Submitted by
Jordan300
a Weekend Warrior
from Gainesville,Florida Date Reviewed: April 16, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Santos
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Gator Cycle
Strengths:
Durable as all hell. This bike has carried me over 1100 miles in the past few year, I have done very little maintenance.
Weaknesses:
It's heavy
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Hardrock, GT Avalance, Schwinn MOAB-1
Bike Setup:
I have not upgraded anything yet, other than tires. I've always ridden until parts needed replacing and then upgrade, but nothing has broken yet, so I'm riding fairly close to stock.
Bottom Line:
This bike was at the low end of Trek's FS and I really wanted FS so I jumped at it and it has not let me down yet. If you want to get into riding and you have a chance to pick one of these up, go for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
awesome51
a Weekend Warrior
from USA Date Reviewed: March 6, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$650.00
Strengths:
The frame is superbly costructed and strong,the brakes are outstanding considering that they are mechanical.The fork shifters and rims are also pretty good for the price.
Weaknesses:
Rear shock and the tires are okay but not the best.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper 29er
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox MC 3.3 rear air shock and kenda nevegal tires
Bottom Line:
This is a very good bike for the price. I have gone off some pretty big jumps and this bike survives it all. You will want to upgrade the rear shock and the tires. The shifters are fine for the price. If you can I would upgrade the fork to an air fork. This bike climbs like a mountain goat and can do downhill just as well. The brakes on this bike work extremely well so it is not nessecary to upgrade to hydraulic brakes. The nice thing about this bike is that you can upgrade it to no end because the frame is pretty much the best do-it-all frame there is. This bike will handle anything that you care to throw at it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sinac84
a Cross Country Rider
from Snellville, Ga, USA. Date Reviewed: October 13, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Strengths:
Very easy to ride once set up right. Pretty strong frame and good componants. Strong rims.
Weaknesses:
Wish the read had a better shock and wish it came with better tires.
Similar Products Used:
None, first full susp. bike
Bike Setup:
stock but will be upgrading breaks, tires, crank, and wheelset to help shave some weight off
Bottom Line:
Bought this bike from a friend who only put 10 miles on it. Has set in his garage for over a year. Took it to my LBS and has it tuned up and everything works like new. I have taken it off some 2-3 foot drops to test it and no drama just hits the ground and keeps going. Climbs as good as any hardtail and easy to control doing downhill. A little heavy but after some upgrades that should help. I really like this bike, it fits me well, and I was kinda worried about the chainstay braking (heard it was a issue) because i'm 205lbs but I don't do alot of jumps (just when I feel like it) but after testing it on some 2-3 foot drops I'm convienced it will be fine. Wheels didn't even come untrue. Will follow up if I have a chainstay break.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dorcrycrystal
a Cross Country Rider
from las vegas nv Date Reviewed: October 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
the one im on at the time
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
the bike shop
Strengths:
the frame is strong as hell and can take a beating, great bike for the price , you just cant beat it I have put this bike to the test , and will always ride a trek
Weaknesses:
the stock tires are weak, the rear shock doesn't work well you will need to mess with the psi for the front and rear shocks to work well depending on your weight
Similar Products Used:
Marin, Cannondale, KHS
Bike Setup:
I have changed my setup, now I have rockshox 311 taura front fork, rockshox mc 3.3 rear, shortened the neck and a fresh set of velosiraptor tires.
Bottom Line:
For the price of this bike it is awesome, if you are a beginner, this bike is definitely worth the money, the components aren't great on it (tires, and shocks) but if you are just a weekend warrior and are going out on the trail, this bike won't dissappoint, if you want to advance your skillset , just upgrade your components, the frame is solid and it's not super heavy,i've had over 8 bikes in 13 years and i plan to keep this one for a while.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
biga6462
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: June 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Madrone Trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Strengths:
Great all around bike for the price
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4300, Cannondale F-400
Bottom Line:
I have put over 1,400 miles on this bike and have been pleased with the results. This bike is quick and does everything I need it to do for me. It is a bit heavy compared to my previous bikes but has more features and the weight is a plus because I am about 170lbs. I have found out that this bike can handle whatever I throw at it and requires almost 0 maintenance. The only complaints I have are little things that went wrong when I first bought the bike. I believe most of the blame can be put on the bike shop. The front tire had a nice little bow in it and the rear shock broke on me rather quickly. All was replaced and I have had no problems since. Overall this a great bike for the price, and you can always upgrade to better components.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Denton, TX Date Reviewed: April 9, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$950.00
Strengths:
Smooth, nice, fair value
Weaknesses:
Flimsy parts
Similar Products Used:
GT bike
Bike Setup:
full suspension
Bottom Line:
I think, for the money, that this bike is a decent value. My rocker arm broke and I see that I'm not the only one, but the bike shop that I bought this bike from took care of it. It took two weeks, but they got the part from Trek, replaced it and I'm on the trails again. I really, really, really hate all the clicks and noises coming out of this bike. I have owned one nice road bike and one other nice MTB and this one here is the noisiest. The clicks sound like they are coming form the BB and I can't get them to go away even though I keep the bike clean and well-lubed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ciaran Mauro
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Helena, California, USA Date Reviewed: December 30, 2007
I have only briefly ridden this bike due to my friend owning it, not me. But by my expieriences riding it, it has a great fork. The rear air suspention is not that well designed, it tends to need refilling often. A stock chainguard could help loads.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zach
a Cross Country Rider
from USA,CT Date Reviewed: October 7, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Country Sports
Strengths:
light, simple tunning, climbs well
Weaknesses:
fork
Similar Products Used:
kona coiler
Bike Setup:
standered
Bottom Line:
This is a very nice intro cross country bike. Great for climbs and long rides. It is nice priced bike with simple but stable parts. I have had this bike for four years and the drive train is just starting to wear out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zach
a Cross Country Rider
from USA,CT Date Reviewed: October 7, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Country Sports
Strengths:
light, simple tunning, climbs well
Weaknesses:
fork
Similar Products Used:
kona coiler
Bike Setup:
standered
Bottom Line:
This is a very nice intro cross country bike. Great for climbs and long rides. It is nice priced bike with simple but stable parts. I have had this bike for four years and the drive train is just starting to wear out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony Van Bergen
a Weekend Warrior
from Campbell River, B.C. Date Reviewed: September 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Snowden demo forest trails
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Spokes
Strengths:
Good value for an entry level full suspension bike.
Weaknesses:
Cracked swing arm, poor Trek support.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock, only changed tires and worn out parts.
Bottom Line:
Bike performed well in the first year but now is needing parts to keep it going. Cracked rear swing arm on right side near pivot twice (had it welded) and last week broke off the tube. Had it welded and a gusset added. Trek would not replace it and part quoted at $500.00. It seems to be a easy pedeling bike and I have put lots of km on it. Good entry level mountain bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale, AZ Date Reviewed: August 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
BikeLine (Pennsylvania)
Strengths:
Long lasting
Weaknesses:
Kinda heavy
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike 4 years ago as my first (and only so far) full suspension bike. Unfortunately, I can't compare it to anything else, b/c I haven't had much need to ride anything else. I started out riding PA rail trails, but over the last 2 years have stepped up to better riding in AZ (S. mountain twice a week)...and she has still served me well. I cracked the rear trianlge, and have heard that that is a common problem with this bike (Trek replaced). Finally replaced the cranks and read cassette just a few months ago....they lasted that long (given my 1st 2 years with here didn't include much abuse). I've even taken this bike on a 400 mile bike tour and stayed pretty comfortable. I'm searching for a new bike mostly b/c my riding has evolved, but I will still keept this one, since she has never failed me. I just hope I can love my next bike as much as this one!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Emery
a Cross Country Rider
from Akron, Ohio, USA Date Reviewed: August 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Regan Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Super upgradeable / Great frame for sub 250lb riders
Weaknesses:
Weight / Standard Components / Difficult to set-up front & rear suspension
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Rocket 2 / Kona Kikapu / Trek Liquid
Bike Setup:
Shimano XT Combo shift/brake lever, XT Front & Rear Derailuers, PG970 Cass, XTR Cables, Ranger Wheels with Shimano LX Disc Brake group, RockShox J2 front fork and BAR Rear shock
Bottom Line:
I really like this bike. I have been through many different bikes and really like the way this bike sets up for me sizewise. It is a bit over weight, but can be lightened with a new crank and wheelset. The frame is super upgradeable and has a ton of potential. This is a frame I'll keep for quite some time to come.
Will be looking at LX/XT Crankset, Race Lite Wheelset, newer headset, as well as a new rear shock and front fork over the next 18-24 months. Once that is done I'll post a follow-up review. I would recommend this bike/frame as long as there were upgrades in the future and the ride was not over 250lbs.
Overall, for the money I spent on the bike and upgrades I am very satisfied.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a Cross Country Rider
from kennesaw, GA, USA Date Reviewed: August 5, 2007
Don't expect to do any drops over 2 feet or big jumps with this bike. It is good for a hilly rooty ride, but I would not recommend it for a mountain if you weigh more than 180. I cracked the frame twice and the rockshox j2 fork got stuck in the fully compressed position. If you ride hard at least once a week, save time and drop more money on something with more travel. Also, get a fox for the back.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Smallman
a Cross Country Rider
from Lancaster Date Reviewed: April 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Grisedale and Swindale
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
November 2006
Strengths:
Really good for single track riding and can cope with so light freeride.
Weaknesses:
The sram sx 4 shifter has broken twice for me and the back end off the bike is a bit heavy but for $900 it wont be perfect
Similar Products Used:
n/a
Bike Setup:
i have got michalen tyres, hope xc headset,east bar and stem, speciezed seat
Bottom Line:
over all it is a brill bike and it is reallly good for xc riding and easliy to modiefy to your personal prefences
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Psychodad
a Weekend Warrior
from Mission, TX, USA Date Reviewed: April 10, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Bike Barn, Houston, TX
Strengths:
Good frame. Sweet black color. Great value. Bike handles well.
Weaknesses:
SRAM SX4 shifters are difficult to shift. BAR rear shock has no rebound adjustment. Squeaky brakes. Limited rear travel (3 inches). No clipless pedals.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Stock. Changed to SRAM X7 grip shifters, Panaracer Fire Pro XC tires with Stans, and Shimano 520 clipless pedals.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike last year as I was just getting into mountain biking. Have used it for over a year for trail riding and some xc racing. Has taken everything I've thrown at it. Has a good balanced feel and handles well. Great entry-level full suspension mountain bike for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
spencer
a Cross Country Rider
from knoxville ,tn, usa Date Reviewed: February 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
haw ridge or tasli
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$799.00
Purchased At:
orbc
Strengths:
this bike rocks, i owened a giant nrs 1 $2800. this bike climbs and downhills better. i also owned a gary f sugar 3 disc and this bike smokes it. both other bikes had a little better componits but wait till i updgrade this fuel . haw ridge look out.
Weaknesses:
front fork, but not bad will ride till i bust it.then upgrade to sid race
Similar Products Used:
giant nrs, specialized fsr
Bike Setup:
thompson stem, panaracer tires
Bottom Line:
you cant beat this bike. the money i spent floors me for the performance. the the cherry on the cake is the stealth black color. cabel brakes are better thr hydrolic i have had both.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
XCer
a Cross Country Rider
from GSO, NC Date Reviewed: January 23, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$675.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Chain
Strengths:
very well made frame and superb geometry. the whole package is nicely put together and you cannot beat the pice!!
Weaknesses:
the brakes are loud and the shifters feel a little uninspiring
I love this bike. the rear-suspension really makes a huge difference in the climbing and downhill abilities and control. the relatively short rear travel makes for excellent riding characteristics because it feels closer to a hard-tail on flat surfaces, but gives you the added absorption on bumpy, technical areas. the components may not be as nice as what you'd find on a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp, but it is on par in performance to other FS bikes costing 3 times as much. this bike is a great buy and you won't be disappointed!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Fischer
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO, USA Date Reviewed: September 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
porcupine rim/ white ranch
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Amazing Value, super solid build quality overall. Decent components. I have used and abused this bike on pretty much every hard trail from the Front Range, Crested Butte, Fruita, and Moab. It takes a lickin and keeps on tickin.
Weaknesses:
Stock fork sucks, but hey, it is still a good value. Lasted for a year and half before I blew the seals. Rear rs bar bottoms out. stock tires and saddle
Similar Products Used:
giant, specialized, kona.
Bike Setup:
replaced blown axel with manitou minute which is a definite improvement, but it is super loose and noodlely over 120cm. spds, wtb saddle, stock tires suck, now specialized pro 2.1 and kenda blue groove.
Bottom Line:
Great bang for the buck. Couldn't ask for a better entry level full suspension bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve
a Weekend Warrior
from new york Date Reviewed: September 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$999.00
Purchased At:
Berts Bikes
Strengths:
pretty much everything but the brakes and tires. Strong frame and good front fork and rear shock good driveterrain also.
Weaknesses:
the brakes whould be a lot better if they were something such as juicy 5 or hayes hfx 9 and the tire wear very quicky
Similar Products Used:
trek 4900 3900 bitter king fisher 2 4500
Bike Setup:
Xt rear and deore front Hayes HFX nines and bontrager big earl 2.5 tires
Bottom Line:
Very very good bike for the money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dorian ruiz
a Cross Country Rider
from las vegas, nv Date Reviewed: August 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
timberline, brianhead ut
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
the "Bike Shop" in Henderson , nv
Strengths:
the frame is solid and it takes a really good beatin', the disc brakes are outstanding
Weaknesses:
none, although the stock rock shox have held up to the constant beatin, I am upgrading the front forks , and probably will do the same for the rear shock, the rear shock you will have to lower the psi to get them to work well depending on your weight , but overall for the money , there is no weakness,
Similar Products Used:
KHS EXt full suspension,
Bottom Line:
I would recommend this bike to anyone who is beginning or even an avid rider, for the money you can't beat it, the frame is solid and you can always upgrade your components without getting a new bike, the components on the bike have taken a pounding and I haven't had any probs with it, I upgraded it for my own preference , but plan on keeping this bike for a while..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ash
a
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: June 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$899.00
Strengths:
Everything except tires
Weaknesses:
Tires - Trek could of used $40 dollars on a higher quality tire.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4300, Cannondale F-400, Diamondback Sorrento
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I am so impressed with this bike and the price that I payed for it. Trek has always produced bikes cheaper than their competitors. I am stuck with this brand because of the quality I have seen with the last bike I owned the Trek 4300.This bike brings on a new meaning to each trail that you ride. I can do a lot more having the back suspension and can maintain speed 100% better when running over objects such as roots and rocks. I will not lie to everbody but I did have a lot of trouble with this bike when I first bought it. The blame can be put on the idiots that assembled the bike for me at the bike shop. I will never take it back to them but fix the problems myself. A few bolts were loose, no grease on the seatpost, derailer out of line, disk brakes out of line, and the front tire came with a bow on it. These were easy fixes but should not have been something I had to deal with when spending a large sum of money on the bike. I highly recommend this bike because of price, quality, and performance. Always remember with Trek they make the same frames for each line of back which enables you to buy cheap and upgrade when needed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Colorado Springs , Co Date Reviewed: June 1, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Palmer Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$990.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Village
Strengths:
great bike for the riders that have riden and are trying to improve there skills
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Good for its money. All around good bike for mosly any type of riding
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott
a Cross Country Rider
from KS Date Reviewed: May 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
deer creek(crested butte)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1049.00
Purchased At:
trek
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
great bike for its price, i would recomend it to anyone :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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