Mountain Biking - Trek Y26

What do you all think about this bike? I know nothing about mountain bikes but am looking to get one within 3 months hopefully. Are there any other bikes around that price range that are better or compareable? I like that look of mountain bike, kind of a stupid reason to get one, but hey, it's the truth. A little info; I'm not going to be doing anything crazy with it. I just want to be able to go out and have fun trail rides, as well as do some downhill stuff and be able beat it pretty hard without it falling apart.

Avoid that bike at all costs, it is trouble. Just go for a ht.

I'm not at all keen on that bike, although, I admit I have never ridden. I do know that it is an old design, and does not pedal very efficiently, because the rear suspension bobs. Trek does not put a very impressive parts package on it either. For the money, you would be better off to get a hardtail like the 4500 or 4900. You might be surprised how much you can do on one if you focus on being smooth. Plus a hardtail will be noticeable easy to pedal uphill and on long rides than the Y-26. Giant and Specialized also offer similar bikes.

If you really do think that full-suspension is what you need, you should consider spending more and getting a more efficient and modern design. Probably the least expensive decent such bike is the Jamis Dakar. Most other companies' decent full suspension option start at around $1000, so $300 more than the entry level Jamis. The fork and drivetrain may not be quite as nice, but it's a decent frame design.

I agree, the Y-design from Trek is an abortion of full suspension design. It's an experiment gone BAD!

That's me being NICE about it!


You can do much better. What is your budget? A decent full suspension bike that gets decent reviews for around $500 is the Giant Warp. I haven't test ridden one in years, but I've heard they've come a long way. I think I test rode a 2001 model and it was JUNK, but I understand newer models are significantly improved and are "Decent" bikes for the money.

I think Raiyn works at a Giant dealer, you should PM him and ask his opinion.

L8R

whoa! lets see a picture of this thing!!

whoa! lets see a picture of this thing!!

Nevermind, i found a pic of it on the site. Ewww.. it looks like one of those wal-mart bikes. Personally, i would much rather buy a decent hardtail for that price.

That's what I would recommend ANYWAYS, but if you MUST have full squish, I understand they're decent. Not good mind you, but decent!

L8R

I really apreciate everyones responses. From the reviews I'm deffinatly NOT getting that bike. I see, now thinking about it, the way that rear suspension is set up it would was a lot of energy with each pedel rotation. If a hardtail is going to be my best bet, what are your recomendations as to the best one for, preferably under, but if not then around, $800 - $1000? Thanks again

The 2004 DiamondBack Apex is only around 600$-700$(CAD) maybe a slight bit more expensive. Strong, light, an awesome bike all&all.

http://www.diamondback.com/items.asp?deptid=2&itemid=121&va=0

If you want to spend less than $800. Maybe a Trek 4900, or Gary Fisher Marlin, or a Specialized Rock Hopper,(basic model) will do what you want. Use the left over funds to get shoes, cleats and fun accessory items. I myself want the GF Tassajara but that is a little more money. ($670)

Heck the Trek 820 is a good bike if you just want a blike to ride around. I would much rather have the 820 than that Y26 pogo stick. But that is just me and I am not a mountain biker either. I just like to ride bikes a lot and do things on the cheap.

Good luck.

Thanks for the info guys. Always nice to be saved from making a regretful decision

$800-$1000 gives you quite a bit of selection in hardtails, even a few decent full-suspension bikes. For hardtails, definitely check out the local dealers for Trek, Giant, and Specialized, and also see what of the smaller brands they offer, as well. Most of smaller companies' rides are just as good as the big 3.

For $1000 USD you can get a Kona Caldera...pretty nice hardtail for the price. You get XT/deore rear/front, hayes hydros and a decent fork (zocchi EXR Pro 100mm)

I agree, the Y-design from Trek is an abortion of full suspension design. It's an experiment gone BAD!

That's me being NICE about it!


You can do much better. What is your budget? A decent full suspension bike that gets decent reviews for around $500 is the Giant Warp. I haven't test ridden one in years, but I've heard they've come a long way. I think I test rode a 2001 model and it was JUNK, but I understand newer models are significantly improved and are "Decent" bikes for the money.

I think Raiyn works at a Giant dealer, you should PM him and ask his opinion.

L8RIt's not terrible it's just not something I'd recommend to a friend