To say it is similar to any other bike in the world would be an insult to that manufacturer.
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Bomber (a better fork) , Avid Mech Disc(better brakes)
Bottom Line:
After 2 months of light trail riding the fork had frozen and rebound was done manually by stepping on the tire and yanking on the bars. The metal in the crank was so soft that the bottom bracket had rubbed a hole in it causing the crank to work lose even when bolted on as tight as possible. Finally the tires got a big "S" bend in them causing the tire casing to rub the paint right off the craptastic frame. I ended up putting about 1,000 additional dollars into this frame and it still sucked.
Get a Kona or anything else it would be hard to do worse than this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dylan chester
a Downhiller
from aus Date Reviewed: September 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
boyne downhill trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
friend
Strengths:
frame but thats all i can say because its the only thing stock on mine
Weaknesses:
back disc some times rubs
Similar Products Used:
GT chucker(GAY!!!) norco wolverine
Bike Setup:
nothing on this bike is stock i got fatty rise bars, earl headset, tora rock shox, jayco double wall disc rims, mechanical disck bakes, and ive also made it single speed
Bottom Line:
this bike is ****ing awsome i highly recomend buying one but DONT!!! leave it stock what ever you do i recomed doing what i did to a bruiser and use it for downhill
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
da shizit
a
from edmonton Date Reviewed: August 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
-good frame -strong rims -beefy tires -apearance
Weaknesses:
-forks SUCK -crank bends easy -grips wear down fast -forks -forks
Bike Setup:
Holy roller rubber, 6' front and back avid mechanical discs
Bottom Line:
A pretty good bike for beginners, can withstand a fair amount of jumps and drops. Forks like to crap out alot and crank cant withstand much force.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cj Smith
a Downhiller
from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: August 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Local Secret
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Remy Sport
Strengths:
Strong frame, Good tires, Very strong stem and bars, Fairly good rims, and many other little things.
Weaknesses:
Fork, and Deraileurs.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Opie, GT Chucker 2.0, Giant STP 2, Rocky Mountain Flow, Fuji Panic, etc.
Bike Setup:
Trek Bruiser, Drop Off Triple's, Hayes MX-2, Many other upgrades.
Bottom Line:
It's a good bike. Low price. With a few new parts it can be an amazing bike. I still ride mine after over 3 years and still love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Taylor
a
from California Date Reviewed: July 24, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$370.00
Purchased At:
Freewheeler
Strengths:
Strong frame ,bontrager big earl tires, good at climbing and jumping, very stable bike
Submitted by
jack
a
from massaschusetts Date Reviewed: May 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
orchards
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
northampton bike
Strengths:
everything almost
Weaknesses:
the forks barley absorb anything the cranks creek and lossen every ride putting new cranks and forks on tho
Similar Products Used:
trek 4300 kona downhill stinky
Bike Setup:
rear disc no front brakes dk bmx pedals
Bottom Line:
its a good bike but u have to put some money into it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George
a Downhiller
from Canada Date Reviewed: December 14, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
good frame, good disc brake(front only)alright forks
Weaknesses:
shifters broke while shifting derailuers always skipped rear v-brake sucked crank arm always came loose and wobbled no matter what seat clamp broke rims dented
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
don't buy this bike. I'm not even a hardcore rider and almost everything broke off it. I did not do stupid stuff either, just light trail and jumps. Bottomline:buy this bike if you wanna take it to the shop after every ride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
josh
a
from notl, ontario, canada Date Reviewed: October 29, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Bike Fit
Strengths:
Frame, bars i guess, seat post(seat), rims, grips
Weaknesses:
pretty much all components. Changed the forks to manitou black elite once the stock ones stopped working completely, changed brakes to avid juicy 3's, crankset, switched shifters to shimano x7,
its a good thing they dont make this bike anymore. it BLEW!!! i was always running into probelms and having to put money into it. if i would have known this, i would have just put out a little more money into a better bike. the frame is alright and thats about it. other possitives mentioned are alright. i guess im just being nice. u get wut u pay for
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gshs agaa
a
from new york Date Reviewed: August 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Berts Bikes
Strengths:
stem and grips
Weaknesses:
everything fork bottomed out of of a 2 foot jump and the cap on top shot off. handle bars are to short to freeride with needs longer bars derailers are bad rims are week
Similar Products Used:
Fisher bitter now
Bottom Line:
this is like a ford explorer it is made to look it can do big things but it can't good it your going to ride around town mabye a 3 foot drop every now and then
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeffrey Niederle
a
from Portland OR USA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
name it
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Bike gallery
Strengths:
Strong Frame. Ok stem, seat post, seat, OK Wheels ( mine where nicer then listed but stock.)
Weaknesses:
Pritty much every thing, But what do you expect for 250 for a free ride? fork was not 120mm bu 80. also it topped out every time after first ride. Cranks bent and the part that bolted to bottom braket mashed and cranks would loosen. As I said, up grade later.
Similar Products Used:
P1 P2 Gary fisher g.e.d. (My freeride now)
Bike Setup:
Marzzochi MZ comp 100mm. Truvativ 5d W/ e thirteen bash. Hayes MX2 dual 8 inch rotors. Deore derailures and shifters. Hussulfelt Bar. Easton vice stem. The rest is stock for now.
Bottom Line:
This is a good freeride for a beginner, knowing that he or she is going to upgrade everthing later.But if you do ten foot drops, get somthing like a downhill or extreme freeride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brayden
a
from Fort macleod, Alberta, Country Date Reviewed: August 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Burt and macs
Strengths:
It is a very solid bike and very light.
Weaknesses:
the seat is horrably discomfritable (i had that replaced) the forks worked for the first few weeks then crapped out (i am getting those replaced).
Similar Products Used:
i have ridden the trek jack 1 and it felt about ther same to ride accept with better forks.
Bottom Line:
If i were someone looking for a nice solid bike and had the money to get a new fork put on then this would be the bike for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brandon scarfone
a Downhiller
from vermont Date Reviewed: August 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
dirt jump
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
north star sports
Strengths:
This bike is great for freeriding and dirt jumping at the beggining or intermediate level. I use it every day at the dirt jumping tracks and its a solid bike and nice fork.
Weaknesses:
The bike has little weaknesses although i just purchased it so for now i can just say nothing.
Similar Products Used:
specialized hardrock although its a trail rider. I dont suggest it, my friend has one and he dont care for it.
Bike Setup:
get disc brakes its ready for them.
Bottom Line:
If your like me and like thgenthrill of jumping and freeriding and maybe some downhill go for it its cheap and good looking. Ive benn freeriding for years with a pretty crappy bike but now ive stepped it upto the bruiser and its nice to have a bike that can keep up with me now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Weekend Warrior
from devon, albeta, c anada Date Reviewed: August 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
name it
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
united cycle
Strengths:
definately frame and wheels
Weaknesses:
fork absolutely sucks, crank, components, brakes
Bike Setup:
fox vanilla fork, hone crankset, avid bb7 brakes and levers, shimano xt components.
Bottom Line:
Basicaly bought the bike for its frame. Its perfect for my riding style and it takes a beating. Just slap on the rest as it brakes or when you have the money. Start with the fork cause it will turn it into a completely different bike from handling to jumping. Best 400 bucks I ever spent. Period. I'll give it a rating of 4 because for the price Trek could have put a functional fork and front derailleur.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam Mageer
a Weekend Warrior
from Waterloo,Onatario,Canada Date Reviewed: June 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Any DH trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Ziggy's Cycle
Strengths:
Amazing frame, great headset and stem, awesome grips, disc brake ready,good handle bars and seat
Weaknesses:
Crank and fork
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Hardrock
Bike Setup:
Kenda BlueGoove and Kenda Nevegal tires (DH version)
Bottom Line:
This bike is great for wheelies and very light. Sturdy frame and solid entry components. Good for any starter in light freeriding, dirt jumping , and street. Only problem is the crank breaks easily.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sammy kawook
a
from uk Date Reviewed: May 27, 2006
It is a great bike i have had quiet a few problems but dont let that put you off i throw it around alot it is a good dirt/street bike and good to custom build. I definatley recomend it. But save up for some new forks not other parts thats the only thing i regret doing. It is a good bike for begginers but once custom built great for everyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Cross Country Rider
from chesterfield uk Date Reviewed: May 20, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
jejamescycles
Strengths:
ultra strong frame,wheels,stem&bars,tires(huge 2.4s)really light!!!v brakes are ok but frame is disc ready!!!!
Weaknesses:
fork is really dodgy works sometimes then doenst????front/rear derailer are not to good.pedals suck have gone from black to silver in three rides
Similar Products Used:
specialised hardrock sport,trek 4500,kona fire mountain
Bike Setup:
stock except for some avid bb5's !!!
Bottom Line:
this bike kicks butt!!!!! it makes a really good begginer mountain bike and will stand pretty much anthing if you get this bike you will not be dissapointed:):):):):):):)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Winfield, IL, USA Date Reviewed: April 25, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
very strong frame can take a good beating. comes with a nice stem and handle bar combo. comes disc ready
Weaknesses:
the cranks and bottom bracket are weak the fork sucks and the front derailer is not that great
Bike Setup:
hayes hmx-1 disc brakes manitou sherman flick fork race face diabolous cranks and x-type bottom bracket and all the rest is stock for now
Bottom Line:
the bike is a great starter bike, the frame is very strong and if you want to upgrade like i have you can make the bike in to a freeride beast (but that takes some time and money)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
s e
a Downhiller
from lisarow, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: April 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
thredbo
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$370.00
Purchased At:
BIKEshop Australia
Bottom Line:
kdfhjkpds
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Jackett
a Weekend Warrior
from Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada Date Reviewed: April 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
connaught
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Great Frame, decent wheels and good tires. Is disc ready.
Weaknesses:
Derailleur, shifters, brakes, crank and bottom bracket. Fork doesn't last more than 2 months.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Bruiser 2, Trek Jack line
Bike Setup:
-
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for a beginner to buy. It's cheap and comes with good components for the price. If you like to tear up trails, this is your bike. Nice large tires roll over everything. Wheels are VERY strong for this price point. Best of all, it's disc ready, so beginners can upgrade to disc brakes easily. Great for learning on. Much better than a hardrock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jim anderson
a Weekend Warrior
from usa/washinton/blain Date Reviewed: April 1, 2006
Favorite Trail:
bobs trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
the frame is very good and it will go good with dual crown
Weaknesses:
when it comes stock the bike is not very good becouse i have had my trek for about 2 mounths and my back rim is warping.
Similar Products Used:
specilized hardrock
Bike Setup:
i have not done anything yet,but i am saving up for a new fork and back rim.
Bottom Line:
this bike has done me very good but i may have to buy some new things for it like the back rim and disc brakes becouse the one i bought did not come with them so i am going to get 8inch ones plus a e13 bashgard.
this bike is good for the frame everything else is crap so i say keep the fram use the stock parts as extras and buy almost everthing new for it before it brakes on you.
i think when i was riding this bike i was to ruff on it taking 15 foot drops and 8ft jump on to flat ground.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathan
a Weekend Warrior
from bagdad Date Reviewed: March 11, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Western cycle
Strengths:
Frame is built savagly, wheels were built well
Weaknesses:
most stock stuff, crank, fork, brakes,gear setup
Bike Setup:
2005 trek bruiser 1 frame, z1 wedge fork, blackspire 2" riser bar, shimano cranks,hayes 8" hydros, single speed
Bottom Line:
This bike is amazing to start off with for any begginers I definitly suggest it. Stock parts are really junky but once you upgrade them the feel of the bike is awesome. The biggest thing i would suggest doing is goin singlespeed.because the stock gear suck and get wrecked easily. But overall even with all the bad stuff I cant say anything else besides the fact that i love this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stanleydoo
a Weekend Warrior
from northtown ohio america Date Reviewed: February 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
ALL WITH BIGG JUMPS
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
the shop
Strengths:
This bike is bomb proof and thats all there is to it.
Weaknesses:
none!
Similar Products Used:
various mountain bikes
Bike Setup:
Costom single speed set up and LOVIN it!! All i need is one speed for jumps anyway.
Bottom Line:
It is the best jump bike out there if you swich to single speed. Better built than any BMX bike ive ridden.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
blah
a Weekend Warrior
from boston, ma, usa Date Reviewed: February 1, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
international bike
Strengths:
frame
Weaknesses:
components
Similar Products Used:
specialized hardrock
Bike Setup:
stock except for holzfeller cranks and e13 srs chainguide/bash
Bottom Line:
this is a decent bike for a beginner or intermediate rider. it's obviously not a great bike, but it's fun to upgrade. the frame is definitely solid, so you don't have to worry about that. it's just the components that are low end. the way i see it, just use it til the components break, and upgrade slowly. it's like a fun project for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
patrick goyer
a Weekend Warrior
from langley BC canada Date Reviewed: January 31, 2006
Favorite Trail:
street
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$519.00
Purchased At:
BSP bikes
Strengths:
rims,tires,tubes,handle bars
Weaknesses:
brakes,gears,not that much
Similar Products Used:
bruiser 2
Bike Setup:
stock but got stance flow forks
Bottom Line:
it is a good bike unless you dont have a job you need money it is not cheap it is good price for beginners
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
patrick white
a Weekend Warrior
from canada b.c Date Reviewed: January 25, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$370.00
Purchased At:
suncoastn cycles
Strengths:
frame,rims,bars,stem
Weaknesses:
shocks,
Similar Products Used:
canadian tire bikes
Bottom Line:
If you buy this bike eplace the shocks crank and brakes but over all its a really good bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin vinje
a Downhiller
from Oslo Date Reviewed: December 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Hafjell
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Raske sykler
Strengths:
This bike is SOLID! and it is very playfull.
Weaknesses:
None that i can think of really.
Similar Products Used:
Many
Bike Setup:
Mavic321 rims, avid jucy5 rear brake, shimano deore hydraulic front brake. Marzocchi Freeride Z1 ETA fork, DMR chieftain cranks ect
Bottom Line:
I have been riding this bike for 5 years and i have never had any problems with it! It is a size small and i weigh 225lbs and i'm 6.2 tall. And it is just SO playfull! I have been riding alot of "pro" downhill riggs but for a few races i actualy use my bruiser it is SO fast when you get to know it and it can stand anything you can... This summer i actually won a race whilst racing against guy's with santa cruz V10, Specialized demo 9 ect, cause it was a rather speedy track, but with a few tight berms and corners and not too massive drops, so i could get SO much power down to the ground and it does berms like its on rails... I actualy managed to use the wall of one berm as a launch and the next one as a landing and i got so massive speed out, and they were TIGHT! + if you want to do some urban assault and trials it's perfect aswell... I have done 12 steps to landing stair gaps dropped off ledges 6,5 feet tall, no problem... So if you are on a budget and need a allround bike that is FUN to ride, don't hessitate, just get some BMX crank's and some decent brakes on it and you are set with a bike that will last for AGES :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zach smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: November 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
floodplains
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
stong frame
Weaknesses:
crappy components, I bent the crank in less than 2 months,I also broke the bb from a 5 foot drop
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
ss kit, truvative hussefelt cranks axiom supercross bars
Bottom Line:
good bike, love it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Weekend Warrior
from orlando FL Date Reviewed: November 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anything with jumps
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
davids world
Strengths:
awsome bike to start out with. it needs some upgrades it the begining if u plan 2 ride real hard. frame, bars, and rims are all strong.
Weaknesses:
cranks, forks, thats bout it
Similar Products Used:
trek 4300
Bike Setup:
marzocchi JRT tripple crown fork, bontarger big earl cranks.
Bottom Line:
a good bike 2 start out with but some upgrades can rilly make this bike sick.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
justin
a Weekend Warrior
from carlisle Date Reviewed: November 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
stone row
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$380.00
Strengths:
frame
Weaknesses:
everything do not buy this bike trek made the worst bike possible
Similar Products Used:
nothing
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
don't buy this bike if you want to keep it stock and if you already have save up to upgrade it unless do not buy it!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Atte
a Cross Country Rider
from Helsinki, Finland Date Reviewed: September 3, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Bike Planet Myyrmäki
Strengths:
Strong frame...
Weaknesses:
Almost everything else
Similar Products Used:
Bruiser 2004 model
Bike Setup:
New fork (Marzocchi Dirt Jam), Shimano full Deore XT set.
Bottom Line:
Weak bike if u dont upgrade stuff, but since ive upgraded almost everything, it rocks.
A good customizable bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
justin
a Cross Country Rider
from carlisle mass usa Date Reviewed: August 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
indean hill at great brook
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
$380.00
Strengths:
this bike has a good frame and thats it, but for the price you can upgrade it with the money you save a make it sick
Weaknesses:
almost everything !!! when you buy it be prepared to fix the crank in few days
Similar Products Used:
bruser 2
Bike Setup:
stock. soon to be upgraded
Bottom Line:
good begginer dirt jump bike and if you good it is a great project bike and could be upgraded to a sick dirt jumper that you be proud of. and kever says it suck and shoots paintballs at it so watch out downhillers with paintball guns!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john
a Weekend Warrior
from orlando fl Date Reviewed: August 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anything with dirt jumps
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$410.00
Purchased At:
davids world
Strengths:
the fraim, rims, tires, handelbars, headseat,
Weaknesses:
the left crank fell off on my first day of jumping. All it needed was some lock tite and then it hasent fallen of yet. the front forks can use some stiffer springs or replace the whole forks with some better ones. the drivetrain is ok can use some upgrading
Similar Products Used:
trek 4300
Bike Setup:
all stock
Bottom Line:
this bike is fore someone who likes to do dirt jumps, dropoffs, and trial riding it is a great bike for the price
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jessie
a Weekend Warrior
from St.Catharines, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: August 25, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$499.00
Purchased At:
Bike fit
Strengths:
Lets see... Frame is nice.pretty easy to get on rear wheel. rims are pretty strong, headset is fine. the pedals are o.k. I needed to fix them once. tires are good same with the tubes. this bike is a good learning bike and its pretty good for jumps.and the brakes are pretty good
Weaknesses:
handlebar( more rise), fork..way to stiff and just dont like it. front derailer is crap. the sr suntour crank sucks. and when I use the front derailer the chain gets caught between the crank and the frame. the seat post ans seat are pretty bad.
Similar Products Used:
trek bruiser 2
Bike Setup:
everything stock except for the handler bars wich are truvative hussefelt- 50mm rise
Bottom Line:
this is a good bike to start off on...needs upgrades wich I will be doing very soon. but other than that good and very cheap bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shvinktor pasieka
a Weekend Warrior
from edmonton Date Reviewed: August 25, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$445.00
Purchased At:
your mom cycle
Strengths:
the Bruiser has a good frame but otherwise it is the worst bke that I've ever seen.
Weaknesses:
The hangar, seatpost, seat, brakes, rims, tubes, pedals, freewheel, tires gears and the colour all are crap. The shocks have no seals and the bushing wore out after about two rides. The crank broke on my first ride, the tires wear out too fast, the seatpost broke, the rear rim folded around the frame and I've replaced the headset three times.
Similar Products Used:
bigfoot, arashi and a warrior sport
Bike Setup:
new deore on the rear, with a new hanger, new $130 sun rim on the back and a deore freewheel.
Bottom Line:
It SUCKS.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Victor Pasieka
a Downhiller
from Edmonton, AB Date Reviewed: August 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Wolf Willow north shore
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
United Cycle
Strengths:
None, this whole bike is a huge pile of crap!!!!! But the price isn't horrible.
Weaknesses:
The whole bike, the frame was good but it bent when i fell off a tranny that was less then a foot high. The crappy insync shocks are horrible, they seize up like that, and they might not work for a week or more after the fact. The rear derailleur gets caught up really easy and the rims are very weak. So is the seat and seatpost. The headset is bad too, if it breaks and you get it replaced the new one always rattles like it doesn't fit right. V-brakes instead of discs. Last but not least all the shimano drivetrain is cheap lowend stuff like acera, etc.
Similar Products Used:
Bruiser 2, Norco Bigfoot, some crappy Arashi.
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for the many replacment parts i've bought.
Bottom Line:
This bike is great for someone that has just started jumping or will not go hard on it. As soon as you get better I assure you that you will need a new bike. This bike would do fine for trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a
from Paris. Onatio, Canada Date Reviewed: August 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Gears and Grills
Strengths:
Frams, everything to do with wheels, bars, stem,
Weaknesses:
Fork sometimes mines just stiff and i broke the rebound adjuster in both tubes, sometimes when i shift into gear one in the frton the chain gets caught inbetween the crank and frame, my cranks starting to creek from minimal abuse and its going to have to be replaced, and the large ring derailur kinda sucks uses up to much chain
Bottom Line:
Great entry bike but if you work it hard be prepared to upgrade
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick Tsuchihashi
a Weekend Warrior
from Harrison NY USA Date Reviewed: August 3, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$409.00
Purchased At:
Millers bike. Mamaroneck NY
Strengths:
Build quality Nice tires Price
Weaknesses:
Kind of heavy
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike. I am a beginner but i can tell that it is good. The build quality is great and very strudy. It has not failed me yet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jesse domian
a Downhiller
from Key West, Florida, US Date Reviewed: July 31, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Blueridge NC
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Shop
Strengths:
Frame-gorgeous and strong as can be for such a light set up, Stem is great cosmetically as well as beefy. Chain tensioners are a nice insentive with a small upgrade. The crank/bb, The only stock componant ive yet to break.
Weaknesses:
cheap rollers on stock chain tensioner, Grip shift, weak bars.
Similar Products Used:
Haro Escape 8.3,
Bike Setup:
I bent the solid fork so now its got a dual crown Jr.T, Upgraded the chain tensioners to Surly singulator chain wheels, Put a cross beam style downhill handlebar on, With an XTR shifter and suntour 9spd cassete, THE fenders, Uped the derailer, Sun Big Fat Mamoth wheelset deore hubs, Fsa titanium BB.
Bottom Line:
Ive worked at The bike shop i purchased the bike from for over five years. This is truely the most durable and still semi-light bike ive ever seen, rode, or read about. I couldnt be happier. I ride hard and break everything, but now that ive added the downhill fork and BFM rims, I cant hurt it. Ive tried. if you want a stock bike to customize to your specs this is the bike. You can make it light, or strong or fast or in my case all three. Im also pleased with the ease of maintnance as far as Headset/BB go
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
babaganoush babaganoush
a
from city, state, country Date Reviewed: July 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
radical edge
Strengths:
frame is real strong and the handle bars are good. the tires are amazing along with the light weight frame
Weaknesses:
fork succks big time(mine would stay stiff for a day and then work fine for a while???) and the crank could use some up grade
Bottom Line:
good bike fora bigginer if you can get the fork working good. could be a real good bike if you did some upgrades
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Branden
a Weekend Warrior
from US Army Germany Date Reviewed: July 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Anything in WA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$370.00
Purchased At:
Gregg's Cycles Greenlake
Strengths:
The Frame is bullit proof. Most the components are pretty good for the price as well. All the Bontrager components are great. Looks like a much pricier bike. No cheap stickers on the frame. Good color. Handles good all around. Excellent geometry, you feel in control the second you get on.
Weaknesses:
The Fork is pretty weak, and V brakes suck. The Deraileurs are pretty weak too.
Similar Products Used:
Cove Stiffee, Kona Sled, Specialized Hardrock sport disc
The bike was solid stock, but with an upgraded fork (Rock Shox Psylo U-turn) and disc brakes (Avid Juicy 5) it is insane. Have taken it off 6 foot plus drops and it hasnt even flinched. I plan to upgrade the drive train soon as well. This bike is awsome. You pay $370 for a good bike that you can leave as is or add to with better components. Either way you cant beet the price for indestructible entry level freeride. If you have tons of cash dont buy it. But if you are on a budget or are new to freeride its a great deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek Dobie
a Weekend Warrior
from Queensville,Ontario,Canada Date Reviewed: June 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Big Meany, ravneshoe forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$540.00
Purchased At:
Bikesports, Newmarket
Strengths:
The handle bars are great, it has strong rims, the frame is not to heavy and the forks are all right for what i have been doing. there is only one more and that is because it comes with the hub for a disc brake on the front
Weaknesses:
I think the main weakness is the colour but hey unless you are showing it, to hell with the colour
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Mullet, Norco Wolverine and Kona Shred
Bottom Line:
It is what you get for a 540.00 bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Bantford, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: June 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
gears and grills
Strengths:
Frame the things nearly industructable, fatty tyres
Weaknesses:
fork you get this funny thunk when pulling up and a clicking noise if you try to stiffing them, cassets should be a single up front cause the chain hits the fram almsot every bump, i had to put something to protect it right away
Bottom Line:
Its like the lowest entry level dirt jumping bike, but if you want one that won't need tones of upgrades get something other than this
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
josh smith
a Downhiller
from edmonton Date Reviewed: June 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
wedgewood trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
unitedcycle
Strengths:
it has a good frame, nice brakes (as far as v-brakes go)and a nice paint job
Weaknesses:
everything is pretty crappy but the frame
Similar Products Used:
05 bigfoot
Bike Setup:
bone stock
Bottom Line:
it is a good frame but everything else sucks so if you want a good bike don't buy this poor excuse for a bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Ross
a
from Ocala, FL, USA Date Reviewed: May 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Santos
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$395.00
Purchased At:
Xtreme Bike and Skate
Strengths:
Bars, Stem, Frame, Tires
Weaknesses:
cheap fork and drivetrain
Similar Products Used:
azonic steelhead
Bike Setup:
psylos and xt cranks
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome bike for dirt jumping and drops but some upgrades are necessary. I broke the left crank arm on my 1st day of jumping. The stock fork is not very smooth and extremely heavy. Trek was also a little stingy on their choice of derailleurs. but aside from those faults the frame geometry is amazing and it comes with lock on grips, good 2.4 inch tires, a strong stem and strong bars. Even though some of the stock parts are pretty cheap at under 400 bucks this bike is an excellent deal, I would recommend it for anyone that loves jumping
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Stevens
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY, USA Date Reviewed: May 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Blue Mountian Reservation
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$389.00
Purchased At:
Metro bicycle in New Rochelle
Strengths:
Cheap long travel fork, Big Burly tires, overbuilt frame
Weaknesses:
Drivetrain and shifting not so excellent. kind of heavy.
Bike Setup:
Standard 2005
Bottom Line:
Great for my purposes, I'm just getting in to freeride and mountian biking and this bike is great for me, it's cheap and strong i would sugjest it to other people getting in to mountian biking/freeride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marshall
a Weekend Warrior
from Willow Grove Date Reviewed: April 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Shingletown Gap
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Bike Line Montgomeryville
Strengths:
Frame that seems to be designed by the military, same with the wheels, incredible starting price for an amazing frame ready for excellent customisation
Weaknesses:
stock cranks are poor, front fork is heavier than most road bikes although outrageously strong, component set is not up to par but will suffice for the time needed for replacements. rear triangle is too narrow for the wide tires, anything above 2.35 rubs incesantly
Similar Products Used:
imitated by many, replicated by none.
Bike Setup:
stock rims, Psylo Race 125 mm, profile race crankset with black thorn rings, xtr rear and xt front derailurs, deore xt v brakes with kool stops and lx levers, thompson seat post, brooks saddle, tioga factory dh 2.35 mud tires.
Bottom Line:
This bike got me into mountain biking, i bought it the first year it came out, back when it came in black only and was fully rigid. stock it lasted me two years and required two new left crank arms, it has lasted me i believe three years since then with various new parts constantly coming on and off. the frame is scratched to all hell and it just keeps going, i've ridden the entire component set right off of it and replaced everything except the amazing double walled rims which i've had trued once and are still straight as an arrow. The frame is bombproof beyond logic, i am 6'4 and 250 pounds and i dropped it off three foot ledges and hit root gardens back on the rigid fork and it kicked my ass with out flexing or moving in the least, in the last two years i've had it go with a psylo race air shocks up front and it has proven it's self to me as an incredible jumping bike, taking me down my first loading dock and double stair case with balence like no other and it just keeps going strong, no bends, no creaks, and the stock head set and rims are still going strong. this bike is quality, at an incredible price. i would suggest it to anyone interested in urban or aggresive trail riding, it loves the mud and handles excellently with street tires as well. for what it is, it is the best. durability like no other, longevity, and excellent performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Rapid City, SD Date Reviewed: April 15, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Nasty with many downhills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
Scheels (local Trek dealer)
Strengths:
The frame on this thing is bombproof. Takes a beating and keeps going, handles anythig from root beds to dropping it off of a loading dock. Frame geometry makes clearing obsticles almost too easy. Wide tires give superb grip plus 120mm of front travel will get you over most nasties. Good price for an entry level bike. Dual duty rims are set up for V-brake and hubbed for disc. Some components are good.
Weaknesses:
Some components need upgrading. Suntour crank broke on second ride(hadn't even gotten off of the pavement). Insync(Spinner)Edge fork could use upgrage, but will suffice for now. Suntour front derailer is garbage, clamp chews up your frame and engagement isnt the best. V-brakes are not strong enough... upgrade to disc.
Great entry level bike. Frame is nasty, good Bontrager Earl componets. Front suspension okay but could use improvement. V-brakes are too weak for this type of bike, upgrade to disc. Suntour components suck (crankset, bottom braket and front derailer). Expect to have to make some upgrades. Over all, I do love this bike, I don't mind making future upgrades. I'll give it a 4 because of the crank issue I had. This is a great bike for the beginner.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a
from Texas Date Reviewed: January 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Strengths:
Frame and Tires and Grips and barends and bar and fork travel and disk hubs and WTB rims and clearance andweight
Weaknesses:
weight, seat, loose on post tektro V brakes, no water bottle bosses
Similar Products Used:
I guess GF tass
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Whoever outfitted this bike did a good job feature wise. Metal bar ends are secured with allen wrench as are the grips. 120 mm fork with decent diameter stanchions. With these tires the wheel diameter is almost an inch (ok 3/4") larger than the Tass. It is a 27er. Who needs a short travel full suspension bike with these tires? The angles make it easy to go over obstacles and ride wheelies and learn technique that will map to other bikes. The weight forces you to manage momentum rather than just muscling a light bike. Really good skill building bike.. but maybe it makes going over obstacles too easy? We use it as a guest bike/ training bike that is geometrically different enough to make the long chainstay ( 420mm vs 411mm!)and slack angles mean something... was that a root bed? Maybe it is just the tires?
Anyway: Who should buy this bike? 1) Anyone who wants to roll over anything and not worry too much about precise lines on intermediate trails. 2) people who beleive modern components from Trek are pretty good and you should only upgrade when the afforable component is causing problems that can't be conciously worked around with technique eg engagement isn't great but thats ok BUT the front is going to get an Avid 8 inch. 3) people who would rather use $350 on bringing someone new to a great and challenging sport while refining their skill set.. rather than on [X].
Who should not buy this bike? 1)People who already know they need higher end cmponents and think that this frame is too heavy as a starting place for upgrading (33lbs stock build including the metal bar caps?), 2) People who are not willing to adjust their riding style while climbing to keep their knees off the bars, 3) People who care about bling.
I like this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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