Is Trek 820 A Good Bike Or Not Worth It?

Once you realize that you enjoy exploring rough terrains on a bicycle, getting a solid mountain bike is your next move. When examining potential MTBs, it’s essential to know if the one you choose will work for you, and this post aims to answer the question, is Trek 820 a good bike?

Trek 820 is a good bike because it features excellent components like a steel frame, suspension fork, solid 26’’ wheels, and reliable shifters that make trail riding smoother and comfortable. Furthermore, it can handle 300 pounds (136kgs) which makes it suitable for heavier riders.

It’s an affordable bike that’s built with beginner mountain bikers and riders in general in mind. This review of Trek 820 gives you all the information you need to know before buying it.

I will look at the Trek 820`s specifications, core features, pros and cons, what this bike offers and also its limitations.

Trail riding a Trek 820 bike

Trek 820 Specifications

ComponentType
FrameTrek Custom Steel
ForkSR Suntour M-3030, coil spring, preload, 75mm travel
Headset1-1/8” threadless
Rims/WheelsBontrager AT-550 36-hole alloy
HubsFront: Formula FM21 alloy; Rear: Formula FM31 alloy
SpokesBontrager Approved
TiresBontrager LT3, 26×2.00″
CranksetShimano Tourney M131
Chainrings42/34/24
Bottom BracketSealed cartridge
ChainKMC Z51
Front DerailleurShimano Tourney TY500
Rear DerailleurShimano Tourney TY300
Shifters7 speed Shimano Tourney EF40
Rear Cogs7 speed Shimano TZ21 14-28
Handlebars25.4mm, 30mm rise Bontrager Riser
BrakesTektro alloy linear-pull
StemBontrager alloy, 25.4mm, 25 degree
Tape/Grips Bontrager SSR
SeatpostBontrager SSR, 29.2mm, 12mm offset, 2-bolt head
SaddleBontrager SSR
PedalsWellgo nylon platform

The Key Features Of Trek 820 Mountain Bike

Trek 820 is in a class of its own, and the following features stick out when answering, is Trek 820 a good bike?

1. Trek Custom Steel Frame

Trek 820 has a durable, solid custom steel frame made for taking on challenging rides frequently for many years before giving in to tear and wear. Moreover, the frame is rugged in design which gives the bike excellent functionality and distinct performance.

2. Suspension Fork

The SR Suntour M-3030 preloaded fork uses a coil spring to deliver responsiveness on virtually any trail. The fork’s 75mm travel allows you to undertake moderately tricky rides much easily.

Who should ride Trek 820

Due to the shock-absorbing fork, the Trek 820’s front wheel can travel down and up bumpy roads and rough terrains, with the handlebars staying steady, offering unrivaled comfortability. However, it won’t take on big hits.

3. Shifters

You can adjust your Trek 820’s speed swiftly thanks to the Shimano Tourney EF40 7-speed. It delivers smooth shifting, which will come in handy when riding on trails, off-road, or when you have to change gears swiftly.

Besides the shifters Trek 820 also has a Shimano Tourney TY300 rear derailleur and Shimano Tourney TY500 front derailleur. This provides magnified performance capabilities to bring confidence to your rides.

The bike is also equipped with comfortable Bontrager Riser 25.4m/30mm rise handlebars with excellent maneuverability that combines ease with precision. As a result, you get precise and solid handling, which ensures you have proper control of your bicycle.

The components work together to provide a smoother ride, and you can attest to it once you get on your Trek 820.

4. Bontrager SSR Saddle

Trek 820 has a Bontrager SSR saddle that gives you a better body and back support in the way you sit and ride the bike.

In addition, its Seatpost is a well-crafted, comfortable Bontrager SSR 2-bolt head 29.2, 12mm offset. This ensures the long rides are not tiresome and gives you better travel intervals with minimal rest stops.

While Trek designed a seat that provides comfort to most cyclists, that doesn’t mean it will work for everyone. This is because cyclists aren’t the same.

5. Rim Brakes

The Trek 820 is equipped with Tektro alloy linear-pull brakes, which deliver fast and precise stopping power.

These are rim brakes which aren’t the norm with mountain bikes as they typically use disc brakes. However, these brakes are ideal, considering this bike’s targeted rider and its price.

It is unlikely that beginner riders will feel the advantages of disc brakes, thus using rim brakes is a smart choice for this bicycle.

Trek 820 frame material

In addition, combining these brakes with the Bontrager LT3 26×2.00″ tires makes Trek 820 a noteworthy beginner bike based on all-around performance and raw braking power, plus uncompromised safety.

6. 26-Inch Wheels

Trek 820 has a solid, basic wheelset comprising 26-inch wheels and Bontrager tires and rims. The moderately knobby Bontrager LT3 tires provide decent grip when riding in trails but don’t expect the kind of grip you’d get from aggressively knobby tires.

The tires have a maximum width of 2.0”, so your options may be constricted if you decide to change to wider tires.

Pros And Cons Of Trek 820

below are the drawbacks and strengths of Trek 820 mountain bike you should know if you’re considering buying it.

Pros

  • It is practical and versatile on uphill climbs and moderate trails thanks to the lightweight design
  • The stock components can be upgraded efficiently and cheaply
  • It has a sturdy, robust front suspension
  • Stock tires offer excellent grip and traction
  • The bike’s comfortable Seatpost prevents fatigue and discomfort on long rides
  • It offers a pro-level riding experience at a pocket-friendly cost
  • It provides a flawless positioning system that ensures you keep optimal posture all the time
  • It can be utilized for off-roading purposes

 Cons

  • Severe impacts can become bumpier when tackling bigger features due to the stock suspension
  • There are some levels of modifications required for it to handle downhill rides or rough terrain.

What Should You  Expect From Trek 820?

At $469.99, which is slightly higher than departmental store bicycles, Trek 820 offers real value. It is a solid, well-built mountain bike free of issues that typically accompany inexpensive bikes, such as rattling, squeaking, and looseness.

Trek 820 is heavy, but that is expected, especially at such a price. You get a sturdy, reliable bicycle which should be your priority when buying a budget-friendly MTB.

You can use this bike to commute around town, run errands, and explore different trails. While a proper road bike is more efficient and faster, 820 offers an upright riding position, wider bars, and wider tires that feel more comfortable, stable, and secure.

The gears and shifters combination will make sure you cycle up steep hills, while the braking system will ensure you achieve a smooth stoppage. Trek 820 also has many mounting points to hold your luggage racks and set up other accessories.

Trek 820 for women

Additionally, this bicycle comes in various sizes thus, ideal for cyclists of different heights, including younger riders. Women interested in mountain biking can choose Trek 820 WSD that’s available in L,S, and XL.

Trek 820 has a lot to offer, but at the same time, it is not free of limitations. These are more noticeable when riding on trails as the ride will get bumpy, and you’ll need to master basic skills.

However, learning skills such as using your knees as shock absorbers and standing on the pedals isn’t bad because they are applicable even on a sophisticated bicycle.

The limited suspension will force you to choose a smoother lane rather than leaving your shocks to absorb road shocks and vibrations.

In addition, read:

 FAQs

1. What Year is Trek 820?

Trek 820 was first released in 1987. There have been numerous models since including 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, and 2020 with the specifications changing nearly every year.

2. How Heavy Is The Trek 820?

Trek 820 weighs 33.68 pounds (15.28 kgs) with tubes.

3. Does Trek 820 Have Disc Brakes?

Trek 820 doesn’t have disc brakes which is a bit disappointing considering that most mountain bikes are designed with disc brakes, but it should not surprise you since this is a budget-friendly bike.

Trek 820 has rim brakes, specifically, Tektro alloy linear-pull braking system. These brakes operate by gripping two rubber pads onto the wheel’s rim.

This is an old-style in braking technology that disc brakes have replaced on more expensive bikes. However, it still functions, and it’s been utilized successfully for several years.

Disc brakes perform more efficiently in muddy and wet conditions, but rim brakes will manage your speed and stop you very effectively, ensuring you do not run into obstacles like trees.

4. Is Trek 820 A Hardtail?

Trek 820 is a solid hardtail with a durable, reliable front suspension to absorb the impacts of curb drops and bumpy roads for a prolonged time, ensuring you enjoy riding more.

5. Is Trek 820 Mens Or Womens?

Trek 820 is made for both women and men as it is available in different sizes. The 820 WSD is the women’s version available in sizes XS, S, and L.

On the other hand, Trek 820 has more options- XS, S, M/L, L, and XL, accommodating shorter, medium-height, and tall riders.

Verdict: Is Trek 820 A Good Bike?

Trek 820 is undoubtedly an excellent option for beginner mountain bikers and cyclists who mainly use light trails. The sturdy build of this bike makes it durable, and it embodies a quality design that offers a comfortable, enjoyable ride.

This affordable mountain bike provides the quality, stability, and efficiency that leaners looking to better their riding skills and seasoned cyclists who want a reliable bike for trail riding and daily use will appreciate.

It is by no means without faults, but by understanding the limitations of your bike, your Trek 820 will serve you well when out on different trails.