trek 820 rst bike

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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Weight / ML - 15.28 kg / 33.68 lbs (with tubes)

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame Trek Custom Steel, rack mounts, 135x5mm QR
• Fork SR Suntour M-3030, coil spring, 100x5mm QR, 75mm travel
• Chain KMC Z7, 7 speed
• Crank Shimano Tourney TY301, 42/34/24, 170mm length
• Shifters Shimano Tourney EF41, 7 speed
• Cassette Shimano TZ500, 14-28, 7 speed
• Brakeset Tektro alloy linear-pull
• Handlebar Size: XS, S Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 660mm width Size: M/L, L, XL Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 690mm width
• Seatpost Size: XS, S Bontrager alloy, 29.2mm, 12mm offset, 300mm length Size: M/L, L Bontrager alloy, 29.2mm, 12mm offset, 330mm length
• Stem Size: XS Size: S
• Grips Bontrager SSR
• Headset 1-1/8'' threadless

Q: Where to buy a 2021 Trek 820?

The 2021 Trek 820 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: How much does a 2021 Trek 820 weigh?

A 2021 Trek 820 weights ML - 15.28 kg / 33.68 lbs (with tubes).

Q: What size 2021 Trek 820 should I get?

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2018 Trek 820

A 26″ steel frame hardtail crosscountry bike with mid-range components and rim brakes. Compare the full range

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A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

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Last updated February 15 Not listed for 2,264 days

Trek 820 Review - The Ultimate Bike For A New Rider?

I tested and reviewed the Trek 820 mountain bike and compared it to similar models - is it any good?

As a huge bike fan, I love to get my hands on a bike and give it a good review. Find out the pros and cons of every bike...it's great fun!

Overall I found this mountain bike to be a quality ride and the 7-speed shifters were smooth when they needed to be but I did have a few niggles.

So without further ado, let's get into the trek 820 review!

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Table of Contents

Full Specifications

Who is the trek 820 aimed at.

The Trek 820 is for those riders who are looking for their first mountain bike, a newbie biker if you will.

As a starter bike, you're still getting high-quality features that mean the bike is still very functional and ideal for taking onto the trails.

For a beginner bike, it gives you the tools and confidence to take on tougher terrains and spend some time on the roads too. Think of this bike like a mountain bike finishing school. It will help you hone in on your skills so you're ready to graduate to a more advanced MTB.

The great thing about the Trek 820 is that it's forgiving, it allows you to make mistakes and if this is your first bike, you're going to make mistakes.

Overall, for riders wanting to dip their toes into the mountain biking world and get on a trail or two, the Trek 820 mountain bike can take you on that journey. I would also say that this bike makes for a good XC bike and would handle itself well on the cross-country tracks.

Key Features Of The Trek 820 Mountain Bike

There are some key features of the Trek 820 mountain bike that are worth noting - which is exactly what we'll do in this section of the mountain bike review!

Frame 

The frame on the Trek 820 is a Trek custom design steel frame. For mountain bikes, steel is a great choice, it's durable and performs well.

Alongside the frame, you get a front suspension, SR Suntour M 3030. It features a coil spring and this gives you the ability to hit the trails.

It increases the responsiveness of the bike and when you're getting to grips with a new mountain bike, that's exactly what you want.

Keeping in mind that this is an entry-level bike, the fork gives you 75mm of travel. This isn't huge or the best when compared to other mountain bikes but at this price range, it's more than acceptable and will allow you to take on moderately challenging rides - which fits the intended rider perfectly!

Shifters 

This mountain bike comes with a Shimano Tourney drivetrain. This includes Shimano Tourney EF40 shifters, giving you 7 gears.

Shifting will be smooth, which is perfect when you're off-road, on a trail, and need to make gear changes quickly.

However, Tourney aren't the best bike components, nor are they the worst. For a beginner, they're going to be ideal.

My first bike had a terrible set of gears - I envied those riders who had Tourney!

What I really like about the Trek 820 is that it's a full Shimano Tourney drivetrain. The front derailleur is Shimano Tourney TY500 and the rear derailleur is Shimano Tourney TY300.

Often on entry-level bikes, you get part of the drivetrain which is a decent component and the rest isn't. Trek hasn't done that with the 820 and that makes everything smoother. The components were designed to work together and that becomes clear when you're riding!

Bontrager features on most (if not all) of Treks' bikes. It's their components side of the business and they have a good name!

The reason I mention this is that the handlebars are Bontrager Riser. They're comfortable and you should find that the handling on this bike is solid and precise. The great thing is that the handlebar isn't too wide, making it good for the majority of riders. Sometimes I find that if a handlebar is too wide, you need to cut it down to get it to work well for you, and in my opinion, that can be too much work when all you want to do is a cycle!

Pedals are included too!

Brakes 

On the Trek 820, you get Tektro alloy linear-pull - a rim braking system to many riders.

A lot of mountain bikes come with disc brakes so this is a little disappointing that they don't feature on the Trek 820 but we do have to remember that this is a mountain bike on a budget.

Yet what you have to keep in mind is the price range and who this bike is targeted at. Rim brakes are ideal. They keep the weight of the bicycle down and for beginners, it's unlikely they will feel the true benefit of disc brakes anyway so it seems like a smart design decision all round from Trek.

Especially when you allow for the fact that the braking system is paired up with Bontrager LT3 26 x 2" tires, you should get all the stopping power you need.

As I've just said the tires are Bontrager and they work perfectly with the frame...as you'd expect as they're both Trek when it comes down to it!

But the size of the tires is ideal on a beginner bike. 26" is sort of unusual for a mountain bike these days but it's a great size and I admire the design.

26-inch tires give you a lot of control and great handling - this is particularly useful when you're going downhill on a trail. I'd say they're the perfect tire size for a starter mountain bike.

It should come as no surprise to you to see another Bontrager part on this bike. The saddle on the Trek 820 is well designed and it appears to be comfortable, coupled with the well-designed seat post too.

I'm not going to say it'll be comfortable for everybody as saddles aren't a one size fits all type of thing but I think it does a good job of providing comfort to a high proportion of cyclists.

For an overview of the model, check out this video from Trek.

The Pros And Cons Of The Trek 820

Unquestionably, the Trek 820 comes with plenty of advantages and in this part of the Trek 820 mountain bike review, we'll look at those in a bit further detail however it's fair to say that there are some downsides too and it's only fair to cover those too.

• The frame on this mountain bike is lightweight and that makes everything easier! Controlling the bike, climbing hills, everything! Though as it's a steel frame, it's still incredibly durable.
• The front suspension fork on the Trek 820 makes going off-road and onto a trail a joy. It's sturdy and very solid.
• Tires are usually something that can be upgraded straight away, they're usually the compromise on the mountain bike but the tires that come with the Trek 820 give you a decent amount of traction, whatever the terrain.
• As this is a Trek bike, it does open the doors to upgrading components easily as they have so many options and the best bit is that they aren't expensive.
• The seat post provides that extra element of comfort, allowing you to stay in the saddle for long periods of time - perfect for that all-day adventure!
• Regardless of your riding skills, the bike keeps you in a good riding position during your ride. This helps to prevent back and neck ache.
• Suitable for off-road and on-road.
• The suspension that this bicycle comes with could do with an upgrade. For the rough terrain and bigger descents, you may feel the value...or lack of.
• In my opinion, there are a few places where you could upgrade the Trek 820 if you're wanting to seriously use it for downhill rides or rather rough terrain.

Trek 820 Competition

Trek marlin 5.

The Trek Marlin 5 offers stiff competition to the Trek 820 mountain bike - but how different are they and which one is the best?

Let's kick off with a look at the frames.

As we know, the Trek 820 mountain bike has a steel frame and that gives it extra durability when compared to the Marlin 5 which has an aluminum frame. Though that does of course mean it's lighter and honestly, it's still going to be durable enough for the vast majority of hobbyist cyclist.

When it comes to suspension, the Trek 820 mountain bike offers less in the way of travel at 75mm compared to the 100mm on the Marlin but you are getting smaller tires on the Trek 820 and if you're a cautious biker or just starting out, I do believe that's a good place to start.

Both bike models come with a Tourney drivetrain. The Trek 820 mountain bike comes with a 7-speed option, whereas the Marlin comes with a 21-speed. Which is the best bike for you, will ultimately come down to what type of riding you see yourself doing.

I know it's easy to think that it's better to have a bigger number of gears, especially when mountain biking but a bigger gear shifter increases the weight and if you're not going to get the full benefit of that, then you're better off not having it, make sense?

For someone who is going to be riding on light trails, I'd say that the preference and advantage go the Trek 820.

Stopping power can be a big feature and it's one I certainly consider. My preference and usually my advice is if you've got the money, go for hydraulic discs - something which you can do if you opt for the Marlin 5.

Yet, I'm struggling to totally stand by that note. Performance-wise, you do get better stopping power from discs however, I'm not sure how much that is needed given who the intended user is of the Trek 820 mountain bike and what the riding style will be.

Whilst both of these bikes are aimed at the entry-level market, they both serve very different purposes.

The Marlin 5 could be an MTB that could be with you for a longer time period and you could come to do more challenging rides on it. However, that does come at a price and ultimately you will need to upgrade to a higher spec mountain bike if you are wanting to take on some of the tougher trails and terrain - though it performs well on roads and light trails.

If you're wanting to get used to the idea of riding a mountain bike but not push yourself too much or have little interest in technical terrain, then the Trek 820 mountain bike is a great ride - both for mountain riding and road biking.

If you want to read further about the Trek Marlin 5, you can check out my review here.

Chris Clark offers a good comparison if you want to watch a video.

Now let's see how it faired against the Giant...

The frame on the Talon 3 is aluminum, which I do like, I can't deny, alloy is nice to have and nice to ride.

However, for a hobbyist cyclist, the riding style and the design of the Talon could be too aggressive, whereas the Trek 820 is relaxed and comfortable to ride.

Both bikes feature Shimano, 7 gears for the Trek and 16-speed for the Giant. The Giant does have a better derailleur and overall drivetrain but how much will that impact the performance? That's down to your needs.

The wheels on the Talon are larger at 27.5 inches and do come with an alloy rim, I do like that and it does add an extra bit of value. Though for anyone less experienced on a bike, it could be those wheels are difficult to balance.

The Trek and Giant tires offer fantastic grip, traction, and support, which does make for a comfortable ride by all accounts.

Suspension is offered on the models, though only at the front as they are hardtail mountain bikes. Which is positive by the way! Full suspension bikes can be a difficult experience and if you're a beginner, you aren't going to get the performance benefit.

In conclusion, the Talon 3 rides well, the performance is decent, as every bit as good as the reviews suggest.

Is Trek 820 A Good Bike?

For those looking for an affordable mountain bike, the Trek 820 offers a lot of features and is a good choice - one of the best to be honest.

When you look at the specifications, you can see that it's a great bike for those new to riding and mountain biking.

Yes, there are parts that could benefit from an upgrade but do you know what?

You have to start somewhere and the Trek 820 is a great place to start!

Is Trek Bike Worth The Money?

The Trek 820 mountain bike is a great bike and comes with many features you want to get started with mountain biking.

It does make a good bike for riders who want a mountain bike for the commute to work or college.

Yet it's important to keep in mind that the Trek 820 mountain bike is entry-level and isn't designed to be used for hardcore mountain biking - it simply won't stand up to it.

Are Trek Bikes Good Quality?

Trek on the whole produces really good quality bikes. As with any other bike manufacturer, they have their lower range bikes that aren't as good but generally speaking, you can't go far wrong with a Trek bicycle!

Final Thoughts - Trek 820 Review

If you're wanting to ride the trails then this Trek 820 mountain bike is a seriously good option - one of the best you're going to see.

With a durable steel frame, a comfortable seatpost, decent tires, and a 7-speed gear shifter - it's got everything you could want from an MTB...for a good price too!

The entry-level bike market features some stiff competition, including the Giant Talon 3 - want to know about it? Read about it here.

Overall, the Trek 820 mountain bike is more than just a load of specifications on paper - this mountain bike delivers on a budget.

Best Budget Bike: Giant Talon 3 Review

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Trek 820 2003 Hardtail

• USER REVIEWS

Very strong frame, gears are right for all around X country, roads and fire lanes. Hose off the mud, dry it off and your good to go

Bad fork, Hard grips, didn't like the brake pads so I changed them.

I have had the bike since 2003 new and since have changed the fork to a Dart 2, replaced the brakes and cables everything else is still good to go. Keep the derailer oiled and clean and it works great. This is a great all around bike to start out with. I have seen people go over big drop offs and not break anything. Heavy steel frame that won't break. No problems with anything else. I am 6' 2" and 210 lbs and it hauls me around just fine. I have worn out one set of tires, brake pads and peddles. Time for a new seat.

Similar Products Used:

Trek navigator 300

Is still running after more than 6 years on the trails. I bought this thing in Germany years ago and I am now in Iraq with it. This thing is great for the money.

Heavy, cheap parts. But still a Trek

For the money it is a great bike. It has been road hard and put up wet and continues to roll. Looking to rebuild it after the trip to the desert.

Cheap, good like "entry level" bike for the money. I like the shifters. It's also good for a 2nd bike, or a junker for parts after you upgrade.

Kind of heavy. Brakes suck. Kind of slow. Chain falls off constantly after anything over a 1 ft drop(even after several attempts at a remedy for this). Problems with the shifters (although they are very good, after a small adjustment they were fine). The pedals' grip is super-bad, I had to replace them after a month, the plastic also wears down quickly. The stock grips are bad, and the seats semi-uncomfortable after a while. I've also heard that the RST 191 bottoms out a lot, but I don't weigh much so I can't relate.

When i'm riding I think "man this bike is a peice," then I think about the price, and then it's not so bad. As I was writing the "weaknesses" i kept thinking of things that I would liek better on this bike, and I realized that it's a $300 bike, and a pretty damn good one at that. I got really into biking this past year, I'm thinking of upgrading to a Sugar 4. Over all the 820, good entry-level/beginner/rec bike.

Specialized RockHopper(old)

Very strong frame,Good Shifters,Colors,Cranks,Tires,Rims MOST IMPORTANT IS THAT ITS A TREK

pedals not very grippy and reflectors fell of in the first week. The RST ain't too bad but need more travel.FRame is a bit heavey but can still haul ass.

ONE kick ass Bike

Fairly tough, this is still my first bike and I've never been inclined to change it. Steel means that it'll bend before it breaks. Cool for xc, not too light though, but fine for anything but jeyboy hardcore racing.

The chainstays being too narrow isn't very reassuring for anything over 4ft...

fine beginner bike obviously not great for anything more. fairly cheap though (&250)

Very strong, durable frame, otherwise fairly standard fit for a $250 bike.

Other companies have been known to supply better componentry for less cost, but with questionable quality.

Trek's famous high quality stands up for another generation of bikes. Very strong, durable frame...I have read another review with scepticism regarding its ability on harder trails, but I can say that I've raced this bike up at state level (a question of budget, rather than ability), and the frame/fork haven't failed me on the XC circuit yet...the derailleurs are the only things that have given me real strife...a great bike for the entry level rider, and a good way to begin the Trek range.

Trek 4300, 4900, Avanti Venturas

A TOUGH bike! Great for the money. Very reliable, Shifts great every time.

HEAVY, HEAVY, HEAVY. It's a steal bike. You get what you pay for. If you want strong and light, it's not cheap; if you want cheap and strong, it's not going to be light.

I have pretty muched tested this bike to the limits. I rode this bike at least 5 times a week on single track. The front suspension leaves something to be desired, but, you get what you pay for. Other than that, the bike has been great. Havn't had trouble with the anything other than a slipping seatpost. Great, strong bike! If not money, you pay for the toughness in weight. However, a heavier bike=stronger legs. Great bike to test your love of MTB.

Weight, seat

The bike has worked pretty well for me off road. The seat is not ideal for long rides. For the price I paid, I think I got a lot of bike.

Dodgy componentry Heavy Outmached by rival brands

This i'snt my bike but ive found thats its an ok bike for the price but its steel frame and heavy fork make it less capable that rival brands, i have a £300 Claud Butler which is seeming to be far better as the upgrades would'nt be buyable for the £100 saving. The bike can handle light xc but anyone who rides it may complain thats its a bit too heavy. The parts are pretty standard with the nasty Altus gear which leaves it 7 speed with few upgrade possibilities due to no disk mount. A good bike for beginer riders but can go easily out of its deapth on technical singletrack.

My Claud Butler

Never breaks

Gears mess up

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2023 Trek 820 Review

Are you looking for a budget-friendly mountain bike that will provide you with great performance? 

Look no further than the 2023 Trek 820. 

Whether you’re an occasional rider or a daily commuter, it’s packed with features to make your ride smooth and enjoyable.

As cycling becomes ever more popular, so too do the number of bikes available on the market. 

The Trek 820 is one of the newest additions to the line-up, specifically designed to provide cyclists with a reliable yet affordable option.

The Trek 820 promises to be your ultimate companion, whatever your cycling needs may be. 

In this review, you will learn about its features, performance and comfortability — to help ensure that it’s the perfect bike for you.

The Trek 820 is an all-purpose mountain bike that is built to endure anything from cross country trails to urban streets. 

In this article, we’ll provide a thorough review of the 2023 Trek 820 so that you can decide if it’s the right choice for your style of riding.

The 2023 Trek 820 is a rugged mountain, bikepacking, and gravel bike designed to take you on the wildest off-road adventures. 

It features a Trek Custom Steel frame and Bontrager AT-550 wheels, giving you greater control over your ride.

It comes with Shimano Tourney derailleur paired with a 3×7 drivetrain system, so you can shift smoothly throughout each terrain. 

The 75mm suspension fork ensures responsive handling when navigating tight bends and drops. 

Another great feature includes discreet mounts for bikepacking accessories.

Product Features:

– Steel Frame & Bontrager Wheels

– Shimano Tourney Derailleurs

– 75mm Suspension Fork for Responsive Handling

– Tektro alloy linear-pull for Reliable Stopping Power in All Conditions

– Discreet Mounts for Bikepacking Accessories

– 26×2.00″ max tire size to Enhance Comfort & Traction

Frame and Design

The 2023 Trek 820 features aTrek Custom Steel frame designed with clearance 26×2″ tires. 

This design also helps cushion impacts, making it a great choice for riders who want a comfortable ride. 

The Shimano Shift/Brake levers make shifting effortless, while the SR Suntour fork provides 75mm of travel that may not be suitable for downhill trails but is perfect for light off-roading and tackling urban streets.

The wheelset features quick release hubs equipped with spunky Bontrager alloy rims made with stainless steel spokes, giving this bike a good balance between weight and durability. 

The Bontrager LT3 tires are 26×2″ which allows for increased traction on any surface – perfect for off-roading or taking on wet city streets.

The Tektro linear pull brakes offer predictable stopping power in dry conditions. 

You’ll also get Shimano Twist shifters as well as an ergonomic saddle plumbed with dual springs giving you plenty of support during long rides. 

The Shimano Tourney, 42/34/24t crankset is paired to a 14-28, 7 speed cassette giving you enough gear range to tackle those local trails.

Finally, the price tag is where this bike really shines; offered at just under $500, it’s one of the most affordable high performing mountain bikes on today’s market. 

With its durable frame design and components, it’s suitable for nearly any kind of cycling adventure so if you’re looking for an all-around quality bicycle without breeding on your wallet then make sure to check out the 2023 Trek 820!

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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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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