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Trek 8000 Mountain Bike Review

November 20, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

The Trek 8000 mountain bike excels on a variety of terrains.
Its lightweight aluminum frame enhances maneuverability.
The bike's 18-speed gear system offers versatility.
Hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power.
The Trek 8000 resource groups enrich the biking journey through knowledge sharing.

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

‍ Uncover the Trek 8000 Mountain Bike's performance and features. Does it live up to the hype and excitement it has generated in the cycling world?

The Trek 8000 is a fantastic mountain bike that performs exceptionally well on rugged woodland trails. It offers aggressive geometry, grippy tires, a lightweight carbon frame, 27 speeds, and quick acceleration compared to the average gravel bike.

As a seasoned mountain biker with years of experience on the trails, I've consistently explored various bicycles' strengths and weaknesses to objectively analyze their performance. I've extensively ridden and tested the Trek 8000 mountain bike on various trails and terrains. So, let's dive deeper into the features and specs that make this bike stand out.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ Trek 8000 Mountain Bike Review

As a mountain bike enthusiast, I've always admired how well Trek bikes perform on the trails. We’ll discuss the Trek 8000 mountain bike and provide an overview of its specifications, features, and performance.

The Trek 8000 is a high-quality mountain bike designed for riders who seek lightweight and responsive performance. With its aluminum frame and impressive climbing abilities, this bike has been a top choice for many mountain bikers.

The brand has remained a trusted name in the mountain biking community, known for producing reliable and top-notch bikes.

This mountain bike features a ZR 9000 Alloy frame, which is lightweight and strong, ideal for tackling rugged terrain. It has a RockShox Reba SL front suspension with 100mm of travel, providing smooth rides and great control over rough trails.

The 3x9 gearing configuration ensures that you won't struggle on steep climbs, while the Bontrager Select wheels add to its overall performance and durability. Check out this video for a detailed overview of the Trek 8000.

Key Features and Components

The Trek 8000 Mountain Bike is undoubtedly a high-performing, lightweight bike designed for off-road performance. Its aluminum frame and thoughtful component choice make it an excellent option for mountain biking enthusiasts. Let’s explore its key features and components.

Frame and Build

The Trek 8000 boasts a ZR 9000 Alloy frame that is lightweight and durable. With a top tube, head tube, and chainstays built for efficiency and strength, this hardtail mountain bike offers both speed and sturdiness on the trails.

Braking System

Safety is crucial when cycling through rugged terrain, which is why the Trek 8000 comes equipped with reliable hydraulic disc brakes. These brakes provide excellent stopping power and modulation, ensuring consistent braking performance even in wet or muddy conditions.

Suspension and Comfort

Featuring a RockShox Reba SL fork with positive and negative air pressure, the Trek 8000 ensures a comfortable ride by easily absorbing impacts from uneven surfaces.

The fork also offers Motion Control, rebound, compression, lockout, and 100mm of travel for superior control on rough trails. Additionally, the saddle and seatpost are designed for added comfort during long rides.

Drivetrain and Gears

The bicycle's drivetrain components include a Shimano Deore LX crankset with a 44/32/22 gear ratio and a Shimano SLX shifting system for quick and accurate gear changes. The rear derailleur is a Shimano Deore XT, ensuring an efficient and smooth power transfer from the pedals to the wheels.

Wheels and Tires

The Trek 8000 is outfitted with Bontrager Select wheels and Bontrager Jones tires, offering excellent traction and durability on various surfaces. The front hub is designed for quick and easy engagement, while the tires provide an optimal balance of grip and rolling resistance.

Other Notable Components

Some additional features that enhance the performance of the Trek 8000 include responsive pedals, well-protected cables, and an uncomplicated switch for the suspension system.

These components contribute to the bike's reputation as an all-around performer in the XC and SL categories.

Performance and Experience

I recently had the opportunity to test out the Trek 8000 mountain bike and experience its performance firsthand.

The Trek 8000 is slightly lighter than other bikes in its category, which makes it an absolute pleasure to ride, especially when tackling steep climbs. The aluminum frame not only makes it light but also enhances its performance.

Its 3x9 gearing configuration ensures that you don't struggle even on the toughest inclines. The responsive pedals add to the smooth climbing experience.

The suspension fork on the Trek 8000 efficiently absorbs shocks from rough terrains, providing a comfortable ride. Riders notice improved confidence while riding at high speeds, thanks to the superior grip the bike offers in both dry and wet conditions.

The wet weather performance, in particular, captivates riders, as it doesn’t compromise on speed or stability. Check out this video for more insights on the performance of the Trek 8000.

Long-Term Durability

Durability is a crucial aspect of any mountain bike, and the Trek 8000 impresses with its long-term resilience. Crafted with high-quality materials and precision engineering, this bike is designed to withstand the rigors of off-road adventures, making it a dependable companion for years to come.

Moreover, the Trek 8000's reputation for long-term durability extends beyond its core components. Users often highlight the bike's ability to easily handle upgrades and modifications, allowing them to adapt it to evolving preferences and needs.

This flexibility further contributes to the bike's longevity, ensuring that it can continue to meet the demands of riders who seek both durability and adaptability in their mountain biking experience.

Comparison and Evaluation

Now, let's compare it with other mountain bikes in its class.

Below is a table that compares the Trek 8000 with similar models:

As seen in the table, the Trek 8000 mountain bike is slightly lighter than some of its competitors, offering an advantage in terms of reducing rider fatigue.

Its performance is commendable, although it may not be the best in its class. The trade-off for the Trek 8000 is its slightly aggressive geometry, which might not suit every rider's preference.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Maintaining and caring for your Trek 8000 mountain bike is essential to ensure its longevity and peak performance. Proper maintenance keeps the bike in optimal condition and enhances your riding experience and safety on the trails.

Regular cleaning is the first step in bike maintenance. Removing dirt, mud, and debris keeps the bike looking great and prevents premature wear and corrosion.

Use a gentle detergent and brushes to clean the frame, components, and drivetrain, being sure to rinse thoroughly and dry completely afterward.

Lubrication is another critical aspect of maintenance. Applying lubricant to the chain, derailleurs, and brake pivots reduces friction, extends the life of these components, and ensures smooth gear shifts and braking.

Remember to use the right type of lubricant for each application and wipe off excess to prevent attracting dirt and grime.

Where to Buy It

You can buy a used Trek 8000 from eBay , where individuals often list their pre-owned bikes for sale. eBay provides a platform for communication between buyers and sellers, allowing you to ask questions, negotiate prices, and gather more information about the specific Trek 8000 you're interested in.

Trek 8000 Community: Online Resources and Groups

When it comes to the world of cycling and, more specifically, the Trek 8000, being part of a community can greatly enhance your experience. We'll look at the Trek 8000 community, its valuable online resources and groups, and how they can benefit cyclists like you.

Online Forums and Discussion Groups

The Trek 8000 community thrives in various online forums and discussion groups. These platforms provide a virtual meeting place where Trek 8000 enthusiasts, riders, and owners share their experiences, insights, and knowledge.

Whether you're a beginner looking for advice on bike maintenance or an experienced rider seeking route recommendations, these forums offer a wealth of information and friendly assistance.

User-Generated Content

One of the standout features of the Trek 8000 community is the abundance of user-generated content. Cyclists often post detailed reviews, ride reports, and modifications they've made to their bikes.

This user-generated content can be a goldmine of practical tips, real-world experiences, and creative ideas that can enhance your Trek 8000 ownership.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting Support

Have a technical issue with your Trek 8000? Need guidance on routine maintenance tasks? The community has you covered. You'll find dedicated sections or groups focused on bike maintenance and troubleshooting.

Cyclists willingly share step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and expert advice to help you keep your Trek 8000 in top shape.

Route and Trail Recommendations

Exploring new routes and trails is a thrill for cyclists, and the Trek 8000 community is an excellent resource for discovering exciting riding destinations. Members often share their favorite routes, complete with details on terrain, difficulty level, and scenic highlights.

Whether you prefer road cycling or hitting the trails, you'll find route recommendations that suit your preferences.

Buy and Sell Marketplace

Looking to buy Trek 8000 accessories or parts? Or perhaps you have some items to sell? Many Trek 8000 community platforms feature buy-and-sell sections where members can trade bike-related gear.

It's a convenient way to find that elusive component you've been searching for or to pass on items you no longer need.

A Sense of Belonging

Being part of the Trek 8000 community goes beyond practical benefits. It creates a sense of belonging and camaraderie among like-minded individuals who share a passion for cycling and the Trek 8000.

You'll find a welcoming and supportive network that encourages you to explore new horizons and make lasting connections with fellow cyclists.

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About THE AUTHOR

Danny Lawson

Mountain biking is more than just a hobby for me - it's a way of life. I love the challenge and excitement that comes with it, and I'm always pushing myself to go faster and ride harder. Some people might think that mountain biking is dangerous, but I see it as the only way to live.

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About PedalChef

PedalChef is a blog on all things cycling. We are a group of people who love bikes, and we want to share the joy that comes with the experience. You can read more about us here .

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Is The Trek 8000 A Good Mountain Bike? [Trek 8000 Review]

Table of Contents

The Trek 8000 has always been regarded as a mid-range to high-end mountain bike that can be relied on for a long time.

It’s been over a decade, but it still belongs in the mid-range bike category in our opinion. With its light body weight and super-wide gear range, the Trek 8000 has gone through several iterations and is now my favorite mountain bike.

The descent and climbing performance, components, and specifications of the 2009 Trek 8000, as well as the other versions in the series, are detailed below.

Steep uphill climbs and fast descents are more than just a mountain biking challenge. It also serves as a test of the rider’s abilities.

While the Trek 8000 is not a professional speedy mountain bike, it does have a 100mm shock fork and 2.2″ wide mountain tires, and it descends at a slower speed on the flats with hydraulic disc brakes that are easily braked.

The steeper head tube angle provides more directional control. The roots and small rocks you encounter during the descent will be felt, but the bounces will generally take off.

However, when confronted with large obstacles, the sensation of throwing around becomes addictive.

Because of the lighter bodyweight, acceleration is slower when descending on longer trails.

The not-so-wide tires are not as smooth as today’s super-wide tires when riding through loose foliage or muddy downhill roads, but they are sufficient for an intermediate rider to ride wild in the mountains.

The climbing performance of the Trek 8000 impresses many riders on the road. The aluminum frame of the Trek 8000 has many of the features of today’s high-end mountain bikes and is lightweight. The pedals are also responsive.

On steep climbs, the 3X9 gearing configuration will not leave you struggling. The rapid ascent on trails is surprising.

With a 71° head tube angle, you can easily steer or go around obstacles in trails with more than 30° of incline and over small steps. All of this is difficult to accomplish on a low-end mountain bike.

The 8000-mile trek, on the other hand, can. Acceleration isn’t as slow as you might think, the dependable tires offer plenty of grip on technical climbing trails or rocky climbs, and there’s not much pedal swing.

As a result, if you ride the Trek 8000, you will enjoy the difficult climbing rides more.

General Terrain

Although the Trek 8000 is a hardtail mountain bike, it is designed to be abused on rough low-end rides at will.

These terrains are no problem at all, whether they are park steps or cobble-filled river beaches.

The Trek 8000 rides without much of an advantage on roads with little difficulty that a cheap mountain bike can do as well.

When riding on rough woodland trails, its aggressive geometry, grippy tires, carbon frame weight, 27 speeds, and finally faster acceleration make it a good trail performer when compared to the average gravel bike.

The Trek 8000 is also an excellent fitness bike for general terrain. Reliable accessories allow you to ride fast or allow you to ride at all.

Component Features and Specifications

Alpha red aluminum frame (4.5/5).

The Trek 8000 features the Alpha Red Aluminum frame, which is currently found on most Trek mountain bikes costing more than $2,500.

The 71° head tube angle is beneficial on climbs, and it also has a longer top tube. The use of hydroforming technology gives the frame a more even texture and makes it less likely to break over the course of up to ten years of riding.

The head tube has been reinforced, which is good for protecting the welded part and providing proper stiffness during technical singletrack or trail riding.

For a reason, the slightly bent downtube gives the frame a steep head tube angle.

The rear lower fork has a slight bulge to accommodate wider tires.

Quality mountain bikes are not always outfitted to the highest standard in their initial configuration, but riders who enjoy mountain sports are constantly looking for the best fit as they become more familiar with their bikes day by day in order to find the terrain they enjoy riding the most.

Of course, I’m complaining about the lack of cables that run through the internal alignment, as well as the fact that some of them are on top of the top tube, which isn’t very appealing.

Drivetrain (4.0/5)

The 3X9 drivetrain is made of a hard alloy, the Shimano Deore XT crankset is lighter in weight and the hard alloy can stand up to rough riding.

The front and rear derailleur are both Shimano SLX, which shifts without slipping gears on fast rides.

And there are no very big problems to be found in many reviews about this drivetrain. So the Trek 8000 drivetrain, in terms of performance and durability, is an accessory worthy of praise.

Shock front fork (4.0/5)

The RockShox Reba SL Dual Air shock fork is in the middle of the price range.

However, for a mountain bike from ten years ago, its configuration is relatively high-end, with 100mm of travel, just across the shock travel required for trail riding.

Having used the RockShox high-end fork, I don’t dismiss the shock absorption of a mid-range fork. Rough trail riding is frequently influenced by the performance of a mountain bike.

Air shock forks have better responsiveness and a better damping effect than spring shock forks at the same travel, but durability is slightly lower.

Bontrager Jones XR Tires (3.8/5)

This tire has an inner tube and is a more traditional 26×2.2/2.25″. With the correct tire pressure, it is easy to provide reliable grip on mountain riding.

26″ tires give you better handling feel when riding. The width of 2.2″, up to 26×2.35″, allows for slippage-free riding on wet surfaces.

Hydraulic disc brake (4.5/5)

The Trek 8000 also has the same hydraulic disc brakes found on mid- to high-end mountain bikes, as well as the mechanical disc brakes found on the Trek 8000 until 2009.

The 2009 Trek 8000, on the other hand, lacks braking efficiency. Hydraulic disc brakes have a shorter braking distance, giving the rider more time to react in the wooded singletrack.

Benefits of the Trek 8000

Light weight
Steep head tube angle for off-road climbing
100mm travel shock fork for good shock absorption
Tires with strong grip
Precise braking with hydraulic disc brakes

What we don’t like about it

It a bit hard seat

Other versions of Trek 8000

2000 trek 8000.

The Trek 8000 2000 costs $1150. As far as cheap mountain bikes go, it does not appear to be well equipped.

Front tires: 26 x 2.125 inch Bontrager Jones AC, rear tires: 26 x 2.00 inch Bontrager Jones AC, mechanical disc brakes, and a shock fork with only 80mm of travel. The rest of the features are the same as in later versions.

However, the body weight has increased by 4 pounds to 29 pounds. Ideal for low-level mountain biking or rough trail riding.

2005 Trek 8000

At the time, the MSRP was $1540. The ZR 9000 aluminum frame is being used for the first time on this bike, and it’s a high-end frame that doesn’t fit well with other accessories.

However, the bike’s longevity and weight are significantly reduced. The rest of the features are the same as on the Trek 8000 from 2000. Climbing rides are better suited.

2006 Trek 8000

The body color is burgundy, more stylish and bold. The price is slightly lowered to $1400. The fork is made of lighter aluminum-magnesium alloy, and the body weight is slightly lighter, but no other major changes are made.

2009 Trek 8000

This is also the main character of this review, the price was $1800. There are significant upgrades in components and specifications, such as hydraulic disc brakes and the use of a RockShox Reba SL Dual Air, 100 mm travel fork.

Making it more suitable for off-road riding and better performance in woodland singletrack.

2010 Trek 8000

The 2010 Trek 8000 iteration didn’t have much to offer, but instead went up in price by $200. The paint color is more youth friendly and the Bontrager Race Lite is 630mm long, 10mm longer than the previous version’s handlebars.

2011 Trek 8000

This is the latest Trek 8000 I’ve been able to get my hands on, with the Fox Alps fork and the same 100mm of travel. But it is a little more responsive on bumpy ground than the 2009 Trek 8000.

The 3X10’s drivetrain has been upgraded from the 2010 Trek 8000. Other features are not much improved.

2009 Trek 8000 Specs

What is the body weight of the Trek 8000?

The Trek 8000, produced in 2006 and later, weighs around 24 lbs.

What frame sizes are available for the Trek 8000?

15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21.5″.

What is the weight limit for the Trek 8000?

No more than 300 lbs (136 kg), which includes the weight of the rider and the weight of the cargo.

Is there a Trek 8000 mountain bike for sale?

The Trek 8000 mountain bike has been discontinued, so if you want to collect one, you can search for it on used websites such as Facebook Marketplace or eBay.

Comparison Table

Competition, trek x-caliber 8 mountain bike vs trek 8000.

The Trek X-Caliber 8 is just as light as the Trek 8000. Nonetheless, the Trek X-Caliber 8 weighs 3.5 pounds more than the Trek 8000.

And the now-popular 1X12 speed drivetrain, which provides riders with a wide range of gearing options. The front chainstay limitation has been removed, so shifting is no longer difficult.

Sturdy flywheel that is nearly impossible to damage. A more relaxed head tube angle to keep you from feeling strained while riding.

For touring rides, the Trek X-Caliber 8 has a shock fork that can be remotely locked to switch the suspension working freely between flat mountain and rough terrain. Save your valuable energy.

This is, of course, critical in long-distance off-road races.

When riding in the mountains, the 29×2.35″ (part of the frame is 27.5×2.35″) puncture-proof tires with no inner tube handle wet ground well.

The Trek X-Caliber 8’s components are superior for trail riding to those of the Trek 8000.

As a result, the Trek X-Caliber 8 is the premium mountain bike for faster riding, racers, or anyone else who wants to cover more ground in less time.

Learn more: Is The Trek X-Caliber 8 Worth Buying? [Trek X-Caliber 8 Review]

Trek Farley 7 Mountain Bike VS Trek 8000

Frozen mountains don’t seem to fit with the Trek 8000’s riding style. The Trek Farley 7 Mountain Bike has you covered.

You’ll get 27.5×4.50″ (S, M frames with 27.5×3.80″) extra-wide tires, a Manitou Mastodon 34 Comp, an air spring fork, a 1X12 speed drivetrain, a lift seat post for lowering, and other features. Fat-tire mountain bikes that aren’t constrained by time or weather have emerged as a new favorite in recent years.

You can ride in the snow whenever you want if you wear warm clothes and protective gear. Even on slightly icy ground, fat tires provide excellent traction. You don’t have to worry about not having enough traction when climbing on ice.

The bike also has a lot of design details to ensure a smooth ride in snowy or sandy mountain terrain.

Learn more: Trek Farley 7 Review-Strong Contenders

YETI SB115 Turq T1 XT vs Trek 8000

The YETI SB115 is a pure race mountain bike that crushes the Trek 8000 in every way.

The YETI SB115 has a 130mm Fox Factory 34 Fit4 fork, making it suitable for riding on all types of off-road terrain, particularly in multi-day stage races, and it has excellent shock absorption with its 115mm Fox Factory Float DPS.

When it comes to long, sending forest singletrack, the Trek 8000 is a deterrent.

The YETI SB115 has a very generous head tube angle, excellent climbing performance, and gives you more confidence on descending trails thanks to Yeti’s patented Switch Infinity suspension design and fork, which reduces most of the initial impact and allows for a softer feel on deeper descents.

The C-Series carbon fiber is extremely light weight, providing the ideal balance of stiffness and suppleness. If you want to race long distances off-road, the YETI SB115Turq T1 XT Mountain Bike is a great mountain bike to try.

Schwinn High Timber VS Trek 8000

What mountain bike should I buy if I’m on a tight budget and primarily a commuter rider? With the Schwinn High Timber, a mountain bike for commuters or park trail riding, we’ve got you covered.

The Schwinn High Timber is a sleek and lightweight mountain bike with medium-sized 27.5-inch wheels that is suitable for both youth and adults. The cost is a fraction of that of the Trek 8000.

There isn’t much of a difference between riding on trails and riding in the neighborhood. A 3×7 drivetrain and enough shock forks to get you through enjoyable commutes.

Learn more: Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike Review

Final Verdict (4.3/5)

The Trek 8000 with its a very light bodyweight and 3X9 drivetrain and steep head tube angle. Allowing riders to ride at will on generally difficult forest road singletrack or flat mountain terrain in hilly areas. It’s a great mountain bike. We gave this mountain bike a final rating of 4.3 out of 5.

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1998 Trek 8000 SL

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Lately I've been working on getting my old 1998 Trek 8000 SL roadworthy for use mainly as a commuter bike. The frame is pretty light and it's the bike I have, so it seemed like a decent choice to test out bike commuting. Way back in high school I was a member of a biking club that went out on weekends and took a week long trip during the summer. It survived 4 years of that and has been sitting in one garage or another for about 16 years. So far I've dusted it off, removed the accessories, aligned the derailleurs, and swapped the old tires with some Bontrager H5 Hard-Case Ultimates(not pictured.) The frame is 19.5" and I'm a 5'9" guy, so I've been testing the fit of it a little bit more. I don't have a ton of stand over clearance and the reach is a little farther that it should be according to the "look down at the front axle" test. I ordered a 600mm flat handlebar, 90mm stem and some lock on grips that should improve the fit/feel. Existing handlebar is 580mm, stem is 120mm and the current grips slip around... Any guidance is appreciated :thumbsup:

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Bicycle tire Bicycle frame Bicycle wheel rim Bicycle fork Bicycle wheel

I would venture to guess that frame is "too big" for you. you might be able to work around that with a shorter stem, but really, the 19.5" frame is a "large" and was designed with a rider around 6 feet tall in mind. http://www.vintage-trek.com/Trek-Fisher-Klein-Lemond/1998trek.pdf

I've been toying with the idea of purchasing a later model 17.5" Trek 8000 frame to swap all of my parts over to. It would be a good learning opportunity and everything would be easy to clean/grease/lube. I was told the only issue I may have is the steerer tube height.

You need to do some research, Trek made or had made many different frames . Hrd to tell from the pics ,but if that's a 1" steerer tube ,a newer frame would have a 1 1/8 tube , plus newer frames don't have the post mounts for V brakes. Retro fitting old bikes can suck up money quick ,you might be better off finding a older road bike ,it might be better suited to what you want to do.

I'm pretty sure mine has a 1 1/8" steerer tube. The '01 and '03 17.5" frames I've been looking at buying both have the same size steerer tube and V brakes, so I should be ok... but seldom do things go as smoothly as planned. The drivetrain on my current bike still has life left in it, so it would be a shame to waste it. Maybe a used road bike is in my future, but it would be cool to make use of the bike I have. Hopefully the 90mm stem helps the feel of the bike. Parts arrive next week. (Park Tool's derailleur tutorials worked amazingly well btw.)

The 8000 and 6000 series Treks of the era were their more aggressive geometry bikes (longer top tubes than the 3000 and 4000 series bikes). That stem is pretty long, so the 90 mm stem you ordered will help, but I would probably go a little wider than 600 mm especially if you put some bar ends on there (which I would for commuting). If your commute is relatively short, I prefer flat bars, but if it's more than 10-15 miles each way, you might do better with a drop bar bike. At 5'9", you are probably borderline for fitting a 19.5" frame at best depending on your proportions. Going to a frame that is the same model, but smaller, I don't think you'll have issues. You can put a few 5 mm spacers under the stem if needed, or just cut the steerer. Cool bike. Enjoy.

Parts arrived and I bought a 2003 17.5" Trek 8000 frame locally. The 1998 Trek Retail Technical Manual pdf that has an "Assembly Information" section at the beginning which contains information regarding torque specifications, Loctite application sections, grease applications, etc. Hopefully it'll prevent me from screwing anything up too badly. Maybe I'll get a new chain and new cables, but it's probably time to stop spending money and start really riding again. My commute to work is about 5 miles one way, so 10 miles round trip.

Bicycle frame Blue Bicycle accessory Bicycle Electric blue

I was looking at a used trek 6700 on the local Craigslist....are these pretty good for vintage bikes? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Kopiaw said: I was looking at a used trek 6700 on the local Craigslist....are these pretty good for vintage bikes? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Click to expand...

19.5" 1998 to 17.5" 2003 frame swap completed :thumbsup: I went to three bike shops in search of a 31.6mm diameter seat post. The one I found is a little long, hits the top water bottle screw, but if I lift it up slightly higher it's at a good height for me. The first short test ride went well. Bike felt good, shifted well, and the new brakes made it stop. I bounced it around after, nothing seemed loose. I learned a lot about how bikes are put together, component names, what to look for when buying a frame... I got extremely lucky with the frame I found. The seller included all the small pieces around the head tube, without them the swap would have been more difficult.

Bicycle tire Tire Bicycle frame Wheel Bicycle wheel

Nice work. The skills you are learning are a great foundation for what can be a life long hobby. Eye-balling it, you seat look a little to far forward. You can cut you seatpost if you need too. Just smooth the edge up.

J_Westy said: Eye-balling it, you seat look a little to far forward. You can cut you seatpost if you need too. Just smooth the edge up. Click to expand...

Great work and glad to see you right-sized. I'm 6'2" and very comfortably ride a 2003 19.5" Trek 8000. I just cleaned mine up for sale -- I will miss it. Lightning quick and solid. (Pic attached, few decals removed to thwart theft.)

Bicycle frame Bicycle tire Bicycle wheel Tire Bicycle fork

I have a 1998 Trek 8900 with Hayes Disc Brakes. I have a new Ti Hardtail I am waiting for the build to be completed. I am finally retiring my old HT. If you need any parts, SID fork, one of the first ever, you can have them. Expecting new ride ready to ride by April Fools Day. Oh no. Safe Travels..... oh, frame is a med with almost brand new wheels and hub.no dents.

Amazing, the 1998 Trek 8900 was a top build model. I remember reviewing the details when it was announced. I'm sure it would fetch good money here, on eBay or via Pinkbike. Was the mango color, too? My favorite. Awesome.

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WHEELS & TIRES

Trek 8000 XC Hardtail

Frame: Alpha Red Aluminum w/semi-integrated head tube, butted & formed top tube, hydroformed down tube w/integrated gusset, bridgeless seatstay, forged race dropouts & replaceable derailleur hanger
Front Suspension: Fox Alps w/air spring, rebound, alloy steerer, 100mm travel
Wheels: Shimano alloy M525 hubs; Bontrager SSR 32-hole rims
Shifters: Shimano SLX, 10 speed
USER REVIEWS

It's a strong, durable, and stiff ride. It's been bulletproof for the near-ten years I've owned it. I've taken care of it, kept it "reasonably" clean and oiled, and, maybe, once tightened a derailleur cable. Now it's starting to show its wear and tear component-wise. …thinking of throwing new 2019 XT groupo on it. I can't complain about the wheelset as some others have. However, a better/new wheelset always brings a bike new life.

Mine is the 15" and I find the geometry a little too squirrely on technical descents taken at speed. I think if the rake was slackened just a hair it would make for better inspiration of confidence.

Great bike all around great feel and performance excellent durability

Only weakness i have had with this bike was bearings in back weel went bad . I think this bike may need a little upgrade with the weels

Excellent bike altogether ,olny real upgrade i seen that may be needed is the weels

1. Superlight! Only 23 lbs with my current set up. It might go lower if you go tubeless. 2. Very strong compared to carbon frames 3. Handles really well on single trails 4. Looks awesome!!

1. Less vibration damping compared to carbon frame 2. Hard to keep up with 29ers on flat

I have 2010 version. I bought it as used. The previous owner upgraded it to XTR crankset, X0 derailleurs, Thompson handle bar and seatpost. It is really light as carbon or even lighter than lower grade carbon frames. If you want a superlight HT bike that can take beatings, look no further!!

Light as Carbon and Robust as Steel

The SLX shifters

This is a great bike. Very light and not fragile like carbon bikes. I highly recommend this bike. 2 things i will change shortly... the SLX shifters to XT and the Sram chain that rolls on the XT rear deraileur and on the XT crank. Honestly i dont get it... The rest is perfect.

Light, cool white design, great Suspension, excellent geometry

None so far.

Well I bought the 2010 model and I can assure this bike is one of the best, the incredible light weight and the good brakes response makes it perfect when you are going downhill (very fast also), the reba fork is a dream and the SLX gear shifters work good but maybe in the future I'll change it for XTR.

Light, easy to bike. Nice setup. Great design

SLX shifters combined with XT rear derailleur

With this bike, cycling goes so much easier than with my old 4300. Everything costs less effort, so I enjoy biking even more. After the switch of shifters, it's just a perfect bike. Also I thought Shimano XT was the standard in disc brakes, but the Elixir 5 on the 8000 work very nice and have a good feel in the brake handles.

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Superlight e-Mountain Bike Super Shootout

Our senior test editor rode and reviewed four high-end superlight electric mountain bikes from Specialized, Trek, Santa Cruz, and Pivot to uncover which offers the best performance on the trail.

The Contenders

The testing, motor system details, more superlight e-bike considerations.

E-bikes are the most rapidly evolving category in cycling. While an electric bike is still very much a bicycle, they are also part smart device. And regardless of your cycling experience, everyone has witnessed how quickly battery-powered electronic devices evolve.

The superlight category is the latest trend to hit e-mountain bikes. Superlight e-bikes sacrifice some motor power for a lighter overall package. While “less” initially may not seem attractive for an electric assist mountain bike, its subtleness results in a ride experience that is noticeably distinct from a full-power e-bike. Superlight e-bikes are lighter weight, ride livelier, easier to handle, and feel almost like an unpowered e-bike. And that makes superlight electric bikes compelling to riders put off by the beastly feel of heavier and more powerful e-bikes.

I spent my entire professional career as a cycling technical editor. For over 25 years, I have tested and reviewed bicycles and cycling equipment, and I can now call myself one of the longest-serving and most experienced tech editors in all of cycling. Previous to my career as a cycling journalist, I worked in bike shops as a salesperson and service manager.

That knowledge and experience are used in this test to help teach you more about this growing category and help you find the best superlight e-bike.

What Are Superlight E-Bikes?

Superlight, SL, e-light, low-power, and light e-MTB are some monikers applied to this category with nebulous and ever-changing definitions. But categories with nebulous and ever-changing definitions are a bike-industry specialty—so, no surprise.

Essentially, a bike in the superlight e-mountain category has a less powerful motor and smaller battery than a “full-power” e-mountain bike. While the latter might have a motor that kicks out 85Nm of torque and a 900Wh battery, an SL e-bike has a motor that puts out 50Nm of torque and carries a 320Wh battery.

A smaller-capacity battery has a smaller size and is lighter weight, and most less powerful SL motors are smaller and lighter than full-power motors. As a result, the superlight e-mountain bikes in this roundup weigh around 40 pounds—10 or so pounds lighter than a full-power e-bike—and boast more discreet looks, too.

I’m here to vehemently disabuse the notion that cutting weight on an electric-assist bike makes little difference. Weight plays a massive role in how the bikes handle and feel on the trail. An e-light bike handles much more like an unpowered mountain bike. Lightweight e-MTBs are more flickable and poppy and are easier to steer and control than a heavier full-power e-bike. And this is especially true for lighter and less powerful riders.

Smaller batteries do not necessarily mean shorter run times because a less powerful motor consumes less energy. Compared to full-power e-bikes with 630Wh batteries, for example, these SL bikes offer similar play times. And smaller batteries typically charge faster than larger batteries. The bikes in this review boast claimed charge times of 3.5 hours or less.

However, a full power bike, especially on climbs, will get you to the places faster—perhaps much faster—than an SL bike. And with their ever-bigger batteries — some full-power e-bikes carry massive 900 or 1,000 Wh batteries — some full-power e-bikes can offer notably more laps, elevation, or distance than an SL bike.

Although they have smaller batteries and less powerful motors, SL e-bikes are not less expensive than full-power ones. And that leaves many riders asking, “Why pay the same for less power, less speed, and (potentially) less range?” It all comes down to the ride experience.

Full-power e-bikes are fast and powerful, but they are also heavy. And (currently) the ride experience is less refined than the experience of riding an SL e-MTB. The large and heavy batteries (and the extra power from a full-power motor) require a stout frame and heavier-duty components. And even though most full-power e-mountain bikes have generous suspension travel (typically 160mm or more), they’re still (at this point in their evolution) somewhat brutish on the trail—Harsh riding and a bit numb feeling, too.

An SL e-bike, in contrast, feels more compliant, agile, and precise. While a full-power e-bike is somewhat of a blunt instrument, a SL e-bike is lithe and graceful.

Over the long term, an SL bike might be less expensive to keep running. The generous torque of a full-power e-bike accelerates wear on the chain, cassette, and chainring, and the extra weight puts additional strain on the disc brake rotors and pads. An SL’s lower power motor theoretically extends the life of these wear-items.

This roundup came about somewhat organically. It just happened that four brands released SL e-bikes in a short enough window that all of the bikes ended up in my garage simultaneously. So why not put them head to head?

All of these bikes are readily available through online retailers or bike shops. Three of these bikes arrived in top-of-the-line trim, while Santa Cruz sent a “mid-range” build (though it still costs nearly ten thousand dollars). However, each of the four is offered in additional builds. So you have alternatives if you like a particular bike but fancy different parts or a different price.

Pivot Shuttle SL Team XTR

Santa Cruz Heckler SL GX AXS Carbon C

Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL

Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS

Each superlight electric mountain bike features a motor with 50 to 60 Newton meters (Nm) of maximum torque (full-power e-bike motors put out 85 Nm or more) and a carbon fiber full suspension frame. Before ride testing, I built and weighed all of the bikes myself. Building the bikes allowed me to compare the bikes’ build quality and components in detail.

For riding evaluation, I spent many hours riding each bike on the diverse trail systems around my home in southwestern Colorado. These are the same trails where I regularly ride and test full-power e-bikes and unpowered mountain bikes.

I then put each bike through three timed tests to evaluate its range, downhill prowess, and overall performance. The tests also provided a holistic picture of its performance on a ride with climbing and descending. Full details about the three tests are provided below.

Pivot Shuttle SL

Precision and finesse.

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PRICE AS TESTED- $13,000 (Team XTR)

BASE BUILD- $9,000 (Ride SLX/XT)

TOP-OF-THE-LINE BUILD- $13,200 (World Cup XTR)

SIZES OFFERED- SM, MD, L, XL

WEIGHT AS TESTED- 39.5 lb. (medium)

MOTOR- Fazua Ride 60

MAXIMUM TORQUE (NEWTON METERS)- 60

MAXIMUM ASSIST (WATTS)- 450

NUMBER OF ASSIST MODES- three plus Boost

USER TUNABLE ASSIST MODES- yes

FIRMWARE UPDATES BY USER- smartphone & desktop app

BATTERY SIZE (WATT HOURS)- 430

CLAIMED CHARGE TIME IN HOURS- 3.5 (0-100%)

OPTIONAL RANGE EXTENDER- Yes, 200 Wh

RANGE EXTENDER PRICE- TBA

QUICK CHANGE IN-FRAME BATTERY- no

ADJUSTABLE GEOMETRY- yes, flip chip

STOCK REAR WHEEL SIZE- 29"

OPTIONAL REAR WHEEL SIZE- 27.5"

MAX REAR TIRE WIDTH (INCH)- 2.4

FORK TRAVEL (MM)- 150

REAR TRAVEL(MM)- 132

MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED FORK TRAVEL- 160

COIL-OVER SHOCK COMPATIBLE- Yes

CARGO MOUNT- Yes, under top tube

RANGE TEST RESULTS [DISTANCE (mi), ASCENT (feet), TIME (min), AVG SPEED (mph)]- 12.62, 3,313, 59:51, 12.7

DOWNHILL RUN TIME (minutes)- 2:59

TRAIL RIDE TIME (minutes)- 34:15

Pivot’s Shuttle SL is the shortest travel bike of this bunch, the second lightest of the group. It was the first bike to offer the Fazua Ride 60 system. I first rode the Shuttle SL at the press launch for it and the Shuttle LT in September 2022 . But some firmware annoyances at the launch prevented me from getting a full picture of the bike. I didn’t want to write a long-term review of the bike until the firmware was fully baked. The issues are resolved, and the bikes are shipping with the updated software.

The Shuttle SL feels very sharp and easily changes direction. This feeling is likely attributed to a few key details. To start, the Shuttle SL has the least travel, the steepest head tube angle, and the highest bottom bracket of the bikes in this group. It also has dw-Link rear suspension, which is well regarded for its efficient ride characteristics.

Another detail to note is the Pivot’s generous cockpit proportions—it has the longest reach and longest effective top tube of the group—which is coupled with what feels to me (and at my saddle height) like the slackest effective seat tube angle of the group. It results in a riding position that’s more laid out and cross-country-like than any other bike in this test, and one that works well for riding longer distances across diverse terrain.

But you’ll also note that the Pivot has a generously long wheelbase—second only to the Santa Cruz—despite being tied for the shortest chainstays and having the steepest head angle.

While it seems a somewhat curious mix of old and new school geometry, it works on the trail as the Pivot hangs with the longer travel, newer-school geo bikes. But getting the most out of the bike requires a touch more attention and precision than the others.

I know some might read that as a negative, but it isn’t to me. I tend to prefer snappier, quicker-feeling bikes that respond to a lighter touch on the bars. And that certainly describes the Shuttle SL. I also think this character suits a bike in this Superlight e-MTB category where lighter, livelier, and more responsive are the reasons for sacrificing motor power. But I also recognize the Pivot’s XC-adjacent feel and riding position isn’t for everyone.

Although I did find the seat angle slightly too slack for my preferences, I’m calling the Pivot the best climbing bike in this group. As the trail pitches up and the higher front wheel shortens the cockpit, the Shuttle SL’s long reach and top tube offer a comfortable position for extended climbs. Not only does the Pivot have the advantage of the most powerful motor, but it also has its superbly efficient dw-Link suspension which offers excellent support and enough sensitivity to ensure there is always rear wheel traction available. Also helping is the 29-inch rear wheel; it helped the Pivot clamber up and over bigger square edge bumps with more grace, and found more traction on loose surfaces, than the 27.5-inch rear wheel on the Santa Cruz with the same motor.

The Pivot can descend well too—but only if you respect its character and not if you want something that behaves like it is on autopilot. Though again, I think there’s a bit of an intentional tradeoff for a bike that’s more up/down balanced than any other bike in this group. For example: Forgoing a MaxxGrip front tire and running super light Galfer rotors (and a 180mm in the rear to boot—all of the others have 200mm rear and heavier duty rotors), definitely hamper the Shuttle SL’s pure descending performance, but they pay off in other situations.

• Maxxis EXO + rear tire: Some extra flat protection is always welcome.

• Cargo mount: A handy and secure place to mount a tool, cargo plate, or inline pump holder.

• At 175mm travel, the Pivot had the longest-travel dropper of this quartet.

• Seat angle: I’m as surprised as anyone to be saying this, but I found the Pivot’s seat angle to be a bit too slack. It’s advertised as an effective 76, but at my saddle height (730mm) I felt more behind the pedals on this bike than the others and had to slam the saddle forward on the rails.

• 157mm “Super Boost Plus” rear spacing: On paper, this is supposed to have many advantages over 148mm rear spacing. But many years into this standard, it’s still not widely adopted, and the advantages don’t seem so great in the real world. 157 offers fewer rear wheel options and a harder rear wheel to replace in a pinch. These are tradeoffs that don’t seem worthwhile.

Santa Cruz Heckler SL

The life of the party, santa cruz heckler sl gx.

Santa Cruz Heckler SL Details click arrow on left to open/close

PRICE AS TESTED- $9,700 (GX AXS Carbon C)

BASE BUILD- $7,300 (R | Carbon C)

TOP-OF-THE-LINE BUILD- $13,000 (XX AXS RSV | Carbon CC)

SIZES OFFERED- SM, MD, L, XL, XXL

WEIGHT AS TESTED- 42.3 lb. (medium)

NUMBER OF ASSIST MODES- three plus Boost

STOCK REAR WHEEL SIZE- 27.5"

OPTIONAL REAR WHEEL SIZE- N/A

MAX REAR TIRE WIDTH (INCH)- 2.6

FORK TRAVEL (MM) - 160

REAR TRAVEL (MM) - 150

MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED FORK TRAVEL- 170

CARGO MOUNT- no

RANGE TEST RESULTS [DISTANCE (mi), ASCENT (feet), TIME (min), AVG SPEED (mph)]- 11.63, 3,133, 56:33, 12.3

DOWNHILL RUN TIME (minutes)- 2:54

TRAIL RIDE TIME (minutes)- 33:42

The youngest member of this group, and the last to arrive in my garage, is the Santa Cruz Heckler SL . It uses the same Fazua system as the Pivot but with more suspension travel, and a dedicated mixed-wheel platform.

I’ve written before about the futility of trying to reverse engineer why some bikes feel more “fun” than others. But it is inescapable that some bikes have a combination of traits that makes you want to do big skids and pop off every little lip on the side of the trail. And that’s the Heckler SL: It’s all about having a great time.

Fun bikes aren’t necessarily any faster than bikes that don’t have the gene. I’ve often found that my segment times are on the slower end of the table when I’m on a fun bike. But occasionally, I come across a bike that is both fast and fun. The Heckler SL is one of those rare birds.

The Santa Cruz is the only bike in the test with a 27.5-inch-wheel-only rear end (the others fit both wheel sizes) and has the longest chainstays of this group. While the handling feel is not as immediate as the Pivot, the dedicated mixed-wheel (29” front and 27.5” rear) Heckler SL is still a bright and poppy bike on the trail, and surprisingly even at slower speeds and on flatter terrain. I say surprisingly because it has the slackest head angle and the longest chainstays, which often are hints that a bike will be more languid until put onto a steep descent.

While the Heckler is lively and a willing partner for playing on the trails, it’s also devastatingly effective when you shift your focus and attack trails. This bike is as fast as it is capable and handles spicy terrain better than any other bike in this group.

I don’t know what the secret sauce is here, but the Heckler SL is on a very short list of bikes that was as pleasant to ride on a casual recovery ride as it was competent when pushed to its (and my) utmost limits.

• Maxxis MaxxGrip front tire: It probably cuts into the battery range somewhat, but the extra confidence and control everywhere else is more than worth it.

• Maxxis EXO + rear tire: A bit of extra flat protection is always welcome

• No 29” rear wheel option: I can’t say if Heckler SL would be a better or worse bike with a 29-inch rear wheel. However, riders should have the option to run one if they want.

• Setting sag: The cutout in the frame helps a little, but it is still freaking tough to read shock sag on Santa Cruz’s bikes with a lower-link-actuated shock.

Specialized Levo SL

The epitome of refinement.

Specialized Levo SL Details click arrow on left to open/close

PRICE AS TESTED- $14,000 (S-Works)

BASE BUILD- $8,000 (Turbo Levo SL Comp Carbon)

TOP-OF-THE-LINE BUILD- $15,000 (S-Works Turbo Levo SL LTD)

SIZES OFFERED- S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6

WEIGHT AS TESTED- 38.9 lb. (S3)

MOTOR- Specialized Turbo SL 1.2

MAXIMUM TORQUE (NEWTON METERS)- 50

MAXIMUM ASSIST (WATTS)- 320

NUMBER OF ASSIST MODES- three plus Micro Adjust

FIRMWARE UPDATES BY USER- smartphone app

BATTERY SIZE (WATT HOURS)- 320

CLAIMED CHARGE TIME IN HOURS- 2.6 (3-100%)

OPTIONAL RANGE EXTENDER- Yes, 160 Wh (included w/S-Works)

RANGE EXTENDER PRICE- $ 450

ADJUSTABLE GEOMETRY- yes: flip chips (chainstay and rear shock eyelet) and headset cups

STOCK REAR WHEEL SIZE- 27.5"

OPTIONAL REAR WHEEL SIZE- 29"

FORK TRAVEL(MM)- 160

REAR TRAVEL(MM)- 150

RANGE TEST RESULTS [DISTANCE (mi), ASCENT (feet), TIME (min), AVG SPEED (mph)]- 9.25, 2,653, 50:47, 10.9

TRAIL RIDE TIME (minutes)- 37:14

The first generation Specialized Levo SL debuted in February 2020 and was one of the first bikes to embrace the light e-MTB concept. The second generation arrived in May 2023 with an upgraded in-frame display and a more powerful and quieter motor.

One thing that sets the Levo SL, and all of Specialized’s e-bikes, apart from most other brands’ bikes is how much of the system is designed in-house. The other bicycle brands in this test have little say or control over the e-bike system. They get a pre-baked system (motor, battery, display, remote, controller, software) from a supplier and integrate it into their frame.

Specialized brings a lot of the development, design, and tuning of the e-bike system’s components in-house. True they don’t own the manufacturing of the e-bike components—the Levo SL’s motor, for example, is made by Mahle—but, more than almost any other bicycle brand, the Specialized e-bike system is unique to the brand.

Perhaps that’s why the Levo SL has the most cohesive and feature-rich system of this group of bikes. From the beautiful (and highly customizable) in-frame color display, to the powerful companion app, to the power delivery from the motor—by far the smoothest and most consistent of the group—the Specialized offers the most refined experience.

One bonus to the top-of-the-line S-Works model tested here is Specialized’s 160 Wh range extender is included with the bike (it’s a $450 aftermarket purchase for other Levo SL models). That bumps total battery capacity up to 480 Wh; it is the highest capacity in this test, although when you have the range extender on the bike you lose your water bottle mount.

You can, in theory, get range extenders for the other bikes also. Although TQ’s range extender is available (160 Wh, $510), the long-promised 200 Wh extender (Price TBA) for the Fazua system is still vaporware.

The impressive features don’t end with the e-bike system. The Levo also has extensive geometry adjustments (chainstay chips, offset shock mount in the clevis, headset cups) to customize its handling. Plus, the Specialized is offered in more sizes than any bike in this group. It’s also (by more than a half-pound) the lightest bike in this test, sneaking in just under the 39-pound mark.

While I have a quibble with the Levo’s shortish reach—it’s almost a centimeter shorter than the next shortest bike in this group—it is, as I said in my first-look review, a brilliant handling bike. Those superb handling traits aren’t just because of what is considered the traditional influence on handling (geometry) but also because of the way the chassis flexes and doesn’t flex, and the Levo SL’s excellent rear suspension tune: Which I think is one of Specialized’s best efforts in years.

It's hard to knock a bike this good, but there’s the shortish riding position as I mentioned, and the motor seems less punchy than its 50 Nm of torque and 320 watts of maximum assist hints at. A minor complaint I have is the layout of the frame doesn’t leave a good space to strap a flat repair kit.

Considering the complete package of the Levo SL’s full suspension mountain bike frame and e-bike system, it’s hard not to be overwhelmingly impressed with the refinement and user experience provided by this bike.

• Lots of geometry adjustments: With three in-frame geometry adjustment tools—chainstay flip chips, clevis flip chips, offset headset cups—Specialized offers riders several tools to fine-tune the Levo SL’s character to their terrain. No bike here can assume a greater variety of handling characteristics.

• Range extender included: The pricy S-Works model comes with Specialized’s 160Wh range extender, providing 50% more battery when needed.

• Six frame sizes: Specialized offers the broadest size range of this group. More sizes mean more riders get the fit they want.

• Good tires. They may not be Maxxis, but the Specialized GRID Trail casings are decently tough, and the sticky T9 compound front tire is a welcome feature.

• Loudest motor: It’s quieter than the SL 1.1 motor, but the SL 1.2 is still louder than the competition.

• Reach: Comparatively short for a “medium” sized bike.

Trek Fuel EX-e

The quiet one.

Trek Fuel EXe Details click arrow on left to open/close

PRICE AS TESTED- $14,000 (9.9 XX1 AXS)

BASE BUILD- $5,500 (Fuel EXe 5)

TOP-OF-THE-LINE BUILD- $14,000 (Fuel EXe XX AXS T-Type)

WEIGHT AS TESTED- 40.8 lb. (medium)

MOTOR- TQ HPR 50

MAXIMUM ASSIST (WATTS)- 300

NUMBER OF ASSIST MODES- three

FIRMWARE UPDATES BY USER- no; dealer only

BATTERY SIZE (WATT HOURS)- 360

CLAIMED CHARGE TIME IN HOURS- 2.0 (0-80%)

OPTIONAL RANGE EXTENDER- Yes, 160 Wh

RANGE EXTENDER PRICE- $510

QUICK CHANGE IN-FRAME BATTERY- Yes

ADJUSTABLE GEOMETRY- Yes, flip chip

MAX REAR TIRE WIDTH (INCH)- 2.5

REAR TRAVEL (MM) - 140

RANGE TEST RESULTS [DISTANCE (mi), ASCENT (feet), TIME (min), AVG SPEED (mph)]- 8.14, 2,309, 44:22, 11.0

DOWNHILL RUN TIME (minutes)- 3:09

TRAIL RIDE TIME (minutes) - 34:00

The Trek Fuel EXe is the “oldest” e-bike of this group and the model I’ve ridden the longest. When it arrived, it was a revelation. The Trek is ultra-discreet—it has a normal mountain bike profile and a whisper-quiet TQ HPR 50 motor.

But the arrival of the Fazua Ride 60 and updated Specialized Turbo SL motors slightly diminished the EXe’s initial glow. What was once a revelation with few peers now finds itself in a very tough fight. But that’s how it goes when a bike is part smartphone—What was class-leading one day can be shuffled down the order with shocking speed.

Even so, the EXe and its TQ system are still the pinnacle of quiet operation with the motor being barely audible on the trail. You may say to yourself, “Big deal. Why does that matter?” Well, after riding a lot of e-bikes, I still find that a quieter motor is an enormously valuable trait. It simply makes for a more pleasant riding experience. So much that I’d sacrifice many other attributes to ride a motor as quiet as the TQ.

The other category TQ still tops is motor size: It’s still the most compact motor and the battery is also slim. Both are so diminutive that they barely impact the profile of the bike. By comparison, the Specialized motor looks like a carbuncle, while the hockey stick-like bends at the bottom bracket and the wide downtubes of the Fazua bikes look inelegant.

In many ways, this is the quietest bike of the bunch, and I’m not just speaking of the motor. The EXe does not have the boutique essence of the Pivot, the cool kid vibe of the Santa Cruz, or the Specializedness of the Levo SL. There’s an understated simplicity to the Trek—it runs a single-pivot rear suspension when the rest are dual-pivot, for example. But I also think this bike is a bit of a sleeper with the power to shock riders with just how good it is.

A lot of that comes down to a great chassis. From the geometry to the riding position, to its suspension performance, the EXe is dialed . And that results in a bike that’s intuitive and consistent in all terrain, and sneakily fast.

The motor is surprisingly punchy too and feels more powerful than its numbers suggest. Those reasons are likely why it was the second-fastest bike in the trail test, beating the more powerful Pivot by 15 seconds.

I’d also like to highlight the fact that you can get an EXe for much cheaper than any of the other bikes. The starting price EXe is $5,500, that’s almost two grand cheaper than the next cheapest base model (a $7,300 Santa Cruz). True, that $5,500 model has an aluminum frame and cheaper components, but, crucially, it uses the same motor, battery, suspension design, and geometry as the brilliant bike tested here.

However, as you’ll read in the sections below, the EXe is range challenged and its tires are a limiting factor in some terrain.

• Nearly silent: Still the quietest e-bike I’ve ever ridden.

• Fragile tires: Trek should return to the drawing board with its mountain bike tires. The SE5s have good grip on dry dirt but need a better casing. I’d prefer to see some Maxxis Minion with EXO + until the Bontrager tires improve.

• Needs a bigger battery: The EXe has the shortest playtime of the competition. And it’s a shame because riding the bike is such a joy on the trail.

Many take naming a winner to mean it was the only good bike. That is very much not true of this group. I honestly loved all these bikes and would eagerly ride any of them on any given day.

But one bike stands slightly above the rest: The Santa Cruz Heckler SL .

The Fazua system offers range and speed close to a full-power e-bike but in a bike that is many pounds lighter. And the bike has the suppleness and graceful character that define the e-light category.

The Heckler SL is also very entertaining to ride: Its character is lively and agile, yet also the most fearsome and capable on the descents. It was, to me, the most fun bike to ride, a trait that it maintained whether the trail was flat and flowy or steep and janky.

The price is a big help, too. While it is not a cheap bike, it is thousands less than the others. And I didn’t sense any performance tradeoffs for the bike’s aluminum rims, lower-tier SRAM Transmission drivetrain, or fewer adjustment dials on the suspension components. Yes, it is the heaviest on the scale, but that weight difference was not meaningful on the trail.

As evidence that its weight and lower grade components did not hinder its performance, the Heckler SL claimed the co-fastest time in the downhill test and the fastest time in the trail test.

The most fun to ride, fastest on the trail, best priced, plus the best tires, drivetrain, and suspension. In the end, the Santa Cruz Hecker SL is the clear winner.

Bro-Science

To add a bit of controlled(ish) structure to this review, I subjected every bike to three real-world tests: A range test and two timed trails (one pure downhill, one with climbing and descending). More details about every test are below, along with the results.

These tests very much, and intentionally, fall under the Bro-Science umbrella. I did not run every bike a zillion times and average the results nor did numerous riders run every bike a zillion times and average all those results. This was not a hypercontrolled lab test environment.

But I tried to control several variables and be consistent—I wore the same clothes, helmet, shoes, and sunglasses, started with the same amount of water in my hydration pack, gave the same approximate effort, and rode the same lines. And I gave every bike one shot. I used my Garmin Edge 540 and Strava Segments to see which bikes went furthest or fastest.

Bro-Science is not science-science. I acknowledge it is easy to find flaws in my *cough* methodology that might influence the results. Wind, for example—Catching more or less wind would sway the results.

So, while I would never argue my results are definitive, they are a real-world representation of what a buyer experiences when riding a stock bike.

The Climb Test

To compare the bikes’ ranges, I conducted a test on a gravel forest road climb in Durango, Colorado. You can deep dive into the segment’s stats here , but the crucial segment specs are 12.6 miles in length, 3,300 feet of elevation gain, and an average grade of 4.9 percent.

I chose this segment for a few reasons: It’s near my house and easy to get to, it has a parking lot where the pavement ends and the climb begins, the climb is long and has a consistent grade and surface, and there is not a lot of traffic. Finally, if I had an issue with the bike, I could simply turn around and coast back to my car.

I started with all of the bikes’ batteries fully charged. I used the maximum assist mode and wore the same riding kit for all attempts. All bikes had stock tires set up tubeless and clean, freshly lubed drivetrains. I aimed for a cadence of 85 to 100 rpm and tried to keep my power to between 150 and 200 watts. I used a Garmin Edge 540 to track all the data.

I guessed that the Pivot would perform best in this test and chose this bike for the first attempt. After completing the segment, the bike still had 22 percent battery left. Subsequently, I used this target for the other bikes: I’d ride until the Garmin showed 22 percent battery remaining and record the time, distance, and elevation.

Although the Specialized S-Works Levo SL model comes with the 160Wh range extender, I left it off for the range test. Only this model and the S-Works frameset come with the range extender—It’s an extra purchase for all other Levo SL variants. So, all bikes in the group were tested only with their internal battery.

Climbing Results (Distance in miles, ascent in feet, time, avg. speed in mph):

Pivot: 12.62, 3,313, 59:51, 12.7 Santa Cruz: 11.63, 3,133, 56:33, 12.3 Specialized: 9.25, 2,653, 50:47, 10.9 Trek: 8.14, 2,309, 44:22, 11.0

Although the Fazua-equipped bikes—the Pivot and Santa Cruz—have the largest-sized batteries and therefore seem to have the advantage. They also have more powerful motors— which, in theory, consume more power than a less powerful motor, making that larger battery necessary. Even so, the Fazua bikes clearly won the range test. Not only going further but also at a higher average speed.

Note that the Santa Cruz Heckler SL’s range is shorter than the Pivot Shuttle’s even though they use the same motor and battery. I was not surprised. With an average grade of five percent, gravity consumes most of the energy on this segment, and the Heckler is about three pounds more than the Pivot. Plus, the Santa Cruz runs a stickier and slower rolling MaxxGrip compound on the front tire.

I found it fascinating how the Specialized compared to the Trek. The Levo SL’s battery is 40Wh smaller than the Trek’s, but the Specialized motor also kicks out a bit more claimed maximum assist (320 vs. 300 watts). And yet, the Specialized went further than the Trek.

Representatives from a handful of competing motor companies tell me that their internal testing shows that the TQ motor is less efficient than its competition and, therefore, is somewhat of a battery hog. The range test seems to confirm these claims, as the Trek’s range is dramatically shorter than the other bikes.

In the positive column for the Trek, it is the quietest motor by a large margin. There were long stretches of the climb where I couldn’t hear the motor above all the environmental noise (wind, tires, my breathing).

The Santa Cruz was the next quietest, followed by the Pivot. Again, those bikes use the same motor, but the Santa Cruz is seemingly better shrouded.

The Specialized had the least quiet motor. I’m saying “least quiet” instead of “loudest” because all these motors, even the Specialized, are fairly quiet and vibration-free.

The Downhill Test

For this test, I selected a coast-heavy trail that largely removed the motor component. Because this is a rouge trail, I can’t share too many details. But the trail was built for downhill race training and is best described as anti-flow.

The segment specs are 0.74 miles with a drop of 641 feet and an average grade of minus 16.4 percent.

It is quite steep, with a few rare turns, a handful of off-camber bits, and lots of jank. The trail surface is strewn with sizable square-edged rocks—both loose and embedded—and the steeper sections feature ruts, roots, embedded rocks, and plenty of leaf and pine needle litter.

The goal was to emphasize the chassis and components and see which bike carried speed most comfortably. I rode this trail once on every bike (at about 65 percent of full send) to emphasize consistency and minimize mistakes.

Downhill Results (time, min:sec):

Pivot: 2:59 Santa Cruz: 2:54 Specialized: 2:54 Trek: 3:09

Interestingly, not only did the Santa Cruz and Specialized tie in time, but the bikes are very similar in many ways. Both bikes use 160mm forks with 150mm rear travel (more travel than the Pivot and Trek), both had 27.5 rear wheels, and both had sticky compound front tires.

I was a bit surprised to see the Trek so far behind the others as it is the bike I have the most time on of the four. But comparing my segment time on the Trek to the others, I was simply slower, losing time over the whole segment and not in any one specific section.

I think the major reason is the Bontrager SE5 tires. Not their grip—they work quite well on the dirt around me—but their flat resistance. Although Bontrager’s SE casing is supposedly analogous to a Maxxis EXO Plus casing, I found the SE more prone to flats than even the standard Maxxis EXO. The rear tire on the EXe was already plugged, and I think I was riding more carefully on my run to keep air in the tires.

The Trail Test

This was the most real of my real-world tests. The segment I chose was almost 100 percent singletrack that runs 7.1 miles and features 1,189 feet of climbing with 1,054 feet of descending. The surface is more smooth than rocky, but there are a few spicy rock gardens to keep things interesting.

The grades on the climbs and descents are (except for a few short punches) not very steep, and the whole segment is very twisty. This makes it quite different than the downhill segment, which is straighter and steeper.

I often ride this segment (using it for most of my e-mountain bike testing), and I’m very familiar with its intricacies. I rode the four bikes for this test like during my normal e-bike testing—Always going for a PR.

I ran all the bikes with maximum assist for the whole segment, and on the short, punchy climbs, I took advantage of the Fazua’s Boost function when riding the Pivot and Santa Cruz.

Trail Results (time, min:sec):

Pivot: 34:15 Santa Cruz: 33:42 Specialized: 37:14 Trek: 34:00

The results of the Specialized and Trek surprised me the most. The Trek (despite having the least powerful motor of the four) was the second fastest bike. Its singletrack handling is divine, which really shone in the twisty terrain and allowed me to carry speed, mitigating the disadvantage of the less powerful motor. I could feel that I was flowing well on the Trek, and with the fear of flatting largely eliminated, I felt freer to let it fly.

But the tires we almost the Trek’s undoing. Close to the end of the timed segment, a plug from a previous flat worked loose, and the rear tire started to go soft.

I am a bit perplexed by the Specialized’s time. I didn’t feel like I was going easy or holding back. Both power and heart rate align with the efforts on the other bikes. Comparing segment times, I lost almost all the time to the other bikes on the climbs: Seemingly, I was getting less assistance from the Specialized than I did from the other bikes.

Although the Santa Cruz was the fastest of this bunch, I didn’t set my fastest segment time aboard this bike. I had my sixth-best time on the Santa Cruz, with all of my faster times achieved on full-power e-bikes. I set my fastest overall time—2:43 faster than the Santa Cruz—on Yeti’s SB160 E with Shimano’s EP8 motor. Not surprisingly, I gained almost all the time on the climbs aboard the more powerful e-bike, but the Yeti was also slightly faster on the descents.

These e-bikes—like all e-mountain bikes sold by mainstream and reputable bicycle brands—are categorized as Class 1. That means the motor assists only when the rider pedals and the assistance cuts off at 20 miles per (in most of Europe, these same bikes have an assist limit of 25 kilometers per hour/15.5 mph).

Each of these motors is rated at 250 watts nominal (or continuous) power. Which, supposedly, is the maximum amount of power the motor can output for an indefinite time without damage from overheating.

E-bike motors must be rated to 250 watts nominal power to conform to EU regulations—specifically EN 15194 . The math around nominal power is, honestly, fuzzy—or, perhaps, creative. Based on my many hours and miles of riding e-bikes, even these “low-powered” bikes seem to kick out more than 250 watts for long periods comfortably.

So, ignore nominal power. The crucial stats are torque (provided in Newton meters) and, to a lesser extent, peak watts. Torque is the oomph, and torque is what you feel when pedaling an e-bike. With little exception, a motor with more torque feels more powerful than one with less. Peak watts are the maximum power the motor can achieve, but only for a short time.

Fazua Ride 60

The Fazua Ride 60—found in the Pivot and Santa Cruz—motor weighs a claimed 1,960 grams and offers up to 60 Nm of torque and 450 watts of peak power.

There are three ride modes—From lowest- to highest-assist: Breeze, River, and Rocket. Like most motor companies, the character of those modes can be customized by the company building the motor into their bike, so one brand’s River might not have the same characteristics as another’s.

The Ride 60 also has Boost mode that throws down the motor’s full 450 watts of peak assist for a short period. If activated when the bike is stopped, it has four seconds of assistance when the rider starts pedaling. It offers maximum assistance for 12 seconds if activated while moving. Note this is not a throttle: It only allows Boost while the rider pedals.

Regardless of factory tune, the rider can customize each ride mode with either Fazua’s smartphone app ( iOS , Android ) or desktop app ( MacOS, Windows, Linux ). Those apps also allow the rider to diagnose errors and apply firmware updates.

The Ride 60 system has the most basic display of the three systems here. The LED HUB in the top tube has five colored lights: the color corresponds to the ride mode, while the number of lights illuminated indicates the remaining battery charge. And that’s it: There’s no screen which seems like a significant shortfall compared to what the TQ and Specialized systems offer.

Riders who require more detailed information must pair a GPS cycling computer (Garmin, Hammerhead, and Wahoo all “talk” to the Fazua system) or use a smartphone and the Fazua app on the bar as a dashboard.

The Hub also has a USB-C port, which can charge a phone or other small device or communicate with the desktop app.

The rider controls the Ride 60 system with the Ring Controller. It moves in three directions—up, down, and inboard—which the rider uses to turn the bike on and off, cycle through assist modes, and activate boost and walk modes.

Specialized Turbo SL 1.2

The Specialized Turbo SL 1.2 motor is used in the Levo SL and the Creo SL drop bar bike. It weighs a claimed 1,950 grams and offers up to 50 Nm of torque and 320 watts of peak power.

Like most e-bikes, there are three ride modes: Eco, Trail, and Turbo. The Turbo mode is detuned from the factory and has little difference from the Trail mode. But there are two possible fixes, which are described below.

One is to utilize Micro Tune mode. This allows the rider to select a fixed assist level from 10 to 100 percent. In Micro Tune mode, the rider presses the plus or minus button on the remote to add or subtract assist in 10 percent increments.

The other way is to download the Specialized App ( iOS , Android ) and tune the Turbo mode to offer full pedal assist. The app also allows the ability to independently adjust the Eco and Trail modes and push firmware updates to the bike.

One unique feature of the app is Smart Control, which automatically adjusts assist over the course of a ride based on preset parameters. Specialized explains, “Smart Control uses an algorithm to predict future battery use based on time/distance/elevation completed, then it adjusts your motor power incrementally to meet the battery capacity target and estimated ride distance/time you set.”

The color Specialized MasterMind TCU is the most customizable and data-rich display used in this quartet of bikes. The term “display” isn’t quite right as MasterMind is more like a full-featured GPS cycling computer. It offers a full suite of (customizable) data pages with all the information you could want—including jump stats.

You can scroll through the pages by pressing a button on the handlebar remote. If you don’t want to ride with a GPS cycling computer, MasterMind will also pair with a heart rate strap, Garmin Rearview Radar, and SRAM electronic shifting systems and display data from those sensors. It even has an alarm that activates if the bike is moved.

If the in-frame display isn't your thing, pair the Specialized to many GPS cycling computers and see motor and battery data there.

The Specialized has a four-button handlebar remote. The plus and minus buttons cycle through the preset assist modes and select the Micro Tune assist level. The F1 button scrolls through data pages on the TCU, while F2 activates assist mode. The system powers on and off with a small button below the TCU display.

TQ’s HPR 50 motor is the most compact e-bike motor in the test group. Not much bigger than a BB30 bottom bracket, it gives the Trek Fuel EXe the profile of an un-assisted mountain bike.

The HPR 50 weighs a claimed 1,850 grams and puts out 50 Nm of torque and 300 watts of peak power. There are three ride modes: Eco, Mid, and High. Like other e-bike motor suppliers, Trek can custom-tune these modes to suit the character of their bikes.

The TQ is the only system without a bonus mode like the Fazua Boost or the Specialized Micro Tune. However, the user can custom-tune the individual modes with one of two apps. Fazua has an app ( iOS / Android ) but it is relatively basic and does offer the ability to custom-tune the modes and the display.

The more feature-rich Trek Central app ( iOS / Android ) also offers the ability to tune ride modes but also has functions like ride tracking and navigation. It also displays data from additional sensors on the EXe (AirWiz and TyreWiz—if equipped) and provides recommended tire and suspension pressure settings.

Additionally, Trek’s app has a range estimation function that shows, on a map, where you can ride the EXe based on the current battery charge: Both one-way and round-trip. “The estimated range for each mode is calculated using a robust algorithm that considers topography, rider weight, wind, and more,” says Trek.

The TQ system has an in-frame black-and-white display that offers a good amount of information (like battery charge state, estimated range and remaining ride time, rider and motor power, and cadence).

Like the other systems, riders can pair the TQ system to many GPS cycling computers and display motor and battery data there.

Riders cannot push firmware updates to the TQ system from either the TQ or Trek smartphone app. Firmware updates can only be done by a dealer.

The TQ has the smallest-sized and most minimalist handlebar remote of the three tested systems. With just two buttons, it only cycles through assist modes and activates walk mode. A small button on the display powers the system on or off and cycles through the display’s data pages.

29” x 29” or 29” x 27.5” Wheels?

Two bikes—the Pivot and Trek—roll from the factory on matched 29-inch wheels. The Santa Cruz and Specialized roll on mixed wheels (AKA MX or Mullet) with a smaller 27.5 rear wheel.

Only the Santa Cruz is locked into the stock rear wheel size—The others can run the alternate size if the rider wishes.

Currently, the MX setup is winning the hype war with the tastemakers. But does rear wheel size make a difference? I tested and experimented with mixed-wheel-sized bikes for a while now to try and figure that out.

My current conclusion (of course, subject to change) is it does not make a significant difference.

A 29-inch rear wheel seems to help most on chunky and technical climbs, providing more traction and rollover at slow speeds than the smaller wheel. The 27.5-inch rear wheel seems to help most on very steep downhills by offering more butt clearance when hanging off the back of the bike.

There are also nuances in cornering. Through riding, I found bikes with 27.5” rear wheels pivot through tighter corners a little more naturally, but a larger-sized wheel offers slightly superior control in fast and sweeping corners.

Overall, I wouldn’t buy or not buy a bike because of its stock rear wheel size. In my experience, the differences are very slight. There are far more important considerations when weighed against the complete picture of a bike.

However, I think—no matter what size it comes fitted with from the factory—brands should make their bikes compatible with both so riders can swap to suit their needs or desires.

Fox or RockShox Suspension?

While not planned, two bikes have Fox suspension—36 Float fork and Float X shock—and two have components from RockShox—Lyrik Fork and Super Deluxe shock.

Both suspension manufacturers make quality products, and every fork and shock could be set up into a window that worked well for me. But I currently have a preference for the RockShox products. I find them better at muting mid-speed chatter and controlling bigger hits. I also love that they operate with virtually no noise.

The Fox products have a plusher feel and are slightly more sensitive off the very top of the stroke than the RockShox offerings. But that sensitivity only seems to pay off in a superior showroom feel.

I experienced the performance pendulum swing back and forth between the two suspension brands many times over my career. While I’m sure it will swing back to at some point—and neither brand offers perfection—currently, I find RockShox offers more refined performance on the trail.

Shimano or SRAM Drivetrain?

Right now, SRAM rules high-end mountain bike spec sheets. SRAM’s AXS electronic shifting components are everywhere, with the recently released Transmission Full Mount derailleurs (only available in an electronic shifting variant) achieving immediate popularity among bicycle brands’ e-bike product managers.

There are good reasons for that. Not only is the SRAM Transmission incredibly durable and almost impossible to send into the rear wheel’s spokes (which happens more frequently with an extra 300 plus watts of electric assist), but it also offers nearly flawless and seamless shifts up and down the cassette even under full-rider and motor power.

Overall, it's hard not to recommend choosing one of these bikes with a SRAM Transmission drivetrain. The stuff is that great, and Shimano does not currently have an answer to it.

Only the Pivot came with a Shimano drivetrain. It had the top-of-the-line XTR drivetrain—which, as far as mechanical shifting goes, is the best you can currently get. If you must have cable-actuated shifting, get Shimano: It is more refined than SRAM's mechanical offerings.

Shimano or SRAM Disc Brakes?

Like the drivetrain, three bikes had SRAM products (all had the Code, SRAM’s most powerful brake), and only one (the Pivot) used Shimano brakes.

While SRAM is the current leader on the drivetrain front, things are more equal on the brake side. The SRAM Code brakes (found on the Santa Cruz, Specialized, and Trek) and the Shimano XTR four-piston brakes (used on the Pivot) offer generally good all-around performance and reliability.

Shimano brakes have a lighter lever feel, offer a bit more initial bite, and feel more powerful. SRAM brakes have a slightly heavier lever feel, and most riders observe the SRAM stoppers have slightly superior modulation. However, those stereotypical characteristics can be altered or fine-tuned with pad compound and rotor choice.

Compatible replacement brake pads and rotors (yes, rotors wear and need to be replaced) are readily available for both.

To me, neither brake set stands out as a clear winner. And I can happily ride both in most situations. However, I found the Shimano brake’s bite point is less consistent than the SRAM’s in cold temperatures.

For e-bikes, there are potentially better disc brake options than SRAM and Shimano. One is TRP’s DH-R EVO , which, in my experience, combines the best attributes of Shimano and SRAM brakes into one unit.

Tires, Tires, Tires!

I did consider equipping all the bikes with the same tires to equalize one of the most consequential components of any mountain bike.

But then I considered that these are $9,700 to $14,000 bikes. They damn well should come with great tires. Changing them out might let some bikes off the hook.

I recognize the world is large—no single tire can be perfect for all terrains or riders. But a bike can live or die by its tires, and a tire swap can transform an ugly duckling into a swan.

Truthfully, I don’t think any of these bikes nailed it with the tire choice. All of them fell into the same damn trap that almost every mountain bike product manager falls into: They went too light.

Light tires are a great way to make a bike look better on the scale because they can easily pull half to a full pound from a bike’s weight. This is great until you need to put a pound (or a hundred bucks worth) of plugs and sealant into them to keep them inflated.

These are longer travel trail bikes, 40-pound ones at that. There is more speed, more weight, more force. Using the Maxxis line as a template, they all should have, at a minimum , a Double Down rear tire (MaxxTerra for range and durability) and an EXO+ MaxxGrip on the front. Either that or make inserts stock.

Most of the tires held up okay, but I previously rode all these tires enough to know I needed to overinflate them and use good judgment with my line choice. I didn’t feel I could truly send these bikes into the rowdier terrain around me with the stock tires. And having equipment that holds you back is always a bummer—Especially on five-figure bikes that should be nearly flawless from the factory.

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race.

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Feb 2007 · Guy Kesteven

With Lance and his legion not taking up all their time, Trek's mountain bike division seems to have come alive this year and even the long-running 8000 disc gets a whole new lease of life for 2007.

Read Review

Last updated June 29 Not listed for 2,508 days

*Trek is a trademark of Trek Bicycle Corporation, Waterloo, WI

All copyrights in the TREK brochures, pricelists, owner's manuals and photographs displayed on this website are the sole property of Trek Bicycle Corporation, Waterloo, Wisconsin.

2001 Trek SLR Alpha Superlight Race 8000 Mounta...

Serial: WL0044086
Manufacturer: Trek
Name: Leslie's bike #2
Model: SLR Alpha Superlight Race 8000 Mountain bike
Primary colors: Silver, gray or bare metal, Red, and Blue
Frame size: 39CM
Frame Material: Aluminum

Distinguishing features

Odometer, rear black bike rack, Owned by Leslie Zimmer and Eric Zimmer

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Trek SL1000 review

Half a grand is a lot of money for a lot of people - luckily it can get you a lot of bike

Paul Vincent

Half a grand is a lot of money for a lot of people - and luckily it can get you a lot of bike. There's a huge range to choose from at this price, from commuting cycles to long-distance tourers, but if you're looking for something a little lighter and sportier you'll be pleased to know that for around £500 you can buy a machine that'll easily cope with distance rides such as sportives, as well as your day to day cycling, with a good dose of style thrown in.

The Trek SL1000, was a winner in Cycling Plus' 2006 budget race bikes of the year. >

Frame >The Trek frame is based on 7005 series aluminium tubing with butted main tubes and is 1,551g in the 56cm size tested. The welding is plain without any smoothing of the joins, and the paint and decals are an improvement on the previous year's model. We like the neatly executed mudguard bridge detailing between the chainstays.

The distinctive and unusual forward-sloping top-tube (it's higher at the seatpost) is an aspect of the 1000-1500 series that you'll either like or loathe, but the short head-tube enables a low riding position for time trialling that simply isn't possible on the Specialized with its taller head-tube. The handlebar height can be altered considerably by flipping the stem through 180 degrees to point upwards, and further adjustments can be effected in small increments by using the headset spacers provided. The inclusion of rack and mudguard eyes is a major plus point as far as versatility for commuting and general cycling is concerned, meaning that this frame is a good all-rounder.

> Equipment >Given that the £500 price point is largely focused on those who are just getting into their cycling, it is appropriate that Trek have specified the SL1000 with a triple chainset, because the range of gears this provides is more important than the small weight saving of a double chainset. The anatomic 'pistol grip' handlebars have a slightly deeper and lower bend than those of the Specialized, and the radically sloping stem provides a greater than average range of handlebar height settings, though it doesn't win points for style. The Shimano Sora levers work well with your hands rested on the hoods, but it's a long reach to the brake hood button levers when your hands are on the drops.

>An eight-speed Shimano cassette means the transition to a smaller gear is a noticeably bigger step than with a 10-speed system, but the testers felt that it hardly affected their ability to maintain a constant pedalling cadence on undulating roads.

> > Wheels >The Trek wheels are of the traditional variety in using 32 spokes per wheel, laced in a 3-cross pattern to strong, reputable Alex rims - each spoke is crossed by two others, between hub and rim - with unbranded but smooth-running hubs. This year's wheels are 115g heavier per pair than those of the previous year's model that were outwardly similar but used Rigida Chrina rims instead. Trek have retained the tried and trusted Bontrager Select tyres that are probably the best budget tyre we have come across for vertical compliance, and they grip tenaciously in the wet. Their slightly larger 25mm width means they are more resistant to pinch punctures than 23mm tyres, but they'll need to be changed for a 23mm tyre if mudguards are to be fitted to provide enough clearance.

> Handling

The Trek's butted tubes make for a lively performance out on the road and were it not for the weight of the components, this could easily be confused with a bike costing twice the price. There really is very little to criticise when ridden on the flat, but at a shade under 21lb its bulk, which is mainly centred on the wheels, makes it harder for the rider to change tempo on a climb. That said, the fun and lively nature of the ride makes you want to take the long way home on a warm balmy summer evening.

Though odd looking, the system of using spacers stacked to give the greatest handlebar height didn't cause our testers any worries, and the time triallists will warm to the fact that the spacers can be omitted completely to get a low, aerodynamic riding position. > > Verdict

The Trek won our budget race bike of 2006 award by virtue of its versatility and now receives a carbon seatpost, but it's 115g heavier overall because of the new wheels. Compared to the previous model year, the Specialized has seen the biggest raft of improvements which, like the Trek, include a carbon seatpost in place of an aluminium one, together with a higher spec and marginally lighter wheels. >Iit's hard to ignore the Trek's inclusion of mudguard and rack eyes. These make the it a very versatile bike, a quality that can't be overlooked if the bike is to be used year-round for different types of riding. If versatility is your bag, the Trek should be right up your street.

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CelebWatch: Shatner Gets “Weird” + Pine Goes To “Moscow” + Nimoy Wraps “Fringe” + Quinto On The “Margin”

| April 12, 2010 | By: Anthony Pascale 19 comments so far

Shatner pitches "Weird or What" in Cannes

We will find in May if William Shatner’s new sitcom Bleep My Dad Says gets picked up, but one Shatner show that is definitely going on the air is Weird or What , a new documentary series Shatner is co-producing an hosting. The show description press release make it sound a bit like Leonard Nimoy’s In Search Of :

in Weird or What? William Shatner will investigate and analyze all that is weird in the world, including everything from paranormal phenomena to weird and wonderful creatures, from medical oddities to mysterious disappearances, and bizarre natural disasters to mystical monster attacks.

The show has been sold to Discovery Channel in the US and History Channel in Canada. Today Shatner is at the MIP TV convention in Cannes today selling the show to the world. Variety reports that production company Cineflix has successfully sold the show to "nearly every territory". At the event Shatner described the show:

We’re looking at weird circumstances but we’re presenting them in a light-hearted, jaunty way. We’re not taking ourselves too seriously.

Chris Pine headed to Moscow as Jack Ryan

Last year Chris Pine, the new Kirk, was tapped as the new Jack Ryan, to head up another big Paramount franchise. New details have emerged on this next film based on the Tom Clancy character. Pajiba reports the following story synopsis for the next Jack Ryan film (now with the working title of "Moscow"):

The movie will pick up with the Jack Ryan not long after his stint in the Marines, before he’s joined the CIA, while he’s a Wall Street stock broker, an occupation that will play heavily into the script. In the Clancy novels, Jack Ryan was a successful financial analyst in Baltimore for Merrill Lynch. In the new movie, he will have transplanted to Moscow to continue his financial advising, not for Merill Lynch (which has been absorbed by Bank of America), but for a billionaire employer. It is that billionaire employer who eventually sets Jack Ryan up to take the fall for terrorist plot designed to collapse the U.S. economy. After that, Ryan must race against time to clear his name, reveal the terrorist plot, and save his wife, who has been taken hostage by the billionaire employer.

No word yet on when "Moscow" will go in front of cameras or be released, but probably following Pine’s work on the next Star Trek .

Nimoy’s last day as an actor? + honored as space inspiration

Spock Prime, Leonard Nimoy has recently stated he is ready to back into acting retirement. This would mean his last job as an actor would be reprising his role as William Bell in the season finale JJ Abrams’ Fringe . And yesterday, Nimoy tweeted " Finishing work on Fringe today. Really good experience. The two parter will air in May." Today he tweeted that his back home. Speaking of Twitter, in just four days TheRealNimoy has picked up almost 33,000 followers.

But Mr. Nimoy is still out and about. On Thursday Leonard is being honored by the Space Foundation at the National Space Symposium in Colorado. Nimoy is being presented with the Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach award for being an inspiration to people around the world "to explore the wonders of science, space, and technology." And a reminder, next Friday the original Spock is headed to the Vulcan, Alberta, Canada (the official Star Trek capital of Canada) to unveil a bust of himself, and then he is off to the Calgary Entertainment Expo for the weekend.

Quinto on NYSE floor

Finally we come to the new Mr. Spock, Zachary Quinto. The actor is currently in New York filling out his resume as a producer an actor in Margin Call , a film set in the world of the stock market. Last week Zach tweeted this pic of himself with his Before the Door production company partners.

While he has been in New York, Quinto has been a frequent Twitterer, sending gems like this one last Thursday:

the t-shirt i was wearing today smelled. so i bought a new t-shirt. now it smells. already. why you got to be so smelly t-shirts?

But no worries, Zach was cleaned up all nice by the next night…

Jeez, that photo of Nimoy is fierce! :D

I cant wait to see nimoy and the shat at vegas will miss them when their gone

Shats new show sounds fun–long as they dont make fun of believers cuz that could be bad n sad–

Like a jaunty “In Search Of…”

If I see one more word with quotes around it I’m going to “scream”.

Has Shatner seen Star Trek 11 yet?

How really cares. I don’t. maybe I did at one point. But I don’t now. Let it go. For crying….out….loud

“We’re not taking ourselves too seriously.”

In contrast to some of today’s Hollywood actor wannabees, Shatner can afford to not take himself too seriously. :)

Nimoy looks like an old, and very wise Spock on that photo. Acting retirement surely would be a waste of material…

#6 No, he’s busy having a life. :))

The two shows should be combined to form a show called “Weird Fringe”, and in the first show William Shatner could focus on mysteries of Mr.Spock’s bowl haircut.

Wow whats up with Quinto’s nerdball galsses….First we see a hobo Spock and now dork Spock.

ZQ’s follow up tweet is hilarious!

Nimoy always look cool…kinda badass…you wish Fringe would throw a evil Spock beard on him! Shat looks kinda pudgy…a jolly old type… I was really hoping Mr Nimoy would make it in the new MI movie as Paris…maybe a evil Paris with a beard!

Jack Ryan before Star Trek or after???

From everything I’ve seen of Ben Affleck, he’s pretty impressed with himself. Chris Pine will be 1000 times better than him.

Quinto needs a fashion adviser.

I think Quinto should do a music video as Bilbo Baggins

Alec Baldwin was a great Jack Ryan. Tough act to follow (and I’m a big Ford fan).

16. Yeah! xD lol

Quinto is always dressed stylish, cool and modern- I love it. Zach, just rub some patchouly on yourself and get back to work please!!!!!!!! And Bleep Jack Ryan!

An archive of Star Trek News

Star Trek Into Darkness Moscow Premiere

Cast & Crew
Star Trek Into Darkness

Yesterday was the Moscow premiere of Star Trek into Darkness and in attendance were J.J. Abrams, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto , and Alice Eve .

It was a rainy day in Moscow, but that didn’t deter the stars or the fans waiting to see them.

Click on thumbnails for larger-sized photos from the event.

About The Author

T'Bonz

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Trek 8000 SL Superlight 19.5 For Sale
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Trek 8000 SL
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2011 Trek 8000 MTB
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Modified 2010 Trek 1.2 Alfa
Тестируем STELS ЕРМАК 800L 2-лыжный. Обзор и отзыв ходовых качеств от компании X-MOTORS

COMMENTS

Trek 8000 Mountain Bike Review
The Trek 8000 is a fantastic mountain bike that performs exceptionally well on rugged woodland trails. It offers aggressive geometry, grippy tires, a lightweight carbon frame, 27 speeds, and quick acceleration compared to the average gravel bike. ... Featuring a RockShox Reba SL fork with positive and negative air pressure, the Trek 8000 ...
Is The Trek 8000 A Good Mountain Bike? [Trek 8000 Review]
The Trek 8000 also has the same hydraulic disc brakes found on mid- to high-end mountain bikes, as well as the mechanical disc brakes found on the Trek 8000 until 2009. ... such as hydraulic disc brakes and the use of a RockShox Reba SL Dual Air, 100 mm travel fork. Making it more suitable for off-road riding and better performance in woodland ...
Trek 8000 SL Bike 1998 or Older
The front suspension is a bit stiff but works well when riding over big bumbs. The crankshaft makes creking noises but this doesn't effect the performance until now. I would recomment this bike to any body especially large people like my (1.90m). So I give this bike 5 stars. Trek 8000 SL Bike 1998 or Older user reviews : 4.2 out of 5 - 56 reviews.
Trek 8000 Bike Bike 1998 or Older
Trek 8000 Bike Bike 1998 or Older user reviews : 3.9 out of 5 - 74 reviews. Read it's strength, weaknesses, find deals and pricing - mtbr.com
1998 Trek 8000 SL
39 posts · Joined 2017. #1 · Jun 14, 2017. Lately I've been working on getting my old 1998 Trek 8000 SL roadworthy for use mainly as a commuter bike. The frame is pretty light and it's the bike I have, so it seemed like a decent choice to test out bike commuting. Way back in high school I was a member of a biking club that went out on ...
In the 90s MTB's were better
Trek 8000 SL - the late 90's mountain bike restoration.00:00 Intro (Bike before)00:48 Bike build05:12 The final result
Trek 8000 reviews and prices
Frame - ZR 9000 Alloy Front Suspension - RockShox Reba SL w/positive and negative air pressure, Motion Control, rebound, compression, lockout, 100mm Wheels - Bontrager Select Crank - Shimano Deore LX 44/32/22 Rear Derailleur - Shimano Deore XT
2010 Trek 8000
2010 Trek. 8000. A 26″ aluminum frame crosscountry bike with high-end components. Compare the full range. Frame: Aluminum: Wheels: 26″ Aluminum: Drivetrain: 3 × 9: Groupset: XT, SLX: ... Trek's mountain bike division seems to have come alive this year and even the long-running 8000 disc gets a whole new lease of life for 2007. Read Review.
2000 Trek 8000 SL Superlight
Blue 2000 Trek 8000 SL Superlight, serial: WTU 2266848-R 8900-165-TSI-0406. Trek 8000 Aluminum Mountain bike (Blue Frame), Front suspension (Red Fork), 9-speed.
Trek 8000 (SG) review
Trek make two ZR9000 aluminium framed hardtails that cost more than this: the 8500 at £1,400 and the 8900 at £2,000. They use the same frame as the 8000 and, as complete bikes, are only slightly ...
Trek 8000 XC Hardtail user reviews : 4.2 out of 5
Trek 8000 XC Hardtail user reviews : 4.2 out of 5 - 36 reviews. ... It is really light as carbon or even lighter than lower grade carbon frames. If you want a superlight HT bike that can take beatings, look no further!! ... Elexir 5 squeel and vibrat all the time, the pads are way to close to the rotor. When the suspention Roch Shock Reba SL is ...
Trek 8000 Mountain Bike Review : Compare Prices on Bikes.org.uk
The Trek 8000 is a hardtail mountain bike which takes a non-nonsense approach to off-road performance. It is kitted out with suitable components for its price bracket and benefits from a surprisingly light alloy frame that has plenty of professional touches apparent. The heart of the Trek 8000 is its Alpha Platinum Aluminium frame with semi ...
Trek 8000 SL Superlight 19.5 For Sale
2000 Trek 8000 SL Superlight 19.5 45.5 xt Completely stock. $650 USD . Send Message. Restrictions: Reasonable offers only, No Trades, Local pickup only ...
Superlight e-Mountain Bike Super Shootout
As a result, the superlight e-mountain bikes in this roundup weigh around 40 pounds—10 or so pounds lighter than a full-power e-bike—and boast more discreet looks, too. Matt Phillips. A full ...
1999 Trek 8000 SL Super Light Frame Medium 1605g
Vintage 1999 Trek 8000 SL Super Light double-butted Frame Handmade in the USA Size: Medium Crank axle to top of seat tube = 18" Crank axle to center of top tube = 16.5" Low standover hight Alpha ...
2009 Trek 8000
Trek 8000 Disc (SG) review. Feb 2007 · Guy Kesteven. With Lance and his legion not taking up all their time, Trek's mountain bike division seems to have come alive this year and even the long-running 8000 disc gets a whole new lease of life for 2007. ... Shimano SLX SL. Cassette: SRAM PG970 11-32, 9 speed.
Trek Bike Models by Year and Color
Trek Bike Models/Years/Colors. On this page is a listing of Trek model numbers or names. ... 5900 Superlight: 04, nude pearl/sliver: 5900 USPS: 02, bright silver/satin silver ... 8000: 87, race red with yellow decals, also white/race blue fade with blue decals 88, denim blue with yellow decals, also bright red with black decals ...
2001 Trek SLR Alpha Superlight Race 8000 Mounta...
Serial: WL0044086 Manufacturer: Trek Name: Leslie's bike #2 Model: SLR Alpha Superlight Race 8000 Mountain bike Year: 2001 Primary colors: Silver, gray or bare metal, Red, and Blue Frame size: 39CM Frame Material: Aluminum Distinguishing features Odometer, rear black bike rack, Owned by Leslie Zimmer and Eric Zimmer
Trek SL1000 review
Half a grand is a lot of money for a lot of people - luckily it can get you a lot of bike
Vintage Trek 8000 SL Mountain Bike Frame
Vintage Trek 8000 SL Mountain Bike Frame. Top tube 22" Seat tube 21" Wheel Base 42"
CelebWatch: Shatner Gets "Weird" + Pine Goes To "Moscow" + Nimoy Wraps
Today we have a special Kirk and Spock edition of CelebWatch, or make that Kirks and Spocks. We have William Shatner selling his new "Weird" show Cannes, Leonard Nimoy wrapping on Fringe (and ...
Star Trek Into Darkness Moscow Premiere
Yesterday was the Moscow premiere of Star Trek into Darkness and in attendance were J.J. Abrams, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, and Alice Eve.. It was a rainy day in Moscow, but that didn't deter ...
Top Fuel
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Trek 8000 Mountain Bike Review

‍ Trek 8000 Mountain Bike Review

Key Features and Components

Frame and Build

Braking System

Suspension and Comfort

Drivetrain and Gears

Wheels and Tires

Other Notable Components

Performance and Experience

Long-Term Durability

Comparison and Evaluation

Maintenance and Care Tips

Where to Buy It

Trek 8000 Community: Online Resources and Groups

Online Forums and Discussion Groups

User-Generated Content

Maintenance and Troubleshooting Support

Route and Trail Recommendations

Buy and Sell Marketplace

A Sense of Belonging

About THE AUTHOR

Trending Now

About PedalChef

Is The Trek 8000 A Good Mountain Bike? [Trek 8000 Review]

General Terrain

Component Features and Specifications

Drivetrain (4.0/5)

Shock front fork (4.0/5)

Bontrager Jones XR Tires (3.8/5)

Hydraulic disc brake (4.5/5)

Benefits of the Trek 8000

What we don’t like about it

Other versions of Trek 8000

2005 Trek 8000

2006 Trek 8000

2009 Trek 8000

2010 Trek 8000

2011 Trek 8000

2009 Trek 8000 Specs

Comparison Table

Trek Farley 7 Mountain Bike VS Trek 8000

YETI SB115 Turq T1 XT vs Trek 8000

Schwinn High Timber VS Trek 8000

Final Verdict (4.3/5)

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1998 Trek 8000 SL

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Pivot Shuttle SL Team XTR

Santa Cruz Heckler SL GX AXS Carbon C

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Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS

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