What's with Trek???

[ghixon]

Being that both my HT an FS setups are GT bikes, I really don't have an issue with any of the mass produced, big company bikes. I tend to take a look at the overall makeup of the frame instead of being caught up in what the product manager has spec'ed for the bike model. Unless you're going to build your rig from the ground up yourself, you're not going to get everything you want in a "spec" bike. Even the smaller builders like Turner make a few sacrafices in the name of a production bike.

It's kinda funny that this topic came up when it did. I'm actually looking seriously at a Trek Fuel as a replacement to my GT I Drive. Trek may not be the "bling" bike out there on the trail, but I'm sure that in the hands of a good rider, it will be able to do anything a $5000 rig could do.

[Pho'dUp]

Well, I think they've spent pretty much their whole R&D budget in the last 10 years supporting the road program and Lance.

The OCLV carbon hardtails were nice but I think everyone has certainly caught up with them on those racing hardtails.

I own a old Trek 7000 hardtail, and I'll admit it's still going strong.

But as far as their newer stuff. I'll agree with everyone else, too much low end Bonty stuff and not enough R&D.

Here's the Kicker, DW thinks their version of his split pivot is poorly executed over hyped marketing crap.


From DW on Mtbr.com


On my Split-Pivot design, a floating shock (like shown on the Trek version of Split Pivot) has little to no use beyond marketing hype. Both the wheel link (chainstay link) and control link (upper shock link) rotate at relatively constant rates through the travel. Although very subtle changes in leverage rate can be made, from the disclosure on Trek's blog recently, it is pretty obvious that Trek has a long way to go towards understanding how these leverage and wheel rates interact with anti-squat and ultimately how to tune a suspension to meet a desired end result. I found it comical that they try to paint a picture showing the Mojo as deficient somehow, when at the same time they provide data that clearly shows exactly the opposite if they only knew how to interpret that data.

The funniest part is that when the blog went up, within a week the Trek Fuel got panned as the worst bike in a trailbike shootout while the Mojo won Bike of the Year in another publication.


http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.ph...ek+split+pivot

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by Pho'dUp

Well, I think they've spent pretty much their whole R&D budget in the last 10 years supporting the road program and Lance.

The OCLV carbon hardtails were nice but I think everyone has certainly caught up with them on those racing hardtails.

I own a old Trek 7000 hardtail, and I'll admit it's still going strong.

But as far as their newer stuff. I'll agree with everyone else, too much low end Bonty stuff and not enough R&D.

Here's the Kicker, DW thinks their version of his split pivot is poorly executed over hyped marketing crap.


From DW on Mtbr.com


On my Split-Pivot design, a floating shock (like shown on the Trek version of Split Pivot) has little to no use beyond marketing hype. Both the wheel link (chainstay link) and control link (upper shock link) rotate at relatively constant rates through the travel. Although very subtle changes in leverage rate can be made, from the disclosure on Trek's blog recently, it is pretty obvious that Trek has a long way to go towards understanding how these leverage and wheel rates interact with anti-squat and ultimately how to tune a suspension to meet a desired end result. I found it comical that they try to paint a picture showing the Mojo as deficient somehow, when at the same time they provide data that clearly shows exactly the opposite if they only knew how to interpret that data.

The funniest part is that when the blog went up, within a week the Trek Fuel got panned as the worst bike in a trailbike shootout while the Mojo won Bike of the Year in another publication.


http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.ph...ek+split+pivot

Well, I think they've spent pretty much their whole R&D budget in the last 10 years supporting the road program and Lance.

I have owned 2 Fishers (Trek product) in the last three years. They were cheap and "OK" but as pointed out the bonti stuff is junk. Heck when my bikes came into the shop I didn't even have them put them together. Blew all the bonti stuff out on E-Bay and put some legit components on it

All and all..........well..........I guess I am a bike snob.

Trek, Fisher, Specilized etc do a good job bring affordable mid to lower end bikes to the market. But for the high end stuff most "bike snobs" will go boutique.

[Von-Diggity]

The main problem with Trek in the MTB scene has been their lack of innovation. Basically until this year with the introduction of their new suspension design, they have been using the same suspension design as many other MTB companies. This may be fine with smaller companies like Turner and Kona who do not have the R&D to create new suspension technologies, but for a company as large as Trek it is inexcusable. Also, I see the problem with the value of their higher end bikes. For the amount of money you spend on a high end Trek, one could build up a custom bike from any boutique MTB maker. I am not knocking Trek bikes, their American made frames are really good, and I have no issue with Bontrager parts. But when you get into the 3k-4k range, I expect all name brand parts, not house branded stuff. This also goes for Specialized.

[ghixon]

Originally Posted by Von-Diggity

The main problem with Trek in the MTB scene has been their lack of innovation. Basically until this year with the introduction of their new suspension design, they have been using the same suspension design as many other MTB companies. This may be fine with smaller companies like Turner and Kona who do not have the R&D to create new suspension technologies, but for a company as large as Trek it is inexcusable. Also, I see the problem with the value of their higher end bikes. For the amount of money you spend on a high end Trek, one could build up a custom bike from any boutique MTB maker. I am not knocking Trek bikes, their American made frames are really good, and I have no issue with Bontrager parts. But when you get into the 3k-4k range, I expect all name brand parts, not house branded stuff. This also goes for Specialized.

Aren't there only 4-5 actual suspension designs out there now. I'm talking about XC/AM suspensions. Downhill has tons of different options, I'm just talking travel under 5"-6". I doesn't seem like there are many "revolutionary" designs being put out every year. There are only evolutions of some of those setups.

I see your point of building your own setup - getting what you want. In looking at the Fuel 9, they're using SRAM and Shimano components and a Bonty crankset. Good stuff by me as a regular rider.

[CaDownhilldoll]

I have a carbon Trek 5200 road bike and a carbon Trek fuel 100. I love those bikes.. My road bike is a bit old, maybe 2002, but I still ride it for miles and miles. I do more trail riding which requires more travel so I ride an Ellsworth Epiphany. I keep my Fuel for back up. Also, I had full xtr components with V brakes and got disc wheel set and xt components. I cannot for the life of me get the brakes to stop squealing.. So bad that I want to chuck the bike! Any suggestions?

[Pho'dUp]

Originally Posted by CaDownhilldoll

I have a carbon Trek 5200 road bike and a carbon Trek fuel 100. I love those bikes.. My road bike is a bit old, maybe 2002, but I still ride it for miles and miles. I do more trail riding which requires more travel so I ride an Ellsworth Epiphany. I keep my Fuel for back up. Also, I had full xtr components with V brakes and got disc wheel set and xt components. I cannot for the life of me get the brakes to stop squealing.. So bad that I want to chuck the bike! Any suggestions?

Squealing Discs brakes or V-brakes.

If it's XT V-brakes squealing. Good luck those are notorious for squealing. I'd dump them for some Avid V-brakes that are pretty solid not too $$.

Disc brakes squealing, well you could try different pads than the stock shimanos. Or different pads and different rotor combos. You can try cleaning the rotors and pads with rubbing alcohol. Also, Maxwell was telling me that the Path sells some kind of solvent that you can treat the rotors with that stops the squealing but that's just temporary.

Or you can brake less or just live with it. Everyone will know you're coming that way.

[Evil Chocula]

My buddy rides a Fuel, and he loves it. I've ridden it few times, and it handles really well, and climbs like a beast.

Personally, when I take my suit and tie off and go ride around in the woods, I want to be riding something a little more "bad-ass" than a Trek. To me, Trek has kind of a corporate, "big box" image that doesn't really spell cool to me. So yes, its Treks image/brand that doesn't appeal to me, not the actual bike/technology.

[J_Sims]

Originally Posted by Evil Chocula

My buddy rides a Fuel, and he loves it. I've ridden it few times, and it handles really well, and climbs like a beast.

Personally, when I take my suit and tie off and go ride around in the woods, I want to be riding something a little more "bad-ass" than a Trek. To me, Trek has kind of a corporate, "big box" image that doesn't really spell cool to me. So yes, its Treks image/brand that doesn't appeal to me, not the actual bike/technology.

Thank god the Giant(talk about big box) got stolen...Now you can be a bad @$$ on that CHUBA

[Evil Chocula]

Originally Posted by J_Sims

Thank god the Giant(talk about big box) got stolen...Now you can be a bad @$$ on that CHUBA

I guess that's true, but Giant doesn't have that sort of brand image to me. I think its the Trek Superstore and the Lance ads, just screams "apple pie" to me. I bet Trek has a much stronger presence in the Mid-West.

[Pilas]

I have a 2003 Trek 5200 road bike and I have put a lot of miles on it. I absolutely love the way it rides and handles. In 4 years, I have only had to change minor things (tires, chain, cassette, etc.).
My buddy owns a 2001 Trek Fuel. He has raced and beat the pants out of the bike for over 6 years. The bike still rides great and he loves it.
I think that Trek, like Specialized, Cannondale, etc., make excellent bikes. Just because they are big companies, it doesn't mean that their products lack quality.

[Schecky]

My 2 cents:

#1 - I tested a Liquid on the Loop a couple of years ago and had a good time on it.
But I wouldn't buy one, due to the carbon chain stays which just don't make sense on a MTB to me.

#2 - Nobody upgrades to Bontrager.....
#3 - Manitou is nicknamed Manipoo for a reason.....

[Evil Chocula]

Originally Posted by Pilas

I have a 2003 Trek 5200 road bike and I have put a lot of miles on it. I absolutely love the way it rides and handles. In 4 years, I have only had to change minor things (tires, chain, cassette, etc.).
My buddy owns a 2001 Trek Fuel. He has raced and beat the pants out of the bike for over 6 years. The bike still rides great and he loves it.
I think that Trek, like Specialized, Cannondale, etc., make excellent bikes. Just because they are big companies, it doesn't mean that their products lack quality.

My road bikes were always Trek too. Road bikes are a different story.

[lukewiens]

i am not sure if any of you saw the movie "24 solo"...but if i remember correctly, chris eatough didn't have very many good things to say about his sponsor's equipment.

i am surprised he still remains on their team after the comments made about his bike on that movie.

btw...great movie.

http://www.24-solo.com/trailer/

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by Evil Chocula

I guess that's true, but Giant doesn't have that sort of brand image to me. I think its the Trek Superstore and the Lance ads, just screams "apple pie" to me. I bet Trek has a much stronger presence in the Mid-West.

I guess that's true, but Giant doesn't have that sort of brand image to me.

[Evil Chocula]

Originally Posted by DeeZee

I guess that's true, but Giant doesn't have that sort of brand image to me.

What? What does that mean?! Do you think I'm drunk?

Seriously, Giant doesn't have the same Walmart-style franchising that Trek does, and they don't have pretty picutres of Lance Armstrong in Time magazine. And, my Reign* was bad-assss, and had super cool tribal signs on the top tube!
(jk, I hated that tribal BS).

*RIP young prince, wherever you are.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by Evil Chocula

What? What does that mean?! Do you think I'm drunk?

Seriously, Giant doesn't have the same Walmart-style franchising that Trek does, and they don't have pretty picutres of Lance Armstrong in Time magazine. And, my Reign* was bad-assss, and had super cool tribal signs on the top tube!
(jk, I hated that tribal BS).

*RIP young prince, wherever you are.

Giant is a fine bike co. I have a riding bud that has one and it seems nice. Just do not see the seperation between, Giant, Specialized, Trek etc....

[Evil Chocula]

Originally Posted by DeeZee

Giant is a fine bike co. I have a riding bud that has one and it seems nice. Just do not see the seperation between, Giant, Specialized, Trek etc....

I just explained the difference, twice.

Thats just me though, I'm just explaing my "brand perception" to the OP, not helping DeeZee rationalize the amount of money he just spent on his Turner.

[BadBoyRipper]

Being a Trek owner, I'll put in my .02. I just got back into the biking scene about 5 months ago, after having been out of the scene for about 15 years. The first thing I noticed when searching for a new bike, was the technology. Man what a difference, everything changed.

For me, being that it was going to be my "first" bike, I didn't want to spend an arm and a leg knowing that I may want to upgrade in the future. I wanted a good bike, and I wanted to support my LBS. After looking for a few months, I decided on a 07 Trek Fuel EX6. I think that it is well spec'd, I got it at my LBS (which kicks arse by the way), and I got a heck of a deal. Its responsive, fairly light, and climbs well. All in all, a great bike, at least for me.

Now after having it for a while now, and having been on some super fun rides (JO) for starters, I now realize that I would rather have a ride with a bit more cushion. I personally have had a great experience with Trek, but I don't think that I'd buy another one since they don't really have a true AM bike.

I am now looking at either a Rocky Mountain Slayer, and the Specialized Enduro SL (corporate I know). Huge improvements from what I have now, and something that I think that I would end up keeping for many years to come.
I didn't think that I would really notice that much of a difference bet