I have been a mountain bike enthusiast and have raced at National level for a number of years and this is by far the best bike that I have ridden, and the only one that I have been so happy with that I have 'refurbished' it rather than replaced the entire machine after a couple of years. The ... Read review
Advantages: Lightweight, superb frame, superb wheels Disadvantages: Wheelset spares less commonly available
I have been a mountain bike enthusiast and have raced at National level for a number of years and this is by far the best bike that I have ridden, and the only one that I have been so happy with that I have 'refurbished' it rather than replaced the entire machine after a couple of years. The frame is about as light as they get, and gives a responsive but not punishing ride. The bike excels up and downhill, and is fun and flicky in the singletrack. ... ...flawless, and the supporting inhouse branded Icon chainset, seatpost, stem and handlebars are top notch. The only think I had to really upgrade with when it came out of the shop is a pair of bar ends. The SID forks are not the plushest out there, but they are reasonably light. The wheelset is a strong part of the spec: it is light and supremely strong, I haven't have to true these wheels and after 2 years of riding are +/- 1mm true. The only downside ... more
I have been a mountain bike enthusiast and have raced at National level for a number of years and this is by far the best bike that I have ridden, and the only one that I have been so happy with that I have 'refurbished' it rather than replaced the entire machine after a couple of years. The frame is about as light as they get, and gives a responsive but not punishing ride. The bike excels up and downhill, and is fun and flicky in the singletrack. The groupset, being predominantly Shimano XT as per usual, is flawless, and the supporting inhouse branded Icon chainset, seatpost, stem and handlebars are top notch. The only think I had to really upgrade with when it came out of the shop is a pair of bar ends. The SID forks are not the plushest out there, but they are reasonably light. The wheelset is a strong part of the spec: it is light and supremely strong, I haven't have to true these wheels and after 2 years of riding are +/- 1mm true. The only downside is that they are less easy to get spares from and you tend to be limited to the Rolf branded rims and/or hubs. But all in all a superb bike!!!!
Advantages: Women Specific Geometry Disadvantages: Limited Colour Choices, disc brakes not as standard
I have had this bike for 2 months now and believe me I have put it through its paces! The bike has front suspension forks and a narrower frames with a shorter stem designed for a womans physic.
I have been using the bike on advanced maountain bike cross country trails and also on 'downhilling' tracks. The bike is sturdy and the standard brakes are really good (Although these can be upgraded to disc brakes).
The bike comes with 24 gears and is extremely ... ...gears have not become 'stuck' and the chain has not come off - emphasising the ridgid designing of the Specialized range.
The bike comes in 3 different sizes and the only colour I have seen it in is silver with 'Hardrock' written in a bright pink colour. The bike is quite feminine colour-wise but really is quite agressive once you get to know the bike and poush through your own fear barrier on it.
At £300 the bike gives excellent value for money ...
AnnaD101 27.06.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Trek 8500
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