My 820 held up to stuff that flattened a lot of people and places people busted chains. Example: urban assault on downtown Cleveland, climbing a hill, a full XTR, spandex clad rider busted a new chain climbing the same hill that I was beating him up! Another example, after jumping a 3-4 foot ledge, a rider on a dirt jumper got a flat tire, and my bike held up fine. I really think that the Trek 820 is more trail worthy than many think. Maybe the lower end components, since they are steel, are tougher...just a theory though. I'm out there for fun, I don't need a race bike. With the accessories and upgrades I've put on the 820, its a durable(HEAVY) ride. I look forward to a summer of pounding on it, and another and another.