Mountain Bikes, Northrock bicycles, Trek Bikes

Is Trek 820 A Good Bike or Not Worth It? (Trek 820 Best Review!)

April 1, 2023
By Dami Adebayo

If you’re in the market for a new bike, you may be wondering if the Trek 820 is worth your investment. The Trek is a popular mountain bike that is marketed as an affordable option for beginners. But is it really a good bike, or is it not worth the investment? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Trek and give you our honest opinion.

Introduction

In this article, I’ll comprehensively review the Trek 820 mountain bike. We’ll examine its key features, performance, and value for money. We’ll also compare it to other bikes in its class to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of the Trek 820

The Trek 820 is an entry-level mountain bike that is designed for riders who are new to the sport. It features a lightweight aluminum frame, 21-speed drivetrain, and front suspension fork. It is available in a range of sizes to suit riders of different heights.

specifications

Specification	Details
Frame	Alpha Silver Aluminum
Fork	SR Suntour M-3030, coil spring, 75mm travel
Front Derailleur	Shimano Tourney TY300
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Tourney TY300
Shifters	Shimano Altus M310, 8-speed
Cassette	Shimano HG31, 11-34, 8-speed
Crankset	Shimano Tourney TY301, 42/34/24
Bottom Bracket	Sealed cartridge
Brakes	Alloy linear-pull
Brake Levers	Alloy
Rims	Bontrager Connection, 32-hole, double-walled
Tires	Bontrager XR2, 26×2.20″ front and rear
Handlebar	Bontrager Riser, 25.4mm, 30mm rise
Stem	Bontrager alloy, 25.4mm, 15 degree
Saddle	Bontrager Evoke 1.5
Seatpost	Bontrager SSR, 2-bolt head, 27.2mm, 12mm offset
Weight	Varies by size, typically between 28-33 pounds

Frame and Fork

The frame of the Trek 820 is made from Alpha Silver aluminum, which is both strong and lightweight. The frame features internal cable routing, which gives it a clean and streamlined appearance. The front suspension fork is a Suntour M-3030, which provides 75mm of travel. While the fork is not adjustable, it does a good job of absorbing small bumps and vibrations.

Drivetrain

The Trek 820 features a 21-speed drivetrain powered by a Shimano Tourney derailleur. The gears are shifted using Shimano RevoShift shifters, which are easy to use and provide smooth and precise shifting. The gear range is suitable for most beginner-level mountain biking trails.

Brakes

The Trek 820 is equipped with linear-pull brakes, which provide good stopping power in most conditions. However, they may struggle in wet or muddy conditions, as they can become clogged with debris.

Wheels and Tires

The Trek 820 is fitted with Bontrager Connection tires designed for mixed-terrain riding. They provide good traction and grip but may struggle in wet or muddy conditions. The wheels are made from lightweight alloy, which helps reduce the bike’s overall weight.

Suspension

The front suspension fork on the Trek 820 provides 75mm of travel, suitable for most beginner-level trails. While the fork is not adjustable, it does a good job of absorbing small bumps and vibrations.

Comfort and Fit

The Trek 820 is designed for riders who are new to the sport, and as such, it is designed for comfort and ease of use. The saddle is well-padded and comfortable, and the handlebars are swept back to provide a more upright riding position. The bike is available in a range of sizes to suit riders of different heights.

Performance

The Trek 820 is a good bike for beginners looking for a reliable and affordable option. It performs well on most beginner-level trails, and the 21-speed drivetrain provides enough gears to tackle a range of terrain. However, it may struggle on more advanced trails and the linear-pull.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Affordable	Linear-pull brakes may struggle in wet or muddy conditions
Lightweight aluminum frame	Front suspension fork is not adjustable
Smooth and precise shifting	May struggle on more advanced trails
Good traction and grip on mixed terrain	Limited gear range compared to more advanced mountain bikes
Comfortable saddle and handlebars	No disc brakes, which provide better stopping power and control

Price

The Trek 820 is priced competitively for an entry-level mountain bike. It is a good option for riders on a budget but still wants a reliable and capable bike.

Alternatives

You may want to consider the following alternatives:

Trek Marlin 5: Similar to the Trek 820 but with a more advanced drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and a wider range of gears.
Giant Talon 29: A lightweight aluminum mountain bike with a 100mm suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, and a 24-speed drivetrain.
Specialized Rockhopper: A versatile mountain bike with a lightweight aluminum frame, hydraulic disc brakes, and an 18-speed drivetrain.

Conclusion

The Trek 820 is a good option for riders new to mountain biking who want an affordable and reliable bike. It performs well on most beginner-level trails and is comfortable to ride. However, it may struggle on more advanced terrain, and the linear-pull brakes may not provide enough stopping power in wet or muddy conditions.

FAQ

What is the weight of the Trek 820?

The weight of the Trek 820 varies depending on the size of the bike, but it typically ranges from 28-33 pounds.

Can the Trek 820 be used for commuting?

While the Trek 820 is designed for off-road riding, it can be used for commuting or casual riding on paved surfaces.

Is the Trek 820 suitable for riders of all heights?

The Trek 820 is available in a range of sizes to suit riders of different heights. However, it is important to choose the correct size to ensure a comfortable and safe riding experience.