dealer repaired the problem by using locktite, this was a short term fix as the problem occured again. Then a problem with the paint arose, the paint was peeling off the rear section of the frame. After hearing of my problems Trek sent me an 8900 framset with SID and WTB headset and didnt charge me a cent! I'm not sure if this can be credited to the excellent dealer which I bought my bike from or Trek itself. In anycase the new frame and fork are excellent and I have not had any problems! I have also come across some riders who have had their frames crack near the bottom bracket area, my frame has reinforced welds between the bottom bracket and the rear drop out (derailer side) where my older fram did not. Trek's customer service makes this one a 5 banger! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a racer
from Whistler BC
Date Reviewed: July 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I hated this bike!!! I got it 2 months ago and have had nothing but trouble. The Damn frame is awful. It is so poorly made... I already have a crack which I can't repair so I have to get a new frame. I hope it's warrantied. The SID's on it are terrible they bottom out on even the lightest hits. It doesn't make sense I have used many other SID's and they have all be amazing so I'm not sure what Trek is doing. Oh in total this bike rides like a HUFFY! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Had my 8900 for a week. Put 200 miles on so far. Race Face crank and San Marco seat added plus XTR all around. The Hayes disc brakes allow just the right amount modulation to prevent front wheel lock up. The rapid raise shifter works better than any I have ever used (even some mags do not like em). The SID gives me a super comfy ride. Climbs super even with the simi slicks. A great machine all around and that is not influenced by the cash spent. I just am just a little worried and the SID not having boots as I get the tubes real dirty. I may try a wiper to remove the dirt as it collects. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a racer
from Columbia, SC
Date Reviewed: May 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Stop whining about the brakes and learn how to set em up!!!!!! No, really, it took me and a really good shop and a physics student 3 weeks to figure them out, so ya need some time. But the frame is totally kick ass not to mention the fork and the incredible Rapid-Rise XTR deurailluer. Buy a Trek 8900!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Bikeman
a racer
from CA
Date Reviewed: May 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Riders that spend alot of $$ on this bike should be happy. The new ALPHA SL frame is the heart and soul of this bike. Add XTR stuff, Hayes Disc brakes and a RockShox Sid to the mix for $2199 and it is a best buy. It has a Lifetime warranty and looks cool. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BikerOO7
a racer
from WI
Date Reviewed: May 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
so far i am disapointed in the hayes disc brakes. they squeal and don't have very good modulation. the sid is great if you like air/oil shocks. overall the bike handles great and it doesn't mud up. the bike colors are pretty good also. a word to the wise, most of the reviews in here were done by people that spent a lot of money, therefore they will probally give better reviews than the products deserve. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
spiff
a cross-country rider
from long island ,ny
Date Reviewed: April 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the 95' Trek 8900 carbonfiber hardtail. Im now ridin a Homegrown since all the components on the 8900 are dead(thats because the bike has been ridden daily since it was purchased) The bike I love though. It was a sweet climber and so plush in its carbonfiber frame. The bike ruled the woods though and was fast. A bit scary in the DH department though. Almost floated off the mountain at Plattekill, Ny because the bike is super light. Im sure the new 8900 is superb. I would buy this bike outright! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry Manchester
a racer
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: April 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been racing a FS (Pro-Flex 856) for two seasons and had good results, BUT at almost 28lbs it had its disadvantages. When I saw the deal ($), that Trek was offering on the 8900SL I nabed one and I am loving it! My first race on it proved my theory correct. The light weight (24lbs) was quick and responsive and climbed like a Mt. goat, resulting in a trip to the podium. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a cross-country rider
from Port Jervis,NY
Date Reviewed: March 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I agree with everyone else. The 8900 is probably one of the best buys in '98. I love the SID, when you set it up for your riding style,or weight.The Hayes work,and feel like motorcycle brakes. I took delivery of my 8900 in early December after waiting nearly two months ,but it was worth every second of those two months. The only problem I had was creaking in the Icon pedals which I replaced with Shimano 747's. I would recomend the 8900 to anyone who likes to get their money's worth in features, and components. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got the 8900 just a couple days ago.. It kicks @$$. The Hayes Disc brakes work awsome and the SID is cool too. Everyone said the SID sucked but its great so far. THe bike also has good components but I had a XTR shifter set and front derailur so I put them on. Also I put on so cool answer carbon fiber bars and a titac stem. The icon stuff looks stupid. I paid $1300 (employee purchase) but even at retail of $2199 its a steal | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a cross-country rider
from Sierra Vista, AZ
Date Reviewed: March 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The 1998 Trek 8900 is a BEST BUY. This bike includes top of the line suspension (SID), brakes (Hayes
Disc) and an XT/XTR shifting group on a super light weight aluminum hardtail frame. At the time I bought this
bike in Feb 98, the retail price was $2199, a real steal for a cross country racing bike equipped like this one.
The Hayes Disc brakes are infallable and relatively easy to maintain. This bike climbs like a mountain goat,
and negotiates technical sections and fast downhill with ease. I have only made one upgrade to my bike which
was a Thudbuster Quadra seatpost. I recommend this bike to anyone who wants the most bike for their
money. | | Overall Rating: |
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