CyclistsHub.com logo 500px with transparent background.

Enjoy up to 15% off using these discount codes.

Trek 820 Review: Is It a Good Bike or Waste of Money?

Profile picture of Petr Minarik - the founder of cyclistshub.com

CyclistsHub is supported by its readers. We may receive a commission if you buy products using our links.

Trek 820 is the most affordable mountain bike from Trek. The question is:

Is it a good bike? Should you spend your money on it?

Trek 820 is a mountain bike suitable for beginners because it’s affordable yet well-made. This means it has a quality steel frame, Shimano components, and front suspension for absorbing bumps. In addition, it’s available in a step-through option suitable for women.

Below, you will learn more about it, and I will also explain how it differs from more expensive mountain bikes .

Let’s dive in!

Is Trek 820 a Good Bike?

Trek 820 is a good bike considering its price of $499.99 (when writing this review).

For this money, you get:

  • An entry-level mountain bike with front fork suspension for absorbing bumps.
  • A steel frame with a relaxed geometry for a comfortable riding position.
  • Shimano Tourney groupset and Bontrager components.

You don’t have to use it strictly for off-road riding. Many owners also use it for commuting on paved roads.

Trek 820

However, if necessary, you can easily cross unpaved sections full of potholes, rocks, etc. The wide, knobby tires and front suspension will absorb them so you can enjoy a comfortable ride.

Another feature of why Trek 820 is popular is its gear range. Thanks to the 3X chainring and 7spd cassette, you can choose from 21 gears.

Trek 820 is suitable for riders 4’6″ – 6’8″ (137-203 cm) tall and has a weight limit of up to 300 lbs (136 kg).

Pros and Cons of Trek 820

Here I summarized the pros and cons of Trek 820.

Pros of Trek 820

  • Quality and sturdy steel frame
  • Available for men and women (step-through option)
  • Affordable price
  • Comfortable geometry, allowing upright riding position
  • Suspension fork
  • Available in a wide range of sizes
  • High weight limit of up to 300 lbs (136 kg)
  • Platform pedals included
  • Compatible with accessories like racks
  • Lifetime warranty and wide distributors (support) network

Cons of Trek 820

  • 3X drivetrain (2X and 1X are more popular thanks to their simplicity)
  • Limited color selection
  • The higher weight of 33.7 lbs (15.3 kg)
  • 26-inch wheels

To fully understand the pros and cons, I recommend reading the following section where I compare its features with today’s mountain bikes.

Owner’s Experience with Trek 820

The following part summarizes the experience of the owner of Trek 820, who was kind enough to provide us with pictures and his insights. You can follow him on Instagram @trek_grando .

“It’s a steel frame bike with front suspension great for mild mountain biking. Suspension is definitely on the stiffer side and can bottom out somewhat easily.

My bike is almost entirely stock, minus the front wheel and grips. The saddle is also a factory replacement, and the decals on the front suspension are missing.

The bike and I were hit by a car last year. The front wheel was destroyed, and there were some heavy scratches on the paint. The decals on the fork were torn apart. I was able to hide the blemishes with some touch-up paint.

The bike was serviced after the accident, and only the front wheel and left crank arm needed replacement. So, needless to say, the bike is very robust and strong.

If I had one complaint about the bike, the gearing is far too short, and there are some big jumps between gears. But it’s a low-end bike, so that’s understandable.

Tires handle loose or muddy terrain fine but are very loud and slow on the pavement.

The Trek 820 is a robust, rugged lower-end / entry-level mountain bike. It’s dependable, relatively capable, and very comfortable.

I’d recommend this for someone new to riding, mountain biking specifically. It’s a great way to get out on some trails without breaking the bank. I feel I can take great confidence in knowing it is a solid bike that I won’t have to ever really worry about.”

Main Features of Trek 820

Below, I explain Trek 820’s features and how they compare to more expensive mountain bikes.

Durable Steel Frame

Trek 820 is one of the few mountain bikes based on a steel frame.

Steel is relatively affordable, durable, and stiff but heavy. So, if you don’t care about the bike’s overall weight and durability is your priority, Trek 820 is the bike to buy.

Trek 820 frame top tube

More expensive mountain bikes have aluminum or carbon frames. You can read my article dedicated to bike frame materials , where you learn more about their benefits.

On the other side of the spectrum are aluminum mountain bikes. For example, Trek 3700 and Trek 4300 have an aluminum frame.

Another thing I want to point out is the frame geometry. It’s relatively relaxed, so you will sit in a more upright position, which is suitable for beginners and people with limited flexibility.

26-Inch Wheels

Trek 820 comes with 26-inch wheels. These are more agile, accelerate faster, and feel more responsive than 27.5 or 29-inch wheels.

Trek 820 26″ wheels (tire and rim detail)

But, they are not as fast and comfortable as the other two alternatives. On the other hand, 26″ wheels provide better maneuverability.

If you can, I recommend trying them in person so you can feel the riding difference.

Trek 820 is equipped with Shimano Tourney (shifters, derailleurs, cranks, cassette), Bontrager, and other 3rd party components.

Of course, they are low-end because the bike’s price doesn’t allow for more expensive components.

Trek 820 handlebar

820 also comes with rim brakes. Today’s mountain bikes mostly come with disc brakes. But they are more expensive and also heavier than rim brakes.

Another thing to mention is the width of the handlebar. Trek’s 820 handlebar is only 660-690mm (depending on the bike size). Modern mountain bikes come with 700 to 800mm handlebars.

The current generation of Trek 820 comes with a 3×7spd drivetrain, offering 21 gears.

Trek 820 rear derailleur and 7spd cassette

This range is wide enough for various terrains. Just make sure you avoid cross-chaining. See the following illustration for more info.

Cross-chaining vs. good shifting - illustration of the wrong and right chain positions.

The disadvantage of the 3X drivetrains is their complexity, more complicated maintenance, and higher weight.

More expensive mountain bikes come with 2X or 1X drivetrains that are much simpler.

You don’t have to think about the cross-chaining with them as much. They are also lighter and easier to maintain. That’s why they are more popular.

Suspension Fork

Trek 820 comes with a 75mm travel SR Suntour M-3030 fork (unlike the old Trek 800 ).

The travel of forks on entry-level mountain bikes ranges from 50 to 100mm. So, it sits somewhere in the middle.

This travel will absorb some bumps, but it’s not suitable for hard trails, for example.

In other words, it’s less forgiving than mountain bikes with longer travel and higher quality forks (that cost the same as the entire Trek 820).

Remember, SR Suntour M-3030 is one of the cheapest forks on the market. So you shouldn’t expect much from it.

Trek 820 Specifications

Below, I summarize the most important technical specifications. They differ based on the year the bike was produced:

  • Frame material: Steel
  • Weight: ±33.7 lbs (15.3 kg) depending on frame size
  • Wheel size: 26-inch
  • Brakes: Rim
  • Groupset: Shimano Tourney
  • Gears: 3×7spd
  • Fork: SR Suntour M-3030 (75mm travel)

What Size of Trek 820 do You Need?

To choose the correct size of Trek 820 (WMN) for your height and inseam, refer to the following Trek 820 sizing charts.

Trek 820 size chart

Trek 820 (also available in a step-through option for women ) is a mountain bike worth buying if you are a beginner.

It’s one of the bikes that you can rely on on various terrains. And you don’t have to be afraid of breaking it, thanks to its durable steel frame.

Its main shortcomings include higher weight, limited color selection, and rim brakes.

Trek 820 FAQ

Yes. Trek 820 is a worthy mountain bike for beginners and people who want a reliable commuter bike. It has a durable steel frame and quality components from Shimano, Bontrager, and other brands to last you for years. Its main disadvantages are the higher weight, less effective suspension fork, and rim brakes.

Trek 820 comes in different colors and has a standard frame. 820 WMN is a step-through bike with a women-specific saddle.

Trek 820 weighs ±15.3kg (33.7 lbs). Remember, the weight differs based on its size.

Trek 820 has been in Trek’s lineup since 1987. ( Source )

About The Author

Profile picture of Petr Minarik - the founder of cyclistshub.com

Petr Minarik

4 thoughts on “trek 820 review: is it a good bike or waste of money”.

Profile picture of Petr Minarik - the founder of cyclistshub.com

My Trek 820 was purchased in Riyadh Saudi Arabia and came with 27” wheels. I didn’t know this was not standard. I have ridden my Trek all over Saudi Arabia for 4 years and Have now ridden for 4 years in Florida. It has worked well and now I bought a full suspension Trek Fuel 5. The Trek is a great bike!

Profile picture of Petr Minarik - the founder of cyclistshub.com

Cool, thanks for sharing your experience, Thomas! – Petr

Profile picture of Petr Minarik - the founder of cyclistshub.com

Petr, Have you ever replaced the front brake post on an 820 fork? They appear to screw into the fork. There is an 820 on a local salvage auction with the brake post partially broke off. It probably broke off when they tried to remove the brake assembly. The bike looks in great shape except for this. Is this worth bidding on to fix? If so how much? (I’m an old retired guy–74–and I fix bikes for charities or for kids whose families can’t afford a low end $500 bike as you call it. To me that’s a high end bike. I don’t intend to be judgmental or offensive to you in any way, I just cater to a much poorer client. Low end for me is free – $25. I donate 98% of the bikes I fix. I have more time than money, so I fix most things others throw away. I believe this would be a great bike for someone, but don’t want to waste the money if it can’t be salvaged without completely replacing the fork. For my purposes it’s not worth replacing the fork.) Thank you for your input.

Hi Gene, I’ve never done that. Can you email me the offer so I can take a look. Maybe I can help. Otherwise, I didn’t mean to offend anyone. I’m just in the road cycling business where bikes cost over $10,000 (not saying I have that expensive of a bike). I agree with your approach. What you’re doing is to be commended. – Petr

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Start typing and press enter to search

UpPedal

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!

  • Rocky Mountain
  • Specialized
  • YT Industries
  • Allied Cycle Works
  • Black Market
  • DALLINGRIDGE
  • Diamondback
  • Early Rider
  • EVO Bicycles
  • Growler Bikes
  • Guerrilla Gravity
  • iGO Electric
  • Intense 951
  • Juiced Bikes
  • View all brands
  • Production Privee
  • Rad Power Bikes
  • Rambo Bikes
  • Riese & Müller
  • Soul Fast E Bikes
  • Spark Cycleworks
  • State Bicycle Co.
  • Structure Cycleworks
  • Surface 604
  • Van Nicholas
  • Vintage Electric
  • We Are One Composites

Cross Country mountain bikes

  • Cross Country

Trail mountain bikes

  • All Mountain

Enduro mountain bikes

  • AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

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

At a glance

Where to buy.

Trek Logo

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?

No comments on this bike yet. Why not be the first?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Want more MTB in your mailbox?

The latest on mountain bikes delivered straight to your mailbox.

trek 820 aluminum

More Bikes in Range View All

Trek 820

Trek 820 WSD

Trek 820 Women's

Trek 820 Women's

More cross country bikes view all.

Rocky Mountain Fusion 10

Rocky Mountain Fusion 10

A perfect blend of efficiency and reliability, the Fusion has everything you need to get from A to B.  Designed for speed and efficiency, the fast-rolling 29” wheels and responsive handling will…

Kona Steely

Kona Steely

Niner AIR 9 RDO - 3-STAR SHIMANO XT

Niner AIR 9 RDO - 3-STAR SHIMANO XT

Deals view all, view all deals, recent posts view all.

Blackburn Honest Digital Pressure Gauge Review

Blackburn Honest Digital Pressure Gauge Review

It's 2020 people. The squeeze and bounce test doesn't cut it anymore (and this is…

Comparing Mountain Bikes

Comparing Mountain Bikes

Mountain Bikes are complicated machines. They have parts from hundreds of different manufacturers, come in…

Undomestic Mountain Bikes: Here’s what we know

Undomestic Mountain Bikes: Here’s what we know

Update March 2020: Undomestic has announced that they are manufacturing frames "at this moment" and…

Send Feedback

Have a suggestion? Looking for a bike that's not on MTB Database? Or perhaps you've spotted an error?

We'd love to hear from you. Let us know with the form below.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience possible. Learn more.

About MTB Database

Explore, search and compare thousands of the world’s best mountain bikes here on Mountain Bike Database.

Compare prices, components, suspension, reviews, images and more on current and past MTB’s. You can even share reviews, comments and questions on mountain bikes. View and compare a huge selection of bikes from brands such as Trek , Specialized , Giant , Santa Cruz , Norco and more .

We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information for mountain bikes on MTB Database. If you’ve spotted any issues, please let us know . We also include helpful tools, such as our frame size calculator, to assist you in choosing the right mountain bike. Bear in mind that these tools serve as a guide and simply provide a general indication. Refer to information provided by your bike manufacturer for the most applicable information for your bike.

Bikes By Brand

Bikes by year, bikes by riding style, bikes by wheel size, popular bikes.

  • 2022 Specialized Epic EVO Comp
  • 2022 Trek Marlin 6
  • 2022 Specialized Enduro Comp
  • 2022 Specialized S-Works Epic EVO
  • 2022 Specialized Epic EVO Expert
  • 2022 Giant Fathom 29 1
  • 2022 Trek Marlin 7

Latest Bikes

  • 2023 Commencal SUPREME DH V5 SIGNATURE 70'S
  • 2023 Orange Phase 29 Factory
  • 2022 Commencal META SX V4 TEAM Frame
  • 2023 Commencal SUPREME DH V5 SIGNATURE LTD
  • 2023 Commencal META SX V4 - Frame
  • 2023 Riese & Müller Swing4 vario
  • 2023 Riese & Müller Swing4 silent

Keep up with everything Wheel! Sign Up

Wheel & Sprocket Home Page

  • Account Account
  • Store Store
  • Subtotal : $ 0.00 Checkout Cart
  • Used Mountain Bikes
  • 820 - 16.5"

Trek 820 - 16.5"

Trek 820 - 16.5"

USED - TREK 820 : 16.5" : BLACK/RED Condition USED Bike will be partially dis-assembled if shipping is requested. Lots of scuffing thoughout bike from use. Mostly on frame and fork. Other scuffing on crankset, rear derailleur and handlebars. New chain. All new cables. New grips. New rear brake pads. A great budget bike. Pictures are of the actual bike, see photos for details.

Specifications Brand: Trek Model: 820 Size: 16.5" Year: Frame Material/Construction: Aluminum Fork: Steel Weight:

Components Brakes: V-Brakes Handlebar: Riser Stem: Alloy 80mm 25d Seatpost: Alloy Saddle: Serfas padded Rims: 26" Front Tire: Bontrager Connection Trail 26x2.0 Rear Tire: Bontrager Connection Trail 26x2.0

Drivetrain Front Derailleur: Shimano Altus Rear Derailleur: Sram 5.0 Shifters: Grip Shift Crankset: Shimano Triple Cassette: 8-Speed

Part Numbers

Trek 820 - 16.5"

Trek 820 - 16.5"

trek 820 aluminum

Trek 820 Mountain Bike Review: A Solid Entry-Level Option

  • by Brigham Preston
  • November 12, 2022

If you’re looking for a quality mountain bike but don’t want to break the bank, the  Trek 820 could be a good option  for you. This bike is perfect for entry-level riders who are just getting started in the sport, or for anyone who wants a solid all-around bike that can handle a variety of terrain.

In this review, we’ll take a closer look at some of the features that make the Trek 820 stand out from the competition.

  • The Ultimate Guide to the Oyma Power Bike
  • Trek 4300 mountain bike review
  • Trek 820 Mountain Bike Review
  • 10 of the Best Cross-Country Mountain Bikes 
  • Top 10 Enduro Mountain Bikes
  • 10 Best Full Suspension Mountain Bikes for Under $3000
  • 10 Best Mountain Bikes for Women
  • 10 Best Beginner Mountain Bikes

IN THIS ARTICLE

Compare products, buying guide, frame and suspension.

One of the key features of the Trek 820 is its durable and lightweight aluminum frame, which is designed to hold up well even in rough terrain. This bike also features a front suspension fork to help cushion your ride on bumpy trails.

In addition to its high-quality frame, the Trek 820 comes with a variety of top-notch components, including reliable brakes and smooth-shifting gears that make it easy to control the bike on any terrain.

Additional features

Finally, the Trek 820 also comes with some additional features that make it an ideal choice for entry-level riders, such as a comfortable padded saddle and easy-to-use pedals that make it easy to get on and off the bike.

The drivetrain on the Trek 820 consists of a set of durable and smooth-shifting gears that make it easy to control your speed on different types of terrain. Whether you’re riding uphill or downhill, this bike gives you all the power and control you need to get where you’re going.

The Trek 820 also features high-quality brakes that provide reliable stopping power in any condition. Whether you’re riding on a paved road or an uneven mountain trail, you can feel confident knowing that you’ll be able to stop quickly and safely when needed.

Wheels and tires

The wheels and tires on the Trek 820 are designed to provide a smooth and comfortable ride, no matter what terrain you’re riding on. They also feature plenty of traction, so you can confidently take this bike off-road without worrying about slipping or sliding.

Shifters and gears

The Trek 820 comes with a set of easy-to-use shifters that make it simple to shift through the gears as you ride. Whether you’re climbing uphill, zooming down a hill, or cruising on flat terrain, this bike gives you all the power and control you need for a smooth and enjoyable ride.

The Trek 820 also comes with a comfortable padded saddle that makes it easy and comfortable to ride for long periods of time. Whether you’re riding on paved roads or bumpy trails, this bike allows you to stay comfortable and focused so you can enjoy the ride no matter where the trail takes you.

1. Is Trek 820 heavy?

The Trek 820 is considered a fairly lightweight bike, with a few different versions available. The size small frame has an unloaded weight of just over 30 pounds. It’s definitely not too heavy to handle, even for newer cyclists.

2. How well does Trek 820 perform on trails? T

The Trek 820 is a great option for mountain biking, due to its excellent handling and responsive performance. It can easily tackle a wide range of different trails, from smooth and flat paths to more rugged and technical terrain. The suspension system works well over bumpy surfaces, while the large wheels give you plenty of traction on the loose or muddy ground.

3. What is the value of a Trek 820?

The Trek 820 is an affordable mountain bike that offers good performance at a reasonable price. With a starting cost of around $300, it’s easy to find one of these bikes within your budget. And for the quality and performance you get with this bike, it’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a solid entry-level option. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a new cyclist, the Trek 820 is a great choice for anyone who loves getting out on the trails.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an affordable mountain bike that offers great performance, the Trek 820 is a solid choice. With its lightweight design, responsive handling, and excellent traction on different trail surfaces, this bike is perfect for everything from smooth paths to rugged terrain. Whether you’re an experienced rider or new to mountain biking, the Trek 820 is a great option for anyone who loves getting out on the trails. So if you’re looking for a solid entry-level bike, be sure to check out the Trek 820 today.

Brigham Preston

Brigham Preston is the author of BicyclesReviews.com, a website dedicated to helping cyclists find the best bikes for their needs. A lifelong cyclist himself, Brigham has ridden everything from mountain bikes to road bikes to BMX bikes, and he has spent countless hours researching the latest cycling technology.

Related reviews

Top 10 best bike phone mounts for 2024: ultimate guide.

Finding the best bike phone mount can significantly enhance your cycling experience. A good phone mount keeps your device secure and accessible, allowing you to navigate, track your fitness, or listen to music without distraction. With various designs and features available, it’s crucial to choose one that suits your bike and riding style. In this

Best Bike Backpacks for Commuters: Reviews and Buying Guide

Choosing the right bike backpack can significantly enhance your commuting experience. The best bike backpacks for commuters are designed to offer comfort, functionality, and durability. They come with features like waterproof materials, ample storage, and ergonomic designs to make your daily ride more convenient and enjoyable. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top

Top 10 Water Bottle Cages for Mountain Bikes in 2024

Finding the best water bottle cage for your mountain bike can make a significant difference in your riding experience. A high-quality cage ensures your water bottle stays secure even on the roughest trails, keeping you hydrated throughout your adventure. In this guide, we’ll explore the top water bottle cages designed for mountain biking, addressing their

Top 10 Road Bike Saddles for Ultimate Comfort on Long Rides

Finding the perfect road bike saddle can make all the difference during long rides. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a casual rider, comfort and support are crucial for enduring lengthy journeys. In this guide, we’ll explore the best road bike saddles designed to provide maximum comfort, reduce pressure points, and enhance your overall riding

Mountain Bike Wheel Size 101: Everything You Need to Know

Navigating the world of mountain bike wheel sizes can be daunting for both novices and seasoned riders. With options ranging from traditional 26″ wheels to the increasingly popular 27.5″ and 29″ sizes, understanding the pros and cons of each is crucial for optimizing your riding experience. This comprehensive guide will demystify mountain bike wheel sizes,

Diamondback El Oso Grande Review: Unraveling Its Off-Road Dominance

The Diamondback El Oso Grande is a formidable fat bike designed to conquer off-road trails and challenging terrains. With its oversized tires and durable build, it promises a thrilling riding experience.

Top 5 Tandem Bike Reviews of [Current Year]: Your Ultimate Guide

Are you considering investing in a tandem bike for an enjoyable riding experience with a partner? Look no further! In this comprehensive tandem bike review, we explore various models to help you make an informed decision.

Eco-Friendly Commuting: Discover the Beauty of Bamboo Bikes

Experience the harmonious blend of sustainability and craftsmanship with bamboo bikes. These eco-friendly bicycles have gained popularity for their unique properties,

RoyalBaby BMX Bike Review: Unveiling the Ultimate Ride for Young Adventurers

The RoyalBaby BMX Bike is the epitome of excitement and quality, designed to give young riders an unforgettable experience. This comprehensive review will delve into its features, performance, and safety aspects.

10 Best Entry Level Road Bikes for Beginners

The 5 best bikes for men who weigh 300 pounds or more, budget biking: 10 of the best cheap road bikes under $300, the 10 best road bikes you can buy for under $500, 10 best road bikes that you can get for under $1000, best bikes for heavy riders – a comprehensive guide, the best bikes for heavy men – 500 lbs capacity and up, bike for overweight female – get in shape and have fun, 10 best bikes for 400 lbs men – 2024 top picks.

trek 820 aluminum

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!

No products found.

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.

trek 820 aluminum

A Bike That Saves: Cannondale Catalyst 4 Review

Best Budget Mountain Bike – Just Try It!

Ghost Bikes Review...The Ghost To Be Admired, Not Feared

Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Review... Comfort On A Budget

trek 820 aluminum

trek 820 aluminum

  • ALL MOUNTAIN
  • ACCESSORIES
  • ALL (130 Forums)
  • WHEELS & TIRES

Trek 1999 820 AL Rigid Bike

trek 820 aluminum

1999 Trek 820 AL, mountain bike, non-suspension, Mountain Mix components, Trek fork

  • USER REVIEWS

Solid. Takes a beating. Cr-Mo fork. Great rig to upgrade or singlespeed

Considering the bikes intended user, no real weaknesses. Wheels are kinda soft.

Good bike. Got it for free from a customer of the shop I was wrenching at. I was happy cuz my pimped-out slalom bike just got ripped off (my only MTB at the time). Responds well to upgrades. Cheap components, but besides the rims, the bike takes a beating with no complaints. I think it was only like $300 brand new. 5 chillis. Get a bike and ride it.

Similar Products Used:

Specialized Rock Hopper rigid, Assorted Cannondale rigids, etc. Mongoose 24" Cruiser.

Light Aluminum frame for such a low price. Comfortable upright ride.

Entry level shifters, derailler etc. But they're fine for what I ride it for.

For the type of riding I do(fitness and recreational on road) it is fine and very comfortable upright fit. Very light. Good bang for the buck, I paid $306.00 at Bikes USA. Other dealers had it for $330.00 to $350.00.

Specialized Hard Rock: It rode nice too, but only one bike shop carried it in my area and they only had one and it was not my size.GT Outpost: Was very good quality, but did not have as upright a ride as I wanted.

Aluminum framing. Good base bike for upgrading. Price

SRAM Grip Shifts

Was actually going for the 830, but the shop that I bought the bike from didn't have my size. The 820 was $100 bucks less and the RST was only $80 I figure I got a great deal. Compared to my first bike this one is a dream. Now my only problem is finding more time to go out and hit the trails

Schwinn Mesa GSX Giant ATX 830

none that i can find yet

light weight, climbs well, upgrading seams easy, comes in black :)

Good value. An aluminum framed bike for $300 that is worthy of upgrading. Aheadset instead of threaded. 8 speed.

for the price - none

Great second bike for $300. I bought it for towing the kiddy trailer, family rides and some mild off road riding. I'm sure it will be able to handle the occasional thrashing, too.The frame is worthy of upgrading over the years, too. This frame is used on the Trek 4000 and 6000 per the '99 Trek catalog (19.5 inch frame size, maybe others too, compare the specs). Mine came with an Aheadset and was told by the LBS that this was a mid year change. The 820 Al bike shown in the catalog uses a threaded headset.So if you find yourself going offroad more and more with this bike buy a front shock and enjoy, it should hold up for many years.

Schwinn Mesa LE Specialized Hardrock

Light Weight. Price point was ideal for an intro bike. (It also helped that Trek was having an incentive sale for this model as well).

I fully understand that you get what you pay for. A $300.00 bike is no trail blazer. It's great for from pavement to improved trails. I love this bike, so I'm not going to say there are any eaknesses.

Great Beginners bike. Wonderful for cruising up and down the irrigation canals here in AZ. My requirements were for a durable bike, but yet not that expensive. This one fit the bill. I'm really enjoying riding now and I'll probably purchase another bike before the year's out. (a suspension model of some sort to try out on trails).

GT, Raleigh.

For a throw a round bike, this ne really holds up. Lost the rigid fork and slapped on a 98 Manitou SX, new mudders, Headset & Barends. No problem keeping up with those higher priced rigs. Either the bikes a good climber, or I'm just a good rider. Good starter bike or around town curb hopper. Dont go offroad, unless you add suspension. Frame is really stiff.Give the bike 4 Chilipepper for price and a worthy TREK frame, 5 after the upgrades are added. See ya Out There.....Horse Trails!!!!!!!!

This bike is alright, I test rode it against Specialized and Schwinn when I was shopping for a new ride. In the scheme of things, this bike came in a close second, but it just didn't feel as together as the Specialized did. Definitely a good starter bike for new riders though.

Stiff Light Durable

This is a great frame for beginner riders to upgrade. Mine is highly modified, and can do what ever the more expensive rigs do. It is extremely stiff and light. Climbs great too. Very durable. This is my first aluminum frame, and I have been amazed at its strength.

GT, Specialized, Gary Fisher

Get the latest mountain bike reviews, news, race results, and much more by signing up for the MTBR Newsletter

Hot Deals See All Hot Deals >>

  • CLASSIFIEDS
  • TERMS OF USE
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • ADVERTISING

VISIT US AT

© Copyright 2024 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved.

trek 820 aluminum

Is Trek 820 Mountain Bike Worth It?

trek 820 aluminum

  • Latest Posts

' src=

  • Best Cyber Monday Mountain Biking Deals - September 13, 2022
  • Marin Hawk Hill Review: Is It The Right Ride For You? - September 13, 2022
  • Best Prime Day Mountain Biking Deals - September 13, 2022

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.

Trek 820 Mountain Bike

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.

Trek 820 | Trek Bikes

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. 

Who is the Trek 820 for? 

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. 

Shifters 

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.

Outroad Mountain Bike 27.5 inch

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.  

Outroad Mountain Bike | Amazon

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.

Inch Steel Carbon Mountain Trail Bike

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.

Hiland 26 Inch Mountain Bike

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.

Hiland 26 Inch Mountain Bike | Amazon

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. 

Mongoose Switchback Adult Mountain Bike

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.

Mongoose Switchback Adult Mountain Bike | Amazon

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?”

' src=

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

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

trek 820 aluminum

MTB Insider Copyright 2022  |  A Venture 4th Media company   |   Privacy Policy | Affiliate Disclosure | FTC Disclosure | About Us

Best bike select

Is The Trek 820 Mountain Bike worth buying? [trek 820 mountain bike review]

Table of Contents

Trek 820 Mountain Bike

Looking for a good mountain bike? A user who had never purchased a mountain bike before opened Google and was overwhelmed by the number of options.

Of course, as a novice, I have many questions about purchasing a mountain bike. So, is this article about the Trek 820 mountain bike comprehensive enough for newcomers?

What are the Trek 820’s specifications? What are the benefits and drawbacks? Are there any bike recommendations that are relevant?

Welcome to the Best Bike Select blog, and let’s jump right into the reviews.

Trek 820 women's mountain bike

Features of 820

Frames for men and women (4.0/5).

Trek 820 WSD

Steel frames are more likely to be found on mountain bikes that cost less than $500. When compared to an aluminum frame, this adds some weight (about 3 pounds heavier overall).

However, in the middle to late stages of use, aluminum frame bikes, in general, will experience material weakness, resulting in a less durable bike. The Trek 820 Men’s Style has a step-Over frame, which is ideal for male riders’ ergonomics, and a generous 70.5° head tube angle for a more versatile ride.

Even though it’s under $500, Trek’s high-quality approach to mountain biking includes smooth welds and a no-fuzz build.

75mm shock front fork (3.5/5)

Trek 820 mountain bike

The Trek 820 is outfitted with a shock fork with a relatively short travel, the SR Suntour M-3030. Nonetheless, it includes a coil spring, which is required for the positioning of this bike for casual riders, so there is no need to over-adjust to the maximum travel when riding on flat roads.

However, on casual weekends or other breaks, when riding on rough roads or rocky trails in hilly areas, it can also be sufficient to absorb road impact. Accessories in the low to mid-range price range, but strong and durable enough to last for many years.

21-speed drivetrain (4.0/5)

Trek 8 series 820 mountain bike comes with a full Shimano Tourney drivetrain to ensure the bike’s transmission remains consistent. It is the same as determining the best possible drivetrain.

The 3X7 configuration, on the other hand, is not one of the most popular 1X configurations for high-end bikes, but for a beginner mountain biker, this is a good option for practice. With up to 21 gears to choose from, it can be ridden in a variety of terrain.

Brakes (3.0/5)

When compared to disc brakes, a V-brake with an alloy pull cable is not the best option. If you want to improve the performance of your Trek 820, disc brakes are a good option.

The longer braking travel is not ideal for intense mountain riding, but as a beginner on an occasional mountain bike, the V-brake is unquestionably the most cost-effective option (a disc brake adds about $100 to your budget). Simple and appropriate for easy mountain riding.

26-inch tires (3.0/5)

Trek 820, 26-inch tires

Although this tire size is a step back from the current popular 27.5″ or 29″ sizes. However, as once-popular tire size, it has excellent performance grip and is appropriate for medium-height riders.

The inner seam is not as difficult. v2.0 “For both commuting and general mountain riding, wide tires are required. If you require better mountain riding, you can increase the tire width to 2.4 inches “.

Stem for handlebar (4.5/5)

Trek 820 handlebar

Not to brag, but when it comes to men’s and women’s style, men’s shoulder width is wider than women’s, so there will be a 100mm length configuration in the XL frame size, but the widest stem for women is only 100mm length and there is no XL frame option.

If you are very tall, you can choose the men’s model or other similarly configured mountain bikes instead of the women’s style. Of course, this segment of the population is small.

Nice after-sales service (4.5/5)

After-sales service for the Trek 820 is also excellent. I went through all of the reviews and found very few instances of missing or missing parts. Of course, this is due to the fact that they have a large number of offline stores. Some customers order online and then pick up the bike at a local store.

Other configurations suitable for commuting

There are mounting holes for the rear rack, as well as devices for the front and rear fenders. All of these are for commuters. As occasional mountain bikers who primarily use the bike for commuting, the roadside dust, which can interfere with the ride, can be purchased on Amazon or Trek’s website for the necessary components. There is also the installation of the rear rack, with a certain amount of storage space, shake it up, and ride it.

2015 Trek 820

The 2015 Trek 820 is an older bicycle model, but during our research, we found that it’s very suitable for daily riding and light off-road use. If you’re interested in it, we recommend thoroughly checking the condition of the bike to ensure safety and performance.

Advantages and disadvantages of Trek 820 mountain bike

  • Affordable price
  • Great mountain bike for beginners
  • Both male and female frame types
  • Sturdy and durable suspension
  • Reserved for rear rack and fender mounting holes

Disadvantages

  • Not a wide tire size
  • Non-disc brakes
  • Not suitable for long-legged riders
  • The trek 820 weight is heavier

Is the Trek 820 worth every penny you spend?

1. quality of accessories.

When comparing the features mentioned above, including the pros and cons, the Trek 820 mostly uses low to mid-range accessories, which is related to its price; if you are willing to spend more money, you should be able to get better accessories. However, based on the value of the accessories and the price, that will be well worth it. Both the shock fork and the Trek Custom Steel Frame are designed for beginners.

2. Riding Experience

As an entry-level mountain bike, it is mostly used on commuter roads, so we only mention mountain riding here; rough mountain riding is not recommended. However, riding on easy mountain terrains, such as forest roads, trails, or gravel sections, provides a pleasant experience.

If you give a pro-level woodland hardtail mountain bike on woodland trails a 5 out of 5, the Trek 820 gets a 3.8. This is a very objective rating as well.

3. Commuting Performance

The design is similar to commercially available mountain bikes, but the standout feature is the loosehead tube angle, which allows commuter riders to be more relaxed while riding on the road.

  • What is the body weight of the Trek 820?

The ML size frame weight is 15.28 kg/ 33.68 lbs (with tubes).

  • What is the Trek 820 mountain bike Weight limit?

This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 300 pounds (136 kg).

  • What body colors does the Trek 820 come in?

The body color of the men’s Trek 820 mountain bike is Matte Trek Black. girls Trek 820 mountain bike California Sky Blue

  • What is the Trek 820 mountain bike price?

The official guide price is $489.99.

Trek 820 Specs

Bicycle comparison, trek marlin 5 mountain bike vs trek 820.

Trek Marlin 5

First of all, I have to say that the Trek Marlin 5 is the closest hardtail mountain bike to the Trek 820 in terms of price.

The Trek Marlin 5’s frame is made of aluminum, making it slightly lighter. However, the strength remains unchanged, as does the maximum weight limit of 300 pounds. In addition, there are two frame types for men and women.

This expands the options available to mountain riders who prefer a lighter aluminum frame. Fork travel has also been increased, with the same M/L frame, for example, the fork travel is 100mm, such a change will be to adapt to more difficult mountain riding, in the intense rocky road also has a good performance, which the Trek 820 does not have, of course.

The 68.6° head tube angle is slightly narrower than the Trek 820s 70.5°, but it’s worth the difference for intermediate riders to upgrade to an entry-level mountain bike.

Front and rear mechanical disc brakes have been added for relatively precise braking. The Trek Marlin 5 is also available in a XXS frame size, which is ideal for junior riders. If you prefer the higher configuration of the Trek Marlin 5, simply add a little budget to the Trek 820 and you’re good to go.

Learn more: Is Trek Marlin 5 Worth Buying? [Trek Marlin 5 Review]

Schwinn S29 Mountain Bike VS Trek 820

Schwinn S29 Mens Mountain Bike

With the popular 29″*2.1″ wide knobby mountain tires and Dual-Suspension for intense mountain riding, it is undeniably a poison for beginners to get started, with elevated riding difficulty, but better damping performance on rugged trails and easy riding on rocky roads, a tall mountain bike.

The same 21-speed configuration, all aluminum frame. However, when compared to the lighter Trek 820, it necessitates more climbing ability. If you prefer soft-tail mountain bikes, the Schwinn S29 Mountain Bike is an excellent choice.

Learn more: Schwinn S29 Mens Mountain Bike Reviews-In-Depth Assessment

Conclusion (Overall rating 3.9/5)

In terms of price and performance, the Trek 820 is ideal for new riders. The cross-country bike that necessitates the least amount of riding skill. If you’re not planning a formal introduction, it’s a good option with a budget of less than $500.

While most prices are rising, purchasing a mountain bike that fits and will be with you for at least ten years is unquestionably a good value investment. With a rear rack and fenders, you can use it as a commuter bike for city rides, work or school rides, and the occasional mountain ride. You can enjoy the adventure with a few friends.

Despite the fact that it is not suitable for intense mountain riding, we gave this entry-level mountain bike a rating of 3.9. It’s an excellent mountain bike for the price.

Related Videos

Read more: Trek 3700 Mountain Bike Review

https://www.Trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/cross-country-mountain-bikes/820/820/p/17027/

Related Posts

trek 820 aluminum

[Orbea URRUN 10 20mph Review] – Best Used By People Who Enjoy Riding To Get AFeel For The Mountains!

[schwinn admiral hybrid bicycle review] -is schwinn admiral hybrid bicycle worth buying?.

trek 820 aluminum

[Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 Review] – Good Choice?

Best Mountain Bike Saddles -SDG Bel Air V3.0 Lux-Alloy

15 of The Best Mountain Bike Saddles You Can Buy

trek 820 aluminum

20 INCH FOLDING BIKE BTWIN 120 Review-Fold up and put in “pocket”

2023 Top 10 Best Fun Kids Bike Bells

2023 Top 10 Best Fun Kids Bike Bells – Will This Bring Joy To Your Child’s Ride?

2023 Santa Cruz NOMAD X01

27.5 vs 29er Mountain Bikes – The Battle Of The Century

trek 820 aluminum

Best 20 inch Bikes For 6-13 Years Old Kids Bikes (With Gears)

TRANZX KITSUMA 27.2 EXTERNAL SEATPOST

Best 27.2 Dropper Post

30.9 dropper - Thomson Elite Covert

Best 30.9 Dropper Post In

31.6 dropper Bontrager-Line-Elite-31.6-Dropper-Seatpost-

Best 31.6 Dropper Post

EThirteen Base 35_

Best Mountain Bike Stems-Better Travel Through The Mountains And Forests

Leave a comment cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

All-new Trek Emonda ALR takes lightweight frame tech to alloy models

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

2016 Trek Emonda ALR 6 lightweight alloy race road bike with Ultegra

When Trek announced their Emonda carbon road bike line , they backed up their “world’s lightest” claims with an impressive frame and fork and an even more impressive 10.25lb (4.6kg) complete bike. Now, they’re adding an alloy Emonda ALR option that’s also lightweight yet far more affordable.

To earn the Emonda badge, the frame uses their top-level 300-series Alpha Aluminum that’s been hydroformed into size specific tubes, then welded together using a no-see technique that produces smooth joints that use less material to save weight.

The process is called Invisible Weld Technology, which they say produces stronger, stiffer welds despite using less material. Video, pics and more details below…

2016 Trek Emonda ALR 6 lightweight alloy race road bike with Ultegra

Trek told us the unpainted frame is 1050g (56), and a painted fork is 358g w/240mm steerer.

Like the ultralight Emonda carbon models, the ALR uses their H2 race geometry, E2 tapered headtube (standard 1-1/8″ to 1-1/2″) and wide Pressfit BB 86.5, meaning this bike is made to go fast. Other frame details include a braze-on front derailleur mount (no need to add a clamp if you’re getting the frameset) and external cable routing.

2016 Trek Emonda ALR 6 lightweight alloy race road bike with Ultegra

We’ve requested a more technical description of the welding process (update as we get it), but the frame is only part of the story. The complete bikes come equipped with built-in extras like the a Blendr stem with integrated light/computer mount, and it has Duotrap S compatibility (their ANT+/Bluetooth 4.0 speed/cadence sensor, sold separately for about $60).

You also get a complete group, so the Emonda ALR 6 with Ultregra gets a full Ultegra group from chain to brakes to cassette and everything else. There are no mis-matched parts or down spec’d bits to cut costs. A full carbon fiber tapered fork completes the package.

2016 Trek Emonda ALR 6 lightweight alloy race road bike with Ultegra

The Emonda ALR will initially come in two builds, the “6” with full Ultegra, Bontrager Race tubeless ready wheels with R2 tires, and a Bontrager cockpit with alloy short reach/drop bar and carbon seatpost for $2,249.99. Our local Trek Bike Store says complete bike weight is claimed at 17.25lb (7.82kg).

2016-Trek-Emonda-ALR-alloy-lightweight-race-road-bike-6

The Emonda ALR 5 drops down to a full Shimano 105 group with non-series Bontrager tubeless ready alloy wheels, R1 tires and a full alloy Bontrager cockpit for $1,759.99. Claimed weight is 18.77lb (8.51kg), colors will be the gloss black/hi-viz yellow and blue shown here, plus a racing red coming soon.

2016 Trek Emonda ALR lightweight alloy race road bike frameset with carbon fiber fork

The frameset shares the same paint scheme as the “6” and comes with an FSA sealed cartridge bearing headset for $989.99. The frames have a lifetime warranty carrying a 275lb rider weight limit.

Just for fun, here’s the companion lifestyle video.

All three models shown here are available now and should hit stores soon. Our sources tell us there’ll also be an Emonda ALR 5 with Tiagra, an ALR 8 with Dura-Ace mechanical and ALR 9 with Dura-Ace Di2 coming soon. That last model suggests they’ll have an electronic-only frame, too, since these first models only have external cable routing. At the very top, in terms of light weight anyway, will be the ALR 10 with a full SRAM Red group.

TrekBikes.com

' src data-src=

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com , where he’s been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel and ride in new places.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler also loves the Vanlife & family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part and off-grid adventure.

guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Scoobie

looks like a rebadged Allez

pfs

The invisible welding looks a lot like what pretty much every other company calls smooth welding. And has been using for years. You weld the tube normally then go back over it without filler material and “reweld” it. The process smooths out the weld and helps it wet out. REVOLUTIONARY TREK!!!

Robert W

Interesting that they are using hydroformed tubes but didn’t choose the aero tube shapes of the Madone design.

ElPablo

@Robert W – my sources say the Madone is on the way out. & if the story is about weight vs. areo it would make sense to mimick the emonda shapes. Also, the 2 series aluminum frames are already Madone-esqe.

JBikes

I always find it funny that companies state how they’ve extensively optimized tube shapes for their flagship carbon fiber bikes, but then seemingly can successfully apply those shapes to materials with very different properties. There is a little marketing lie in their somewhere.

Anyway. Glad to see these Al bikes. CF has been getting too pricey fort me.

Ck

I like how they quote an unpainted frame weight, then only offer it in a painted variety. But lets also make sure we pair that unpainted weight with a painted fork weight.

Durianrider

Looks legit. Seeing they are coming out of the Giant factory why not put on the overdrive 2 fork and stem and really take it next level?

Greg

Aluminum, how quaint.

Roy

Why not sell them unpainted if they weight them unpainted? JBikes if I read you right what your saying is the shapes have far mo9re to do with design than engineering.all thes tube shapes are probaly coming from kitchen appliance design firm and they bs riders who rarely go over 20mph that aero is worth buying a new bike for

Colin M

That Bontrager cycling kit is pretty damn nice. “Understated” as the hipsters like to say.

Colin

How about US made aluminum, with giant tubes, some internal routing, and some really funky paint jobs. Oh wait…

JB4605

Hasn”t specialized already been doing this for like 3 years now? And better welded joints? Revolutionary-nothing is more like it, just another slightly modified copy frame.

Roy – no I was just commenting on the fact it’s stated how non aero tube shapes are optimized for carbon fiber for whatever properties (stiffness, weight, ride) but then a vastly different material can achieve the same with the same tube shapes? I’m sure they vary material thickness and such, but given the vast difference in CF and Al, I’d think tube shapes would vary more between the two materials, unless the CF and Al frames ride completely different.

Andrew

Jesus, tough crowd. Lightweight aluminum, full component groups and small price tags… Sounds good to me.

MikeC

Full Ultegra! Well… except the wheels. Of which, the Bontrager Race spec is a few notches below Ultegra…

djbutcher13

y’all are haters. you can pick on the marketing and on random bits and pieces but in the end this is the bike you’re going to start seeing at all the local crits and races. So they have weird marketing, worry about the bike and what it can do for you.

JC

Aluminum is the new carbon.

josh

Yeah a bunch of haters here, Go buy a Specialized because they are not owned by the big man, Oh wait, Specialized is own by a conglomerate, and Trek is family owned. Seems like most people don’t understand the definition of “the man” Don’t hate on them just because you don’t like it that more people ride Trek than any other brand in the US.

Ronin

@Durianrider, you’re killing me! Lol

Ventruck

When you think about it, it’s a bike people actually look for: Workhorse, and the no-nonsense but clean aesthetic.

Considering the Propel SLR might not come stateside, as well as the update TCR SLR before it, it’s nice to have another potential alloy option on the market that isn’t an Allez or CAAD.

Andy

I really like where Trek is going with their new paint schemes. Very minimal branding and no stupid racing stripes and decals. Keep it premium!

JasonK

Jbikes: I understand why you’re asking about why two frames with different materials have the same tube shapes, but in fact they probably should have the same shapes.

In the bike industry (and many others), it’s common practice to design using isotropic material properties (e.g., with aluminum) for a first pass. The resulting stiffness (quantified through FEA) ensures you’re getting the most sectional modulus you can out of a given tube shape. Only then do you go back and design a laminate schedule with anisotropic materials (e.g., carbon fiber).

This allows the designer to clearly separate the modulus (stiffness) due to tube shape and the modulus due to the laminate schedule. That way, each can be optimized as a discrete step.

Except for a few corner cases, optimal frame tube shape is material-independent. Surprising but true!

Matt

Looks like a great bike at a good price. I love nice aluminum race bikes. But why no H1 geometry option? It irks me that companies (not just Trek) spec the really race oriented stuff at the high-end of the price scale. I know a short head tube doesn’t work for everyone but why not give us the option? What does the size of your wallet have to do with your flexibility?

Neilthemeal

I’m wondering if some of the frames are anodized, so unpainted weight would be pretty relevant.

JasonK – thanks! Great info. Never really thought of it that way but it makes sense.

jaxgtr

I like the emonda and the CrossRip frame for my commuter. I would seriously consider if I was in the market and carbon was not an option.

Craig

Man that’s a light frame. Nice to see they are using full groupset specs.

I wonder if the welding is a form of aluminium brazing using a lower melting temperature brazing rod. I think this is what Shimano do with the external reinforcing tabs on the aluminium rims. This is supposed to be lower strength than welding but coming up with some newer technology is not beyond Trek’s resources. Or maybe they have come up with a way to modify the pulse action of a TIG welder with a certain filler wire application. Either way, the old double pass method for aluminium is old hat now.

Most companies claim unpainted frame weights. Use this general guide: If a company says “…painted frame weight is…” then it’s including paint. If they don’t specifically say painted then you can guarantee it’s an unpainted frame weight.

The only reason I wouldn’t buy one of these is the head tube is too tall…

BeeJay

I applaud Trek for coming out with a ‘light’ and ‘inexpensive’ aluminum frameset but I’m still not sold on the H2 geometry.

Sincerely, Worlds longest head tube.

Patrick

I like the option of a high end aluminum frame as well….but this one misses the mark for me because trek refuses to make any bike with its “racer” H1 geometry that doesn’t cost at least 4,500 for a frameset. If they only would make H1 options of their emonda sl frame or this new all I’d buy one in a second. Trek already makes a million bike models….why not better fit options? Ever since they did away with the 6 series madone the options for the budget conscious racer have gone to zero. Bleh. And more seatmast length options trek!

Adam

Nearly the same weight as a Cannondale frame that was first manufactured out of the same material about 6 years ago

Gummee!

I think this will make a GREAT race frame.

Certainly beats trying to replace a carbon frame someone broke for you in that ‘last corner of the criterium’ crash.

If I see one more I’m-so-flexible-I-can-stick-my-head-up-my-ass comment about the lack of H1 geometry, I might give up trolling comments on bike rumor all together. Seriously, 5 years at a Trek dealer and we sold maybe 3 H1 bikes (all as special order). We ordered dozens more project 1 bikes in the ‘normal’ H2. Working now at a Cervelo dealer I have very few people balk at the head tube height, and MOST are running a positive angle on the stem anyways. At 6’3″ I run 14cm of bar drop. I have had zero issue getting a proper fit on stock bikes, including Trek. Currently on the newly updated (i.e. market norm) stack of the 2015 Cervelo S5 I still have 15mm of spacers under my stem. If H2 geo just doesn’t do it for you, grab a Cannonade with a low profile headset cap and go ride. They are making a bike for the largest market, obviously the budget racers this bike is designed for are too busy riding their bikes to complain on Bike Rumor…..

AJ

Looks like a great bike for the money and your avg rider. Nothing wrong with that. Kudos too for specing a complete group build, awesome!

mark

Waiting for my ALR 5 to arrive!! Last bike I bought was in 1986, a Myata One Ten. Hopefully this one will last another 29 years.

mike

uhhh… the allez actually looks good

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/road/allez/allez-comp-race

the only thing actually missing from these frames are some colorway options like the tarmacs

internet stoke

i had a domane and the headtube was too tall.

i might get one of these. its pretty affordable all things considered.

Psi Squared

There doesn’t seem too much, if anything at all, to complain about here. The Emonda ALR frame MSRP is right in line with a CAAD10 frame MSRP ($10 cheaper actually). It looks good, and it’s certainly not a heavyweight bike. If it rides as good as it looks, it will be a great deal.

pilf

@MikeC – Are you kidding? I haven’t seen anyone refer to a full groupset as including the wheel since like 1999. Some people are just desperate to find something to bitch about. The Bontrager Race wheels are great. They only weigh 200g more than the Ultegras, and unlike every Shimano wheel, they are specced completely with off-the-shelf parts that are easily purchasable in any bike shop.

@Adam – Yes, because Cannondale were the first company with an aluminum racing bike. You forget the Trek, via Klein, were making awesome lightweight aluminum race bikes when Cannondale was still welding together soda cans.

@H1 Lovers – You’re all on crack. A quarter of the Trek pros don’t even ride the H1, and I promise you that you are not that fast. I can also tick off a list of local heroes, Cat 1 and PRO dudes, who get by just fine on the H2, usually preferring it to the H1.

@Psi – And the Trek is clearly much better specced than the Cannondale, with an Ultegra crank and Bontrager Race wheels, not to mention a cockpit that won’t require immediate replacement.

Jdog

Wait to you see the next gen cannondale frame before you jump on this..

badbikemechanic

I am happy this exists. Buyers beware if you crash this thing it’s probably going to dent up like tinfoil.

@badbikemechanic – What makes you say that? There is a generation of high end aluminum out there that holds up just fine to the rigors of daily life. I personally have an aluminum Allez that I regularly leave locked up outside of bars, the grocery store, as well as race, and it hasn’t even scratched the anodized finish yet.

As always, opinions abound….and everyone is “right.” The H1 vs. H2 debate is clearly a hotter topic than I thought. What it boils down to though is “choice.”

Trek offers the option, meaning there are people that prefer it. I rode a 60 cm H1 Madone 6 series last year, and absolutely loved it. Sadly it was a team bike and I had to give it back at the end of the year. In looking for a replacement I want a bike with similar geometry, but don’t want to spend 4,500 to have the OPTION to get the geometry I like. The head tube on the H1 is 18 cm…compared with 21 cm on the H2. That is a LARGE difference. I don’t think anyone is right or wrong to ride whatever geometry they like. All I’m saying is that for me…the H1 geometry is perfect, and I don’t need to run a -17 stem to get my preferred position of the bike. Being a pro, being fast or slow, is irrelevant. I would just like to see the option available at a reasonable price point.

Tom

These bikes are epic. And yes, they blow the competition out of the water.

dG

About time Trek offers something for the Joe-Racers out there. Yes, carbon is super nice but you guess what: so is aluminum. I have a locally-made Aluminum bike and it rides *amazing*. So did my old Caad7 and I bet Specialized’s aluminum bike is also fantastic. We need more people in the sport, and to do that we need a much lower entry-level bar. if for $2,200 you get a nice Al Trek with good geometry, good wheels (i own the bontis tlr and they’re indestructible and readily serviceable), good parts and cockpit that are either race-ready or hammer-ready, then god bless Trek. For the record i own a cannondale six and it’s a phenomenal bike. but my aluminum rig is my favorite. way to go, Trek – kudos indeed.

SoClose

Arguing that “some pros ride H2, therefore nobody needs H1” is well, just a poor excuse for an argument. An H1 aluminum Emonda would be a hit, and I would purchase one as soon as it were available. I’ve owned and ridden both H1/H2 models, and greatly prefer the H1. As an aside, direct mount breaks on this beast would be the icing on the cake. Think about it Trek.

zanetti

This bike compared with the new caad 12 is nothing …

Eric Hansen

I’ve got a current model year Allez smartweld frame built up with full 105 and tubeless Shimano wheels. I certainly didn’t do it for $1760 retail, but then some parts on my bike (bars, saddle, tires) are from a very much higher trim level. I’ve also got all the accessories (cages, tools, &c) in my price, and I was unable to use the economy of scale a manufacturer can.

ANYWAY. The ride quality of my Allez is nothing short of amazing considering. It is *as smooth* as my steel 3-speed with 38mm tires over brick roads. I have no problems riding the Allez a hundred miles, though I run out of water. The Allez smartweld is making me completely re-think aluminum as a frame material, especially for amateur racer types.

These Treks seem to DIRECTLY compete with the Allez smartweld introduced last year, which is great, since it engenders competitive designs. When you get an Allez Comp (with 105), you pay less, but you miss out on the excellent 5800 brakes and crankset, and get bog standard training wheels. Moving up to an Allez Expert (with Ultegra), gets you a full groupset with carbon SL-K crank and ‘Fulcrum’ wheels at a competitive price.

I’d love to ride these Treks back to back with my Allez.

JoeD

I am happy to see Trek jump into the “high end” aluminum market. I have owned & loved several iterations of CAAD’s. I have also read good things about Specialized redesigned Allez frames. I am now hearing of a redesigned CAAD12(?) to be released later this Summer…(anyone else hearing any details?) I would have liked to have seen a disc version from Trek… (Spec as well.) I believe that road disc offerings from every manufacturer will increase exponentially once the pro’s are riding them. I wanted my next road bike purchase to have discs so that I can look for second set of wheels that will be future proof…(thru-axles coming next?) I had my eye this year’s CAAD10 Rival disc, hoping the boys at Cannondale offer an Ultegra disc spec on the CAAD12 later this year. 🙂

sfields

Just ordered my alr 6 today! I work at a trek dealer, and I have to say H2 is usually great for 99% of our customers, and they usually have the stem flipped up. For the 1% of people that actually want that huge bar drop, you can always size down and make it look super pro with a longer stem! Nothing wrong with that!

Follow Us On

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive BikeRumor content direct to your inbox.

HOW DO YOU HARDTAIL?

XC or trail hardtails

  • filter controls Items 24 24 48 72 filter controls Sort by Featured Featured A-Z Z-A Price Low-High Price High-Low

NEED HELP CHOOSING?

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

Get started

COMMENTS

  1. 820

    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. Compare.

  2. Trek 820 Review: Is It a Good Bike or Waste of Money?

    Trek 820 is a good bike considering its price of $499.99 (when writing this review). For this money, you get: An entry-level mountain bike with front fork suspension for absorbing bumps. A steel frame with a relaxed geometry for a comfortable riding position. Shimano Tourney groupset and Bontrager components.

  3. Trek 820 Review

    The Trek 820 is a steel-framed bike with 26" wheels, rim brakes, and a 3x7 drivetrain. It's designed for around-town riding and introductory trail rides, not for steep or rugged terrain.

  4. 2021 Trek 820

    Specs, reviews & prices for the 2021 Trek 820. Compare forks, shocks, wheels and other components on current and past MTBs. View and share reviews, comments and questions on mountain bikes. Huge selection of mountain bikes from brands such as Trek, Specialized, Giant, Santa Cruz, Norco and more.

  5. 2021 Trek 820

    2021 Trek. 820. A 26″ steel frame hardtail crosscountry bike with mid-range components and rim brakes. Compare the full range. Manufacturer Price. $439. Weight: 33.7 lbs Frame: Steel: Suspension: Hardtail, 75mm: Fork: Suntour: Wheels: 26″ Aluminum: Drivetrain: 3 × 7: Groupset: Tourney: Brakes: Rim: View on trekbikes.com Learn about Trek ...

  6. 2014 Trek 820

    2014 Trek. 820. A 26″ steel frame crosscountry bike with mid-range components and rim brakes. Compare the full range. Frame: Steel: Wheels: 26″ Aluminum: Drivetrain: 3 × 7: Groupset: Tourney: Brakes: Rim: View on archive.trekbikes.com Learn about Trek Report data problem. ... Trek Custom Steel w/chromoly seat tube. Headset: 1-1/8 ...

  7. 2016 Trek 820

    2016 Trek. 820. A 26″ steel frame crosscountry bike with mid-range components and rim brakes. Compare the full range. Frame. Steel. Wheels. 26″ Aluminum. Drivetrain.

  8. Trek 820

    Specifications Brand: Trek Model: 820 Size: 16.5" Year: Frame Material/Construction: Aluminum Fork: Steel Weight: Components Brakes: V-Brakes Handlebar: Riser Stem: Alloy 80mm 25d Seatpost: Alloy Saddle: Serfas padded Rims: 26" Front Tire: Bontrager Connection Trail 26x2.0 Rear Tire: Bontrager Connection Trail 26x2.0.

  9. 820

    Tektro alloy linear-pull. Weight. Weight. 17.5" - 15.56 kg / 34.30 lbs. Weight limit. This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 300 pounds (136 kg). We reserve the right to make changes to the product information contained on this site at any time without notice, including with respect to ...

  10. Trek 820 Mountain Bike Review: A Solid Entry-Level Option

    The Trek 820 is an affordable mountain bike that offers good performance at a reasonable price. With a starting cost of around $300, it's easy to find one of these bikes within your budget. And for the quality and performance you get with this bike, it's definitely worth considering if you're looking for a solid entry-level option ...

  11. Trek 820 Review

    The Trek 820 is a steel-framed bike with a front suspension fork, Shimano Tourney drivetrain, and 26-inch tires. It's ideal for beginners who want to explore trails and roads, but it lacks disc brakes and has rim brakes.

  12. Trek 1999 820 AL Rigid Bike

    It is extremely stiff and light. Climbs great too. Very durable. This is my first aluminum frame, and I have been amazed at its strength. Similar Products Used: GT, Specialized, Gary Fisher. Trek 1999 820 AL Rigid Bike user reviews : 4.2 out of 5 - 9 reviews. Read it's strength, weaknesses, find deals and pricing - mtbr.com.

  13. Who is the Trek 820 for?

    The Trek 820 is a durable and versatile bike for beginners who want to explore off-road adventures. It has a custom steel frame, front suspension, Shimano shifters and brakes, and Bontrager tires and seat.

  14. 2017 Trek 820

    2017 Trek. 820. A 26″ steel frame hardtail crosscountry bike with mid-range components and rim brakes. Compare the full range. Manufacturer Price. $379. Weight: 34.0 lbs Frame: Steel: Suspension: Hardtail, 75mm: Fork: Suntour: Wheels: 26″ Aluminum: Drivetrain: 3 × 7: Groupset: Tourney: Brakes: Rim: View on trekbikes.com Learn about Trek ...

  15. 1999 Trek 820

    Learn more. TRADE-IN RANGE. $56 - $58. Private Range. $110 - $113. MSRP. $330. Good Condition. Overview and Specifications.

  16. Is The Trek 820 Mountain Bike worth buying? [trek 820 ...

    The Trek 820 Men's Style has a step-Over frame, which is ideal for male riders' ergonomics, and a generous 70.5° head tube angle for a more versatile ride. Even though it's under $500, Trek's high-quality approach to mountain biking includes smooth welds and a no-fuzz build.

  17. 820

    Bontrager Forged, 25.4mm, 25 degree. Headset. 1-1/8" threadless. Brakeset. Tektro alloy linear-pull brakes w/Shimano Tourney levers. We reserve the right to make changes to the product information contained on this site at any time without notice, including with respect to equipment, specifications, models, colors, materials, and pricing.

  18. 820

    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. Compare.

  19. All-new Trek Emonda ALR takes lightweight frame tech to ...

    When Trek announced their Emonda carbon road bike line, they backed up their "world's lightest" claims with an impressive frame and fork and an even more impressive 10.25lb (4.6kg) complete bike.Now, they're adding an alloy Emonda ALR option that's also lightweight yet far more affordable. To earn the Emonda badge, the frame uses their top-level 300-series Alpha Aluminum that's ...

  20. 2019 Trek 820

    2019 Trek. 820. A 26″ steel frame hardtail crosscountry bike with mid-range components and rim brakes. Compare the full range. Manufacturer Price. $399. Weight: 33.7 lbs Frame: Steel: Suspension: Hardtail, 75mm: Fork: Suntour: Wheels: 26″ Aluminum: Drivetrain: 3 × 7: Groupset: Tourney: Brakes: Rim: View on trekbikes.com Learn about Trek ...

  21. Roscoe 7

    Roscoe 7. 44 Reviews / Write a Review. $1,399.99 $1,899.99. Model 5260351. Retailer prices may vary depending on location and delivery method. The final price will be shown in your cart. Roscoe 7 is a hardtail for riders who are ready to cut loose and have a blast ripping up the trail. A plush 140mm suspension fork, 29er wheels, and a wide ...

  22. Hardtail mountain bikes

    Bikes. Mountain bikes. Hard tails are the pure mountain machines. They'll connect you to the trail and get you around it quickly and efficiently. They're ideal for cross country and trail riding. 52 Results. Items.

  23. Roscoe

    Trail mountain bikes. With 140mm of squish up front, Roscoe delivers hardtail simplicity and fully capability for a heavy-hitting trail bike that amps up every ride. On Sale. 5 Results. Items.