Ever since my childhood, spending time in nature was always important to me. I still remember when my dad noticed my passion and bought me my first mountain bike, and my love for biking increased since then. I still hold mountain biking close to my heart, and use my weekends to do it as an excuse to spend time in nature.
My passion has led me to try several brands and bike models. The Trek mountain bike series is among them, and I enjoyed using it on my adventures. I will talk about the 800 series in this review and show you why it is worth investing in. So, is this bike a good bike?
Yes, the Trek 800 mountain bike is a good option because of its reliability. It comes with a TIG-welded steel frame, as well as excellent parts such as its derailleurs and Shimano gears that add to its durability. Keep reading to find out more about this bike.
Table of Contents
What Are The Features Of The Trek 800 Mountain Bikes?
Frame
When examining a bike before buying or renting it, it is important to know the frame you are going to work with. The Trek 800 bike is famous for its alloy frame and steel build.
The main advantage of steel is its affordability, making this a cheaper bike option for those on tight budgets compared to aluminum-frame mountain bikes. Steel is also quite stiff and durable, so it takes away the need to worry about extensive bicycle maintenance as it can withstand plenty of abuse.
However, steel bikes tend to be quite heavy, and the Trek 800 is no exception to the rule. On average, these bikes weigh around 26 lbs. (13kg), with small variations depending on the model. Considering the rigid forks in these mountain bikes, it is relatively heavy and can be uncomfortable to use on long stretches of rough terrain.
Build
The Trek 800 mountain bike was considered a hit from its launch date because of its long-lasting and durable qualities. Other than the steel frame, the seat grips and handlebars are comprised of very strong plastic that is also lightweight.
These build features are meant to prevent the gears from slowing down during uphill cycling (a common problem for many cyclists), especially when you compare it to other excellent mountain bikes that use low-quality steel.
Additionally, the Trek 800 levers are of the classic linear-pull style and are made from aluminum, a highly durable and lightweight element that can adjust your power and speed instantly.
Wheels And Spokes
Trek 800 mountain bikes are unique due to their wheels that have a diameter of 26 inches. This gives the bike agility and allows you to move at very high speeds; however, they do not offer as much comfort, speed, or stability as a bike with 29 and 27.5-inch wheels. This has also resulted in fewer mountain bikes for adults using 26-inch wheels – instead, you will find this wheel size in dirt bikes and children’s mountain bikes.
The interesting fact is that most adult-size mountain bikes today have larger 27.5 and 29-inch wheels as market demand increased for this feature. They also gave users more speed, stability, and comfort, although they do not accelerate as fast as the 26-inch wheel.
Other than the wheels, its spokes are made from stainless steel, which is the best material for long-lasting spokes. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and wearing down, so correct bicycle maintenance efforts will allow these spokes to last for many years. The metal is also cheap to use and eco-friendly compared to other spoke materials you may find in many bikes.
Bike Parts
The Trek 800 mountain bike uses a combination of parts from several manufacturers such as SRAM and Shimano. For instance, SRAM supplies cranksets, forks, and cassettes.
Comparing these bikes to other brand mountain bikes reveals the lack of front suspension, a comparatively wide saddle, and narrow handlebars. This is in contrast to most mountain bike models that have excellent front and rear suspension, wider handlebars to provide greater comfort on rough and unpaved terrain, and a narrower saddle to distribute the weight effectively.
Gears
The number of gears in the Trek 800 mountain bike series depends on the model you get. With this in mind, most mountain bikes in the series have 21 gear changes and a 3×7 SPD drivetrain, while you can also get some models with a 3×8 SPD drivetrain and 24 gear changes.
This makes them similar to hybrid bikes, due to the geometry and rigid forks. Hybrid bikes tend to use 3x or 2x drivetrains to allow you to get a wider gear range that handles various terrain. Wider gear ranges allow you to handle steep descents and climb easier without the risk of getting stuck in lower gears and getting frustrated at a slow cycling pace.
This is quite different compared to most mountain bikes you will find on the market today since many have 1x or 2x drivetrains. The simpler drivetrain results in lower chances of cross-chaining occurring, as well as a lighter bike and simple working mechanism. It also indicates who can use the bike effectively – you may find the Trek 800 mountain bike more comfortable to use generally if you are an intermediate or experienced cyclist.
Fork
The Trek 800 is difficult for a complete beginner to use because of its rigid fork, especially if you are looking to cycle on rough roads. The rigidness does not offer much in the way of suspension, making it difficult to cycle for long periods.
Its only suspension is due to its high-volume, wide tires, so you will need to be careful if you are using it on bumpy roads.
Hauling Ability
Because the Trek 800 mountain bike is a high-capacity bike, it is perfect for hauling items such as your groceries or small children.
It has a large bike frame that allows you to add a bike basket in various sizes and weights. For greater convenience, you can position the basket on the front fork or the down tube to get your work done easily.
Is The Trek 800 A Good Mountain Bike?
When comparing the Trek 800 mountain bike to the modern mountain bikes of today, it seems to be an outdated option that belongs in the annals of history. However, it has plenty of simplicity, a wide gear range, and a high-quality steel frame that makes it easy to maintain.
Many people who own any of the bike models in the Trek 800 series all praise its durability; many stating that they have used it for 10 years or more. That is a testament to its longevity, so consider it if you want a bicycle that will last for a long time.
When purchasing it, you will get it at different price points depending on its condition, and these prices are estimates. If it does not have broken parts and looks new and in great condition, you can get it at an average price between $106 and $110. If there are minor scratches without damage to the parts, you can buy them at an average price of $100 to $103.
If the bike has some scratches but can be repaired easily under warranty conditions, it can go from $92 to $95. On the other hand, a Trek 800 mountain bike in need of major repairs because of defects can go between $66 and $68.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Trek 800
Advantages
- Long lasting: Due to its design and build, it is a very tough bike that is easy to fix, has better shock absorption and lasts for many years as long as you take care of it. Additionally, the extent of bicycle maintenance that it demands is low, so you will not need to do much to keep up with it.
- Strong frame: The reason behind the Trek 800 mountain bike’s durability is because of its frame, which is an embodiment of the original steel frame that was a classic of older bikes that were made before the mid-1990s when aluminum became a popular material. Without compromising its structural integrity, it can take plenty of beatings, bending, and scratching.
- Stainless steel spoke: The spokes are lightweight yet strong due to the stainless steel composition, and can take on a lot of pressure thanks to the high tensile strength it has.
- Impressive gear range: The bike has between 18 and 24-speed adjustments (depending on the model) and plenty of gears that you can change easily. These also allow you to test different speeds in different conditions, as well as try various options to learn your preferred pedaling speeds.
- Excellent for carrying luggage: For commuters, the Trek 800 is great for carrying luggage because of its frame. You can add bicycle baskets to make it easier for you as well.
Disadvantages
- Lacks suspension: This makes it challenging to use when cycling down steep areas and unpaved roads. Suspension is essential when you are moving on downhill or flat rough ground because it reduces fatigue by absorbing vibrations and shocks. It also gives you improved traction and lets you move faster and in more comfort. However, on paved roads, it should not present issues.
- Heavy: Its steel frame makes it a bulky bike, which can increase its weight if you haul luggage on it when you add accessories like bike baskets.
- Plastic pedals: These are very fragile and break easily if you are not careful.
- Small seat: The Trek 800 bike seat tends to be small and narrow, so avoid it if you are a very tall cyclist or a heavy rider because it can get uncomfortable.
Trek 800 Sport Specifications
| Specification | Type |
| Frame construction quality | TIG-welded |
| Frame material | Steel |
| Fork material | Chromoly unicorn crown |
| Seat post | Alloy |
| Hub | Alloy |
| Spokes | Stainless steel, 2mm |
| Cassette | 11-30 teeth. 7-speed |
| Pedals | Resin |
| Bracket (bottom) | Shimano BB-CT92E. Spindle measures 116mm |
| Tire measurements | 26 inches x 1.95 inches |
| Tire type | Multi-terrain |
| Rims | 36-hole alloy |
| Brake set | Aluminum linear-pull brakes and levers |
| Crankset | Shimano Acera 22/32/42 teeth |
| Shift levers | SRAM 5.0 |
What Models Are Included In The Trek 800 Series?
There are several bikes you can get in the Trek 800 series, and their differences are minor – only involving the combinations of different components. I describe them briefly in this section.
Trek Antelope 800
This was among the first models in the Trek 800 series that was in production from the 1980s up to the mid-2000s, so it is a difficult bicycle to find today. However, the low demand has pushed down its price, making it a major bargain once you find it.
They have an excellent reputation because of their alloy discs and steel frames, but they lack suspension and can only work comfortably as commuter bikes. It comes with features such as high-quality cranksets, dependable brakes, Cromoly frame, and gives you the option of 15-speed adjustments that allow you to use it for mountain and trail biking.
It also has adjustable geometry, which allows you to select between high and low handlebars depending on your preferences in cycling styles. Keep in mind that it was meant for people with a tight budget, so you may notice its ruggedness if you are an experienced cyclist.
You can get it in 14.5 inches, 16.5 inches, 18 inches, 20 inches, and 22 inches, although it is quite heavy for its size, weighing 32 lbs.
Trek 800 Sport Mountain Bike
This bike is distinct for its unicorn crown frame and high-tensile steel body. It comes in three model colors: Gloss black, Mellow gold, and Violet pearl, which were under production between 1995 and 2002. You can get it in various sizes for both men and women, with its size options including women’s 20 and 17 inches, as well as 22.5 inches, 21 inches, 19.5 inches, 18 inches, 16.5 inches, and 13 inches.
Compared to other Trek mountain bikes, it is quite heavy and weighs about 29 pounds. Other than that, its suspension capabilities are lacking and it does not have a fork, so you may find it uncomfortable to use if you are on very rough terrain.
However, its durability is impressive, so you can use it for many years with low bicycle maintenance demands, making it a great choice if you want to try mountain biking without paying an arm and a leg for your equipment. It also has narrow tires that make it easy to accelerate when you are moving on gravel surfaces.
Trek 800 Mountain Track
Introduced in 1996, this is the most accessible bike in the Trek 800 series for beginners to mountain biking, and it is a hardtail bike – that means it lacks rear suspension but has front suspension. It is a beautifully designed bike that is highly durable, smooth, and dependable and has a chic design that is ideal for a recreational cyclist.
While this attribute makes it challenging to use on rough roads, it is easier to get used to when you compare it to a full-suspension bike. It has 21 speeds to help you navigate through headwinds and hills easily, and it has impressive stopping power due to its linear-pull brakes. You can buy it in five size options – 26”, 23”, 21”, 19”, and 17”.
Despite its aesthetic appearance, it is worth noting that it will not perform as well as a high-end mountain bike on a trail. Instead, its best performance is on paved streets and roads because of its comfortable upright positioning.
Verdict: Is the Trek 800 Worth Buying?
Yes, it is. Despite the suspension that can go through some improvement, the Trek 800 is worth the investment especially if you want an affordable and versatile bike choice, as well as if you are an intermediate or experienced cyclist. It is also lightweight and a great city bike that offers excellent durability.
FAQs
What Year Was The Trek 800 Made?
The various Trek 800 models have their manufacturing dates between 1995 and 2002.
Is Trek A Good Bike Brand?
Yes, it is a good bike brand to use because it balances convenience and utility to offer you the best experience, whether you use it for competitions or recreational pursuits.
How Much Does A Trek 800 Weigh?
Different models under the Trek 800 series weigh between 25 and 29 lbs.
What Do The Trek Numbers Mean?
The numbers are SNs (serial numbers) that indicate the series of the bike and the component trims. The first number is the series, such as 8X00 indicating it is a mountain bike, while the second number is the component specs, such as 3700 being an improvement from 3500.
Where Are The Trek Bikes Made?
The Trek bike manufacturing unit is in Waterloo, Wisconsin, although the company has other plants in several European and Asian countries.
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