The Trek 8000 has always been regarded as a mid-range to high-end mountain bike that can be relied on for a long time.
It’s been over a decade, but it still belongs in the mid-range bike category in our opinion. With its light body weight and super-wide gear range, the Trek 8000 has gone through several iterations and is now my favorite mountain bike.
The descent and climbing performance, components, and specifications of the 2009 Trek 8000, as well as the other versions in the series, are detailed below.
Descending
Steep uphill climbs and fast descents are more than just a mountain biking challenge. It also serves as a test of the rider’s abilities.
While the Trek 8000 is not a professional speedy mountain bike, it does have a 100mm shock fork and 2.2″ wide mountain tires, and it descends at a slower speed on the flats with hydraulic disc brakes that are easily braked.
The steeper head tube angle provides more directional control. The roots and small rocks you encounter during the descent will be felt, but the bounces will generally take off.
However, when confronted with large obstacles, the sensation of throwing around becomes addictive.
Because of the lighter bodyweight, acceleration is slower when descending on longer trails.
The not-so-wide tires are not as smooth as today’s super-wide tires when riding through loose foliage or muddy downhill roads, but they are sufficient for an intermediate rider to ride wild in the mountains.
Climbing
The climbing performance of the Trek 8000 impresses many riders on the road. The aluminum frame of the Trek 8000 has many of the features of today’s high-end mountain bikes and is lightweight. The pedals are also responsive.
On steep climbs, the 3X9 gearing configuration will not leave you struggling. The rapid ascent on trails is surprising.
With a 71° head tube angle, you can easily steer or go around obstacles in trails with more than 30° of incline and over small steps. All of this is difficult to accomplish on a low-end mountain bike.
The 8000-mile trek, on the other hand, can. Acceleration isn’t as slow as you might think, the dependable tires offer plenty of grip on technical climbing trails or rocky climbs, and there’s not much pedal swing.
As a result, if you ride the Trek 8000, you will enjoy the difficult climbing rides more.
General Terrain
Although the Trek 8000 is a hardtail mountain bike, it is designed to be abused on rough low-end rides at will.
These terrains are no problem at all, whether they are park steps or cobble-filled river beaches.
The Trek 8000 rides without much of an advantage on roads with little difficulty that a cheap mountain bike can do as well.
When riding on rough woodland trails, its aggressive geometry, grippy tires, carbon frame weight, 27 speeds, and finally faster acceleration make it a good trail performer when compared to the average gravel bike.
The Trek 8000 is also an excellent fitness bike for general terrain. Reliable accessories allow you to ride fast or allow you to ride at all.
Component Features and Specifications
Alpha Red Aluminum Frame (4.5/5)
The Trek 8000 features the Alpha Red Aluminum frame, which is currently found on most Trek mountain bikes costing more than $2,500.
The 71° head tube angle is beneficial on climbs, and it also has a longer top tube. The use of hydroforming technology gives the frame a more even texture and makes it less likely to break over the course of up to ten years of riding.
The head tube has been reinforced, which is good for protecting the welded part and providing proper stiffness during technical singletrack or trail riding.
For a reason, the slightly bent downtube gives the frame a steep head tube angle.
The rear lower fork has a slight bulge to accommodate wider tires.
Quality mountain bikes are not always outfitted to the highest standard in their initial configuration, but riders who enjoy mountain sports are constantly looking for the best fit as they become more familiar with their bikes day by day in order to find the terrain they enjoy riding the most.
Of course, I’m complaining about the lack of cables that run through the internal alignment, as well as the fact that some of them are on top of the top tube, which isn’t very appealing.
Drivetrain (4.0/5)
The 3X9 drivetrain is made of a hard alloy, the Shimano Deore XT crankset is lighter in weight and the hard alloy can stand up to rough riding.
The front and rear derailleur are both Shimano SLX, which shifts without slipping gears on fast rides.
And there are no very big problems to be found in many reviews about this drivetrain. So the Trek 8000 drivetrain, in terms of performance and durability, is an accessory worthy of praise.
Shock front fork (4.0/5)
The RockShox Reba SL Dual Air shock fork is in the middle of the price range.
However, for a mountain bike from ten years ago, its configuration is relatively high-end, with 100mm of travel, just across the shock travel required for trail riding.
Having used the RockShox high-end fork, I don’t dismiss the shock absorption of a mid-range fork. Rough trail riding is frequently influenced by the performance of a mountain bike.
Air shock forks have better responsiveness and a better damping effect than spring shock forks at the same travel, but durability is slightly lower.
Bontrager Jones XR Tires (3.8/5)
This tire has an inner tube and is a more traditional 26×2.2/2.25″. With the correct tire pressure, it is easy to provide reliable grip on mountain riding.
26″ tires give you better handling feel when riding. The width of 2.2″, up to 26×2.35″, allows for slippage-free riding on wet surfaces.
Hydraulic disc brake (4.5/5)
The Trek 8000 also has the same hydraulic disc brakes found on mid- to high-end mountain bikes, as well as the mechanical disc brakes found on the Trek 8000 until 2009.
The 2009 Trek 8000, on the other hand, lacks braking efficiency. Hydraulic disc brakes have a shorter braking distance, giving the rider more time to react in the wooded singletrack.
Benefits of the Trek 8000
- Light weight
- Steep head tube angle for off-road climbing
- 100mm travel shock fork for good shock absorption
- Tires with strong grip
- Precise braking with hydraulic disc brakes
What we don’t like about it
- It a bit hard seat
Other versions of Trek 8000
2000 Trek 8000
The Trek 8000 2000 costs $1150. As far as cheap mountain bikes go, it does not appear to be well equipped.
Front tires: 26 x 2.125 inch Bontrager Jones AC, rear tires: 26 x 2.00 inch Bontrager Jones AC, mechanical disc brakes, and a shock fork with only 80mm of travel. The rest of the features are the same as in later versions.
However, the body weight has increased by 4 pounds to 29 pounds. Ideal for low-level mountain biking or rough trail riding.
2005 Trek 8000
At the time, the MSRP was $1540. The ZR 9000 aluminum frame is being used for the first time on this bike, and it’s a high-end frame that doesn’t fit well with other accessories.
However, the bike’s longevity and weight are significantly reduced. The rest of the features are the same as on the Trek 8000 from 2000. Climbing rides are better suited.
2006 Trek 8000
The body color is burgundy, more stylish and bold. The price is slightly lowered to $1400. The fork is made of lighter aluminum-magnesium alloy, and the body weight is slightly lighter, but no other major changes are made.
2009 Trek 8000
This is also the main character of this review, the price was $1800. There are significant upgrades in components and specifications, such as hydraulic disc brakes and the use of a RockShox Reba SL Dual Air, 100 mm travel fork.
Making it more suitable for off-road riding and better performance in woodland singletrack.
2010 Trek 8000
The 2010 Trek 8000 iteration didn’t have much to offer, but instead went up in price by $200. The paint color is more youth friendly and the Bontrager Race Lite is 630mm long, 10mm longer than the previous version’s handlebars.
2011 Trek 8000
This is the latest Trek 8000 I’ve been able to get my hands on, with the Fox Alps fork and the same 100mm of travel. But it is a little more responsive on bumpy ground than the 2009 Trek 8000.
The 3X10’s drivetrain has been upgraded from the 2010 Trek 8000. Other features are not much improved.
2009 Trek 8000 Specs
Frameset
| Frame | Alpha Red Aluminum w/internally and externally relieved head tube, hydroformed bi-axial down tube and top tube, wishbone seatstay, hydroformed chainstays, forged and relieved disc ready dropouts |
| Sizes | 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21.5″ |
Wheels
| Wheels | Shimano M525 SL rear hub, Bontrager sealed front hub; Bontrager SSR, 32-hole welded rims w/eyelets |
| Tires | Bontrager Jones XR, 26×2.2/2.25″; 60 tpi, folding |
Drivetrain
| Shifters | Shimano SLX SL |
| Front derailleur | Shimano SLX |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Deore XT “Shadow” |
| Crank | Shimano Deore XT 44/32/22 |
| Cassette | SRAM PG970 11-32, 9 speed |
Components
| Saddle | Bontrager Race |
| Seatpost | Bontrager Race, 31.6mm, 5mm offset |
| Handlebar | Bontrager Race OS flat bar, 31.6mm, 620mm width |
| Stem | Bontrager Race Lite, 7 degree, 31.8mm |
| Headset | VP-A58ACT-TK, 1 1/8″ w/alloy cups, semi-cartridge bearings, sealed |
| Brakeset | Avid Juicy 5, hydraulic disc; 185mm front rotor, 160mm rear rotor |
| Colors | Gloss Black/Pearl White |
FAQ
- What is the body weight of the Trek 8000?
The Trek 8000, produced in 2006 and later, weighs around 24 lbs.
- What frame sizes are available for the Trek 8000?
15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21.5″.
- What is the weight limit for the Trek 8000?
No more than 300 lbs (136 kg), which includes the weight of the rider and the weight of the cargo.
- Is there a Trek 8000 mountain bike for sale?
The Trek 8000 mountain bike has been discontinued, so if you want to collect one, you can search for it on used websites such as Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
Comparison Table
| Bicycle | Frame material | Wheel size | Speed Number | Price |
| Trek X-Caliber 8 mountain bike | Alpha Gold Aluminum | 27.5-29Inch | 12 | Click View |
| Trek Farley 7 mountain bike | Alpha Platinum Aluminum | 27.5×4.50” | 12 | Click View |
| YETI SB115 Turq T1 XT Mountain Bike | Carbon | [front] 29in x 2.5in, [rear] 29in x 2.3in | 12 | Click View |
| Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bike | Steel/aluminum | 24-29 in | 7-21 | Click View |
Competition
Trek X-Caliber 8 mountain bike VS Trek 8000
The Trek X-Caliber 8 is just as light as the Trek 8000. Nonetheless, the Trek X-Caliber 8 weighs 3.5 pounds more than the Trek 8000.
And the now-popular 1X12 speed drivetrain, which provides riders with a wide range of gearing options. The front chainstay limitation has been removed, so shifting is no longer difficult.
Sturdy flywheel that is nearly impossible to damage. A more relaxed head tube angle to keep you from feeling strained while riding.
For touring rides, the Trek X-Caliber 8 has a shock fork that can be remotely locked to switch the suspension working freely between flat mountain and rough terrain. Save your valuable energy.
This is, of course, critical in long-distance off-road races.
When riding in the mountains, the 29×2.35″ (part of the frame is 27.5×2.35″) puncture-proof tires with no inner tube handle wet ground well.
The Trek X-Caliber 8’s components are superior for trail riding to those of the Trek 8000.
As a result, the Trek X-Caliber 8 is the premium mountain bike for faster riding, racers, or anyone else who wants to cover more ground in less time.
Learn more: Is The Trek X-Caliber 8 Worth Buying? [Trek X-Caliber 8 Review]
Trek Farley 7 Mountain Bike VS Trek 8000
Frozen mountains don’t seem to fit with the Trek 8000’s riding style. The Trek Farley 7 Mountain Bike has you covered.
You’ll get 27.5×4.50″ (S, M frames with 27.5×3.80″) extra-wide tires, a Manitou Mastodon 34 Comp, an air spring fork, a 1X12 speed drivetrain, a lift seat post for lowering, and other features. Fat-tire mountain bikes that aren’t constrained by time or weather have emerged as a new favorite in recent years.
You can ride in the snow whenever you want if you wear warm clothes and protective gear. Even on slightly icy ground, fat tires provide excellent traction. You don’t have to worry about not having enough traction when climbing on ice.
The bike also has a lot of design details to ensure a smooth ride in snowy or sandy mountain terrain.
Learn more: Trek Farley 7 Review-Strong Contenders
YETI SB115 Turq T1 XT vs Trek 8000
The YETI SB115 is a pure race mountain bike that crushes the Trek 8000 in every way.
The YETI SB115 has a 130mm Fox Factory 34 Fit4 fork, making it suitable for riding on all types of off-road terrain, particularly in multi-day stage races, and it has excellent shock absorption with its 115mm Fox Factory Float DPS.
When it comes to long, sending forest singletrack, the Trek 8000 is a deterrent.
The YETI SB115 has a very generous head tube angle, excellent climbing performance, and gives you more confidence on descending trails thanks to Yeti’s patented Switch Infinity suspension design and fork, which reduces most of the initial impact and allows for a softer feel on deeper descents.
The C-Series carbon fiber is extremely light weight, providing the ideal balance of stiffness and suppleness. If you want to race long distances off-road, the YETI SB115Turq T1 XT Mountain Bike is a great mountain bike to try.
Schwinn High Timber VS Trek 8000
What mountain bike should I buy if I’m on a tight budget and primarily a commuter rider? With the Schwinn High Timber, a mountain bike for commuters or park trail riding, we’ve got you covered.
The Schwinn High Timber is a sleek and lightweight mountain bike with medium-sized 27.5-inch wheels that is suitable for both youth and adults. The cost is a fraction of that of the Trek 8000.
There isn’t much of a difference between riding on trails and riding in the neighborhood. A 3×7 drivetrain and enough shock forks to get you through enjoyable commutes.
Learn more: Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike Review
Final Verdict (4.3/5)
The Trek 8000 with its a very light bodyweight and 3X9 drivetrain and steep head tube angle. Allowing riders to ride at will on generally difficult forest road singletrack or flat mountain terrain in hilly areas. It’s a great mountain bike. We gave this mountain bike a final rating of 4.3 out of 5.
