Trek 8500 Hardtail Mountain Bike Review

Trek Pulls Out All the Stops with Their 8500 Mountain Hardtail

Trek bicycles have long had the reputation of being a class leader, particularly when describing the mountin hardtail class of mountain bikes. The Trek 8500, in particular, stands above the crowd of lesser bicycles with a fit and finish that are second to none. Trek utilizes their Alpha Red Aluminum in their best mountain bikes, and of course the Trek 8500 receives this resilient frame metal. Riding the 8500 is one of the pleasures of enjoying the sport of mountain biking. The bike seems to treat the toughest trails with a sort of disdain, begging the rider to try something more befitting the Trek 8500's capabilities. Sprints and uphill climbs offer little effort, but pushing just beyond the edge of the rider's ability offers the 8500 a chance to spread its wings, and show you just how integrated this bike can become with even the most novice riders. Reaching inside, the rider seems to feel that their abilities have improved, as great machines will tend to make a person feel. A bike of the Trek 8500's caliber which retails for under three thousand dollars seems almost like a steal.

The Trek 8500 mountain hardtail comes equipped for the trail with A Trek frameset constructed with Trek's Alpha Red Aluminum frame material to provide for all the strength and light weight that you'll ever want in a high-performance mountain bike.
These frames utilize an internally and externally relieved head tube, as well as hydroformed down tube, top tube, and chainstays. The disc ready dropouts are forged for strength, and the front shock duty is handled by A fox 32 F100 with 100mm of suspension travel.

Componentry for the Trek 8500 is handled by Shimano's Top-shelf Deore XT series of derailleurs, brakes, and levers, as well as the crank. SRAM handles the cassette, and wheels are all Bontrager Race Lite with Bontrager Jones XR tires. Also from Bontrager are their saddle, handlebars, stem, and seat post, all of which are from Bontrager's Race Lite line of bike components.