trek mountain bike 1100

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Older Trek 1100 worth the $$$?

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I've always owned a mountain bike, but I'm looking to get my first road bike and don't want to spend the money on a new one. Cut to yesterday when I heard about a guy selling an older model, aluminum Trek 1100 that's "near mint, could pass for new". He's asking $345. What do the experts say? Is this a good starter bike at a good price?  

It'll be okay... ...for a first bike, but if you can spend a few bucks more, something current is going to give you a bunch of stuff you'll soon want, like STI shifters, more gears, probably a lighter frame, better wheels, and so forth. For example: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=5820&subcategory_ID=3040  

Remember, a road bike is worth nothing if it doesn't fit you properly. Fit is the single most important aspect of a new bike purchase. Period.  

That's why I was thinking this bike would be better than an inexpensive online alternative. At least I can try this one and see if it fits well. I just don't know if I should try to bring him down on price (assuming it fits)  

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Vintage Trek Catalogs

Table of Contents

Here you can find all the Trek catalogs from 1976 up to 1999. If you’re looking for a specific model for a specific year, you can find them further in the article.

Trek Catalogs

• Trek Catalog 1976
• Trek Catalog 1977
• Trek Catalog 1978
• Trek Catalog 1979
• Trek Catalog 1980
• Trek Catalog 1981
• Trek Catalog 1982
• Trek Catalog 1983-1
• Trek Catalog 1983-2
• Trek Catalog 1984
• Trek Catalog 1985All-Terrain
• Trek Catalog 1985Trek2000
• Trek Catalog 1985TrekRacing
• Trek Catalog 1985TrekSport
• Trek Catalog 1985TrekTouring
• Trek Catalog 1986
• Trek Catalog 1987
• Trek Catalog 1988
• Trek Catalog 1989
• Trek Catalog 1990
• Trek Catalog 1991
• Trek Catalog 1992
• Trek Catalog 1993
• Trek Catalog 1994
• Trek Catalog 1995
• Trek Catalog 1996
• Trek Catalog 1997
• Trek Catalog 1998
• Trek Catalog 1999

History and Iconic Models

Trek started out in 1975 by providing only frames. In 1976 they would supply entire bicycles.

For many people Trek is most famous for sponsoring Lance Armstrong’s U.S. Postal team during the late 90’s up to his retirement.

But Trek already pioneered the use of carbon fiber in 1989 with the Trek 5000.

It would result in the short-lived but daring design of the Y-Foil, introduced in 1998. One of the few bikes that is designated with something more than just a number.

They were also early adopters of the mountain bike craze, with the Trek 850 launched in 1983.

Their early foray in using carbon fiber would be later used with the introduction of the iconic Y33 and Y22 models. Mountain bikes with a monocoque carbon fiber frame. Although it used the suspension technique URT ( unified rear triangle ) which would turn out to be rubbish, the original design was considered iconic.

If you’re interested in learning more about vintage Trek bicycles, please visit vintage-trek.com .

Trek Models

Mountain bike, you might also like.

Vintage GT Catalogs

Here you can find a selection of GT catalogs from 1990 up to 1998. If you’re looking for a specific model for a specific year,

Vintage Kona Catalogs

Here you can find all the Kona catalogs from 1989 up to 1999. If you’re looking for a specific model for a specific year, you can

Vintage Giant Catalogs

Unfortunately I was only able to find a couple of Giant catalogs. Although it’s a huge bicycle brand, finding the Giant catalogs proved to be

Vintage Cannondale Catalogs

Here you can find all the Cannondale catalogs from 1983 up to 1999.  If you’re looking for a specific model for a specific year, you

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Results have arrived, trek mountain bike buyer’s guide - best trek mountain bikes (supercaliber, procaliber & more).

Whether you have World Cup XC aspirations or dream of epic downhills, Trek has a mountain bike for you. Here's the skinny on Supercaliber, Fuel, Fuel EX, Slash, and many other models.

Written by: Bruce Lin

Published on: Feb 25, 2022

Posted in: Guides

Trek’s wide range of mountain bikes covers everything from ultra-lightweight XC hardtails to downhill and enduro trail slashers. But how do you know which Trek mountain bike is right for you?

This overview is your guide to all things Trek MTB. In addition to covering every model in the current Trek mountain bike catalog, we’ll decode Trek naming conventions and delve into Trek’s innovations in rear-shock technology.

[button] Shop Trek MTB [/button]

Trek XC bikes

Trek procaliber.

Wheel Size: 29” Suspension travel: 100mm front

The Procaliber is Trek’s carbon XC hardtail and its lightest mountain bike. It’s a pure cross-country race bike optimized for fast courses where maximum pedaling efficiency is essential for climbing and acceleration. It features a rear IsoSpeed decoupler that provides extra compliance over rough roots and rocks.

Who it’s for: XC riders who want the lightest, most efficient bike, or who ride less-technical terrain.

Trek X-Caliber

Wheel Size: 29” (27.5” for S) Suspension travel: 100mm front

The X-Caliber is Trek’s entry-level, aluminum XC hardtail. The lightweight aluminum frame provides lots of performance on fast courses without breaking the bank. It’s a great option for newer riders looking to get into XC racing.

Who it’s for: XC riders and racers looking for a budget hardtail.

[button] Shop Trek XC bikes [/button]

Trek Supercaliber

Wheel Size: 29” Suspension travel: 100mm front / 60mm rear

The Supercaliber is Trek’s lightest, most efficient, full-suspension XC bike. During development, Trek kept the Supercaliber under wraps (they literally hid the rear suspension during races) while Trek’s factory race team tested it at World Cups. The Supercaliber uses a unique IsoStrut suspension system with a frame-integrated shock. This provides 60mm of suspension travel, just enough to take the edge off bumps and harsh impacts while keeping the weight, stiffness, and efficiency close to the Procaliber hardtail. The Supercaliber is designed to be the perfect compromise between a hardtail and a 100mm full-suspension bike.

Who it’s for: XC riders looking for the lightest, most efficient full-suspension race bike available.

Trek Top Fuel

Wheel Size: 29” Suspension travel: 120mm front / 115mm rear

The Top Fuel is Trek’s full-suspension marathon XC bike. The previous generation Top Fuel was a pure XC race bike with 100mm of travel front and rear. In 2020, the travel was been increased to make it more capable on descents. The Top Fuel could be considered Trek’s “downcountry” bike, a cross-country bike that balances downhill performance and pedaling efficiency. It will hold its own in fast XC races, but it’s versatile enough for trail riders who enjoy big rides on technical terrain.

Who it’s for: Marathon XC racers and riders looking for a “downcountry” bike.

Trek trail bikes

Trek Fuel EX

Wheel Size: 29” (27.5” available for XS and S) Suspension travel: 140mm front / 130mm rear

The Fuel EX is Trek’s most popular mountain bike model, and for good reason. The latest generation of this all-rounder has been refined with more suspension travel and modern geometry to make it equally capable uphill and downhill. It’s designed to suit the majority of riders and the widest range of terrain. If you’re looking for a quiver killer bike that will feel comfortable, capable, and efficient enough for all types of riding, the Fuel EX is a top choice.

Who it’s for: Trail riders looking for one bike to handle everything from XC to technical downhill trails.

Trek Roscoe

Wheel Size: 27.5” plus Suspension travel: 120mm front (100mm on XS)

The Roscoe is Trek’s basic aluminum trail hardtail with 27.5” plus tires for traction and comfort. The robust aluminum frame and affordable component builds make it a great choice for newer riders building their confidence and skills on the trail.

Who it’s for: Trail riders looking for a fun, inexpensive, easy to maintain hardtail trail bike.

Trek Stache and Full Stache

Wheel Size: 29” plus Suspension travel: 120mm front / 130mm front and rear

Discontinued in 2021, the Stache and Full Stache were Trek’s 29-plus hardtail and full-suspension models, respectively. These extra-large wheels and tires enhance rollover, traction, and comfort. These models are loved by bikepackers who need to carry large amounts of gear and desire extra comfort for backcountry riding and multi-day journeys.

Who it’s for: Trail riders and bikepackers looking for a mountain bike that maximizes traction and comfort.

Trek Farley

Wheel Size: 27.5” Fat Suspension travel: 100mm front or Rigid

The Farley is Trek’s fat bike specializing in terrain like snow and sand which require the additional “float” and traction of 4-5” wide fat tires. The newest generation of Farley uses 27.5” diameter fat tires instead of traditional 26” fat tires. Trek is a believer that using a larger diameter tire offers better performance in all conditions.

Who it’s for: Riders riding snow and sand.

Trek enduro bikes

Trek Remedy

Wheel Size: 27.5” Suspension travel: 160mm front / 150mm rear

The Remedy is Trek’s playful 27.5” trail bike. Older Remedy models were available with 29” wheels, but with the latest generation, Trek has committed to making the Remedy its sole 27.5” full-suspension bike. An ample amount of suspension travel allows the Remedy to tackle tough and steep downhill terrain while smaller 27.5” wheels make it feel easier to maneuver and throw around. It will suit riders who jump and jib their way down trails and who prioritize style and fun over all-out speed.

Who it’s for: Trail riders looking for a capable and playful bike.

Wheel Size: 29” Suspension travel: 170mm front / 160mm rear

The Slash is Trek’s 29er enduro race bike. It provides the most suspension travel and slackest geometry short of Trek’s Session downhill bike. Available only with 29” wheels, it smooths out the gnarliest terrain and maximizes downhill speed. The Slash is used by Trek’s factory Enduro World Series race team and will suit riders looking for a competitive enduro race bike, or a bike that will enhance their confidence on steep and technical downhill trails.

Who it’s for: Enduro racers and riders looking for the most downhill capable bike that can still be pedaled uphill.

Trek MTB range

Trek has a huge selection of mountain bike models, and within every model, there is a wide range of builds to choose from. The hierarchy within models is described using letters and numbers that can be confusing to uninitiated buyers. Below is a guide to decoding Trek’s naming and numbering system.

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Trek mountain bike range

Trek mountain bike models use a number (e.g. Trek Fuel EX 9.9) to indicate the frame material and component build. Models with a 5 through 8 use aluminum frames, with 5 indicating entry-level builds and 8 indicating top-of-the-line aluminum builds.

Models with a 9 use carbon frames. To differentiate build levels within carbon models, Trek uses a decimal system that ranges from 9.5 to 9.9, with 9.5 indicating entry-level builds and 9.9 indicating top-of-the-line builds.

Higher numbered bikes cost more but are equipped with better components.

For example, a Fuel EX 9.9 ($9,499) has a top-of-the-line OCLV carbon frame, SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS drivetrain, Fox Factory suspension, and carbon wheels, stem, and handlebars. A Fuel EX 5 ($2,399) has a more budget-friendly aluminum frame, Shimano Deore drivetrain, entry-level RockShox and X-Fusion suspension, and alloy wheels, stem, and handlebars. In between are several Fuel EX models that offer different frame materials and component builds so riders can pick the bike that fits their needs and budget.

Trek suspension technology

Trek has a long history of innovation, and it has introduced several ground-breaking technologies to the sport. Here is a list of technology and features that are only found on Trek mountain bikes.

Trek RE:aktiv and Thru Shaft shocks

In 2014, Trek worked with Penske Racing to develop RE:aktiv valve technology for its rear shocks. In RE:aktiv shocks, a spring-loaded valve inside the shock body provides increased low-speed compression for more pedaling support. When the shock's shaft speed increases on rough terrain, the valve opens up to quickly absorb impacts before closing again. RE:aktiv shocks are designed to reduce the need for lockouts and compression adjustment on full-suspension mountain bikes when pedaling on smooth terrain or climbing.

In 2018, Trek added Thru Shaft to its RE:aktiv shocks. Most mountain bike shocks are designed around an internal floating piston, or IFP. When a shock absorbs a bump, a damper shaft moves through the shock and displaces oil. This displaced oil needs to go somewhere, so it pushes against the IFP, compressing a gas charge behind the IFP.

The Thru Shaft design eliminates the need for an IFP by allowing the damper shaft to exit out the bottom of the shock. The damper no longer needs to compress an IFP to create space for displaced oil. This makes the shock more responsive and reduces friction. RE:aktiv Thru Shaft shocks are currently found on the Fuel EX, Remedy, and Slash.

Trek IsoStrut

IsoStrut is a minimal, frame-integrated shock designed to provide the comfort and control of rear suspension while maintaining weight, stiffness, and efficiency that rivals a hardtail. To save weight, instead of an ABP suspension pivot, there is flex built into the seat stays to provide a virtual pivot. In its current form, it is only found on the Supercaliber cross-country bike where it provides 60mm of suspension travel.

Trek Knock Block and Straight Shot down tubes

Most mountain bike frames have a curve in the down tube where it joins the head tube to prevent interference with the fork crown. Trek’s Straight Shot down tubes, however, are straight from the head tube to the bottom bracket to increase frame stiffness and strength. This means the fork crown might hit the down tube if it spins around during a crash.

The Knock Block system prevents this with a chip in the top tube that interacts with a keyed stem, spacers, and headset top cover. The Knock Block stops the handlebars and fork from spinning, preventing the fork crown from striking the down tube. There's also a molded guard on the down tube as a redundant measure. As an added bonus, Knock Block also prevents brake and shift levers from scratching or damaging the top tube.

Knock Block can be found on all of Trek’s carbon mountain bike models and the aluminum versions of the Fuel EX, Remedy, and Slash.

Hopefully this guide to Trek mountain bikes puts you in a better place to select the best Trek MTB to suit you riding needs (and also the best build for your price range). If you’re still having trouble deciding, reach out to a TPC Ride Guide at (866) 401-9636 who can better help you understand the pros and cons, and ultimately find the right bike for you. Do you already have one of these Treks? Let us (and other cyclists) know in the comments what you love about your Trek MTB.

What do you ride? Which Trek bike is your favorite? What questions do you have? Let us know in the comments!

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off-road.cc

Your complete guide to the 2021 trek mountain bike range.

Trek has had a long-standing presence in the mountain bike world with a vast range of bikes to back it up. The brands offering ranges from featherweight cross country bikes right through to downhill thoroughbreds. If you're in the market for a Trek bike and wondering which will suit you best, read on for our complete guide to their 2021 range.

• Your complete guide to the 2021 Canyon mountain bike range
• Your complete guide to the RockShox rear shock range - Deluxe, Super Deluxe, SID, Monarch and Vivid air and coil
• Buyer's guide to mountain bikes - get the best MTB for you

2021 Trek mountain bikes

• Full Stache
• Supercaliber

Understanding Trek's naming system

Trek's naming system follows a similar style to how Canyon names its bikes. Each bike's name is suffixed with a number, with higher value numbers corresponding to pricier and better-kitted bikes. Once we get to 9, Trek adds decimals to the suffix to denote changes in the bike's suspension package. All bikes with a 9 in the name get carbon frames but a 9.7 might get its suspension from Fox's Rhythm range for example, while a 9.8 will get better something from higher in the range. Also, you'll see that a lot of kit on the bikes come from Bontrager, for the uninitiated that's Trek's in-house component brand.

At the '9' level, we also see XT, XO1, and GX finding their way into the names. Yep, you've guessed it, that's the drivetrain the bike comes kitted with.

Another thing that's definitely worth mentioning is that a small selection of Trek's bike range is available through what the brand calls Project One. Project One offers the opportunity to have your bike personalised and custom painted with special, exclusive colours. This will mean you have to part ways with a heap of cash but in return, you'll get a bike that's unique to you.

As with the brand's range of bikes, the price range is vast with bikes starting from £440, right up to £9,200 and that's not even considering the Project One options. There's also a comprehensive range of gravel bikes and e-bikes.

Let's kick things off with the Slash. It's Trek's enduro bike which rolls on 29" wheels and gets 160mm of travel at the rear, paired with 170mm at the front. For 2021 it gets both an aluminium and carbon frame option all of which benefit from Trek's proprietary Knock Block system which saves your top and down tube if your front end spins during a crash. This bike also gets the Mino Link which is a geometry adjusting flip-chip, down tube guards threaded bottom brackets, an Active Braking Pivot, and storage in the downtube. As for the geometry, in the low setting, the Slash sees a 75.6° effective seat tube angle, a 64.1° head tube angle, and a 435mm chainstay. A large frame gets a 486mm reach. If you're after something a little more special, the Slash is available through Project One.

Slash 9.9 XTR

Topping the Slash range is the Slash 9.9 XTR. It gets Trek's OCLV carbon frame with the all-new RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock with an updated ThruShaft damper. At the front, you'll find the RockShox ZEB Ultimate RC2 which features chunky 38mm stanchions. As its name suggests there's a full Shimano XTR 12-speed drivetrain with an e*thirteen LG1 Race Carbon crank. The brakes here also come from the XTR lineup and they come with 4-pot calipers for extra stopping power. This bike rolls on a pair of Bontrager Line Pro 30 which are wrapped with a Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 2.6" Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewall, aramid bead tyre at the front and an SE5 Team Issue with the same spec in 2.4" at the rear. It also gets a Bontrager Line Elite Dropper with Bontrager supplying the 820mm wide carbon bar, 35mm stem along with the rest of the build kit.

Slash 9.9 XO1

The Slash 9.9 XO1 gets all of the same trimmings as the 9.9 XTR but benefits from a SRAM XO1 Eagle drivetrain and SRAM Code RSC Brakes, along with a slightly friendlier price tag.

Slash 9.8 GX

Shaving a few thousand pounds of the range-topper is the 9.8 GX. This one is still built around Trek's carbon frame but this one gets a slightly downgraded RockShox ZEB Select+ RC with a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate. Here we get a SRAM GX drivetrain with a matching crankset and SRAM Code R brakes. As for the rest of the bike, it's the same as the 9.9 XTR.

Slash 9.8 XT

As its name suggests, the Slash 9.8 XT gets a very similar built kit to the 9.8 GX. However, this bike sees a Shimano XT drivetrain with SLX M7120 four-piston brakes.

Dropping a full £1.8k off of the 9.8 models, the Slash 9.7 is still built around a carbon frame and it swaps the RockShox suspension with a Fox Rhythm 36 fork and a Fox Performance DPX2 EVOL shock. The drivetrain is a mix of SRAM GX and NX Eagle and the wheels here are the alloy Bontrager Line Comp 30's. Those come shod with a Bontrager XR5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewall, aramid bead 2.6" tyre at the front with a Bontrager XR4 with the same spec and a 2.4" width at the rear. Trek has also swapped the dropper post for a TransX post and there's Bontrager's own alloy finishing kit.

With the Slash 8, we no longer get a carbon frame but we do get a RockShox Lyric Select+ RC fork with a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate at the rear. This bike is driven by a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and there's a pair of SRAM Code R brakes. Everything else is the same as what you would get on the 9.7 model.

The Slash 7 rounds of the range with its alloy frame, RockShox Yari RC fork, RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock, and SRAM NX drivetrain. Here we get a pair of SRAM Guide T brakes and the rest of the bike follows suit with the 8.

Trek Remedy

The Remedy is Trek's long-legged trail bike which comes with four models for 2021. It rolls on 650b wheels and gets 160mm of travel at the front, with 150mm at the rear. Much like the Slash, the Remedy benefits from the Knock Block, the Active Braking Pivot, and the Mino Link. Geometry-wise, it gets a 65.6° head angle, a 74.2° effective seat tube angle, and 435mm chainstays in the low position. A large frame gets a 455mm reach, again in that low setting.

The Remedy 9.8 is the only bike in the 2021 line up that gets a carbon frame. It also gets a burly Fox Performance 38 paired with a Fox Performance Float DPX2 EVOL shock at the rear. This bike benefits from a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain matched with SRAM Code R brakes. As for the wheels, they're a pair of carbon Bontrager Line Elite 30's and they're wrapped with a Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls with an aramid bead in 2.6" with a Bontrager SE4 Team Issue with the same specs in the 2.4" width. Bontrager also supplies the dropper post with the Line Elite and the 820mm handlebar along with the 35mm stem.

As suggested by the lack of a '9' in its name, the Slash 8 comes kitted with an alloy frame. As for the fork, it's a RockShox Lyrik Select+ RC and that's paired with a RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock. This bike is also driven by a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and it gets the same brakes as the 9.8 rig. Differing from the range-topper, this build sees in a pair of Bontrager Line Comp 30 alloy wheels which get an XR5 Team Issue tyre that's tubeless-ready with Inner Strength sidewalls and an aramid bead in 2.6", also from Bontrager. At the rear, there's an XR4 with the very same specification. The rest of the bike follows suit with the 9.8 model.

Remedy 8 XT

Rather unsurprisingly, the Remedy 8 XT comes with a very similar build to the 8 but gets an XT drivetrain and Deore M6120 four-pot brakes. Everything else on this build matches the Remedy 8.

The Remedy 7 is the cheapest 2021 Remedy on offer. It gets a RockShox Gold RL fork and a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock. There's a SRAM NX drivetrain with SRAM Guide T brakes. Apart from that, everything else is the same as what you'll get on the Remedy 8's.

Trek Fuel EX

The Fuel EX is Trek's do it all trail bike. It gets 130mm of rear travel and 140mm at the front. Just like the Slash, the Fuel EX gets built-in downtube storage and the Active Braking Pivot. It comes with a RE:aktiv shock with Thru Shaft, something that you'll only find on Trek bikes. It promises more grip and control with a shock the reacts to the ground faster than anything else on the market, says Trek. This bike also gets the Mino Link, Knock Block, and Straight Shot downtube. The Fuel EX comes in five sizes with XS getting 650b hoops and M upwards getting 29" wheels. However, size S comes with a choice of either wheel size. As for the geometry in the low setting, the bike gets a 66° head angle, a 75° effective seat tube angle, and a 437mm chain stay. A large frame benefits from a 470mm reach.

Fuel EX 9.9 AXS

Topping the range with a pretty hefty pricetag is the 9.9 AXS. On this model, you'll get a Fox Factory 36 with a GRIP 2 damper, paired with a Fox Factory Float EVOL RE:aktiv shock. Of course, we then get wireless shifting from SRAM and the AXS range along with a wireless RockShox Reverb AXS dropper. It rolls on a pair of Bontrager Line 30 carbon wheels and they're wrapped with two Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads, measuring in with a 2.6" width at the front and a 2.4" at the rear. Bontrager supplies the finishing kit with a Knock Block stem and a 780mm OCLV carbon handlebar.

Fuel EX 9.9 XTR & XO1

Next up, the Fuel EX 9.9 XTR gets all of the bling. It's built around Trek's OCLV carbon frame and gets a Fox Factory 36 fork with a GRIP2 damper. At the back, there's a Fox Factory Float EVOL, RE:aktiv. As its name hints, this bike comes with a Shimano XTR 12-speed drivetrain with matching XTR M9120 four-piston brakes. There's also an option with a SRAM XO1 drivetrain with SRAM G2 RSC brakes. This one rolls on a pair of Bontrager Line Pro 30 OCLV carbon wheels which are wrapped in a pair of Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready tyres with the brand's Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid bead. At the front, there's a 2.6" tyre with a 2.4" at the rear on both wheel sizes. Then the bike comes kitted with a Bontrager Line Elite Dropper and the rest of the kit comes from the same brand.

Fuel EX 9.8 XT & GX

Offering a saving of over £2,000 over the top of the range bike is the 9.8 GX and XT. This bike comes with the same carbon frame as the most expensive bike but sees a downgrade in suspension and drivetrain. Here we get a Fox Performance 36 with a GRIP damper and a Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv shock. This rig comes with a choice of drivetrain with either SRAM's GX groupset or Shimano's XT. The GX build comes with SRAM G2 RS brakes whereas the XT model is stopped with a pair of Shimano SLX M7120 four-piston brakes. Everything else on these builds is the same as what you'll find on the 9.9 XTR model.

Fuel EX 9.7

The 9.7 is Trek's most affordable carbon-framed Fuel EX. It comes kitted with a Fox Rhythm 36 with a GRIP damper and a Fox Performance Float EVOL shock. The drivetrain here is a mix of SRAM NX and GX with the former making up the shifter and the latter handing the mech. Gone are the carbon wheels, unfortunately, but instead we get a set of Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheels wrapped in the very same tyres like the rest of the range. The rest of the bike follows suit with the pricier models but there's an alloy bar and stem.

Fuel EX 8 XT & GX

At the sub £3k mark Trek does away with the carbon frames and replaces them with cheaper alloy alternatives. On the priciest alloy option, we get a Fox Rythm 34 Float with a GRIP damper and a Fox Performance Float EVOL RE:aktiv shock. On this build, there's a choice of either a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain or a Shimano XT with the former benefitting from SRAM G2 R brakes and the latter receiving a pair of Shimano MT4100 levers mated to MT420 four-piston callipers. This bike gets a pair of Bontrager Line Comp 30 alloy wheels and the rest of the build is the same as what you'll get on the 9.7 bike.

Fuel EX 7 NX

On the Fuel EX 7 NX we find a RockShox 35 Gold RL fork and a Fox Performance Float EVOL shock, note that this shock doesn't come with that special RE:aktiv tech. You've guessed it, this one comes equipped with a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain it gets its brakes from Shimano with a pair of MT4100 levers and MT410 callipers. The rest of the bike, including the wheels and tyres on this bike, is the same as the rest of the alloy range but we see a TransX dropper on this model.

Fuel EX 5 Deore

Rounding off the fairly extensive range is the reasonably priced Fuel EX Deore. It gets a RockShox Recon Silver fork with an X-Fusion Pro 2 shock. Then there's the Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes made up of MT201 levers and MT200 callipers. The wheels see a downgrade from the rest of the range with an Alex MD35 rim laced to Bontrager hubs. They're wrapped in a pair of Bontrager XR4 tyres and there's a TransX dropper post. The rest of the finishing kit comes from Bontrager.

Trek Top Fuel

Like it or not, but down-country bikes are becoming more and more prolific. Luckily for those who are on board with the trend Trek has a bike for you. It comes kitted with 120mm travel up front and 115mm at the rear with 29" wheels. In keeping with the rest of Trek's bikes so far the Top Fuel also gets a Straight Shot downtube and Trek's Active Braking Pivot. It's also kitted with the Mino Link and Control Freak cable management system. Moving onto the geometry, the Top Fuel sees a 68° head tube angle, a 75.7° effective seat tube angle and a 434mm chainstay. A large frame gets a 470mm reach and those numbers have been taken with the bike in its low setting. As for frame sizes, there's a choice from XS right up to XXL.

Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS

A few hundred pounds shy of the 10k mark, this bike comes with all of the top tech. It's made around a carbon frame with a RockShox SID Ultimate fork with a Race Day Charger damper and a RockShox SID Luxe Ultimate shock. There's a RockShox TwistLoc Full Sprint lockout remote too. As for the drivetrain, here we get a SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS 12-speed wireless set up with SRAM G2 Ultimate brakes. The wheels on this bike area pair of Bontrager Kovee Pro 30 Carbon hoops and they're kitted with a pair of Bontrager XR3 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads in a 2.4" width. Finally, there's a RockShox Reverb AXS wireless dropper post, Bontrager OCLV carbon bar with a 750mm width and 35mm clamp and a Bontrager stem.

Top Fuel 9.9 XTR & XO1

Next up, the Top Fuel XTR and XO1 models get the same carbon frame but this time there's a Fox Factory 34 Step Cast with a FIT4 damper paired with a Fox Factory Float shock. This bike also gets the RockShox Twistloc remote lockout. With this model, there's a choice of either a SRAM XO1 drivetrain or the Shimano XTR set up. The XO1 model gets SRAM G2 RSC four-piston brakes while the XTR gets XTR M9100 brakes. Everything else on the bike is the same as the AXS model but the dropper, which is a Bontrager Line Elite.

Top Fuel 9.8 XT & GX

The Top Fuel 9.8 sees a saving of £2.4k and gets its suspension from RockShox with the SID Select+ RL fork and RockShox SID Ultimate RL shock. There's a choice of drivetrain on this bike too between either a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed with SRAM G2 RSC brakes or a Shimano XT drivetrain with SLX M7000 brakes. Everything else on this bike is the same as its pricier brethren.

Top Fuel 9.7

The 9.7 model is the cheapest with a carbon frame and it comes with a RockShox Reba RL fork and a Fox Performance Float DPS shock. There's a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes consisting of MT501 levers and MT500 calipers. This bike makes a move to Bontrager Kovee Comp 23 alloy wheels and they get the same tyres as the rest of the range. We get an alloy cockpit and a Bontrager Line Dropper.

Top Fuel 8 NX

At this price point, Trek introduces alloy frames into the mix. With the 8 NX there's a RockShox Recon Gold RL Solo Air with a Fox Performance Float DPS. There's still a remote lockout here but it comes from Bontrager in the form of the Drop Lock. As its name suggests, this bike is driven by a SRAM NX drivetrain and it's stopped with a pair of SRAM Level T brakes. The rest of the bike is the same as what you'll find on the 9.7 model.

Top Fuel 7 SX

The Top Fuel 7 SX is the most affordable bike in the range featuring suspension from RockShox with the Judy SL Solo Air fork and the X-Fusion Pro 2 shock. There's a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano MT200 brakes. This one rolls on the same alloy wheels as the rest of the range with the same tyres. In fact, apart from the TransX dropper post, everything else matches the Top Fuel 8 NX.

Trek Full Stache

While the Full Stache hasn't had an update for 2021, it seems rude not to include it as there aren't an awful lot of full suspension 29+ bikes on the market. Of course, it rolls on 29" wheels with chunky 3" tyres. It also has 130mm of travel at both ends but the frame is compatible with up to a 140mm fork if you fancy some extra lairy riding. There's also the Mino Link, Control Freak cable management and the Knock Block. It's built around an aluminium frame and gets a 67° head tube angle, a 75.5° effective seat tube and a 430mm chainstay in the low setting. A large gets a 480mm reach, again in the low setting.

Full Stache 8

With its aluminium frame, you'll find a RockShox Pike Select Plus RC fork with a Fox Performance Float EVOL RE:aktiv shock. There's a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, aTruvativ Descendant 6k crank and SRAM Guide R brakes. This bike gets a pair of SUNringlé Duroc 40 SL wheels and they're shod with a pair of Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads. We get a Bontrager Line Dropper on this bike with a 780mm wide alloy bar, also from Bontrager.

Trek Supercaliber

Filling the role of the full suspension cross country bike is the rather unique looking Supercaliber. The standout feature of this bike is its IsoStrut suspension platform. It offers 60mm of fully tunable travel and what makes it special is that it does away with a rocker link thus saving a chunk of weight. The IsoStrut is also a structural feature of the frame which Trek says prevents twisting, flex and deflection which the brand claims offers a more direct power transfer. The whole range of Supercalibers feature carbon frames rolling on 29" hoops, Straight Shot downtube and the Knock Block. The geometry on this bike sees a 69° head angle, 74° seat tube angle and a 430mm chainstay. The reach of a large frame measures in at 455mm. There are six sizes from S to XXL and an ML size which gets a longer top tube than the M. Up front there's 100mm of travel.

Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS

The Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS takes the crown as Trek's most expensive mountain bike. It comes dripping with top-shelf kit such as the RockShox SID SL Ultimate with a Charger Race Day damper and a Fox Factory IsoStrut shock. This bike gets SRAMs XX1 Eagle AXS wireless drivetrain with the carbon crank and SRAM Level Ultimate brakes. It rolls on a pair of Bontrager Kovee XXX OCLV carbon wheels and they're wrapped with a set of 2.2" Bontrager XR2 Team Issue, tubeless ready tyres with Inner Strength Sidewalls and aramid beads. Then the finishing kit also comes from Bontrager and the line of carbon components, including a 720mm wide handlebar.

Supercaliber XX1 & XTR

Next up the Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 and XTR get all of the same kit as the priciest model but they drop the fancy wireless shifting. Instead, there's a choice of either a SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain with SRAM Level Ultimate brakes or a Shimano XTR drivetrain with XTR M9100 brakes.

Supercaliber XT & GX

Seeing a considerable saving from the rest of the range, the Supercaliber 9.8 GX and XT models get a downgraded Fox Performance 32 Step-Cast fork with a GRIP2 damper. There's also that IsoStrut suspension also provided by Fox but this model doesn't get that sleek Kashima coating, coming from the brands Performance line-up. These models come with a choice of either a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed groupset with both choices coming kitted with Shimano Deore XT M8100 brakes. Here we get a pair of Bontrager Kovee Pro 30 carbon wheels, then the rest of the kit is the same as what you would get on the other bikes.

Supercaliber 9.7

The Supercaliber 9.7 is the most budget-friendly option in the range. It's still built around that OCLV carbon frame and the Performance level IsoStrut shock but gets a RockShox Reba RL fork. This one is driven by a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain and it's stopped by brakes from Shimano with the MT501 levers and MT500 calipers. This model gets slightly narrower Bontrager Kovee Elite 23 carbon wheels with the same XR2 tyres but the rest of the bike comes from Bontrager's alloy line of kit.

Trek Procaliber

The Procaliber is Trek's lightweight cross country hardtail. Compared to the Supercaliber it presents a mighty cash saving if you're looking for a race-ready XC bike. That doesn't mean that it's not without some cool tech, however. The Supercaliber benefits from what Trek calls the IsoSpeed decoupler which allows the set tube to rotate independently from the top tube to seatstay junction which Trek says offers some vertical compliance without sacrificing pedalling efficiency. As with the rest of the range, this bike gets the Straight Shot downtube and Knock Block too. Each bike in the Supercaliber line up comes with a carbon frame which rolls on 29" wheels and can fit up to 2.4" rubber. Here we see a 68.8° head angle, a 73.8° seat tube angle and 432mm a chainstay. A large frame benefits from a 450mm reach and there are six sizes, from S up to XL, including an ML size which gets a longer top tube than the M. The Procaliber gets 100mm of suspension.

Procaliber 9.8

Built around an OCLV carbon frame the Procaliber 9.8 comes with a Fox Performance 32 Step-Cast fork with a GRIP damper. It's driven by a Shimano XT drivetrain with Deore XT M8100 brakes but this one gets an e*thirteen TRS Race Carbon crank. The wheels here are a pair of Bontrager Kovee Elite 30 carbon wheels and there's a pair of Bontrager 2.2" XR2 Team Issue, tubeless-ready tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads. The rest of the kit comes from Bontrager too, with a 720mm wide carbon handlebar.

Procaliber 9.7

This model comes equipped with a RockShox Reba RL Solo Air and a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano MT501 brake levers hosed to MT500 calipers. This bike gets Bontrager's Kovee Elite 23 wheels, then the rest of the bike matches the 9.8 model.

Procaliber 9.6

On the 9.6 model of the Procaliber you'll get a RockShox Recon Gold RL and a mixture of Shimano kit making up the drivetrain. There's an SLX M7100 shifter and an XT M8100 derailleur. With this model there's the move over to alloy wheels, they come from Bontrager and the Kovee's. Then there are the same tyres as the rest of the range and an all-alloy finishing kit from Bontrager.

Procaliber 9.5

Finally the Procaliber line-up is rounded off with the 9.5. Even as the cheapest bike, it still gets that OCLV carbon frame but sees a RockShox Judy SL fork. There's a full Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano MT200 brakes. Then the rest of the bike features the same kit that you'll find on the 9.6 model.

Trek X-Caliber

If you're looking for a race-ready cross country bike but you're on a budget, the X-Caliber is the bike for you. Accommodating for its affordable price point is an aluminium frame rather than the carbon you'll find on its pricier sibling, the Procaliber. The X-Caliber comes kitted with rack mounts, so it's bike-packing ready, along with a mount for a kickstand. All frames feature internal routing and they all come kitted with Trek's Blendr stem. The X-Caliber comes with either 650b wheels on sizes XS and S with all larger bikes (up to XXL) roll on 29" hoops. As for the geometry, there's a 73° effective seat tube angle on sizes M and up while the smaller two sizes get a 73.5° effective seat tube angle. Then there's a 69.5° head tube angle (S and XSs get a 69.3° HA) and a 438mm chainstay on M and up, and a 425mm chainstay on the smaller bikes. Sizes S to XL get 100mm of travel leaving XS with just 80mm. Although, the frame will accept a maximum of a 120mm fork while the XS can accept a 100mm fork.

X-Caliber 9

Heading up the range, the X-Caliber 9 gets a RockShox Judy Silver Solo Air with a TurnKey remote lockout. This bike gets a Shimano SLX M7100 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes made up of an MT401 lever and an MT400 caliper. The wheels on this one are a pair of Bontrager Kovees and they're wrapped with a pair of Bontrager XR3s in the 2.3" width on all sizes. The finishing kit comes from Bontrager too with an alloy bar, stem, and seat post.

X-Caliber 8

The middle of the range X-Caliber 8 comes with a RockShox Judy SL Solo Air fork with a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain. Stopping the bike is a pair of MT200 brakes from Shimano. As for the wheels, the rims come from Bontrager with a pair of kovees and they're laced to Formula DCL-141Q hubs. Then the rest of the bike is the same as the X-Caliber 9.

X-Caliber 7

The X-Caliber 7 gets much of the same kit as the X-Caliber 8 with the only difference in spec being its Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain.

Trek Roscoe

If you're looking for a trail orientated hardtail, the Roscoe fits the bill. Each build comes properly sorted with dropper posts, 120mm of travel (size S gets 100mm), 1x drivetrains and alloy frames. The bike also rolls on 650b+ wheels and tyres. They all feature internal cable routing, rack and kickstand mounts too. Onto the geometry, the Roscoe sees a 67.3° head angle, a 70.8° effective seat tube angle (with the medium frame getting a 70.7° effective seat angle and the S and XS getting 71.2° and 71.1° angles respectively), and a large frame gets a 428mm reach. As a 650b+ bike, it can run either 27.5x2.8" or 29x2.4" rubber.

On the Roscoe 8, you'll find a RockShox 35 Gold RL fork with a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes in the form of the MT501 lever paired with an MT500 caliper. It's worth noting that the fork comes with a flexy QR axle. The wheels here are made of rims from Bontrager and the Line 40s with a Bontrager hub at the front and a Formula hub at the rear. This bike gets a pair of Maxxis Rekon tubeless tyres with a 2.8" width and then the rest of the kit comes from Bontrager and the alloy range apart from the dropper post, which comes from TranzX with the JD-YSP18.

The Roscoe 7 benefits from most of the same kit as the 8, but this one gets a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and Shimano MT200 brakes.

On the cheapest Roscoe 6 you'll get an SR Suntour XCM 32 coil sprung fork with a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain and MT200 brakes. This bike then rolls on Alex MD35 rims and Formula DC hubs which get a pair of Kenda Havok, wire beaded, 2.8" tyres. As for the rest of the build, that's just the same as the rest of the range.

Trek Marlin

If a sub £1k cross country, everyday bike is more your speed then it's worth checking out the Trek Marlin. Each bike in the range comes with an alloy frame and a fork with 100mm of travel (XS frames get 80mm). There are also rack and stand mounts, the Blendr stem, and internal cable routing. XS and S sizes roll on 650b wheels while sizes M to XXL get 29" hoops. On the Marlin, you'll get an effective seat tube angle of 73.5° on the XS and S frame while everything else benefits from a 71.9° effective seat tube angle. As for the head angle, on the smaller sizes it'll measure in at 69.3° and from M upwards it's a couple of degrees steeper at 69.5°. All frame sizes share a 438mm chainstay length and a large frame gets a 451mm reach.

The Marlin 7 comes kitted with a RockShox Judy coil sprung fork with a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain and Shimano MT200 disc brakes. The wheels are made of Bontrager Kovee rims laced to Formula DC hubs and they're wrapped with a pair of Bontrager XR2 Comp 2.2" tyres with wire beads. The rest of the bike comes with Bontrager's own finishing kit.

Trek Farley

Perhaps fat bikes are more your things. Allow me to introduce the Farley. There are two in the 2021 range with an alloy and a carbon option which, of course, roll on 4.5" tyres. Both bikes come with a dropper post, horizontal sliding dropouts, ideal for single speed setups and tubeless-ready tyres. As for the geometry, the Farley gets a 69° head angle, a 73° effective seat tube angle and a 455mm chainstay. The reach on a large is 441mm and there are four sizes available, from S to XL. 

The Farley 9.6 gets an OCLV carbon frame with a Bontrager Haru OCLV fork. The drivetrain on this bike comes from SRAM and the GX Eagle 12-speed shifting. As for wheels, they're Sunringle Mulefut 80 SL rims laced to Bontrager alloy hubs. Those are wrapped in a pair of Bontrager Barbegazi Team Issue, tubeless-ready tyres with inner strength sidewalls and aramid beads. The dropper kitted here is a TransX JD-YSP18 and the rest of the kit comes from Bontrager with a 750mm wide bar.

The Farley 5 is Trek's best value fat bike and it's built around an alloy frame. It gets a Shimano Deore M4100 10-speed drivetrain with SRAM Level brakes and there's a Race Face crank. It gets the same wheels as the 9.6 but the tyres here are a pair of Bontrager Gnarwhals. The rest of the kit is the same as the 9.6. It's worth mentioning that while the Farley 5 comes with a rigid fork, it'll happily accommodate a 100mm travel suspension fork.

Trek Session

The Session needs no introduction, but it's the brand's 650b downhill bike. There's only one model in the 2021 range which is built around an alloy frame. It gets Trek's Active Braking Pivot and the geometry adjusting Mino-Link. Up front, there's 200mm of travel and at the rear, there's 210mm. In the low setting, the Session gets a 63.6° head angle, a 445mm chainstay and a large frame gets a 426mm reach. There are four sizes, from S to XL and the 8 27.5 model will set you back £4,200

Trek Ticket

Finally, rounding off the Trek range of mountain bike is the Ticket. It's available as the full suspension, Ticket S (pictured) with 100mm of travel and the Ticket DJ, which is the hardtail version. Both come as a frame only with prices starting from £725, up to £1,400.

• www.trekbikes.com

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Liam Mercer

Tech Editor here at off.road.cc Liam can also be found photographing bikes as well as revelling in cycling's intricacies. Whether it's gravel, mountain, or e-MTB as long as it's a bike on dirt, he's happy.

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Trek 1120 Review: Footsteps of Giants

By Logan Watts

Founding Editor & Routes Director

1,990 Posts

The Trek 1120 follows in the same 29+ tracks that many bikepacking-specific rigs forged ahead of it, but this bike cuts its own trail with an innovative front rack, a thoughtfully designed rear harness system, and surprising trail prowess… all at a lighter weight than we expected. We’ve been quietly testing one over the last few months; here’s the full review.

PUBLISHED Feb 5, 2018

With additional photos and insight by Ryan Sigsbey

With multiple companies creating bikepacking-specific bikes around the 29+ platform, it’s as if bikepacking has an official tire size. Bear in mind, big wagon wheels aren’t for everyone, and there are plenty of 27.5+ bikepacking rigs too, but it’s no surprise that this legacy continues to thrive… for plenty of reasons we’ve already covered within this site. It all started with the Krampus in 2012, and then came the Surly ECR , which was sort of the first big-tired purpose built bikepacking bike. It was only a matter of time before others created variations on the theme: The Chumba Ursa 29+ , the Carver Gnarvester , Salsa’s Deadwood and Woodsmoke , the Bombtrack Beyond ADV , and the Why Wayward . There are a few others as well, and probably more to come.

• Frame/Fork: Aluminum/Carbon
• Seatpost: 31.6mm
• Bottom Bracket: PressFit 92
• Hub specs: 148 x 12mm (R); 110x15mm (F)
• Max tire: 29×3″
• Weight (L w/racks): 29.4 lbs (13.3 kg)
• Price: $2,499

Following suit, the 1120 was a natural progression for Trek. The Wisconsin based titan has a longstanding history of making bikes in the adventure travel and touring category. First the 520 and 720 touring bikes became classics back in the early 80s. Then Trek found success with its more recent gravel and dirt-drop tourer, the Trek 920 . It only made sense to add a couple hundred to the naming schema for a big-tired bikepacking rig. And this they did with a bang, creating a 29+ rig that is quite a departure from all the rest, even their own Stache .

Before we dig in, let me clarify the nature of this review. I’ve had this bike since August, but an injury/surgery/recovery kept me off of it for a couple of months. Then I got about a dozen rides in with it and had a bit of a relapse… from which I am still recovering. So, I enlisted the help of Ryan Sigsbey , a friend, photographer, bikepacker, and creator of the Trans-WNC . Ryan took it for a week or so, gave it a few rides and took it on a bikepacking trip to add his perspective. As such, this isn’t a long term review. Instead you’ll find an in depth analysis and a couple different perspectives regarding our experiences using it, comparisons, technical details… and, as usual, plenty of photos (don’t miss the new carousel galleries).

Newfangled Racks

There’s a lot to talk about with this bike, so let’s start with the 1120’s two most prominent features, the bright orange tangles of metal at its fore and aft. These proprietary aluminum racks provide a very stable platform for strapping all sorts of gear. They also eliminate the need for a standard seat pack and handlebar roll by offering innovative means of attaching equipment and drybags to the bike. In general, they allow the bike to carry more stuff than with a standard bikepacking setup.

The Front ‘Cradle’ Rack

Load capacity 7.03kg/15.5 lbs | Weight 441g The Trek 1120’s unique fork-mounted front rack is designed to cradle a large dry bag or an assortment of other cylindrical objects — think tents, fishing rod tubes, sleeping mats, etc. This places the load just a scoach lower than a conventional handlebar roll, which, in theory, lowers the center of gravity and increases stability. The rack is incredibly user-friendly, very stable, and does a great job preventing bag and cable interference, which is its biggest innovation. It also eliminates the need for handlebar straps, which frees up valuable real estate on the bars. All the same, the chunky aluminum rack adds about 441 grams that wouldn’t be there with a handlebar mounted bag.

The Trek 1120 front rack is heftier and sturdier feeling than I expected. Constructed from heavy duty aluminum tubing welded to a thick mounting plate, the rack attaches to the Carbon Adventure Fork with four beefy hex bolts in a unique trapezoidal pattern. When attached it feels rock solid. After initial use and inspection, I would certainly trust it on a big trip. One of its most interesting features are the protruding columns on the underside and back of the rack (these are also present on the rear rack). These rounded pegs serve as strap guides that work really well at keeping the straps from sliding and the load in place.

Ryan and I stumbled upon what we think is the ideal system for this rack. The main bag, as shown, is the large dry bag from a Salsa Anything Cradle Kit. It’s a pretty big bag that can hold up to 15 liters, according to Salsa. The Revelate Salty Roll would work equally as well. To cinch it down we used two 32” Voile Straps which provided a very secure and tight fit. Honestly, this is probably the most stable feeling system I’ve ever tried on the front of a bike. That being said, the options really are endless with this rack. I could even see wrapping up a Hyperlite day pack and using that as the roll, or a combination of items such as a tent and another roll bag.

Ryan: The front rack is very straightforward, and with the use of a dry bag and a couple Voile straps, lashing down your load couldn’t get any easier. There are some nice details on the rack to keep the straps right where you want them. The rack is pretty beefy, and maybe a little overkill for most loads, however it provides a very solid platform.

The Carbon Adventure Fork

Rake 51mm | Axle-to-crown 510mm The suspension corrected fork is called the Trek 1120 Adventure HCM Carbon Fork. It is made up of a carbon fork and crown with a bonded alloy steerer tube. The fork features 110mm BOOST spacing as well as triple accessory bosses on either side and rack mounts just above the dropout.
 A lot of people have been asking about this fork… specifically whether it will be available to purchase on its own. Right now the ‘Trek Carbon Adventure Fork’ is the only carbon fork being made with triple bottle mounts and 110mm BOOST spacing. Apparently the fork is available through Trek dealers as a crash replacement. But, it’s not going to be marketed, meaning that it is not likely there will be too much stock available at any given moment. The suggested retail prices are $399.99 for the fork and $131.99 for the rack. Specs are as follows: rake is 51mm, axle-to-crown is 510mm. Part numbers are 561208 for the fork and 560997 for the front rack.

As far as performance, the fork is stiff as expected. It’s not as bump absorbent as the noodly MTB carbon forks of old or many of the modern gravel forks. However, I would expect this from an expedition worthy MTB fork. And, it does soak up some of the chatter.

One thing Trek missed in their design is the addition of dynamo wire routing. However, the fork has two tiny drain holes, one on each side, that could perhaps be drilled out to allow routing through the fork with a top-cap charger such as the Sinewave Reactor. Of course, this would void the warranty, and I have no idea if it is definitely possible. Otherwise, the carbon fork has all the right features, including triple mount bosses, rack mounts above the dropout, and there is even a threaded hole at the back of the fork crown to mount a fender.

Rear Rack and Harness System

Load Capacity 12Kg/25lbs | Weight 695g (Rack), 271g (per harness) The rear rack is quite interesting as well. Unlike most rear carriers, it only mounts to the upper portion of the 1120’s seat stays via four bolts, two welded bolt mounts that are threaded perpendicular to the stays and two long bolts that screw directly into mounts on the stays. Overall the rack feels solid and generally secure. One might assume that the upper bolt mounts would be subject to stress, but it seems like the longer bolts do more of the work. Two long bolts came loose during Ryan’s bikepack, but we think they might not have been torqued properly to begin with. He was able to easily tighten the screws and everything stayed secure.

The 1120 comes with two drybag harnesses designed in tandem with the rear rack. Each one secures to the rack with two wide velcro straps and four compression webbing straps that also serve to batten down the load. The harnesses seem very well made from what appears to be hypalon with a plastic hard backer and barstitched webbing with metal compression buckles. Each fits a dry bag ranging from 5 to 10 liters in volume (8L recommended). The setup is similar to having two small rear panniers — albeit far more taut and secure — and allows a bit more packing space than that of a traditional seat pack. This concept was developed to clear the space between the seat and the top of the rack, facilitating the use of a dropper seat post… or for smaller riders who simply can’t fit a large bag between the saddle and the top of a 29+ wheel/tire. It also lowers the weight that would normally be carried in a large cantilevered seat pack. When the real estate atop the rack is included, this system can double the load potential of a more “traditional” seatpack setup. However, with the rack and harnesses weighing in at 1237g/2.7lbs, it more than doubles the weight of a seat pack such as the Revelate Terrapin (539 grams).

As mentioned, the rear rack also provides an angled upper platform that’s useful for strapping down cylindrical items such as a tent or sleeping pad, without interfering with the 1120’s 125mm Bontranger dropper seatpost. Ryan lashed on a 5 liter Sea To Summit Big River Dry Bag containing spare warm clothes and such, and I tried it with my Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 .

Ryan: The rear harness system was a little finicky at first and wasn’t nearly as easy as the front. The harnesses velcro to the sides of the rack to keep them temporarily in place. Then, once you stuff a dry bag in the harness, you have to loop the webbing around the rack and hook the buckle in. Do this to the other 3 straps and then your all set. It takes a little bit to get used to, but after unloading and reloading a few times I got the hang of it. I was using 6 and 8 liter dry bags and they seemed to fit pretty well. Anything bigger might be a squeeze. There’s extra space to attach a tent, sleeping pad or an additional dry bag to the top of the rack as well.

While Out Bikepacking

Although I wasn’t able to take the 1120 out on a multi-day bikepacking trip (for reasons mentioned earlier), I did set it up in various configurations and even rode it partially loaded a couple of times. The first thing that stood out to me is how tight, solid and stable the luggage systems are. The front rack is clutch. There would be little love lost if I could use it in lieu of all other handlebar harnesses or rolls from here on out. It’s nice to not worry about handlebar straps, or interference with cables and other such accessories. That said, with the proprietary mounts, this rack isn’t an option with a suspension fork, or any other fork for that matter. It’s also pretty specific to roll-style bags or cylindrical items that can’t be opened on the go.

The rear rack and harness system is also quite sturdy. It is probably one of the most movement/rattle/wag free systems I’ve used, the closest being the Porcelain Rocket Mr. Fusion . It’s clear that Trek’s engineers did their homework and focussed on creating a system that moves the weight down, while still maintaining the bike’s agility, maneuverability, and dexterity on tight and twisty singletrack.

Ryan: Since the racks are mounted much lower on the bike than a normal seat pack or front roll bag it really brings the center of gravity down and provides a more stable ride. That coupled with the dropper post means you can really lean into turns and keep up speed. These features also help to keep the bike rubber side down on steep descents. In addition, the solid rear rack eliminates any tail wag that can sometimes be experienced with standard seat bags. Generally that isn’t a big deal, but with this setup it’s removed altogether.

Trek 1120 vs Surly ECR

When I saw early photos of the 1120, I immediately wondered whether it has a similar geometry and feel to the Surly ECR, the original 29+ bikepacking beast. The answer is yes, to some extent… but it’s also quite different. Comparing the large ECR with the 19.5” 1120, the ECR is shorter in both directions. The 1120’s stack height and reach are a little bigger — 642/451mm respectively — than the ECR at 633/420. But, the Trek is also steeper overall with a seat tube angle of 73.5° and the head tube at 70.3°, whereas the ECR’s angles are 72.5 and 70°. Minor differences, but I was generally happy that the seat tube angle is steeper on the 1120. This, in effect, lengthens the 1120. So even with a 21mm shorter chainstay (425mm when the wheel is slid forward in the Stranglehold dropouts), at 112.7cm, the Trek’s overall wheelbase is still 1.6cm longer than that of the ECR. Otherwise, they have matching effective top tube lengths, and the BB drop on the 1120 is 5mm higher than the ECR’s at 80mm. This is a welcome difference, as the ECR is generally limited to 3” tires due its unusually low BB.

Honestly, I thought the 1120 felt similar to the ECR as far as its stance. However, it does seem a bit more nimble and spritely on the trail… probably owed to its lighter weight (approximately 2-3 pounds lighter, with racks) and shorter chainstay (and that was at the long setting for the dropout).

Trek 1120 vs The Stache

The trek 1120 as a trail bike.

Trek bills the 1120 as a touring bike. But judging by its the dropper seat post, short chainstay, and hydro brakes, they also want it to be able to double as a trail bike. Pondering the Trek 1120 as a dedicated trail bike will probably not be relevant to a lot of folks. If you can’t imagine slinging a rigid bike around on your favorite trails, then that’s that. However, a lot of people are looking for one bike to do it all, and the 1120 will likely be tasked as such. I could even envision some folks swapping the fork for a suspension fork until a big bikepacking trip is in order.

When considering 1120 as a quiver killer, the main thing that it has going for it is its relatively steep seat tube, low BB, big cushy tires, and of course, the short chainstay. As mentioned, at 425mm it’s only a hair longer than that of the Stache. However, the relatively steep head tube doesn’t exactly match. I personally would have preferred it a little slacker than 70°. That said, even with the Stranglehold dropout in the back position, the bike felt surprisingly stable during the few occasions I took it rack-free down local descents, such as the Black Mountain Trail and Ridgeline. The 1120 felt generally comfortable and capable for a rigid bike, which usually means slowing things down anyways. I don’t think this is a do-it-all bike for mountain bikers who have a discerning palate when it comes to trail geometry, but it’s certainly capable. It’s also worth noting that if you were planning on swapping a suspension fork when not in bikepacking mode, you could theoretically employ a Cane Creek Angleset to make that HTA a little slacker.

As far as the frame material, the Trek 1120 frame is welded from Trek’s own Alpha Platinum Aluminum. As Skyler found with the Kona Big Honzo , it’s hard to pinpoint the difference between aluminum and steel when there are 3” tires separating the frame from the bumps. The bike is stiff. And it’s also very light. The combination of these two traits makes it feel pretty responsive for a 29+ bike.

One thing I’ve always hated about aluminum is that ‘tink’ sound that randomly happens when a seatpost or something else is loose. Steel is far more dull and less obtrusive, and carbon just sounds like something is creaking. Aluminum can kind of be unnerving, IMO. I noticed the tink a couple of times on the 1120. Not sure exactly where it was coming from, but it went away after a while. With aluminum, it always helps to keep bolts and fittings greased and tight.

Ryan: As a newcomer to the plus tire world, I was amazed at how the tires absorb much of the small trail chatter. Cruising over small roots and rocks was a breeze and as long as I kept up momentum, the bike felt as if it would roll over most anything.

The more upright position, rigid fork and backswept handlebars are certainly features that lean more towards an off-road adventure bike than a trail slaying ninja like it’s bigger brother, the Stache. The bike does have a more nimble feel than I expected and handled a smorgasbord of terrain with a fair amount of ease.

The 20mm longer chainstays [while in the back position as we kept it] and the almost 2 degree steepened head tube angle in comparison to the Stache give the bike a much more stable feel, one that also provides more comfort on longer days in the saddle.

A few other frame highlights include a tapered head tube, internal derailleur and dropper post routing, and Trek’s own Stranglehold dropouts which allows the chain stay length to be fine tuned from 525-540mm. According to Trek, this also means that you could run a compatible 12 x 142 Rohloff hub.

The Trek 1120’s build, as expected, has a selection of Bontranger components. However, Trek made some nice choices in the bike’s bombproof drivetrain featuring mostly Shimano SLX components with a wide-range 11-46 11spd cassette paired with a RaceFace 30t chainring. This provides a granny gear with about 19.9 gear inches for loaded travel even with the voluminous 29×3″ Chupacabra tires.

There were a couple components I didn’t like. First off the Bontrager Crivitz handlebars… Unlike a lot of folks, I am just not a comfort/sweep bar convert. Even if I were, at 690mm, these bars aren’t wide enough. I am also not sold on the Sun Ringle Rims/Chupacabra combo. Both are fine while riding. While they came set up tubeless, I broke the seal when testing the new Wolf Tooth tire lever tool. It was not easy to reset the bead, to say the least. That leads me to think the tolerance isn’t quite tight enough on the rim, or the Chupa is off. If anyone has any thoughts on this, please leave a comment.

The spec also might be a little confusing to some. On one hand, with an innovative rack system, sweep bars, distance-oriented geometry, and loads of mounts, this bike is without a doubt a dirt-road touring machine that on the outset screams for big adventure in far off places. However, I would argue that the out of the box components don’t speak the same language. The dropper post, 28-spoke wheels, PF bottom bracket, and hydraulic brakes are odd choices for such endeavors. The latter is not much of a concern these days (especially for weeks or month long trips), and the other two can be remedied (if the PF BB is a concern, check out Wheels’ threaded options ). On the flipside, with a short chainstay, hydro brakes, and a dropper post, the 1120 has several ingredients that make it look like a trail bike. But, the steep head tube angle and comfort handlebars don’t quite seal the deal. Nevertheless, despite the 70° headtube, I was pleasantly surprised how well the 1120 did when unloaded on the trail. So in essence, in some ways, the parts match the bike, and in others they don’t.

Here is the full build list.

• Front Hub Bontrager sealed bearing, alloy axle, Boost110
• Rear Hub Bontrager alloy, Boost148
• Rims SUNringle Duroc 50 SL 28-hole
• Tires Bontrager Chupacabra, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 29×3.00″
• Shifters Shimano SLX M7000, 11 speed
• Rear derailleur Shimano SLX M7000, Shadow Plus
• Crank Race Face Aeffect, 30T Direct Mount Narrow Wide
• Bottom bracket PF92
• Cassette Shimano SLX M7000, 11-46, 11 speed
• Chain Shimano HG-601
• Saddle Bontrager Montrose Comp
• Seatpost Bontrager Drop Line 125, internal routing, 31.6mm (15.5: Drop Line 100)
• Handlebar Bontrager Crivitz, 31.8mm
• Grips Bontrager Race Lite, lock-on
• Stem Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, 7 degree, w/computer & light mounts
• Headset Integrated, cartridge bearing, sealed, 1-1/8” top, 1.5” bottom
• Brakes SRAM Level T hydraulic disc

• The front rack and fork are unparallelled and offer several major advantages over typical handlebar mounted bags. Plus the fork is quite nice with two sets of triple bosses.
• With racks, this size large Trek 1120 — set up tubeless — weighs 29.4lbs… incredible for a big-footed bike with two chunky, well built racks.
• A well conceived geometry leaning more toward distance dirt tourer.
• Good choice of drivetrain components for bikepacking and dirt touring.
• Rear rack and harness system are a nice way to add a little more volume compared to a typical seat pack… all while slightly lowering the center of gravity. And it’s rock solid.
• The PressFit bottom bracket will likely be one of the biggest gripes about this bike. But, as mentioned in the Norco Search XR review, there are ways around this being a risky (or squeaky) affair.
• Playing the devil’s advocate, the aluminum frame will likely be the second con. While it’s not as vibration dampening and repairable as steel, it’s certainly lightweight.
• The frame triangle doesn’t quite jive with size large universal fit frame bags. The best bet is a custom bag if you want a frame pack.
• I would prefer a rigid seatpost and a price closer to $2k. But, considering you get two racks, the harnesses, and don’t necessarily need any bikepacking bags, it’s actually not a bad deal.
• If it were up to me, the front-end would be a little slacker.
• Size Tested Large (19.5″)
• Weight (as tested with tacks) 29.41lbs (13.34kg)
• Rider Height/Weight 6’0″/170lbs (1.83m/77kg)
• Place of Manufacture Taiwan
• Price $2499.00
• Manufacturer’s Details Trek

Ryan: The Trek 1120 is a great bike for off-road excursions and anywhere you could use a little extra float, think sandy desert arroyos or loose trails. It’s comfortable, stable and provides a solid platform for strapping gear and a low center of gravity to keep you in control. I’m not sure this is the do-all bike that Trek states on the website, however it does provide a very stable off road touring option that can take you off the beaten path without having to invest in a plethora of specific bikepacking bags.

As Ryan mentioned, I’m not sold on the idea that this is a perfect do-all bike. Although Trek doesn’t necessarily claim it as such, they certainly based the build kit and spec around the idea that it’s both a dirt-road expedition bike and a modern trail bike. But, I’m afraid this approach makes the 1120 fall short at the extreme definition of each. That being said, with a few minor tweaks the 1120 can be adjusted to serve either purpose.

Ultimately, Trek’s rack systems are very smart and well executed. This is what will sell this bike. The front rack and fork is spot on. And as some riders can’t quite get their pack list down to the standard kit, or others need bigger kits or space for more water, or smaller riders need an alternative packing option, the 1120’s harness system and rear rack provides a very innovative, functional and solid solution.

When I started testing this bike the first thing that came to mind was The Baja Divide… or other such long-distance, sandy, water-starved bikepacking routes. For such trips 29+ tires are the perfect choice. And having all the gear you need on the two racks frees up five bottle mounts for water storage. The Trek 1120 begs for such pursuits. Out of the four bikes I currently have at my disposal, if I were to head out on the Baja Divide tomorrow, I’d happily swap the handlebars, saddle and seatpost, and set out with the 1120.

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Best Trail Mountain Bikes Under $1,500

For first-time and long-time riders alike, we break down the more affordable end of the mountain bike spectrum.

Jason Hummel Photography

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us . 

Not everyone needs a high-end mountain bike that breaks the bank. If you're new to the sport or ride infrequently, cheaper trail bikes offer plenty of performance and room to grow as a rider. The budget bikes below share a common formula: 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels, adequate suspension for rough trails, and decent components. You can expect to make some sacrifices by saving, but there are plenty of solid options under $1,500 that leave room to upgrade as you progress. Keep in mind that hardtails will offer the best bang for your buck, but some full-suspension models are competitive enough to be included below. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks.

Editor’s note:  We updated this guide on May 17, 2024, to amend the title, from "Best Mountain Bikes Under $1,000" to "Best Trail Mountain Bikes Under $1,500." This reflects the state of the current market: Prices have gone up, and innovation has trickled down from pricier bikes to more affordable models. As a result, many of the picks below are new, although most of the brands and collections are familiar.   

Best Hardtail Under $1,500

1. cannondale habit ht 2 ($1,350).

From high-end racing models to capable gravel grinders, Cannondale’s been pioneering bikes for more than five decades. And they’ve put together a stellar budget trail offering in their new Habit HT 2. For a very palatable $1,350, you get a dropper post, burly 29-inch tires, a healthy 130 millimeters of front suspension, and a well-engineered frame designed for aggressive riding—especially when the going gets steep. The drivetrain is 1 x 10, which offers fewer gears than many high-end builds, but it’s realistically enough for most riders. A final selling point is that the Habit is available at REI, which makes it easier to find the right fit and test the bike before you buy.

Like the rest of the bikes on our list, the budget-friendly Habit isn’t the best choice for fast-and-light races or double-black trails at your local bike park. However, it’s a capable all-rounder that will allow you to hone your skills without holding you back on most terrain. We do have one (relatively minor) design-related nitpick: At 130 millimeters on large and extra-large frames, the dropper post doesn’t get out of the way as much as we’d prefer, although it’s a very easy part to upgrade. All told, the Habit HT 2 checks all the boxes we look for in an affordable build, including good all-around capabilities and plenty of room for upgrades as you progress, earning it our top spot for 2024. See the Cannondale Habit HT 2

Best Full-Suspension Bike Under $1,500

2. polygon siskiu d6 se ($1,399).

Finding a reliable full-suspension bike for less than $1,500 is a tall order, but consumer-direct powerhouse Polygon has put together a compelling build with their Siskiu D6 SE. First and foremost, it's important to note that any bike at this price point could use some upgrades to handle truly challenging terrain, but the Siskiu's frame is solid—it even comes stock with a dropper post. Compared to the standard D6, the SE also features a “boost” fork that allows for future upgrades without changing the front wheel (at this price point, upgrading the fork might be top of mind as you progress). Added up, the D6 SE will satisfy beginner and intermediate riders with ambitions of tackling tough and steep trails, though the stock build is best suited for moderate terrain.

Like the Habit HT2 above, the Siskiu D6 SE could use a couple more gears to keep on trucking up steep uphills. Slightly thicker tires wouldn't hurt, either. While purely subjective, we also aren't huge fans of the bike's "bumblebee"-esque colorway. Finally, Polygon's consumer-direct model is a bit of a double-edged sword: You save some serious cash by cutting out the middleman, but you won't get the luxury of trying the bike out before purchase. But the affordable $1,399 price point makes us feel better about ordering blind, and there's simply no denying the all-around value. If you're set on having both front and rear suspension, the Siskiu D6 SE handily gets our vote. See the Polygon Siskiu D6 SE

Best of the Rest

3. marin san quentin 2 ($1,399).

California-based Marin’s motto is “made for fun,” and their budget-friendly San Quentin 2 hardtail embodies that ethos. This bike features playful and maneuverable 27.5-inch tires and modern frame that’s well suited for aggressive riding—whether you’re shooting down a rocky descent or climbing back up (although the slack head tube angle translates to a slight preference for the former). You also get a respectable Shimano Deore 11-speed drivetrain, a rear thru-axle for added stiffness and security (it also makes for easier upgrades), and a dropper post with plenty of travel in most sizes (150mm for M-XL frames) to get out of the way when needed.

The San Quentin 2 goes head-to-head with the Habit HT 2 above, and it wasn’t an easy decision ranking the Cannondale higher. In parsing out the differences, the Marin has an additional 10 millimeters of travel for smoothing out bumps. On the flip side, the Habit boasts larger 29-inch tires, which we feel are a better match for beginner riders due to their added stability and more planted feel (although the Marin’s tires are a little wider). We also wish the San Quentin’s tires came tubeless-ready, as that’s one of the first upgrades that many riders make. Finally, the widespread availability of the Habit makes it easier to try out in person and fine-tune fit before buying. That said, if you prefer the playfulness of a 27.5-inch setup and don’t plan to go tubeless right away, the San Quentin is a competitive and similarly priced alternative. See the Marin San Quentin 2

4. Trek Roscoe 6 ($1,200)

Trek’s Roscoe lineup is geared towards newer riders looking for flowy fun on singletrack, and the 6 strikes a solid balance for value-focused bikers looking for a dependable starter rig that can keep up as you progress. The bike features an extremely capable frame that’s rough trail-ready, a rear thru-axle, and tubeless-ready 29-inch tires that provide great stability and grip (the XS frame has 27.5-in. tires). You also get a generous, 140-millimeter suspension fork that has plenty of travel for soaking up bumps on rocky and rooty trails. Added up, the Roscoe 6 has solid bones for beginners and progressing intermediates, with easy-to-upgrade components as you climb the ranks.

That said, the Roscoe 6 does have some notable downsides. Similar to the Cannondale Habit above, the Trek’s dropper post boasts 130 millimeters of travel, which doesn’t get out of the way as much as we’d prefer on rowdy rides. The 9-speed drivetrain is also a bit limiting, especially as you start tackling more aggressive ascents and descents. With that in mind, we think the Habit above is worth the extra $150. But if price is your primary consideration and you don’t mind the slight drop in performance, the Roscoe isn’t far behind and will get you onto the trail for less than all the other bikes on our list. See the Trek Roscoe 6

5. Marin Pine Mountain 1 ($1,499)

A lot of folks interested in a budget mountain bike are looking for a rig that can take them on long missions into the backcountry—from pavement to gravel to rugged singletrack. With a sturdy steel frame, sleek retro-meets-modern styling, and more bikepacking attachment points than most riders could ever need, Marin’s Pine Mountain 1 fits the bill to a T. The bike’s confidence-inspiring 29-inch wheels and meaty, 2.6-inch-wide tires keep you firmly connected to the ground, while the 66.5-degree head tube angle offers a nice balance between low-speed handling and high-speed stability. If you’re in the market for a bikepacking-ready design that can take you far off the beaten path across a wide variety of terrain, the Pine Mountain is our top choice.

What’s not to like with the Marin Pine Mountain 1? First, it lacks a dropper post, which we consider critical when moving fast over variable terrain. To be fair, several bikes here, including the Co-op Cycles DRT 1.3 and Specialized Fuse 27.5 below, feature droppers with so little travel that you’ll likely want to upgrade quickly, anyways. The Marin’s straight aluminum handlebars also do little to absorb impacts, and it’s noticeably less modern and aggressive than alternatives like the Cannondale Habit and Marin’s own San Quentin 2 above. In other words, if steep and rocky rides are what you’re after, we’d point you elsewhere. But for hauling the essentials on long and remote missions, the Pine Mountain is a very well-built and versatile option. See the Marin Pine Mountain 1

6. Co-op Cycles DRT 1.3 ($1,399)

Not everybody needs the aggressive, modern geometry of hardtails like the Habit and San Quentin above. For those more interested in cruising mellow to moderate terrain than pushing their limits out of the gate, a basic frame will certainly get the job done—and that’s where Co-op Cycles’ DRT 1.3 shines. While relatively basic in terms of components and geometry, the 12-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain is capable of covering a wide range of terrain; you get helpful features like a dropper post, hydraulic disc brakes, and front and rear thru-axles; and the rims and tires come tubeless-ready for easy upgradeability. All told, it’s a smooth, easy-handling bike that’s much more performance-ready than Co-op Cycles’ cheaper DRT 1.1 ($599) and DRT 1.2 ($999) models.

In addition to being widely available at REI stores throughout the country, co-op members also get tons of benefits, including in-store bike assembly, a year of free adjustments, 20% off shop services, and more. A lifetime membership will run you $30, but a single bike purchase will easily offset that cost (if you purchase at full price, you'll get 10% back in annual dividends). Again, the DRT 1.3 isn’t as well suited for rough and steep terrain as the Habit or San Quentin 2 above, and many folks will opt to upgrade components like the tires, dropper post, and pedals, which will almost certainly push you over the $1,500 threshold. But if you’re just starting out and don’t plan to get too rowdy, the DRT 1.3 offers a solid amount of bang for your buck—especially if you take advantage of REI’s member benefits. See the Co-op Cycle DRT 1.3

  7. Giant Stance ($1,400)

Giant is, well, a giant in the world of mountain biking, so it’s no surprise that they offer some hard-to-beat options for casual riders and those just starting out. Released in 2022, their entry-level Stance is technically a dated offering that’s since been overshadowed by newer, more expensive variations in the collection, but we still consider it a perfectly capable starter rig for those wanting full squish. Like the Polygon Siskiu D6 SE above, the Stance’s 120 millimeters of travel falls short for hardcore dropping and bashing, but it will do the trick for most recreational riders with a relatively forgiving, confidence-inspiring feel on rocky and rooty terrain. For those looking for a little more stability and traction, Giant also offers a 29er version for the same price.

Our biggest complaint about the Stance is its geometry: It’s noticeably less aggressive and what mountain bikers love to call “modern” than other bikes on this list. But riding style and fit are highly personalized and subjective, and if you’re after a flowy ride on moderate trails, the Stance is a great option to have on your radar. If you’re willing to forgo rear suspension, it’s also worth checking out Giant’s Fathom 2 hardtail , which retails for $1,500 but is currently on sale for $1,200. Hardtails are almost always the better value when compared to full-suspension rigs at the same price point, but in this case, we consider the Stance an entirely viable alternative for those set on a rear shock. See the Giant Stance

8. Specialized Fuse 27.5 ($1,500)

Specialized’s Fuse lineup has been a mainstay in the hardtail world since 2015, and this latest iteration got a thoroughly modern revamp. Following the latest trend in front-suspension bikes, it’s longer and lower than its predecessor, making for ample control and playfulness on steep singletrack. We also love its clean look and availability in two sleek colorways (we particularly like the Gloss Arctic Blue/Black frame shown to the right). Finally, while the Fuse 27.5’s $1,500 MSRP puts it at the top of our limit price-wise, it’s available for just $950 at the time of publishing, which in our opinion is a true steal.

However, the Specialized Fuse 27.5 starts to look a little less competitive when pitted against Marin’s San Quentin 2 above. Comparing the two, the Fuse has an inferior gearing setup with only 9 speeds. We also prefer the slightly beefier, 2.6-inch-wide tires that come stock on the San Quentin. Finally, the Fuse's X-Fusion coil fork isn’t very adjustable or refined in general. But every bike at this price point makes some sacrifices, and the front fork is often an early upgrade for progressing riders. At full price, we’d be inclined to go with the more capable and versatile San Quentin or the top-ranked Cannondale Habit, but the Fuse 27.5 is a great value at its current sale price. See the Specialized Fuse 27.5

9.  Ari Wasatch Peak Comp 29 ($1,399)

Consumer-direct pioneer Ari (formerly Fezzari) is known for providing top-notch bikes at unbeatable prices, and their Wasatch Peak is a case in point. Slotting in as the brand’s entry-level hardtail, this bike has a lot going for it. First off, the bike’s 12 gears make pedaling uphill and charging fast on flats and moderate downhills even more grin-inducing (though the SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain is a likely candidate for a future upgrade). Other highlights include large and confidence-inspiring 29-inch wheels, a quality aluminum frame, and a lifetime warranty to back it all up (in the event of a crash, you may be able to score discounted replacement parts by contacting customer service). And although they’re a consumer-direct brand, meaning you won’t be able to try the bike out before you buy, Ari’s online fit customization is very comprehensive—simply enter your measurements on the product page to ensure you’re getting the right size.

All that said, while the Wasatch Peak Comp 29 is a perfectly capable starter setup, it’s not the most exciting design. On hardtails, fatter tires generally help absorb impacts better than skinnier ones, and the Ari’s 2.2-inch-wide tires are the narrowest on our list. Tacking on a dropper post will also add a whopping $230 to the overall total, though many of the bikes above could benefit from an upgraded dropper. Finally, at the time of publishing, you can get the upgraded Wasatch Peak Elite—which features a better fork and brakes—for a very reasonable $1,399. We consider the Elite worth the price jump over the Comp 29 here, although we’ve opted to leave it off our list since it exceeds our $1,500 limit at its full $1,799 MSRP. See the Ari Wasatch Peak Comp 29

10.  Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12-Speed 29 ($1,399)

Salsa’s made a name for themselves for both budget and bikepacking options—and with the Rangefinder you get both. Like the Ari and Co-op Cycles offerings above, the bike features more or less the same entry-level front fork—Suntour’s basic XCR—as the Siskiu, Roscoe, and Wasatch Peak above. And one of the biggest benefits here is that the bike is available at REI, so riders can try it out and tailor the size, fit, and ride to their body—along with the other benefits of purchasing through the store mentioned above. 

Why the last-place finish for the Salsa Rangefinder? One complaint is the frame, which is noticeably inferior to the options above for tackling steep and rough terrain. However, our biggest gripe is that the bike doesn’t feature tubeless-ready tires or a rear thru-axle, which makes it tougher to upgrade as you progress. This may not be a dealbreaker for casual riders who plan to run a stock setup out of the gate, but we consider the Marin Pine Mountain above to be the more capable and versatile all-around option at this price point (although you do get an extra gear with the Rangefinder). See the Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12-Speed 29

Mountain Bike Comparison Table

About our testing process.

From distant gravel adventures to rowdy singletrack, the Switchback Travel team loves getting out on two wheels. Former contributor Jamey Voss put together our initial selection of six sub-$1,000 mountain bikes in 2016, passing the torch to former editor-in-chief John Ellings in 2019. An avid mountain biker based in eastern Washington, John is a huge proponent of “lunch laps” and is on a bike any time his schedule—and the finnicky PNW weather—allows. Contributing editor Nick Mott took over the guide in 2024, overhauling the list to reflect rising bike prices (we upped the price threshold by $500) and massive improvements in technology, which have trickled down into the entry-level market.

The list of 10 budget-friendly bikes you see above is the result of our editors’ experiences on trails from mellow to technical, along with feedback from our gear-savvy freelancers and the online mountain biking community. In narrowing in on our top picks, we look at several factors. Along with a modern frame, the bikes that made our list all have decent drivetrains, capable front forks, and disc brakes out of the box—bonus points if they include a dropper post and rear thru-axle, too. Upgradeability is another key component, as many riders will opt to swap out tires, pedals, and other components as they progress. As the market continues to evolve, we’ll keep hitting the trails and amending the list above to reflect our favorites.  

Mountain Bike Buying Advice

Mountain bike frame materials, mountain bike suspension, wheel size: 27.5 vs. 29er, drivetrain and gears, what do you get by spending more, buying a mountain bike online.

• Are Used Mountain Bikes Worth It?  

In the sub-$1,500 price range, there isn’t a lot of variety in frame materials, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. All of the bikes above—with the lone exception of the steel Marin Pine Mountain 1—use aluminum, and the reasons are pretty simple: From a performance standpoint, a well-made aluminum frame like the Alpha Gold that comes with Trek’s Roscoe 6  is stiff enough to withstand rough trails and plenty durable to avoid significant damage in an average crash. Compromises in aluminum include ride quality—that stiffness comes with a slightly harsher feel and less bump absorption—and longevity. The welds required to put together an aluminum frame can crack over time, and the material itself fatigues faster than alternatives like steel and carbon fiber (although many aluminum frames last a decade or more).

Steel is another reasonably affordable frame material that’s well known for its strength and toughness. Compared with aluminum, steel bikes are even longer-lasting and better-equipped to withstand years of rough use. But it comes with a weight penalty and less of a playful and nimble feel, which is why you rarely see it on a budget-oriented mountain bike (again,  Marin's Pine Mountain 1 above is the only exception). Finally, carbon fiber is a common choice among premium bikes and comes with benefits like less weight—typically about a pound less than an equivalent aluminum frame—a cleaner look with no welds, and smoother ride quality. That said, it’s substantially more expensive to manufacture, so you won’t find any options at this low price point (expect to pay $4,000 or more for carbon).  

All of the bikes above can handle moderate terrain, which can include everything from smooth, rolling trails to rocks and roots galore. As a result, suspension range is relatively narrow, with front forks that offer between 120 and 140 millimeters of travel (a measurement of how much the shock absorbers can compress). At the low end are bikes like Co-op Cycles' DRT 1.3 and Salsa’s Rangefinder (both 120mm), which function a little better as cross-country workhorses than trail chargers. At the higher end is Trek's Roscoe 6, which boasts a generous 140 millimeters of travel. That added suspension (along with its aggressive frame style) means the Trek can handle rougher and bumpier terrain. It’s also worth pointing out that most options above are hardtails, which forgo spendy rear suspension and therefore generally offer better performance for the price. We’ve included a couple budget-friendly full-suspension rigs that are both capable and upgradeable, but if maximizing bang for your buck is a top priority, a hardtail is the way to go.  

The old mountain bike standard, the 26-inch wheel and tire combo, has gone from being commonplace to a rarity. For budget bikes, the transition started with the large 29-inch wheels and has since moved to 27.5-inch. This wholesale shift in the industry can be traced to the improvement in rollover, traction, and stability that these larger tires provide (for more, see our article on 27.5 vs. 29er mountain bikes ). For 2024, we seem to have stabilized with a mix of 29 and 27.5 options. The 29er will offer slightly better performance, stability, and confidence, although you'll want to be sure to keep weight in check. And the same bike with 27.5-inch wheels will be a little easier to turn quickly without giving up too much in terms of rollover ability. Smaller riders may prefer the fit of the 27.5-inch design, and the opposite goes for tall folks on a 29er. As long as you get a proper size, we think both styles are a great match at this $1,500 price point.  

While on the topic, we’d be remiss not to touch on tubeless tires. Many of the options above come stock with tubeless-ready rims and tires, which are exactly as they sound: Going tubeless involves removing the inner tube and injecting sealant to plug any leaks and heal small punctures. In general, tubeless tires are more resilient to flats, allow you to run lower pressures for better traction, and have lower rolling resistance, which translates to more speed when compared with a standard setup. If you’ve never converted a bike to tubeless, we recommend getting it done by your local bike shop, as the process does take some finessing.  

If you’re wanting a nimble and lightweight bike for under $1,500, we recommend keeping it simple: an aluminum frame, a front suspension fork, and 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels. The closer you get to $1,500 with this setup, the lighter-weight and more responsive the bike will be. On average, these aluminum hardtails will hover around the 30-pound mark. As long as your expectations are reasonable (don’t expect a twitchy, feathery carbon race bike experience), you can have a whole lot of fun with a mid-range hardtail. 

As the price goes down, the weight of the bike inevitably will go up. Everything from the crankset and drivetrain to handlebar and seat post gets heavier. And if you elect for a full-suspension bike like the Polygon Siskiu D6 SE at this price point, you can expect a pretty hefty bike. While it will undoubtedly be lighter than a bike made five to 10 years ago, the rear shock and linkage all add precious pounds to the bottom line. That said, it’s important to note that within a narrow price range like $1,000 to $1,500, bikes with similar frame designs, suspension, and components will not vary all that much, so don’t fret too much about going too heavy.  

At first glance, it may appear that having more gears is a good thing—27 is better than 20, right? But that 27-gear (3 in the front, 9 in the rear) ride is actually far less intuitive to use. On the trail, you need crisp shifts to react to ascents and descents, and swapping from the big to small chain ring in the front is a real time killer—not to mention a lot of excess weight and complexity. The options above range from 9 to 12 gears, with bikes like the Trek Roscoe 6 at the low end of the spectrum and REI Co-op DRT 1.3 at the high. Most offerings above sit right in the middle. In general, we find 9 to be perfectly functional for many uses. But that few gears, even with a decently large spread, won't cut it for longer rides with reasonably steep climbs and descents. If you can find a bike with 10-12 gears for under $1,500, that’s generally a good fit for all-mountain riding.  

One of the most notable improvements for bikes in the sub-$1,500 price range in recent years is the inclusion of disc brakes. As technology has trickled down from more high-level products and manufacturing processes have been simplified, mechanically operated rim brakes are becoming a thing of the past. Disc brakes offer considerably more stopping power, which is especially important when riding in muddy and wet conditions. There’s nothing worse than grabbing a handful of brake on technical singletrack only to find yourself squealing to a slow stop. But this isn’t just handy for those “oh crap” situations—in general, disc brakes require less effort to use, allowing riders to focus on the trail ahead instead of the brakes themselves. You’ll still find rim brakes on some cheap hardtails, but all the bikes here feature reasonably well-executed disc brakes.  

As a first bike or if you’re unsure about how committed you are to the sport, an option under $1,500 makes a whole lot of sense. But if you’re thinking about making a long-term purchase or live in an area that is low on smooth and easy trails—such as the rocky, muddy, and root-filled Pacific Northwest—it may be worth stretching the budget a little to get a more capable steed. As we cover in our round-up of the  best ountain bikes under $2,500 , spending that extra $500 to $1,000 does bring a good bump in quality and performance. For one, you get a much wider selection of full-suspension bikes, which are great for tackling technical terrain at speed. Additionally, weight is less of an issue, although you still aren’t seeing anything made with lightweight carbon fiber just yet. And finally, all components are of a higher quality, which translates to not just increased trail performance but also durability and lifespan. For a wider look at the market, see our article: How Much Should You Spend on a Mountain Bike?  

If you’ve been paying attention to the bike industry for the last few years, you’ll have noticed a shift in how bikes are being sold. Many big mountain bike brands like Diamondback, Trek, and Giant now offer online checkout options, and large retailers like REI and Backcountry provide similar services for myriad other brands. Consumer-direct companies like Polygon and Ari have also staked their claim by cutting out the middleman entirely, leading to excellent designs at hard-to-beat prices. . While we love the idea of buying a bike online for its low-pressure atmosphere and convenience, we think it’s important to consider a number of factors first. For example: Does the bike come assembled? Will you have to pay an oversize shipping fee? And most importantly: How can you ensure a good fit before ordering?

One of the first hurdles to buying online is getting the correct size. While nothing beats throwing a leg over a bike in person, companies almost always provide a size chart online that can be pretty reliable for nailing the right fit. Competitive Cyclist takes it one step further with their online fit calculator , which can be an invaluable resource. And if you currently own a bike, take note of how it fits and use that information for your next purchase. All told, the resources are there for you to get a well-sized bike without “trying it on.”  

Once you receive the bike on your doorstep, it will require some assembly out of the box. The majority of companies include a few basic tools, but you still need a fair bit of skill and knowledge to safely put your new toy together. If DIY isn’t your forté, many bike shops offer build services, and online programs like Diamondback’s Ready Ride provide stellar customer service and tutorials. And at the other end of the spectrum are companies like REI, which allow you to purchase online and pick up in-store—this may be the best of both worlds as you can ensure a proper fit before taking the bike home. All in all, buying online is not as nerve-wracking as it might seem—just make sure you take the time to do the research, find the right fit, and finally, hedge your bets by purchasing from a reputable retailer with a good return policy.  

Are Used Mountain Bikes Worth It?

During the research process, there’s a very good chance you’ll consider and possibly start looking into purchasing a used bike. The benefits are fairly clear: Like a car, bikes start losing their value almost immediately, so you can save a good amount of money going this route (or get better components for the same price as new). In addition, shopping used cuts down on waste, and there are a number of ways to safeguard your purchase. The simplest is buying a former rental fleet model from a local shop. This gets you the assurance that the bike has been professionally maintained and serviced, and you’ll have a good idea of its history. It’s true rental bikes can be subjected to rough treatment, but you’ll often get a warranty with your purchase, as well as the comfort in knowing you can go back into the shop if questions or issues come up.

If you’re searching online marketplaces like Craigslist, Pinkbike’s BuySell, or Facebook Marketplace, there are some important things to consider. First, we advise choosing a relatively new bike to maximize lifespan (aluminum frames fatigue over time) and ensure you get modern components like disc brakes and updated geometry. In addition, it’s best to look at the bike in-person to avoid purchasing an unmaintained money pit. If you’re mechanically inclined and familiar with bikes, you can check the frame for cracks and verify the condition of components like the drivetrain, suspension, brakes, and tires. These are very important to inspect as a cracked frame will make the bike unrideable, and replacing items like a front suspension fork can cost hundreds of dollars. If you’re uncomfortable giving this final check, most repair shops will take a look for a nominal fee. In the end, buying used involves a number of extra considerations, but if you’re willing to put in the effort and take on some risk, it’s a nice way to save. Back to Our Top Mountain Bike Picks   Back to Our Mountain Bike Comparison Table

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Size / 13", 15.5", 17.5", 19.5", SM

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame Oversized Alpha™ Aluminum offers the increased durability and strength to handle the most rugged trails.
• Fork InSync Grind 320, 70mm travel
• Wheels Matrix 550 rims; alloy hubs; 14G, black spokes
• Wheel Size 26"
• Crank Suntour XCC-100 48/38/28
• Front Derailleur Shimano C051
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Altus
• Shifters Shimano EF29
• Brakeset w/ levers
• Handlebar High tensile steel, 30mm rise
• Saddle Trek ATB
• Seatpost Alloy micro-adjust
• Stem Alloy AHS, 25Ëš (men’s), 40Ëš (women’s)
• Headset AHS 1-1/8" semi cartridge, sealed

Q: Where to buy a 2003 Trek 4100?

The 2003 Trek 4100 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: What size wheels does the 2003 Trek 4100 have?

The 2003 Trek 4100 has 26" wheels.

Q: What size 2003 Trek 4100 should I get?

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Cycle & Coffee

Trek 1100 Aluminum Road Bike, 61 cm/XL, Blue and Yellow

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Slick, lightweight blue road bike with a vibrant blue color and yellow accents. This trek has a 61 cm XL frame for riders over 6 feet. Drop bars, Matrix titan wheels made in USA, Mallard 500 hubs. 700 x 25c road tires. Trek 6061 Alcoa Aluminum frame. Made in USA. 3x7 speed. Vetta gel seat. Good condition, we'll do a tune and bar rewrap before it goes home with it's final customer. 

Contact us if you'd like to test ride it at Cycle & Coffee in Seattle!

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Is Trek 7100 Worth the Investment? A Complete Review

Trek bikes have always been known for their sturdy build and top-notch performance, and the Trek 7100 hybrid bike is no exception. 

The Trek 7100 is designed with both efficiency and performance in mind, combining the features of a road bike and hybrid bike for both comfort and speed on the road. 

It offers an excellent riding experience for both commuters and recreational riders. And in this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features that make this bike stand out to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Trek 7100 At A Glance 

The Trek 7100 is an excellent hybrid bike for riders looking for a comfortable and efficient bike for commuting. 

It has a lightweight aluminum frame and a sturdy front suspension fork that absorbs shocks and provides smooth rides. 

The 21-speed Shimano drivetrain and SRAM shifters make gear changes quick and easy, while the Tektro linear pull brakes provide reliable stopping power.

With a solid build-quality and durable components, the Trek 7100 strikes a great balance between efficiency and comfort.

Pros  

• Lightweight aluminum frame
• High-quality components
• Wide gear range
• Budget-friendly price tag
• Adjustable bars and saddle
• Plastic pedals are not durable
• Saddle may be too soft 

Related Post: 15 Best Hybrid Bikes Under $500 in 2023 + Buying Guide

Trek 7100 Review: Features and Specifications

Frame and fork.

If you’re looking for a hybrid bike that’s built to last and can handle a variety of terrains, the frame and fork are two components you want to pay close attention to. After all, they’re the backbone of the bike, providing stability and support as you ride.

Fortunately, the Trek 7100 has you covered in both departments. At the core of this bike is an Alpha white aluminum frame that’s designed to be both lightweight and strong. It’s built to last, so you won’t have to worry about it giving up on you after just a few rides.

In addition to the frame, the fork is also an important component of any bike. The Trek 7100 comes equipped with a preload adjustable SR Suntour NEX fork that offers 50mm of travel. 

This means that it can absorb the shock and vibrations that come with riding on rough or bumpy roads, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride. 

And since the Trek 7100 is built for paved roads and city streets, the fork provides enough protection from road noise to make your ride more enjoyable.

But it’s not just about comfort – the Trek 7100 is designed to be efficient and fast, too. The steep head tube angle allows it to handle uphill and downhill commutes with ease, making it a great choice for riders who want a bike that can keep up with them. 

Gears and Brakes

When it comes to hybrid bikes, having a wide gear range is crucial to getting the most out of your ride. It’s what allows you to smoothly transition between different speeds and handle a variety of terrains.

The Trek 7100 delivers on this front, thanks to its high-quality components. With 7-speed SRAM shifters and Shimano M191 front derailleur, you’ll be able to shift gears smoothly and easily, even when you’re going up steep hills or facing strong headwinds. 

And with an SRAM X3 rear derailleur, you can trust that your bike will handle whatever terrain you’re on.

But it’s not just about the gears – the brakes are just as important when it comes to the overall performance of a hybrid bike. 

That’s why the Trek 7100 comes equipped with Tektro linear pull brakes that provide reliable stopping power when you need it. And when you’re navigating crowded city streets, you can trust that these brakes will help keep you safe and in control.

The combination of these components is what sets the Trek 7100 apart from other hybrid bikes on the market. 

It’s built to deliver the performance of a road bike, but with the comfort and versatility of a hybrid bike. This makes it a great choice for commuting, exercising, or just getting around your neighborhood.

And despite being a low-end SRAM twist shifter, the performance of the Trek 7100’s gearing system is nothing to scoff at. 

With a 21-speed set-up, you’ll have a wide range of gears to choose from, allowing you to customize your ride to your preferences. 

Plus, the shifts are quick and easy, so you won’t have to worry about fumbling with the gears while on the go.

Wheels and Tires

The wheels and tires of a bike play a crucial role in its performance, and Trek 7100 hybrid bike has impressive wheels and tires that make it stand out from other bikes in its class. 

It has Bontrager H4 tires, which are sized at 700 x 35c and known for accelerating quickly on flat trails. They are perfect for smooth roads and provide excellent traction, especially when combined with the 3X7 drivetrain. 

Even though it’s not as fast as a road bike, the 7100 is more comfortable to ride than many road bikes in the same price range. I believe comfort is important for commuters who spend a lot of time on their bike.

The rims also feature the same high-quality construction as the rest of the bike’s components. It’s a Bontrager 550 36-hole alloy rims, which are double-walled to ensure durability.

From experience, I’d say the combination of road bike tires and strong alloy rims make the Trek 7100 an excellent commuter bike.

Saddle and Handlebars

The Trek 7100 has a wide, well-padded saddle that offers great comfort for your backside, especially on longer rides. The flexible suspension seatpost is an added bonus, as it provides additional protection from impacts on the road.

And you can easily customize your riding position to suit your comfort level, since the seat height can be adjusted for a good fit. 

The handlebars are Bontrager Approved with a solid steel build and a 50mm rise. This design allows you to ride with a comfortable posture that reduces stress on your shoulders, back, and neck.

Trek 7100 also has an adjustable stem; a great feature that lets you fine-tune your bike’s fitting to your specific needs. The stem allows you to adjust the height of the handlebars, and by doing so, you can achieve a more comfortable riding position for your body type and riding style. 

This feature is especially important when you’re going on long rides, as you may need to adjust your position frequently to avoid fatigue.

Related Post: 11 Best Commuter Bikes Under $200 in 2023

Size and weight

The Trek 7100 hybrid bike is a versatile and accommodating ride for riders of different sizes. 

With a range of frame sizes available, from 15″ to 25″, you can find the perfect fit for your body type. 

It’s important to get the right size for your height to ensure maximum comfort and efficiency when riding.

In terms of weight, the Trek 7100 is relatively lightweight for a mountain bike, making it easy to handle and maneuver. 

The average weight is around 28.7 lbs (13 kg), but this may vary depending on the frame size you choose. Some sizes can weigh up to 34 lbs.

Despite its lightweight design, the Trek 7100 can support riders who weigh up to 275 to 300 lbs, which is a great feature for heavier riders. 

Best Trek 7100 Multitrack Alternatives

• Schwinn Suburban

Schwinn Suburban is a hybrid bike that offers comfort and versatility with an adjustable seat and handlebars. 

It has a steel frame, 26″ wheels, a reliable drivetrain, and aluminum linear-pull rim brakes for precise braking. 

You’ll also get a suspension fork, 7-speed shifters, and Shimano rear derailleurs. The Suburban is great for commuting and has a plush saddle for a comfortable ride.

• Sixthreezero Around the Block

The SixThreeZero Around the Block has a robust and simple appearance, with a weight limit of 300 lbs and a height range of 5 to 6 feet tall. 

Its 17-inch steel frame and aluminum wheels provide a smooth and comfortable ride with outstanding traction when braking. 

The bike’s foam grips on the handlebars allow for an upright riding position. And the coaster brakes are acceptable for commuting and casual use.

• Schwinn Sanctuary

The Schwinn Sanctuary Bike has a durable steel frame and 2.1-inch wide tires for a smooth ride, and weighs 38.8 lbs with a 225-pound weight limit. 

It features a 7-speed twist shifter, swept back handlebars, front and rear alloy linear pull brakes, and a limited lifetime warranty. 

It’s ideal for riders between 64 and 74 inches tall, it’s suitable for leisurely cycling experiences on paved roads or the beach.

Finally, is Trek 7100 bike a good buy?

Yes, it is. Trek 7100 hybrid bike is an excellent choice for riders looking for a comfortable and efficient ride. 

Its solid build and durability make it a great investment, and its combination of features from road and hybrid bikes make it a versatile option for both commuting and recreational riding. 

Can’t find the Trek 7100? Check out these great alternatives on Amazon

You may also like: 9 Best Commuter Bike Under $300 in 2023

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BikeCrunch’s content is for informational and educational purposes only.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

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NEED HELP CHOOSING?

Use the Bike Finder to narrow your choices, compare models, and find the Trek that’s right for you.

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