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Submitted by
MTBPhan
a Weekend Warrior
from Wallyworld, CT
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Lovers | | Strengths: | I LOVE THIS BIKE! It makes me look like a much better rider than I really am ;) Light, climbs like a giant, handles magnificantly. Looks sharp. Overall incredible value. | | Weaknesses: | Nitpicking->shifting. Rear deraileur can be choppy, maybe its my shifting though too, but im reading others have the same prob. Still, this is a non-issue imo. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein, Trek 6500 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is you can probably get a great deal on this bike, if so, pick it up! Its also got longevity, im straight on needing a new bike for a while. Great for those getting into the sport who want to start with a bike they can depend on for a while, or for the vet who needs a new solid bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Racer
from Crownsville, MD
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | patapsco valley-- ridge trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$875.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Doctor-best sponsor ever! | | Strengths: | stiff frame decent components, light, tires hook up well
| | Weaknesses: | brakes are mediocre | | Similar Products Used: | none that i like as much as this | | Bike Setup: | XT with some XTR, Rock shox Sid Race, Raceface grips and bar, hutchinson tires | | Bottom Line: | fun to ride fun to race fun to do whatever on, weather a weekend rider or a hardcore racer this is a good value, throw a sid race on and save more than a pound from an already light bike | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Matthews Winters | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Turin Bikes/Denver | | Strengths: | Light weight, stiff, first time I've noticed a significant ability to accelerate on trails. Good quality Shimano XT components. | | Weaknesses: | Ocassional shifting problems from Large chainring to medium chainring. On dry dusty trails, braking doesn't stop on a dime. Road bike rims seem to be more advanced. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein and Specialized | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I had my mind set on buying a Klein. After test-riding Klein, Specialized and Trek, the Trek 8000 was the most comfortable fit. On moderate difficulty trails around Denver, I can slingshot out of turns and corners, excellent feeling. Great feeling, smooth hardtail bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A Carlson
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bayview Cycle Centre | | Strengths: | It's a very light weight, excellent parts from XT Gears, Avid Brakes, a Rockshok, and Clipless pedals. | | Weaknesses: | None at this point | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, Rocky Mtn | | Bottom Line: | Would highly recommend this bike for anybody looking for a good value and quality. I used this bike for two years and had no major problems with the exception of one major crash that my local bike shop, Bayview Cycle was able to save, slight dent - but works great. Highly impressed with the beating it keeps taking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from LongGrove IL
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | RRB | | Strengths: | components,color scheme, good all around frame | | Weaknesses: | bontrager seatpost and grips, had to replace | | Similar Products Used: | giant xtc se1, gary fisher tassajara, specialized rock hopper | | Bike Setup: | magura hs-33 brakes, yeti grips, thomson seatpost, selle italia seat, nokian boazabeans F & R tires, | | Bottom Line: | Used on a weakly basis and is still holding up very well. The only problem has been the seatpost the kept slipping and I replaced it. The components that came with the bike for the price are a great bargain. The bike looks really good with the rolf wheels and the paint job. The fork is holding up but planning to replace with either a 03 duke or sid race. The bike feels great on the trails and it was a great buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Lonewolf, Grotpeter | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Lightweight frame. Same paint scheme as 01 Fuel 100 and Elite 9.8. Reasonably well equipped for the price. Last year for the disk brakes on high-end hardtails. Easy to maintain. | | Weaknesses: | Clearcoat and paint are thin. Bontrager seatpost clamp is easy to strip. Judy SL creaks and the right forf seal has started to leak. | | Bike Setup: | Replaced BB and cranks with XT/LX, Rr der. w/ XTR, Fr der. w/ XT, Salsa shaft seatpost, Thomson stem, Selle Italia Flite, Panaracer FireXC Pro, Cateye Enduro 2. | | Bottom Line: | This is one of the best hardtails out there. I have had this for a little over a year now and the bike is still standing. No major problems to report. Frame is still intact and continues to ride well. Most of my component changes were in the interest of comfort or weight savings. Swapped out crankset b/c I wanted to save some weight, so I don't have any experience with the cranks being "flexy." Keep in mind that a lot of posts on MTBR are from people who have never even tested the products and just like to slam. Dolomite disc wheels are pretty tough. I knocked the rear one out of true once, but since adjustment has been perfect. Rear hub is loud, but I haven't had a problem with it. Stock Hayes are absolutely awesome. I will never ride anything but discs again. The small weight penalty is far worth the superior braking and ease of maintenance. The Judy SL has held up well. It is just now starting to have some maintenance issues, but I planned on getting a new fork this spring anyway.
My next bike will definately be a F/S but I anticipate having this as my main ride for at least a couple more years. Even after I get a new rig, I know I'll still ride this one. Hardtails can't be rivaled on the climbs or on the flats. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl Raupp
a Cross Country Rider
from London, Ontario
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Haven't met a bad one yet | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$920.00 | | Strengths: | Super frame, Rolf Satellite wheels, nice componentry spec, blah blah blah - overall an excellent bike for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager Comp cranks sometimes is hesitant shifting to the granny. Of course when you need the granny, it's frustrating to chain suck in it's place :( | | Bike Setup: | All stock except it now sports a Manitou Elite Air 80mm fork, Titec barends, Cateye computer and a San Marco Hovercraft seat. | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to my original review just over a year ago. After more than a year and over 2000km of riding, I am still impressed by this bike and the overall package. The frame is still rock solid, it climbs like a monkey, rails corners, downhills great and is just a confidence inspiring platform. After a year of riding and seeing my skills grow, this bike is still much better than I am a rider. I only ride cross country style, no hucking or trials type riding in my blood.
Mechanically the bike has been bulletproof. The Rolf Satellite wheels have only needed truing once and still roll smoothly and the stock componentry has held up extremely well. I've replaced brake pads a couple of times, chain once and done routine maintenance but that's about it. With as many miles of riding as I have, some parts are at the end of their life like the cassette and all the cables but I'll milk those until the season is over and start fresh next spring. I just replaced the Judy SL as I just felt like spending some money on my bike. Some things I'm amazed at how long they are lasting is the tires - like the Energizer bunny they just keep going and going and... Admittedly the rear tire is getting sketchy so it's time to research some new treads. Grips are soon to be replaced as well.
Upgrades I've done include Titec barends and I just intalled a Manitou Elite Air fork - WOW! The new fork is so far more advanced than the Judy SL it's amazing - and I really liked the Judy SL to begin with. Now that I have a new fork, I can see that the bushings in the Judy were wearing/worn. My original Bontrager seat started creaking so I put my old trusty San Marco Hovercraft on. It's a seat hated by all far and wide but my butt fits it like a glove and that's what's important.
Overall I think this is an unbeatable package! When I was looking for a bike last year, I looked at Cannondale, Giant, Specialized, Gary Fisher and so on but none of 'em had such a solid package as the 8000. And when you look at the reviews of this bike here saying how solid, reliable and ridable it is, it paints a pretty clear picture of this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Wayne, IN
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | ANYTHING | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Where to start? SOLID frame - beautiful welds. Decent components all around. Nice looking machine. The bike simply oozes quality. . .thank you TREK! | | Weaknesses: | The Avid SD3's and the LX levers/shifters gotta go. I'm finally replacing them this weekend with SD7's, Speed Dial 7 levers, and XT pods. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, GT | | Bike Setup: | Stock - soon I'll have the aforementioned upgrades. | | Bottom Line: | I LOVE THIS BIKE! Very comfortable - I've seen some complaints about the saddle but it doesn't seem to bother me. I've ridden a little of everything, but for the majority of Indiana riding I don't need a full-sus bike. The frame is ALWAYS rock solid - very confidence inspiring. Very quick, very agile, always fun, and not a single breakdown on the trail yet. I was recently in a race where mtb's and roadies covered the exact same course and you shoulda seen the faces on the roadie riders when they got passed by a mountian bike!! I loved the bike after the first month, and it continues to impress me with each ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Hampshire, IL USA
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Rack, St. Charles, IL | | Strengths: | Hayes hydraulic brakes are awesome, sturdy wheels, Shimano parts, overall Value, Trek reputation, | | Weaknesses: | Bontranger crank, & front shifting. Fixed by LBS. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale dual V700, Trek 830, tested many others | | Bike Setup: | Hayes Disc Brakes!! Bontranger wheels! Upgraded Ouri grips, ATAC comp pedals, Rock Shox susp. seatpost, Koobi seat, cracked Performance bar end grips, | | Bottom Line: | After 9 months of trouble-free riding in Illinois and Wisconsin on the roughest trails around, I took a week-long trip to Winter Park, CO to do some real mountian riding. I brought a complete tool box for the hotel room, and a Crank Bros. multi-tool in my CamelBak, expecting that something would break or otherwise need repair. NOTHING let me down! The bike and all components worked as expected. Thank Hayes for such great brakes - no arm swelling holding a death grip on the Kamakazi downhills (as I had to with previous V-brakes). The paired-spoke wheels stayed true despite riding into and over rocks the size of hall closets. The front fork worked fine, and I see no need for any upgrade there. Rapid-Fire shifting was quick and flawless. When the bike was new, I had unmanagable problems with the crank and shifting up front that could not be fixed with ordinary tools trailside -but which the LBS troubleshot and fixed. The stout aluminum frame is good or bad depending on your skeleton's capacity for shock. I put a suspension seat post in and like the ride much better. (I am used to the smooth ride of my Airborne Titanium road bike, or my old dual susp. Cannondale) I recommend this bike highly with the hydraulic disc brakes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Juelson
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Forks, ND
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Medora, ND | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Frame is excellent, XT Rear Derailleur, Nice looking bike | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager Comp crank, pedals, Judy SL fork | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | 17.5 in. frame, Spinergy SPOX wheelset, Time ATAC pedals, upgraded stem, Deore front derailleur (instead of LX), MAXXIS Mobster tires, bar ends, | | Bottom Line: | This is a solid frame, and it is worth putting some quality parts on here. It is an all around great performer out on the trail. The frame is very stiff, which has many advantages. However, I will be adding a suspension seat post to help ease pressure on my buttocks and back. I have not encountered the problems with the Bontrager crank that other reviewers have, but it has still had some issues. Part of this may be that I am 145 lbs, but you would think a guy my size would have difficulty bending the crank ring just by pedaling hard. I bent the middle ring (merely by pedaling hard while shifting) and had to take a hammer to it to bend it back into place. The crank is another item that will be replaced in the near future. A fork with more adjustability would also be desirable, especially for racing.
Overall, this is a great bike. It does take a bit of work and a few $$ to transform it into an adequate racing unit though. If you are looking for a quality hardtail that will perform well in most situations and allow you to be competitive in the lower racing categories, then this will likely be a good fit for you.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Sitkins
a Weekend Warrior
from Kalispell, Montana, USA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Farragut | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheatons Cycle | | Strengths: | Great Frame (nice paint job too!), Love the Rolf Satellite Wheels. Excels in tight turns!
Worth putting a few extra $$ into. | | Weaknesses: | Shimano M515 Clipless pedals take a little getting used to, but that could just be me, might upgrade to the ATAC's. Avid SD3 breakset stopping power is so-so. | | Similar Products Used: | Test road about every bike out there!
Upgraded from a GT Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much the stock setup - Out-of-the box. | | Bottom Line: | I LOVE THIS BIKE! Awesome bike in my opinion. I got an awesome deal on the whole thing. I upgraded from a GT Hardtail and have no regrets. I'm considering getting into XC racing, and the bike feels great. I can really fly on this bike and still feel in control. I looked at the Elite 9.8, but way too much $$$. I Recommend this bike to anyone willing to spend about $1000 on a bike. I did a lot of shopping around before I bought this bike, and believe me, it's the best bike you can get for the money.
I have read a lot a complaints about the seat and crankset, After a couple hundred miles, I haven't had any problems with either one. I might upgrade the Judy SL in the future, but not just yet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Annadel, North Burma | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1049.00 | | Purchased At: | Rincon Cyclery, Santa Rosa CA | | Strengths: | Well built, light frame, Sweet Rolf Sattelite wheels, good component set.
| | Weaknesses: | The Avid SD-3's didn't inspire alot of confidence. | | Similar Products Used: | Lower Model Treks, a couple of Specialized products
and an old Diamond Back. | | Bike Setup: | XT shifter pods, Avid SD-7 brakes and levers, Other than these changes, the bike is pretty much stock. | | Bottom Line: | After being out of the sport for a few years, I decided to get back in and the 8000 proved to be the right bike for me.
What a difference coming off of an old Diamond Back Ascent, and a cheap full suspension MGX from Costco. The bike is light, and very durable. I wasn't sure how the Rolf wheels
were going to hold up, but they have proven to be very strong and light. I typically ride three or four times per week, averaging 15 to 20 miles per ride, and the bike is more capable than I am. It climbs well and is very manueverable. The only draw back was the SD-3's but they
were replaced a few months ago with the SD-7's. Now, I am able to carry more downhill speed and know that I can control the bike. Overall, this is one of the best purchases I have made. I ride with several guys who have more expensive machines, and it seems like they are often messing with adjustments here and there. I just keep mine clean and lubed after every ride and I never have to mess
with anything on the trail. My endurance and climbing ability have improved dramatically over the last couple of months, much of it due to having a nice ride! I'll have this bike for a long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff (Shorty)
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Waller Mill (Dogwood Trail) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | All About Bikes | | Strengths: | Solid Frame and Great componets for the Price. Overall its very light and the Rolf rims look and preform awesome!!! | | Weaknesses: | The Bontrager seat is a little on the firm side, but nothing major to complain about. Additionally, the tread on the tires seems a little soft and is wearing down quickly. | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Giant and KHS | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | The 2001 TREK 8000 is a great bike. I looked at the Giant XTC SE2, Specialized Rockhopper FSC Comp and a few others but for the money nothing beat the Trek 8000. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a quality hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rodolfo Pena
a Cross Country Rider
from Monterrey, N.L. Mexico
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Chipinque | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1070.00 | | Purchased At: | Pro Bike | | Strengths: | The Rolf wheels are very good, the frame is light and resistant, good looking too. | | Weaknesses: | Seat sucks(replaced), tires slippery on the trail (as they get worn their performance improves a little bit), the brakes not good and the brake shoes are really bad quality compared to the quality and price of the bike , I mean, if they put better brake shoes to the brakes, how much would it increase the cost, not much I think. Same thing with that horrible seat.
judy squeeks, very noisy. | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh 5000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Generally the bike is great, after one year of using it, I can only complain of what I complained in my first review one year ago but after this year I can tell you , I have punished this bike on the down hill so much and have not had any repair or mantainance on it, the thing is working good and Rolf wheels have not bent even a little. The frame is bent because of a rock hit going down, but no major damage. The Judy fork steel squeeking, probably will squeek forever, I really dont mind.
Goog bike, I personally think the 2002 got more marketable and even is expensive,components like wheels are not as good as the 2001, also the paint job is far , far much better on the 2001 model. If I had to choose between a used 2001 and a used 2002 I would go for the 2001. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta,GA
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bull Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Atlanta Cyclng | | Strengths: | Frame, Fork, and Wheelset | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager, Bontrager, and Bontrager. Also the tire treads are not good for heavy mud. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Trek 8000, Specialized Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with Shimano XT crankset, XTR rear derailleur Time ATAC pedals and Tec bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | The Bontrager components keep this bike from being the best value in the country. They must be replaced immediately. Also, the frame creaks a lot and the rear hub is noisy, but the sounds don't seem to effect performance.
I should mention that I'm a large rider (6'2, 225lbs), so perhaps some smaller guys would not have the same problems I faced.
I purchased a Trek 8000 in 2000 as my first serious mountainbike after 2 years of riding a steel frame. Loved everything about that bike and never had a single problem with it. Would have ridden it for years and never traded it even if I upgraded to a better bike.
It was stolen.
So, insurance company agreed to buy me a brand new 2001 Trek 8000. Sounds like a great deal - I pay my deductible and get a brand new bike.
Well, first time out the chain bent the middle chain ring while shifting to the granny gear. LBS replaced it. Second time out shifting was iffy, at best, and I was getting an unacceptable amount of chain suck. The third time out I was still getting annoying chainsuck, and I noticed that the new middle chain ring was slightly warped. Before I could finish my ride, I got chainsuck while going from a steep downhill to a slight climb at high speed, and the chain literally folded my rear derailleur in half. I managed to grab a tree to keep from killing myself, and then I had to walk 5 miles back to my Jeep.
The LBS replaced the crankset with Shimano XT. They also gave me a deal to replace the rear derailleur with XTR ($25).
The new drivetrain has worked reasonably well, although shifting always seems to be a little off even though I adjust it regularly. I threw a spoke once for no noticeable reason, but I figure that will happen with such light wheels.
Also, I like the Bontrager seat a lot of folks are complaining about.
With the improved drivetrain, you would be hard-pressed to find a better hardtail for the money. I'm giving this bike a 4, even though my early drivetrain experience was stressful. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ringwood | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | Ski Barn | | Strengths: | Value, light weight, all-round good components, Rolf wheels look cool! | | Weaknesses: | Cranks, tires, handle bars good, but not the best... | | Similar Products Used: | tried out Trek Fuel 90, Cannondale F600, Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: | pretty much stock | | Bottom Line: | Love this bike, the overall quality and excellent frame weight, for the price can't really be beat. I ride this bike pretty hard 1-2 a week and probably give it less than adequate care afterwords. So far no problems, this bike takes the abuse, and rewards you for pushing your limits. I can't believe some of the climbs/obstacles I've tackled on this bike. Honestly, the cranks and tires are not great but like I say so far no problems and I will probably only upgrade when they can't be used anymore. You can't really go wrong with this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Newton, Iowa, USA
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Nature overlook | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Iowa Bike and Fittness (employee price) | | Strengths: | light, fast, all around an awesome bike! I take mine through hell and back, it has taken everything the trails can throw at it. The wheels are great...light and fast | | Weaknesses: | rapid fire shifters | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Big Sur, Paragon | | Bike Setup: | I put attack grip shifters and new brake levers on the thing 'cause I can't stand the rapid fire...too slow. But other than that...factory components. | | Bottom Line: | The thing climbs like a dream and is very light..you can't beat it. The 2001 paint job looks great but the 2002 sucks. The 8000 is a very versitile bike...it can take whatever you throw at it. Hardtail lovers, this is your bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Garrick
a
from Hatteras , NC. USA
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | trail of tears | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Island Cycles Avon NC (employee price) | | Strengths: | Good value, great feel, relatively light | | Weaknesses: | Handlebars were too wide cut 1 1/2" off each side. The grips sucked. I slipped off and almost made myself into a unick, switched to Yeti's and have'nt had a problem since. The front end seems to plow through corners. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6500, 7000, stp400 | | Bike Setup: | Switched to xt front derailleur. Changed the grips to Yeti. Got rid of the Bontrager saddle for a Selle Italia ti. | | Bottom Line: | I think this bike rocks. It take all the punishment I throw at it. Solid performer, can't complain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rafiki
a Racer
from Canada
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | the one I haven't ridden | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Looks that could kill, solid components, good frame, not unreasonable price, multi-purpose | | Weaknesses: | bonty chainrings, idiots who think that you've lost spokes, tyres weren't ideal for the area i ride in | | Similar Products Used: | 98 Norco Sasquatch (old bike), 01 Rocky Elevation (brother's), 01 Rocky Element Race (dad's), tons of others borrowed from race/ride buddies | | Bike Setup: | Stock cept for xtr v-brakes, RaceFace Next cranks and rings | | Bottom Line: | Cash in the rings as soon as you buy the bike and spend the money on getting some good craks (Truvativ or RaceFace). I folded my middle chainring in the second kilometer of my first race on the bike and had to race the next 98 kilometers in my big ring. The SD3's are a good, but not powerful enough so if you have the chance, get them upgraded to at least the LX level, you won't regret it. The bars were a bit wide for me when I got them, I cut them down a centimeter on each side and started crashing a lot less. The fork made a really annoying clicking sound when it was pumped, but my lbs was really good and put a boot over the spring in about ten minutes.
Otherwise, the bike is amazing, the fork can be a bit of a performance to adjust, but youll learn from practice. This thing handles small to medium drops well, but the big ones can be a little stiff on the landing (duh, its a hardtail). I've borrowed a RockShox seatpost for a few of my epics cuz otherwise I start to go numb.
Get this bike if you are on a bit of a budget but want a bike that you can ride without worrying about it falling to pieces. Racers might want to upgrade to a better fork and some lighter components but the bike works perfectly for me as it is set up.
One final thing: The Deore and LX stuff performs just as well as XT stuff with only a few grams difference. The names shouldn't matter, I mean when you're burning it up some massive hill or just having fun, the tiny little letters on your front derailleur aren't going to matter. Just get out and ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Hillside, IL
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anywhere with hills and dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | American Bicycle and Fitness | | Strengths: | This is a nice Bike. Everything about it is great. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Tried comparable Specialized, Gary Fisher, and Schwinn Bikes
Also tested Trek 6700 this year and Trek 7000 laast year | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for peddles | | Bottom Line: | Needless to say, I like this bike. I'm 50 and just getting into mountain biking. I have been involved in endurance athletics most of my life, but foot and leg problems have put an end to running. A bit insular by nature, the ability to go wherever I want on a mountain bike is appealing. I am a novice to the discipline, and bought all the bike I could afford. I have ridden it in places from the Illinois Prairie path to old logging and access roads in Superior National Forest. I have raced twice(once hot and dry, the other pouring rain and mud up to 8 inches deep) and had a ball.
I find no faults with the bike. It has done what it was supposed to do. Perhaps upgrades can make it better, but I have had no problems at all, with peak riding at over 100 miles per week. It has responded well to all conditions. A great bike for cross country and dirt trails and withstood the beating on those Minnesota trails. As I gather more experience, perhaps upgrades are in future. If the snow and ice ever reach N. Illinois it will probably also turn into my commuter bike. AS for now, a great ride for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO USA
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Castlewood, Berryman, Cliff Cave | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Trek Employee Purchase | | Strengths: | Super lightweight frame. Paint job is stunning. Decent Judy SL fork. LX Shifters, Hayes hydraulic disc brakes, XT rear der. Rolf Dolomite Disc wheels. Great handling geometry. Lifetime frame warranty | | Weaknesses: | Deore Front der. Rolf sealed hubs are a little sketchy! | | Similar Products Used: | Marin 5.0 F/S | | Bike Setup: | LX crank with XT Bottom Bracket. Waiting on my Chris King Headset and XTR front der. | | Bottom Line: | You can't find a bike with the level of equipment this one has for a better price. The bike is even more rock solid for '02!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gael Hagan
a Racer
from Centinnial Colorado, USA
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Wherever im riding at the time | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheat Ridge Cyclery | | Strengths: | Wow, where to begin. The frame, The judy sl fork, the wheels arent too shabby (though semi heavy) | | Weaknesses: | well, the brakes loose their sharpness after a while, the front derailleur sucks, handle bar is too wide for my liking, Bontrager seat hurts the ass after a semi long ride. Brake levers are weak and dont provide enough torque for me. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stump Jumper M4 comp, Gary Ficher Paragon (ecch!) | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much gutted the thing. New derailleurs ( front and back are XTR) brakes i replaced with avid ti's (oh joy!) XTR shifters and brake levers (tourque like a mother****** :) Easton ct2, race face good and evil grips, and cables upgraded to teflon coating | | Bottom Line: | Kick ass bike for the money, Frame fully race worthy. And worth putting money into it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matty
a Cross Country Rider
from Upstate NY
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Slickrock in Tennessee, Chenango Valley State Park here locally | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Garage Inc. in Bloomington, IN | | Strengths: | The Rolf wheelset, paint scheme, climbing ability, for the $money$ this bike rules with the exception of . . . | | Weaknesses: | . . the Deore front derailleur and the bontrager components, oh yeah the tires they are good on the hard stuff but thats about it . . Matty =) | | Similar Products Used: | My previous Trek 830 that i purchased in '96 at Scott's bike shop in Cleveland TN, I recommend visiting they ll show you a great time. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with exception of bar ends and xt front derailleur, tires are next, but that'll be next season. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money with a few minor upgrades this can be a 5 flamin' chilis ALL AROUND, I ve had a great time on this bike, plan on riding it for a while or till I break it and move on to something with a full suspension. This bike would be ideal for the $1000 budget, with a couple extra bucks going towards at least an XT front derailleur (makes a HUGE difference). Excellent for those who are looking to get into riding for the first time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Novato, Ca.
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | See Below | | Bottom Line: | As a follow-up to the review I posted on 7/11/01, I continued to experience "slippage" in the middle chainring and later noticed that the small chainring was bent, but not the large one, which would indicate to me that this was not due to hitting a rock, etc. I called Trek and again they offered to replace the two smaller chainrings immediately. My feel is that the Bontrager Comp crank is nothing to write home about, and my feeling was confirmed reading the reviews of the Fisher Paragon and Trek Fuel 90, which also have the same Bontrager Crank.
When the crank finally goes, I'll get an LX or XT. But for now, the drivetrain os operating perfectly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
duane
a Downhiller
from mitchellville,md
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | bike doc annapolis | | Strengths: | SLR frame kicks asss-phalt! Paint job rocks too. Judy SL fork is solid and the ROLF Sat's are sikkk! The only thing slacking on this bike is the stone-hard Bont. saddle which hurts like hell. argghh. I'll probably swap the Jones wheels as well...haven't really gotten the chance to punish them yet. | | Weaknesses: | Judy's are a little squeaky at first, and the rear XT Der. rattles a little at first...esp in high gears. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized 01 StumpJmp M4, Klein 2001 Pulse II,Gary Fisher 2001 Paragon | | Bike Setup: | Everything stock so far. | | Bottom Line: | Dude. If you have a G to spend on a bike....there's no question. The TREK is THE Corvette C5 of mtn bikes! After settling on a Spec.StmpJmp M4 Comp, glad that I was redirected by a friend to become a Trekianite! Three words for ya: Rolf, JudySL, Deore XT SGS!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Weekend Warrior
from Naperville, IL USA
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Spokes in Wheaton, IL | | Strengths: | Frame, Rolf Wheels | | Weaknesses: | Front Derailer | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper Comp FS | | Bike Setup: | XTR: front/rear derailer, shifters/brakes, V-brakes
Race face post/grips, Easton Monkey lite bar and Mag Stem. | | Bottom Line: | After 6 months of riding this thing I can say that I really love it. Broke the front derailer after about a month of heavy use. The crank set sucks the chain sometimes but not often. Broke one of the brake levers so they were changed. The flat bar made my back hurt so I got a riser.
The frame is great it fits my body awesome. Buy this bike if you have the $1000 to spend, nothing better in the price range. Just replace the Bontrager crap in time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G Caballero
a Weekend Warrior
from Northewrn California
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Dirt | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | funsport bikes | | Strengths: | Excellent componentry, sweet sweet rolf DOLOMITE wheels, excellent Trek warranty. HAYES HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES! And the judy sl fork is butter smooth | | Weaknesses: | High Price, Kinda cheesy paint, but who cares? Certainly not I :0_) Oh yeah, the seat is a litle uncomfortable | | Similar Products Used: | Does a wal-mart bought huffy count as a bike? | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded cassette, front and rear derailleur, shifters all to xtr. Upgraded crank to Shimano Hollowtech-super sweet crank! Carbon tech barends, did I mention the HAYES hydraulic disc brakes? | | Bottom Line: | This is a great starter bike for anyone who is serious about getting into riding. It has a good frameset, a great warranty, and with the upgrade to xtr, the shifting couldn't be smoother, I test rode alot of bikes, but none offered what the 8000 disc offered in the same price range. the bikes expensive, but it's worth every penny when you're depending on your bike to get you up that big bad mountain. Bottom line, bought it for the #WOW#, but will keep it for the reliability, parts selection, ease of use. TREK ALL THE WAY! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh,N.C.
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Post | | Strengths: | SLR Frame, Rolf wheels, light for the p |
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$ 1150.00
