Trek 1120
- Price: $2999
- Category: Off-road bicycle
- Frame: Carbon
- Gear: 1×12
- Tires: 29.x3.00″
What we like: A sturdy all-terrain frame with an enthusiastic 1x drive to add endless excitement to your journey.
What we don’t like: Overpriced relative to the component.
Rating (4.7/5)
Introduction
Have you ever fantasized about exploring the world’s most remote and extreme roads? The Trek 1120 is the perfect bike touring bike for every adventurous cyclist.
First of all, the cost-effective aluminum frame gives the Trek 1120 a light and cool look that will allow you to explore the forests off the beaten path. Second, the carbon fork construction keeps the bike stable, so you won’t have to suffer too much in a mountain crash. Once again, the wide-range 1×12 Shimano drivetrain allows you to maintain a silky-smooth tune as you glide from flat roads to gravel trails. Finally, the most noteworthy feature is the Trek 1120’s proprietary rack system and included travel bag. It secures and holds an 8L capacity to solve the problem of unstable luggage on long trips.
We have two months of measurement experience with Trek 1120. To make the results more informative for you, we’ll elaborate on the Trek 1120’s performance while riding, key features, components and specifications, and other versions of the series. If you’d like to learn more about the other versions of Trek 1120, please refer to our review.
Trek 1120 General Riding
It can be said responsibly that the Trek 1120 is absolutely king in terms of riding in comfort, so you can maintain absolute strength and confidence during the journey.
This doesn’t just include male cyclists, of course. For women, the Trek 1120 has been designed accordingly, as the saddle, handlebar width, and stem length are all designed specifically for women. Trek also designed the stack height carefully, which is also Trek’s conclusion when referring to the majority of people riding. And 63.4 ° for me is the most comfortable existence, I can naturally straddle the body and maintain a relatively upright sitting position and do not feel how much effort.
Also, the nylon rubber handlebars will not make you feel your arms tingling due to the vibration. The Trek 1120 brought a lot of surprises on the eight kilometers of flat road riding. In addition, the Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame was not as bulky as I thought it would be, instead, I was able to lift it easily. Also, the 29er Bontrager is the most standard feature of a mountain bike. It performs well in loose yellow terrain and maintains a relatively stable body even in fast travel.
Of course, the Trek 1120’s user-friendliness doesn’t stop there. It presents a horizontal sliding dropout with a fixed horizontal slide, allows for a no-slip single-speed or gearing option, and offers a pull-in geometry to match each rider’s style. This has an extremely important impact on the comfort of sitting for long tours.
Not only that, but the Shimano 1x drivetrain was also a great help during the ride. I have to admit that the chain started to wobble a bit at first during the speed change, but after I made some simple adjustments it didn’t happen anymore. I must admit that the Shimano 1x drivetrain is the best configuration at this price.
Trek 1120 Long-Distance Riding
After testing the Trek 1120 for general road riding, how will the touring riding Trek 1120 perform amazingly as its main performance?
On the third day, we started in the morning and our destination was the countryside at Wiese Flats. Twenty kilometers of gravel was still a significant obstacle for the riders. It’s no exaggeration to say that Trek 1120 expands the boundaries of cycling. It comes with large-capacity luggage specs so I can add removable and interchangeable metal brackets to the front and rear of the bike to hold more bags.
The included luggage rack and durable straps easily secure the 8L bags in the rear luggage rack for optimal packing balance. I loaded up on water bottles and snacks. Of course, you can still remove them if you don’t like the extra weight. I carried a 1.5-liter water bottle in the rear of the package to solve my water shortage problem for the 20 miles.
Also, the Bontrager TLR (tubeless ready road) fitted to the Trek 1120 is the first fully integrated tubeless system for road tires. I can reduce pressure to increase traction and comfort. There is also a special anti-puncture system that eliminates the threat of flat tires and eliminates my worries. You know I was spending over $200 on tire maintenance before.
Of course, gravel bumps are a nuisance that has to be dealt with on a trip, but it’s clear that the Trek 1120 still handles well. The carbon fork construction does not add any weight to the body, while still providing good damping. In addition, the fork can be seen moving up and down during the descent, and with the DebonAir springs reinforcing the compatibility of the Trek 1120 itself, it will give me the ultimate riding experience.
Main Features
Frame
The Trek 1120 gives the impression of being full of security. The front and rear removable brackets in crimson keep the body stable while expanding the space. There is also an 8L capacity bag that can be easily fixed and easily installed to meet your long-distance travel needs.
In terms of body material, aluminum may not have the same plasticity as carbon. But light enough and strong, as well as super cost-effective, is already the best choice.
Although there is some regret in the color, the navy blue currently on sale may not meet the needs of colorful enthusiasts.
Geometry
The geometry of the stealth configuration is also the result of many considerations for the Trek 1120, and it has proven to be very comfortable indeed. The seat tube angle was chosen to be steeper (70.4°), thus allowing for better weight configuration when going uphill.
In addition, the Trek 1120’s wide, thick 29er tires were considered to be unstable in terms of steering. Therefore, a shorter distance (44.0cm) was chosen for the length of the rear lower fork. This makes up for the insensitivity in turning and gives you the ultimate control of the body in sharp corners.
Components and Specifications
Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed
I’ve always had great faith in the Shimano brand, and it’s a result of the extreme experience Trek 1120 has always delivered. 1x is the standard for mountain bikes, eliminating overly complicated shifting and allowing for silky smooth shifting with a single-handed turn of the slide. Both the silky smooth shifting and its rich, dense gear ratios provide fast, seamless shifts and remain quiet and stable.
1120 HCM Carbon Fork
The carbon fork is the biggest highlight of Trek 1120. It has a better damping ability than aluminum alloy, while still maintaining a lighter size and weight. It provides ample mid-stroke low-speed compression even on gravelly winding trails, enhancing smoothness and safety.
Of course, the 120mm of travel is also not to be overlooked, keeping the bike extremely stable during the up-and-down travel. As a touring bike, the 1120 Adventure frame system can maintain a large volume.
Shimano 4-Piston Hydraulic Disc Brake
Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes incorporate our unique brake design with a new track vent design for smooth, quiet braking performance. When I need to stop in a hurry, I can brake by simply pressing and holding the control on the handlebars. In addition, the 4-piston braking capability exhibits even better emergency braking.
I would still like to remind you to be more careful in your daily use. Otherwise, the repair costs it brings will also be to make your wallet bring a small trauma.
Tires: Bontrager XR2
Tires are one of the most critical factors in customer selection. This is why Trek 1120 chose the Bontrager XR2, which has a wider and heavier size of 29×3.00″ compared to other normal off-road tires. This also means that it has a more stable grip on the road.
All of these have also been reflected in my daily fitness routine. Of course, you can also choose a smaller tire size, such as 27.5×2.5 in exchange for a more compact body.
Other versions of Trek 1120
For you to have more possibilities in choosing. So in the spirit of objectivity and fairness, we have tested the other models of the Trek 1120 series for a certain period. This includes the 2019 Trek 1120.
The 2019 Trek 1120 has a bulkier body, so it can be a real pain in the ass once you hit a roadblock that you can’t pass. Also, although it is a 1x system, there is no major difference in drivability.
The 2019 Trek 1120 is the choice of an 11-speed configuration, which might not be good news for those with strict speed requirements. As for the rest, these two don’t feel much different to me. If price is not a major factor for you, I would recommend the Trek 1120, which will give you a more interesting experience.
What we like about it
- The aluminum frame brings a ride with excellent cost performance.
- Adjustable rear horizontal sliding rear fork brings freedom of choice.
- The carbon fork provides a stable riding feeling.
- The 8L capacity ensures that there is enough space to assemble the luggage.
- Body design specific to female riders.
What we don’t like about it
- Rare color options
- Expensive relative to components
FAQ
- What is the price of Trek 1120?
The Trek 1120 is priced at $2,999.
- What is the body material of Trek 1120?
The body of Trek 1120 is made of aluminum.
- What is the tire size of Trek 1120?
The Trek 1120 has a tire size of 29×3.00″
Size Chart For Trek 1120
| Size | Rider Height | Inseam |
| S | 153 – 167 cm5’0″ – 5’6″ | 72 – 79 cm28″ – 31″ |
| M | 161 – 175 cm5’3″ – 5’9″ | 76 – 82 cm30″ – 32″ |
| L | 174 – 188 cm5’9″ – 6’2″ | 82 – 88 cm32″ – 35″ |
| XL | 186 – 196 cm6’1″ – 6’5″ | 87 – 92 cm34″ – 36″ |
Trek 1120 Specs
| Frame | Alpha Platinum Aluminum, tapered head tube, internal derailleur & dropper post routing, proprietary rack mounts, horizontal sliding dropouts, Boost148, 12mm thru-axleBB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press FitTire Clearance: 3″Color: Matte Nautical Navy |
| Fork | 1120 HCM Carbon, rack and fender mounts, Boost110, 15mm thru-axle |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano MT500, 92mm, PressFit |
| Headset | FSA Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8” top, 1.5” bottom |
| Stem | Size: S, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degrees, 60mm length; Size: M, L, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degrees, 70mm length; Size: XL, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degrees, 80mm length |
| Handlebar | Bontrager Comp, alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 720mm width |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, hollow chromoly rails, 138mm width |
| Seatpost | Size: S, Bontrager Line Dropper, 100mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 345mm length; Size: M, L, XL, Bontrager Line Dropper, 125mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 395mm length |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Endurance Comp, lock-on |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano SLX M7100, long cage |
| Crank | Size: S, Shimano SLX M7100, 30T alloy ring, 52mm chain line, 170mm length; Size: M, L, XL, Shimano SLX M7100, 30T alloy ring, 52mm chain line, 175mm length |
| Shifters | Shimano SLX M7100, 12 speed |
| Cassette | Shimano SLX M7100, 10-51, 12 speed |
| Chain | Shimano SLX M7100, 12 speed |
| Brakes | Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc, MT4100 lever, MT420 caliper |
| Rims | SUNringle Duroc 50 SL, tubeless tape included, 28-hole, 50mm width, Presta valve |
| Front Hub | Bontrager alloy, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru-axle |
| Rear Hub | Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Rapid Drive 108, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12mm thru-axle |
| Tires | Bontrager XR2 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 29×3.00” |
| Disk Rotors | Size: S, M, L, XL, Shimano RT56, 6-bolt, 180mm; Size: S, Shimano RT56, 6-bolt, 160mm |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Tires | Drivetrain | Click view |
| Trek 920 | $2099 | 29×2.00” | KMC X10, 10 speed | Click view |
| Salsa Fargo Apex 1 | $2399 | 29 x 2.2″ | SRAM PC 1110 11speed | Click view |
| Trek 520 | $1829 | 700x38c | Shimano HG200, 11-36, 9 speed | Click view |
| Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 650b | $3,025 | 650b x 47c | Shimano HG601, 11 speed | Click view |
Trek 1120 vs Trek 920
I have to admit that the Trek 920 has a relative advantage in terms of weight, as the aluminum frame isn’t as bulky as I thought it would be. But obviously, it may be a bit lacking in terms of shock absorption. This is mainly because the aluminum fork does not have the same toughness as carbon during movement.
However, the Trek 1120 has an 1120 HCM Carbon fork configuration that won’t make you feel this way, after all, carbon fiber absorbs vibration better than aluminum would. Some may think that the 2× speed change may be more complicated. So as a novice, you seek a simple speed change, then the Trek 1120 is still your best choice.
In short, it has certain advantages, both in terms of price and terms of absorbing vibrations.
Trek 1120 vs Salsa Fargo Apex 1
The Salsa Fargo Apex 1 is indeed a good alternative vehicle for the price party, while the 11.1kg weight is friendly even for female riders.
However, it must be said that the Salsa Fargo Apex 1 will be a little behind in the selection of components. The rigid frame may not be as light as aluminum as well as durable, and it will also have a good sense of vibration for riding on gravel roads.
But the good thing is that the Salsa Fargo Apex 1 still opts for the 1x system in terms of drivetrain, thus eliminating the need for complicated speed control operations. As an entry-level touring vehicle, the Salsa Fargo Apex 1 is certainly qualified.
However, in our actual review, the Trek 1120’s 1×12 drivetrain was trustworthy as well as giving us a thumbs up for both the smoothness of the shifts and the 12 speeds available.
If, however, you are focused on more variable speed and smoother tuning, I think the Trek 1120 is one of the can’t-miss choices.
Salsa Fargo Apex 1 Review – An Unexpected Experience
Trek 1120 vs Trek 520
It’s worth noting that the Trek 520 was the fastest vehicle in our five group measurements (the fastest trip reached 61km/h). This is quite competitive for smaller trail riding competitions.
At the same time, the 700c tires grip the ground and the Bontrager H1 Hard-case tires have a rough aramid bead surface to give you the ultimate stability on the ride. But the 3x system is really hard for me to handle easily. The wide range of speed options also means it takes more time.
Needless to say, the Trek 1120 1×12 drivetrain is a popular mountain bike setup today. It shows that it has simple and smooth shifting, as well as a relatively wide speed range. It is an excellent choice for both novice mountain bikers and trail enthusiasts.
So, if the price is not your main consideration in choosing a bike, then I would recommend the Trek 1120 to you.
learn more：What Makes The Trek 520 Such A Powerful Gravel Road Bike
Trek 1120 vs Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 650b
We can see that the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 650b comes with a hefty price tag, but the components it comes with are also satisfying.
carbon frame and fork is its standard configuration, so the strong body is tough at the same time. However, the 2x system does not have the same rapid speed adjustment process as the 1x. But the high power and wide range of the Shimano system will still give some cyclists a more interesting riding experience. In addition, the 58km/h speed will still give you great confidence in the cross-country competition.
Although, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 650b has a more prominent body design and better body materials. But if you think the Trek 1120 is a loser, you probably don’t know the Trek 1120 that well. First of all, the Trek 1120 has better rolling efficiency thanks to the 29×3.00” Bontrager XR2 Team Issue tires. Secondly, despite the aluminum bodywork, it is not bulky and can be mastered well even by female riders. Finally, the 1× speed shift is also very friendly for novices.
Yes, if you are a Shimano1x fan and you want more speed Trek 1120 is the right choice for you.
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