Trek 6500 disc
The Shimano Deore drivetrain, which is not considered low-end at the moment, is of very high quality, and the Trek 6500 is equipped with a complete Shimano Deore. The Trek 6500 had a 3X9 drivetrain in 2006, but it has been a 3X10 drivetrain since 2010.
However, the price has risen, and I don’t believe it is particularly cost-effective. 1X drivetrains are popular today, and almost all of them do away with the front derailleur chainstays in an effort to simplify riding and to hell with complicated gear systems.
Riding a 3X drivetrain bike car didn’t feel particularly different to me, but a 1X mountain bike gives you more confidence to ride your best in technical singletrack.
Bontrager Jones ACX Tires
Because these tires are tubed, the tire pressure requirements aren’t excessive.
However, I prefer the 27.5 “pneumatic tires Despite the Trek 6500’s 26*2.2 “Tires greatly aid in steering and technical climbing.
The 27.5″ tires are the middle size between the 29″ tires and fit a wider range of heights, as well as having many advantages for riding speed, including fast climbs. However, the Trek 6500’s tires were already quite good at the time, and the size of the tire button would perform admirably on hard ground and gravel.
Puncture resistance is also fairly good.
Brakes
The Trek 6500 had two versions of brakes in terms of accessories. One is the brake of alloy pulling line, this kind of rim brake, cheaply built, at that time the braking effect in ordinary terrain and mechanical disc brake is not much different.
At that time, it was not suitable for some fast descending terrain as I mentioned above. The other is the Trek 6500 Disc with mechanical disc brakes, which can be configured for technical singletrack or forest road riding.
Although brake upgrades are not expensive, I still prefer a mountain bike with disc brakes that can be ridden in the mountains with easier stops and no worries about riding.
If you go with the Trek 6500, you can upgrade it with appropriate disc brakes from Amazon. The budget can be as low as $100.
Front Fork
The Manitou Axel Comp 80mm travel shock fork was still available on the Trek 6500 in 2005. The Trek 6500, however, has a 100mm travel fork since 2006. This is what makes it more suitable for trail riding and, according to other reviews, the most affordable trail mountain bike.
That’s because it was improved incrementally each year until it reached the configuration preferred by trail riders in 2006. It’s also not expensive.
The Trek 6500’s fork is excellent on a variety of terrains, but in intense mountain riding, it may appear inadequate because, as mountain biking has evolved, high-end cross-country or speedy mountain bikes have reached 120mm of travel or more.
These days, 100mm travel forks seem a little short. If you’re looking for a beginner mountain bike, a 100mm or 80mm travel fork will suffice.
Bontrager Select seat and handlebars
Trek still uses Bontrager Select seat and handlebar parts in mountain bikes under $2,000 these days, and the parts are strong and durable enough that there’s not much to complain about.
However, I prefer the gel seat for long rides or mountain riding, and it’s beneficial to have less seat impact on the body. If you only plan on riding short distances, the Trek 6500 seat will suffice.
Benefits of the Trek 6500
Affordable price Off-road mountain bike with versatility 100mm travel shock fork for entry-level cross-country 26*2.2″ tires for agile steering and strong grip Sturdy and durable handlebars Peace of mind after-sales service, up to 10 years frame warranty
What we don’t like about it
26″ tires are slightly outdated at the moment Stiff seat, not suitable for long rides
FAQ
What is the body weight of the Trek 6500?
The Trek 6500 has a bodyweight of 27.8 lbs.
What frame sizes does the Trek 6500 come in?
15.5, 17.5, 19.5, 21.5″
How much is the Trek 6500 worth?
The Trek 6500 is worth about $95. It also depends on the condition of the bike.
Learn more
Is The Trek 6000 Mountain Bike Worth Buying? [Trek 6000 Review]
Is The Trek 830 A Good Mountain Bike? [Trek 830 Review]
Compare Tables
Bicycle Frame material Wheel size Speed Number Price Trek Roscoe 7 mountain bike Alpha Gold Aluminum 29-Inch 12 Click View Trek Marlin 8 mountain bike Aluminum 26-29 Inch 12 Click View SANTA CRUZ Nomad Carbon 27.5in x 2.6in 12 Click View Schwinn S29 Mountain Bike Aluminum 29 21 Click View
Comparison
Trek Roscoe 7 mountain bike 2022 vs Trek 6500
Trek Roscoe 7
It’s a stretch to compare the latest Trek Roscoe 7 mountain bike to the 15-year-old Trek 6500. However, just like a computer upgrade, the new configuration is always far superior to the old one. So, what are the advantages of the Trek Roscoe 7 mountain bike over the Trek 6500?
You get, Alpha Gold aluminum frame, 29×2.60″ Bontrager TLR tires, 1X12 Shimano Deore Drivetrain, 140mm travel RockShox Recon Silver RL fork, Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc.
A good mountain bike is often the starting point for fun riding, and the race-ready Trek Roscoe 7 is less than half the price of a professional race bike, but the slew of accessories will not disappoint. 29-inch tires are more common these days, but they’re 2.6″ wide and have excellent traction even on sand.
Although a Deore accessory alongside the Trek 6500, the 1X12 Shimano Deore Drivetrain has been updated over the last 15 years and its performance is in no way comparable to older versions of gears.
Finally, I must mention its mid-to-high-end RockShox shock fork, which has 140 mm of travel. Dropping down to higher distances on slopes is very difficult to bottom out the fork, and the damping effect will dazzle riders who haven’t tried this fork before.
For those of you who want to compete in races, the Trek Roscoe 7 is a mid-to-high-end mountain bike.
Learn more: Is Trek Roscoe 7 Worth Buying? [Trek Roscoe 7 Review]
Trek Marlin 8 mountain bike VS Trek 6500
Trek Marlin 8
It must be rugged and durable, as well as easy to ride in the mountains. The Trek Marlin 8 is a low-cost mountain bike that will not disappoint casual adventure riders. It has an Alpha Silver Aluminium frame, a RockShox Judy Silver fork (100mm travel, 80mm travel on some frame sizes), 29 (XS & S: 27.5×2.4″) tires, and a Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brake.
With a clean alignment and a slim profile. The rear rack and fender mounting holes remain on the Trek 6500. Every detail is suitable for daily adventures and commuting, thanks to the excellent bodywork and non-redundant features. The Trek Marlin 8 mountain bike outperforms the Trek 6500 on both mountain climbs and descents, balancing budget and performance.
If you prefer the current Trek mountain bikes, the Trek Marlin 8 is an excellent choice.
SANTA CRUZ Nomad Mountain Bike vs Trek 6500
SANTA CRUZ Nomad
When comparing high-end race bikes, the SANTA CRUZ Nomad Mountain Bike is an existence that does not let boring riding replace your riding life entirely. The SANTA CRUZ Nomad is designed to allow you to ride freely in difficult woodland singletrack or challenging park terrain. It is built in accordance with a professional mountain bike park.
A carbon frame, RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ Rear Shock (170mm Rear Travel), Fox 38 Float Performance (170mm Front Travel), 800mm handlebar width, and SRAM Code R 4-piston hydraulic brake are all included. SANTA CRUZ A slack-out 64-degree head-tube angle, combined with 27.5in wheels, allows you to roll over obstacles without feeling sluggish on a technical trail.
The bike is only 33.16 pounds (15,030g). That’s not a particularly heavy mountain bike. So, if you want to be first in endurance racing in the future, you should consider this wild mountain bike.
Schwinn S29 Mountain Bike VS Trek 6500
Schwinn S29 Mens Mountain Bike
When you compare a race mountain bike to the protagonist, it’s like comparing a cheap mountain bike to the protagonist after speeding down a steep hill to the flat. The Schwinn S29 is a good value for money mountain bike with 29″ tires that are suitable for commuting or general mountain riding.
The 60mm travel shock fork is adequate for mountain riding in hilly areas, but it has many limitations when riding on forest roads and single tracks. As a result, this mountain bike is best suited to riders who live in low-altitude areas.
When compared to the Trek 6500, it has the advantage of mechanical disc brakes and is about the same weight. On wet surfaces, the slightly wider tires provide a little more traction. The Schwinn S29 is another good mountain bike that strikes a good balance between price and performance. Consider it for your limited funds.
Tip: Used Schwinn S29s can fetch a good price.
Learn more: Schwinn S29 Mens Mountain Bike Reviews-In-Depth Assessment
Final Verdict (4.5/5)
Even though it lags behind in terms of riding feel and accessory stack, the Trek 6500 is a shining mountain bike when compared to mountain bikes from 15 years ago.
The comparison takes into account that it was originally configured with a significant number of replacement parts over the course of the ride, and that these replacement parts will be gradually upgraded over time. So, in terms of riding experience and component quality, the Trek 6500 is a good mountain bike. We ultimately gave it a rating of (4.5/5).
Learn more: Is The Trek 6000 Mountain Bike Worth Buying? [Trek 6000 Review]
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