Pros
Light Frame, Generic componentry, not bad
Cons
Generic Geometry, not a standout in a price range of many bikes
Recommended Use: Daily Rides
There are a lot of mountain bikes in the $1000 range, nearly all of them with some form of LX/XT componentry and a smooth perofming fork with rebound damping. The individuality of each mountain bike in this price comes from the frame, and practically only the frame.
The Frame
In this respect, Trek has done decently well with Alpha ZX, giving the frame a weight of 3.63 lbs, which is actually very good for a sub $1000 bike. However, Trek misses out on something pretty important: geometry. The Trek has absolute standard 73 degree seat tube angle and 71 degree head tube angle, mated to a medium length top tube. Mind you, that is not a bad combination, but this bike is not specialized in any sense of the word. Thrashing around singletrack on this bike is nice, but so is every other mountain bike in this price range. Racing on Trek 7000 is another story: Fisher Big Sur, Klein Attitude Comp, and the like have geometries that are far superior for fast work. The Trek 7000 (and pretty much every other hardtail Trek makes) has middle of the road geometry, that is stable over everything, and not suprising over anything.
The Componentry
The Trek 7000 has no suprises, stable performer. LX shifters and front deurailleur, XT rear deurailleur. The Icon crank isn't Shimano, Truvativ or Race Face, but it gets the job done. Nothing here out of the ordinary. Judy XC (and for 2000, Manitou SX) gets the suspension down pat, with smooth stroke and rebound.
The Ride
Trek 7000 is not too fast in turns. But it isn't a slacker, either. It's decently light, climbing is good but not outstanding (Klein does better), decending is okay (Fisher does better). A pretty pleasant riding frame gives good comfort, but because of the geometry, hard cranking on climbs has a tendency to lift the front wheel, or if you lean too much forward by just a margin, the rear wheel will skip up on the Trek 7000.
The Verdict?
The Trek 7000 bike is not a bad pick at all if you don't intend on racing. It's built reasonably well, and it rides like most other bikes in this price. Nothing sets it seriously behind the pack, and nothing sets it ahead. One type of rider I would recommend this mountain bike to is a rider who does not know how he wants to ride yet, but he knows he loves the sport. And since the Trek 7000 can do everything, it would be perfect. I would give this bike a 3.5
Component Package: XT, LX, house brand
Recommended Use: Daily Rides
Friday, December 8, 2006
Mountain Bike Trek 7200 Review
Pros
front shock absorbers, great price,a unisex bike, great
Cons
not necessarily a mountain bike and not necessarily a speed bike
The Bottom Line
I recommend; the price is super affordable for what you are getting. This bike is for casual bikers but moreso a leisure bike, and a great bike at that.
Recommended Use: Weekly Rides
Trek to Bikes is what Microsoft is to Computers or what Burton is to Snowboards. They are probably the most well known and popular bike brand out there today. This is not a reason to buy their bike line but I would like to establish the idea in your mind that they are a reputable brand and have a lot of expectations to live up to, being so well-known.
I purchased the Trek 7200 four months ago, and the Trek 7200 is the second cheapest bike you can buy from their line of bikes. The difference between the Trek 7200 and their most cheapest bike is that the trek 7200 comes with front shock absorbers. This feature allows you to go over rougher terrain, such as a rock or a tree root, and will take some of the heavy bounce/jolt feeling away.
I am not a very experienced mountain biker; for the past 10 years I have been using the same antique Motorbecane road bike my parents passed on to me, so the Trek 7200 was an immensive improvement and a huge step up. It also was a very affordably priced bike which is important to those who have a tight budget. I like the Trek 7200 because the gears are now located on the handlebars, to where my old bike they were located on the vertical bar closer to the bike pedals. This makes switching gears so much easier! I also like the 7200 bike because it is a hybrid bike- which means that this bike is a mix between a speed bike and a mountain bike. I never used to be able to bike on gravel or grass, but with the 7200 I am able to do that.
A feature that I really love is this patented bell that the bike has. It makes the loudest bike bell noise that I have ever heard! Its a great feature when you are biking on the road and want to warn the biker in front of you that a car is coming, or also great for if you want to warn a jogger in front of you that you are near.
The only thing I do not like about this bike is the fact that my arms get so tired after riding for 15 minutes. My old bike never made my arms feel that sore and stiff. The trek 7200 has different frame sizes, so make sure you pick the best frame size out for you. The frame basically indicates how long and wide the bike is.
The Trek 7200 is definitely geared for bikers that are not extreme and serious riders. It is more of a leisure bike. And you definitely are a leisure biker if you are more concerned about what colors the bike comes in than what technical features the bike has. With that said- good luck!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 250-300
Component Package: the Multitrack
front shock absorbers, great price,a unisex bike, great
Cons
not necessarily a mountain bike and not necessarily a speed bike
The Bottom Line
I recommend; the price is super affordable for what you are getting. This bike is for casual bikers but moreso a leisure bike, and a great bike at that.
Recommended Use: Weekly Rides
Trek to Bikes is what Microsoft is to Computers or what Burton is to Snowboards. They are probably the most well known and popular bike brand out there today. This is not a reason to buy their bike line but I would like to establish the idea in your mind that they are a reputable brand and have a lot of expectations to live up to, being so well-known.
I purchased the Trek 7200 four months ago, and the Trek 7200 is the second cheapest bike you can buy from their line of bikes. The difference between the Trek 7200 and their most cheapest bike is that the trek 7200 comes with front shock absorbers. This feature allows you to go over rougher terrain, such as a rock or a tree root, and will take some of the heavy bounce/jolt feeling away.
I am not a very experienced mountain biker; for the past 10 years I have been using the same antique Motorbecane road bike my parents passed on to me, so the Trek 7200 was an immensive improvement and a huge step up. It also was a very affordably priced bike which is important to those who have a tight budget. I like the Trek 7200 because the gears are now located on the handlebars, to where my old bike they were located on the vertical bar closer to the bike pedals. This makes switching gears so much easier! I also like the 7200 bike because it is a hybrid bike- which means that this bike is a mix between a speed bike and a mountain bike. I never used to be able to bike on gravel or grass, but with the 7200 I am able to do that.
A feature that I really love is this patented bell that the bike has. It makes the loudest bike bell noise that I have ever heard! Its a great feature when you are biking on the road and want to warn the biker in front of you that a car is coming, or also great for if you want to warn a jogger in front of you that you are near.
The only thing I do not like about this bike is the fact that my arms get so tired after riding for 15 minutes. My old bike never made my arms feel that sore and stiff. The trek 7200 has different frame sizes, so make sure you pick the best frame size out for you. The frame basically indicates how long and wide the bike is.
The Trek 7200 is definitely geared for bikers that are not extreme and serious riders. It is more of a leisure bike. And you definitely are a leisure biker if you are more concerned about what colors the bike comes in than what technical features the bike has. With that said- good luck!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 250-300
Component Package: the Multitrack
Mountain Bike Trek 4100
Pros
Light, aluminum frame. Easy to use, reliable, brake and gear components.
Cons
Front Wheel lock hindered by standard front suspension on the Trek 4100. No kickstand.
The Bottom Line
Buy this bike if you're looking for versatility, high performance, great looks, w/o spending too much. Save money for the accessories (helmet, water bottle, mini-pump, etc.) Enjoy the ride on the Trek 4100
Component Package: Shimano V-Brakes and Gears, InSync front suspension, etc.
Since this is my first foray into biking since my young adolescence, I shopped around quite a bit before settling on my 2003 Trek 4100 (Mountain Bike). I live in the city of Chicago, one of the most bicycle friendly cities in the U.S. according to Bicycling Magazine (ranked 2nd, 1990). I haven't owned a mountain bike since I was a kid but I wanted to take advantage of all the designated bike routes in Chicago, especially the 8.1 miles of beautiful lakefront from Buckingham Fountain to Sheridan Drive along Lake Michigan.
I somehow made up my mind that since it was my first mountain bike in adulthood, I didn't want to spend too much. I set a limit of $350 US and discovered a very nice match in the Trek 4100. The Trek 4100 was on sale for $269.99. It had everything I wanted: front suspension (InSync shocks), upgraded brake and gear components (Shimano), and a light, aluminum frame. I'm not an avid mountain biker but I wanted a few bells & whistles to navigate city traffic.
The Trek 4100 is a great bike if you're not willing to spend over $300 to get around town. Plus, it has enough muscle to get you through the trails if you feel the need to go off-roading which I have yet to do on the Trek 4100. I did get up and down a few hills in Lincoln Park with relative ease though. If you are relatively new to the sport of mountain cycling, I would highly recommend the Trek 4100 bike. My friends that have owned bikes longer than I have are all envious. They like the sleek design and the features of the Trek 4100 bike. They can't believe I spent so little for it.
Performance wise, the Trek 4100 is capable of handling the roads and the dirt. Shifting on the fly is very easy because the gears are set in such a way that you upshift and downshift with both your thumb and index finger. The brakes are conveniently located just under the handle grips so every function you need is within grasp and easy to reach & use. I love this concept. There is no slip when shifting at higher speeds. The gears are very responsive to the mechanisms on the grips. The Trek 4100 accelerates well for a mountain bike yet like most bikes with front suspension some of the initial downstroke on the pedals are absorbed in the shocks. Braking is essential to overall safety and the Shimano V-Brakes (front and rear) are capable of stopping abruptly when necessary. This mountain bike features front and rear wheel locks so that you can disassemble either one wheel or both to to prevent theft when stowing the Trek 4100.
The upsides of the Trek 4100 are that it is lightweight, inexpensive, easy to shift while riding. The gears are conveniently located for comfort and quick use. It is an upgraded bike with many features at a reasonable price. Plus, it is great looking the performance to match.
Th downsides were that like all Trek bikes there is no kickstand, and the front wheel locks are difficult to use in conjunction with the standard front suspension (InSync shocks). It's a simple flaw w/ the InSync shocks, the way they're designed. If you buy the Rock Shox, the problem is eliminated on this mountain bike.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 269.99
Recommended Use: Weekly Rides
Light, aluminum frame. Easy to use, reliable, brake and gear components.
Cons
Front Wheel lock hindered by standard front suspension on the Trek 4100. No kickstand.
The Bottom Line
Buy this bike if you're looking for versatility, high performance, great looks, w/o spending too much. Save money for the accessories (helmet, water bottle, mini-pump, etc.) Enjoy the ride on the Trek 4100
Component Package: Shimano V-Brakes and Gears, InSync front suspension, etc.
Since this is my first foray into biking since my young adolescence, I shopped around quite a bit before settling on my 2003 Trek 4100 (Mountain Bike). I live in the city of Chicago, one of the most bicycle friendly cities in the U.S. according to Bicycling Magazine (ranked 2nd, 1990). I haven't owned a mountain bike since I was a kid but I wanted to take advantage of all the designated bike routes in Chicago, especially the 8.1 miles of beautiful lakefront from Buckingham Fountain to Sheridan Drive along Lake Michigan.
I somehow made up my mind that since it was my first mountain bike in adulthood, I didn't want to spend too much. I set a limit of $350 US and discovered a very nice match in the Trek 4100. The Trek 4100 was on sale for $269.99. It had everything I wanted: front suspension (InSync shocks), upgraded brake and gear components (Shimano), and a light, aluminum frame. I'm not an avid mountain biker but I wanted a few bells & whistles to navigate city traffic.
The Trek 4100 is a great bike if you're not willing to spend over $300 to get around town. Plus, it has enough muscle to get you through the trails if you feel the need to go off-roading which I have yet to do on the Trek 4100. I did get up and down a few hills in Lincoln Park with relative ease though. If you are relatively new to the sport of mountain cycling, I would highly recommend the Trek 4100 bike. My friends that have owned bikes longer than I have are all envious. They like the sleek design and the features of the Trek 4100 bike. They can't believe I spent so little for it.
Performance wise, the Trek 4100 is capable of handling the roads and the dirt. Shifting on the fly is very easy because the gears are set in such a way that you upshift and downshift with both your thumb and index finger. The brakes are conveniently located just under the handle grips so every function you need is within grasp and easy to reach & use. I love this concept. There is no slip when shifting at higher speeds. The gears are very responsive to the mechanisms on the grips. The Trek 4100 accelerates well for a mountain bike yet like most bikes with front suspension some of the initial downstroke on the pedals are absorbed in the shocks. Braking is essential to overall safety and the Shimano V-Brakes (front and rear) are capable of stopping abruptly when necessary. This mountain bike features front and rear wheel locks so that you can disassemble either one wheel or both to to prevent theft when stowing the Trek 4100.
The upsides of the Trek 4100 are that it is lightweight, inexpensive, easy to shift while riding. The gears are conveniently located for comfort and quick use. It is an upgraded bike with many features at a reasonable price. Plus, it is great looking the performance to match.
Th downsides were that like all Trek bikes there is no kickstand, and the front wheel locks are difficult to use in conjunction with the standard front suspension (InSync shocks). It's a simple flaw w/ the InSync shocks, the way they're designed. If you buy the Rock Shox, the problem is eliminated on this mountain bike.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 269.99
Recommended Use: Weekly Rides
Mountain Bike Trek 4500 Review
Pros
Solid frame. Takes the urban and rural rocking well. Carries a big load nicely.
Cons
A little heavy for road use. Retrofit with your chosen components.
The Bottom Line
I recommend Trek to everyone without reservation. They know frames. Everything else you can do yourself. This is good entry-level bike that can be easily accessorized for multiple uses.
Recommended Use: Daily Rides
The Trek 4500 is a wonderful bike for the price of about $400. It manages to do everything well, on and off road. I have had the Trek 4500 for just about a year and have put on 3,200 miles. I have had minimal problems and the 4500 bike still acts as if it's brand new.
Ride
The stock tires are not for serious off roading, but they will tackle all but the knarliest trails with ease. Since the Trek 4500 doesn't have huge knobs on them, the ride on road is quite comfortable. I have ridden the 4500 for 6 hours on end, and I was never banged around. It handles bumps in the road with ease, not quite like a car, but it's not harsh.
Handling
Handling is really the Trek 4500 strong suit. It is very confidence inspiring and practically encourages you to take tight corners on the road at well over 20 mph. Turning on trails is easy as well, but I usually don't fly down trails because trails are harder to negotiate than regular roads. In doing a mini slalom, the Trek 4500 leans in well, answering to your every move, and the bike stays planted in the corner until you let up. I have had bikes before that are too tippy and don't like to go around corners, but Trek 4500 loves to turn. The handlebars are the perfect length, too, for maximum control.
Gears
The Trek 4500 has 24 well spaced gears, like a mountain bike should. All the way down in first gear is great for off roading and is so low that you can actually ride straight up a sledding hill without stopping and walking up. I have done that before, and it's a workout, but the gear is low enough to make the most of your pedalling. When you get up to 24th gear, you can get up quite some speed. I have a speedometer on my 4500, and so far, I have gotten up to 35 mph (and without going down a hill since there aren't any where I live). Between 1 and 24, there is always a perfect gear for every situation. I always make the most of the gears that I have so I can accellerate as quickly as possible and keep it up at speed. The shifter is a trigger shifter and is very easy to use. I don't have to move my right hand at all when I want to shift; I just push the button in and it shifts. When you upshift, you can only go up one gear at a time, but when you downshift, you can go down as many as three gears at once. That comes in handy sometimes when you have to slam on the brakes to watch out for a car and then need to get into a lower gear again to get moving on the Trek 4500.
Brakes
The brakes are very powerful and stop the Trek 4500 with authority. I have had many close calls with cars, but I haven't gotten hit yet mostly becuase of these brakes. Over the 3,200 miles that I have put on this bike, however, I have noticed some brake fade on the 4500.
Seat
The seat on the Trek 4500 is somewhat narrow, but it is very comfortable nonetheless. I can sit on it for hours on end and not complain. It is adjusted through a hand flip lever so you can adjust it while on the road (of course you have to stop and get off first). The padding is also quite sufficient.
Other
I have noticed that the gears are uncovered, which means that my pantlegs and shoelaces have taken quite a beating- they get caught on those gears. My shoelaces have ripped, and my pants have gotten caught. If they don't get caught on the cogs, then they will get smeared with grease from the chain. I advise you to rubberband your pantlegs or fold them into your socks and also to tuck your shoelaces into your shoes to prevent any of those catching on the gears, but I don't know how to keep my pant legs free from grease from rubbing against that chain.
Overall, the Trek 4500 is a great bike for those who like to do a lot of on road riding and like to throw in a little off roading here and there. This bike doesn't beg you to stay on the road or stay on the trail, but it is happy either way and never lets you down.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 400
Recommended Use: The Trek 4500 is most suitable for daily rides
Solid frame. Takes the urban and rural rocking well. Carries a big load nicely.
Cons
A little heavy for road use. Retrofit with your chosen components.
The Bottom Line
I recommend Trek to everyone without reservation. They know frames. Everything else you can do yourself. This is good entry-level bike that can be easily accessorized for multiple uses.
Recommended Use: Daily Rides
The Trek 4500 is a wonderful bike for the price of about $400. It manages to do everything well, on and off road. I have had the Trek 4500 for just about a year and have put on 3,200 miles. I have had minimal problems and the 4500 bike still acts as if it's brand new.
Ride
The stock tires are not for serious off roading, but they will tackle all but the knarliest trails with ease. Since the Trek 4500 doesn't have huge knobs on them, the ride on road is quite comfortable. I have ridden the 4500 for 6 hours on end, and I was never banged around. It handles bumps in the road with ease, not quite like a car, but it's not harsh.
Handling
Handling is really the Trek 4500 strong suit. It is very confidence inspiring and practically encourages you to take tight corners on the road at well over 20 mph. Turning on trails is easy as well, but I usually don't fly down trails because trails are harder to negotiate than regular roads. In doing a mini slalom, the Trek 4500 leans in well, answering to your every move, and the bike stays planted in the corner until you let up. I have had bikes before that are too tippy and don't like to go around corners, but Trek 4500 loves to turn. The handlebars are the perfect length, too, for maximum control.
Gears
The Trek 4500 has 24 well spaced gears, like a mountain bike should. All the way down in first gear is great for off roading and is so low that you can actually ride straight up a sledding hill without stopping and walking up. I have done that before, and it's a workout, but the gear is low enough to make the most of your pedalling. When you get up to 24th gear, you can get up quite some speed. I have a speedometer on my 4500, and so far, I have gotten up to 35 mph (and without going down a hill since there aren't any where I live). Between 1 and 24, there is always a perfect gear for every situation. I always make the most of the gears that I have so I can accellerate as quickly as possible and keep it up at speed. The shifter is a trigger shifter and is very easy to use. I don't have to move my right hand at all when I want to shift; I just push the button in and it shifts. When you upshift, you can only go up one gear at a time, but when you downshift, you can go down as many as three gears at once. That comes in handy sometimes when you have to slam on the brakes to watch out for a car and then need to get into a lower gear again to get moving on the Trek 4500.
Brakes
The brakes are very powerful and stop the Trek 4500 with authority. I have had many close calls with cars, but I haven't gotten hit yet mostly becuase of these brakes. Over the 3,200 miles that I have put on this bike, however, I have noticed some brake fade on the 4500.
Seat
The seat on the Trek 4500 is somewhat narrow, but it is very comfortable nonetheless. I can sit on it for hours on end and not complain. It is adjusted through a hand flip lever so you can adjust it while on the road (of course you have to stop and get off first). The padding is also quite sufficient.
Other
I have noticed that the gears are uncovered, which means that my pantlegs and shoelaces have taken quite a beating- they get caught on those gears. My shoelaces have ripped, and my pants have gotten caught. If they don't get caught on the cogs, then they will get smeared with grease from the chain. I advise you to rubberband your pantlegs or fold them into your socks and also to tuck your shoelaces into your shoes to prevent any of those catching on the gears, but I don't know how to keep my pant legs free from grease from rubbing against that chain.
Overall, the Trek 4500 is a great bike for those who like to do a lot of on road riding and like to throw in a little off roading here and there. This bike doesn't beg you to stay on the road or stay on the trail, but it is happy either way and never lets you down.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 400
Recommended Use: The Trek 4500 is most suitable for daily rides
Mountain Bike TREK 820
TREK 820 In Detail
Pros
good construction; mostly Shimano components; inexpensive
Cons
a tad heavy; kind of busy-looking
The Bottom Line
The current Trek 820 is a good quality entry level mountain bike.
Recommended Use: Daily Rides
The Trek 820 is a very nice mountain bike for people that are starting off in biking. Prior to this bike I had always owned bikes from Wal-Mart and places like that, and believe me next time I'm looking for a bike that is not where I'm going. I got this bike with the standard package.
I'm still riding around on my trusty Trek 820 that I bought several years ago. Mine doesn't have the front shocks of the current Trek 820, but it has Shimano components, a sturdy frame, and a nice ride. It has held up well over the years.
Recently, I had a chance to test drive the newest Trek 820 at my local bike dealer. To my surprise, the latest model costs substantially LESS than the 1998 model I still ride. I think mine retailed for about $400 (I paid $300), while the latest model retails for about $275, and can be had for about $250.
How does the current model differ from mine? Well, for starters, it looks different. Mine had a frame in the familiar triangular shape, with the top bar parallel to the ground. In the latest model, the top bar rises substantially, and the forward two tubes are thicker than on older Trek 820s. I prefer the older design aesthetically, but that's a matter of taste. A second difference is the handlebars. Mine went straight across; the newer model has a slight rise in the handlebars. Most important is the presence of front shocks on the newer model. The current Trek 820 feels bit heavier than mine, and the sales person confirmed that there is more steel and less "alloy" on the newer model.
The ride of the newer Trek 820 is smooth, and the shifters and brakes worked fine. I can't say whether the newer model would stand the test of time, but construction appears to be good. If my older Trek 820 is any indication, it will hold up well. I've probably put close to 20,000 miles on mine, mostly on paved trails, but some in the hills, and I haven't encountered any problems to speak of.
My older Trek 820 has Shimano brakes and gears, and I've found both to be of high quality. I emailed Trek to find out whether the current "Mountain Mix" is Shimano, and they responded quickly, saying that the newer model also has mostly Shimano components, though some are made by other manufacturers. Like my 1998 Trek 820, the newer Trek 820 is geared low, meaning you won't be able to go particularly fast unless you change some sprockets, but you're not looking at an entry level mountain bike for speed.
The front shocks made rising over curbs and off the trail a bit easier on the wrists and bottom. I didn't notice a substantial difference in balance, in spite of the slightly different frame design, relative to my olderTrek 820.
Overall, I think the Trek 820 is a solid performer in an entry level mountain bike, and I recommend you give one a test drive if you're looking for an inexpensive way to get around on trails, with occasional excursions off road. At $275, and even less when on sale, it's an excellent buy.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 250.00
Recommended Use: Daily Rides
Pros
good construction; mostly Shimano components; inexpensive
Cons
a tad heavy; kind of busy-looking
The Bottom Line
The current Trek 820 is a good quality entry level mountain bike.
Recommended Use: Daily Rides
The Trek 820 is a very nice mountain bike for people that are starting off in biking. Prior to this bike I had always owned bikes from Wal-Mart and places like that, and believe me next time I'm looking for a bike that is not where I'm going. I got this bike with the standard package.
I'm still riding around on my trusty Trek 820 that I bought several years ago. Mine doesn't have the front shocks of the current Trek 820, but it has Shimano components, a sturdy frame, and a nice ride. It has held up well over the years.
Recently, I had a chance to test drive the newest Trek 820 at my local bike dealer. To my surprise, the latest model costs substantially LESS than the 1998 model I still ride. I think mine retailed for about $400 (I paid $300), while the latest model retails for about $275, and can be had for about $250.
How does the current model differ from mine? Well, for starters, it looks different. Mine had a frame in the familiar triangular shape, with the top bar parallel to the ground. In the latest model, the top bar rises substantially, and the forward two tubes are thicker than on older Trek 820s. I prefer the older design aesthetically, but that's a matter of taste. A second difference is the handlebars. Mine went straight across; the newer model has a slight rise in the handlebars. Most important is the presence of front shocks on the newer model. The current Trek 820 feels bit heavier than mine, and the sales person confirmed that there is more steel and less "alloy" on the newer model.
The ride of the newer Trek 820 is smooth, and the shifters and brakes worked fine. I can't say whether the newer model would stand the test of time, but construction appears to be good. If my older Trek 820 is any indication, it will hold up well. I've probably put close to 20,000 miles on mine, mostly on paved trails, but some in the hills, and I haven't encountered any problems to speak of.
My older Trek 820 has Shimano brakes and gears, and I've found both to be of high quality. I emailed Trek to find out whether the current "Mountain Mix" is Shimano, and they responded quickly, saying that the newer model also has mostly Shimano components, though some are made by other manufacturers. Like my 1998 Trek 820, the newer Trek 820 is geared low, meaning you won't be able to go particularly fast unless you change some sprockets, but you're not looking at an entry level mountain bike for speed.
The front shocks made rising over curbs and off the trail a bit easier on the wrists and bottom. I didn't notice a substantial difference in balance, in spite of the slightly different frame design, relative to my olderTrek 820.
Overall, I think the Trek 820 is a solid performer in an entry level mountain bike, and I recommend you give one a test drive if you're looking for an inexpensive way to get around on trails, with occasional excursions off road. At $275, and even less when on sale, it's an excellent buy.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 250.00
Recommended Use: Daily Rides
Mountain Bike Review
Heellllllloooooo! and welcome to my Mountain Bike Review site. First a little about myself. I am by know means an expert on mountain bikes, Infact i was once a dummie just like you! :) . BUT after needing to upgrade my old department store bike for something that was a bit more reliable, i put my self through a crash course in everything mountain bike related. What i learnt, i learnt very slowly. It was as if i was on a treasure hunt with one bit of information leading to another! So after long hours spent in mountain bike forums, reading mountain bike articles and review sites, i finally had enough info to purchase my first mountain bike with confidence, and that is my motivation for this blog.
So if you are new to Mountain Bikes, learn this information and then pass my blog onto your friends or family so they can learn about the best bike for themselfs and get the best experience possible.
Post #1 of "Mountain Bike Review"
http://www.mountainbikereview.blogspot.com
So if you are new to Mountain Bikes, learn this information and then pass my blog onto your friends or family so they can learn about the best bike for themselfs and get the best experience possible.
Post #1 of "Mountain Bike Review"
http://www.mountainbikereview.blogspot.com
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