2000 trek mountain track 820

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Trek 820 Review – Is This Bike Worth Buying?

The Trek 820 is almost certainly the least expensive “name brand” mountain bike you can buy. With an SRP of $439 (check the Trek site for the latest MSRP ) it hardly seems possible that this bike comes from the same manufacturer that produces some of the most respected – and expensive – mountain bikes on the market. It does, though, and that makes a difference. Trek is a large company that makes lots of bikes. That means they make lots of frames and they order lots of components from some of the biggest names in the industry. That gives them pricing leverage that they pass on to the customer. It would be almost impossible for a smaller or less well-connected company to produce a similar bike at the same price.

You’re also getting the expertise of some of the industry’s top bike designers and builders, and that shows in the design of the frame, the component selection, and the overall value.

The Trek 820 is a basic bike that steps away from many of the trends that define modern mountain bikes. The bike features 26” wheels, not the 27.5” or 29” versions that dominate the industry today. The brakes are old-school rim brakes. The drivetrain has 3 gears in front and 7 in back, and the front fork offers only 3” of travel. Clearly this is not a race ride or a big hit machine, but how does it stack up for its intended purpose: around-town riding and introductory trail rides?

Let’s take a look..

Quick Overview: What I Think of the Trek 820

For older riders (like me) who took up mountain biking back in the 90s, the Trek 820 has a “blast from the past” feel to it. Back in those days we all rode bikes with rim brakes, short-travel forks, 26” wheels, and steep angles. We had a ton of fun and rode some steep, rough trails. We didn’t feel limited by those bikes, because there wasn’t anything else. We didn’t know they were supposed to limit us, so they didn’t.

That doesn’t mean that the Trek 820 is an ideal ride for steep, rugged trails. If you can get a modern full suspension slack-angled trail slayer you’ll have a much better tool for that job. But if you don’t happen to have a few thousand dollars ready to pour into a bicycle, you can buy a Trek 820 and have a great around-town ride that can do more on the trail than a lot of riders realize. Those modern trail bikes are great, but don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t ride trails without one.

In short: if I could choose any bike I wanted, I wouldn’t choose a Trek 820. If I had to choose a bike that cost under $450, I probably would choose a Trek 820. It may not be the best bike you can get, but it’s probably the best you can get for $439.99

What You Get

Let’s look at the key components of the Trek 820.

The Trek 820 frame is made of steel. That means three things. It’s heavy, it’s strong, and it’s inexpensive. Because it’s a Trek, it also has a sleek design, impeccable welds, and high-quality finish and paint. The 820 will never be a light bike, but you will not break the frame and you won’t get tired of looking at it. 

The 820 carries a simple coil spring suspension fork from SR Suntour, a leading Japanese manufacturer of low to mid-end suspension. Travel is 75mm (3 inches), very short by today’s standards but enough to suck up the impact of rough roads, curb drops, and small root-and-rock trail chatter. It won’t hold up to big hits, but that’s not what it’s meant to do. It’s sturdy and durable and should deliver solid service for years.

The 820 comes with a Shimano 3×7 drivetrain: 3 gears in the front and 7 in back. The shifters and derailleurs are from the Shimano Tourney series. They are the cheapest drivetrain components Shimano makes, but they are still produced by one of the world’s two premier drivetrain manufacturers. That matters, because Shimano lets its technology trickle-down: as new upgrades are introduced in the premium levels, the old premium features move down to the lower level parts. 

The Tourney drivetrain won’t win you any bling points at the bike shop, but it will get the job done. You’ll have appropriate gears for level ground, moderate climbs, and all but the steepest steep climbs, and you’ll be able to shift smoothly and precisely. You may have a problem if you want to upgrade the drivetrain. Due to compatibility issues, you’d have to replace all the parts simultaneously, potentially an expensive proposition.

Because the Trek 820 is a beginner-oriented bike, I’ll point out that the durability and performance of drivetrain parts depend heavily on good tuning and the use of proper shifting technique. If you buy your bike – any bike – online, be sure that it’s set up by a qualified mechanic. Take the time to learn good shifting technique. Your equipment will perform better and last longer if you use and maintain it well! Many of the complaints you see in online bike reviews are not issues with the bike or its components, but with the way it was assembled and tuned.

The 820 carries Tektro alloy linear-pull rim brakes. These brakes work by clamping two rubber pads onto the rim of the wheel. This is an old-school braking technology that has been largely replaced by disc brakes on more expensive bikes. It still works, and it’s been used successfully for many years. Disc brakes will perform better in very wet or very muddy conditions, but rim brakes will stop you and control your speed very effectively.

You will have to be careful if you want to use another wheel. Mountain bike wheels (of the same size) are often interchangeable, but rim brakes must be used with a compatible rim. Many rims designed for use with disc brakes don’t have a flat surface designed to be gripped by rim brakes.

The 820 carries a basic, solid wheelset that will do its job, in keeping with the overall theme of the bike. The wheel size is 26”: that size is no longer popular but it was the mountain bike standard for decades, and provided solid service to a generation of riders. The Formula hubs are durable and effective. The rims and tires are from Bontrager. Trek has a long-standing relationship with Bontrager, which supplies many of the components for their lower-end bikes. That relationship brings two advantages. Bontrager makes solid, utilitarian parts, and because Trek orders a large number of parts from the company, they get competitive prices, which they pass on to the consumer.

The Bontrager LT3 tires are a compromise. They are knobby enough to give decent grip in moderate trail conditions but don’t have a high enough profile to create massive tire drag on cement. They won’t grip the trail like an aggressively knobby tire would and they won’t roll as smooth and fast on cement as narrow slicks would, but they will give you a solid platform on a wide variety of different surfaces.

Note that the maximum tire width is 2.0”, which may constrain your options if you want to step up to a wider more trail-capable tire down the line.

Other Components  

Trek fills out the 801’s component spec with what you’d expect: solid, reliable parts, primarily from Bontrager. Nothing is high-end, and you won’t see any featherweight titanium bits or elegant hyper-precise CNC machining, but everything there will do its job and hold up to abuse. 

The 820 frame comes with a full range of mounting points for luggage racks and other accessories. This feature is important on an around-town commuter bike: if you’re going to work or running down to the store you may need to carry a light to moderate load, and the racks make that a lot easier. They also make the 820 suitable for use as an entry-level bikepacking bike. The mounted kickstand, rarely included on pure mountain bikes, makes short-term parking easier.

Component Roundup

You won’t find high end parts on the 820. That’s expected: this is a bike designed to be the most affordable name-brand mountain bike on the market. What you will find is an intelligent selection of parts carefully selected to deliver durability and serviceability at the lowest profitable price.  

Let’s rate the 820 component mix on a 1 to 5 scale relative to other bikes in the sub-$700 range.

The components of a bicycle don’t work alone: everything has to fit together and work together to deliver the performance you need. Let’s look at how the total package performs.

Sizing 

The 820 comes in two versions. The 820WSD is five sizes, from XS to XL, and fits riders from 4’6” to 6’8”. The 820 also comes in a version designed for women, the 820WSD, which features a sharply dissenting top tube that provides very low standover height, a very appealing feature for smaller riders, especially less experienced smaller riders. The WSD comes in three sizes: XS, S, and L.

The smaller sizes of the 820 make this bike a great option for younger riders. If you want to buy a good quality bike for a growing child but you don’t want to overspend on a bike that will be outgrown in a year or two, the 820 in S or XS is a great option.

If you’re a beginning rider the whole concept of bike geometry may seem too complex to grasp. Even experienced riders may be confused over the details! To put it very simply, “slack” or “modern” geometry places the front wheel ahead of the handlebars, which adds stability and reduces the tendency to go over the bars on steep descents. This may also cause the front to wander on steep climbs.

“Steep” or “traditional” geometry places the front wheel under the handlebars, which gives stability on smooth roads and steep climbs. It also makes it easier to tip the bike forward on a steep descent, so you’ll need to drop the saddle down and keep your weight well back when the trail turns down.

The Trek 820 is very much in the “traditional” category, which is appropriate to its purpose. That will serve you well on road rides, but if you ride steeper trails you will need to adjust your body position to keep your weight low and back and the downhills. It’s absolutely possible – aggressive riders rode steep-angled bikes for many years – but it might take some effort.

Performance

The quickest way to sum up the Trek 820’s performance is that it rides above its price tag. This is a bike that carries a price tag not much above department store bikes, but has none of the looseness, squeaking, or rattling that so often go with inexpensive bikes. Part of that is because Trek sells through a network of credible dealers with trained mechanics that assemble and tune the bikes they sell. Many department stores or general sporting goods stores sell bikes that are assembled by unqualified staff members, and that often results in poor assembly and tuning, which in turn can create issues with the brakes, drivetrain, and most other parts of the bike.

The 820 is solid. It’s heavy for a hardtail, but that goes with the price: bikers say you can have two of cheap, light, and strong, but never all three. The 820 drops the lightness, but it’s cheap and sturdy, and that’s what you want in an inexpensive bike.

This bike is a hybrid designed to serve two purposes. As an around-town commuter, errand bike, and exercise/recreation tool it would be hard to ask for more. A pure road bike will be faster and more efficient, but the wider tires, wider bars, and more upright riding position of the 820 will feel more secure, stable, and comfortable for beginning riders. The shifting and gear combinations will serve for all but very steep hills, and the entry-level Shimano drivetrain shifts smoothly and easily. The multiple mounting points make it easy to set up a rack system to carry your daily loads. The low-end nature of the bike will not limit you to any appreciable degree in this type of riding, and if you have a chance to ride a more expensive bike you may wonder what makes it worth that price tag.

The limitations of the 820 may be more evident on the trail. You can certainly ride this bike on mountain bike trails, but you will feel the bumps and you will have to learn some basic skills from the start. That’s not a bad thing. Learning to stand up on the pedals, let your knees work as shock absorbers, and move your weight forward for climbs and back for descents is important. Those skills will help you even on a much more sophisticated bike. The limited suspension will force you to pick a line rather than plowing over obstacles and letting your suspension do the work. You won’t be doing jumps or drops, but you wouldn’t expect to on a bike like this.

The Bottom Line

If you haven’t ridden a bike before or if you rode as a child and are getting back on a bike for the first time in a while, the Trek 820 makes a perfect entry point. It’s affordable and you’ll get the kind of quality that will assure that your learning experience is good and your equipment doesn’t hold you back.

If you’ve ridden bikes before and you need a highly affordable bike for daily use and around town and occasional trail rides, the Trek 820 will be one of your top picks. If you’re looking for a stable, secure bike to ride around town, to work, and to school the Trek 820 will be a perfect fit.

If trail riding is your priority and you’re looking for a dedicated mountain bike, you might be better off saving a little more and looking for a bike designed for that purpose. If that’s not realistic from a financial perspective, you can go with the Trek 820 and ride trails with it. You’ll just need to understand the limitations of your equipment and work within them, leaning more on your skills than on your bike.

Trek approaches their low-end bikes with the same care that they put into designing their high-spec packages, and it shows. The Trek 820 is very inexpensive, but it’s intelligently designed and specced, solidly built, and effective. If you’re on a limited budget and you need a working bicycle, it’s a great choice.

Let’s compare the Trek 820 to other name-brand bikes in the sub-$700 range as an overall purchase. Remember that the 820 is in most cases going to be by far the cheapest option in that category. If you compared the 820 to department-store no-brand bikes in its price range and below you’d be looking at a 5 rating right down the line!

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Is Trek 820 Mountain Bike Worth It?

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Mountain biking is arguably the most adventurous and fun activity to enjoy in the great outdoors regardless of you’re experience with the MTB life . However, there is a learning curve to mountain biking for any rider when it comes to the functionality and feature set of each bike .

For example, bikes made for experienced riders will typically come with several features that only experienced riders will be familiar with.

So it is important to start with the basics. If you’re new to mountain biking and are looking for a reliable, powerful, and feature-packed bike to help you get started on your journey, the Trek 820 is a great choice.

The Trek 820 bicycle comes outfitted with many premium features, making it a capable and powerful option for anyone looking for a reliable entry-level bike to ride on light trails , downhill, and cross-country rides. For starters, the 820 bicycle is made from a custom stainless frame that is very durable and stable, so you will be able to take on hard rides without worrying about the integrity of this great bike .

You’ll also enjoy other premium features such as the front and rear Shimano Tourney TY500 & TY300 derailleurs that deliver smooth power throughout your ride. The Trek 820 is only about $399 retail; however, for that price, it is packing some serious features that are very impressive and makes this a great bike . If you’re interested in getting into mountain biking and want to know more about the Trek 820 to see if it’s right for you on the road , this is the right review.

Below, I’m going to cover all of the important information, details, facts, and specifications that you need to know about the Trek 820 and give you my honest opinion about whether or not this nice XC Bike can give you a comfortable ride or if it’s worth the money.

820 is an excellent entryway to a world of off-road adventures. It's the most affordable mountain bike in our lineup and the ideal choice for beginners who are interested in the MTB life but also want a hybrid bike that's as equally suited to light trails as it is to potholed city streets.

Who is the Trek 820 for? 

At its core, the Trek 820 was designed for those entry-level riders who want an affordable bike that is packed with high-quality features and is responsive and functional. The 820 comes equipped with is perfect for taking on MTB trails as it delivers good overall ride quality consistently. The frame on this bike is very solid, and it will allow you to become acclimated with how a more advanced mountain bike feels once you graduate from using it as your primary bike. 

The 820 is a very easy bike to use if you’re interested in fine-tuning your riding skills, and It’s also very forgiving if you happen to make small mistakes while riding. All around, the Trek 820 is the perfect bike for anyone interested in learning how to mountain bike and wants to start out with a reliable bike that gives them the ability to explore their potential. 

Pros & Cons: Trek 820 

The 820 is packed with immense capabilities and advanced features that can be used to improve the riding style of virtually any mountain biking enthusiast. However, that isn’t to say that the bike doesn’t come with it’s set of pros and cons as it does, depending on your preference and any exact features you’re looking for. Take a look below to see all of the main pros and cons you can expect when using the 820 as your dedicated cycle. 

• The lightweight overall design makes this bike very versatile and usable when riding on moderate trails and uphill climbs
• The front suspension system is very sturdy and solid 
• Stock tires deliver great traction and grip
• Ability to upgrade the stock components without paying too much money 
• Comfortable seat post makes it easy for you to ride for long periods without becoming uncomfortable 
• Faultless positioning system ensures that you maintain optimal posture throughout your ride 
• Delivers a professional level ride experience at an affordable cost 
• Can be used for off-roading purposes
• With the stock suspension, really hard impacts are pretty jarring when tackling larger features.
• It requires some modification in order to make it capable of handling downhill rides or really rough terrain.  

Core Features: Trek 820 

Trek 820 core feature breakdown, frame .

The 820 is made from a very durable Trek Custom Steel frame that provides a solid frame for intense rides for a long time. The frame has a rugged design that gives the bike functionality and tangible performance.

The frame on this bike is coupled with an SR Suntour M-3030 preloaded fork that uses a coil spring to deliver responsiveness on virtually any trail. While the fork has 75mm of travel, enabling you to take on moderately challenging rides with ease.

Shifters 

The Trek 820 is outfitted with Shimano Tourney EF40 7-speed shifters that enable you to make on-the-fly adjustments to your speed. The shifters are backed by a front Shimano Tourney TY500 derailleur and a Shimano Tourney TY300 rear derailleur.

This provides enhanced performance capabilities so that you can take on most rides with confidence. This bike is also Bontrager Riser 25.4m/30mm rise handlebars that are comfortable, giving you the ability to maneuver the bike with ease and precision. 

Brakes 

The Trek 820 comes with Tektro alloy linear-pull brakes as the standard braking configuration, and they deliver fast stopping power with precision. This, combined with the Bontrager LT3 26×2.00″ tires that come on the 820, makes it a very impressive beginner bike in terms of raw braking power and all-around performance. 

You’ll find a Bontrager SSR 2-bolt head 29.2, 12mm offset seat post on the Trek 820 that is well-designed and very comfortable, making it easy for you to ride at long intervals without becoming uncomfortable too easily. It’s also packing a Bontrager SSR saddle that provides even more support for the way you sit and ride the bike. 

Alternative Recommendations 

#1 outroad mountain bike 27.5 inch.

The Outroad Mountain Bike 27.5 inch is an impressive bike at a beginner bike price. The Outroad comes equipped with 27.5in tires that make the bike easier to handle while also giving you the ability to take on tough trails without a sweat. With full suspension, this bike is ready for big drops and larger features.

The bike comes with a 21-speed gear set that is very responsive and accurate, allowing you to make adjustments to your speed on the fly without compromising performance or agility. This bike is made from a very durable frame and requires assembly on delivery, which is not a big deal since it’s fairly easy to put together. It features an ergonomic design and is optimized for performance. Pros: 21-speed gear shifter, thick tires, and ergonomic design. Cons: stiff suspension.  

The Outroad Mountain Bike is an impressive bike at a beginner bike price. The tires make the bike easier to handle while also giving you the ability to take on tough trails without a sweat!

#2 26 Inch Steel Carbon Mountain Trail Bike

The 26 Inch Steel Carbon Mountain Trail Bike is packing a 21-speed indexed derailleur that provides smooth shifting and transition, for sustained ride performance. This bike features a hardtail frame that is crafted from no-rust aluminum, which is very durable and long-lasting.

One of the great things about the material used to make the frame on this bike is that it’s lighter than steel, making it easier for you to reach higher speeds without sacrificing too much support and durability. Pros: full suspension system, hardtail frame, and durable design. Cons: rugged usability. 

Upon delivery, you must assemble this item, and it allows you to adjust your ride height so that you always maintain optimal posture while riding.

#3 Hiland 26 Inch Mountain Bike

The Hiland 26 Inch Mountain Bike is made from a high-quality steel frame that comes backed by a lifetime warranty, which means that you’ll always be covered in the event of any accidents while riding this bike. You’ll also enjoy the fact that it comes outfitted with Shimano 21-speed components and a finger-type shifter, making it easy for you to change speed on the fly when faced with variables along your path. It comes outfitted with 26” 2.125in wide tires which allow you to take on rough dirt trails and other terrains without having to worry about the bike breaking down.

This bike uses a 15” frame that makes it perfect for those individuals who are of medium to tall. Pros: 15” heavy-duty frame, 21-speed gear shifter, and thick tires. Cons: heavy and bulky build.  The pre-installed suspension fork on this bike provides a smooth and consistent ride, and it even comes with a kickstand.

The Hiland 26 Inch Mountain Bike is made from a high-quality steel frame that comes backed by a lifetime warranty, which means that you'll always be covered in the event of any accidents while riding this bike!

#4 Mongoose Switchback Adult Mountain Bike

The Mongoose Switchback Adult Mountain Bike is made from a Tectonic T1 aluminum frame that is lightweight yet durable and resilient. This bike is also equipped with 27.5in tires that deliver a solid and smooth ride on most terrain.

You’ll find that the disc brakes on this bike provide very accurate and powerful stopping power so that you can stay safe on the trail. Pros: high-traction tires, streamlined design, and lightweight frame. Cons: rigged design elements and lack of customization options. 

It has internal cable routing that makes your lines clean while also providing enhanced protection. This bike is packing a Mongoose MTB saddle that is very comfortable so you can ride for long periods of time without chafing or becoming too sore.

The Mongoose Switchback Adult Mountain Bike is made from an aluminum frame that is lightweight yet durable and resilient. On the other side, is also equipped with tires that deliver a solid and smooth ride on most terrain.

A: The Trek 820 is an affordable entry-level mountain bike that is packed with tons of great features. For its price, the 820 is an outstanding option for anyone looking for a power-packed bike to learn the art of mountain biking.

A: The Trek 820 weighs about 33.39lbs, and it has a maximum weight capacity of about 300lbs overall.

A: The Trek 820 comes in 5 different sizes, which are XS, S, M, L, and XL, all of these variations range in size from 13in all the way up to 20in. This gives you the ability to find a bike that meets your exact specifications regardless of how large or small you may be. 

Honest Opinion 

After taking a comprehensive look at all of the features, specifications, and capabilities of the Trek 820, I would confidently say that this bike is well worth the money. The fact that it’s outfitted with some pretty nice quality Shimano parts at under $500 makes it a steal on paper; however, when you factor in the real-world performance stats that this bad boy can bring in, you’ll realize it’s more than just design specs.

If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality, and affordable entry-level mountain bike to hone in your skills on, the Trek 820 is a great option. 

Conclusion 

Now that you know about all of the core specifications, features, and critical information about the Trek 820 , you will be able to make an educated purchase decision. Before deciding on which mountain bike is right for you, consider what your personal preferences are and any specific features you’re looking for, by doing so you’ll be able to find the exact mountain bike that fits your needs. Happy riding! 

1 thought on “Is Trek 820 Mountain Bike Worth It?”

I have this bike for over 10 years and I was never dissapointed. Still a really solid bike!

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820 - Trek Bicycle Hello everybody, I haven't been riding bikes since probably 1997 when I was a kid... but I kinda want to get back into it. I have moved to a small town where everything is close enough to be ridden to. I'm also 5 minutes from a pretty nice park with bike paths and such. When I was a kid, I used to ride an old 90 dollar Huffy... the thing weighed a ton, but I remember it being like a tank. I left it out in the rain a bunch of times, almost never oiled it, and even knocked it over more times than I can remember.... I rode the hell out of that bike, often times 20 miles outside of town with friends. Anyway, I've got no idea what brands are decent anymore. About 15 minutes of research has shown me that people (at least on the internet) seem to universally hate Huffy now ever since their production was moved overseas. That really brings me to the subject of this post: I need some advice on a nice bike, that can handle streets as well as the dirt bike trails at my local park, that will be able to take a beating like my Huffy did when I was a kid. My friend recommended to me the Trek 820 ... which really appeals to me, because I like the styling and the fact that it's within my price range of 300-400 bucks. Yeah that's right... I'm not looking to spend a fortune. I made the mistake of wandering into my local bike shop, and they were nice guys in there... but they kept trying to talk me into this 1200 dollar bike. I eventually had to stop the guy's sales pitch and was like "Look man, I'm not spending 1200 bucks on a bike." ... After he realized he wasn't gonna get the sale, he kinda couldn't be bothered with me. What frustrated me about the bike shop was that I couldn't seem to get an HONEST answer about what bike would meet my needs and budget. They only seem to care about customers that are in there to buy 1200 dollar bikes I guess... I asked him about the Trek 820, and he flatly said that they didn't carry that brand, and that I should consider something else. Quite honestly, the whole atmosphere of the bike shop was a bit much for me. Whole lotta Lance Armstrong wannabes and brand fanaticism... I found it all to be a bit much. So I guess I'm looking for feedback on the Trek 820... does anyone here actually own the bike? Anything that I should need to know before buying? My friend says Trek is a reputable brand and uses good parts... which is good enough for me, since I know almost nothing about bikes.  

My first non department store bike was a trek 3700, which is very similar to the 820 but with an aluminum frame instead of steel. It actually said on the frame "NOT FOR OFF ROAD USE", which I assume was for warranty issues. Anyways the forks on those bikes are absolute garbage for anything but smooth dirt roads and the wheels are also junk (bent 2 of them going off curbs). For your price range I would definitely go used  

I always recommend Bikesdirect.com to newbies (I still am one) looking for an inexpensive starter bike. I got mine there and despite some shipping issues with UPS, my experience was very positive. I got the Gravity G29 singlespeed, but they have geared bikes with name brand components (however they are "entry level") and the frames are built to handle off road use. If you don't mind buying sight unseen, this is a great option in my opinion and less chance of getting suckered by buying used.  

This Bike Direct Gravity Point1 is 450. The fork is only good for bike paths and easy(no bump) trails. But Nick at Suntour has a Raidon air fork upgrade offer for 175+ship. That gets you up to about 630. Then you can ride rocks, roots and steep trails. At the bike shop that type bike is 7-800 and still needs the fork upgrade. The 1200 bike he was showing you was probably the cheapest trail ready bike in the shop. Save up to 60% off new Mountain Bikes - MTB - Gravity 29Point1 29er Mountain Bikes Here's the thread on the upgrade-- http://forums.mtbr.com/beginners-corner/if-you-want-upgrade-your-suntour-fork-830657.html There's a review on page 5. You can also go used. I'd stay with a 29 hard tail.  

To answer your question directly, the Trek at 820 will work for your described riding needs just fine. Yes its a heavy steel bike, yes there are better bikes out there and yes that bike will easily handle commuting and dirt paths and even more.  

Based on his original post, he only plans to ride the bike trails at his local park. I have the feeling the stock fork would be just fine. He could even get away with a rigid singlespeed and spend way less. If he absolutely has to have gears, the entry level Gravity is a decent starter bike for not much cash.  

My other bike is a stock '92 Trek 820 Antelope which is a blast to ride. I'm really surprised how I can ride many of the tough trails I normally ride my real mtb on. I also ride it a lot around town, do errands up to 10 miles away with a rack+panniers, and put on it many more miles than on my 29er. An 820 is fine as long as you ride within its limitations: rigid fork, rim brakes, low BB/pedals, etc. You don't need much bike to get around town and ride the kinds of trails you mention.  

So long story short, I ended up getting a Giant Boulder bike... used... from the bike shop. They tuned and oiled up everything for me, and I'm really happy with it. This thing feels very sturdy and solid, and it shifts very smoothly and reliably. I paid a little extra to get a non-department store brand... but I'm happy with it. I can't wait to take this bike out to one of the park trails.  

Congrats on the new bike! You made a good choice, the boulder is much better than any department store bike  

Congrats on the new bike. Just as a follow up to the 820 question though, I'm still riding my 2000 Trek 820, and the thing is tough. I did put a new fork on it last year, but other than the fork, bars, grips and tires it's all original. I'm a big guy #240 and ride hard, and this thing has been dropped, crashed, beaten and its still together. I know I got my $400 out of it!  

I bought a used 97' 820 last year and upgraded/replaced most of the moving parts. I love the thing - I'm an old guy and only ride around town so it will probably outlast me. My last bike was a Trek 7200 and I never liked the suspension.  

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Trek 820 Bike 1998 or Older

• USER REVIEWS

I bought my 820 new in 1998. I added a RockShox before I picked it up. It has been mostly indestructible. It is nice to ride. Yes, it is a little heavier than a CF frame, but you get what you pay for. I just rode it on the Ride 2 Recovery Honor Ride for 27 miles. It was comfortable and performed well. I have taken the time to maintain it over the years so it still shifts properly, brakes correctly and is still balanced. If yours does not, have it serviced by a professional. It is worth it.

As others said, it is a steel frame and heavier than a CF frame.

This is a nearly indestructible bike that rides well.

good durability, good handling, decent components, built to last, priced well, availability

weight (if you're used to lighter bikes)

I have a 1991 820 antelope and I love it. I use it for everything, mostly commuting with road slicks on it, but sometimes I put my knobbys on it and ride it on singletrack. It handles very predictably and precisely. As others have stated if you get an older model with rigid forks don't expect to be clearing massive jumps on it anytime soon but you will definitely like it. Mine has shimano 200gs components and they still work pretty good. Overall it's a great old bike that you can find on craigslist for pretty cheap (mine was $50 with brand new armadillo street slick tires on it), I would definitely recommend it!

Solid frame, ok geometry, rudimentary but functional Shimano drivetrain, tektro rim brake isn't too flexy, tires are good on pavement and hardpack. THE G.D PRICE! LIFETIME WARRANTY ON FRAME, 5 YEAR WARRANTY ON BONTRAGER PARTS... beat that Walmart.

Obviously it's heavy... it's steel, the Tires only half work offroad, The Suntour fork is pretty useless at anything other than absorbing potholes.

This is an inexpensive ride with inexpensive parts. Functionally it works fine, but having said that don't ever expect it to shift under load, it won't stop on a dime when you pull on the brakes, and you'll probably need to true the wheels often if you ride it in the trails much. The Shifters, derailleur and cassette being matching Shimano really helps the cause... THIS BIKES IS A MILLION TIMES BETTER THAN A DEPARTMENT STORE BIKE (despite the fact it's no featherweight).

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I'm a bike mechanic...

Sturdy,great all terrian tires. Ride it daily back and forth to work, smooth ride and rugged.

Nothing really, great bike for the price!

Holding up well in the heat and dust/sand! Keep it clean and lubed and you'll have no problems!

Good jumping bike, easy to menuever

dont have any yet

Very good bike for teens and young adults

the deraiuller!! I have had some serious headaches with this thing.

IF you want to actually take your bike off the asphalt, I would not suggest this bike.

Scott Aspect 60

tough and solid. excellent commuter. takes a beating.

-front derailleur, -yes, it is heavy, but nothing i can't deal with -not much travel in the front shock.

a great bike for the price. almost every review i have read about this bike has remarked on the weight, but that's the price you pay for it's durability. it's a low maintenance bike that i will use for a long time.

specialized hardrock.

Quality construction. Rides very nice. Awesome beginner bike.

A little heavy. Shocks need more travel.

very nice bike for the price. nice beginners bike. perfect for weekend warriors that also ride on asphalt. This is our second one. I purchased the first one 2 years ago for my wife and i just bought myself one.

Very fast, durable, is an awesome bike, great on and off road

No shocks(mine is a 1987 model)

A very good bike I can't ask for anything more!!!

Magna great divide mountaine bike, redline 360 bmx

Great bike, have had no major problems keeps on going and going. ride it every monday and thursday cant complain. jumps ok and handles alright.

heavy, and needs a better front shock.

if u want to get a mountain bike for a good price and that will last you the 820 is perfect. its durable strong and awesome. the best hardtail i bought for 300 dollars.

jamis parker 1, gary fisher

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1998 Trek mountain track 820

• Serial: 0027220
• Manufacturer: Trek
• Name: no name
• Model: mountain track 820
• Primary colors: Red
• Frame size: 20IN
• Frame Material: Steel

Distinguishing features

Black fenders- front and back; split seat; cork grips; brass bell; kryptonite lock and holder attached to seat stem; step through frame; the original paint is red metal flake at the handlebars fading to orange metal flake at the back; dirt bike pedals to prevent slipping in the Oregon rain.

Moscow Mountain Trails

Private Lands

Nearly all of MAMBA’s trails are located on private lands.  We have access to these trails because of the generosity of the landowners, and because we act as good stewards of that land.  Please help us to continue that model so that generations to come can enjoy riding, hiking and recreating on Moscow Mountain. 

We use TrailForks as our official trail map partner.  Browse the maps and links below to find details on all of Moscow Mountain’s trails.

• Respect Private Land
• No Motorized Access On Trails, or Behind Gates
• Respect Closures
• Be Kind, Curteous and Respectful

Moscow Mountain Trail Map

Submit a trail report.

Hero dirt?  Downed tree?  Unexpected snow? Put in some trail work? Let other users know about trail conditions you encounter on Moscow Mountain, and help us record trail maintenance here.

Trail Reports

User-generated, sometimes official, sometimes not-official reports from other riders.

Moscow Area Mountain Bike Association

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Loved the world over, the Marlin has long held the hearts of new riders and seasoned rippers alike, and to keep everyone rolling with ear-to-ear grins we’ve revamped it with more trail confidence than ever. Whether zipping through town, dipping your toes into the trail for the first time or slicing through switchbacks as a well-seasoned rider, you’ll appreciate the sleek new frame that ups the capability and brings looks to match. There’s a reason why it’s always been your favourite.

Total trail confidence A bike's geometry is the defining framework it's built on, and the Marlin is a true mountain bike at it's core. Its measurements are perfectly dialled to give you a confidence-inspiring, planted feel when you’re rolling down steep and bumpy trails, while keeping it easy to pedal back to the top when you’re ready for another lap.

Marlin’s head tube (a) sits at a slacker (more acute) angle. The slacker head tube angle (b) moves your front wheel further in front of you. Take it to the trail, and this slacker head tube angle (b) boosts stability and control for confidence when descents get steep and rowdy.

To balance a slacker head tube angle (b) , the Marlin features a steeper (more upright) seat tube angle (d) . A steeper seat tube (c) lets you get the most out of every pedal stroke, so you don’t waste power on the climb to the top.

The Marlin is equipped with a short stem and wider handlebar for more direct control and responsiveness when you’re manoeuvring through rocks and roots. Meanwhile, a longer reach (e) gives you extra stability so you can ride faster and more confidently.

Secure your ride

A new Thru-Skew axle provides better rear wheel security, holding your wheel in place snugly and ensuring it doesn't slip out of the frame, even when you're rolling through rough-and-tumble terrain.

Fully guarded

Full-length, full-coverage guards on the chainstay protect your frame and keep your ride quiet.

Float on the trail

Big 2.4˝ tyres elevate traction, so you stay planted on dusty switchbacks. But not only do bigger tyres give you more grip — they also soak up bumps for a smoother ride.

Upgrade ready

With a frame this nice, you won’t want to part ways with your Marlin as your skills grow. The Marlin Gen 3 is upgrade-ready, so you can upgrade your bike when you upgrade your skills. New internal cable routing lets you install a dropper post – and sizes XS and up can be upgraded to a bigger 120 mm fork when you’re ready to take on bigger trails.

A bike for everyone We believe that every rider deserves a well-fitted bike, that’s why the Marlin is available in every size from XXS to XXL – and even an 'extra-medium' size for riders who fall in between a medium and large. Each size is tuned to its riders, with Smart Wheel Sizing that scales the wheel size with the bike size, so every rider has comfortable standover height. Smaller, XXS and XS frames also feature a curved top tube to boost confidence and make getting on and off a breeze.

• Shop XS bikes

Make Marlin yours Whether you’re regularly ripping up the trail or a rugged city commuter, your Marlin can be fully customised with a treasure-trove of accessories. From kickstands and grips to bottle cages and bags, you can turn your Marlin into the perfect bike for your everyday ride.

• Deck out your Marlin

Trek warranty and backing We believe that when you put your heart and soul into something, you should have the stomach to back it up. That’s why we stand behind all Trek bikes with a limited-lifetime warranty. From your first ride to your 500th, we’ll be here for you in the unlikely event that something goes wrong with your Marlin. All you have to do is pop into your local Trek retailer and you’ll find all the support you need to get back spinning in no time.

The Marlin family Both generations of Marlins are true mountain bikes aimed at the rider who wants a versatile hardtail capable of off-road singletrack or in-city missions. Both generations have a 100 mm travel suspension fork and 29” wheels on most sizes except for smaller sizes with proportionate suspension travel and wheels, thus making it a great bike for shorter riders as well.

Marlin Gen 2

Get all-around versatility on Marlin Gen 2. It fits up to 2.2˝ tyres, and features balanced, neutral geometry that keeps you comfortable and in control as you venture off-road.

Marlin Gen 3

Get serious trail capability with Marlin Gen 3’s bigger, 2.4˝ tyre clearance, internal dropper post routing and a stiffer, more secure ThruSkew rear axle. Plus, its updated longer, slacker geometry gives you a boost in stability on steeper trails and at higher speeds.

Looking for something more to fill your singletrack appetite?

If you’re itching for a lighter weight, even faster hardtail, the X-Caliber is your ride. It’s light, sleek and efficient – perfect for new riders, cross-country racers and anyone who wants to cover a lot more trail miles in a lot less time.

The Roscoe delivers the capability of a full suspension trail bike in a simple hardtail package. The laid-back geometry that gives you tons of stability on rowdier trails, and it rolls on big 2.6˝ tyres that give tons of traction for getting through rough and tricky sections of trail.